276 MAN AND NATURE. 



We may, however, fairly join our author in affirm- 

 ing that vegetation, under the form of woods, is neces- 

 sary, more or less, to the well-being of every country ; 

 and that many regions, once fertile, have become 

 otherwise by the loss or curtailment of this magnificent 

 provision of Nature for their covering. And as a 

 practical corollary to these facts we may speak with 

 assurance of the power Man has of gaining or restoring 

 lands, thus barren from nature or human improvidence, 

 by planting fresh forests where none now exist. With 

 due attention to soil, climate, and other local circum- 

 stances, he may rejoice in the conviction that he is thus 

 providing for the good of his posterity, if not for his 

 own : ' Serit arbores, quge alteri sseculo prosint,' This 

 remark especially applies to the tracts of arid sand so 

 numerous over the globe, even in close contiguity to 

 high cultivation, as the Landes of France, the Dunes 

 and Steppes of other European countries. A covering 

 of well-selected woods, or even of such plants as the 

 bent-grass, would in time give to these sterile sands a 

 new and happier soil ; and this attained, the axe might 

 come in to make over to the agriculturist a part of the 

 surface thus freshly provided for his labours. Experi- 

 ments to this effect we believe to be now in progress in 

 several countries, and they will doubtless be extended 

 hereafter. 1 



1 At the recent meeting of the British Association we understand 

 that a communication has been made regarding an extensive region in 

 the Orange River territory of South Africa, bearing marks of having 

 been formerly well wooded, but now utterly treeless and barren. The 

 progress of colonisation northwards may make it expedient to remedy this 

 by fresh planting; and such we believe to be the suggestion of the 

 gentleman, Mr. Fox Wilson, who has presented this memoir. 



