52 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Too often we find it to be the case, that sufficient attention has 
not been paid to the seleetion of the proper species of trees which 
suit the various soils and exposures. Larch and Scots pine are 
often mingled together, without any regard as to whether either 
of them are suitable for the soil in which they are expected 
to grow and thrive. It is seldom that the soil and other circum- 
stances are equally suitable for both those useful trees, so diverse 
in their nature and wants ; and here the knowledge of the properly 
educated and trained forester comes into play, with the most 
satisfactory results, in being able to decide before planting, which 
is the species of tree, or trees, most profitable to plant under 
ascertained conditions of soil aud climate. Costly mistakes, 
which it takes a generation to rectify, are thus avoided, and the 
plantations will grow and thrive in a satisfactory manner through- 
out their life, in accordance with a well-devised scheme of 
management, carried out on strictly commercial principles. 
Sir Henry Steuart, who published “The Planters’ Guide” in 1828, 
begins his treatise by saying—“ There is perhaps no epithet by 
which the inhabitants of the northern division of this Island 
in the present day can be more appropriately distinguished than 
that of a ‘Planting Nation,’ or to speak with more correctness a 
Nation of Planters. All men now plant trees who are possessed 
of landed property, from the wealthy citizen with his villa of an 
acre, to the powerful baron with his park of a thousand acres. 
The vast sums which are annually laid out on this useful and 
ornamental object, would exceed belief if fairly estimated. Yet 
of trees the Scottish landowner for the most part knows little, 
although he may possibly know as much as his English neighbours. 
But like them he lays out his money freely on the work, however 
executed, conceiving, and with justice, that he has done a great 
thing, if not for himself at least for posterity.” 
So wrote Sir Henry Steuart at the beginning of this century, 
and now, towards its close, we are meeting and endeavouring to 
carry out his ideas as a Society for the improvement of Arbori- 
culture. I think we may fairly ask ourselves the question— 
Are we doing*all we can for its improvement? Certainly, during 
the last ten years we have done wonders. The Forestry 
Exhibition, one of the most complete and instructive of modern 
times, was originated by and carried out under the auspices of 
this Society; we have offered prizes for, and published many 
valuable essays on Forestry subjects. There is one thing I 
