[ 223 ] 



ON THE EFFECTS 



OF THE SHADE OF TREES upon VEGETATION. 



ExtraB, of tiuo Letters from the Honourable Robert R 

 Livingston, Efquire, to Mr. Mitchill. 



Clermont, lyth, Sept. 1792. 

 Dear Sir, 



THE plans that I had projefted of Agricultural improvement 

 for this year, have been fruflrated by the building a country 

 houfe, which has occupied my attention and the labourers that 

 I ufuaily employed' upon my farm, fo that I fliall be able to 

 offer nothing on the fubjedt of experimental hufbandry that 

 will merit your attention, unlefs it be an obfervation which 

 I have frequently made, but v/ith more attention this year than 

 before, and which may, I conceive, if properly purfued, 

 lead to important confequences. I mean the baleful effect 

 of the fiade (if I may fo call it) of fome trees, upon the 

 vegetation of corn. I will ftate the facts as they have appeared 

 to me, and you will the more readily comprehend my ideas. 

 1 planted mai^e on the well fide of a young wood, confiding 

 of oaks, poplars, a few chefnuts, and a large mulberrv 

 fbmewhat advanced into the field; the fhade made by the 

 rifmg fun^ extended nearly acrofs the field, and was not 

 entirely off until about lo o'clock ; I remarked, that as far 



