1 6n 



exhibited, and I think is proved from the 

 following experiments-^I debarked the very- 

 bodies of two Oaks in May^ one of which 

 was as big as my wrift^ the other lefs, nine 

 inches in kngth each, clofe to the ground ; 

 fixing thereon a bandage of wetted paper 

 and ftraw over that* The Michaelmas after, 

 a new bark being formed^ and the main 

 wood frefh underneath, I thought it fur- 

 ther very material to inftance the fuccefs of 

 this experiment, in order to ftrengthen many 

 following propofitions : Whereas it is very 

 conclufive from hence, that nature makes 

 ufe of fuch infertions for the yearly encreafe 

 of wood, as well as bark in her regular pro- 

 cefs. And that (he may not be diverted 

 therefrom by lateral germens ; by flitting 

 the bark longitudinally (whereby it's ad- 

 ftriftion is leflened) a phyfical liberty is a- 

 gain reftored to her cuftomary powers. Fur- 

 ther, if the Oaks annual rings of new outer 

 wood are form'd in good part, from the in- 

 ner horizontal veflels, as hence, I have found 

 the bark is wholly • it is good reafon to 

 conclude, that at fqch times when the bark, 

 is fo cohsering and fo clofely comprefs'd to 

 the body, as not to be pliant and yielding 

 to the formation of every new infant ring—- 



F 2 The 



