106 ON FOREST TREES. 



to the locust trees, of which Mr. Webster estimated 

 that from five to six thousand were in the fourth year, 

 and from three to four thousand in the third year of 

 their growth. The seed having been dropped with- 

 out manure in furrows from which the soil was re- 

 moved by the plough, the trees could not be expect- 

 ed to have had a rapid growth, and were almost 

 universally injured by the borer, which is so peculiar- 

 ly destructive to the locust tree. They were slight- 

 ly hoed the first year, but had received no cultivation 

 since, and the white birch and other trees were be- 

 gining to assert their claims to the soil. Cattle are 

 entirely excluded from the field by a very substantial 

 wall. Your committee think Mr. Webster entitled to 

 commendation for his extensive and spirited experi- 

 ments in planting trees ; and although they wish his 

 cultivation had been more exact and thorough, and 

 the present appearance of the plantation cleaner and 

 more promising, yet considering the variety and ex- 

 tent of his experiments, and the importance of the 

 subject, they recommend that he receive the first pre- 

 mium of thirty dollars. 



In behalf of the Committee. 



J. H. DUNCAN, 

 September, 1839. 



NATHAN WEBSTER'S STATEMENT. 



To the Committee of the Essex Agricultural Society > 

 on Fbrest Trees : y 



Gentlemen — The lot of Locust trees which I 

 have offered for the premium of the Essex Agricultu- 

 ral Society, is planted in Haverhill, about one mile 



