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XXI. 



On the question proposed for discussion to the 

 Bolanical Congress at St. Pelersburg 



wliat trees are best adaptcd for cultivatioii 

 in the South of Russia 



by 

 Andrew Mnrray F. L. S. 



The subject proposed for considération hère résolves itself, 

 as it appears (o me, not so much inlo what trees may be found 

 to suit the condition of the South of Russia, as what is to be 

 done to alter thèse conditions so as to produce a climate more 

 suitable to trees generally. 



I do not believe ihat it is possible to fmd any tree suited 

 to the présent conditions of that country, in other words, 

 that will bear being burned up in the summer without a drop 

 of water for monlhs at a time, and burned up by the cold in 

 winler for a similar period : and what makes it more hopeless 

 is that the very conditions which prevent them growing are 

 perpetuated by iheir absence. 



It is not any peculiarity in the soil which is hostile to their 

 growth. — The wide plains covered witb tall weeds, which 

 constitute what is properly called the steppes, bave a rich 

 linck black soil consisling mainly of humus or vegetable 

 mould combined with a little saltpetre — and as might be ex- 



