THE

WYCH ELM.

THIS tree is a native of Scotland, and is hardy enough to climb the rocks, and grow well in the most exposed highlands of that country. But Eng land boasts trees of a much greater magnitude. From the great extent it spreads its branches, it becomes an unpleasant neighbour to less assuming trees. It is a plant not very choice of situation, but seems to prefer some degree of moisture, where the soil is loose. The wood of this tree is useful for many purposes, and, like the elm, is the best when grown upon a strong soil. In plantations in this neighbourhood, I prefer it much to the grafted elm, and as such recommend it.

THE

SCOTCH FIR.

"Far up the steeps, with golden whims o'ergrown,
"Frowns the dark fir tree on the rugged stone."

ALTHOUGH this tree gives a grandeur to the forest by its sombre shade, and, by the rapidity of its growth, pays well the planter, yet its timber must be allowed to be of a very inferior kind. It will grow upon very mountainous situations, will spring up amidst soilless rocks, but delights most ina deep rich sand. Yet, no doubt, the wood that is grown upon such situations as the native timber is found upon, being of a slower growth, is of a harder texture, and the difference in value between that and such as has been forced by lopping off the lateral branches, or by a richer soil and climate, is properly appreciated in Scotland, where the fir most abounds. Mr. Loudon, in his essay upon "Useful and Picturesque Planting," among many very judicious remarks, concludes, that slow

growth is essentially necessary to fir timber, and that wherever the accumulation of wood has been accelerated by culture of the soil, improvement of the climate, or by pruning, it is injured in quality in proportion to the ratio in which these agents have been employed. A few Scotch fir trees in a church or chapel yard (better where no steeple takes off from their altitude), more particularly on high situations, may convey a pleasing solemn sensation-they seem to spread a funereal canopy over the graves of those, who, perhaps, in the days of heedless youth, have scaled their venerable trunks in emulative zeal, but now repose under their shade; and they point out to the weary traveller, the distant hamlet, and welcome place of refreshment.

I would advise no pruning to be adopted among the fir tribe (except, perhaps, the side-shoots of the silver fir), nor a branch to be removed, except exhibiting strong signs of decay. No where do they flourish as in the Swedish, Norweigian and German forests, and there nature rules alone. As when the head of any species of fir is decayed, we may be certain the tree is growing daily worse (not as the oak whose timber will remain entire a century

after the demolition of its head), it will be prudent yearly to inspect plantations to remove them. An opportunity at the same time occurs of thinning out what trees are most injurious to others. I have frequently observed, that by taking out one tree in a particular situation, six or seven may be benefited more than by taking out three in a different place; indeed, as a general rule, it will always be adviseable for every species of tree to have sufficient room for its head, although some will bear more confinement than others. As the Scotch fir has often proved itself a very good nurse to young, particuJarly exposed plantations, and as its picturesque beauty is generally allowed, and its wood certainly of some value, I would not recommend it to the planter, to exile him totally from the woods.

THE ALDER.

"There, midst aquatic trees,
"Stands the dark alder, quivering to the breeze."

So lately has this tree come into any degree of estimation, that but very few years since, the farmer in this country, was not prohibited from felling it for whatever use he could put it to. But it has now become a tree much inquired after, as its wood is found to stand water well, especially when used to convey it in pipes, and to make excellent boards for coal-baskets, and cart chests. In many parts of Lancashire, a considerable consumption of it takes place, for the purpose of making soles to the cloggs there usually worn. Plantations of alder should be confined to low, wet, unpasturable places, for it will flourish in more swampy ground than any other tree. The alder is found in perfection on the banks of the Mole, in Surrey. At Auckland-castle, the seat of the bishop of Durham, there is an alder, ten feet