The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1829-05-20

DECAY OF TREES. An opinion has been ad-
vanced, that the general decay of the Lombardy
poplar in this country was owing to the circum-
stance of its being cultivated from cuttings, and
not from the seed; the principle being assum-
ed, that tree, so raised, will not long survive
the natural life of the parent stock. The same
principle is applied to grated trees To this
theory, and of course to the consequence deriv-
ed from it, we, on another occasion, expressed
our dissent. We have seen no reason to alter
our opinion. Still, as it is a controverted point,
and one which may, ere long, be of Importance
TO cultvators of fruit, and of ornamental trees,
lie to the subject, in order to draw forth such
facts as may have fallen within the observation
of any one, having bearing upon it.
The Lombardy poplar was introduced into
the middle States, many years before it was in
this vicinity, and we very well recollect, as
much as fifteen or twenty years since, while
they were yet in full vigor and luxuriance here,
of hearing man from New Jersey give an ac-
count oftheir decay in some parts of that State,
which exactly correspondent with the appear
ance which the trees now present in this vicin-
ity. If the principle assumed be correct, should
not the decay have been simultaneous, or near
ly 500 Another fact, which may have some
bearing upon the subject, is, that the Balm OF
Gilead, which belongs to the same genus with
the poplar, is very generally decaying in the
same manner that that tree does The native
poplar, also, in many places, presents similar
appearance.
1t has been said, we think by the editor of
the Massachusetts Journal, that no instance can
be found, where the poplar has grown from cut
tings, for several years past. Is it true that
attempts have been made to cultivate it in that
way, which have failed Or, has the tree fallen
into such disrepute that no attempt has been
made to propagate it IF any of our readers
can furnish us with any facts to this point, they
will be gladly received and laid before the pub
lie. We have number of cuttings, from
very old and deeayed tree, which now look
healthy and vigorous. How long they will
continue SO, remains to be ascertained
We publish, to-day, the substance of war.
rant for town meeting to be holden on the
9th of next month, believing the subjects to be
acted upon of more Importance, than might on
first thought be supposed On the decision of
the third article, in our opinion, will depend
the question whether the old burying ground
lin which no interments have been made for
several years. shall remain, or, in a few years.
the monuments and bones be removed. If the
common should be inclosed, individuals will
plant grove on the burying ground, and orna-
ment it in such manner that there would be
no probability of its being disturbed for ages to
come. But, if it should be suffered to remain
as it is, ten years will not pass over, before the
town will vote for its removal A verv con-
siderable number of the present Inhabitants
have no relatives buried there, and would rath-
er have it removed than to remain, thus, in the
midst of populous and busy village. The
number of these is rapidly increasing by emf
grafton, and will very soon outnumber the ma
tive inhabitants of the town.
The CANAL is again in a navigable state, and
several boats have arrived we'll laden with
goods. Advantage has been taken of the stop
page at the Blackstone lock, to make such re-
pairs as were necessary at other places on the
route, so that we hope the navigation will not
be again interrupted the present season.