3. on the value and uses of the larch tree. 13% 
a almost i any situation, and grows much. more 
fapidly than any other kind of wood, fhuuld ever the 
culture of this tree become as general as it ought 
to be, it will render this nation wholly independent 
of all others for the important article of fhip timber. 
For although bended ribs, and kneed joints are efsen- 
tial articles in the timbers for the constructi- 
on of vefsels on the plan universally adopted at 
present, yet a time may come, and is probably at no 
great distance, when it will-be found that crook- 
ed timber is not in the smallest degree requisite for 
the construction of vefsels for any purpose whate- 
ver ; and if ever that time does come, it will be 
discovered also, that the timbers as well as the plank 
may be made entirely of larch wood. At Archangel 
in Rufsia, where this timber abounds, we are informed 
that no other wood is employed for fhip buildiag, 
and that also at Venice, according to Mr Rritchie 
Britifh resident there*. 
Many other uses to which this timber might be 
applied could be here enumerated; but the above 
are sufficient to convince every one, that if the larch 
tree can be reared easily, and grows with rapidity 
in this country, it ought to become an object of u- 
niversal attention ; and that the culture of it fhould 
be pufhed forward as quickly as pofsible ; for eve- 
ry moment of delay must be a retardment of the 
prosperity of this country. Ina future paper! fhall 
beg leave to offer a few remarks on the mode of 
rearing this’ timber, and the benefits that may be de- 
rived from it as aa object of cukure, 
# Memoirs of the soceity of arts London, vol. vii. 
VOL. xvii, s 
oa 
