250 . ' On the Planting of Larch^ 



ing its adopting by the nation. I therefore propose that tracts 

 of land should be purchased in the north of Scotland, and ap- 

 propriated to the growth of larch on the largest scale, to the 

 exclusion of every other tree. I scarcely see any limit to the 

 scale on which, in future times, the principle might be carried ; 

 but I should commence with, say, 30,000 acres ; the purchase of 

 which, and the planting and enclosing in the first instance, 

 would be the sole expense, and the management, for some years, 

 would cost very little ; the planting, and every thing else of outlay, 

 being done by open competition, on the most economical scale. 

 The planting should be at open distance, so that no thinning 

 would be required until the operation could be made to nearly 

 defray the expense. In about twenty years, the land might be 

 let as sheep-walks, and would pay a good rent, which would 

 annually increase, and, at last, be a source of very productive 

 return, besides other advantages to be derived from it. 



The reasons why I recommend the purchase to be made in 

 the north of Scotland are these : the land is of much less 

 value, and the outlay much less in consequence. The 40,000 

 acres devoted to oak in the New Forest represent a territorial 

 value probably twenty times the same extent on the Grampian 

 range, which in a given time would produce a value not much 

 inferior to it per acre. Besides this, there are positive reasons 

 for preferring the mountains of the north. The larch certainly 

 grows better there than in the richer land in England. I be- 

 lieve the causes are, that the Scottish mountains are primary, 

 and chiefly of the igneous rocks, which are warmer in their 

 nature, and have more influence in some descriptions of vegeta- 

 tion than others. Again, the sides of the mountains are ge- 

 nerally precipitous, and afford the drainage so necessary to the 

 pine tribe; and the very circumstance of the depth and precipi- 

 tous form of the valleys neutralises the effects of the prevailing 

 winds, which are so prejudicial to the larch. These reasons I 

 hold to be conclusive on the subject. 



Some difficulty may possibly be found in the purchase of large 

 tracts of land contiguously. In this case, separate parcels, not 

 too small, nor too far apart, might answer the purpose; but two 

 points should be specially attended to : that the land be of good 

 quality for the growth of trees, that no other be bought, and 

 that no purchase be made till the land has undergone a strict 

 and careful examination. Also, that good communication by 

 water, if possible, be secured, for the purpose of future shipment 

 of the timber. 



It may be objected, that these undertakings are not suited to 

 government, from the abuses they lead to, and that they are 

 better left to individuals. I acknowledge the principle, in ge- 

 neral, to the fullest extent ; but this is an exception, perhaps 



