Ji2 TRACTS ON VAR[OUS SUBJECTS, &c. 



SECTION Vj. 



On Planting Trees — G' roicthof Pineastcrs — remarkable Change in theQuality 

 of Fir Timber in St. Helena — extensive Plantations oj" Pineasters recom- 

 mended —Mimosa. Myrfifolia (^or Botany Bay Willow), its rapid Grotcth 

 — yields inmimerahle Pods, containing a sort of Pulse jit for feeding 

 Poultry — its Culture recommended, 



" By viewing nature, nature's handmaid, art. 



Makes mighty things from small beginnings grow." DRYDE^f. 



1 HERE are no trees that succeed so well on this island as the 

 pineaster and a mimosa, which is usually called the Botany Bay 

 willow. They grow on the poorest lands, withstand the south- 

 east wind, and thrive in the most exposed situations. 



Most of the pineasters at Plantation-house are from seed, 

 brought here by Mr. Henry Porteous, and sown on the 1st of 

 July, 1787. I have lately n)easured the girt of several ot" the 

 largest trees ; oi»e is-*> feet and 7 inches ; others are fmui 5 to 3 

 feet, and even less, differing in size according to the soil in 

 which they are planted. These girts were taken at 4 feet above 

 the ground. 



One of those trees was blown down in February last. It has 

 since been used for various purposes. The first 7 feet above 

 ground squared to 13 inches ; the whole ol the stem measured 

 146 superficial feet, and the large hranches contained 47 ; making 

 the total from one single tree, 193 ieet superficial. The smaller 

 branches yielded a considerable q- antity ot fuel. 



The timber is of a very superior quality : it differs materially 

 from either the Memel, or the American fir, being of a closer 



