of Growing Timber Trees. 36 L 



single, or in any other situation where their holes have heen 

 much exposed to the rays of the sun. This difference is oc- 

 casioned by the different degrees of heat to which the oppo- 

 site sides of the boles of trees are exposed. And, indeed, 

 we find these rings are always broadest on that aide of the 

 bole or stem most warmed by the sun. Hence we see the 

 utility of exposing their boles as much as possible to its 

 rays*. It is often seen in the stumps of trees that have 

 stood single, that they have grown nearly twice as fast on 

 the southern side as on the northern, their pith being so 

 much nearer to the northern side. 



It is, however, to be remarked, that the wood from that 

 side of a tree which has grown the slowest, is heavier than 

 from the opposite side which has grown the fastest, and it 

 is probably stronger in the same degree. 



It may be worth the consideration of those who have 

 southern hangs or declivities to plant, whether to plant, or 

 rather leave the trees in thinning, in double rows in lines 

 running east and west, at about fourteen or sixteen feet di- 

 stance, and the double rows at about thirty-six feet distance, 

 less or more, according as the declivity is more or less, in 

 order that their boles may receive the greatest possible benefit 

 from the direct rays of the sun. 



No doubt many gentlemen are in possession of facts that 

 would in some degree ascertain how much faster the boles 

 of trees swell that stand exposed to receive the full benefit of 

 the warmth of the sun, than those that are either partially or 

 •constantly in the shade. To make these facts known would 

 materially benefit planters ; for I am fully persuaded that 

 there are but few persons apprised of the magnitude of the 

 power of the sun's rays upon the boles of trees in causing 

 them to swell. 



Of the most profitable Length of Boles of Trees, 

 We rarely see timber trees pruned, and still more rarely 



* On a hot day in the middle of May I have observed the mercury in the 

 thermometer to rise and fall from twelve to sixteen degrees, on hanging it al- 

 ternately in the sunny and shady sides of the same tree, between the hours of 

 two and five o'clock, at which time of the day the heat is generally the 

 greater. 



