Volume 2

Georgical essays / [by Alexander Hunter and others; edited by A.H.

  • Hunter, A. (Alexander), 1729-1809.
Date:
1777
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Georgical essays / [by Alexander Hunter and others; edited by A.H. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    542/556 (page 528)
    [ ] this is the firfl profit of our plantations^ the? Birch-wood being readily bought up by the broom-makers. This pruning we continue as often as required, till the Birches are grown to a fufficieht fize to make rails for fencins:: we then cut them down to make room for their betters. By this time the Oaks will be grown to the height of twelve or fourteen feet, when they draw themfelves up exceedingly fail. Each plant feems as it \Vere in a flare of ilrife with its neighbour, and in a ilrift fenfe they are fo, and on tio other terms than life for life; and he whole fate it is to be once over-topped, is foon after compelled to give up' the contefl for ever. After the BircKts are cut down there is no- thino- more to be done but thinning the Oaks from time to time, as may be required, and cutting off their dead branches as frequently as may be neceifary. Vfe are very cautious iii doing the former, knowing well that if we can but once obtain length of timber, time will bring it into thicknefs ; therefore we let them grow very dole together for the firil fifty years. And