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LXIX. Observations on Larch: together with two Experiments 
of the Strength and Resilience of the Timber, and Size of 
largest Tree cut in 1817, or growing in 1819. By Joun, 
Duke oF ATHOLL. 
Tue following remarks on larch were transmitted by the Duke 
of Atholl to the Commissioners of Naval Revision, May 1807; 
and will evince, not only the great importance which in his opi- 
nion attached to the subject, but also his wish to make the re- 
sult of his practical knowledge known, for the advantage of his 
country. 
Since the period of 1807, the wishes of the Duke of Atholl, 
that the larch might be tried for naval purposes, has been carried 
into effect ; and a frigate of 28 guns is now building at the Royal 
dock-yard of Woolwich, to be constructed entirely of that species 
of timber. —— 
The introduction of this most valuable tree into Scotland, at 
least into the county of Perth, took place in the year 1738 ; when 
a Highland gentleman, Mr. Menzies, of Glenlyon (Perthshire), 
brought a few smal] plants from London ; his servant carrying 
them on horseback on the top of his.portmanteau. Some of these 
plants he left at Monzie, near Crieff, some at Dunkeld, and the 
remainder he carried home, where some have been cut, within 
these few years, of a great size. The four left at Monzie are in 
full vigour (1807); the largest nearly twelve feet in circumference, 
at three feet and a half above the ground. Those left at Dun- 
keld are also in full vigour (1807) ; some were placed in a green- 
house, but not thriving, were turned out.. The largest is about 
twelve feet in girth, at three feet and a half above the ground, and 
is computed to contain four load of solid timber, or two hundred 
feet. Some years elapsed before any more larch were planted at 
Dunkeld. A few, however, were planted at Blair in that interval. 
But the larch planted between the years 1740 and 1750 were 
inconsiderable in point of number. For the planting of the rocky 
mountains round Dunkeld, with a view to their growing wood, 
which has since been done, would at that time have been treated 
as achimerical idea. The plantations on the lower grounds were 
necessarily small in extent. 
Trials of Larch. 
1777.—It is now thirty years since I have cut and used larch 
for different purposes; and as yet I have met with no instance 
to induce me to depart from my opinion, that larch is the most 
valuable acquisition, in point of useful timber, that has ever been 
introduced into Scoland: and I speak from having used and cut 
larch of from fifty to sixty years’ growth. 
Dd The 
