259 



re is fo little planting in Lochaber, where 

 it is fo much wanted, and where trees would 

 thrive fo well. The moft advantageous for 

 planting are larch, oak, and beech. Thefe 

 may become the moft general, if they are 

 properly attended to, and in time may add 

 greatly to the value of the country. Expe- 

 rience has proved, that the larch will grow 

 in this, as well as in a much colder country, 

 where no other timber can be raifed. The 

 oak will thrive in cold backward foils, and 

 the beech anfvvers in fuch as are both dry 

 and thin. 



The third method propofed for improving 

 of muirs is perhaps the cheapeft, and not the 

 worft, viz. firft to inclofe and drain them 

 thoroughly ; after which, wherever there 

 is a command of water, to let it run off and 

 on upon the muirs. This will deftroy the 

 heath ; in place of which good pafture grafs 

 will be produced, and every year be growing 

 richer, as long as the water is continued. 

 This mould never be given over, but prac- 

 tifed every year, making the water run on- 

 ly for a few days in one place, and then 

 ihifting it to another, till the whole field is 

 gone over, and fo to return again ; that is to 



