160 



THE planter's GUIDE. 



sparing than when there is a greater action of the atmo- 

 sphere and a freeer access of light. Thus, by the law of 

 nature by which trees accommodate themselves to the 

 circumstances in which they are placed, as the possession 

 of the non-protecting properties does not constitute the 

 most natural or most perfect state of trees, but is 

 superinduced by circumstances, so that state must be 

 improved by the alteration of such circumstances, and the 

 possession of the opposite or protecting properties be sub- 

 stituted in its stead. The planter, therefore, in ordinary 

 cases, if he act with judgment, has little more to do than 

 to bring about a gradual, a salutary, and in the end a 

 free exposure of trees to the elements, and their own 

 native energies and plastic powers will do every thing 

 else for themselves. 



Having explained as distinctly as I can the true prin- 

 ciple on which the preparation of trees should be made, I 

 will now proceed to point out the practice. Subjects for 

 removal may be prepared in two different ways, or more 

 properly speaking, in two different classes, namely, as 

 single trees, each independently of the other ; or as 

 masses, especially trained and disciplined for the purpose. 



And first, as to single or individual trees. It has been 

 already noticed that many trees stand in need of no pre- 

 paration at all, but may immediately be taken up and 

 removed to where they are wanted. If what has been 

 said above, on the selection of subjects, be fully appre- 

 hended by the reader, he will have little difficulty * in 

 regulating his choice, and determining what subjects really 

 possess the four essential prerequisites or protecting pro- 

 perties ; because proper preparation and the possession of 

 those properties may be considered as nearly convertible 

 terms. About every place, great or small, such subjects 

 are always to be found in pretty open dispositions, in old 



