On the comparative value of Soils, £sPc. 10l5 



until after the rest of the wood has decayed, that they 

 come into use. They are found dispersed on the ground 

 in every direction, through the forests, and are in equal 

 plenty where the soil is covered with timber, whether 

 deciduous or evergreen ; and although they claim the 

 constant attention of the inhabitants, for either of the 

 purposes mentioned, and are turned up when they are 

 ploughing, yet it appears, they do not consider, that 

 the grounds which they are ploughing, were once co- 

 vered with yellow pine. But it is not wonderful, that 

 the distant operations of nature should escape atten- 

 tion, when the changes of timber, within the compass 

 of three or four years' observation, appear to be but 

 little observed by them ; yet those men are as capable 

 of reflection as other people, and exercise it too, on 

 objects which they consider combined either with theh' 

 interest, convenience, or pleasure ; but they have not 

 conceived this subject connected with either ; and, of 

 consequence, the positive proof of the changes which 

 take place, in the prevailing timber, on the same 

 grounds, entirely escapes their observation, notwith- 

 standing it is readily gathered from the multitude of 

 settlements, which have been attempted, in various 

 directions, throughout the back country, and after- 

 wards deserted by the settlers, either from poverty, or 

 a conviction that the situation was unfavourable to their 

 prosperity, or a restless disposition to ramble in search 

 of some spot, where the eftbrts of industry, and the 

 unpleasant attention to a persevering economy, are 

 rendered useless. 



The grounds thus deserted, either immediately after 

 the timber had been subdued, or after more or less gbI- 



VOL. III. o 



