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[Page 2]
was taken. It is of consequence to be certain upon this point, that I may receive the proper seed from England - for it is my intention to establish Seed Beds and Nurseries sufficient to plant on this island several hundred acres of this most valuable timber.
Many Trees of different sorts have been already tried here; there are none, however, so peculiarly adapted to the climate and soil, nor that withstand the almost unceasing South Easterly wind, so well as the Pineaster. In all the higher and cooler parts they thrive surprisingly - but in those less elevated, and towards the North and South extremities of the Island, the Summer heats are too powerful for the propagation of trees that are indigenous to the colder climates.
I have been lately informed by Doctor Roxburgh, that all attempts to raise the Oak in the vicinity of Calcutta have failed. Here it is seen covered with beautiful foliage for about nine months in the year - and its Girt attains a considerable size - yet the main stems seldom rise above 8 or 10 feet: whereas the Pineaster, when sheltered under the leeward sides of the hills, against the prevailing South East wind, grows straight and beautiful - and arrives at the height of 50 to 60 feet in the space of Twentyfour years.
The following are the Dimensions of a Pineaster Tree (transplanted from a Seed Bed that was sown on the 1st July 1787) which grows upon the leeward side of a hill about 300 yards west from Plantation House. - It is therefore well sheltered against the Trade Wind -and having been drawn up perfectly erect and straight by the surrounding Oaks, it is fit for a small Mast of 35 or 40 feet in length:
Lower Girt