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 down. 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 confirms 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. 



T/ie Ceylon Botanic Garden. 



(Extract of a despatch to the Colonial Secretary from Sir J. EMERSON TENNENT, ou 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 was 

 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, 



