On this head I have frequently found my instructions opposed, and my reasons unintelligible to those who look at a wood, as an object of gain; and for this reason I am not sorry to have discovered some arguments in favour of my system, of more weight, perhaps, than those which relate to mere taste and beauty: these I shall beg leave to mention, not as the foundation on which my opinion is built, but as collateral props to satisfy those who require such support. 1st. When two or more trees have long grown very near each other, the branches form themselves into one mass, or head; and if any part be removed, the remaining trees will be more exposed to the power of the wind, by being heavier on one side, having lost their balance. 2nd. If trees have long grown very near together, it will be impossible to take up the roots of one without injuring those of another: and, lastly, although trees at equal distances may grow more erect, and furnish planks for the use of the navy, yet not less valuable to the ship-builder are those naturally crooked branches, or knees, which support the decks, or form the ribs, and which are always most likely to be produced, from the outside trees of woods, or the fantastic forms which arise from two or more trees having grown very near each other in the same wood, or in hedgerows. It is therefore not inconsistent with the considerations of profit, as well as picturesque effect, to plant or to leave trees very near each other, and not to thin them in the usual manner without caution.
