36 
and bids fair to endure the blighting winds of Cornwall. My 
two largest Pines of this species measure, respectively, ten 
feet eight and thirteen feet five in height, and were planted 
about the year 1841. I conclude with one remark on the 
management of Fir plantations, the result of some years’ expe¬ 
rience. Thinning ought to be commenced at a very early period, 
before the thinnings are of any value. It tends greatly to the 
thriving of the trees to admit the sun and air freely, as soon as 
a shelter has been formed against the prevailing winds. Weeds 
and underwood should be cut and laid round the trees, which 
will keep the trees from the too powerful effect of the sun, and 
will also check the growTh of the weeds. One thinning prepares 
the way for an early repetition, and as soon as the branches 
meet, the intermediate trees should be cut dowm. I never cut 
the side limbs of a Fir, except preparatory to felling it the 
succeeding winter; and the flourishing state of my plantations 
fully con&ms the propriety of this mode of treatment. Planters 
generally begin to thin their plantations when injury has been 
already sustained by the trees growing too near, and by the 
want of the free access of the air and the sun. 
Penrose. 
August 25th, 1847. 
The Ceylon Botanic Garden. 
(Extraet of a despatch to the Colonial Secretary from Sik J. EilERSON TENNENT, on the 
condition of the Ceylon Botanic Garden.) 
In connexion with the agriculture of the island, I feel it my 
duty to call your Lordship’s attention to the very satisfactory 
progress of this institution, and the services which it is rendering 
to the development of the natural resources of the island. 
The attention of its superintendent. Dr. Gardner, has been 
directed not merely to scientific investigation, but to the intro¬ 
duction from other countries and the acclimatized cultivation of 
such exotic plants as are likely to add to the agricultural wealth 
of the island. 
Previously to the arrival of the present superintendent, who ivas 
selected by Sir W. J. Hooker, the garden had been so neglected 
as to be almost valueless to the colony. By Dr. Gardner s 
attention and exertions, it is now one of the most flourishing 
and useful institutions in India: large nurseries have been 
established for the propagation and distribution of useful plants. 
