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in quantity, notwithftanding the fuperior increafc 

 of the fofc woods for the firft 20 or 30 years, with 

 this additional advantage, that the timber is of one- 

 third greater value. 



My objedl in this memoir is not to decide dog- 

 matically, but to promote a more accurate enquiry 

 on the fubjedt. The planters of oak feem hitherto 

 to have exerted themfelves, as difcharging a kind 

 of duty to their country, in propagating this im- 

 portant and indeed neceflfary timber; but as intereft 

 is a motive more prevalent than patriotifm, if it 

 fliall be made appear, as I think it will, that it is 

 to the advantage of gentlemen to plant this kind 

 of tree in preference to all others, upon foils fuit- 

 able to it# we may hope to fee the pradice become 

 general, and thus the eftates of individuals bene- 

 ficed, as well as the national intereft in this very 

 important article fecured to pofterity. 



([The foregoing ingenious and valuable article is the 

 communication of a Norfolk gentleman, well known and 

 univerfally refpefted; the infertion of whofe name would 

 have done honour to this Society : In compliance with his 

 particular wifhes and diffidence, that name is fuppreiTed. 

 But it remains with the Secretary, and may be known by 

 any gentleman who may have a motive for enquiry.J 



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