390 Importance of the Cultivation of the Oak 



a dry air could be naturally maintained throughout the year ; 

 but this desideratum could not be easily obtained. The time 

 necessary to season the oaks differs according to the density 

 of the structure, (and various dimensions of those woods that 

 are exposed for desiccation;) a plank probably would not 

 require twelve months, while a piece of larger dimensions 

 could not be thoroughly seasoned in six or seven years ; and, 

 if placed in a humid situation, would not season at all, and 

 the result would be a decomposition from the formation ofam- 

 moniacal salts and mushroom growths. 



To benefit property, and perpetuate the materials for ship- 

 building, and increase our navies, we propose that the legis- 

 latures of our States appropriate means for the cultivation of 

 those oaks that are indigenous to their regions. In order to 

 ensure success in such an undertaking, a tract of land should 

 be set apart of some thousand acres in a favorable location for 

 their growth. The soil for this purpose should not be too 

 rich nor stimulating : the trees can be propagated from the 

 acorn, or transplanted from their native forests. If the lat- 

 ter plan is adopted, the trees selected for this purpose should 

 be from four to five years of age, of a healthy appearance, 

 and perfect symmetry. We recommend their being taken up 

 in the latter part of October or the month of November, with 

 a careful preservation of their roots, and immediately trans- 

 ferred to the soil that is allotted for their permanent abode. 

 This period for transplanting those trees is decidedly the best, 

 as then the descension of the sap is completed, and the action 

 of the leaves quiescent, while that of the absorbing rootlets 

 ceases also, because the nutrition which is taken in by them 

 is not convertible into woody substance without the coopera- 

 tion of the leaves. They should be set apart, at proper dis- 

 tances, in such a manner as to have ample room for growth, 

 and the free action of heat and light on all sides. Such parks 

 or nurseries in our States would be more commemorative of 

 the genius of a nation than all the marble monuments and 

 towering edifices that can be erected. This scheme is not 

 only thought worthy of a government's consideration, but is 

 applicable to every individual farmer and landed proprietor 

 in this country. They should be transplanted on the out- 

 skirts of every farm or plantation ; marking the boundary of 



