[ 3i6 1 



Complaints of the fcarcity of oak-timber fit for 

 fhip-building, are at prefent very frequent; and from 

 the imall quantities that are coming up in molt 

 parts of the kingdom, it feems to me very appa- 

 rent, that fuch fcarcity will be feverely felt in an- 

 other century; confequently the prefent opportunity 

 for making fome fuch improvements for the benefit 

 of futurity, is highly deferving the notice and confe- 

 deration of thofe in power. 



If the foregoing confiderations are juft and rea- 

 fonable, what vaft advantages might future genera- 

 tions derive from judicious and provident improve- 

 ments of this kind! And I am pcrfuaded, that fuch 

 undertakings would be recorded in hiftory in terms 

 that would oblige pofterity to look back with grati- 

 tude and applaufe to the period that produced them. 



The foregoing reflections, however brief on a copious 

 and national fubjec~t, are equally feafonable, and fraught 

 with importance. The improvement of any country in 

 thofe articles of produce, which are of greateft confequence 

 %o its fafety and accommodation, is among the firft obje&s 

 of its provident care. In determining what thofe articles 

 of produce are, regard muft be had to natural circum- 

 ftances of foil, climate, and fituation, with refpe& to fur* 

 rounding countries. 



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