308 



THE planter's GUIDE. 



But the Higliland Society have mucli more in their 

 power than this for promoting the advancement of the 

 woods of the kingdom — I mean, the improving of the 

 method of raising nursery plants. It is true, by a liberal 

 encouragement given by it to men of industry and inge- 

 nuity, essays of a superior order on the nature and cul- 

 tivation of plantations have lately appeared, and a spirit 

 of emulation and enterprise has been excited in conse- 

 quence. But, without an entire reform in the system of 

 our arboriculture, it must be apparent to any one ac- 

 quainted with the subject, that the main impediment to 

 obtaining productive woods, within a reasonable period, 

 never can be removed. I feel confident, were the business 

 taken up with the usual energy of a body possessing 

 within itself so large a portion of the rank, wealth, and 

 intelligence of the nation, that planting would soon be 

 added to the number of the arts which have received the 

 most sohd improvements from the Society's patronage. 

 This, however, is a subject that would requii^e almost a 

 separate essay.''' 



Were these pages addressed to gardeners only, or to 

 persons particularly conversant with trees, I should here 

 close my observations on the Oak. But, being anxious 

 that they should prove as useful as possible to country 

 gentlemen and others, who might wish to direct their own 

 operations, I will add one other remark. 



In speaking of the properties of all trees, it is to be 

 understood, that what is said of them above, can apply 

 only to specimens in a state of perfect vigour and sound- 

 ness. When they chance to sufi'er by an unfavourable 

 season, or other material accident, they must be inferior 

 for the time, at least, in respect to their external manifes- 



* Note VIII. 



