It is quite clear that a course of management which only, in some of its details, falls short of what it ought to be, would involve, as it affected such an immense investment, a very serious loss to somebody. How much more serious then, must it be, if, not only some of the minor details of management, but the entire course of treatment, be radically wrong, as it respects a considerable proportion, and very defective indeed as to the remainder? It would be a waste of time to stop here with a view to argue, in proof of what must appear to every one to be nothing less than an _axiom_. That proprietors of Hedge-row Timber are not solely influenced by considerations of taste in their management of it, is most evident to an experienced eye; but the _heavy loss_, which is consequent upon allowing it to stand so long, has, probably, never been fairly understood by them, or some efforts would have been made to prevent it. If a Nobleman or Gentleman merely suffered his timber to stand _beyond maturity_ in the neighbourhood of his house, or on the domain where his mansion stood, however extensive it might be:—or if he generously spared the trees which, though at a great distance from his residence, were so placed as to enrich, if not constitute the principal beauty of, some splendid scene in nature, no one, who possesses a grain of taste, would regret it, but, on the contrary, would feel grateful for this sacrifice to one of the most hallowed emotions of the heart, when surveying the Creator’s works, which are all perfect; and the touches of whose pencil are all loveliness—whether as seen in the refreshing beauty of foliage which distinguishes the vernal season, or the mellowed minglings of Autumn’s enchanting exhibitions: but when it is considered, that a majority of the Nobility and Gentry, thus treat their _remote_ and even _most distant_ estates, where besides, there is nothing particularly attractive in the scenery, the propriety of the course which they pursue may, I think, be fairly questioned. Some other reason therefore, than a deference to the principles of good taste must be found, in order to account for their conduct; and in looking round for a reason I should say, a good deal must be set down to _indifference_, and _pure neglect_. This I say, because it will _not_ admit of question, that _a most extensive loss_ arises, both to themselves, and the community in consequence; and it is not often that gentlemen wilfully close their eyes to the importance of pecuniary considerations, except there is some powerful and justifiable reason which leads them to do so.