56 



A DISCOURSE 



7. But here some may inquire what distances I would generally 

 assign to transplanted trees ; to this somewhat is said in the ensuing pe- 

 riods, and as occasion offers ; though the promiscuous rising of them in 

 forest-v/ork, wild and natural, is to us, I acknowledge, more pleasing 

 than all the studied accuracy in arranging of them ; unless it be where they 

 conduct and lead us to avenues, and are planted for vistas, (as the Italian 

 term is,) in which case, the proportion of the breadth and length of the 

 walks, &c. should govern, as well as the nature of the tree ; with this only 

 note, that such trees as are rather apt to spread than mount, as the Oak, 

 Beech, Walnut, &c. be disposed at wider intervals than such as grow best 

 in consort, as the Elm, Ash, Lime-tree, Sycamore, Fir, Pine, &c. Regard 

 is likewise to be had to the quality of the soil for this work : V. G. If 

 trees that affect cold and moist grounds be planted in hot and dry places, 

 then set them at closer order ; but trees which love dry and thirsty grounds 

 at farther distance. The like rule may also guide in situations exposed 

 to impetuous winds and other accidents, which may serve for general 

 rules in this piece of tactics. In the mean time, if you plant for regular 

 walks, or any single trees, a competent elevation of the earth in circle, 

 and made a little hollow, like a shallow basin, for the reception of water 

 and refreshing the roots, will be required ; sticking th orns about the 

 edges, to protect them from cattle, were not amiss. Fruit-trees, thus 

 planted, may be set round with beans, which will produce a small crop, 

 and shade the surface, perhaps, without detriment ; but this more properly 

 belongs to the garden. Most shrubs of Evergreen, and some trees, may 

 be planted very near one another ; Myrtles, Laurel, Bays, Cypress, Yew, 

 Ivy, Pomegranates, and others, also need little distance, and indeed 

 whatever is proper to make hedges ; but for the Oak, Elm, Walnut, 

 Firs, and the taller timber-trees, let the dismal effects of the late 

 hurricane, never to be forgotten ! caution you never to plant them too 

 near the mansion, or indeed any other house, that so, if such accident 

 happen, their fall and ruin may not reach them. 



8. To leave nothing omitted which, may contribute to the stability of 

 our transplanted trees, something is to be premised concerning their 

 staking, and securing from external injuries, especially from winds and 

 cattle ; against both which, such as are planted in copses, and in ample 

 woods, are sufficiently defended by the mounds and their closer order, 



