FART VIII. PICTURESQUE PLANTING. 445 



But wood is not only the greatest ornament on the face of 

 our globe; it is also the most essential requisite for the accom- 

 modation of civilized societ}^. The implements of agriculture, 

 the machinery of manufactories, and the vehicles of commercial 

 intercourse, are almost wholly made of timber; and there is 

 scarcely an edifice or superstructure of any denomination, of 

 which this material does not form a principal part. Wood is 

 more particularly valuable in Great Britain, where the prospe- 

 v rity, nay the very existence of the empire depends upon the 

 support of its numerous ships, emphatically called its " wooden 

 walls." 



From the extensive utility and unrivalled beauty of wood, it 

 may reasonably be supposed to have been assiduously culti- 

 vated in all improved countries; and, accordingly, we find 

 that trees have been planted, and the growth of timber encou- 

 raged, by every polished nation. To this subject, as to all 

 other parts of rural economy, the Romans paid great attention ; 

 and the writings of some of their most celebrated authors 

 contain many excellent observations and precepts, on the 

 culture and management of timber and ornamental trees. 

 This island has long been more indebted to natural forests 

 than artificial plantations; though for above two centuries 

 past planting has been more or less a prime object. But till 



