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Observations on the comparative value of Soils ^ ^c. by 

 Mr, John Lorain. 



Read November 10, 1812. 

 Philipsburg, July 12, 1812. 



Dear Sir, 



In my last, of the 28th ultimo, some observations 

 were promised on the erroneous opinions that go- 

 verned the settlers here, in their estimation of the va- 

 lue of the soil. This appears to rest too much on the 

 different kinds of timber with which it happens to be 

 covered ; for, after excepting influence of climate and 

 an excess of moisture, together with the adhesive, or 

 free open properties of the upper soil, and the next 

 under stratum, (which are both readily seen where the 

 trees have been blown down,) it will be found, if due 

 investigation has been made, that the different kinds of 

 timber with which every soil is covered, have been en- 

 tirely produced either by the periodical revolutions or 

 changes of nature, or else by fortuitous events; and that 

 the idea of perpetual succession, of the same kinds of 

 timber, on the soils on which they are found, origi- 

 nates in deficiency of observation and attention to this 

 interesting subject. This fact may be readily traced by 

 any observing traveller, who passes through this coun- 

 try, yet men of talents pass through it, live and die in 

 it, and appear to give but very little attention to the 

 subject. 



White pine, and spruce pine (or hemlock) cover 

 alike the moistest bottoms and the dryest ridges, for 



