As well as of deteriorated Animals. 31 



originally grown ; and far from any such timber. Ano- 

 ther, of a large body of valuable chesnut; where aperson, 

 now living, has reaped wheat, and other grain; and where 

 hickory and oak had been the precedent growth ; and no 

 timber but of the latter kinds, is now to be seen in the 

 adjacent lands. May it not therefore be probable, that 

 a change in the timber of the southern country is about 

 to take place ? Dissolution and renovation, are constant 

 operations, in nature. Some whole races of animals, 

 have become extinct. The mammoth^ the former mo- 

 narch of the woods, is a proof, in the knowledge of eve- 

 ry body. Beasts of a very different race, now occupy 

 his haunts. Yet this had excited more curiosity, than 

 important research, or useful enquiry. 



I do not find that the particular species of timber 

 growing on land, invariably designates its qualities, or 

 strength: although it is certain, that some kinds arc 

 the most frequently found, on lands of similar quality. 

 I have known hemlock^ white phie and pitch pine^ grow 

 on very rich, deep stapled, and strong land ; as well as 

 on the most sandy, thin and sterile soil. 



I mention these facts, and the opinions resulting from 

 them, to invite attention to this subject: so as to extract 

 from this trait in natural history, something auxiliary, 

 and useful to the objects of our association. It behoves 

 us to gain improvement, from the shifting of the grand 

 scenery around us. Important movements in the sys- 

 tem of nature, should not be suffered to pass, without 

 profitable instruction. 



Although some respectable agriculturists will not 

 concede the point most generally agreed, to wit: — that 

 changes of both animals and plants, are necessary to 



