Zebulon Pratt of Bridgewater, purchased twenty-five acres of wornout land in North Middleborough for $25 per acre, and in the spring of 1863 had it set to white pines, at an expense of about $200. The plants were from six to eighteen inches high and were set in rows ten feet apart each way. In December, 1883, they were from twelve to sixteen inches in diameter and in a thrifty condition, and Mr. Pratt has been awarded premiums by the Plymouth County Agricultural Society for the best plantation of pines. The lot is now taxed for $800, which is based on a two thirds valuation, and, as towns are inclined to favor such experiments, it is fair to presume that this is not too high a valuation, and that the cash value of the lot is $1200. The cost of the land ($225), setting the trees ($195) and taxes for twenty years, aggregate 5540, which, in twenty years, at compound interest at five per cent., amounts to #1431, or $231 more than its supposed value. But Mr. Pratt says he did not embark in this enterprise for profit, but to benefit the inhabitants of the village, and that he might be remembered pleasantly by those coming after him.

Had he planted with a sole view to profit he would have put the trees 10 feet by 6 instead of 10 by 10, thus having 726 trees to the acre, instead of 425. It is pretty generally conceded that pines 6 feet by 10 will make a growth of more value than at a greater distance apart.

At 10 feet by 10, there is a greater growth of branches, which are of little value, and less growth of body than when planted nearer. Now, if 425 trees to the acre brings the value of the lot up to $1200, 726 trees to the acre would be worth the round sum of $2000, which is $272 more than the whole outlay would have amounted to at six per cent, compound interest for twenty years. This plantation, Mr. Slade reported from personal observation, covers a sterile ridge of sand and gravelly loam. What surprised him most was the number and extent of the branches; beginning near the ground, each tree seemed to vie with its neighbor in throwing them out horizontally in every direction, from five to fifteen feet in length, interlocking so as to form in many places an absolutely impenetrable jungle. The conviction was irresistible that had the trees been properly trimmed from time to time (and the wood would have paid the expense), the present value would have been at least one-third more. There were said to be 10,775 trees, and could the whole growth have been thrown into the trunks, they would at a moderate estimate have been worth 25 cents each, or a total of $2694, exclusive of the land.

J. D. G. Williams of Raynham, set a piece of pine in 1850, the value of the land being $10 per acre and the cost of setting $5 per acre, and after twenty-five years' growth the standing wood was sold for $150 per acre, affording a very large profit, and leaving the land in good condition to set again. Mr. Williams also set a piece of pine in 1841 on land of the same value, the cost of setting being $6 per acre. This is, perhaps, one of the earliest experiments of the kind ever made in Bristol county. The trees apparently came to maturity in 1876, having made no perceptible growth since that time. They were set in rows, from six to nine feet apart and from four to six feet in the rows. The lot has an eastern exposure and the trees on the eastern side were evidently set for a wind break, being not more than four feet apart. They are large, with many strong angular branches, resembling in shape an oak as much as a pine, and contain as much timber as those less exposed, but it is not so valuable. In 1876 an experienced lumberman estimated this wood at seventy-five cords to the acre, two-thirds being suitable for box boards, worth at the mill, three miles distant, six dollars per cord.

No arithmetic is required to show this to have been a profitable investment.

The late Richard Sampson, of Middleborough, set pine trees on a piece of land too poor to cultivate, which are now thirty-one years old, and estimated to be worth $150 per acre, and would probably bring a much higher figure. This piece contains about ten acres, and is remarkably thrifty, and its growth during the next ten years will greatly increase its value.

The above instances of rapid growth and profitable results are not exceptional, but are selected because their history could be given more in detail than others. Plantations of pines from five to thirty years old may be found in Norton, Mansfield, Taunton, Raynham, Easton, Randolph, Middleborough and the Bridgewaters, all giving promise of remunerative results.

[We take this from an excellent paper on Forestry in New England, read before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. - Ed. G. M].