SITUATIONS* 31 



Nor would the arable land added thereto 

 be lessened in value. Nay, it would be much 

 enhanced ; inasmuch as it would operate in 

 enhancing that of the other in a manifold 

 degree. But many arguments might be ad- 

 duced to prove, that, until there shall be too 

 much timber planted in the island, the value 

 of all la?ids lying within a mile of the sea 

 may be enhanced more by the culture of 

 timber than by that of any other crop. 



Nevertheless, prudence forbids planting 

 much of the land naturally and well adapted 

 to the culture of " food for man and beast," 

 until that of a contrary description shall first 

 be covered with timber ; since the labour of 

 carrying it from place to place weighs not 

 in the scale with the apprehension of scarcity 

 or famine. Further, before all the otherwise 

 unimprovable lands in the country shall be 

 planted, there will, with proper management 

 afterwards, be an inexhaustible store of tim- 

 ber for all purposes, whether for fuel, ma- 

 chinery, or for ship-building. 



