73 



Here then we have satisfactory proof, 

 that Fir Timber is produced within the 

 island, grown in situations elevated, 

 but SHELTERED, Sufficiently good to be 

 a substitute for the foreign ; which does 

 away the idea, that none but the coldest 

 situations produce such an article. 



These accounts agree, in representing 

 natural grown timber as superior to 

 planted. Dr. Smith assigns no reason 

 for it ; only concludes, such Firs are a 

 superior species to what are found else- 

 Avhere. — Sir Archibald inclines to think, 

 that it is occasioned by the trees mak- 

 ing a tap root, and consequently, tak- 

 ing firmer hold of the ground than 

 the planted ones. — On this point, I 

 cannot help differing from both ; being 

 decidedly of opinion, such superiority 

 is no other than the effect of superior 

 age. We have good reason to believe, 

 that all the Scotch Firs in the South 

 part of the island, were originally pro- 



9 



