382 



superior quality is known never to do, at least without the assistance of 

 some other wood. 



From these facts, and others that might be brought forward (if room 

 permitted), as well as from vegetable anatomy in general, and the nature 

 of the sap's descent in particular, we may deduce the following Practi- 

 cal Conclusions, regarding the question at issue. 



First ; That all timber-trees thrive best, and produce wood of the 

 best quality, when growing in soils and climates most natural to the 

 species. It should, therefore, be the anxious study of the planter, to 

 ascertain and become well acquainted with these, and to raise trees, as 

 much as possible, in such soils and climates. 



Secondly ; That trees may be said lo be in their natural state, when 

 they have sprung up fortuitously, and propagated themselves without 

 aid from man, whether it be in aboriginal forests, ancient woodlands, 

 commons, or the like.* That in such trees, whatever tends to increase 

 the wood, in a greater degree than accords with the species when in its 

 natural stale, must injure the quality of the timber. 



Thirdly ; That whatever tends to increase the growth of trees, tends 

 to expand their vegetable fibre. That when that takes place, or when 

 the annual circles of the wood are soft, and larger than the general 

 annual increase of the tree should warrant, then the timber must be 

 less hard and dense, and more liable to suffer from the action of the 

 elements. 



Fourthly ; That a certain slowness of growth is essentially necessary 

 to the closeness of texture, and durability of all timber, but especially 

 of the oak ; and that, wherever the growth of that wood is unduly ac- 

 celerated by culture of the soil (such as by trenching and manuring), or 

 by undue superiority of climate, it will be injured in quality in the pre- 

 cise ratio, in which those agents have been employed. 



Fifthly ; That, as it is extremely important for the success of trees, 

 to possess a certain degree of vigour in the outset, or to be what is tech- 



• Some trees, however, and herbaceous plants may be said to be naturalized to cer- 

 tain situations, in which, wilhonl the aid of art, they never would have been found. 

 Thus, says Mr. Loudon, we sometimes find mountain plants common in plains, and 

 even in meadows ; and alpine trees which disseminate themselves in warmer, and 

 more level districls. But the botanist, by comparing the eficcts of these diffeient situa- 

 tions on the vegetable, always knows how to select, as geip ral nature, that which per- 

 Jecla all its parts, and where the soil arid situation are best suited to the reproduction of 

 the species, and the prolongation of individual life. These rule.=, adds he, are founded 

 in nature. For example : no person, judging from them, could mistake a warm Uuglish 

 common, for the natural soil and siluiition of the Scotch fir, though it frequently is found 

 Crowins there.— Form, and Improv. of Coutitiy Resid. 



