107 



and exposuie, that is, heat and cold, have the power alike of 

 diminishing or increasing, and of even alternately bestowing 

 and taking away, what may be called the Protecting 

 Properties. 



It has been noticed above, that all trees, in open situations, 

 uniformly attain the highest state of natural perfection, of 

 which they are susceptible ; consequently it is by such trees, 

 that the best, the toughest, and the most durable timber is 

 produced. Yet it is interesting to observe the beneficence 

 of Providence, in providing for the accommodation of man. 

 Were it not for the way, in which the external conditions of 

 trees in woods and close situations are modified, from whence 

 could we procure the long and powerful beam, the straight, 

 clean, and lengthened deal, and nearly all the wood that is 

 employed, whether in civil or naval architecture ? 



On considering these different phenomena, and comparing 

 them with other facts^ respecting the growth of Wood, which 

 daily present themselves to our observation, the following con- 

 clusions as adapted to practice seem irresistible, and are agree- 

 able to the law of nature on this subject. 



First, That, in a general view it seems evident, respecting 

 the two descriptions of trees above mentioned, that each is 

 furnished with a certain form, and certain provisions or pro- 

 perties, which are best adapted to the exigencies of its situa- 

 tion. That, for this purpose, the sheltered trees are always 

 more straight, more delicate, and more lofty ; the exposed 

 more stout, more hardy, and more spreading ; better nourish- 

 ed by roots, and protected and balanced by numerous spray, 

 and wide-extending branches. 



Secondly : That, as the four protecting properties already 

 delineated, as belonging to trees in open situations, are essen- 

 tial and necessary to the vigorous development of their ex- 

 istence, so they may be set down as indispensable prerequis- 

 ites for those intended for transplantation, which generally 

 implies increased exposure ; and that, soil and climate being 



