8 THE TREES OF AMERICA. 



a road one mile in length, one thousand and iifty-six trees, — could be bought and 

 planted for twenty dollars, and locust for the same, if not for less. At a 1oa\' 

 estimate, we will assume that these trees, in twenty years, would be worth, on an 

 average, two dollars each, or two thousand one hundred and twelve dollars, (Or- 

 namental trees produce a much greater result m from five to eight years.) If the 

 route from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, Avhich, with its branches, is four hundred 

 miles in length, was planted on both sides, say eight hundred miles, the value 

 produced, where nothing of value is now growing, would, if we are correct, yield 

 eight hxindred and fifty thousand dollars ! Apply this estimate to the Avhole 

 length of railroads, canals, and tiu-npikes in the Union, and the result is too 

 startling for figui'es." It seems that we are now greatly dependent upon Canada 

 to meet this demand, and the question is seriously asked, " WTien Canada has 

 exhausted her supply," which she must at some time do, " where are we to go ? " 



In this calculation, trees of known mercantile value are taken as samples. It 

 is recommended to change their character, according to climate and soil, and the 

 demand in various localities. In case the companies already formed refuse to 

 do this, it is recommended to form companies for this special purpose, the stock 

 of which, we are assured, would be of much more value than that of the roads 

 themselves. The governments of France and Switzerland, and of some other 

 countries, long ago attended to this matter ; and now we are informed that the 

 turnpikes and canals furnish an abundance of timber for ship building and other 

 purposes. Shall we, vdth all our common schools and freedom, be less wise than 

 they ] The English walnut, which is in such demand in this and other cormtries, 

 is furnished, to a great extent, by trees planted on the sides of the roads leading 

 firom Prance to SA\T.tzeiiand over the Jura. 



In Germany, the very near vicinity of the railroad track is cultivated by the 

 lookout men, and the station house grounds, in many instances, are made so 

 beautiful, by trees and flowering shrubs, as to compensate for a journev over the 

 roads to see them. 



We would again, however, appeal to the thousands of uiteUigent landholders 

 in our country. It is to them that we look mainly for a reform in this direction. 

 We know of an instance in a neighboring state, where a pasture, of but little 



