1884.] IN CVMBKRLAND. 29 



timber, apart from the various uses it caa be applied to on an estate, 

 witli, I should suppose, the pleasurable feeling in tlie mind of a large 

 landed proprietor on viewing the substantial erections on his pro- 

 perty. I am certain such satisfaction must be justly enhanced by 

 the reflection that the timber used in so many forms is of home 

 produce, and therefore worthy of the utmost attention and cultivation. 

 And along with this is the embellishment, the beauty and harmony, 

 produced by the judicious choice and proper planting of useful and 

 ornamental trees. It must also be an additional pleasure to the 

 mind of an estate proprietor, when such beautiful and artistic 

 arrangements are shown in the vicinity of his residence. I cannot 

 conclude these already lengthy remarks without bestowing my meed 

 of praise on the oak, characteristically named " King of the Forest." 

 Its many useful and enduring qualities cannot he. sufficiently extolled. 

 The beauty it imparts, its magnificent proportions, and frequently 

 also its grotesque foi-ms, add a picturesque character to the land- 

 scape. It has also the great advantage of rooting deeply into the 

 earth, and for that reason is not easily disturbed by violent gales, a.s 

 is too frequently the case with less tenaciously-rooted trees. The oak 

 is not of quick growth, and therefore not a very rapid money-maker, 

 proving that we cannot have every desirability united in the same tree. 

 I regard with almost equal admiration the larch, which, from its 

 beautiful and graceful proportions, but somewhat fragile and delicate 

 appearance, has not " unaptly" secured for itself tlie title of " Queen 

 of the Forest." This tree was brought into our country from foreign 

 parts about 150 years ago, and after taking kindly with its new 

 habitation and making rapid growth, it in time became a general 

 favourite, and was planted very extensively in Scotland and England ■ 

 8U to 100 years ago, e.specially by the Duke of Atliole. Tlie first 

 larches introduced into Scotland are still standing at Dunkeld, and 

 are much admired by all interested in arljoriculture. The great 

 repute the larch obtained, from its rapid gro\\'th, adaptability, dura- 

 liility, and money-making qualifications, induceil proprietors to plant 

 it by millions. But unfortunately at that time it was planted on 

 land not adapted for its healthy growth and future welfare. Drain- 

 ing was almost unknown in those days ; hence, as might have been 

 expected, the tree did not succeed in wet and unfavourable situations. 

 It became hide-bound and prematurely covered with cones, and 

 eventually lapsed into a state of consumption and decay from 

 ground rot ; while, where the land was of tiie best quality, tlie 

 expectations were all that could be desired. Previous to 1846, 

 young plantations of larch were not thriving well on any land in 

 the North of England ; and in that year, a year remarkable for 

 electricity and tlio potato disease, the young larclies were all blighted 



