84 



A DISCOURSE 



BOOK I. 4. Both these kinds should be taken up very young, and transplanted 

 about October ; some yet, for these hardy and late springing trees, defer 

 it tiU the winter be well over, but the earth had need be moist ; and 

 though they will grow tolerably in moist grounds, yet do they generally 

 affect the sound, black, deep, and fast mould, rather warm than over wet 

 and cold, and a little rising, for this produces the firmest timber ; though 



until it has completely rooted itself in the ground. Many other kinds of Forest-trees, 

 under similar circumstances, may be treated in the same manner ; but we must except all 

 the Pine tribe from this operation, as in them the loss of the leading shoot is the certain 

 loss of the tree. 



An opinion generally prevails, that good lands should always be employed in meadow, 

 pasture, and tillage, and that none but the barren and rocky soils should be planted. — 

 Such an idea is by no means founded on truth, as it may be demonstrated, that good land 

 lying remote from a town, and near a navigable river or canal, will yield a better profit 

 when planted, than if it had been employed in pasturage and tillage. There is, I confess, 

 some difference, when we consider that in the one case, the profits are annual and small, 

 and in the other distant and large, which circumstance must materially affect the inclina- 

 tions of some people; but a true Patriot, and all Planters are Patriots, will forego the 

 present profits, and rest satisfied with having handed down to posterity a blessing of 

 inestimable value. Full of this idea, the Patriot will set apart some good land for the 

 generous purpose of raising timber, which at some future period may be employed in 

 building ships for the advancement of our commerce, and the security of our island : 



Let India boast her plants, nor envy we 

 The weeping amber and the balmy tree. 

 While by our Oaks the precious loads are borne. 



And realms commanded which those trees adorn. pope. 



As a farther encouragement to the generous planter, it may be remarked, tliat the best 

 lands always produce the cleanest, quickest, and best growing timber ; at the same time, 

 the underwood springs up with an amazing and profitable luxuriancy. To such men the 

 soil is always grateful. 



. When a large tract of land is designed for wood, especially if it be of an indifferent 

 quality, it may be advantageous to attend to the following method which was recom- 

 mended to me by a Gentleman long conversant in the practice of raising woods. But it 

 must be observed, that this method can only be complied with in places where the plough 

 can be introduced. 



Plough the whole in October or November, and in the following spring plough and 

 harrow so as effectually to destroy the turf. The land being reduced to an excellent tilth, 

 sow it with turnip-seed about the third week in June, and when the plants are sufficiently 

 advanced let them be carefully hoed, which operation must be repeated at a proper inter- 



I 



