CHAPTEK XXYI. 



CONCLUSION. 



It would scarcely be a fitting conclusion of my sub- 

 ject, considering the varied and conflicting views and 

 opinions of others that are here and there interspersed, 

 did I not somewhat more definitely state what are 

 and what are not mine as distinguished from theirs ; 

 and in order to do this, it is necessary to make a brief 

 but general summary of at least the primary and 

 leading subjects treated of, and elucidate more clearly 

 some points of obscurity. 



First. The subject of diseased seed, as being the 

 producing cause of diseased trees, young or old, should 

 have little or no importance attached to it ; for in the 

 nature of things, although the quality of the seed in 

 a very important degree determines the condition of 

 the succeeding crop so far as respects grain, annuals 

 of all sorts, and perhaps also biennials, yet its influence 

 upon forest trees does not at all appear to extend 

 beyond the seed-bed, or nursery line at farthest. If 

 the seed is plump, sound, and good, the seedlings will 

 correspondingly benefit by their being strong and 

 healthy ; and this advantage as a start in the race of 



