

On the question proposed for discussion to the 

 Botanical Congress at St. Petersburg 



what trees are best adapted for cultivation 

 in the South of Russia 



by 



Andrew Murray F.L.S. 



The subject proposed for consideration here resolves itself, 

 as it appears to me, not so much into what trees may be found 

 to suit the condition of the South of Russia, as what is to be 

 done to alter these conditions so as to produce a climate more 

 suitable to trees" generally. 



I do not believe that it is possible to find any tree suited 

 to the present conditions of that country, in other words, 

 that will bear being burned up in the summer without a drop 

 of water for months at a time, and burned up by the cold in 

 winter for a similar period : and what makes it more hopeless 

 is that the very conditions which prevent them growing are 

 perpetuated by their absence. 



It is not any peculiarity in the soil which is hostile to their 

 growth. The. wide plains covered with tall weeds, which 

 constitute what is properly called the steppes, have a rich 

 thick black soil consisting mainly of humus or vegetable 

 mould combined with a^ij^^;ajjnelre and as might be ex- 



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