ince, that not only here, but in other places, where
such trees are found in the like circumstances, that it has been the
work and effects of vast armies of the Romans, when finding they could
not with all their force subdue the barbarous inhabitants, by reason of
their continual issuing out of those intricate fortresses and
impediments, they caused whole forests to be cut down by their legions
and soldiers, whom they never suffer'd to remain idle during their
Winter quarters, but were continually exercis'd in such publick and
useful works, as required multitude of hands; by which discipline they
became hardy, active, and less at leisure to mutiny or corrupt one
another: I do not affirm that this answers all submerg'd trees, but of
very many imputed to other causes.

But we shall enquire farther concerning these subterranean productions
anon, and whether the earth, as well as the water, have not the virtue
of strange transmutations: These trees are found in moors, by poking
with staves of three or four foot length, shod with iron.

13. In Scotland many submerged oaks are found near the river Neffe; and
(as we noted) there is a most beautiful sort of fir, or rather pine,
bearing small sharp cones, (some think it the Spanish _pinaster_)
growing upon the mountains; of which, from the late Marquess of Argyle,
I had sent me some seeds, which I have sown with tolerable success; and
I prefer them before any other, because they grow both very erect, and
fixing themselves stoutly, need little, or no support. Near Loughbrun,
'twixt the Lough, and an hill, they grow in such quantity, that from the
spontaneous fall, ruin and decay of the trees lying cross one another to
a man's height, partly covered with mosse, and partly earth, and grass
(which rots, fills up, and grows again) a considerable hill has in
process of time been raised to almost their very tops, which being an
accident of singular remark, I thought fit to mention. Both fir and
pine (sociable trees) planted pretty near together (shread and clipt at
proper seasons) make stately, noble, and very beautiful skreens and
fences to protect orange, myrtile and other curious greens, from the
scorching of the sun, and ruffling winds, preferrable to walls: See how
to be planted and cultivated with the dimensions of a skreen, in the
rules for the defence of gardens, annext to _de la Quintin_, num. xv. by
Mr. London, and Mr. Wise. In the mean time, none of these sorts are to
be mi