APPENDIX. 139 



it not for the intelligence and encouragement 

 of modern times. 



One thing we have much cause to lament, 

 which is, the premature decay of some of our 

 most ornamental, and useful timber trees* 

 particularly the elm, which is caused by a 

 most destructive insect : the tree is first mal- 

 treated by bruises on the bark, or otherwise 

 injured, then follows this destructive insect, 

 which in one of its stages eats into the tree and 

 rapidly consumes it ; these serious appearances 

 are to be discerned extensively in St. James's 

 Park and many other places. I would here 

 hazard an opinion, from having made it my 

 study for many years ; but as the cause may 

 only have been an oversight in those who have 

 the care of them, it might appear officious and 

 misplaced in a work of this nature. 



Nevertheless, although I shall pass this, I 

 cannot avoid making a few observations on the 

 oak ; and the more especially as it is a tree 

 (as my most inexperienced readers must know) 

 which supplies us with the material best suited 

 to our most important national purposes. Un- 

 less we use our utmost exertions to ensure a 

 plentiful supply of this invaluable timber, our 

 posterity will run the risk of losing the cele- 



