340 TRANSACTIONS OF ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



of a cold wet spring. Then we may safely reckon that a much less 

 percentage of the stock would be attacked by what is known as 

 " trembling," and other diseases arising from cold and exposure, 

 and hence the increased numbers and value of the stock, producing 

 a greater return to the tenant, a larger rental to the proprietor, and 

 cheaper meat and clothing to the people. If such are the approxi- 

 mate results in bad seasons, we may also anticipate a favourable 

 return in ordinary ones ; but without doubt we would produce a 

 healthier and heavier stock, and I affirm that the pasture would be 

 materially improved; it would come away sooner in the spring, 

 and remain fresh later in the autumn. We would also be showing 

 a proper feeling of sympathy towards the harmless sufferers from 

 inclement Nature, and confer a boon and draw forth the praise of 

 succeeding generations, as the plantations, if carefully attended to, 

 would afford good shelter for 200 years to come. And let us hope 

 that, before they are cleared, the fallen seeds will germinate and 

 perpetuate the blessing. 



