ESSAY ON FOREST TREES. 95 



or forest covered with this tree, however extensive and particular 

 his previous observations miglit have been, who did not discover 

 trees possessing some peculiarities which he had not observed before, 

 peculiarities which if not great enough to constitute a new species, 

 were enough to attract notice and interest the feelings of those who 

 delight in the wonderful and varied w )rks of God. 



Practically this observation will show that in selecting seed, where 

 a particular kind of tree is especially desired, that the acorns should 

 be taken from bearers which stand at a considerable remove from 

 others, or at least from lots where those alone prevail, which in char- 

 acter are like those it is wished to raise. 



Taking into consideration the character of the soil in most parts of 

 this county, and the probable use to which those who shall reap the 

 field which we sow, may wish to devote the produce, I am inclined to 

 believe that good economy, and good taste unite in recommending 

 that the chief attention should be confined to the cultivation of the 

 white, grey, yellow and black species. These have each their pecu- 

 liar properties, fitting them for special uses, and each one for a ser- 

 vice which the others Avill not so well answer. While together they 

 meet most of the necessities which the other kinds growing freely in 

 this climate would be able to supply. Other kinds may be raised as 

 matters of taste, a pleasing variety would thus be given to our scen- 

 ery, audit is beheved in doing this, profit and pleasure would be found 

 to result from the same enterprize. 



Two important questions present themselves here, on the right 

 answer to which depends in no small degree the success of this en- 

 terprise. 



The first is, ought the acorns to be planted in the nursery, or in 

 open ground. In the fall, or in the spring. 



The second. How shall the young trees be cultivated and 

 trained. 



In respect to the inquiry whether the acorns should be planted in 

 the open ground or in the nursery, there exists a difference of opin- 

 ion among those who have enjoyed the best means of information, 

 whether we consider the extent of their inquiries or the results of 

 their own experiments. The same is true in relation to fall and 

 spring planting. I ayiII here introduce some extracts bearing 

 upon these subjects, as also some which refer to the expediency of 

 cutting down the tops of young trees in order to encoui-age a more 



