564 On the supposed Changes of the Climate of England, 



at least as they formerly were, and our Autumns considerably 

 warmer; and I think that I can point out some physical 

 causes and adduce some rather strong facts, in support of 

 these opinions. 



The subject is one of much importance to the Horticul- 

 turist, as it points out to him in what respects he ought to 

 deviate from the practice of his predecessors, and the expe- 

 diency of creating, or selecting, such varieties of different 

 species of fruits as are well adapted to the present state of 

 his climate. 



As the chief object of this Communication is to direct the 

 attention of the Gardener to the subject of Fruit Trees, I 

 shall begin my observations upon that part of the year in 

 which the blossom-buds of the succeeding year are generally 

 formed and closed up (though much change of structure 

 within them subsequently takes place) that is in the latter 

 end of May. Within the last fifty years very extensive tracts 

 of ground, which were previously covered with trees, have been 

 cleared, and much waste land has been enclosed and culti- 

 vated ; and by means of trenches and ditches and other im- 

 provements in agriculture and covered drains, the water which 

 falls from the clouds, and that which arises in excess out of 

 the ground, has been more rapidly and more efficiently car- 

 ried off than at previous periods. The quantity of water 

 which our rivers contain and carry to the sea in Summer and 

 Autumn, is in consequence, as I have witnessed in many in- 

 stances, greatly diminished ; and upon the estate where I 

 was born, and which I now possess, my title deeds, and the 

 form of the ground, prove a mill to have stood, in the reign 

 of Queen Elizabeth, and probably at a good deal later 



