104 ENGLISH WOODLANDS 



a natural process; but if the forester does not 

 adapt his processes to the laws of nature ; if he 

 does not govern his conduct by the climate, 

 seasons, and nature of the soil; and if he does 

 not observe the limits within which the condi- 

 tions of vegetable life confine his operations, his 

 labour and expense will be in vain. 



" There are three primary elements necessary 

 to the success of agricultural operations skilful 

 husbandry, a well-constituted soil, and a genial 

 climate. The first of these is now placed within 

 the reach of every intelligent man, and depends 

 on the application of his own skill and industry ; 

 the constitution of the soil is in general well 

 adapted by nature for the functions it has to 

 perform, and where it is defective its composition 

 may be corrected and its productive powers 

 increased ; but the elements which constitute 

 climate appear to be beyond man's control : 

 he is comparatively powerless to mitigate its 

 rigour or to add to its generous influence. It 

 is man's master, exacting submission; not his 

 servant, obeying his behests. Of what avail, 

 then, it may be asked, is the knowledge of such 

 a subject ? That we may bend to the power 

 we cannot control, and learn to adapt our culture 

 to the capabilities of the climate ; indeed, 



