and proper management, trees might be again raised, which may prove beneficial not only to the planter, but, if executed on a great scale, to the kingdom at large; and having waste land adjoining to the forest, of the same quality, I determined, in the summer of the year 1795, to try the experiment. Accordingly, for that purpose, I enclosed one hundred and thirty-three acres of land in two lots, and surrounded them with posts ́and double-railing. I engaged Messrs. Dickson and Sons, nurserymen, to plant the same with forest-trees; which they completed the winter following, very much to my satisfaction, agreeably to the Certificate sent herewith, to which I beg leave to refer. It may be proper to add, that the plantation was surrounded with a ditch and copse, and the latter planted, below the railing, with white thorns. To make the guard still more effectual, about four feet from the railing, within the inclosures, I directed a line of French gorse to be sowed in a drill; and having built a lodge upon the premises for one of my labourers, I ordered him to devote his whole time and attention to preserve the fences, and protect the trees from injury by sheep, or otherwise. This, I have the pleasure to say, he has diligently performed; and there is every appearance of the plantation succeeding according to my wishes. From the very thin layer of vegetable soil, Messrs. Dickson's were of opinion that it would be best not to plough the land; but after burning the heath, at the close of the summer, to plant the trees that were small near the surface, expecting they would flourish more than if planted in the sand. This, however, proved not to be the case; for the matted roots of the heath were the first year detrimental to the young plants; whereas those which were planted on sand beds, from which the gravel had been been screened, took root immediately, and are easily perceived from the rest of the plantation. If this experimental proof of success in planting timber-trees on very barren soils, should be an inducement to the public, or individuals, to pursue the same upon a large scale, it will give me very particular pleasure, and, I trust, be of great national advantage. I am, SIR, Your most obedient servant, NICHOLAS ASHTON. N. B. I beg leave to add, that the flourishing state of my plantations has induced other gentlemen, in the county of Chester, to plant upon similar soils. Woolton-Hall, October 13, 1800. TH HIS is to certify that Archibald Dickson and Sons, nurserymen, of Hassendeanburn, near Haurick, Roxburgshire, Scotland, by directions from Nicholas Ashton, Esq. planted, during the months of November and December, 1795, four hundred and eighty-seven thousand and forty forest-trees, viz. And the said trees were planted upon one hundred and thirty-three acres of Waste Land, in the township of Weaverham, and adjoining to the Forest of Delamere, in the county of Chester.And I ARCHIBALD DICKSON do further certify, that I have this day, together with the Rev. John WILLAN, of Weaverham, and Mr. GEORGE OKELL, steward for Nicholas Ashton, Esq. visited and carefully examined the said plantation, and find the trees in a promising and flourishing condition; and to the best of our judgment we conceive, that not more than one twelfth part of the whole has perished. ARCHIBALD DICKSON. JAMES WILLAN. The |