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the Iquirrcls abounded, and from which they were 

 probably allured by the number of fir cones, of 

 which it is well known they are very fond, and when 

 they hadfinifhed the cones, they began upon the bark. 



Luckily the plantation where the mifchief was 

 done, had its due proportion of beeches and other 

 fbreft trees, fo that the lofs was not long felt, as the 

 Scotch firs, which were only planted for nurfes to the 

 forefl trees, would have been taken away in a few 

 years, if this accident had not happened. 



The remedy is obvious and not difficult, viz. to 

 flioot the fquirrels, as they are eafily feen and heard 

 when about this workj but they muft be watched 

 clofely the moment they begin, as it is aftonilhing 

 what a number of trees a few of them will fpoii in 

 two or three days. 



There is this fource of comfort to planters, viz. 

 that in large plantations, where foreft trees, fuch as 

 beech, oak, &c. will grow, fuch trees fhould by all 

 means be planted, and fufficiently thick to form a 

 wood, when their nurfes the Scotch firs are removed. 

 For although Scotch firs are more profitable, and the 

 timber really more ufeful,, than is generally under- 

 ftood, yet as the period of their growth, or at lead 



of 



