61 



vieAV ? But this pecuniary profit from the investment is not all. 

 There is a mental satisfaction derived from the cultivation and im- 

 provement of one's paternal acres, — from beautifying the spot 

 where it has been our happiness to own our nativity, — where are the 

 civil and religious institutions and the social advantages we most 

 value, and where we trust our children will make their pleasant 

 homes, — which no money can purchase. 



Of the remaining half of Mr. Metcalf 's lands, "we shall only 

 say that it was sown some years later, with the seeds of the white 

 pine and birch trees, as may be seen by his statement annexed, 

 and that it now bears an equally flourishing growth of valuable 

 wood. 



Another plantation of forest trees was examined by your Com- 

 mittee, belonging to Mr. Alfred H. Metcalf of Franklin. 



This plantation is upon land of similar light soil, and adjoining 

 that of which we have before spoken. On the 12th of June, 



1850, Mr. Metcalf transplanted to this spot, from scattered points 

 in the open field near by, four hundred young white pine trees. 

 These all lived and grew thriftily. In May of the following year, 



1851, he transplanted four hundred more, making the whole plan- 

 tation cover about two-thirds of an acre. For the precise manner 

 in which this was done, we shall refer to Mr. Metcalf 's statement, 

 annexed. But one tree has failed to take root and flourish ; and 

 there stands a fine, thrifty grove of trees, presenting to the eye a 

 beautiful prospect, exciting in the breast of its owner emotions of 

 satisfaction and honest pride, and promising a liberal return in 

 money for his investment and his labor. 



We commend both these instances to the consideration of the 

 members of this Society, with the assurance that, if any one is 

 disposed to examine these plantations, his visit will be received 

 with pleasure by Messrs. Metcalf, and rewarded with ample grati- 

 fication. 



We unanimously award to Mr. Whiting Metcalf the Society's 

 first premium of $20,00. 



To Mr. Alfred H. Metcalf, the Society's second premium of 

 $10.00. 



Having spoken of the growth of forest trees in the county as a * 

 subject of great importance, and of this in only one of its bear- 

 ings, it may be expected that we should proceed to a fuller and 



