TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, &c. 47 



SECTION IX. 



On Pineaster Trees, communicated in Letters to Sir Joseph B'anks and 



Sir John Sinclair. 



To the Right Hon. Sir John Sinclair, Bart. President of the Board of 



Agriculture. 

 Sir, 



I BEG leave to present you with a specimen of fir timber, the 

 produce of pineaster trees raised on this island. The transmuta- 

 tion which has been effected, by some natural cause, or causes, 

 in the texture and appearance of fir timber, seemed to me so 

 very curious and extraordinary that I could not deny myself the 

 gratification of submitting it to the inspection of yourself, and of 

 the Honourable Members of the Board of Agriculture. 



The inclosed is a copy of my letter to the Right Honourable 

 Sir Joseph Banks ; which, with the St. Helena Register of July 

 last, will afford you full information concerning those pineaster 

 trees ; the latter also contains my sentiments upon the vast 

 benefits that would undoubtedly, in a very short period, result to 

 this denuded island, if a due regard were paid to the propagation 

 of trees that produce so beautiful and valuable a timber. 



I have the honour to be, with great respect. 



Sir, 

 Your most obedient humble Servant, 



ALEXANDER BEATSON. 



, St. Helena, ISth September, 1811. 



