OF FOREST-TREES. 



229 



CHAP. IV. 



Of TIMBER, the SEASONING and USES, and FUEL. 



Since it is certain and demonstrable, that all arts and artisans what- CHAP, 

 soever must fail and cease, if there were no timber and wood in a nation ; 

 (for he that shall take his pen, and begin to set down what art, mystery, 

 or trade belonging any way to human life, could be maintained and 



fresh tan should be added to make up the deficiency arising from the settling of the beds; 

 but this will be inconsiderable, as the leaves do not settle much after their long couching. 

 During the first two years of my practice I did not use any tan, but plunged the 

 Pine-pots into the leaves, and just covered the surface of the beds, when finished, with 

 a little saw-dust to give it a neatness. This method was attended with one inconve- 

 nience ; for by the caking of the leaves they shrunk from the sitles of the pots, whereby 

 they became exposed to the air, and at the same time, the heat of the beds was permitted to 

 escape. 



" Many powerful reasons may be given why Oak leaves (for I have not tried any other 

 kinds) are preferable to tanners' bark. 



First. They always heat regularly ; for during the whole time that I have used them, 

 which is near seven years, 1 never once knew of their heating with violence ; and 

 this is so frequently the case with tan, that I affirm, and indeed it is well known to every 

 person conversant in the management of the hot-house, that Pines suffer more from this 

 one circumstance, than from all the other accidents put together— insects excepted. 

 When this accident happens near the time of their fruiting, the effect is soon seen in the 

 fruit, which always comes ill-shaped and exceedingly small. Sometimes there will be 

 little or no fruit at all , therefore, gardeners who make use of tan 07ily for their Pines, 

 should be most particularly careful to avoid an over-heat at that critical season — the time of 

 shewing fruit. 



"Secondly. The heat of Oak leaves is constant; whereas tanners' bark generally 

 turns cold in a very short time after its furious heat is gone off. This obliges the gar- 

 dener to give the tan frequent turnings in order to promote its heating. These frequent 

 turnings (not to mention the expense) are attended with the worst consequences ; for by 

 the continual moving of the pots backwards and forwards, the Pines are exposed to the 

 extremes of heat and cold, whereby their growth is considerably retarded; whereas 

 when leaves are used, the Pines will have no occasion to be moved but at the times of 

 potting, &c. The Pines have one particular advantage in this undisturbed situation; 

 their roots grow through the bottoms of the pots and mat amongst the leaves in a 

 surprising manner. From the vigour of the plants, when in this situation, it is highly 

 Volume II. Q „ 



