!24 THE PRACTICAL PLANTER. 



only, of no less than from two to four tons * 

 of timber each ; and had, at that time, a mil- 

 lion of Larches, of different sizes, rising ra- 

 pidly on his estate." What an incitement 

 to the culture of these most valuable trees! 

 the more so, when it is known, that the 

 largest of them are, at this day, not above 

 sixty years old. 



Nevertheless, let not this operate to the to- 

 tal neglect of other kinds. For, from all 

 that has been said above, it does not appear 

 that a ship of war, or one of any consider- 

 able magnitude, can be constructed, properly, 

 without a portion of Oak at least; which, 

 from its propensity to grow crooked, where 

 allowed sufficient room, is best of all adapted 

 to the office of forming ribs and knees, ex- 

 clusively of its superior strength. The Scotch 

 Elm may with propriety be reared for this 

 purpose on thin gravelly soils, where the 

 Oak would rise slowly, and with some risk 

 of success; as, in this case, if allowed room, 

 its propensity is to grow crooked, resembling 

 the Oak in form ; and if not as durable, 

 which, in this case, is even doubtful, is apt 

 t A ton of timber is 40 cubical feet; a load, 50. 



