1825.] Mr. Mill on the Moon's Influence, 219 



Question. — 1st. Influence of the moon on vegetation? 

 Armoer. — I have paid but httle attention to the moon's in- 

 fluence on any thing exposed to it but trees ; the moon's in- 

 fluence, however, on these is very great. So observable is this, 

 that if a tree should be cut down at full moon, it would imme- 

 diately split, as if torn asunder by the influence of a great ex- 

 ternal force applied to it. This separation of its parts takes 

 place, I presume, owing to the immense quantity of juice 

 which is contained in the body of the tree, in consequence of 

 this, trees cut at full moon are of comparatively little use ; in a 

 very short time after being cut down, they are attacked by a 

 moth somewhat similar to what is often found in American 

 flour. Trees cut down at this season are likewise attacked 

 much earlier by the rot, than if allowed to remain to another 

 period of the moon's age. 



Question. — 2nd. The nature of the trees? 



Answer. — It is impossible to give in this small space a state- 

 ment of the different trees to be met with in the West India 

 Islands and our Colonies in South America. They are as 

 different as those are Vi^hich we have in our own country, indeed 

 by far more numerous. 



Question. — 3rd. If evergreens ? 



Answer, — All the trees in those countries may be stiled 

 evergreens, as there is a constant succession of leaves upon them 

 all. 



Question. — 4th. Their names ? 



Answer. — With the scientific names of the various trees to be 

 found in our colonies in the West Indies and South America, I 

 am unable to supply you. The names given to the most of 

 tbem are Indian names applied to them by the natives. 



. Question.— 5th. If usually cut at particular or in all seasons? 

 ' Answer. — The trees intended to be appKed to durable purposes, 

 are cut only during the first and last quarters of the moon, for 

 the reasons mentioned in the ansvver to question 1 . 



Question. — 6th. If the sap rises during the absence of the 

 moon, or during its efl'ulgence? 



Answer. — The sap rises to the top of the tree at full moon, 

 and falls in proportion to the moon's decrease. 



Question. — 7th. Whether common to all trees or only to 

 certain species? 



Ansiver. — The influence of the moon over the rising and 

 falling of the juice of trees is common to all the species of trees 

 with which I am acquainted. I had occasion to observe these 

 effects in the experience of 30 years amongst the various kinds 

 of wood with which the colonies of South America abound. 



From this statement, it appears obvious, that trees cut at the 

 fall of the moon will sj^lit as if torn asunder by great external 

 force; that they are more liable to the attacks of worms ; that 



