11 



That the quantity of Timber, in this 

 island, keeps constantly upon the de- 

 crease, is certainly a very old, and not less 

 common observation, and such a one as, 

 I think, no person of experience and ob- 

 servation will pretend to dispute ; the 

 rapid increase in the value of the article, 

 and the large quantities imported, seem 

 evidence sufficient to ascertain the fact. 

 Nevertheless, of late, I have observed, 

 with some degree of national pride, that 

 such importation must, in a reasonable 

 time, receive a considerable check, pro- 

 vided the exertions which have prevailed 

 among our planters, be continued *; and 

 followed up by the necessary attention to 

 Pruning. 



* It being an indisputable fact, that, for the last 

 three or four years, Planting has increased astonish- 

 ingl}', in most parts of the united kingdom, Ave are 

 authorized from thence to conclude, that the number 

 of Timber Trees is increasing, will increase, and vever 

 more (by the friends of Britain J be materialh/ dimi- 

 nished. 



