466 Of Woods. 



ral miscellaneous objects, as the feeding of stock, the con- 

 struction of bridges, the production of pitch and tar, &c. 

 has been so frequently laid before the public, that these par- 

 ticulars need not here be dwelt upon ( 494 ). 



Notwithstanding these advantages, and though woods are 

 considered by many, as amongst the most profitable lands 

 in their possession ( 49S ), yet others contend, that whether in 

 respect to the landlord or his tenant, to individuals or the 

 public, woods are considerably inferior to corn and herbage. 

 It is ingeniously urged, that as the kingdom advances in 

 cultivation, woods and forests are made to disappear ; that 

 when they vanish before population and corn, it may be 

 considered as a most convincing proof of national prospe- 

 rity; and that to complain of scarcity of wood, is prefer- 

 ring a produce that yields only 20s. to another that affords 

 per annum at least from 80s. to 100s. and upwards, per 

 acre ( 496 ). 



In discussing this subject, it is proper to consider, 1. 

 What soils are peculiarly calculated for the production of 

 timber ; 2. What soils may be applied to the growth either 

 of timber, or of grain and herbage ; and, 3. Whether those 

 soils, which are peculiarly calculated for the growth of corn, 

 or of artificial grasses, may not have some timber intermix- 

 ed with them, without detriment to the corn or herbage. 



1. There can be little doubt, that where the soil is not 

 worth more than two or three shillings per acre, it can 

 hardly be more advantageously employed than in the growth 

 of wood, suited to its nature, situation, and climate ; and there 

 are very few of the most exposed and barren wastes, where, 

 by proper care and attention, timber of one species or another 

 may not be produced ( 497 ). By planting also, such wastes 

 are often improved; the falling and putrefaction of the leaves, 

 tending to thicken the soil, and to render it by degrees 

 richer, and more capable, either of promoting the growth 

 of timber, or of being converted into arable land ( 498 ). 



Where the land is steep and precipitous, and more espe- 

 cially covered with stones, there are no means, by which 

 so much profit can be derived from the soil, as from 

 woods. This is particularly experienced in some districts in 

 the counties of Perth, Stirling, Dumbarton, and Argyle, 

 where the annual produce of a statute acre of copse wood, 

 may be stated at L.I, (L.l, 5s. per Scotch acre) ; a return 

 which far exceeds, what could be drawn from the soil on 

 which it grows, in any other way ( 499 ). In a favourable situa- 



