V. 



AGES Oh\ TKEBS. 



UDGED by outward 

 appearance, it would 

 be utterly impossible 

 to form even an ap- 

 proximate estimate 

 of the ages of trees. 

 Yet the results wliich 

 have been published 

 of inquiries in this 

 most interesting di- 

 rection have led to satisfactory conclusions ; but 

 the data have been obtained in various ways, 

 and by a process of deduction, rather than by 

 actual and direct evidence. The deductions have, 

 nevertheless, been so clear as to leave little room 

 for doubt, and for the reason that when they 

 have been pat to the test against clearly ascer- 

 tained facts, they have proved to be sound. 



