LARCH. 



91 



soil, not too far advanced, and in all that may here- 

 after be planted, a proportion of those intended to 

 remain as standards shonld be bended. The most 

 proper time for this would perhaps be May or June, 

 before the top-growth commences, or has advanced 

 far ; the best size is from three feet high and upwards. 

 The plants should be bent the first season to an angle 

 of from 40° to 60° with the horizon, and the next 

 brought down to from 10° to 60°, according to the 

 size of the plant, or the curve required, — the small- 

 est plants to the lowest angle. 



From experience we find that the roots of larch 

 form the best of all knees ; they, however, might be 

 much improved by culture ^, although it does not 



* As we held this plan of forming larch knees, and of bending 

 larch, of considerable importance, we some time ago presented it 

 in manuscript, along with some other matter, to the Highland 

 Society of Scotland. Tiring, however, of the delay of examina- 

 tion, perhaps unavoidable in their official departments, and from 

 some improvements occurring to us during the delay, we re- 

 quested it back. We now present it under this more convenient 

 form to the Society, and hope they will find the examination or 

 perusal of it printed, not quite so impracticable as when in ma- 

 nuscript. It will afford us pleasure to know that this useful So- 

 ciety approves, and that the members who have opportunity are 

 setting about following our directions. We especially recom- 

 mend to them to probe the roots of their giowing larch, and to 

 lay bare those fitted for knees. 



