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ON IMPROVING OLD PLANTATIONS. 
may be got by sprinkling repeatedly the plants with a mixture of ink and water, * from 
the time the buds begin to show. 
The cut-flowers of Pseonies keep best (according to the “ Horticultural Almanac,” “Yen si” 
when cut very early in the morning or at night. Some individuals burn the under part of 
the flower-stem and cover it with wax ; others dip this lower part of the stem in hot water 
before placing them in the flower vases. 
At the end of the work, the author invites all amateurs of improved Pseony flowers to 
choose the hour of the Serpent (9 to 11 o’clock in the forenoon) for exhibition of them ; and 
appeals to the poet Tung po, somewhere in his work, saying — “ That the floral monarchs 
should be visited in the morning. He who should go to see their splendour in the after- 
noon, cannot be considered a good judge.” 
ON IMPROVING OLD PLANTATIONS. 
By Mr. Kemp, The Parle, Birlcenhead. 
In a former paper, the subject of laying down new plantations on an estate, with a view 
to the production of beautiful and picturesque effects, was freely discussed ; and it is now 
proposed to treat of the way in which a property that has been many years planted may be ' 
improved, by breaking up the overcrowded plantations, and admitting light into them, as 
well as opening out glimpses or views into the distant country. 
There can be no doubt that a large proportion of the older estates of this country are, 
with respect at least to the district which may properly be styled the home scene, far too 
largely and densely covered with timber. But that this is a great advantage to the 
possessor, inheritor, or purchaser of such property, might be easily made manifest ; for the 
work of thinning and dressing woods of this description is one which could, if desired, be 
all accomplished in one season, or, if distributed over several years, would both pay for 
itself, and the general expenses of the out-door establishment. Whereas, the cost of new 
planting is considerable, and the period during which trees are developing themselves 
properly, constitutes the greater part of an ordinary lifetime. 
To the owner of a well-timbered estate, then, the improvement of his woods presents a 
variety of recommendations; and it may perhaps be affirmed that, if the subject were more 
generally and more judiciously attended to, not merely a greater amount of appreciation 
and enjoyment would be produced, but many fine places which, from the reduced means of 
the proprietor, are suffered to fall into decay and ruin, might be kept, through the sale of 
the timber, in excellent order, and even contribute something towards other objects. 
While, however, the treatment of old plantations is an easy matter as far as labour and 
time are concerned, there is no process in ornamental gardening which requires greater 
care, deliberation, and skill. The common observation that a tree, once removed, cannot 
be replaced, is not less true and important than it is trite ; even when in the midst of a 
large plantation, single trees may sometimes be of the very greatest consequence, by 
relieving the outline of flatness and monotony. But in proportion as they come nearer to 
the border of an opening, or stand towards the front of the group, or occupy any position 
between two masses, they become additionally important, and it is increasingly necessary 
to deal with them individually. 
Any common woodman can cut a gap through a plantation, so as to let in a distant 
prospect; but it requires a practised eye, and a finished taste, to give such openings the 
appearance of never having been otherwise than as they are, and to retain the connexion 
between the masses left on either side of them. 
* The Chinese word * Mih shwu, which the Author here uses, signifies the Sepia, as well as the Chinese 
(Indian Ink) ink, the principal ingredients of which are blacking and glue. 
