TRACTS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS, «&c. 49 



soil, nor that stand the almost unceasing south-easterly wind, 

 so well as the pineaster. In the higher and cooler parts they 

 thrive surprisingly ; but in those less elevated, and towards the 

 north and south extremities of the island, the summer heats are 

 too powerful for the propagation of trees that are indigenous to 

 the colder climates. 



I have been lately informed by Doctor Roxburgh, that his 

 attempts to raise the oak in the vicinity of Calcutta have failed. 

 Here it is seen covered with beautiful foliage for about nine 

 months in the year, and its girt attains a considerable size ; yet the 

 main stems seldom rise above 8 or 10 feet : whereas the pineaster, 

 when sheltered under the leeward sides of the hills, againstthe pre- 

 vailing south-east wind, grows straight and beautiful, and arrives 

 at the height of 50 to 60 feet in the space of twenty-four years. 



The following are the dimensions of a pineaster tree (trans- 

 planted from a seed bed, sown on the 1st of July, 1787) which 

 grows upon the leeward side of a hill about 300 yards west from 

 Plantation-house. It is therefore well sheltered, and having 

 been drawn up perfectly erect and straight, by the surrounding 



oaks, it is fit for a small mast of 35 or 40 feet in length. 



feet in. 



Lower girt, at 1 foot above ground, - - 4 8 



Girt, 26 feet ditto, - ^ - - 3 7 



Of serviceable timber, the length is - 40 



Total height to the summit of the highest branches 58 



I have the honour to be, with great respect. 



Sir, 

 Your most obedient humble Servant, 



ALEXANDER BEATSON, 



St. Helena, l8</« September, 1811. 



H 



