368 WOODING OF PLEASURE GROUNDS. 



possible ; to take advantage of as many of the quick 

 growing species as can with propriety be introduced, 

 and to make use only of plants that are in a sound 

 and healthy state. These principles are of a per- 

 fectly obvious kind ; and it is somewhat extraordi- 

 nary that they should have been so seldom had re- 

 course to, considering the great anxiety that is often 

 felt for the quick progress of ornamental plantations. 

 Perhaps the circumstance can only be accounted for, 

 by referring it to that species of prejudice that arises 

 from long-continued habit. From time immemo- 

 rial, people have been accustomed to see trees put 

 into the ground, and left to the care of nature ; and 

 hence planters have, in general, from age to age, 

 considered it as a self-evident maxim, that no artifi- 

 cial means can be rendered effectual in stimulating 

 their progress. 



a 



