THE planter's GUIDE. 



61 



progressive yigoiu^ in an extraordinary degree, and might 

 now be taken for plants raised without remoyal from the 

 seed. 



Such are the objections against transplanting which 

 have been urged by Miller, and which the reputation of 

 the man, not less than the nature of the objections them- 

 selves, rendered worthy of particular notice. If we yield 

 to the first objection, which we must do, as being quite 

 conclusive; if we obviate the second and third, which I 

 conceive has been satisfactorily done, perhaps we may 

 venture to believe that there is good ground for suggest- 

 ing a rational theory of the art, such as probably would 

 have been sanctioned by this intelligent phytologist him- 

 self, notwithstanding his prejudices, and, what is still 

 more important, has been sanctioned by experience. 



On considering the causes that have hitherto rendered 

 this desirable object abortive, they appear to be of a two- 

 fold description. In the first place, they have originated 

 in a general want of science in planters, which has natu- 

 rally led them to a mistaken choice of subjects. And in 

 the second place, they have sprung from the belief, which 

 most planters seem to entertain, that young trees and old 

 possess similar properties, and that therefore they should 

 be removed on similar principles. But there is no doc- 

 trine more fallacious than this, and none which it is more 

 important to refute. In a concise inquiry which is about 

 to be instituted, in order to point out some sound theory 

 or principle of the art, both of these obstructing causes 

 shall be kept in view, and illustrated in as clear a manner 

 as possible. 



If we take a survey of nature in all the forms under 

 which existence is manifested, we shall perceive with 

 admiration the wisdom of the Creator in accommodating 

 every animate and inanimate being to the economy of a 



