66 



LETTERS ON TREES. 



out which it is impossible for them to appropriate it, 

 cannot reach them. And yet the same sort of trees, 

 growing singly or at suitable distances, freely exposed 

 on all sides to light, heat, and air, — and having, besides, 

 an unhmited command of fertile soil, may flourish for 

 centuries, spreading abroad numerous and massive 

 branches. In proof and illustration of this, let me 

 refer you to the condition of any ordinary plantation 

 of Larches seventy years old, as compared with that 

 of the two Larches in the Park at Dunkeld, in Perth- 

 shire — the first of the kind introduced into this country, 

 and planted by the Duke of Athole in 1737. The 

 former are tall, straight, branchless poles, growing only 

 at the top, their growth even there failing, and likely 

 soon to cease entirely : the latter tall also, but thick 

 in proportion, and amply furnished with large and 

 spreading branches, growing in all directions, and alto- 

 gether presenting such an aspect as bespeaks for them 

 a much more prolonged existence, and a much greater 

 height, and breadth, and girth, than they have yet 

 attained.* 



* Suppose yourselves on a hill-side, on a summer day, looking 

 down on such a plantation of Larches. The whole upper part of it 

 will appear as one continuous sheet of green. Next make the circuit 

 of the plantation : it may still be green on every side, enclosed as by 

 a wall of foilage. Then enter the plantation, and walk through it 

 in its length and breadth. It will feel everywhere cold and cheer- 

 less. Scarce any traces of vegetation will be visible. Little else 

 will anywhere meet the eye save the bare trunks and withered 



