204 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



5. In a country so much exposed as ours is, in consequence 

 of the remarkable clearness of the atmosphere, to the burning 

 heat of the sun, the use of trees for shade is not one of the least 

 important. A tree which furnishes a cool shade to the inhabi- 

 tants of a house, is, at the same time and on that account, its 

 best ornament. Trees should be planted not only by dwelling- 

 houses and along roads, but in every pasture and by watering 

 places, and near every barn — wherever cattle, horses or sheep 

 are to be provided for. All these animals suffer from the burn- 

 ing sun ; and to say nothing of their enjoyment, the cost of shade 

 trees will be many times paid back in the saving of the milk, fat, 

 fleece, and strength which will be the consequence of their being 

 protected from the heat of the sun. 



6. The importance of the forests as furnishing materials for 

 ship-building, house-building, and numerous other arts, is so 

 obvious that it must occur to every one ; and yet there is danger 

 that, in many places, from false views of immediate economy, no 

 provision will be made for the wants of future generations. It 

 is not easy to estimate the pecuniary value of the wood used in 

 house-building. A vast deal of this is continually going on ; the 

 aspect of the State is annually improving by the erection of large, 

 better finished and more commodious houses, barns and out- 

 houses. And almost all the materials have been, hitherto, 

 except for the seaport towns, furnished by our own woods. But, 

 no returns of these improvements are published. The thou- 

 sands of tons of timber, boards, clapboards and shingles, are not 

 put on record. It is manifest, however, that the difference 

 against us would be great, if we had to look elsewhere for our 

 materials. 



The effects of the wasteful destruction of the forest trees are 

 already visible. A very large proportion of the materials for 

 ship-building, house-building and manufactures, in the towns 

 along the coast, are now brought from other States. Every 

 mechanic who works in wood, looks every year more and more 

 out of the State for his materials. Every year we are more 

 dependent on Maine and New York and some of the southern 

 States, not only for ship-timber and lumber for house-building, 

 but for materials for tanning and dyeing, for carriage-making, 

 basket-making, plane-making, last-making, and for furniture 

 and the implements of husbandry. 



