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THE planter's GUIDE. 



found, and to communicate them to others in which they 

 are wanting, by the easiest methods Another rule seems 

 to be, that, in following nature, we may accommodate or 

 adapt the principle to the particular circumstances and 

 situation in which we chance to operate : that, although 

 we must rigidly adhere to it, as nature does, in severe 

 exposures, we may yet proportionally relax it, as warmth 

 or shelter is more or less afforded to our subjects : or, as 

 has been expressed with greater precision above, we must 

 prospectively maintain the same harmony between the 

 existing provisions of the tree, and the exigencies of its 

 new situation, as had previously subsisted between its 

 relative properties and the circumstances of its former 

 site. 



Fifthly, If we adopt this principle, and follow it up 

 with a judicious mode of execution, it seems evident that 

 the necessity of defacing or mutilating the fine tops of 

 trees will be entirely superseded. We shall obtain at 

 once what the art, as hitherto practised, has not been 

 able to obtain for us — the immediate and full effect of 

 wood ; that is, trees complete and perfect in all their parts, 

 without the loss of the time required to replace the parts, 

 when so defaced and mutilated. In this way, likewise, a 

 certain and successful practice will be established, instead 

 of one that is fortuitous. To which it is pleasing to add, 

 that the same system that gives picturesque effect con- 

 joins utility with ornament ; for, by following it out, we 

 shall ensure to our trees uniform health and progressive 

 vigour, and, by consequence, sound and valuable wood. 



Such is the general theory which I venture to suggest 

 for the improvement of the art and the guidance of the 

 planter. The proposition, as I conceive, has been enunci- 

 ated, and examined in its several bearings, with sufficient 

 accuracy in the foregoing part of this chapter. The more 



