LETTERS FROM HAMON LE STRANGE AND ROBERT MARSHAM. 179 
the same to the Earl of Buckinghamshire on his treatment 
of Oak trees, especially with regard to his method of lopping. 
The letters are dated November, 1777, and show still farther 
his great intelligence and love of his favourite pursuit. His 
remark, “ I love them as my children,” is worthy of his 
correspondent Gilbert White, and justifies the esteem in which 
the latter held him. 
The extracts are from letters addressed to John Hobart, 
second Earl of Buckinghamshire (1723 — 1793), second son 
of John, first Earl ; he was M.P. for Norwich in 1747 and 
1754, and succeeded to the title in September, 1756 ; was 
Ambassador to Russia from 1762 to 1765, and held the post 
of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland from 1776 till 1780. He died 
at Blickling on 3rd September, 1793, aged 70 years. 
Robert Marsham, F.R.S., to Earl of Buckinghamshire. 
Stratton, 12th Nov. 1777. (Blickling MSS., p. 322). — 
Marsham after complimenting his Excellency on his speech 
to the Irish parliament and thanking him for “ favours ” 
received, regrets that he has little provincial news to com- 
municate and goes on to say ‘‘ News, however, may be without 
reaching my ears, as I am rooted down here like my trees : 
with this difference only, that the spring gives no new life 
to me. I have been removing some of the dead trees by the 
road side, between Blickling and Norwich, and when you 
return, ‘ to join the dignity of life with ease,’ I hope growing 
trees will show themselves. My Lord it is not confin’d to 
Ireland that trees grow too thick. I never yet knew any 
man that planted a grove, that could thin it enough. I feel 
it for my self, and see it in all others. I remember a very large 
and fine wood in the High-land of Scotland (I think Lord 
lvinnoull’s) so thick as to deprive them of heads, and the 
Duke of Portland’s (according to the new Evelyn) must be 
all spoiled." 
R. Marsham to the Earl of Buckinghamshire. 
(Blickling MSS., p. 323. Fragment undated). — “ I know 
trees ought to be removed as soon as they whip each other 
with a moderate gale ; but I love them as my children, and 
