Illustrations of vegetable physiology, practically applied to the cultivation of the garden, the field and the forest. Consisting of original observations, collected during an experience of fifty years / [James Main].

  • Main, James.
Date:
1833
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Illustrations of vegetable physiology, practically applied to the cultivation of the garden, the field and the forest. Consisting of original observations, collected during an experience of fifty years / [James Main]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    within dne bounds by a very simple method of pruning recommended by Mr. Billington, viz. by pinching- oil' from time to time the leading- buds of the branches. This induces a spray-covered, rather than a naked stem ; and prevents the encroachment of the branches, without destroying their character as nurses. By the same means, fir trees may be formed into impervious screens, or sheltering hedge-like boundaries; very useful in many cases of rural improvement. Ash timber is produced of superior quality by being- grown in close order ; its toughness and clearness of grain makes it enviable material for the coach maker. Straight, smooth sticks of ash, fifty feet in length, and from eight to twelve inches diameter, are highly prized by all machine makers. Whether for timber or underwood this tree should always be grown in plantations by itself; not only because of its greater rapidity of growth, but because it is a most noxious tree in hedge rows, or as standing single in corn fields or meadows. Oak and elm are best suited for hedge rows. It is incredible how much elm timber can be raised in hedge order. And as the superiors are cut down, a constant succession of young stems are rising from the old roots. No tree bears pruning so well as the elm. So severely is this executed in Middlesex and elsewhere, that a very small branch only is left at the top every time the tree is shredded. This property of being unhurt by wholesale pruning, is owing to the vivency of the tree which, being every where studded