On the Scotch Pine. 139 



bases washed with the flow tide ; here would the rock and 

 marine plants of various kinds appear as in their natural 

 situations. On the peninsulas, islands, and along the banks 

 of such ponds, might be laid down variously formed flower- 

 plots; there, also, might be constructed bowers, rustic seats, 

 and many other rural ornaments. 



These sluices are very simple and easy of construction : for 

 a small pond the cost will not be more than from three to 

 four pounds sterling ; but the expense will vary according to 

 the dimensions, or nature of the materials. Whether of 

 wood or iron, they are sure to act ; and power can be com- 

 municated to lift a sluice of any dimensions, so that ponds 

 on an extensive scale may have their water raised or lowered 

 by these sluices. Should the supply of water run short, from 

 a summer's drought or other cause, the pond may, during 

 such deficiency, be kept at high-water mark by turning the 

 key of a common brass cock, on which its action depends, or 

 it may also be kept at low water by an equally simple oper- 

 ation. For the sake of durability the whole apparatus may 

 be constructed of iron, and all concealed under ground if 

 required. 



Should any of the numerous readers of your Magazine 

 wish for a plan of the sluice, or should they wish to construct 

 one on the above-described principle, I shall be very happy 

 to hear from them, and I trust they will find my terms 

 moderate. 



Castle Douglas, Jan. 30. 1829. W. Aitken. 



Art. VII. On the Scotch Pine. By Agronome. 



Sir, 

 By the time you see this, you will be returned, as I hope, 

 safe and sound, from j-our Continental tour ; and, no doubt, 

 you have brought a rare budget of good things for your 

 friends, " a feast of fat things full of marrow ; of wines on the 

 lees well refined." For my own part, I have had but little 

 time for either treating or being treated lately in the way of 

 writing or reading, having also made a tour through the north 

 of England and south of Scotland. My route was through 

 Staffordshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, &c., as far as Glasgow 

 and Edinburgh ; thence down the Gala water to Abbottsford, 

 to Melross, Jedburgh, and over Chevy Chase to Otterburn, 

 Elsdon, &c., to Newcastle upon Tyne ; thence through the 

 county of Durham, by Sunderland, Halifax, Leeds, Harrow- 



