GROWING GOLD. 



145 



proves that a less number of square feet of 

 land is required for an oak tree to grow to 

 maturity than managers of woods and plan- 

 tations appear to think necessary. 



Although the Government and the land- 

 owners generally, do not solicit advice oii this 

 subject, and some may perhaps receive it 

 with ill grace, it is no less the duty of him 

 who possesses information which may be 

 valuable, to publish it for the general good. 

 That it has been a source of wealth to have 

 an estate covered with good timber cannot be 

 denied ; that it is essential to the existence of 

 the empire is equally true ; and, that it must 

 be advantageous to it to be independent of 

 foreign states, there can be little, if any doubt ; 

 at any rate, to possess it will be erring on the 

 safe side. The quantity of manufactured 

 goods sent in exchange for it is too trifling to 

 be for a moment a matter of consideration. 



Should a committee of the House of 

 Commons proceed with an inquiry upon this 



