FARM FORESTRY. I27 



Mr Young's argument, therefore, if intelligible in hypothesis, is 

 absurd when applied to every probable or even possible case. 

 The same argument, moreover, might be with equal propriety 

 used against the making of canals and roads, two of the greatest 

 means of furthering agricultural improvements and productions. 

 These, however, are condemned by Mr Young's arguments as 

 occupying terrestrial superfices. 



" It is beyond the Teach of doubt that laying out of view, 

 in the first place, considerations of 'beauty,' and, secondly, 

 considerations of the 'value' of timber itself, wood is of the 

 most beneficial consequence for the purpose of 'shelter.' It 

 has the effect, both mediately and immediately, of improving 

 pasturage, fertilising soils, and facilitating the rearing of live- 

 stock ; and it seems clear (contrary to the argument of 

 Mr Young) that, under all these heads, on any given extent of 

 ground, wood brings into existence a greater quantum of agri- 

 cultural produce and gain, than if no part of such ground were 

 occupied by it. To prove this by any detailed illustration 

 would be superfluous, as the experience of every one must 

 convince him of its truth." 



He (J. Borthwick) then goes on to show how plantations 

 ameliorate the climate by lessening the injurious effects of cold 

 and dry winds, and states : 



"Nothing can serve this purpose better than plantations. 

 And, as a proof of it, many situations might be pointed out, 

 which, though bleak and barren before the planting of wood, are 

 now, by the aid of shelter, covered with verdure and exuberance. 

 It is in vain to argue against the benefit of plantations — 

 with respect to Scotland at least. Whoever has had an oppor- 

 tunity of surveying the mountainous tracts in the north of that 

 kingdom — tracts of immense extent, not susceptible of tillage, 

 and little serviceable for pasturage, yet well adapted to the 

 growth of various species of timber — cannot but be persuaded 

 that aiding the efforts of nature to produce wood in such 

 situations would be attended with incalculable benefits to the 

 nation. In the South of Scotland, and in England too, although 

 there is almost none of the country but what may be pastured, 

 it may be safely said, I believe, that, without diminishing the 

 quantity of mutton and beef, a much greater quantity of wood 

 than there is at present might be raised." 



There are extremes in all things, and the total destruction 



