17 O R E S T - T R E E S. 55 



formerly, though for what good rcafon I cannot eafi])" account, 

 as it has more good properties, the vahic of the wood only ex- 

 cepted, and that too far from being uielefs, than moft trees I 

 know. It produces a large, tall, upright body, fmooth fliining 

 bark, ample leaf, go®dly and extenfive fliade, healthful odorife- 

 rous blolToms, is admirable food for bees, refifts the winds, 

 bears lopping off large branches without injury, foon heals of its 

 fears and wounds, continues found to a great age, and, of all 

 the trees yet known, the Englilh Elm excepted, makes the finefl, 

 loftieft, and quickefl palifade hedges. 



I SAY then, from what caufes this tree has fallen into difefteem, 

 is to me furprifmg. It were prefumptuous and infolent in me, 

 to arraign the tafte and judgment of the numerous, learned, and 

 refpe6lable body of planters in Great Britain ; nor am I either 

 weak or vain enough to make fuch an attempt, but I cannot 

 help doing what I think juftice to this plant. I have argued 

 with many of them, in defence of its beauty and utility in various 

 refpedls ; the beauty of the tree I have never heard difputed, 

 nor ever found the arguments againft it go further, than the 

 defe6l of fhading its leaves early in autumn ; but this is only 

 materially fo, when they are planted in poor, thin, or hot foil, 

 which they diflike, and which, being frequently pradlifed, I pre- 

 fume is the principal reafon for their being difcredited ; but as 

 the falliions change, and many beautiful plants, as well as other 

 things, have been out and in during my time, fo I hope to live 

 and fee the Lime again refume its former rank and charader. 



