2 TREES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



The object of the present report, which comes tardily in to 

 complete the survey so well accomplished by the other gentle- 

 men engaged in it, is to describe the trees and shrubs of the for- 

 ests of Massachusetts, to set forth their importance, their general 

 and particular relations, uses and properties, and the modes by 

 which they may be preserved, propagated, and improved. It is 

 not written for the use of men of science. If any such read it, 

 however, they may find in it many particulars relating to 

 trees, which have not been hitherto recorded; as they may miss 

 much which a more scientific inquiry would have brought to 

 light. But it is for the common, unlearned citizens, who live 

 on farms, in the country, and have few books and little leisure. 

 It is, as far as possible, for it cannot be wholly, divested of 

 technical language, in order that they may understand it. And 

 it will accomplish the purpose for which it was written, if it 

 awaken them to a deeper sense of the value of some of the 

 blessings by which they are surrounded, and lead them, or any 

 of them, to resolve to preserve the old forests and plant new. 



A few generations ago, an almost unbroken forest covered 

 the continent. The smoke from the Indian's wigwam rose 

 only at distant intervals ; and to one looking from Wachusett 

 or Mount Washington, the small patches laid open for the cul- 

 tivation of maize, interrupted not perceptibly the dark green of 

 the woods. Now, those old woods are every where falling. 

 The axe has made, and is making, wanton and terrible havoc. 

 The cunning foresight of the Yankee seems to desert him when 

 he takes the axe in hand. The new settler clears in a year 

 more acres than he can cultivate in ten, and destroys at a single 

 burning many a winter's fuel, which would better be kept in 

 reserve for his grandchildren. This profuse waste is checked, 

 but it has not entirely ceased. It is, however, giving way to 

 better views. Even since this survey was begun, a wiser econ- 

 omy shows itself. May it be universal. A brief consideration 

 of the general uses of forests on a great scale may have a ten- 

 dency to produce this effect. 



