[10].
We have often preferred the terms kind, breed, family,
individual, to genus, species, variety, subvariety, as the former
seem less definite. Were nature true to the latter classification as
employed by botanists, it would be convenient.
[11].
In those we observed, we considered this last
circumstance had a considerable share as a predisposing cause
of the attack of the worm. Forests of Pinus sylvestris are
sometimes destroyed by insects under the bark, in cases where
it is difficult to decide whether external circumstances,
such as a dry warm season, has been promotive of the increase
of the insect itself, or has induced some disorder in the
plant, rendering the juices more suitable aliment to the
worm.
[12].
Some nautical or technical terms have
unavoidably crept into this work; we shall not presume to
think any explanation necessary: Britannia would blush
jusqu’au blanc des yeux, to the tips of the fingers and
toes, did she think it were doubted that any of her sons, not
doomed to unceasing mechanical labour, were unacquainted with
these.
[13].
It is termed by our professors Salix fragilis,
or Crack Willow, from the small branches breaking easily at
the junction of the annual growth—or, perhaps, Crack Willow,
from the branches breaking with considerable report; or from
the wood, while burning, frequently detonating or crackling,
from the expansion of some aërial fluid within the fibres.
Though named by their sapience fragilis, it is not weaker
than other large growing willows, but stronger and denser;
and, being harder in the small branches, they do not bend,
but break when their bark and alburnum is driest, in winter.
The timber is superior to that of Salix alba, or of any
other large growing willow we are acquainted with, and is
sufficiently pliant and tough.
[14].
Red Canadian pine is generally termed Pinus
resinosa; but as it is not so resinous as several other
kinds, we consider Pinus rubra (rubra from the colour
of stem and also of timber), which is sometimes used, more
suitable. The pitch pine of the American United States should
be Pinus resinosa.
[15].
We think that in mankind the variations of the children of
the same parents do not soften entirely—there would seem to be
certain types or nuclei both of appearance and temperament
around which external and
internal character vibrates.
[16].
The Canadian red pine resembles P. sylvestris or
Norway pine so much, that it is usually styled Norway pine
by the settlers: Though different, it is so nearly allied to
P. sylvestris, that we consider the number of sap-growths
may be referred to the climate and soil, and not to the
kind,—that is, that, were it grown in Britain, if it did not
at first, it would in the course of time come to have fewer
sap-growths.
[17].
Our common larch, like almost every other kind
of tree, consists of numberless varieties, which differ
considerably in quickness of growth, ultimate size, and value
of timber. This subject has been much neglected. We are,
however, on the eve of great improvements in arboriculture;
the qualities and habits of varieties are just beginning to
be studied. It is also found that the uniformity in each kind
of wild growing plants called species, may be broken down
by art or culture, and that when once a breach is made, there
is almost no limit to disorder; the mele that ensues being
nearly incapable of reduction.
[18].
There is yet no sufficient data for the term
alpine plant, but with reference to latitude. The influence
on vegetables, arising from rarefaction and diminution of
pressure of atmosphere, from difference of stimulus of
solar ray—when the entire ray of light, heat, and chemical
power, though less intense, is radiated fresh, and not much
broken or modified by refraction and reflection, and heat
communicated more in proportion by radiation than by contact
of heated air; or from difference of electric or galvanic or
other meteoric impression connected with altitude or ranges
of mountains, or with primary rocks or more upright strata,
has not been made the subject of research, at least has not
been sufficiently investigated by any naturalist.
[19].
When water is stationary, either in the pores
of the soil or by itself, if the temperature be not very
low, a slight putrefaction generally commences, aided by the
dead vegetable or animal matter contained in the soil or the
water; and it is only the more robust aquatic vegetables
whose juices are not corrupted, from their roots being
soaked in this tainted fluid. It would appear, too, that the
aqueous part of the atmosphere is also susceptible of the
same putrid changes, although in general the putrescency may
have commenced before the evaporation. This condition of
the aqueous part of the atmosphere is a disposing cause to
blight or mildew in vegetables, and remittent, intermittent,
and putrid fevers in man. Mill-ponds are notorious both for
mildew and agues.
[20].
We have had no experience of larch, excepting
very young, growing on chalk and its affinities. We are told
there are a few instances where larch has reached 50 years in
these calcareous soils, some distance south of London. This
merits attention.
[21].
“Oh! the bonny blooming heather.”—“Man has
spoken evil things of the sun, of love, and of life.”
[22].
As we held this plan of forming larch knees,
and of bending larch, of considerable importance, we some
time ago presented it in manuscript, along with some other
matter, to the Highland Society of Scotland. Tiring, however,
of the delay of examination, perhaps unavoidable in their
official departments, and from some improvements occurring to
us during the delay, we requested it back. We now present it
under this more convenient form to the Society, and hope they
will find the examination or perusal of it printed, not quite
so impracticable as when in manuscript. It will afford us
pleasure to know that this useful Society approves, and that
the members who have opportunity are setting about following
our directions. We especially recommend to them to probe the
roots of their growing larch, and to lay bare those fitted
for knees.
[23].
The landlord agriculturist is sufficiently
aware of the influence of the baring the upper part of the
root of turnip, while the plant is young, in extending the
future growth of the bulb, and that a dry situation gives
most root in proportion to stem. These are general laws in
vegetation. There are few observers who have not remarked the
very large size which roots have attained when the trees have
originally been planted on dikes, and the dike earth removed,
leaving the roots bare. Should any person examine the very
great difference of thickness between the upper and lower
part, from the heart of a root near the bulb, he will at once
discover the influence of exposure to the air and freeness
from pressure in promoting the swelling.
[24].
As you ascend the tree the
timber deteriorates greatly.