Changes of Timber and Plants^ ^c. 307 



purposes. You have in view the establishment of a 

 great practical principle in agriculture ; I, the establish- 

 ment of a mere theoretical principle in philosophy. In 

 this respect you tower above me. For good works are 

 greatly superior to abstract thinking, how correct so- 

 ever such thinking may be. 



If the preceding facts and observations, sir, can be of 

 any avail in the promotion of your very laudable and 

 and important views, I shall feel happy in having aided 

 you in so good a cause. Agriculture forms the true 

 basis of our national prosperity. Its enlightened and 

 industrious patrons and promoters, therefore, are justly 

 ranked among our soundest patriots. 



Suffer me again to apologise for the length of this 

 letter, and to assure you of the sincerity, with which I 

 have the honour to be 



Your obedient and 



very humble servant, 



Charles Caldwell. 

 The Hon. Richard Peters^ Esq. 



1 add the following letter as a close to the subject. 

 Facts similar to those stated are known, wheresoever 

 my enquiries have been communicated. Many instan- 

 ces of pine succeeding oak and hickory, and other tim- 

 ber, are well attested Se^ eral such facts are within my 

 own knowledge. 



Richard Peters. 



