62 REPORT OF MEETINGS FOR 1901 



Sect. VII. of the Horse Chestnut. 



When cut hedgeways (as at Highgate) it stands 



the storm, and grows to a tolerable height. 



Sect. XII. the Quick-Beam. 



This tree is called in the country the rowan or roddan 

 tree 



Of Evergreens. 

 Section I. of the Fir. 



I was then at great care to get the seed, and 



for some time houo^ht it of Highlanders, who bring it from 

 the fir-woods and sell it in the low country. But these fellows, 

 after gathering the cones, or, as we call them, the clogs, 

 from laziness lay them upon a kiln. This makes the cones 

 open immediately, and brings out the seed ; at the same 

 time so over-dries it that the seed cannot grow. Being thus 

 disappointed, I wrote to a gentleman who had a fine fir-wood. 

 He sent me a present of 13 horse load of cones; but fearing 

 it would be too late to get them all opened at the sun to 

 be ready for sowing that year, a maid got the charge of 

 some loads of them to lay before a fire to be opened there, 

 with orders only to lay down a few at a time, and neither 

 to lay them too long or too near. This she observed for 

 some days, and we got out some very good seed that way ; 

 but one day she laid down too great a heap, and wearying, 

 went out to divert herself. A coal fell out of the fire, and 

 when she returned she saw all the heap in a flame. On 

 this she ran away and locked the door. By this means I 

 not only lossed the rest of my fir-cones, but burned the 

 firniture of one room, and with great difficulty got the house 



saved As this present year, 1733, I have cut down 



in Binning-wood 2588 fir trees If they are planted 



at four feet distance, and no other trees amongst them, 

 then it is as good not to touch them, but let them prune 

 themselves ; which, by rubbing on one another, and want 

 of air, they will do. 



