F O R E S T - T R E E S.- 109 



wards, and fmooth the extremities of the fprcading ones ; prune 

 ofF all ill-placed lateral branches, but leave fome of the fmallelt 

 at proper diftances ; for this tree, making prodigious Ihoots when 

 the fide-boughs are all cut off, bends with its own weight, and 

 is afterwards with difficulty redrefft'd. This being properly per- 

 formed, plant them in lines, five feet dillant, and two feet afan- 

 der in the line ; manage them as formerly diredled, and prune 

 them annually to their proper form ; in which fituation they 

 may remain three or four years, as your occafions require, by 

 which time they will produce their flowers, and make an agree- 

 able appearance in whatever plantation you place them. 



It feems to me fomewhat ftrange, that the Laburnum has not 

 been univerfally cultivated in large quantities, it being a plant of 

 admirable beauty in May when in bloom, and propagated with 

 the greateft eafe, and fmallefl: expence, of moft trees. It will fuc- 

 ceed in various foils, and even in that which is very poor and 

 hungry; but where there is any confidcrable depth of tolerable 

 mould, the progrefs it makes is amazing. Though I do not re- 

 member to have heard the quality of the wood recommended 

 by any author, yet I am well afllired it is very valuable for fun- 

 dry purpofes, and by fome preferred even to mahogany for its 

 folidity and beautiful colour, which is bright yellovv^, veined with 

 dark purple j and I myfelf have feen a large table and a dozen 

 chairs ot it, in the pofTeffion of a noble Lord, which good jud- 

 ges of elegant furniture thought the fineft of thofe kinds they 

 had ever feen. 



I HAVE one further hint to give in favour of this plant, 

 which alone makes it claim much attention, and that is, mix- 



