Gilpin, William S.: Practical hints upon landscape gardening: with some remarks on domestic architecture, as connected with scenery (London: Cadell [u.a.], 1835)

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44 though in a natural state, would possess
44 these beauties ; but it would at least have
“ the chance of other trees ; and I have
“ seen it, though indeed but rarely, in such a
44 state as to equal in beauty the most elegant
“ stone-pine.
44 All trees, indeed, crowded together, na-
44 turally rise in perpendicular stems; but
44 the fir has this peculiar disadvantage, that
“ its lateral branches once injured, never shoot
44 again. A grove of crowded saplings, elms,
44 beeches, or almost of any deciduous trees,
44 when thinned, will throw out some lateral
44 branches, and in time recover a degree of
44 beauty ; but if the education of the fir has
44 been neglected, he is lost for ever.
44 Some of the most picturesque trees of
44 this kind, perhaps, in England, are at Mr.
44 Lenthall’s deserted and ruinous mansion
44 of Basilsleigh, in Berkshire. The soil is a
44 deep but rich sand, which seems to be
44 adapted to them. And as they are here at
44 perfect liberty, they not only become large
44 and noble trees, but expand themselves
44 likewise in all the careless forms of nature.
4 Very noble Scotch firs also may be seen at
44 Thirkleby, near Thirsk, in Yorkshire. Nor
o 4