56

A DISCOURSE

7. Bat here some may inquire what distances I would generallyafsign to transplanted trees; to this somewhat is said in the ensuing pe-riods, and as occasion offers ; though the promiscuous rising of them inforest-work, wild and natural, is to us, I acknowledge, more pleasingthan all the studied accuracy in ranging of them; unlefs it be where theyconduct and lead us to avenues, and are planted for vistas, (as the Italianterm is,) in which case, the proportion of the breadth and length of thewalks, &c. should govern, as well as the nature of the tree ; with this onlynote, 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 bestin consort, as the Elm, Ash, Lime-tree, Sycamore, Fir, Pine, &c. Regardis likewise to be had to the quality of the soil for this work: V. G. Iftrees 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 exposedto impetuous winds and other accidents, which may serve for generalrules 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 waterand refreshing the roots, will be required; sticking thorns about theedges, to protect them from cattle, were not amifs. Fruit-trees, thusplanted, may be set round with beans, which will produce a small cropand shade the surface, perhaps, without detriment; but this more properly•belongs to the garden. Most shrubs of Ever-green, and some trees, maybe planted very near one another; Myrtles, Laurel, Bays, Gyprefs, 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 latehurricane, never to be forgotten! caution you never to plant them toonear the mansion, or indeed any other house, that so, if such accidenthappen, 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 theirstaking, and securing from external injuries, especially from winds andcattle;" against both which, such as are planted In copses, and in amplewoods, are sufficiently defended by the mounds and their closer order,