in circumference, at four feet from the ground, and Rydal-park, in Westmoreland, boasts one particularly fine. But as the oak falls for the more important purposes of man, the alder, supplying a variety of his smaller wants, an old tree of this kind is a curiosity, as well as a very picturesque object. Hanbury reckons five sorts of this plant. It seems that layering for preserving the varieties, and for the probability of success, is the most approved of. Evelyn recommends taking strong cuttings of three feet long, to be immersed in water all winter, and in spring they will have formed excrescences at the bottom, and being set, he says, never fail to strike root. The leaves of the alder, strewed upon a floor, are said greatly to destroy fleas, probably from the glutinous liquor they are covered with. The bark is used in dyeing, to produce a black colour, and the fishermen in the north, use it for staining their nets. It has been said, that the boughs of the alder, cut off in summer, and left all winter to rot upon the ground, and the undecayed parts cleared off in spring, the remainder ploughed in, make a good manure. I think Mr. Pennant makes the remark. The alder makes a serviceable hedge, and grass grows well under its

F

shade. Its disadvantages and advantages compared will argue strongly in its favor, and render it worthy of notice for filling up parts of plantations, in which most other trees would speedily droop.

THE WALNUT.

Tibi ducitur uxor ;

Sparge, Marite, nuces.

VIRGIL

THE HE walnut, when intended to become a forest tree, should be sown where it it destined to remain; as, by removal, the top root is broken, consequently the tree will never rise to so aspiring a height, but will divaricate into branches, in which state it is more productive of fruit than timber. This tree prefers a firm rich soil, and on the chalky hills in Surrey, is cultivated to the great advantage of the owners. The black Virginia walnut is the most approved of; no wood is so little affected by insects, but its brittleness renders it incapable of bearing heavy burthens. Tables, bedsteads, chairs, and cabinets, frequently consist of this wood; and, for gun-stocks, no wood is more reputed. It should be remarked, that when walnut trees are planted for fruit, a thin dry soil will sooner produce it, than that which is rich

and deep. After remaining two years in the seedbed, the plant should be transplanted into the nursery, and remain there until five feet high, then in autumn to be removed for good.

THE BIRCH.

"And birch that can the storm abide,
"With silver spotted rind."

THE white, or common birch, is generally of humble growth, and frequently observable on bleak and inhospitable situations; in a better soil, it swells to a larger size, but in every situation, especially among other trees, must be admired for the elegance of its taper branches, and the silver bark it is clothed with. Moist ground suits it best, but not so well will it endure moisture as the alder. Amidst the craggs of Westmoreland and Cumberland, it frequently presents itself in its wildest and most romantic form. This tree may be produced from seeds, or layers, and when the planter is desirous to introduce it for ornament, he need not fear to place it upon any soil or situation. The wood makes a good charcoal for forges; and, in some places, is used for making carriages and wheels, being hard and of long duration. In short, no plantation ought to be without this very beautiful tree.