154 BARNSTABLE SOCIETY. 



However, there is no reason to be discouraged ; if one species of 

 trees do not succeed, we can try another. The curse of insects 

 is chargeable to the murderous sportsman. Birds were appointed 

 to hold the insect tribes in check, and the destruction of the one 

 is the increase of the other. 



But fear of the ravages of insects should deter no one in his 

 attempts to cultivate trees. With all its drawbacks, I am satis- 

 fied that it is more profitable than three fourths of the crops now 

 raised by the farmer. Nearly two centuries ago, at a time when 

 Cape Cod was covered almost by one unbroken forest, our an- 

 cestors, year after year, in their town meetings, passed votes 

 offering encouragement for the growth of timber, and imposing 

 fines and penalties on him who should wantonly destroy a single 

 tree. Then, the value of timber scarcely exceeded the cost of 

 carrying it to market; now, the value is tripled; yet, till very 

 recently, no one has thought it a public duty to encourage its 

 growth, or to adopt measures for its preservation. 



We have had bounties for the destruction of birds, — only 

 another form of granting gratuities for the propagation of worms 

 and noxious insects. We have converted our wood lands into 

 pastnres, — and all that the cattle could not destroy, man has 

 deemed it meritorious to cut down, and uproot. Nothing has been 

 left for beauty or shade, and nothing to break the force of the 

 sweeping gale. But, there is beginning to be developed another 

 and a better feeling. It is perceived that, in the cultivation of 

 trees, pleasure and utility may be combined ; that our worn-out 

 and desolate hills may be covered with verdant and beautiful 

 forests ; that our village streets may be adorned with shady 

 rows ; and that our gardens and fields may be studded with 

 fruit trees, without diminishing the pasturage or fertility of the 

 farm. 



Yarmouth Port^ Oct. 6th, 1846. 



