174 Capt. S. E. Cook on the Genus Pinus and Abies. 



posal of our resources, and that no steps should have been 

 ever thought of to effect a purpose which would immortalize 

 the memories of those who should first set about it, and lay 

 the foundation for wiping off the national disgrace of being 

 without forests, whilst we have the most ample means of 

 creating them. Besides the common and well-known advan- 

 tages of the larch, which are in the quick growth and unpa- 

 ralleled excellence of the wood, there are other not less cogent 

 reasons for recommending it as the chief or staple produce in 

 a system of national forests. Not only the thinnings are more 

 productive than those of any other tree, but the prodigious 

 increase of value in the soil which is derived from the ferti- 

 lizing power of its spicula? must be taken into account. In 

 fifteen to twenty years lands planted with it could be safely 

 let as sheep pasture, and the rents would soon increase so as 

 probably to defray the expense of purchase, or at last pay a very 

 good interest for the money expended in the first instance ; 

 thus adding another increase of national resources by convert- 

 ing waste into productive soil. 



Besides the low value of land in these districts, which is so 

 strong an ceconomical recommendation, there are others in 

 favour of the north of Scotland. The rocks in the Grampians 

 are chiefly primary and many of them igneous, which are ex- 

 tremely favourable to the growth of timber, especially of the 

 larch, which requires free drainage and a dry subsoil. In this 

 description of ground alone is the tree seen in its true form 

 as in the alpine forests, throwing out enormous arms and vying 

 in picturesque beauty with the other inhabitants of the woods. 

 It may be urged, in answer to these observations, that there 

 are abundant plantations already in the hands of private indi- 

 viduals, and that in case of need the country will have the 

 benefit of their outlay. It is very clear that no certainty can 

 exist in such calculations. The caprice, extravagance, avarice, 

 or cupidity of private persons may at any time operate to the 

 serious injury of the public. What has become of the ancient 

 Caledonian forests, the last remains of which have been swept 

 away in this generation ? The history of the mines which sur- 

 round us is sufficient proof how little individuals frequently 

 look beyond the moment they require pecuniary supplies. 



