The Tree-lifter; or, A New Method of Transplanting Forest Trees.

Abstract

THIS is a book of some two hundred and thirty odd pages, eleven pages of which are devoted to a description of the tree-lifter and of its advantages in transplanting large trees. The principle of transplanting trees with a large ball of earth attached to the roots is, however, so well known, and tree-lifters of similar construction to that here described are now so generally used, that we follow the example of the author in his brevity, and simply dismiss this part of the subject which he calls the “practical part of transplanting,” and turn to Part 2, which is devoted to the “theory of transplanting, or physiology of trees in reference to transplanting.” It is apparently for the purpose of recapitulating and condensing the views of various authors of acknowledged reputation in the several branches of vegetable physiology, and of expressing his own opinions thereon, that the author has put this book together, all that is really directly connected with the title being contained, as we have before said, in the first eleven pages. The author, however, at the beginning of Part 2, candidly says: “Before entering on physiology, I would say one word to defend myself from the charge of egotism and plagiarism. When I mention Sir Humphry Davy, I may say that immortal names are among those who have written on the physiology of trees; yet so much doubt and difference prevail among the authors on the subject, that one cannot adopt a single opinion without opposing many, held by minds, perhaps, as clear and comprehensive as Sir Humphry's. It is, then, to save the reader's time if I lay down as certain what men have doubted or controverted, or if I use the words, ‘I think this’ on ‘I think that,’ in stating other people's opinion.”

The Tree-lifter; or, A New Method of Transplanting Forest Trees.

By Col. George Greenwood. Third Edition. (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1876.)