7. SYLVA _ 1664

Keynes 40-46

Source: an original copy of the first edition (Keynes 40) in the present editor's possession. Formerly the property of one Abel Ragg in 1724, and afterwards Harvey Ralph Goring Clarke, Harry Lawrence Bradfer-Lawrence, and George Goyder.

Timber and the Royal Society

In 1662 the Commissioners of the Navy addressed a series of inquiries about the management of woodland to the Royal Society. The former importance of timber is easy to forget. In the seventeenth century it was the single most important natural resource after food, as it had been for centuries. As fuel and as a building material it was depended on by all sections of the community.

More importantly the nation's defence relied on the availability of timber. A third rate, 74-gun, ship of the line could take up to 3800 trees which meant about 75 acres of woodland. Dockyards like Chatham and Deptford were vast ship-building factories which consumed wood. The timber, mostly oak, had to be seasoned and stored before it could be used. As the necessary trees took the best part of a century to replace sensible forestry management was essential. Felling more than was being grown was potentially disastrous. Unfortunately during the Interregnum the destruction of landed estates, royal forests and other woodland in search of quick profits had created a potential crisis for the restored monarchy. With intense commercial rivalry on the high seas from the Dutch it was essential to rebuild timber stocks.

On 17 September 1662 Sir Robert Moray, member and sometime president presented the inquiries to the Royal Society. Evelyn was one of the authorities to whom they were referred. The others were Dr Jonathan Goddard, John Winthrop and Christopher Merret, all mentioned in Sylva. Evelyn's job was to synthesize all the findings and present them which he did on 15 October 1662:

I this day delivered my Discourse concerning Forest-trees to our Society upon occasion of certain Queries sent us by the Commissioners of his Majesties Navy: being the first Booke that was Printed by Order of the Society, & their Printer, since it was a Corporation:

The publication of Sylva

Evelyn spent the year or so preparing the text for submission to the printers. The order for printing was given by the Council of the Society on 18 March 1663. His own dedication to the King is dated 29 May 1663 but it was not until 2 November that the printers to the Society, John Martyn and James Allestry, had been appointed. As late as December the text of Sylva and the other material which had now been appended, including Pomona and Kalendarium Hortense went back to the Council for approval. On 3 February 1664 William Brouncker, president of the Royal Society, gave the go-ahead for printing to commence and on 10 February Evelyn noted in his Diary 'To Lond: my Sylva being now in the presse.' This was probably the day on which he drew up the Errata sheet for the end of the book.

On 16 February Evelyn presented the book to the Royal Society. He probably handed out signed presentation copies to his friends either now or in the few days following. On the 17th he noted that he gave copies to the King, Clarendon (Lord Chancellor) and Southampton (Lord High Treasurer). Several have survived, for example those given to Sir Edmund Bowyer and the family doctor Jasper Needham.

As a book Sylva is remarkably well-documented from start to finish. This makes it unusual and adds to its intrinsic interest. Rather more than a thousand copies were produced and many of these survive. It is not exceptionally rare though it commands a high price, particularly where a presentation copy signed by the author is concerned.

The book as published was folio sized and consisted of Sylva proper, followed by Pomona, or an Appendix concerning Fruit-Trees, in relation to Cider, the Making and several ways of Ordering it, to which several discourses on cider by other authorities were appended, and Kalendarium Hortense. Pomona never appeared on its own but was invariably included in later editions of Sylva. The Kalendarium however had an independent value and it eventually appeared in a variety of independent editions, as well as with Sylva.

The writing of Sylva and Evelyn's reputation

To his descendants Evelyn was known simply as 'Sylva', so much was his reputation based on the book. For its author Sylva represented the focus of his emotional interest in the natural world. He saw himself as 'wood-born' amongst the trees of Surrey which surrounded the family estate at Wotton. At his own Sayes Court laying out the gardens with its avenues of trees was one of his earliest activities as a young landowner. They became a noted sight of the road to Kent.

The book was considered a great success. Ten days after publication Evelyn recorded proudly in his diary that he had, at Court, 'greate thanks from him [Charles II]' for the book. The King thanked him again on 28 October, being impressed by the book's usefulness and quality of design and printing. Within five years a second edition was felt to be necessary and on 8 December 1669 Evelyn presented this to the Royal Society. Somewhat more lavish the book was now taking on the appearance of a substantial treatise rather than that of an extended tract. Engravings were added and general embellishments to the text such as a poem in Greek by the author's son, and dedicated to his father, virtually doubled its length. The works appended to the first edition remained.

Evelyn confidently claimed in the dedication to the King that the first edition had already been responsible for the planting of millions of new trees. Even if this was an exaggeration it was certainly widely felt in court and influential circles that Evelyn had played a great part in the restoration of forest management. A few weeks later Margaret Cavendish, Duchess of Newcastle, wrote to Evelyn:

Welbeck, February 1670

Honourable Sir,

I have by your bounty received a book, named a Discourse of Forest Trees: you have planted a forest full of delight and profit, and though it is large through number and variety, yet you have enclosed it with elegancy and eloquence, all which proves you more proper to be the head than a member of the Royal Society. The truth is, you are a person of singular virtues, for which all ought, as I do, admire you; and am your humble servant.

Within a decade a third edition was called for and this appeared in 1679. The new version added Evelyn's son's translation of the poem Nemus by Rapinus, Cowley's The Garden and Evelyn's book about soil, A Discourse of Earth, now re-titled Terra, a Philosophical Essay of Earth, being a Lecture in Course. It had appeared on its own in 1676 and though a logical addition its insertion has the effect of making the book look ponderous and padded. The overall title Sylva was becoming a convenient catch-all for an anthology of Evelyn's writings concerned with cultivation. In this respect it was acting as a substitute for his Elysium Britannicum, his magnum opus on gardening which remained unpublished at his death.

An interesting and appropriate example of a dedication copy of this edition has survived. Philip Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Chesterfield, one of E's oldest friends, was created Lord Justice of Eyre (the court circuit) in royal forests south of the Trent from 1679-85. Evelyn gave him a copy of the 1679 edition of Sylva bearing the inscription 'For the Rigt: Honble The Earle of Chesterfield Lord Justice of Eire & of all his Maties Woods & Forests in ye Kingdome of England: from his most humble Servant JEvelyn.'

After another ten years had passed Evelyn believed that the book needed to be made available again. He wrote to his friend Anne Spencer, Countess of Sunderland on 4 August 1690 about his literary activities, including:

My Sylva, which book, infinitely beyond my expectation, is now also calling for a fourth impression, and has been the occasion of propagating many millions of useful timber-trees throughout this nation, as I may justify (without immodesty) from the many letters of acknowledgement received from gentlemen of the first quality, and others altogether strangers to me. His late Majesty Charles the Second, was sometimes graciously pleased to take notice of it to me, and that I had by that book alone incited a world of planters to repair their broken estates and woods, which the greedy rebels had wasted and made such havoc of ...

It is not certain what Evelyn's evidence was for this remarkable achievement but despite the demand the fourth edition did not appear until 1706. By 1690 Evelyn was seventy years old and in his closing years he seems to have found it hard to finish off his plans. He was engaged in the production of Numismata, a book on coins and medals which was not only a new departure for him but a complicated work to prepare because of its numerous engravings. His correspondence from this period also shows that he was having financial problems due to taxes, debts, and the cost of his daughter Susanna's wedding. In early 1697 the projected fourth edition was still some way off. He wrote to Richard Bentley on 20 January 1697 to say that William Wotton had offered his assistance with correcting the text from the third edition. Evelyn says that the printers were anxious for the new text and that he had 'promised some considerable improvements to it.' It is interesting that Evelyn makes a specific point about 'looking over the typographical and other faults escaped in the last impression' in view of the observations made above about some remarkable errors identified in the first edition.

Evelyn also became distracted by the need to administer the estate at Wotton after his brother's death in 1699 and was concerned with the education of his grandson who remained the only male heir of the Wotton branch of the family. References to a hurricane which took place on 26 November 1703 show that Evelyn was still working on the text in the last years of his life.

The 1706 edition, with the title spelling now changed to Silva, contained a new section called Dendrologia. This went beyond the information about tree-planting and rearing contained in the earlier editions to explore in detail the spiritual, philosophical, and social role played by trees in human society. The basic idea had already been explored in previous editions - some material and quotations, for example, appear in the first edition's 'To the Reader'.

Evelyn died in February 1706. The new Silva appeared later that year followed in 1707 by a second edition of his translation of Fréart's A Parallel of the Antient Architecture appeared. Dates on Evelyn's appended paper An Account of Architects and Architecture show that this had been revised by 1697. It is certain that either Evelyn's wife or grandson, John, later Sir John, Evelyn saw the new editions through the press.

The fourth edition was not greatly larger than the third but it contained Acetaria, a component of the unpublished Elysium along with that work's draft contents sheet. Moreover it featured a beautiful engraving of the author, taken from a drawing made in Paris in 1651 by Robert Nanteuil. The result is a handsome and imposing book but like the third and second the economy and practicality of the original has been absorbed into a substantial and overwhelming anthology.

In 1729 a fifth edition was issued. It was the same as the fourth but was reset and repaginated, and lacks one of the internal illustrations and the engraving of Evelyn. It was the last of the series written and revised by Evelyn alone. Nevertheless the book's reputation was so well-established as a 'standard' that it was considered worthy of subsequent revision and re-issue. Alexander Hunter, a doctor of medicine but with wide-ranging interests and a fellow of the Royal Society, revised the text, added his own interpolations and notes and produced a book which went to several further editions (1776, 1786, 1801, 1812, and 1825). They included a remarkably inaccurate engraving of Evelyn by Francesco Bartolozzi taken from the 1689 portrait by Sir Godfrey Kneller. These later editions were embellished with illustrative plates. Hunter, however, was in awe of his author's venerable reputation and made no serious attempt to trace, correct, or elaborate Evelyn's innumerable references. Nevertheless he was forced to concede rather dramatically that 'of all the books in the English language, there are, perhaps none so incorrect as the last two editions of the Silva [1706, 1729]' but stated that he had 'in all places preserved the author's own words, excepting where the sense was obscured by an impropriety of expression.'

In the end the final editions of Silva had moved a long way from the original. By 1825 though the book had finally outlived its usefulness, at least from a publisher's point of view, and it did not appear again until facsimiles were issued in recent times. In the Miscellaneous Writings (which did not include Sylva) William Upcott observed 'It was a work of love ... It is a storehouse of curious facts and anecdotes relating to trees; and though the reader may sometimes smile at the amusing superstition of the writer, he will more frequently have occasion to admire his fervent strain of piety.' Despite this praise, and the frequent mention of Sylva in any reference to Evelyn no modern, annotated, edition has ever appeared.

The structure of the 1664 edition

Evelyn was a perfect choice as someone commissioned to produce a synthesis of answers to the Navy Commissioners' inquiries. His strengths lay in his enthusiasm and industry, and his love of books and writing. Evelyn loved assembling books. The process of writing notes, and drafting contents and text gave him great pleasure. His papers are filled with loose sheets planning sections of text, and with unpublished texts of other works. His fondness for annotation and alteration make it something of a miracle that anything was ever published at all.

Sylva was commissioned with a tone of urgency. Its purpose was clear: to draw together as much pertinent information about cultivating trees as quickly as possible. With such a clear brief and with Evelyn constrained by the circumstances both of the book's inception and the duty to synthesize the material researched by others the book is simply, but competently, structured. The product was a reliable and comparatively taut handbook, one of the earliest serious reference books cast in a mould which set the standard for later books on a variety of subjects. Although Upcott accused its author of being prone to occasional superstition this is, in fact, very rare. Instead the text generally concentrates on the hard practicalities of the problem. It is a measure of its competence that it remains of use today.

After the usual dedicatory preambles Evelyn outlines the problems faced by a lack of managed timber and the importance of rectifying this. He then moves to discussing individual trees, chapter by chapter, starting with the most important, the oak. In each case he outlines the use of the wood, its problems and how to cultivate the species. After these specific sections he moves on to discuss more general problems like pruning, when to fell, and how to season. The book closes with a review of past legislation and his recommendations for the future.

To a modern reader the book is, at first sight, archaic, obscure, and intimidating. This is largely because of Evelyn's use of terms which are now obsolete and his habit of continually reinforcing his points by including passages from Latin or Greek authors, or making oblique references to mythological events. This is a characteristic of all Evelyn's writings but in Sylva his extraordinary (to our eyes) familiarity with classical texts can sometimes appear overwhelming. To an educated contemporary reader none of this would have presented problems. His language would not have appeared especially obscure to people with a similar background to his own, and it was these people he aimed the book at: educated, wealthy landed men. In particular the use of classical quotations or references was a kind of lingua franca at the time. It was a stylistic convention in which a point could be made or described. The references served as adjectives or qualifications. The reader would ideally be as familiar with classical authors as the writer. Simply referring to an incident in Ovid's Metamorphoses would be enough and no further elaboration required. Generally, and fortunately for us, Evelyn normally makes his point in greater detail. However this can make him appear long-winded and the classical reference superfluous.

The important point is that when these obsolete terms are provided with modern meanings, and references expanded or translated, the book ceases to be cryptic and becomes once more what it was intended to be, and was: a reasonably coherent and straightforward reference book. Having said that Evelyn evidently discovered that the market for the book went way beyond 'Gentlemen, and Persons of Quality.' Finding that 'ordinary Rustics, (meer Foresters and Wood-men)' thought the book of use he was obliged in later editions to supply a glossary of terms so that there would be no 'prejudice to the meaner Capacities.' Many of the Latin and Greek quotations were replaced with Evelyn's English verse translations and the original text confined to notes.

It is a matter of some interest that many of the quotations or references given have turned out to be different from modern editions in some way. This is discussed in more detail in 'Notes about the Texts' (above, pages 25-30). The points made there apply to all of Evelyn's writings in some way but it is in Sylva that we can see his pattern of research most closely. Perhaps the most intriguing are the errors on pages 219 and 287.

Whatever the reasons were for the errors the quotations illustrate one method of book assembly in the seventeenth century, based on a well-established pattern seen in the works of other authors such as the Essays of Montaigne. Sylva is essentially an anthology of associated classical quotations concerning wood and trees in general, connected by Evelyn's prose with all its baggage of anecdotes, advice, and digressions. The quotations were utilised as considered appropriate whether they originated in myth in verse form, or in practical information contained in a treatise. In the latter case it is Pliny the Elder's Book XVI of his Natural History which is Evelyn's model for Sylva. Like Pliny Evelyn was happy to use any apparently relevant information and one can imagine Sylva being written from notes made as Pliny made his. Pliny the Elder apparently got up during the night to read and make notes. During the day he had books read to him while he made notes, and even had books read during meals and baths. His nephew expressed amazement that the older man's public duties, which ought to have presented insurmountable obstacles to anyone intent on studying, appeared to have made no difference. The parallel with Evelyn is noticeable: the 1660s were his most prolific phase of writing but also his busiest with respect to public duties. Moreover a characteristic of Pliny the Elder's writings is his frequently uncritical accumulation of material, a habit shared by Evelyn. Sylva undoubtedly resembles the Natural History in this respect where Evelyn shows his partiality for cataloguing information, almost regardless of its source.

The Text

The first edition, published in 1664, is transcribed here in full apart from Pomona, an appendix on fruit-trees. The text has been set in a manner which emulates the original but the use of italicisation for emphasis has been discarded. Paragraphing is the original. Evelyn numbered most of his paragraphs within chapters which makes cross-referencing easy. These have been reproduced here exactly as the original even in the cases where the consecutive numbering occasionally omits one number, in order to avoid confusion when comparing the text with an original edition. Evelyn's own errata notes, albeit limited, have been incorporated.

Meanings for terms which are either obsolete or unlikely to be readily familiar to a modern reader are, unlike the other works in this selection, listed only in the accompanying glossary. This is because many of the terms appear on numerous occasions due to Sylva's length.

Where translations of the classical quotations are given in the notes these are, almost without exception Evelyn's own, and have been taken from the 4th edition of 1706 where they replaced the Latin and Greek in the text.

S Y L V A,

Or A DISCOURSE Of

FOREST-TREES,

AND THE

Propagation of Timber

In His MAJESTIES Dominions, &c.

By J.E. Esq;

As it was Deliver'd in the ROYAL SOCIETY the xvth of

October, MDCLXII. upon Occasion of certain Quæries

Propounded to that Illustrious Assembly, by the Honorable the Principal

Officers, and Commissioners of the Navy.

To which is annexed

POMONA; Or, An Appendix concerning Fruit-Trees in relation to CIDER;

The Making and several ways of Ordering it.

Published by express Order of the ROYAL SOCIETY.

ALSO

KALENDARIUM HORTENSE; Or, Gard'ners Almanac;

Directing what he is to do Monethly throughout the Year

_________Tibi res antiquæ laudis & artis

Ingredior, tantos ausus recludere fonteis

. Virg. Georg. II.175

LONDON, Printed by Jo. Martyn, and Ja. Allestry, Printers to the Royal

Society

, and are to be sold at the Shop at the Bell in S. Paul's Church-yard,

M D C L X I V.

TO THE

KINGS Most Sacred MAJESTY

Charles the Second.

For To whom, Sir, with more equal right ought I to Present this Publique Fruit of your ROYAL SOCIETY, then to its Royal FOUNDER? and this Discourse of Trees, then to your Sacred Majesty, tanquam NEMORUM VINDICI? As of old they pay'd their Devotions HERCULI & SYLVANO; since You are our _o _òs, Nemorensis Rex, as having once your Temple, and Court too under that Holy-Oak which you Consecrated with your Presence, and We celebrate with just Acknowledgement to God for your Preservation.

But your Majesty has yet another Title to this Work, and to all it pretends to; as having (like another Cyrus) by your own Royal Example, exceeded all your Predecessors in the Plantations which you have already made, and now design, beyond (I dare affirm it) all the Monarchs of this Nation since the Conquest of it. And indeed, what is there more August, more worthy of your Majesty, or more becoming our Imitation? then whilst you are thus solicitous for our Instruction, we pursue your Majesties great Example with that Veneration which is due to it? and by cultivating our decaying Woods, contribute to your Power, as to our greatest Wealth and Safety; since, whiles your Majesty is furnish'd to send forth those Argos, and Trojan Horses, about this your Island, we are to fear nothing from without it; and whilest We remain obedient to your Commands and great Example, nothing from within it; For, as no Jewel in your Majesties resplendent Crown can render you so much Lustre and Glory as your regards to Navigation; so, nor can any thing impeach your Navigation, and the Reputation of That, while you continue thus careful of your Woods and Forests. I shall add no more Sir to This, then to supplicate your Majesties gracious Acceptance of my Obedience to the Commands of your SOCIETY, who impos'd this Province on,

SIR,

Your Majesties ever Loyal,

Sayes-Court most Obedient, and Faithful

May 29. Subject, and Servant

1663.

J. EVELYN.

By the Council of the ROYAL SOCI-

ETY of London for Improving of

Natural Knowledge.

Ordered, That the Book, written by John Evelyn Esq;

Fellow of this Society, Entituled

SYLVA; Or a Discourse of Forest-Trees, and the

Propagation of Timber in his Majesties Dominions: To

which is annexed POMONA; Or an Appendix concern-

ing Fruit-Trees in relation to Cider, the Making and se-

veral ways of Ordering it, be printed by John Martyn

and James Allestry, Printers to the said Society.

Dat' die 30 Mens. BROUNCKER, P.R.S.

Febr. Anno

1 6 6 3/4.

Amico charissimo Johanni Evelyno Armigero,

è Societate Regali Londini. J. Beale, S.P.D.

In Sylvam.

Fare age quid causæ est quod tu Sylvestria pangis,

Inter Sylvanos, capripedésque Deos?

Inter Hamadryadas lætus, Dryadásque pudicas,

Cum tua Cyrrhæeis sit Chelys apta modis!

Scilicet hoc cecinit numerosus Horatius olim,

Scriptorum Sylvam quòd Chorus Omnis amat.

Est locus ille Sacer Musis, & Apolline dignus,

Primus dedit Summo Templa Sacranda Jovi.

Hinc quoque nunc Pontem Pontus non respuit ingens,

Stringitur Oceanus, corripitùrque Salum.

Hinc novus Hesperiis emersit mundus in oris, Gen.I.c.2.

Effuditque auri flumina larga probi.

Hinc exundavit distento Copia cornu,

Qualem & Amalthææ non habuere sinus.

Sylva tibi curæ est, grata & Pomona refundit

Auriferum, roseum, purpureúmque nemus.

Illa famémque sitimque abigens expirat odores,

Quales nec Medus, nec tibi mittit Arabs.

Ambrosiam præbent modò cocta Cydonia, Tantum

Comprime, Nectareo poma liquore fluunt.

Progredere, O S_cli Cultor memorande futuri,

Felix Horticolam sic imitere Deum.

TO THE

R E A D E R

After what the Frontispiece and Porch of what this Wooden Edifice presents you, I shall need no farther to repeat the Occasion of this following Discourse: I am only to acquaint you, That as it was deliver'd to the ROYAL SOCIETY by an unworthy Member thereof, in obedience to their Commands, by the same it is now publish'd without any further Prospect. And the Reader is to know, That if these dry sticks afford him any Sap, it is one of the least and meanest of those Pieces which are every day produc'd by that Illustrious Assembly, and which enrich their Collections, as so many Monuments of their accurate Experiments, and Publique Endeavours, in order to the production of real and useful Theories, the Propagation of Natural Science, and the honour of their Institution. If to this there be any thing subjoyn'd here, which may a while bespeak the patience of the Reader, it is only for the Encouragement of an Industry, and worthy Labour, too much in our days neglected, as haply esteem'd a consideration of too sordid and vulgar a nature for Noble Persons and Gentlemen to busie themselves withal, and who oftner find ways to fell down and destroy their Trees and Plantations, then either to repair or improve them.

But what shall I then say of our late prodigious Spoilers, whose furious devastation of so many goodly Woods and Forests have left an infamy on their Names and Memories not quickly to be forgotten! I mean our unhappy Usurpers, and injurious Sequestrators; Not here to mention the deplorable necessities of a Gallant and Loyal Gentry, who for their Compositions were (many of them) compell'd to add yet to this Waste, by an inhumane and unparallel'd Tyranny over them, to preserve the poor remainder of their Fortunes, and to find them Bread.

Nor was it here they desisted, when, after the fate of that beautiful Grove under Green-wich Castle, the Royal Walk of Elms in St James's Park,

That living Gallery of aged Trees

(as our excellent Poet calls it) was once proposing to the late Council of State to be cut down and sold, that with the rest of His Majesties Houses already demolish'd, and mark'd out for destruction, His Trees might likewise undergo the same destine, and no footsteps of Monarchy remain unviolated. This is a Truth; which coming by chance to hear of, I so conjur'd a powerful Member of it (and one who was to strike a principal stroake in this barbarous Execution) that if my Authority did not rescue those Trees from the Ax, sure I am, my Arguments did abate the edge of it; nor do I ever pass under that Majestical shade but methinks I hear it salute me as once the Hamadryad did the good Rinaldo,

Ben caro giungi in queste chiostre amene.

Questa selva, che dianzi era si negra,

Vedi che tutto al tuo venir s'allegre,

E'n più leggiadre forme è revestita.

It is from hence you may calculate what were the Designs of those excellent Reformers, and the care these great States-men took for the preservation of their Countrey, when being Parties in the Booty themselves, they gave way to so dishonourable and impolitic a waste of that Material, which being left intire, or husbanded with discretion, had prov'd the best support and defence of it. But this (say they) was the effect of War, and in the heighth of our Contentions. No, it was a late and cold deliberation, and long after all had been subdu'd to them; nor could the most implacable of Enemies have expres'd a more barbarous Resolution.

We read of the great Xerxes, that passing Conquerour through Achaia, he would not suffer his Army to violate so much as a Tree of his Adversaries; it being observ'd by the Ancients, that the Gods did never permit him to escape unpunish'd who was injurious to Groves, tanquam sacros ex vetustate: What became of Agamemnons Host after his spoil of the Woods at Aulis? Histories tell us Cleomenes died mad; the Tamassaean Genius became proverbial; and the Mighty Caesar himself carried ('tis thought) the malediction of the incensed Gauls to his Funeral Pile, for the havock he committed at Massilia, when he fell'd down those goodly Oaks before the face of the suppliant Priests, and the cursing People:

__________ Quis enim læsos impune putaret

Esse Deos?

But lest this be charg'd with Superstition, because the Instances are heathen; It was a more noble and remarkable, as well as recent Example, when at the Siege of Breda, the late famous General Spinola commanded his Army not to violate a Tree of Wood belonging to the Prince of Orange there, though a reputed Traytor, and in open defiance with his Master. To be short, we read, That when Mithridates but deliberated about the cutting down of some stately Trees which grew neer Patara, a City of Lycia, though necessitated to it for the building of Warlike Engines with them, being terrified in a Vision, he desisted from his purpose. It were to be wished These, or the like Examples, might have wrought some Effects upon the sacrilegious Purchasers, and disloyal Invaders, in this Iron-age amongst us, who have lately made so prodigious a spoil of those goodly Forests, Woods, and Trees (to satisfie an impious and unworthy Avarice) which being once the Treasure and Ornament of this Nation, were doubtless reserv'd by our more prudent Ancestors for the repairs of our floating Castles, the safeguard and boast of this renouned Island, when Necessity, or some imminent Peril should threaten it, or call for their Assistance; and not to be devour'd by these Improvident Wretches, who, to their eternal Reproach, did (with the Royal Patrimony) swallow likewise Gods own Inheritance; but whose Sons and Nephews we have liv'd to see as hastily disgorge them again; and with it all the rest of their Purchases, which otherwise they might securely have enjoy'd: But this in terrorem only, and for caution to Posterity; whiles I leave the Guilty to their proper Scorpions, and to their Erisichthonian fate, or that of the inexorable Paræbius,

Prosternit Quercum funestam quam sibi Nympha

Pignoribusque suis fecit

_______

the vengeance of the Dryads, and to their Tutelar better Genius, if any yet remain, who love the solid Honour and Ornament of their Country: For what could I say less, _s, and Wood-born as I am, in behalf of those sacred Shades, which both grace our Dwellings, and protect our Nation?

But to turn this just indignation into Prayers, and address my self to our better-natur'd Country-men: May such Woods as do yet remain intire be carefully Preserv'd, and such as are destroy'd, sedulously Repair'd. It is what every Person who is Owner of Land may contribute to, and with infinite delight, who are touch'd with that laudable Ambition of imitating their most illustrious Ancestors, whose Names we find mingl'd amongst Kings and Philosophers, Patriots and good Commonwealths-Men: For such were of old Solomon, Cyrus, and Numa; Licinius sir-named Stolo, Cato, and Cincinnatus; the Pisoes, Fabii, Cicero, Plinies, and a thousand more whom I could ennumerate, that disdain'd not to exercise themselves in these Rusticities, as esteeming it the greatest accession of Honour to dignifie their lasting Names with such Rural marks as have consecrated their Memories, and transmitted them to us through so many Ages and Vicissitudes of the World.

Let none therefore repute this Industry beneath him, or as the least indignity to the rest of his Qualities, which so great Persons have honour'd and cultivated with that affection and ingenuity.

The famous Answer which Cyrus gave to Lysander will sufficiently justifie that which I have said, and what I farther recommend to such Gentlemen as resolve to be Planters, viz. That they do not easily commit themselves to the sole Distastes of their ignorant Hinds and Servants, who are (generally speaking) more fit to Learn then to Instruct. Male agitur cum Domine quem Villicus docet, was an Observation of old Cato's; and 'twas Ischomachus who told Socrates (discoursing one day upon a like subject) That it was far easier to Make then to Find a good Husband-man: I have often prov'd it so in Gard'ners; and I believe it will hold in most of our Country Employments: We are to exact Labour, not Conduct and Reason, from the greatest part of them; and the business of Planting is an Art or Science (for so Varro has solemnly defin'd it) and That exceedingly wide of Truth, which (it seems) many in his time accounted of it; facillimam esse, nec ullius acuminis Rusticationem, an easie and insipid Study. It was the simple Culture only, with so much difficulty retriv'd from the late confusion of an intestine and bloody War like Ours, and now put in Reputation again, which made the noble Poet write

_______ Verbis ea vincere magnum

Quam sit, & angustis hunc addere rebus honorem.

Seeing, as the Orator does himself express it, Nihil est homine libero dignius; There is nothing more becoming and worthy of a Gentleman.

And thus you have in part what I had to produce in extentuation of this my Adventure, that Animated with a Command, and Assisted by divers Worthy Persons (whose Names I am prone to celebrate with all just Respects) I have presumed to cast in my Symbol; and which, with the rest that are to follow, may (I hope) be in some degree serviceable to him (who e're the happy Person be) which shall oblige the World with that compleat Systeme of Agriculture, which as yet seems a desiderate, and wanting its perfection. It is (I assure you) what is one of the Principal Designs of the ROYAL SOCIETY, not in this Particular only, but through all the Liberal and more useful Arts; and for which (in the estimation of all equal Judges) it will merit the greatest of Encouragements; that so at last what the Learned Columella has wittily reproach'd, and complain'd of, as a defect in that Age of his, concerning Agriculture in general, and is applicable here, may attain its desired Remedy and Consummation in This of Ours.

Sola enim Res Rustica, quae sine dubitatione proxima, & quasi consanguinea Sapientiae est, tam dicentibus egeat, quam magistris: Adhuc in Scholis Rhetorum, & Geometrarum, Musicorumque; Vel quod magis mirandum est, contemptissimorum vitiorum officinas, gulosius condiendi cibos, & luxuriosius fercula struendi, capitumque & capillorum concinnatores non solum esse audivi, sed & ipse vidi; Agricolationis neque Doctores qui se profiterentur, neque Discipulos cognovi.

But this I leave for our Gallants to Interpret, and should now apply my self to the Directive Part, which I am all this while bespeaking, if after what I have said in the several Paragraphs of the ensuing Discourse upon the Argument of Wood, it might not seem superfluous to have præmised any thing here for the Encouragement of so becoming an Industry: Let me be permitted to say, There is sufficient for Instruction, and more then is extant in any Collection whatsoever (absit verbo invidia) upon this subject; abstracting things Practicable, of solid use, and material, from the Ostentation and impertinences of Writers; who receiving all that came to hand on trust, to swell on their monstrous Volumes, have hitherto impos'd upon the credulous World, without conscience or honesty. I will not exasperate the Adorers of our ancient and late Naturalists, by repeating of what our Verulam has justly pronounc'd concerning their Rhapsodies (because I likewise honour their painful Endeavours, and am oblig'd to them for much of that I know) nor will I (wth some) reproach Pliny, Porta, Cardan, Mizaldus, Cursius, and many others of great Names (whose Writings I have diligently consulted) for the Knowledg they have imparted to me on this Occasion; but I must deplore the time which is (for the most part) so miserably lost in pursuit of their Speculations, where they treat upon this Argument: But the World is now advis'd, and (blessed be God) infinitely redeem'd from that base and servile submission of our noblest Faculties to their blind Traditions. This, you will be apt to say, is a haughty Period; but whiles I affirm it of the Past, it justifies and does honor to the Present Industry of our Age, and of which there cannot be a greater and more emulous Instance, then the Passion of His Majesty to encourage His Subjects in all that is laudable and truly emolumental of this nature.

It is not therefore that I here presume to instruct Him in the management of that great and august Enterprise of resolving to Plant and repair His ample Forests, and other Magazines of Timber, for the benefit of His Royal Navy, and the glory of His Kingdoms; but to present to His Sacred Person, and to the World, what Advises I have received from others, observed my self, and most Industriously Collected from a studious propensity to serve as one of the least Intelligences in the ampler Orb of our Illustrious Society, and in a Work so Important and Necessary.

J. E.

S Y L V A:

Jo. Evelyn, Fil.

Amico charissimo Johanni Evelyno Armigero,

è Societate Regali Londini. J. Beale, S.P.D.

In Sylvam.

Fare age quid causæ est quod tu Sylvestria pangis,

Inter Sylvanos, capripedésque Deos?

Inter Hamadryadas lætus, Dryadásque pudicas,

Cum tua Cyrrhæis sit Chelys apta modis!

Scilicet hoc cecinit numerosus Horatius olim,

Scriptorum Sylvam quòd Chorus Omnis amat.

Est locus ille Sacer Musis, & Apolline dignus,

Prima dedit Summo Templa Sacranda Jovi.

Hinc quoque nunc Pontem Pontus non respuit ingens,

Stringitur Oceanus, corripitúrque Salum.

Hinc novus Hesperiis emersit mundus in oris,

Effuditque auri flumina larga probi.

Hinc exundavit distento Copia cornu,

Qualem & Amalthææ non habuere sinus.

Sylva tibi curæ est, grata & Pomona refundit

Auriferum, roseum, purpureùmque nemus.

Illa famémque, sitímque abigens expirat odores,

Quales nec Medus, nec tibi mittit Arabs.

Ambrosiam præbent modò cocta Cydonia, Tantum

Comprime, Nectareo poma liquore fluunt.

Progredere, O S_cli Cultor memorande futuri,

Felix Horticolam sic imitere Deum.

A T A B L E Of the C H A P T E R S.

CHAP Pag.

Introduction 197

I Of the Seed. 200

2 Of the Seminary. 202

3 Of the Oak. 204

4 Of the Elm. 214

5 Of the Beech. 218

6 Of the Ash. 220

7 Of the Chess-nut. 222

8 Of the Wall-nut. 224

9 Of the Service. 226

10 Of the Maple. 228

11 Of the Sycamore. 228

12 Of the Horn-beam. 229

13 Of the Lime-tree. 230

14 Of the Quick-beam. 231

15 Of the Birch. 232

16 Of the Hasel. 234

17 Of the Poplar. 235

18 Of the Alder. 237

19 Of the Withy, Sally, Ozier, and Willow. 239

20 Of Fences, Quick-sets, &c. 245

21 Of the Fir, Pine, Pinaster, Pitch-tree, &c. 253

22 Of the Larch, Platanus, Lotus, &c. 259

23 Of the Cypress-tree, and Cedar. 260

24 Of the Cork, Alaternus, Phillyrea,

Granad, Myrtil, Jasmine, &c. 265

25 Of the Acacia, Arbutus, Bays, Box, Eugh

Holly, Juniper, and Laurel-trees. 267

26 Of the Infirmities of Trees. 273

27 Of Copses. 276

28 Of Pruning. 278

29 Of the Age, Stature, and Felling of Trees. 284

30 Of Timber, the Seasoning and Uses; of Fuel. 302

31 Aphorisms, or certain general Præcepts,

of use to the foregoing Chapters. 315

32 Of the Laws and Statutes for the

Preservation and Improvement of Woods, &c. 317

The Parænesis, and Conclusion. 322

SYLVA:

OR, A

DISCOURSE OF

Forest-Trees,

AND

The Propagation of Timber in His MAJESTIES

Dominions, &c.

Tuque ades, inceptumque una decurre laborem,

O decus, ô famæ meritò pars maxima nostræ,

CAROLIDE, pelagóq; volans da vela petenti,

Da facilem cursum, atque audacibus annue c_ptis,

Ignavósque viæ mecum miseratus agrestes,

Ingredere, et votis iam nunc assuesce vocari.

The Introduction.

I. Since there is nothing which seems more fatally to threaten a Weakning, if not a Dissolution of the strength and of this famous and flourishing Nation, then the sensible and notorious decay of her Wooden-walls, when either through time, negligence, or other accident, the present Navy shall be worn out and impair'd; it has been a very worthy and seasonable Advertisement in the Honourable the principal Officers and Commissioners, what they have lately suggested to this Illustrious Society, for the timely prevention and redress of this intollerable defect. For it has not been the late increase of Shipping alone, the multiplication of Glass-works, Iron-Furnaces, and the like, from whence this im-politick diminution of our Timber has proceeded; but from the disproportionate spreading of Tillage, caused through that prodigious havock made by such as lately professing themselves against Root and Branch (either to be re-imbours'd of their holy purchases, or for some other sordid respect) were tempted, not only to fell and cut down, but utterly to grub up, demolish, and raze, as it were, all those many goodly Woods, and Forests, which our more prudent Ancestors left standing, for the Ornament, and service of their Country. And this devastation is now become so Epidemical, that unless some favourable expedient offer it self, and a way be seriously, and speedily resolv'd upon, for the future repair of this important defect, one of the most glorious, and considerable Bulwarks of this Nation, will, within a short time be totally wanting to it.

2. To attend now a spontaneous supply of these decay'd Materials (which is the vulgar, and natural way) would cost (besides the Inclosure) some entire Ages repose of the Plow: Therefore the most expeditious, and obvious Method, would (doubtless) be by one of these two ways, Sowing, or Planting. But, first, it will be requisite to agree upon the Species; as what Trees are likely to be of greatest Use, and the fittest to be cultivated; and then, to consider of the Manner how it may best be effected. Truly, the waste, and destruction of our Woods, has been so universal, that I conceive nothing less then an universal Plantation of all the sorts of Trees will supply, and well encounter the defect; and therefore, I shall here adventure to speak something in general of them all; though I chiefly insist on the propagation of such only as seem to be the most wanting, and serviceable.

3. I distribute them, therefore, into these two Classes, the Dry, and the Aquatic; both of them applicable to the same civil uses of Building, Utensils, Ornament and Fuel; for to dip into their Medicinal virtues is none of my Province.

Among the dry, I esteem the more principal, and solid to be the Oak, Elme, Beech, Ash, Chess-nut, Wall-nut, &c. The less principal, the Service, Maple, Lime-tree, Horn-beam, Quick-beam; Birch, Hasel, &c. together with all their sub-alternate, and several kinds.

Sed neque quam multæ species, nec nomina quæ sint

Est numerus

,

Of the Aquatical, I reckon the Poplars, Asp, Alder, Willow, Sallow, Osier, &c. Then I shall add a word or two, for the encouragement of the planting of Fruit-trees, together with some less vulgar, but no less useful Trees, which, as yet are not endenizon'd amongst us, or (at least) not much taken notice of: And in pursuance hereof, I shall observe this order: First, to shew how they are to be Raised, and then to be Cultivated: By Raising, I understand the Seed and the Soil; by Culture the Planting, Fencing, Watering, Dressing, Pruning and Cutting; of all which briefly.

And first for their Raising, some there are

_______________ nullis hominum cogentibus, ipsæ

Sponte sua veniunt

________ Specifying according to the various disposition of the Air, and Soil.

Pars autem posito surgunt de semine. As the Oak, Chess-nut, Ash, &c.

Pullulat ab radice aliis densissima Sylva. As the Elme, Alder, &c. and there are others

Nil radicis egent ________ Growing without any such Roots; as Willows, and all the Vimineous kinds, which are raised of Sets only.

Hos natura modos primum dedit ____ For thus we see there are more ways to the Wood then one; and Nature has furnish'd us with variety of expedients.

4. But it has been stifly controverted by some, whether were better to raise Trees for Timber, and the like uses, from their Seeds and first Rudiments; or to Transplant such as we find have either rais'd themselves from their Seeds, or spring from the Mother-roots. Now, that to produce them immediately of the Seed is the better way, these Reasons may seem to evince.

First, because they take soonest. Secondly, because they make the straightest, and most uniform shoot. Thirdly, because they will neither require Staking, nor watering (which are two very considerable Articles) and lastly, for that all transplanting (though it much improve Fruit-trees) unless they are taken up the first Year, or two, is a considerable impediment to the growth of Forest-trees. And, though it be true that divers of those which are found in Woods, especially Oaklings, young Beeches, Ash, and some others, spring from the self-sown mast and keys; yet, being for the most part dropp'd, and disseminated amongst the half-rotten sticks, musty leaves, and per-plexities of the mother-roots, they grow scraggy; and being over-dripp'd become squalid and mossie, which checks their growth, and causes them to dwindle:

Crescentique adimunt f_tus, uruntque ferentum.

Nor can their roots expand, and spread themselves as they would do if they if they were sown, or had been planted in a more open, free, and ingenuous Soil. And that this is so, I do affirm upon Experience, that an Acorn sown by hand in a Nursery, or ground where it may be free from these encumbrances, shall in two or three Years out-strip a Plant of twice that age, which has either been self-sown in the Woods, or removed; unless it fortune, by some favourable accident, to have been scatter'd into a more natural, penetrable, and better qualified place: But this disproportion is yet infinitely more remarkable in the Pine, and the Wall-nut-tree, where the Nut set into the ground shall certainly overtake a Tree of ten years growth which was planted at the same instant; and this is a Secret so generally mis-represented by most of those who have treated of these sort of Trees, that I could not suffer it to pass over without a particular remark; so as the noble Poet (with pardon for receding from so venerable Authority) was certainly mistaken, when he delivers this observation as universal, to the prejudice of Sowing, and raising Woods from their Rudiments:

Iam quæ seminibus iactis se sustulit arbos

Tarda venit; seris factura nepotibus umbram.

CHAP. I.

Of the Seed.

I. But to commence with the Method propos'd: Chuse your Seed of that which is perfectly mature, ponderous and sound; commonly that which is easily shaken from the boughs, or gathered about November, immediately upon its spontaneous fall, is best, and does (for the most part) direct to the proper season of interring, &c. according to the Institution of Nature her self:

Nam specimen sationis, & insitionis origo

Ipsa fuit rerum primum natura creatrix:

Arboribus quoniam baccæ, glandesque caducæ

Tempestiva dabant pullorum examina subter, &c

.

Yet this is to be consider'd, that if the place you sow in be too cold for an Autumnal semination, your Acorns, Mast, and other Seeds may be prepared for the Vernal by being barrell'd, or potted up in moist Sand or Earth stratum S.S. during the Winter; at the expiration whereof you will find them sprouted; and being committed to the Earth, as apt to take as if they had been sown with the most early: by this means, too, they have escaped the Vermine (which are prodigious devourers of Winter sowing) and will not be much concern'd with the increasing heat of the Season, as such as being crude, and unfermented are newly sown in the beginning of the Spring; especially in hot and loose Grounds; being already in so fair a progress by this artificial preparation; and which (if the provision to be made be very great) may be thus manag'd. Chuse a fit piece of Ground, with boards (if it have not that position of it self) design it three foot high; lay the first foot in fine Earth, another of Seeds, Acorns, Mast, Keys, Nuts, Haws, Holly-berries, &c. promiscuously, or separate, with (now, and then) a little Mould sprinkled amongst them: The third foot wholly Earth: Of these preparatory Magazines make as many, and as much larger-ones as will serve your turn, continuing it from time to time as your store is brought in. The same may you also do by burying your Seeds in Sand, Barrelling them (as I said) in Tubs, or laid in heaps in some deep Cellar where the rigour of the Winter may least prejudice them; and I have fill'd old Hampers, Bee-hives, and Boxes with them, and found the like advantage, which is to have them ready for your Seminary, as before hath been shew'd, and exceedingly prevent the season.

2. But to pursue this to some further Advantage; as to what concerns the election of your Seed, It is to be consider'd, that there is vast difference in Trees even of the same growth and bed, which I judge to proceed from the variety and quality of the Seed: This, for instance, is evidently seen in the heart, procerity and stature of Timber; and therefore chuse not your Seeds always from the most Fruitful-trees, which are commonly the most Aged, and decayed; but from such as are found most solid and fair: Nor, for this reason, covet the largest Acorns, &c. (but as Husband-men do their Wheat) the most weighty, clean and bright: This Observation we deduce from Fruit-trees, which we seldom find to bear so kindly, and plentifully, from a sound stock, smooth Rind, and firm Wood, as from a rough, lax, and untoward Tree, which is rather prone to spend it self in Fruit, the ultimate effort, and final endeavour of its most delicate Sap, then in solid and close substance to encrease the Timber. And this shall suffice, though some haply might here recommend to us a more accurate Microscopical examen, to interpret their most secret Schematismes, which were an over nicity for these great Plantations.

3. As concerning the medicating, and insuccation of Seeds, or enforcing the Earth by rich and generous Composts, &c. for Trees of these kinds, I am no great favourer of it; not only, because the charge would much discourage the Work; but for that we find it unnecessary, and for most of our Forest-trees, noxious; since even where the Ground is too fertile, they thrive not so well; and if a Mould be not proper for one sort it may be fit for another: Yet I would not (by this) hinder any from the trial, what advance such Experiments will produce: In the mean time, for the simple Imbibition of some Seeds and Kernels, when they prove extraordinarily dry, and as the Season may fall out, it might not be amiss to macerate them in Milk, or Water only, a little impregnated with Cow-dung, &c. during the space of twenty four hours, to give them a spirit to sprout, and chet the sooner; especially, if you have been retarded in your sowing without our former preparation.

4. Being thus provided with Seeds of all kinds, I would advise to raise Woods by sowing them apart, in several places destin'd for their growth, where the Mould being prepar'd (as I shall shew hereafter) and so qualified (if election may be made) as best to suit with the nature of the Species, they may be sown promiscuously, which is the most natural and Rural; or in straight and even lines, for Hedge-rows, Avenues, and Walks, which is the more Ornamental: But because some may chuse rather to draw them out of Nurseries; that the Culture is not much different, for the hinderance considerable (provided they be early, and carefully Removed) I will finish what I have to say concerning these Trees in the Seminary, and shew how they are there to be Raised, Transplanted, and Govern'd till they can shift for themselves.

CHAP. II

Of the Seminary.

Qui Vineam, vel Arbustum constituere volet, Seminaria prius facere debebit

, was the precept of Columella, l. 3.c. 5. speaking of Vineyards and Fruit-trees: and, doubtless, we cannot pursue a better Course for the propagation of Timber-trees: For though it seem but a trivial design that one should make a Nursery of Foresters; yet is it not to be imagin'd, without the experience of it, what prodigious Numbers a very small spot of Ground well Cultivated, and destin'd for this purpose would, be able to furnish towards the sending forth of yearly Colonies into all the naked quarters of a Lordship, or Demeasnes; being with a pleasant Industry liberally distributed amongst the Tenants, and dispos'd of about the Hedge-rows, and other Waste, and uncultivated places, for Timber, Shelter, Fuel, and Ornament, to an incredible Advantage. This being a cheap, and laudable Work, of so much pleasure in the execution, and so certain profit in the event; to be but once well done (for, as I affirm'd, a very small Nursery will in a few Years people a vast extent of Ground) hath made me sometimes in admiration at the universal negligence.

2. Having therefore made choice of some fit place of Ground, well Fenced, respecting the South-east, rather than the full South, and well protected from the North and West; let it be Broken up the Winter before you sow, to mellow it, especially if it be a Clay, and then the furrow would be made deeper; or so, at least, as you would prepare it for Wheat: Or you may Trench it with the Spade, by which means it will the easier be cleaned of whatsoever may obstruct the putting forth, and insinuating of the tender Roots: Then having given it a second Stirring, immediately before you sow, cast, and dispose it into Rills, or small narrow Trenches of four, or five inches deep, and in even lines, at two foot interval, for the more commodious Runcation, Hawing, and dressing the Trees: Into these Furrows (for a Conseminea Sylva) throw your Oak, Beech, Ash, Nuts, all the Glandiferous Seeds, Mast, and Key-bearing kinds, so as they lye not too thick, and then cover them very well with a Rake, or fine tooth'd Harrow, as they do for Pease: Or, to be more accurate, you may set them as they do Beans (especially, the Nuts and Acorns) and that every Species by themselves, which is the better way: This is to be done at the latter end of October, for the Autumnal sowing; and in the lighter ground, about February for, the Vernal.

3. Your Plants beginning now to peep should be earthed up, and comforted a little; especially, after breaking of the greater Frosts, and when the swelling mould is apt to spue them forth; but when they are about an inch above the ground you may, in a moist season, draw them up where they are too thick, and set them immediately in other lines, or Beds prepared for them; or you may plant them in double fosses, where they may abide for good and all, and to remain till they are of a competent stature to be Transplanted; where they should be set at such distances as their several kinds require; but if you draw them only for the thinning of your Seminary, prick them into some empty Beds at one foot interval, leaving the rest at two or three.

4. When your Seedlings have stood thus till June, bestow a half digging upon them, and scatter a little mungy, half rotten Litter, Fearn, Bean-hame, or old Leaves, among them, to preserve the Roots from scorching, and to entertain the moisture; and then in March following (by which time it will be quite consum'd and very mellow) you shall chop it all into the earth, and mingle it together: Continue this process for two or three years successively, and then (or before, if the stature of your young Impes invite) you may plant them forth, carefully taking up their Roots, and cutting the Stem within an inch of the ground (if the kind, of which hereafter, suffer the knife) set them where they are to continue: Some repeat this, the second Year, and after March (the Moon decreasing) re-cut them at half a foot from the surface; and then meddle with them no more: but this (if the process be not more severe then needs) must be done with a very sharp Instrument, and with care, lest you violate, and unsettle the Root; which is likewise to be practis'd upon all those which you did not Transplant, unless you find them very thriving Trees; and then it shall suffice, to prune off the Branches, and spare the Tops; for this does not only greatly establish your Plants, by diverting the Sap to the Roots; but likewise frees them from the injury and concussions of the Winds, and makes them to produce handsome, straight shoots, infinitely preferable to such as are abandon'd to Nature, and Accident, without this Discipline: By this means the Oak will become excellent Timber, shooting into straight and single stems: The Chess-nut, Ash, &c. multiply into Poles, which you may reduce to standards at pleasure.

5. The Author of the Natural History, Pliny, tells it was a vulgar Tradition, in his time, that no Tree should be Removed under two years old, or above three: Cato would have none Transplanted less then five fingers in diametre; but I have shew'd why we are not to attend so long, for such as we raise of Seedlings: In the interim, if these directions appear too busie, or operose, or that the Plantation you intend be very ample, a more Compendious method will be, the confused sowing of Acorns, &c. in Furrows, two foot asunder, covered at three fingers depth, and so for three years cleansed, and the first Winter cover'd with fearn, without any further culture, unless you Transplant them; but, as I shewed before, in Nurseries they would be cut an inch from the Ground, and then let stand till March the second year, when it shall be sufficient to disbranch them to one only shoot; whether you suffer them to stand, or remove them elsewhere. But to make an Essay what Seed is most agreeable to the Soil, you may by the thriving of a promiscuous Semination make a judgement of it, Transplanting those which you find least agreeing with the place; or else, by Copsing the starvling in the places where they are new sown, cause them sometimes to overtake even their untouch't contemporaries. But I now proceed to particulars.

CHAP. III.

Of the Oak.

I. I have sometimes consider'd it very seriously, what should move Pliny to make a whole Chapter of one only Line, which is less then the Argument of most of the rest in his huge Volumn: but the weightiness of the matter does worthily excuse him, who is not wont to spare his Words, or his Reader. Glandiferi maxime generis omnes, quibus honos apud Romanos perpetuus. "Mast-bearing trees were they principally which the Romans held in chiefest reputation", li.6 cap. 3. And in the following where he treats of Chaplets, and the dignity of the Civic's Coronet, it might be compos'd of the Leaves or Branches of any Oak, provided it were a bearing Tree, and had Acorns upon it. It is for the esteem which these wise, and glorious people, had of this Tree above all others, that I will first begin with the Oak.

2. The Oak is of four kinds; two of which are most common with us; the Quercus urbana, which grows more up-right, and being clean, and lighter is fittest for Timber: And the Robur or Quercus Sylvestris, which is of an hard, black grain, bearing a smaller Acorn, and affecting to spread in branches, and to put forth his Roots more above ground; and therefore in the planting, to be allowed a greater distance; viz. from twenty five, to forty foot; whereas the other shooting up more erect will be contented with fifteen: This farther kind is to be distinguish'd by his fullness of leaves, which tarnish, and becoming yellow at the fall, do commonly clothe it all the Winter, the Roots growing very deep and stragling. The Author of Britannia Baconica speaks of an Oak, in Lanhadron Park in Cornwall, which bears constantly leaves speckl'd with White; and of another call'd the Painted-oak, which I only mention here, that the variety may be compar'd by some ingenious person thereabouts, as well as the truth of the fatal præ-admonition of Oaks bearing strange leaves, &c.

3. It is in the mean time the propagation of this large spreading Oak, which is especially recommended for the excellency of the Timber, and that his Majesties Forests were well and plentifully stor'd with them; because they require room, and space to amplifie and expand themselves, and would therefore be planted at more remote distances, and free from all encumbrances: And this upon consideration how slowly a full-grown Oak mounts upwards, and how speedily they spread, and dilate themselves to all quarters, by dressing and due culture; so as above forty years advance is to be gain'd by this only Industry: And, if thus his Majesties Forests, and Chases, were stor'd; viz. with this spreading Tree at handsome Intervals, by which Grazing might be improv'd for the feeding of Deer and Cattel under them, benignly visited with the gleams of the Sun, and adorn'd with the distant Landskips appearing through the glades, and frequent Vallies

Cærula distinguens inter plaga currere posset

Per tumulos, & convalles, camposque profusa:

Ut nunc esse vides vario distincta lepore

Omnia, quæ pomis intersita dulcibus ornant

Arbustisque tenent felicibus obsita circum.

As the Poet incomparably describes his Olive-groves,

______________________________ betwixt

Whose rows the azure Skie is seen immix'd,

With Hillocks, Vales, and Fields, as now you see

Distinguish'd with a sweet variety;

Such places which wild Apple-trees throughout

Adorn, and happy shrubs grow all about.

(For so we might also sprinkle Fruit-trees amongst them (of which hereafter) for Cider and many singular uses) we should find such goodly Plantations the boast of our Rangers, and Forests infinitely preferrable to any thing we have yet beheld, rude, and neglected as they are: I say, when his Majesty shall proceed (as he hath design'd) to animate this laudable pride into fashion, Forests, and Woods (as well as Fields and Inclosures) will present us with another face then now they do. And here I cannot but applaud the worthy Industry of old Sir Harbotle Grimstone, who (I am told) from a very small Nursery of Acorns which he sow'd in the neglected corners of his ground, did draw forth such numbers of Oaks of competent growth; as being planted about his Fields in even, and uniform rows, about one hundred foot from the Hedges; bush'd, and well water'd till they had sufficiently fix'd themselves, did wonderfully improve both the beauty, and the value of his Demeasnes. But I proceed.

4. Both these kinds would be taken up very young, and Transplanted about October; and though they will grow tolerably in most grounds; yet they do generally affect the sound, black, deep and fast mould, rather warm then over wet and cold, and a little rising; for this produces the firmest Timber; and so our former Naturalist

_________ in montem succedere sylvas

Cogebant.

though my L. Bacon prefer that which grows in the moister grounds for Ship-timber, as the most tough, and less subject to rift: but let us hear Pliny. This is a general Rule, saith he; "Whatever Trees soever they be which grow tolerably either on Hills, or Vallies, arise to greater stature, and spread more amply in the lower ground: But the Timber is far better, and of a finer grain, which grows upon the Mountains: excepting only Apple, and Pear-trees". And in the 39.cap. lib. 16. "The Timber of those Trees which grow in moist and shady places is not so good as that which comes from a more expos'd situation, nor is it so close, substantial and durable"; upon which he much prefers the "Timber growing in Tuscany, before that towards the Venetian side, and upper part of the Gulph": And that Timber so growing was in greatest esteem long before Pliny, we have the spear of Agamemnon

_________ _ _o_ _o. I . from a Tree so expos'd; and Dydimus gives the reason. _ _ _ __ (says he) o os _, _, &c. For that being continually weather-beaten they become hardier and tougher.

5. But to discourage none, Oaks prosper exceedingly in gravel, and moist Clays, which most other Trees abhor; yea, even the coldest clay grounds that will hardly graze: I have read, that there grow Oaks (some of which have contain'd ten loads apiece) out of the very Walls of Silcester in Hantshire, which seem to strike root in the very Stones. It is indeed observ'd, that Oaks which grow in rough, stony grounds, and obstinat clays, are long before they come to any considerable stature; for such places, and all sort of Clay, is held but a step-mother to Trees; but in time they afford the most excellent Timber, having stood long, and got good rooting: The same we may affirm of the lightest sands, which produces a smoother-grain'd Timber, of all other the most useful for the Joyner. What improvement the stirring of the ground about the roots of Oaks is to the Trees I have already hinted; and yet in Copses where they stand warm, and so thickn'd with the under-wood, as this culture cannot be practis'd, they prove in time to be goodly Trees.

6. That the Transplanting of young Oaks gains them ten years Advance some happy persons have affirmed: from this belief, I have desir'd to be excused, and produc'd my Reasons for it: Nor less are they mistaken, who advise us to plant Oaks of a great bigness, which hardly make any considerable progress in an Age: Yet if any be desirous to make trial of it, let their Stems be of the smoothest, and tenderest Bark; for that is ever an indication of youth, as well as the paucity of their Circles, which in disbranching, and cutting the head off, at five or six foot height (a thing, by the way, which the French usually spare when they Transplant this Tree) may (before you stir their Roots) serve for the more certain Guide; and then plant them immediately, with as much Earth as will adhere to them, in the place destin'd for their station; abating only the tap-roots, which is that down-right, and stubby part of the Roots (which all the Trees rais'd of Seeds do universally produce) and quickning some of the rest with a sharp knife (but sparing the Fibrous, which are the main Suckers and Mouths of all Trees) spread them in the foss, or pit which hath been prepar'd to receive them. I say in the foss, unless you will rather trench the whole Field, which is incomparably the best; and infinitely to be preferr'd before narrow pits and holes (as the manner is) in case you plant any number considerable, the Earth being made hereby loose, easier and penetrable for the Roots; about which you are to cast that Mould which (in opening of the Trench) you took from the Surface, and purposely laid apart; because it is sweet, mellow, and better impregnated: But in this Work, be circumspect never to inter your Stem deeper then you found it standing; for profound buryings very frequently destroys a Tree; though an Errour seldom observed: If therefore the Roots be sufficiently cover'd to keep the Body steady and erect, it is enough; and the not minding of this trifling Circumstance does very much deceive our ordinary Wood-men: For most Roots covet the Air (though that of the Quercus urbana least of any:

_________ quod quantam vertice ad auras

Æthereas, tantum radice ad tartara tendit

And the perfection of that does almost as much concern the prosperity of a Tree, as of Man himself; since Homo is but Arbor inversa; which prompts me to this curious but important Advertisement; That the Position be likewise sedulously observed.

7. For, the Southern parts being more dilated, and the pores expos'd (as evidently appears in their Horizontal Sections) by the constant Excentricity of their Hyperbolical Circles; being now on the sudden, and at such a season converted to the North, does sterve, and destroy more Trees (how careful soever men have been in ordering the Roots; and preparing the ground) then any other Accident whatsoever (neglect of staking, and defending from Cattle excepted) the importance whereof caused the best of Poets, and most experienc'd in this Argument, giving advice concerning this Article, to add

Quin etiam C_li regionem in cortice signant,

Ut quo quæque modo steterit, qua parte calores

Austrinos tulerit, quæ terga obverterit axi

Restituant: Adeo in teneris consuescere multum est.

Which Monition, though Pliny, and some others think good to neglect, or esteem Indifferent; I can confirm from these frequent losses of my own, and by particular trials; having sometimes Transplanted great Trees at Mid-somer with success (the Earth adhering to the Roots) and miscarried in others where this Circumstance only was omitted.

To observe therefore the Coast, and side of the stock (especially of Fruit-trees) is not such a trifle as by some pretended: For if the Air be as much the Mother or Nurse, as Water and Earth, (as more then probable it is) such blossoming Plants as court the motion of the Meridian Sun, do as 'twere evidently point out the advantage they receive by their position: And the frequent mossiness of most Trees on the opposite side does sufficiently note the unkindness of that Aspect; and which is most evident in the bark of Oaks, white and smooth; The Trees growing more kindly on the South side of an Hill, then those which are expos'd to the North, with an hard, dark, rougher, and more mossie Integument. I have seen (writes a worthy Friend to me on this occasion) whole Hedge-rows of Apples and Pears that quite perish'd after that shelter was remov'd: The good Husbands expected the contrary, and that the Fruit should improve, as freed from the predations of the Hedge; but use and custom made that shelter necessary; and therefore (saith he) a stock for a time is the weaker, taken out of a Thicket, if it be not well protected from all sudden and fierce invasions either of crude Air or Winds: Nor let any be deterr'd, if being to remove many Trees, he shall esteem it too consumptive of time; for with a Brush dipped in any white colour, or Oaker, a thousand may be marked as they stand, in a moment; and that once done, the difficulty is over. I have been the larger upon these two Remarks, because I find them so material, and yet so much neglected.

8. There are other Rules concerning the situation of Trees; the former Author commending the North-east-wind both for the flourishing of the Tree, and advantage of the Timber; but to my observation, in our Climates, where those sharp winds do rather flanker then fully blow opposite upon our Plantations, they thrive best; and there are as well other Circumstances to be considered, as they respect Rivers and Marshes obnoxious to to unwholsom and poysonous Fogs; Hills, and Seas, which expose them to the weather; and those sylvifragi venti, our cruel, and tedious Western winds; all which I leave to observation, because these accidents do so universally govern, that it is not easie to determine farther then that the Timber is commonly better qualified which hath endur'd the colder Aspects without these prejudices: And hence it is, that Seneca observes Woods most expos'd to the Winds to be the most strong and solid, and that therefore Chiron made Achilles's Spear of a Mountain-tree; and of those the best which grow thin, not much shelter'd from the North. Again, Theophrastus seems to have special regard to places; exemplifying many of Greece, which exceeded others for good Timber, as doubtless do our Oaks in the Forest of Dean all others of England: and much certainly there may reasonably be attributed to these advantages for the growth of Timber, and of almost all other Trees, as we daily see by their general improsperity where the ground is a hot gravel, and a loose earth: An Oak or Elme in such a place shall not in an hundred years overtake one of fifty planted in its proper soil; though next to this, and (haply) before it, I prefer the good Air: But thus they have such vast Junipers in Spain; and the Ashes in some parts of the Levant (as of old neer Troy) so excellent, as it was after mistaken for Cedar, so great was the difference; as now the Cantabrian or Spanish exceeds any we have else in all Europe.

9. But before we take leave of this Paragraph, concerning the Transplanting of great Trees, and to shew what is possible to be effected in this kind, with cost, and industry; Count Maurice (the late Governour of Brasil for the Hollanders) planted a Grove neere his delicious Paradise of Friburge, containing six hundred Coco-trees of eighty years growth, and fifty foot high to the nearest bough: these he wafted upon Floats, and Engines, four long miles, and planted them so luckily, that they bare abundantly the very first year; as Gaspar Barlæus hath related in his elegant Description of that Princes expedition: Nor hath this only succeeded in the Indies alone; Monsieur de Fiat (one of the Marshals of France) hath with huge Oaks done the like at de Fiat: shall I yet bring you neerer home? My Lord Hopton planted Oaks as big as twelve Oxen could draw, to supply some defect in an Avenue to one of his houses in Devonshire; as the Right Honourable Sir Charles Barclay, Treasurer of His Majesties Household, assur'd me; who had himself likewise practis'd the Removing of great Oaks by a particular address extreamly ingenious, and worthy the communication.

10. Chuse a Tree as big as your thigh, remove the earth from about him; cut through all the collateral Roots, till with a competent strength you can enforce him down upon one side, so as to come with your Axe at the tap-root; cut that off, redress your Tree, and so let it stand cover'd about with the mould you loosen'd from it, till the next year, or longer if you think good; then take it up at a fit season; it will likely have drawn new tender Roots apt to take, and sufficient for the Tree, wheresoever you shall transplant him: Pliny notes it as a common thing, to re-establish huge Trees which have been blown down, part of their Roots torn up, and the body prostrate; and, in particular, of a Fir, that when it was to be transplanted had a tap-root which went no less then eight cubits perpendicular; and to these I could superadd, but I proceed. To facilitate the Removal of such monstrous Trees, for the Adornment of some particular place, or the rarity of the Plant, there is this expedient. A little before the hardest Frosts surprize you, make a square Trench about your Tree, at such distance from the Stem as you judge sufficient for the Root; dig this of competent depth, so as almost quite to undermine it; by placing blocks, and quarters of wood, to sustain the Earth; this done, cast in as much Water as may fill the Trench, or at least sufficiently wet it, unless the ground were very moist before. Thus let it stand, till some very hard Frost do bind it firmly to the Roots, and then convey it to the pit prepar'd for its new station; but in case the mould about it be so ponderous as not to be remov'd by an ordinary force; you may then raise it with a Crane or Pully hanging between a Triangle, which is made of three strong and tall Limbs united at the top, where a Pully is fastned, as the Cables are to be under the quarters which bear the earth about the Roots: For by this means you may weigh up, and place the whole weighty Clod upon a Trundle to be convey'd, and Replanted where you please, being let down perpendicularly into the place by the help of the foresaid Engine. And by this Address you may Transplant Trees of a wonderful stature, without the least disorder; and many time without topping, or diminution of the head, which is of great importance where this is to be practis'd to supply a Defect, or remove a Curiosity.

11. Some advise, that in planting of Oaks, &c. four, or five be suffer'd to stand very neer to one another, and then to leave the most prosperous, when they find the rest to disturb his growth; but I conceive it were better to plant them at such distances, as they may least incommode one another: For Timber-trees, I would have none neerer then forty foot where they stand closest; especially of the spreading kind.

12. Lastly, Trees of ordinary stature Transplanted (being first well water'd) must be sufficiently staked, and Bush'd about with thorns, or with some thing better, to protect them from the concussions of the Winds, and from the casual rubbing, and poysonous brutting of Cattle and Sheep, the oyliness of whose Wooll is also very noxious to them; till being well grown, and fixed (which by seven years will be to some competent degree) they shall be able to withstand all accidental invasions, but the Axe; for I am now come to their Pruning and Cutting, in which work the seasons are of main importance.

13. Therefore, if you would propagate Trees for Timber, cut not off their heads at all, nor be too busie with lopping: but if you desire Shade, and Fuel, or bearing of Mast alone, lop of their Tops, sear, and unthriving Branches only; If you intend an out-right felling, expect till November; for this præmature cutting down of Trees before the Sap is perfectly at rest will be to your exceeding prejudice, by reason of the Worm, which will certainly breed in the Timber which is felled before that period: But in case you cut only for the Chimney, you need not be so punctual as to the time; yet for the benefit of what you let stand observe the Moons increase. The Reason of these differences is; because this is the best season for the growth of the Tree which you do not fell, the other for the durableness of the Timber which you do: Now that which is to be burnt is not so material for lasting, as the growth of the Tree is considerable for the Timber.

14. The very stumps of Oak, especially that part which is dry, and above ground being well grubb'd, is many times worth the pains and charge, for sundry rare, and hard works; and where Timber is dear: but this is to be practis'd only where you design a final extirpation; for some have drawn suckers even from an old stub-root; but they certainly perish by the Moss which invades them, and are very subject to grow rotten. Pliny speaks of one Root which took up an entire Acre of Ground; if so, his Argument may hold good, for their growth after the Tree is come to its period.

15. There is not in nature a thing more obnoxious to deceit, then the buying of Trees standing, upon the reputation of their Appearance to the eye, unless the Chapman be extraordinarily judicious; so various are their hidden, and conceal'd Infirmities, till they be fell'd, and sawn out: so as if to any thing applicable, certainly there is nothing which does more perfectly confirm it then the most flourishing out-side of Trees, Fronti nulla fides. A Timber-tree is a Merchant Adventurer, you shall never know what he is worth, till he be dead.

16. Oaks are in some places (where the soil is specially qualified) ready to be cut for Cops in fourteen years and sooner; I compute from the first semination; though it be told as an instance of high encouragement (and as indeed it merits) that a Lady in Northamptonshire sowed Acorns, and liv'd to cut the Trees produc'd from them, twice in two and twenty years; and both as well grown as most are in sixteen or eighteen. This yet is certain, that Acorns set in Hedge-rows have in thirty years born a stem of a foot diametre. Generally, Copps-wood should be cut close, and at such Intervals as the growth requires; which being seldom constant, depends much on the places, and the kinds, the mould and the air, and for which there are extant particular Statutes to direct us, of all which more at large hereafter. Oak for Tan-bark may be fell'd from April to the last of June, by a Statute in the I Jacobi.

17. To enumerate now the incomparable Uses of this Wood, were needless: But so precious was the esteem of it, that of old there was an express Law amongst the Twelve Tables concerning the very gathering of Acorns though they should be found fallen into another mans Ground: The Land and the Sea do sufficiently speak for the improvement of this excellent material; Houses, and Ships, Cities and Navies are built with it; and there is a kind of it so tough, and extreamly compact, that our sharpest Tools will hardly enter it, as scarcely the very Fire it self, in which it consumes but slowly, as seeming to partake of a ferruginous, and metallin shining nature proper for sundry robust Uses. That which is twin'd, and a little wreathed (easily to be discern'd by the texture of the Bark) is best to support Burthens, for Posts, Columns, Summers, &c. for all which our English Oak is infinitely preferrable to the French, which is nothing so useful, nor comparably so strong; insomuch as I have frequently admir'd at the sudden failing of most goodly Timber to the Eye, which being imploy'd to these Uses does many times most dangerously flie in sunder, as wanting that native spring, and toughness, which our English Oak is indu'd withall. For Shingles, Pales, Lathes, Coopers ware, Clap-board, &c. the smallest and straightest is best; discover'd likewise by the upright tenor of the Bark, as being the most proper for cleaving: The knottiest for Water-works, Piles, and the like; because 'twill drive best, and last longest. Were planting of these Woods more in use, we should banish our hoops of Hasel, &c. for those of good Oak, which being made of the younger shoots, are exceeding tough and strong: One of them being of Ground-Oak will out-last six of the best Ash. The smaller trunchions, and spray, make Billet, Bavine and Coals; and the very Bark is of price with the Tanner and Dier, to whom the very Saw-dust is of use, as are the Ashes and Lee to cure the roapishness of Wine. The Ground-Oak while young is used for Poles, Cudgels and Walking-staffs, not to forget the Galls, Missletoe, and many other useful Excrescencies: Pliny affirms that the Galls do break out altogether in one night about the beginning of June, and arrive to their full growth in one day; this I recommend to the experience of some extraordinary vigilant Wood-man. What benefit the Mast does universally yield for the fatting of Hogs and Deer I shall shew upon another occasion, before the conclusion of this Discourse; in the mean time, the very Acorns themselves were heretofore the Food of Men (as well as other Productions of the earth) till their luxurious Palats were debauched; and even in the Romans time, the custom was in Spain to make a second service of Acorns and Mast, (as the French now do of Marrons, and Chess-nuts) which they likewise used to rot under the embers. Oaks bear also a knur, full of a Cottony matter, of which they Antiently made Wick for their Lamps and Candles; and among the Selectiora Remedia of Jo. Prævotius there is mention of an Oyl è querna glande Chymically extracted, which he affirmes to be of the longest continuance, and least consumptive of any other whatsoever, for such lights, ita ut uncia singulis mensibus vix absumatur continuo igne. To conclude, M. Blith makes Spars and small building Timber of Oakes of eleven years growth; this is indeed a prodigious Advance, but I suspect the figure.

CHAP. IV

Of the Elm.

I. Of the Elm there are four, or five sorts, and from the difference of the Soil and Air divers spurious: Two of these kinds are most worthy of our culture, viz. the Mountain Elm, which is taken to be the Oriptelea of Theophrastus; being of a less jagged and smaller leaf; and the Vernacula or French Elm, whose leaves are thicker, and more florid, delighting in the lower, and moister grounds, where they will sometimes rise to above an hundred foot in height, and a prodigious growth, in less then an Age; my self having seen one planted by the hand of a Countess yet living which is neer twelve foot in compass, and of an height proportionable; notwithstanding the numerous progeny which grows under the shade of it, some whereof are at least a foot in Diameter, that for want of being seasonably transplanted must needs have hindered the procerity of their ample and indulgent Mother.

2. Both these sorts are rais'd of Appendices or Suckers (as anon we shall describe) but this latter comes well from the Samera or Seeds, which being ripe about the beginning of March will produce them; as we see abundantly in the Gardens of the Thuylleries, and that of Luxembourg, at Paris, where they usually sow themselves, and come up very thick; and so do they in many places of our Country, though so seldom taken notice of, as that it is esteem'd a Fable by the less observant and ignorant Vulgar. To raise them therefore of their Seeds (being well dry'd a day or two before) sprinkle it in Beds prepar'd of good earth; siefting some of the finest mould thinly over them, and watering them when need requires. Being risen an inch above ground (refresh'd, and preserv'd from the scraping of Birds and Poultry) comfort the tender seedlings by a second siefting of more fine earth, to establish them; thus keep them clean weeded for the first two years; or till being of fitting stature to Remove, you may thin, and Transplant them in the same manner as you were directed for young Oaks; only they shall not need above one cutting where they grow less regular and hopeful. But because this is an Experiment of some curiosity, obnoxious to many casualties, and that the producing them from the Mother-roots of greater Trees is very facile and expeditious (beside the numbers which are to be found in the Hedge-rows, and Woods, of all plantable sizes) I rather advise our Forester to furnish himself from those places.

3. The Suckers which I speak of are produc'd in abundance from the Roots, whence being dextrously separated, after the Earth has been well loosen'd, and planted about the end of October, they will grow very well: Nay, the stubs only, which are left in the ground after a Felling (being fenced in as far as the Roots extend) will furnish you with plenty, which may be Transplanted from the first year or two successively, by slipping them from the Roots, which will continually supply you for many years after that the body of the Mother Tree has been cut down: And from hence probably is sprung that (I fear) mistake of Salmasius and others, where they write of the growing of their Chips (I suppose, having some of the bark on) scatter'd in hewing of their Timber; the Errour proceeding from this, that after an Elm-tree has been Fell'd, the numerous Suckers which shoot from the remainders of the latent Roots seem to be produced from this dispersion of the Chips: Let this yet be more accurately examin'd; for I pronounce nothing Magisterially.

4. But there is also another Artifice to produce them sooner, which is this; Bare some of the Master-roots of a vigorous Tree, within a Foot of the Trunk, or thereabouts, and with your Axe make several Chops, putting a small stone into every cleft, to hinder their closure, and give access to the wet; then cover them with three or four inch thick of Earth: and thus they will send forth Suckers in abundance, which after two, or three Years, you may separate, and plant in the Ulmarium, or place design'd for them; and which if it be in plumps (as they call them) within ten or twelve foot of each other, or in Hedge-rows, it will be the better: For the Elm is a Tree of Confort, Sociable, and so affecting to grow in Company, that the very best which I have seen do almost touch one another: This also protects them from the Winds, and causes them to shoot of an extraordinary height; so as in little more than forty years they arrive even to a load of Timber; provided they be sedulously and carefully cultivated, and the soil propitious. For an Elm does not thrive so well in the Forest, as where it may enjoy scope for the Roots to dilate and spread in the sides, as in Hedge-rows and Avenues, where they have the Air likewise free.

5. Of all the Trees which grow in our Woods, there is none which does better suffer the Transplantation than the Elm; for you may remove a Tree of twenty years growth with undoubted succes: It is an Experiment I have made in a Tree almost as big more as my waste; but then you must totally disbranch him, leaving only the Summit intire; and being careful to take him up with as much Earth as you can, refresh him with abundance of water. This is an excellent and expeditious way for great Persons to plant the Accesses of their Houses with; for being dispos'd at sixteen, or eighteen foot Interval, they will in a few years bear goodly heads, and thrive to admiration. Some that are very cautious emplaster the wounded head of such over-grown Elms with a mixture of clay, and horse-dung, bound about them with a wisp of Hay, or fine Moss, and I do not reprove it. But for more ordinary Plantations, younger Trees, which have their bark smooth and tender, about the scantling of your leg, and their heads trimm'd at five or six foot height, are to be preferr'd before all other. Cato would have none of these sorts of Trees to be removed till they are five or six fingers in diameter; others think they cannot take them too young; but experience (the best Mistress) tells us, that you can hardly plant an Elm too big. There are those who pare away the Root within two fingers of the stem, and quite cut off the Head; but I cannot commend this extream severity, no more then I do the strewing of Oats in the pit; which fermenting with the moisture, and frequent waterings, is believed much to accelerate the putting forth of the Roots; not considering, that for want of air they corrupt, and grow musty, which more frequently suffocates the Roots, and endangers the whole Tree.

6. The Elm delights in a sound, sweet and fertile Land, something more inclin'd to moisture, and where good Pasture is produced; though it will also prosper in the gravelly, provided there be a competent depth of mould, and be refresh'd with springs: in defect of which, being planted on the very surface of the ground (the swarth par'd first away, and the earth stirred a foot deep or more) they will undoubtedly succeed; but in this Trial, let the Roots be handsomly spread, and covered a foot, or more in height, and above all, firmly staked. This is practicable also for other Trees, where the Soil is over moist, or unkind: For as the Elm does not thrive in too dry, sandy, or hot grounds, no more will it abide the cold and spungy; but in places that are competently fertile, or of a little elevated from these annoyances; as we see in the Mounds, and castings up of ditches, upon whose banks the Femal sort does more naturally delight.

7. The Elm is by reason of its aspiring, and tapering growth (unless it be topp'd to enlarge the branches, and make them spread low) the least offensive to Corn, and Pasture-grounds, to both which, and the Cattel, they afford a benign shade, defence, and agreable Ornament.

8. It would be planted as shallow as might be; for, as we noted, deep interring of Roots is amongst the Catholick Mistakes; and of this, the greatest to which Trees are obnoxious. Let new planted Elms be kept moist by frequent refreshings upon some half-rotten Fern, or Litter laid about the foot of the stem; the earth a little stirred and depressed for the better reception, and retention of the water.

9. Lastly, your Plantation must above all things be carefully preserv'd from Cattel, and the concussions of impetuous Winds, till they are out of reach of the one, and sturdy enough to encounter the other.

10. When you lop the Elm (which may be about January for the fire, and more frequently, if you desire to have them tall; or that you would form them into Hedges (for so they may be kept plashed, and thickned to the highest twig; affording both a magnificent, and august Defence against the Winds and Sun) I say, when you thus trim them, be careful to indulge the Tops; for they protect the body of your Trees from the wet, which always invades those parts first, and will in time perish them to the very heart; so as Elms beginning thus to decay, are not long prosperous. Sir Hugh Plat relates (as from an expert Carpenter) that the boughs and branches of an Elm should be left a foot long next the trunk when they are lop'd; but this is to my certain observation a very great mistake either in the Relator, or Author: for I have noted many Elms so disbranch'd, that the remaining stubs grew immediately hollow, and were as so many Conduits, or Pipes, to hold, and convey the Rain to the very body, and heart of the Tree.

11. There is a Cloyster of the right French Elm in the little Garden neer to her Majesties the Q. Mothers Chappel at Somerset-house, which were (I suppose) planted there by the industry of the F.F. Capuchines, that will perfectly direct you to the incomparable use of this noble Tree for shade and delight, into whatever Figure you will accustom them. I have also heard of grassing Elms to a great improvement of their heads, and it would be try'd.

12. When you would Fell let the Sap be perfectly in repose; as 'tis commonly about November or December, after the frost hath well nipp'd them: I have already alleadg'd my reason for it; and I am told, That both Oak and Elm so cut, the very Saplings (whereof Rafters, Spars, &c. are made) will continue as long as the very heart of the Tree without decay. In this work cut your kerfe near to the ground; but have a care that it suffer not in the fall, and be ruined with its own weight: This depends upon your Wood-man's judgement in disbranching, and is a necessary caution to the Felling of all other Timber-Trees. If any begin to doat, pick out such for the Ax, and rather trust to its Successor.

13. Elm is a Timber of most singular Use; especially where it may lie continually dry, or wet in the extreames; therefore proper for Water-works, Mills, Pipes, Pumps, Ship-planks beneath the Water-line; and some that has been found buried in Boggs, has turn'd like the most polish'd, and hardest Ebony, only discern'd by the grain: Also for Wheel-wrights, Kerbs of Coppers, Feathering and Weather-boards, Dressers and sundry other imployments. It makes also the second sort of Charcoal; and finally (which I must not omit) the use of the very Leaves of this Tree, especially of the female, is not to be despis'd; for being suffered to dry in the Sun upon the Branches, and the spray shrip'd off about the decrease in August (as also where the suckers and stolones are super-numerary, and hinder the thriving of their Nurses) they will prove a great relief to Cattel in Winter, when hay and fodder is dear; they will eat them even before Oates, and thrive exceedingly well with them; remember only to lay your Boughs up in some dry, and sweet corner of your Barn: It was for this the Poet prais'd them, and the Epithete was advis'd,

__________ f_cundæ frondibus Ulmi.

In some parts of Hereford-shire they gather them in Sacks for their Swine, and other Cattel according to this husbandry.

CHAP. V.

Of the Beech.

I. The Beech, [Fagus] numbred amongst the glandiferous Trees, I rank here before the martial Ash, because it commonly grows to a greater stature. There are of these Fagi two, or three kinds with us; the Mountain, which is the whitest, and most sought after by the Turner; and the Campestral or wild, which is of a blacker colour, and more durable. They are both to be rais'd from the Mast, and govern'd like the oak, of which amply; and that is absolutely the best way of furnishing a Wood: But they are likewise to be planted of young seedlings to be drawn out of the places where the fruitful Trees abound. In Transplanting them cut off only the boughs and bruised parts, two Inches from the stem, to within a yard of the top; but be very sparing of the Root: This for such as are of pretty stature. They make spreading Trees, and noble Shades with their well furnish'd and glistering leaves, being set at forty foot distance; but they grow taller and more upright in the Forests, where I have beheld them at eight and ten foot, shoot into very long poles; but neither so apt for Timber, nor Fuel: In the Vallies (where they stand warm, and in confort) they will grow to a stupendious procerity, though the soil be stony and very barren: Also upon the declivities, sides and tops of high Hills, and chalkie Mountains especially; for they will strangely insinuate their Roots into the bowels of those seemingly impenetrable places, not much unlike the Fir it self, which, with this so common Tree, the great Cæsar denies to be found in Brittany, Materia cuiusque generis, ut in Gallia, præter Fagum & abietem: but certainly from a grand mistake.

2. The Beech serves for various Uses of the House-wife; with it the Turner makes Dishes, Trays, Bowls, Rimbs for Buckets, and other Utensils, Trenchers, Dresser-boards, &c. likewise for the Wheeler, Joyner, and Upholster for Sellyes, Chairs, Stools, Bed-steads, &c. for the Bellows-maker, and Husbandman his Shovel and Spade-graffs; for Fuel, Billet, Bavin and Coal though one of the least lasting: Not to omit even the very Shavings for the fining of Wines. Of old they made their Vasa Vindimiatoria and Corbes Messoriæ (as we our pots for Straw-berries) with the Rind of this Beech; and that curiously wrought Cup which the Shepherd in the Bucolicks wagers with all, was engraven by Alcimedon upon the Bark of this Tree: You would not wonder to hear me deplore the so frequent use of this Wood, if you did consider that the industry of France furnishes that Country for all domestic Utensils with excellent Wall-nut; a material infinitely preferrable to the best Beech; which is indeed good only for shade and for Fire; as being brittle, and exceedingly obnoxious to the Worm: But whil'st we thus condemn the Timber, we must not omit to praise the Mast, which fats our Swine and Deer, and hath in some Families even supported men with bread: Chios indur'd a memorable Siege by the benefit of this Mast: and in some parts of France they now grind the Buck in Mills; it affords a sweet Oyl which the poor people eat most willingly: But there is yet another benefit which this Tree presents us; that its very leaves which make a natural, and most agreeable Canopy all the Summer; being gather'd about the fall, and somewhat before they are much frost-bitten, afford the best and easiest Mattresses in the world to lay under our quilts instead of straw; because, besides their tenderness and loose lying together, they continue sweet for seven or eight years long; before which time straw becomes musty, and hard; They are thus used by divers persons of Quality in Dauphine, and in Swizzerland I have some times lain on them to my great refreshment: so as of this Tree it may properly be said,

_____- Sylva domus, cubilia frondes.

swine may be driven to Mast about the end of August.

CHAP. VI.

Of the Ash.

I. Fraxinus the Ash is with us Male and Female, the one affecting the higher grounds:

_______ Steriles saxosis montibus orni.

The other the plains of a whiter wood, and rising many times to a prodigious stature; so as in forty years from the Key, an Ash hath been sold for thirty pounds Sterling: and I have been credibly inform'd, that one person hath planted so much of this one sort of Timber in his life time as hath been valu'd worth fifty thousand pounds to be bought. These are pretty encouragements, for a small, and pleasant industry.

2. The Keys being gather'd when they begin to fall (which is about the end of October, and the ensuing Moneth) are to be sow'd; but not altogether so deep as your former Masts: Thus they do in Spain: A very narrow Seminary will be sufficient to store an whole Country: They will lye an full year in the ground before they appear; therefore you must carefully Fence them all that time and have patience: But if you would make a considerable Wood of them at once, Dig or Plow a parcel of ground, as you would prepare it for Corn, and with the Corn (or what other Grain you think fittest) sow also good store of Keys, some Crab-kernels, &c. amongst them: Take off your crop of Corn, or Seed in its Season, and the next year following it will be cover'd with young Ashes, which will be fit either to stand, or be Transplanted for divers years after; and these you will find to be far better then any you can gather out of the Woods (especially Suckers which are worth nothing) being removed at one foot stature (the sooner the better) provided you defend them well from Cattel: The reason of this hasty transplanting, is to prevent their obstinate, and deep rooting; tantus amor terræ ___ which makes them hard to be taken up when they grow older, and that being remov'd, they take no great hold until the second year, after which they come away amain: Yet I have planted them of five and six inches diametre, which have thriven as well as the smaller wands. Cut not his Head at all, nor (by any means) the fibrous part of the Roots, only, that down-right, or Tap-root (which gives our Husbandmen so much trouble in drawing) is to be totally abated: But this work ought to be in the increase of October, or November, and not in the Spring. We are (as I told you) willing to spare his head; because, being yet young, it is but of a spongy substance; but being once well fixed, you may cut him as close to the earth as you please; it will cause him to shoot prodigiously; so as in a few years to be fit for Pike-staves. In South Spain (where are the best) after the first dressing, they let them grow till they are so big, as being cleft into four parts, each part is sufficient to make a Pike-staff: I am told there is a Flemish Ash planted by the Dutchmen in Lincolnshire, which in six years grows to be worth twenty shillings the Tree; but I am not assur'd, whether it be the Ash, or Abeele; either of them were, upon this account, a worthy encouragement. From these low Cuttings come our Ground-ashes, so much sought after for Arbours, Espaliers, and other Pole-Works: They will spring in abundance, and may be reduced to one for a Standard-tree, or for Timber, if you design it; for thus, Hydra like, a Ground-cut-ash

Per damna, per cædes, ab ipso

Ducit opes animumque ferro.

3. It is by no means convenient to plant Ash in Plow-lands; for the Roots will be obnoxious to the Coulter; and the shade of the Tree is malignant to Corn when the head and branches over-drip it; but in Hedge-rows, and Plumps, they will thrive exceedingly, where they may be dispos'd at nine or ten foot distance, and sometimes neerer: But in planting a whole Wood of several kinds of Trees for Timber, every third set at least would be an Ash. The best Ash delights in the best Land (which it will soon impoverish) yet grows in any; so it be not over-wet, and approaching to the Marshy, unless it be first well drain'd: By the banks of sweet and crystal Rivers and Streams I have observ'd them to thrive infinitely.

4. The use of Ash is (next to that of the Oak it self) one of the most universal: It serves the Souldier _____- & Fraxinus utilis hastis. The Carpenter, Wheel-wright, Cart-wright, Cooper, Turner and Thatcher: Nothing like it for our Garden Palisad-hedges, Hop-yards, Poles and Spars, Handles, Stocks for Tools, Spade-trees, &c. In sum, the Husband-man cannot be without the Ash for his Carts, Ladders, and other tackling: From the Pike, Spear and Bow (for of Ash were they formerly made) to the Plow; in Peace and War it is a wood in highest request: Lastly, the white and rotten dottard part composes a ground for our Gallants Sweet-powder, and the Truncheons make the third sort of the most durable Coal, and is (of all other) the sweetest of our Forest-fuelling, and the fittest for Ladies Chambers: To conclude, the very dead leaves afford (like those of the Elm) relief to our Cattel in Winter; but the shade of them is not to be endur'd, because it produces a noxious Insect; and for displaying themselves so very late, and falling very early, not to be planted for Umbrage, or Ornament; especially neer the Garden; since (besides their predatitious Roots) the deciduous leaves descending with so long a Stalk, are drawn by clusters into the Worm-holes, which foul the Allies with their falling Keys, and suddenly infect the ground.

CHAP. VII.

Of the Chess-nut.

I. The next is the Chess-nut, [Castanea] of which Pliny reckons many kinds, especially that about Tarentum and Naples; but we commend those of Portugal. They are rais'd best by sowing; previous to which, let the Nuts be first spread to sweat, then cover them in sand; a Moneth being past, plunge them in Water, reject the Swimmers; being dry'd for thirty days more, sand them again, and then to the water-ordeal as before. Being thus treated till the beginning of Spring, set them as you would do Beans: Pliny will tell you they come not up, unless four or five be pil'd together in a hole; but that is false, if they be good, as you may presume all those to be which pass this examination; nor will any of them fail: But being come up they thrive best unremov'd, making a great stand for at least two years upon every Transplanting; yet if needs you must alter their Station, let it be done about November, and that into a light friable ground, or moist Gravel; however, they will grow even in Clay, Sand, and all mixed soils, upon expos'd and bleak places, as more patient of cold then heat.

2. If you desire to set them in Winter, or Autumn, I counsel you to inter them within their husks, which being every way arm'd are a good protection against the Mouse, and a providential integument: Some sow them confusedly in the Furrow like the Acorn, and govern them as the Oak; but then would the ground be broken up 'twixt November and February; and when they spring be cleansed at two foot asunder, after two years growth: Likewise may Copses of Chess-nuts be wonderfully increased and thickn'd by laying the tender and young branches; but such as spring from the Nuts and Marrons are best of all, and will thrive exceedingly, if being let stand without removing, the ground be stirr'd and loosen'd about their Roots for two or three of the first years, and the superfluous wood pruned away: Thus you will have a Copse ready for a felling within eight years, which (besides many other uses) will yield you incomparable poles for any work of the Garden, Vineyard, or Hop-yard, till the next cutting: And if the Tree like the ground, will in ten or twelve years grow to a kind of Timber, and bear plentiful fruit.

3. I have seen many Chess-nut-trees transplanted as big as my arm, their heads cut off at five and six foot height; but they came on at leisure: In such Plantations, and all others for Avenues, you may set them them from thirty to ten foot distance, though they will grow much neerer, and shoot into poles, if (being tender) you cultivate them like the Ash.

4. The Chess-nut being graffed in the Wall-nut, Oak, or Beech, (I have been told) will come exceeding fair, and produce incomparable Fruit; for the Wall-nut it is probable; but I have not as yet made a full attempt: In the mean time, I wish we did more universally propagate the Horse-chess-nut, which being easily increas'd from layers grows into a goodly Standard, and bears a most glorious flower, even in our cold Country: This Tree is now all the mode for the Avenues to their Countrey palaces in France, as appears by the late Superintendents Plantation at Vaux.

5. The Wood of the Chess-nut is (next the Oak) one of the most sought after by the Carpenter and Joyner: It hath formerly built a good part of our ancient houses in the City of London, as does yet appear. I had once a very large Barn neer the City fram'd intirely of this Timber: And certainly they grew not far off; probably in some Woods neer the Town: For in that description of London written by Fitz-Stephens, in the Reign of Henr. 2. he speaks of a very noble and large Forest which grew on the Boreal part of it: Proxime (says he) patet foresta ingens, saltus nemoresi ferarum, latebræ cervorum, damarum, aprorum, & taurorum Sylvestrium, &c. a very goodly thing it seems, and as well stor'd with all sorts of Timber, as with Venison and all kind of Chase. The Chess-nut affords the best Stakes and Poles for Palisades and Hops, as I said before; and being planted in Hedge-rows & circa agrorum itinera, or for Avenues to our Country-houses, they are a magnificent and royal Ornament: But we give that fruit to our Swine in England, which is amongst the delicaces of Princes in other Countries; and being of the larger Nut, is a lusty, and masculine food for Rustics at all times. The best Tables in France and Italy make them a service, eating them with Salt, in Wine, being first rosted on the Chapplet; and doubtless we might propagate their use, amongst our common people, at lest (as of old the Bo_o) being a Food so cheap, and so lasting. Finally,

CHAP. VIII.

Of the Wall-nut.

I. The Wall-nut is to be elevated like the Chess-nut, being planted of the Nut, or set at the distance you would have him stand; for which they may be prepared by bedding them (being dry) in sand, or good earth, till March, from the time they fell, or were beaten off the Tree: Or if before they be set with husk and all upon them; for the extream bitterness thereof is most exitial and deadly to worms: Some supple them a little in warm Cows-milk; but being treated as before, you will find them already sprouted, and have need only to be planted where they are to abide; because (as we said long since) they are most impatient of transplanting: But if there be an absolute necessity of removing, let your Tree be about four years old, and then by no means touch the head with your knife, nor cut away so much as the very Tap-root; since being of a pithy and hollow substance, the least diminution, or bruise, will greatly endanger the killing.

2. The Wall-nut delights in a dry, sound and rich land; especially, if it incline to a feeding Chalk, or Marle; and where it may be protected from the cold; as in great Pits, Vallies, and Highway sides; also in Stony-grounds, and on Hills especially Chalkie: likewise in Corn-fields: Thus Burgundy abounds with them, where they stand in the middest of goodly Wheat-lands at sixty and an hundred foot distance; and it is so far from hurting the crop, that they look on them as a great preserver, by keeping the grounds warm; nor do the Roots hinder the Plow. When ever they fell a Tree (which is only the old, and decay'd) they always plant a young one neer him; and in several places 'twixt Hanaw and Francfort in Germany, no young Farmer whatsoever is permitted to Marry a Wife, will he bring proof that he hath planted, and is a Father of such a stated number of Wall-nut-trees, as the Law is inviolably observed to this day for the extraordinary benefit which this Tree affords the Inhabitants: And in truth, where this Timber in greater plenty amongst us, we should have far better Utensiles of all sorts for our houses, as Chairs, Stools, Bed-steads, Tables, Wainscot, Cabinets, &c. in stead of the more vulgar Beech, subject to the worm, weak and unsightly.

3. They render most graceful Avenues to our Country dwellings, and do excellently in hedge-rows; but had need be planted at forty, or fifty foot interval; for they affect to spread both their roots and branches. The Bergstras (which extends from Heidelberg to Darmstadt) is all planted with Wall-nuts; for so by another ancient Law the Bordurers were oblig'd to nurse up, and take care of them; and that chiefly for their ornament and shade; so as a man may ride for many miles about that Country, under a continu'd Arbour, or Close-walk; The Traveller both refresh'd with the Fruit, and the Shade: How would such publick Plantations improve the wealth and glory of a Nation! but where shall we find the spirits amongst our Country-men? Yes, I will adventure to instance in those Plantations of Sir Richard Stidolph, upon the Downs neer Lether-head in Surrey; and so about Cassaulton, where many thousands of these Trees do celebrate the industry of the Owners; and will certainly reward it with infinite improvement, as I am assur'd they do in part already, and that very considerably; besides the Ornament which they afford to those pleasant Tracts, for some miles in circumference. I remember Monsieur Sorbiere, in a Sceptical discourse to Monsieur de Martel, speaking of the readiness of the People in Holland to furnish, and maintain whatsoever may conduce to the publick Ornament, as well as Convenience; tells us, that their Plantations of these, and the like Trees even in their very Roads and common High-ways are better preserv'd, and entertain'd (as I my self have likewise been often an eye witness) then those about the Houses and Gardens of pleasure belonging to the Noblesse and Gentry of most other Countries: And in effect it is a most ravishing object to behold their amenities in this particular: With us says he (speaking of France) they make a jest at such political Ordinances, by ruining these publick and useful Ornaments, if haply some more prudent Magistrate do at any time introduce them. Thus in the reign of Henry the fourth, during the Superintendency of Monsieur de Sulli, there was a resolution of adorning all the High-ways of France with Elms, &c. but the rude and mischievous Paysans did so hack, steal, and destroy what they had begun, that they were forc'd to desist from the through prosecution of the design; so as there is nothing more expos'd, wild, and less pleasant then the common Roads of France for want of shade, and the decent limits which these sweet, and divertissant Plantations would have afforded; not to omit that Political use (as my Lord Bacon hints it where he speaks of the Statues, and Monuments of brave men, and such as had well deserv'd of the Publick, erected by the Romans even in their Highways,) since doubtless, such noble and agreeable objects would exceedingly divert, entertain and take off the Minds and Discourses of Melancholy people, and pensive Travellers, who have nothing but the dull and enclos'd ways to cast their eyes on, are but ill Conversation to themselves, and others.

4. What universal use the French make of the Timber of this sole Tree for domestic affairs may be seen in every room both of poor and rich: It is of singular account with the Joyner, for the best grain'd and colour'd Wain-scot; with the Gun-smith for Stocks; the Drum-maker for rimbs: the Cabinet-maker for Inlayings, especially the firm and close Timber about the Roots, which is admirable for fleck'd and chambletted works, and the older it is, the more estimable; but then it should not be put in work till throughly season'd; because it will shrink beyond expectation: Besides these uses of the Wood, the Fruit is for preserves, for Oyl and Food; and the very husks and leaves being macerated in warm-water, and that liquor poured on the Carpet of Walks and Bowling-greens, does infallibly kill the Worms without endangering the grass; not to mention the Dye which is made of this Lixive to colour Wooll, Woods, and Hair, as of old they us'd it. That which is produc'd of the thick shell becomes best Timber; that of the thinner, better Fruit. Columella has sundry excellent rules how to ascertain, and accelerate the growth of this Tree, and to improve its qualities, which I recommend to the farther Industrious, and pass now to the less principal.

CHAP. IX.

Of the Service.

I. The Service-tree is rais'd of the Sorbs, or Berries, which being ripe (that is) rotten about September, may be sown like Beech-mast: It is reported that the Sower never sees the fruit of his labour; either for that it bears only being very old; or that Men are commonly so before they think of planting Trees: But this is an egregious mistake; for these come very soon to be Trees, and being planted young thrive exceedingly; I have likewise planted them as big as my arm successfully: The best way is therefore to propagate them of Suckers or Sets; they delight in reasonable good ground, rather inclining to cold then over hot; for in places which are too dry they never bear kindly.

2. The Timber is useful for the Joyner, and being of a very delicate Grain, for divers curiosities: Also it is taken to build with, yielding Beams of considerable substance: The shade is beautiful for Walks, and the Fruit not unpleasant, and in some cases Medicinal.

CHAP. X.

Of the Maple.

I. The Maple [Acer] (of which Authors reckon very many kinds) was of old held in equal estimation almost with the Citron; especially the Bruscum, the French-Maple, and the Peacocks-tail-Maple, which is that sort so elegantly undulated, and crisped into variety of curles: They are all produced of the Keys, like the Ash; and like to it, affect a sound and a dry mould; growing both in Woods and Hedge-rows, especially in the latter; which if hilly then low affords the fairest Timber. By shreading up the boughs to a head I have caus'd it to shoot to a wonderful head in a little time; but if you would lop it for the Fire, let it be done in January. The Timber is far superiour to Beech for all uses of the Turner, who seeks it for Dishes, Trays, Trenchers, &c. as the Joyner for Tables, Inlayings, and for the delicateness of the grain when the knurs and nodosities are rarely diapred, which does much advance its price: Also for the lightness (under the name Ayer) imploy'd often by those who make Musical-instruments. But there is a larger sort, which we call the Sycomor.

CHAP. XI.

Of the Sycomor.

I. The Sycomor is much more in reputation for its shade then it deserves; for the Leaves which fall early (like those of the Ash) turn to a Mucilage, and putrifie with the first moisture of the season; so as they contaminate and mar our Walks, and are therefore (by my consent) to be banish'd from all curious Gardens and Avenues: There is in Germany a better sort of Sycomor then ours, wherewith they make Saddle-trees, and divers other things of use; our own is excellent for Cart and Plow-timber, being light, tough, and not much inferiour to Ash it self.

CHAP. XII.

Of the Horn-Beam.

I. The Horn-beam, in Latin the Carpinus, is planted of Sets; though it may likewise be raised from the Seeds, which being mature in August should be sown in October; but the more expeditious way, is, by Sets of about an inch diametre, and cut within half a foot of the Earth: Thus it will advance to a considerable Tree. The places it chiefly desires to grow in are in cold hills, and in the barren and most expos'd parts of Woods.

2. Amongst other uses which it serves for, as Mills (for which it excels either Yew or Crab) Yoak-Timber (whence of old 'twas call'd _) heads of Beetles, Stocks, and handles of Tools (for all which purposes its extream toughness commends it to the Husbandman) being planted in small Fosses, or Trenches, at half a foot interval, and in the single row it makes the noblest and the stateliest Hedges for long Walks in Gardens, or Parks, of any Tree whatsoever whose leaves are deciduous, and forsake their branches in Winter; because it grows tall, and so sturdy as not to be wronged by the Winds: Besides, it will furnish to the very root of the stem, and flourishes with a glossie and polish'd verdure which exceedingly delightful, of long continuance, and of all other the harder Woods the speediest Grower; maintaining a slender, upright stem, which does not come to be bare, and sticky in many years. That admirable Espalier-hedge in the long middle walk of Luxembourg Garden at Paris (then which there is nothing more graceful) is planted of this Tree; and so is that Cradle or Close-walk, with that perplext Canopie, which covers the seat in his Majesties Garden at Hampton-Court. These Hedges are tonsile; but where they are maintain'd to fifteen or twenty foot height (which is very frequent in the places before mention'd) they are to be cut, and kept in order with a Sythe of four foot long, and very little falcated; this is fix'd on a long sneed or streight handle, and does wonderfully expedite the trimming of these and the like Hedges.

CHAP. XIII.

Of the Lime-Tree.

I. The Lime-Tree, [Tilia] is of two kinds; the Male, which is harder, fuller of knots, and of a redder colour; but producing neither Flower, nor Seed, as does the Female, whose Blossome is very odiferous perfuming the Air: The Wood is likewise thicker, of small pith, and not obnoxious to the Worm. We send commonly for this Tree into Flanders and Holland, to our excessive cost, whiles our own Woods do in some places spontaneously produce them, from whence I have received many of their Berries; so as it is a shameful negligence, that we are no better provided of Nurseries of a Tree so choice and universally acceptable. For so they may be rais'd either of the Seeds in October; or (with better success) by the Suckers, and Plants, after the same Method, and in as great abundance as the Elme, like to which it should be cultivated.

2. The Lime-tree affects a rich feeding Soil; In such Ground their growth will be almost incredible for speed and spreading. They may be planted as big as ones Leg; their Heads topp'd at about six foot bole; thus it will become (of all other) the most proper and beautiful for Walks, as producing an upright Body, smooth and even Bark, ample Leaf, sweet Blossom, and a goodly shade at distance of eighteen or twenty foot.

3. The Prince Elector did lately remove very great Lime-Trees out of one of his Forests, to a steep hill exceedingly expos'd to the heat of the Sun at Hidelbourg; and that in the midst of Summer: They grow behind that strong Tower on the South-west, and most torrid part of the eminence; being of a dry reddish barren earth; yet they do prosper rarely well: But the heads were cut off, and the pits into which they were transplanted were (by the industry and direction of one Monsieur de Son, a Frenchman) fill'd with a composition of Earth and Cow-dung which was exceedingly beaten, and so diluted with water as it became almost a liquid pap: It was in this that he plunged the Roots, covering the surface with the turf: A singular example of removing so great Trees at such a season, and therefore by me taken notice of here expressly.

4. The Timber of a well grown Lime is convenient for any use that the Willow is; but much to be preferr'd, as being both stronger, and yet lighter; whence Virgil calls them tilias leves; and therefore turn'd into Boxes for the Apothecaries; and Columella commends Arculas tiliaceas: with the Twigs they made Baskets, and Cradles; and of the smoother side of the bark Tablets for Writing; for the antient Philyra is but our Tilia. The Gravers in wood do sometimes make use of this fine Material; and even of the coursest membrane, or slivers of the Tree growing 'twixt the bark and the main body, they now twist into Bass-ropes; Besides the Truncheons make a far better Coal for Gun-powder then that of the Alder it self: and the extraordinary candor and lightness has dignifi'd it above all the Woods of our Forest in the hands of the Right Honourable the White-stave Officers of his Majesties Imperial Court. Those royal Plantations of these Trees in the Parks of Hampton-Court, and St. James's will sufficiently instruct any man how these (and indeed all other Trees which stand single) are to be govern'd, and defended from the injuries of Beasts, and sometimes more unreasonable Creatures, till they are able to protect themselves. In Holland (where the very high-ways are adorn'd with them) they frequently clap three or four Deal-boards (in manner of a close trunk) about them; but it is not so well; because it keeps out the air which should have free access, and intercourse to the bole, and by no means be excluded from flowing freely about them, or indeed any other Trees; provided they are secured from the violence of impetuous winds, &c. as his Majesties are without those close Coffins, in which the Dutch-men seem rather to bury them alive: In the mean time, is there a more ravishing, or delightful object then to behold some intire streets, and whole Towns planted with these Trees, in even lines before their doors, so as they seem like Cities in a wood? this is extreamly fresh, and skreens the houses both from Winds, Sun and Dust; then which there can be nothing more desirable where streets are much frequented.

CHAP. XIV.

Of the Quick-beam.

I. The Quick-beam, [Ornus] or (as others term it) the Whitchen, is a species of Wild-Ash. The Berries which it produces in October may then be sown; or rather the Sets planted: It rises to a reasonable stature, shoots upright, and slender; and consists of a fine smooth bark. It delights to be both in Mountains and Woods, and to fix it self in good light ground. Besides the use of it for the Husbandmans Tools (as once by a Statute of Hen. 8. for Bows) and for Fuel, I have not yet observed any other; save that the Blossoms are of an agreeable scent.

CHAP. XV.

Of the Birch.

I. The Birch [Betula] is altogether produc'd of suckers (though it sheds a kind of Samera about the Spring) which being planted at five or six foot interval, in small twigs, will suddenly rise to Trees; provided they affect the ground, which cannot well be too barren; for it will thrive both in the dry, and the wet, Sand and Stony, Marshes and Bogs; the water-galls, and uliginous parts of Forests that hardly bear any grass, do many times spontaneously produce it in abundance whether the place be high, or low, and nothing comes amiss to it.

Plant the small twigs, or suckers having roots, and after the first year cut them within an inch of the surface; this will cause them to sprout in strong, and lusty tufts, fit for Copse, and Spring-woods; or, by reducing them to one stem, render them in a very few years fit for the Turner.

2. For though Birch be of all other the worst of Timber; yet has it its various uses, as for the Husbandmans Ox-yoaks; also for Hoops, Paniers, Brooms, Wands, Bavin and Fuel; great and small-coal, which last is made by charking the slenderest brush, and summities of the twigs; as of the tops and loppings M. Howards new Tanne: Lastly, of the whitest part of the old wood, found commonly in doating Birches, is made the grounds of our Gallants Sweet-powder; to say nothing here of the Magisterial Fasces, for which antiently the Cudgels were us'd by the Lictor; as now the gentler Rods by our tyrannical Pædagogues.

3. I should here add the uses of the water too, had I not already protested against tampering with the Medicinal virtues of Trees, in the entrance of this Treatise: But if the sovereign effects of the juice of this despicable Tree supply its other defects (which makes some judge it unworthy to be brought into the Catalogue of Woods to be propagated) I may for once be permitted to play the Empiric, and to gratifie our laborious Wood-man with a draught of his own Liquor: And the rather, because these kind of Secrets are not yet sufficiently cultivated; and ingenious Planters would by all means be encourag'd to make more trials of this nature, as the Indians, and other Nations have done on their Palmes, and Trees of several kinds, to their great emolument. The Mystery is no more then this: About the beginning of March (when the buds begin to be proud and turgid) with a Chizel and a Mallet cut a slit almost as deep as the very pith, under some bough, or branch of a well spreading Birch; cut it oblique and not long-ways (as a good Chirurgion would make his orifice in a Vein) inserting a small stone or chip, to keep the lips of the wound a little open: Sir Hugh Plat, giving a general rule for the gathering of the Sap, and tapping of Trees, would have it done within one foot of the ground, the first rind taken off, and then the white bark slit over-thwart, no farther then to the body of the Tree: Moreover, that this wound be made only in that part of the bark which respects the South-west, or between those quarters; because (says he) little, or no sap riseth from the Northern.

In this slit, by the help of your knife to open it, he directs that a leaf of the tree be inserted, first fitted to the dimensions of the slit, from which the Sap will distill in the manner of filtration; take away the leaf, and the bark will close again, a little earth being clapped to the slit: Thus the Knight for any Tree: But we have already shew'd how the Birch is to be treated: Fasten therefore a Bottle, or some such convenient Vessel appendant: this does the effect better then perforation or tapping: Out of this aperture will extil a limpid and clear water, retaining an obscure smack both of the taste and odor of the Tree; and which (as I am credibly inform'd) will in the space of twelve or fourteen days preponderate, and outweigh the whole Tree it self, body and roots; which if it be constant, and so happen likewise in other Trees, is not only stupendious, but an experiment worthy the consideration of our profoundest Philosophers: an ex sola aqua fiunt Arbores? whether water only be the principle of Vegetables, and consequently of Trees: For evident it is, that we know of no Tree which does more copiously attract, be it that so much celebrated spirit of the World (as they call it) inform of water (as some) or a certain specifique liquor richly impregnated with this Balsamical property: That there is such a Magnes in this simple Tree as does manifestly draw to it self some occult, and wonderful virtue, is notorious; nor is conceivable, indeed, the difference between the efficacy of that liquor which distills from the bole or parts of the Tree neerer to the Root, (where Sir Hugh would celebrate the Incision) and that which weeps out from the more sublime Branches: But I refer these disquisitions to the learned; especially, as mention'd by that incomparable Philosopher, and my most noble Friend, the honourable Mr Boyle, in his second part of the usefulness of Natural Philosophy: Sect.I. Essay 3d. where he speaks of the Manna del Corpo, or Trunk-manna, as well as of that Liquor from the bough so of the Sura which the Coco-trees afford; and that Polonian secret of the Liquor of the Wall-nut-tree root; with an encouragement of more frequent Experiments to educe Saccharine substances upon these occasions: But the Book being publish'd so long since this Discourse was ready, I have only here the liberty to refer the Reader to one of the best Entertainments in the world.

4. In the mean time, the liquor of this Tree is esteem'd most powerful for the dissolving of the Stone in the bladder: Helmont shews how to make a Beer of the water; but the Wine is a most rich Cordial, curing (as I am told) Consumptions, and such interiour diseases as accompany the Stone in the Bladder or Reins: This Wine, exquisitely made, is so strong, that the common sort of stone-bottles cannot preserve the spirits, so subtile they are and volatile; and yet it is gentle, and very harmless in operation within the Body, and exceedingly sharpens the Appetite, being drunk ante pastum: I will present you a Receipt, as it was sent me by a fair Lady.

To every gallon of Birch-water put a quart of Hony well stirr'd together; then boil it almost an hour with a few Cloves, and a little Limon-peel, keeping it well scumm'd: When it is sufficiently boil'd, and become cold, add to it three or four spoonfuls of good Ale to make it work (which it will do like new Ale) and when the Yest begins to settle, bottle it up as you do other winy liquors. It will in a competent time become a most brisk and spiritous Drink, which (besides the former virtues) is a very powerful opener, and doing wonders for cure of the Pthisick: This Wine may (if you please) be made as successfully with Sugar in stead of Hony, 1lb to each Gallon of Water; or you may dulcifie it with Raisins, and compose a Raisin-wine of it. I know not whether the quantity of the sweet Ingredients might not be somewhat reduc'd, and the operation improv'd: But I give it as receiv'd.

But besides these, Beech, Alder, Ash, Elder, &c. would be attempted for Liquors: Thus Crabs, and even our very Brambles may possibly yield us medical and useful Wines. The Poplar was heretofore esteem'd more physical then the Betula. The sap of the Oak, juice, or decoction of the inner bark cures the Fashions, or Farcy, a virulent and dangerous infirmity in Horses, and which (like Cancers) were reputed incurable by any other Topic, then some actual, or potential cautery: But, what is more noble; a dear friend of mine assur'd me, that a Country Neighbour of his (at least fourscore years of age) who had lain sick of a bloody Strangury (which by cruel torments reduc'd him to the very article of death) was, under God, recover'd to perfect, and almost miraculous health, and strength (so as to be able to fall stoutly to his labour) by one sole draught of Beer, wherein was the decoction of the internal bark of the Oak-tree; and I have seen a composition of an admirable sudorific, and diuretic for all affections of the Liver out of the like of the Elm, which might yet be drank daily as our Cophee is, and with no less delight; but Quacking is not my trade: I speak only here as a plain Husband-man, and a simple Forester, out of the limits whereof I hope I have not unpardonably transgress'd. Pan was a Physician, and he (you know) was President of the Woods. But I proceed.

CHAP. XVI

Of the Hasell.

I. The Hasell is best rais'd from the Nuts, which you shall sow like Mast in a pretty deep furrow toward the end of February: Light ground may immediately be sown and harrow'd in very accurately; but in case the mould be clay, plow it earlier, and let it be sufficiently mellow'd with the frosts; and then the third year cut your Trees near to the ground with a sharp Bill, the Moon decreasing.

2. But if you would make a Grove for pleasure; plant them in Fosses at a yard distance, and cut them within half a foot of the earth, dressing them for three or four Springs, and Autumns, by only loosning the Mould a little about their roots. Others there are who set the Nuts by hand at one foot distance, to be transplanted at the third year at a yard asunder: But this work is not to be taken in hand so soon as the Nuts fall, till Winter be well advanc'd; because they are exceedingly obnoxious to the frosts; nor will they sprout till the Spring: Besides, Vermine are great devourers of them: Preserve them therefore moist, not mouldy, by laying them in their own dry leaves, or in Sand, till January.

Plantis & duræ Coryli nascuntur ___

3. Hasells are likewise propagated of Sets, and Suckers; from whence they thrive very well, the shoots being of the scantlings of fine wands, and switches, or somewhat bigger, and such as have drawn divers hairy twigs, which are by no means to be disbranch'd, nor more then their Roots, unless by a very sparing and discreet hand. Thus your Coryletum or Copse of Hasels being planted about the Autumn, may (as some practise it) be cut within three or four inches of the ground the Spring following, which the new Cion will suddenly repair in clusters and tufts of fair poles of twenty, and sometimes thirty foot long: But, I rather should spare them till two, or three years after, when they shall have taken strong hold, and may be cut close to the very earth; the improsperous, and feeble ones especially. Thus are likewise Filberts to be treated, both of them improv'd much by transplanting.

4. For the place, they above all affect cold, barren, dry and sandy grounds; also Mountains, and even rockie soils produce them; but more plentifully if somewhat moist, dankish, and mossie, as in the fresher Bottoms, and sides of Hills, and in Hedge-rows. Such as are maintain'd for Copses, may after twelve years be fell'd the first time; the next at seven or eight, &c. for by this period their Roots will be compleatly vigorous. You may plant them from October to January, provided you keep them carefully weeded till they have taken fast hold.

5. The use of the Hasel is for Poles, Spars, Hoops, Hurdles, Forks, Angling-rods, Faggots, Coals; also for With's and bands, upon which I remember Pliny thinks it a pretty Speculation, that a wood should be stronger to bind withall being bruis'd and divided, then when whole and entire; lastly, for riding Switches and Divinatory Rods for the detecting and finding out of Minerals; at least, if that tradition be no imposture.

There is a compendious expedient for the thickning of Copses which are too transparent, by laying of a Sampler, or pole of an Hasel, Ash, Poplar, &c. of twenty, or thirty foot in length (the head a little lopp'd) into the ground, giving it a chop neer the foot, to make it succumb; this fastned to the earth with a hook or two, and cover'd with some fresh mould at a competent depth (as Gard'ners lay their Carnations) will produce a world of suckers, thicken and furnish a Copse speedily. But I am now come to the Water-side; let us next consider the Aquatic.

CHAP. XVII

Of the Poplar.

I. I begin this second Class (according to our former Distribution) with the Poplar, of which there are several kinds; White, Black, &c. besides the Aspen: The white is the most ordinary with us, to be rais'd in abundance with every set or slip: Fence the ground as far as any old Poplar roots extend, they will furnish you with suckers innumerable, to be slip'd from their mothers, and transplanted the very first year. You shall need no other Nursery. When they are young their leaves are somewhat broader, and rounder then when they grow aged. In moist, and boggy places they will flourish wonderfully, so the ground be not spewing; but especially neer the Margins and banks of Rivers,

Populus in fluviis _____-

Also trunchions of seven, or eight foot long, thrust two foot into the earth, when once rooted, may be cut at six inches above ground; and thus placed at a yard distant they will immediately furnish a kind of Copse. But in case you plant them of rooted-trees, or smaller sets, fix them not so deep; for though we bury the Trunchions thus profound; yet is the root which they strike commonly but shallow. The Aspen only (which is that kind of white Poplar bearing a smaller, and more tremulous leaf) thrusts down a more searching foot, and in this likewise differs, that he takes it ill to have his head cut off: Pliny would have short trunchions couched two foot in the ground (but first two days dry'd) at one foot and half distance, and the moulded over.

3. There is something a finer sort of White Poplar which the Dutch call Abele, and we have transported out of Holland: These are also best propagated of slips from the Roots, the least of which will take, and may in March, at three, or four years growth, be transplanted.

4. In Flanders (not in France, as a late Author pretends) they have large Nurseries of them, which first they plant at one foot distance, the mould light, and moist; but, as I said, they must be interr'd pretty deep, and kept clean by pruning them to the middle shoot for the first two years, and so till the third or fourth: When you Transplant, place them at eight, ten or twelve foot Interval: They will likewise grow of Layers, and even of cuttings: In three years they will come to an incredible altitude; in twelve, be as big as your middle; and in eighteen, or twenty, arrive to full perfection: A specimen of this advance we have had of an Abele Tree at Sion, which being lopp'd in Febr. 1651. did by the end of October 52. produce branches as big as a mans wrist, and seventeen foot in length: As they thus increase in bulk, their value and price advance likewise; so as the Dutch look upon a Plantation of these Trees as an ample portion for a Daughter, and none of the least effects of their good Husbandry; which truly may very well be allow'd, if that calculation hold, which the Knight has asserted, who began his Plantation not long since about Richmond; that 30 li. being laid out in these Plants, would render at the least ten thousand pounds in eighteen years: Every Tree affording thirty Plants, and every of them thirty more, after each seven years improving twelve pence in growth, till they arriv'd to their acme.

5. The Black Poplar grows rarely with us; it is a stronger, and taller Tree then the White, the leaves more dark, and not so ample. Divers stately ones of these I remember about the banks of the Po in Italy, which River being the old Eridanus so celebrated by the Poets in which the temerarious Phaëton is said to have been precipitated, doubtless gave argument to that fiction of his sad Sisters Metamorphosis into these Trees; but for the Amber of their precious tears I could hear of no such matter, whiles passing down that River towards Ferrara I diverted my self with this story of the ingenious Poet.

6. The best use of the Poplar, and Abele (which are all of them hospitable Trees, for any thing thrives under their shades) is for Walks, and Avenues about Grounds which are situated low, and neer the water, till coming to be very old they are apt to grow knurry, and out of proportion: The Timber is incomparable for all sorts of white Woodden Vessels as Trays, Bowls, and other Turners ware; likewise to make Carts, because it is exceeding light; for Vine, and Hop-props, and divers viminious works. The loppings in January are for the Fire; and of the twigs (with the leaves on) are made Brooms. The Brya or Catkins attract the Bees, as do also the leaves more tenacious of the Mel-dews then most other Forest-trees, the Oak excepted.

Of the Aspen our Woodmen make Hoops, Fire-wood and Coals, &c.

CHAP. XVIII

Of the Alder.

I. The Alder is of all other the most faithful lover of watery and boggy places, and those most despis'd weeping parts, or water-galls of Forests, ___ crassisque paludibus Alni. They are propagated of Trunchions, and will come of Seeds (for so they raise them in Flanders, and make wonderful profit of the Plantations) like the Poplar; or of the Roots, which I prefer, being set as big as the small of one's leg, and in length about two foot; whereof one would be plunged in the mud. This profound fixing of Aquatic-trees being to preserve them steedy, and from the concussions of the winds, and violence of waters, in their liquid and slippery foundations. They may be placed at four, or five foot distance; and when they have struck root, you may cut them, which will cause them to spring in clumps, and to shoot out into many useful poles. But if you plant smaller sets, cut them not till they are arriv'd to some competent bigness; and that in a proper season; which is, for all the Aquatics, not till Winter be well advanc'd, in regard of their pithy substance. Therefore such as you shall have occasion to make use of before that period ought to be well grown, and fell'd with the earliest, and in the first quarter of the increasing Moon; that so the successive shoot receive no prejudice.

2. There are a sort of Husbands who take excessive pains in stubbing up their Alders where-ever they meet them in the boggy places of their grounds, with the same indignation as one would extirpate the most pernicious of Weeds; and when they have finish'd, know not how to convert their best Lands to more profit then this (seeming despicable) plant might lead them to, were it rightly understood: besides, the shadow of this Tree does feed and nourish the very grass which grows under it.

3. You may cut Aquatic-trees every third, or fourth year, and some more frequently, as I shall shew you hereafter. They should also be abated within half a foot of the principal head, to prevent the perishing of the main stock; and besides, to accelerate their sprouting. In setting the Trunchions it were not amiss to prepare them a little after they are fitted to the size, by laying them a while in water; this is also practicable in Willows, &c.

4. Of old they made Boats of the greater parts of this Tree

Tunc alnos primum fluvii sensere cavatas

Nec non & torrentem undam levis innatat alnus

Missa Pado

___

And as then, so now, are over-grown Alders frequently sought after, for such Buildings as lye continually under water, where it will harden like a very stone; whereas being kept in any unconstant temper it rots immediately: Vitruvius tells us, that the Morasses about Ravenna in Italy were pil'd with this Timber, to superstruct upon, and highly commends it.

5. The Poles of Alder are as useful as those of Willows; but the coals far exceed them; especially for Gun-powder: The Wood is likewise useful for Piles, Pumps, Water-pipes, Troughs, Sluces, Wooden-heels, and the swelling bunches which are now and then found in old Trees, afford the Inlayer pieces curiously chamleted and very hard, &c. but the Fagots better for the fire then for the draining of Grounds, by placing them (as the guise is) in the Trenches; which old rubbish of Flints, Stones, and the like gross materials does infinitely exceed, because it is for ever, preserves the Draines hollow, and being a little moulded over will produce good grass, without any detriment to the ground; but this is a secret, not yet well understood, and would merit an express Paragraph, were it here seasonable,

_____ & jam nos inter opacas

Musa vocat Salices

CHAP. XIX

Of the Withy, Sally, Ozier, and Willow.

Withy.

I. Since Cato has attributed the third place to the Salictum, preferring it even next to the very Ortyard; and (what one would wonder at) before even the Olive, Meadow, or Corn-field it self (for Salictum tertio loco, nempe post vineam, &c.) and that we find it so easily rais'd, of so great and universal Use. I have thought it good to be the more particular in my Discourse upon them; especially, since so much of that which I shall publish concerning them, is deriv'd from the long experience of a most learned and ingenious person, from whom I acknowledge to have receiv'd many of these hints.

Not to perplex the Reader with the various names, Greek, Gallic, Sabinic, Amerine, Vitex, &c. better distinguish'd by their growth, and barke; and by Latine Authors all comprehended by that of Salices, I begin with the Withy. The Withy is a reasonable large Tree, and fit to be planted on high banks; because they extend their roots deeper then either Sallyes or Willows. For this reason you shall plant them at ten or twenty foot distance; and though they grow the slowest of all the twiggy Trees; yet do they recompence it with the larger crop; the wood being tough, and the twigs fit to bind strongly; the very peelings of the branches being useful to bind Arbour-poling, and in Topiary works, Vineyards, Espalier-fruit, and the like.

2. There are two principal sorts of these Withies, the hoary, and the red Withy which is the Greek; toughest and fittest to bind while the twigs are flexible and tender.

Sallyes

.

I. Sallyes grow much faster, if they are planted within reach of water, or in a very moorish ground, or flat plain; and where the soil is, by reason of extraordinary moisture, unfit for Arable, or Meadow; for in these cases it is an extraordinary improvement: In a word, where Birch and Alder will thrive.

2. Before you plant them, it is found best to turn the ground with a Spade; especially, if you design them for a flat.

3. We have three sorts of Sallys amongst us: The vulgar, which proves best in dryer banks, and the hopping Sallys which require a moister soil, growing with incredible celerity: And a third kind, of a different colour from the other two, having the twigs reddish, the leaf not so long, and of a more dusky green; more brittle while it is growing in twigs, and more tough when arriv'd to a competent size: All of them useful for the Thatcher.

4. Of these, the hopping Sallys are in greatest esteem, being of a clearer terse grain, and requiring a more succulent soil; best planted a foot deep, and a foot and a half above ground (though some will allow but a foot) for then every branch will prove excellent for future setlings. After three years growth (being cropp'd the second and third) the first years increase will be 'twixt eight and twelve foot long generally; the second years growth strong enough to make Rakes and Pike-staves; and the third for M. Blithes's trenching Plow, and other like Utensils of the Husbandman.

5. If ye plant them at full height (as some do, at four years growth, setting them five, or six foot length, to avoid the biting of Cattel) they will be less useful for straight staves, and for setlings, and make less speed in their growth; yet this also is a considerable improvement.

6. These would require to be planted at least five foot distance (some set them as much more) and in the Quincunx order: If they affect the soil, the leaf will come large, half as broad as a mans hand, and of a more vivid green, always larger the first year, then afterwards: some plant them sloping, and cross-wise like a hedge; but this impedes their wonderful growth; and (though Pliny seems to commend it, teaching us how to excorticate some places of each set, for the sooner production of shoots) it is but a deceitful Fence, neither fit to keep out Swine, nor Sheep; and being set too neer, inclining to one another, they soon destroy each other.

7. The worst Sallys may be planted so neer yet, as to be instead of stakes in a hedge, and then their tops will supply their dwarfishness; and to prevent Hedge-breakers many do thus plant them; because they cannot easily be pull'd up, after once they have struck root.

8. If some be permitted to wear their tops five or six years, their Palms will be very ample, and yield the first, and most plentiful relief to Bees, even before our Abricots blossom.

The hopping Sallys open, and yield their Palms before other Sallys, and when they are blown (which is about the exit of May, or sometimes June) the Palms are four inches long and full of a fine Cotton: A poor Body might in an hours space gather a pound or two of it, which resembling the finest silk, might doubtless be converted to some profitable use by an ingenious House-wife.

9. Of these Hopping Sallys, after three years rooting, each plant will yield about a score of staves of full eight foot in length, and so following, for use, as we noted above: Compute then how many fair Pike-staves, Perches, and other useful Materials, that will amount to an Acre, if planted at five foot interval: But a fat, and moist soil requires indeed more space then a lean or dryer; namely six or eight foot distance.

10. You may plant setlings of the very first years growth; but the second year they are better, and the third year better then the second; and the fourth as good as the third; especially, if they approach the water. A bank at a foot distance from the water is kinder for them then a Bog, or to be altogether immers'd in the water.

11. 'tis good to new-mould them about the Roots every second or third year; but Men seldom take the pains. It seems that Sallys are more hardy then even Willows and Oziers, of which Columella takes as much care as Vines themselves. But 'tis cheaper to supply the vacuity of such accidental decays by a new plantation, then to be at the charge of digging about them three times a year, as that Author advises; seeing some of them will decay, whatever care be used.

12. Sallys may also be propagated like Vines, by courbing, and bowing them in Arches, and covering some of their parts with mould, &c.

13. For setlings, those are to be preferr'd which grow neerest to the stock, and so (consequently) those worst which most approach the top. They should be planted in the first fair, and pleasant weather in February, before they begin to bud. They may be cut in Spring for Fuel; but best in Autumn for use; but in this work (as of Poplar) leave a twig or two; which being twisted Arch-wise will produce plentiful sprouts, and suddenly furnish a head.

14. If in our Copses one in four were a Sally set, amongst the rest of varieties, the profit would recompence the care.

15. The swift growing Sally is not so tough, and hardy for some uses as the flower, which makes stocks for Gard'ners Spades; but the other are proper for Rakes, Pikes, Mops, &c. Sally-coal is the soonest consum'd; but of all others the most accommodate for Painters to design their Work, and first draught on paper with, &c. as being fine, and apt to slit into Pencils.

16. To conclude, there is a way of graffing a Sally trunchion; take it of two foot and half long as big as your wrist; Graff at both ends a Figue, and Mulberry Cion of a foot long, and so (without claying) set the stock so far into the ground as the plant may be three or four inches above the earth: This will thrive exceedingly the first year, and in three be fit to transplant. The season for this curiosity is February.

Oziers.

I. Oziers are commonly distinguish'd from Sallyes, as Sallyes are from Withies; being so much smaller then the Sallyes, and shorter liv'd, and requiring more constant moisture, and yielding more limber, and flexible twigs for Baskets, Flaskets, Hampers, Chairs, Hurdles, Stayes, Bands, &c. likewise for fish Wairs, and to support the Banks of impetuous River: In fine, for all Wicker and Twiggy Works:

Viminibus Salices _____

2. But these sort of Oziers would be cut in the new shoot; for if they stand longer they become more inflexible; cut them close to the head (a foot or so above earth) about the beginning of October; and unless you will attend till the cold be past, which is better; and in the decrease, for the benefit of the Workman; though not altogether for that of the stock, and succeeding shoot: When they are cut, make them up into bundles, and give them shelter; but such as are for White-work (as they call it) being thus faggotted, should be set in water, the ends dipped; but for black, and unpeel'd, preserv'd under covert only: The peelings of the former are for the use of the Gard'ner.

3. We have in England these three vulgar sorts; one of little worth, being brittle, and very much resembling the fore-mention'd Sally, with reddish twigs, and more greenish, and rounder leaves: Another kind there is, call'd Perch, of limber and green twigs, having a very slender leaf; the third sort is totally like the second, only the twigs are not altogether so green, but yellowish, and neer the Popinjay: This is the very best for Use, tough and hardy.

4. These choicer sorts of Oziers, which are ever the smallest; also the golden-yellow and white which is preferr'd for propagation and to breed of, should be planted of slips of two, or three years growth, a foot deep, and half a yard length, in Moorish ground, or Banks, or else in Furrows; so as the roots may frequently reach the water; for Fluminibus Salices - and at three, or foot distance.

5. The season for planting is in mid-February; but Cattel being excessively licorish of their leaves and tender buds, some talk of a graffing them out of reach upon Sallys, and by this to advance their sprouting; but as the work would consume time, so have I never seen it succeed.

6. Some do also plant Oziers in their Eights like Quick-sets, thick, and (neer the water) keep them not more then half a foot above ground; but then they must be diligently cleans'd from Moss, Slab and Ouze, and frequently prun'd (especially the smaller spires) to form single shoots; at least, that few, or none grow double: These they head every second year about September, the Autumnal cuttings being best for use: But generally

7. You may cut Withies, Sallys, and Willows at any mild and gentle season between leaf and leaf even in Winter; but the most congruous time both to plant and to cut them is Crescente Luna Vere, circa calendas Martias; that is, about the new Moon, and first open weather of the early Spring.

8. It is in France, upon the Loire, where these Eights (as we call them) and Plantations of Oziers and Withies are perfectly understood; as it seems in some places also of our own Country, where I have heard twenty pounds has been given for one Acre.

9. To omit nothing of the culture of this useful Ozier, Pliny would have the place to be prepar'd by trenching it a foot and half deep, and in that to fix the sets or cuttings of the same length at six foot intervals. These (if the sets be large) will come immediately to be Trees; which after the first three years are to be abated within two foot of the ground. Then, in April, he advises to dig about them: Of these they formerly Vine-props, and one Acre hath been known to yield props sufficient to serve a Vineyard of twenty five Acres.

10. John Tradescan brought a small Ozier from St. Omers in Flanders, which makes incomparable Net-works, not much inferiour to the Indian twig or Bent-works which we have seen; but if we had them in greater abundance, we should haply want the Artificers who could imply them.

Willow.

I. Our common Willow of the woodier sort delights in Meads and Ditch-sides, rather dry, then over wet (for so they last longest) and would be planted of stakes as big as on's leg, cut at the length of five or six foot, and fix'd a foot or more into the earth; the hole made with an Oaken-stake and beetle, or with an Iron-crow (some use a long Augur) so as not to be forced in with too great violence: But first, the Trunchions should be a little slop'd at both extreams, and the biggest planted downwards: To this, if they are soak'd in water two or three days (after they have been siz'd for length, and the twigs cut off ere you plant them) it will be the better. Let this be done in February. Arms of four years growth will yield substantial sets to be planted at eight or ten foot distance; and for the first three years well defended from the Cattel, who infinitely delight in their leaves, green or wither'd.

2. Thus a Willow may continue twenty, or five and twenty years, with good profit to the industrious Planter, being headed every four or five years, some have been known to shoot no less than twelve foot in one year, after which the old, rotten Dotards may be fell'd, and easily supplied. But if you have ground fit for whole Copses of this Wood, cast it into double dikes, making every foss neer three foot wide; two and half in depth; then leaving four foot at least of ground for the earth (because in such Plantations the moisture should be below the roots, that they may rather see, then feel the water) and two Tables of Sets on each side, plant the Ridges of these Banks with but one single Table, longer and bigger then the Collateral, viz. three, four, five or six foot high, and distant from each other about two yards.

3. These banks being carefully kept weeded for the first two years, till the Plants have vanquish'd the Grass; every Acre at eleven, or twelve years growth, may yield you neer an hundred load of wood: Cut them in the Spring for dressing; but in the Fall for Timber and Fuel: I have been inform'd, that a Gentleman in Essex has lopp'd no less then 2000 yearly, all of his own planting.

4. There is a sort of Willow of a slender and long leaf, resembling the smaller Ozier; but rising to a Tree as big as the Sally; full of knots, and of a very brittle spray, only here rehears'd to acknowledge the variety.

5. There is likewise the Garden-willow, which produces a sweet and beautiful flower, fit to be admitted into Hortulan ornaments, and may be set for partitions of squares; but they have no affinity with other. There is also in Shropshire another very odiferous kind.

6. What most of the former enumerated kinds differ from the Sallys, is indeed not much considerable, they being generally useful for the same purposes; as Boxes, such as Apothercaries and Goldsmiths use; for Cart-Saddle-trees, Harrows, Shooe-makers Lasts, Heels, Clogs for Pattens, Pearches, Hop-poles; Ricing of kidny-beans, and for Supporters to Vines, when our English Vineyards come more in request: Also for Hurdles, Sieves, Lattices; for the Turner, Coals and Bavin. The wood being preserv'd dry will dure a very long time; but that which is found wholly putrifi'd, and reduc'd to a loamy earth in the hollow trunks of superannuated Trees, is, of all other, the fittest to be mingl'd with fine mould for the raising our choicest Flowers, such as Anemonies, Ranunculus's, Auriculas, and the like; for

Quid majora sequar? Salices, humilesque genistæ

Aut illæ pecori frondem, aut pastoribus umbram

Sufficiunt, sepemque satis, & pabula melli.

7. Now by all these Plantations of the Aquatic Trees, it is evident the Lords of Moorish Commons, and unprofitable Wastes, may learn some improvement, and the neighbouring Bees be gratifi'd; and many Tools of Husbandry become much cheaper. I conclude, with the learned Stephanus's note upon these kind of Trees, after he has enumerated the universal benefit of the Salictum: Nullius enim tutior reditus, minorisue impendii, aut tempestatis securior.

CHAP. XX.

Of Fences, Quick-sets, &c.

I. Our main Plantation is now finish'd, and our Forest adorn'd with a just variety: But what is yet all this labour, but loss of time, and irreparable expence, unless our young, and (as yet) tender Plants be sufficiently guarded from all external injuries? for, as old Tusser,

If Cattel, or Cony may enter to crop

Young Oak is in danger of losing his top.

But with something a more polish'd stile, though to the same purpose, the best of Poets,

Texendæ sepes etiam, et pecus omne tenendum est:

Præcipue dum frons tenera imprudensque laborum;

Cui super indignas hyemes, solemque potentem

Silvestres viri assidue capreæque sequaces

Illudunt: Pascuntur oves avidæque iuvencæ.

Frigora nec tantum cana concreta pruina,

Aut gravis incumbens scopulis arentibus æstas,

Quantum illi nocuere greges, durique venenum

Dentis, et admorsa signata in stirpe cicatrix.

2. For the reason that so many complain of the improsperous condition of their Wood-lands, and Plantations of this kind, proceeds from this neglect; though (Sheep excepted) there is no imployment whatsoever incident to the Farmer, which requires less expence to gratifie their expectations: One diligent, and skilful Man will govern five hundred Acres: But if through any accident a Beast shall break into his Master's field; or the wicked Hunters make a gap for his dogs and horses, what a clamor is there made for the disturbance of a years Crop at most in a little Corn? whiles abandoning his young Woods all this time, and perhaps many years, to the venomous bitings and treadings of Cattel, and other like injuries (for want of due care) the detriment is many times irreparable: Young Trees once cropp'd hardly ever recovering: It is the bane of all our most hopeful Timber. But shall I provoke you by an instance? A Kins-man of mine has a Wood of more then 60 years standing; it was, before he purchas'd it, expos'd and abandon'd to the Cattel for divers years: some of the outward skirts were nothing save shrubs and miserable starvlings; yet still the place had a disposition to grow woody; but by this neglect continually suppress'd. The industrious Gentleman has Fenced in some Acres of this, and cut all close to the ground; it is come in eight or nine years to be better worth then the wood of sixty; and will (in time) prove most incomparable Timber, whiles the other part so many years advanc'd, shall never recover; and all this from no other cause, then preserving ir fenc'd: Judge then by this, how our Woods came to be so decried: Are five hundred Sheep worthy the care of a Shepherd? and are not five thousand Oaks worth the Fencing, and the inspection of a Hayward?

Et dubitant homines ferere, atque impendere curam?

Let us therefore shut up what we have thus laboriously planted, with some good Quick-set hedge.

Quick-sets.

I. The White-thorne which is the best for Fencing, is either rais'd of Seeds or Plants; but then it must not be with despair, because sometimes you do not see them peep the first year; for the Haw, and many other seeds, being invested with a very hard Integument, will now and then suffer imprisonment two whole years under the earth; and impatience of this does often frustrate the expectation of the resurrection of divers seeds of this nature; so as we frequently dig up, and disturb the beds where they have been sown, in despair, before they have gone their full time; which is also the reason of a very popular mistake in other seeds:

2. Especially, that of the Holly, concerning which there goes a tradition, that they will not sprout till they be pass'd through the Maw of a Thrush; whence the saying, Turdus exitium suum cacat (alluding to the Viscus made thereof, not the Missleto of Oak) but this is an errour, as I am able to testifie on experience; they come up very well of the Berries, and patience; for (as I affirm'd) they will sleep sometimes two entire years in their Graves; as will also the seeds of Tew, Sloes, Phillyrea angustifolia, and sundry others, whose shells are very hard about the small kernels; but which is wonderfully facilitated, by being (as we directed) prepar'd in beds, and magazines of earth or sand for a competent time, and then committed to the ground before the full in March, by which season they will be chitting, and speedily take root: Others bury them deep in the ground all Winter, and sow them in February: And thus I have been told of a Gentleman who has considerable improv'd his Revenue, by sowing Haws only, and Nurseries of Quick-sets, which he fells by the hundred far and neer: This is a commendable industry; and neglected corners of ground will fit this Plantation:

3. But Columella has another expedient for the raising of our spinetum, by rubbing the now mature Hips and Haws into the crevices of bass-ropes, and then burying them in a trench: whether way you attempt it, they must (so soon as they peep, and as long as they require it) be sedulously cleans'd of the weeds; which, if in beds for transplantation, had need be at the least three or four years; by which time, even your seedlings will be of stature fit to remove; for I do by no means approve of the vulgar præmature planting of sets, as is generally us'd throughout England; which is to take such as are the very smallest, and so to crowd them into three or four files, which are both egregious mistakes.

4. Whereas it is found by constant experience, that plants as big as ones thumb, set in the posture, and at the distance which we spake of in the Horn-beam; that is, almost perpendicular, and single, or at most not exceeding a double row, do prosper infinitely, and much out-strip the densest, and closest ranges of our trifling Sets, which make but weak shoots, and whose roots do but hinder each other, and for being couch'd in that posture on the sides of Banks and Fences (especially where the earth is not very tenacious) are bared of the mould which should entertain them, by that time the Rains and Storms of one Winter have passed over them. In Holland, and Flanders (where they have the goodliest Hedges of this kind about the Counter-scarps of their invincible Fortifications, to the great security of their Musketiers upon occasion) they plant them according to my description, and raise Fences so speedily, and so impenetrable, that our best are not to enter into the comparison.

6. Your Hedge being yet young, should be constantly weeded, though some admit not of this work until after Michaelmas, for reasons that I approve not: It has been the practice of Herefordshire, in the plantation of Quick-set-hedges, to plant a Crab-stock at every twenty foot distance; and this they observe so Religiously, as if they had been under some rigorous Statute requiring it: But by this means they were provided in a short time with all advantages of for the graffing of Fruit amongst them, which does highly recompense their industry.

7. When your Hedge is now about of six years stature, plash it about February or October; but this is the work of a very dextrous and skilful Husbandman; and for which our honest Country-man M. Markham gives excellent directions; only I approve not so well of his deep cutting, if it be possible to bend it, having suffered in some thing of that kind: It is almost incredible to what perfection some have laid these Hedges, by the rural way of plashing, better then by clipping; yet may both be used for ornament, as where they are planted about our Garden-fences, and fields neer the Mansion. In Scotland by tying the young shoots with bands of hay, they make the stems grow so very close together, as that it encloseth Rabbits in Warrens instead of pales.

8. And now since I did mention it, and that most I find do greatly affect the ordinary way of Quicking (that this our Discourse be in nothing deficient) we will in brief give it you much after Geo. Markhams description, because it is the best and most accurate.

In a Ground which is more dry then wet (for watry places it abhors) plant your Quick thus: Let the first row of Sets be placed in a trench of about half a foot deep, even with the top of your ditch, in somewhat a sloping, or inclining posture: Then having rais'd your bank neer a foot upon them, plant another row, so as their tops may just peep out over the middle of the spaces of your first row: These cover'd again to the height or thickness of the other, place a third rank opposite to the first, and then finish your bank to its intended height. The distances of the plants would not be above one foot; and the season to do the work in may be from the entry of February till the end of March; or else in September, to the beginning of December.

When this is finish'd, you must guard both the top of your Bank and outmost verge of your Ditch with a sufficient dry-hedge, interwoven from stake to stake into the earth (which commonly they do on the bank) to secure your Quick from the spoil of Cattle. And then being careful to repair such as decay, or do not spring, by suppling the dead, and trimming the rest; you shall after three years growth sprinkle some Timber-trees amongst them; such as Oak, Beech, Ash, Maple, Fruit, or the like; which being drawn young out of your Nurseries, may be very easily inserted.

But that which we affirm'd to require the greatest dexterity in this work, is the artificial plashing of our Hedge when it is now arriv'd to a six or seven years head.

In February therefore, or October, with a very sharp Bill cut away all superfluous sprays and straglers which may hinder your progress, and are useless. Then searching out the principal stems, with a keen and light Hatchet cut them slant-wise about three quarters through, and so lay it from you sloping as you go, folding in the lesser branches which spring from them; and ever within a five, or six foot distance, where you find an upright set (cutting off only the top to the height of your intended hedge) let it stand as a stake to fortifie your work, and to receive the twinings of those branches about it. Lastly, at the top (which would be about five foot above ground) take the longest, most slender and flexible twigs which you reserved (and being cut as the former where need requires) bind in the extremities of all the rest, and thus your work is finish'd: This being done very close, and thick, makes an impregnable Hedge, in few years; for it may be repeated as you see occasion; and what you so cut away will help to make your dry-hedges for your young Plantations, or be profitable for the Oven, and make good Bavin.

9. The Pyracanth, Paliurus, and like pretioser sorts of Thorne might easily be propagated into plenty sufficient to store even these vulgar Uses were Men industrious; and then how beautiful, and sweet would the environs of our Fields be? for there are none of the spinous shrubs more hardy, nor fitter for our defence. Thus might Berberies now and then be also inserted among our hedges, which with the Hips, Haws, and Cornel-berries, do well in light lands, and would rather be planted to the South then North, or West, as usually we observe them.

10. Some mingle their very hedges with Oaklings, Ash, and Fruit-trees sown, or planted, and 'tis a laudable improvement.

11. In Cornwall they secure their Lands and Woods with high Mounds, and on them they plant Acorns whose roots bind in the looser mould, and so form a double, and most durable Fence, incircling the Fields with a Coronet of Trees. They do likewise (and that with great commendation) make Hedges of our Genista Spinosa, prickly Furzes, of which they have a taller sort, such as the French imploy for the same purpose in Bretaigne, where they are incomparable husbands.

13. It is to be sown (which is best) or planted of the roots in a furrow: If sown, weeded till it be strong: both Tonsile, and to be diligently clip'd, which will render it very thick, an excellent and beautiful hedge: Otherwise permitted to grow at large, 'twill yield very good Fagot.

14. Thus, in some places, they sow in barren grounds (when they lay them down) the last crop with this feed, and so let them remain till they break them up again, and during that interim, reap considerable advantage: Would you believe (writes a worthy Correspondent of mine) that in Herefordshire (famous for plenty of wood) their Thickets of Furzes (viz. the vulgar) should yield them more profit, then a like quantity of the best Wheat land of England? for such is theirs; and in Devonshire (the seat of the best Husbands in the World) they sow on their worst Land (well plow'd) the seeds of the rankest Furzes, which in four or five years becomes a rich Wood: No provender makes horses so hardy, as the young tops of these Furzes; no other Wood so thick, nor more excellent Fuel; and for some purposes also, yielding them a kind of Timber to their more humble buildings, and great refuge for Fowl and other Game: I am assur'd, in Bretaigne 'tis sometimes sown no less than twelve yards thick, for a speedy, profitable, and impenetrable Mound: If we imitated this husbandry in the barren places of Surrey, and other parts of this Nation, we might exceedingly spare our woods; and I have bought the best sort of French seed at the shops in London.

15. This puts me in mind of the Broom; another improvement for Barren grounds, and saver of more substantial Fuel: It may be sown English, or (what is more sweet, and beautiful) the Spanish, with equal success.

16. In the Western parts of France, and Cornwall, it grows with us, to an incredible height (however our Poet give it the epithete of humilis) and so it seems they had it of old, as appears by Gratius his Genistæ Altinates, with which (as he affirms) they us'd to make staves for their Spears, and hunting Darts.

17. Lastly, a considerable Fence may be made of the Elder, set of reasonable lusty trunchions; much like the Willow, and (as I have seen them maintain'd) laid with great curiosity, and far exceeding those extravagant plantations of them about London, where the lops are permitted to grow without due and skilful laying.

18. There is a sort of Elder which has hardly any Pith; this makes exceeding stout Fences, and the Timber very useful for Cogs of Mills, and such tough employments.

19. The American Yucca is a harder plant then we take it to be; for it will suffer our sharpest Winter, as I have seen by experience, without that trouble, and care of setting it in Cases of our Conservatories for hyemation; such as have beheld it in Flower (which is not indeed till it be of some age) must needs admire the beauty of it; and it being easily multiplied, why should it not make one of the best and most ornamental Fences in the world for our Gardens, with its natural palisados, as well as the more tender, and impatient of moisture the Aloes does for their Vineyards in Languedoc &c. but We believe nothing improvable, save what our Grand-fathers taught us.

And thus, having accomplish'd what (by your Commands) I had to offer concerning the propagation of the more Solid, Material, and useful Trees, as well as the Dry, as Aquatical; and to the best of my talent fenc'd our Plantation in, I should here conclude, and set a Bound likewise to my Discourse, by making an Apologie for the many errours and impertinencies; did not take the zeal, and ambition of this Illustrious Society to promote and improve all Attempts which may concern the Publick utility or Ornament, perswade Me, that what I am adding for the farther encouragement to the planting of some other useful (though less Vulgar) Trees, will at least obtain your pardon, if it miss of your Approbation.

Fruit-Trees.

1. To discourse in this stile of all such Fruit-trees as would prove of greatest emolument to the whole Nation, were to design a just Volume; and there are directions already so many, and so accurately deliver'd and publish'd (but which cannot be affirm'd of any of the former Classes of Forest-trees and other remarkes, at the least to hy poor knowledge and research) that it would be needless to Repeat.

2. I do only wish (upon the prospect, and meditation of the universal Benefit) that every person whatsoever, worth ten pounds per annum, within his Majesties Dominions, were by some indispensable Statute oblig'd to plant his Hedge-rows with the best and most useful kinds of them; especially, in such places of the Nation, as being the more in-land Counties, and remote from the Seas and Navigable Rivers, might the better be excus'd from the planting of Timber, to the proportion of those who are more happily and commodiously situated for the transportation of it.

3. Undoubtedly, if this course were taken effectually, a very considerable part both of the Meat and Drink which is spent to our prejudice might be saved by the Countrey-people, even out of the Hedges and Mounds, which would afford them not only the pleasure and profit of their delicious Fruit, but such abundance of Cider and Perry as should suffice them to drink of one of the most wholesom and excellent Beverages in the World. Old Gerard did long since alledg us an example worthy to be pursu'd;

I have seen (saith he, speaking of Apple-Trees, lib. 3. cap. 101.) in the Pastures and Hedgerows about the Grounds of a Worshipful Gentleman dwelling two miles from Hereford, called Mr Roger Bodnome, so many Trees of all sorts that the Servants drink for the most part no other drink but that which is made of Apples: The quantity is such, that by the report of the Gentleman himself the Parson hath for Tythe many hogsheads of Cider: The Hogs are fed with the fallings of them, which are so many that they make choice of those Apples they do eat, who will not take of any but the best. An Example doubtless to be followed of Gentlemen that have Land and Living; but Envy saith, The Poor will break down our Hedges, and we shall have the least part of the Fruit; but forward in the Name of God, Graff, Ser, Plant, and nourish up Trees in every corner of your Ground; the labour is small, the cost is nothing, the commodity is great; your selves shall have plenty, the poor shall have somewhat in time of want to relieve their necessity, and God shall reward your good minds and diligence.

Thus far honest Gerard. And in truth with how small a charge and infinite pleasure this were to be effected, every one that is a patron of a Nursery can easily calculate: But by this expedient, many thousands of Acres, sow'd now yearly with Barley, might be cultivated for Wheat, or converted into Pasture to the increase of Corn, and Cattel: Besides the Timber which the Pear-tree affords, comparable (for divers curious Uses) with any we have enumerated. But of this I am to render a more ample Accompt in the Appendix to this Discourse.

4. I would farther recommend the more frequent planting and propagation of Fir, Pine-trees and some other beneficial Materials both for Ornament and profit; especially, since we find by experience, they thrive so well, where they are cultivated for Curiosity only.

CHAP. XXI.

Of the Fir, Pine, Pinaster, Pitch-tree &c.

I. They are all of them easily rais'd of the Kernels, and Nuts, which may be gotten out of their Cones and Clogs, by exposing them a little before the fire till they begin to gape, and are ready to deliver themselves of their burthen.

2. There are of the Fir two principal species; the Male whch is the bigger Tree, and of a harder wood; the Female, which is much the softer, and whiter. They may be sown in beds, or cases, at any time during March; and when they peep, carefully defended with Furzes, or the like Fence from the rapacious Birds, which are very apt to pull them up, by taking hold of that infecund part of the seed which they commonly bear upon their tops: The Beds wherein you sow them had need be shelter'd from the Southern Aspects with some skreen of Reed, or thick hedge: Sow them in shallow rills, not above half-inch-deep, and cover them with fine light mould: Being risen a finger in height, establish their weak stalks, by siefting some more earth about them; especially the Pines, which being more top-heavy are more apt to swag. When they are of two, or three years growth, you may transplant them where you please; and when they have gotten good root they will make prodigious shoots; but not for the three or four first years comparatively.

3. The Pine is likewise of both Sexes, whereof the Male growing lower, hath its wood more knotty and rude then the Female. They would be gather'd in June before they gape, and cultivated like the Fir in most respects; only, you may bury the Nuts a little deeper. By a friend of mine they were rolled in a fine compost made of Sheeps-dung, and scatter'd in February, and this way never fail'd; Fir and Pine; they came to be above Inch high by May: this were an expeditious process for great Plantations: unless you would rather set the Pine as they do Pease; but at wider distances, that when there is occasion of removal, they might be taken up with earth and all; because they are (of all other Trees) the most obnoxious to miscarry without this caution; and therefore it were much better (where the Nuts might be commodiously set, and defended) never to remove them at all, it gives this Tree so considerable a check.

4. I am assur'd (by a person most worthy of credit) that in the Territory of Alzey (a Country in Germany, where they were miserably distressed for Wood, which they had so destroy'd as that they were reduced to make use of Straw for their best Fuel) a very large Tract being newly plowed, but the Wars surprizing them, not suffer'd to sow, there sprung up the next year a whole Forest of Pine-trees, of which sort of Wood there was none at all within less than fourscore miles; so as 'tis verily conjectur'd by some they might be wasted thither from the Country of Westrasia, which is the neerest part to that where they grow: If this be true, we are no more to wonder, how, when our Oak-woods are grubb'd up, Beech and Trees of other kinds have frequently succeeded them: What some impetuous Winds have done in this nature I could produce instances almost miraculous: I shall say nothing of the opinion of our Master Varro, and the learned Theophrastus, who were both of a faith that the Seeds of Plants drop'd out of the Air: Pliny in his 16. Book, Chap. 33. upon discourse of the Cretan Cypress, attributes much to the indoles and nature of the soil, virtue of the Climate, and Impressions of the Air: And indeed it is very strange what is affirm'd of that Pitchy-rain, reported to have fallen about Cyrene, the year 430. U.C. after which, in a short time sprung up a whole wood of the Trees of Laserpitium, producing a precious Gum not much inferiour to Benzoin, if at least the story be warrantble: But of these Aerial irradiations, various conceptions and æqiuivocal productions without seed, &c. upon another occasion, if life and leisure permit me to finish what has been long under the hand, and file to gratifie our Horticultores: This present Treatise being but an imperfect limb of that more ample Work.

5. In transplanting of these Resinaceous, and Coniferous Trees, you must never diminish their heads, nor be at all busie with their roots, which pierce deep, and is all their foundation, unless you find any of them bruised, or much broken: Neither may you disbranch them, but with great caution, as about March or before, or else in September, when I advise you to rub over their wounds with a mixture of Cow-dung; the neglect of this cost me dear, so apt are they to spend their Gum.

6. Some advise us to break the shells of Pines to facilitate their delivery, and I have essay'd it; but to my loss; Nature does obstetricate, and do that office of herself when it is the best season; neither does this preparation at all prevent those which are so buried, whiles their hard Integuments protect them both from rotting, and the Vermine.

7. The domestic Pine grows very well with us; but the Pinaster or wilder best for Walks, because it grows tall, and proud, maintaining their branches at the sides, which the Pine does less frequently.

8. The Fir grows tallest being planted reasonable close together; but suffers nothing to thrive under them. The Pine not so Inhospitable; for (by Plinies good leave) it may be sown with any Tree, all things growing well under its shade, and excellent in Woods, hence Claudian,

Et comitem quercum Pinus amica trahit.

9. They both affect the cold, high and rockie grounds; yet will grow in better; but not in over rich, and pinguid. The worst land in Wales bears (as I am told) large Pine; and the Fir according to his aspiring nature, loves also the Mountain more then the Valley; though they will also descend, and succeed very well in either; being desirous of plentiful waterings till they arrive to some competent stature; and therefore they do not prosper so well in an over sandy, and hungry soil, or gravel, as in the very entrails of the Rocks, which afford more drink to the Roots, that penetrate into their meanders, and winding recesses. But though they require this refreshing at first; yet do they perfectly abhor all stercoration; nor will they much endure to have the earth open'd about the roots for Ablaqueation, or be disturb'd. This is also to be understood of Cypress. A Fir for the first half dozen years to stand, or at least make no considerable advance; but it is when throughly rooted, that it comes away miraculously. That Honourable Knight Sir Norton Knatchbull (whose delicious Plantation of Pines, and Firs I beheld with great satisfaction) having assur'd me that a Fir-tree of his raising, did shoot no less then 60 foot in height in little more then twenty years, is a pregnant instance, as of the speedy growing of that material; so of all the encouragement I have already given for the more frequent cultivating this ornamental, useful and profitable Tree.

10. The Picea is another sort of Pine, and are to be cultivated like it

_____ Piceæ tantum, taxique nocentes

Interdum, aut ederae pandunt Vestigia nigræ.

to shew in what unprofitable soils they grow; Add therefore I am not satisfied why it might not prosper in some tolerable degree in England, as well as in Germany, Russia, the colder Tracts, and abundantly in France: It grows on the Alpes among the Pine; but neither so tall nor so upright.

11. There is also the Picaster, out of which the greatest store of Pitch is boyl'd. The Teda likewise, which is a sort more unctuous, and more patient of the warmer scituations.

12. The Bodies of these being cut, or burnt down to the ground, will emit frequent suckers from the Roots; but so will neither the Pine nor Fir.

13. That all these, especially the Fir, and Pine, will prosper well with us is more then probable, because it is a kind of Demonstration that they did heretofore grow plentifully in Cumberland, Cheshire, Stafford, and Lancashire, where multitudes of them are to this day found intire, buried under the Earth, though suppos'd to have been o'rethrown and cover'd so ever since the universal Deluge: For we will not here trouble our Planter with M. Cambden's Quærie, Whether there be not subterraneous Trees growing under the ground? though something to be touched anon might seem to excuse the presumption of it; besides that divers Earths, as well as Waters, have evidently a quality of petrifying wood buried therein.

14. In Scotland there is a most beautiful sort of Fir growing upon the Mountains; of which from that unhappy Person the late Marquess of Argyle I had sent me some seeds, which I have sown with tolerable success.

15. For the many and almost universal use of these Trees both Sea, and Land will plead,

_____- dant utile Lignum

Navigiis Pinos

_____-

They make our best Mast, Sheathing, &c. heretofore the whole Vessel. "It is pretty (saith Pliny) to consider that those Trees which are much sought after for Shipping should most delight in the highest of Mountains, as if it fled from the Sea on purpose, and were afraid to descend into the Waters." With Fir we likewise make Wainscot, Floors, Laths, Boxes, and wherever we use the Deal; nor does there any Wood so well agree with the Glew as it, or so easie to be wrought: It is also excellent for Beams, and other Timber-work in Houses, being both light, and exceedingly strong, where it may lie dry everlasting, and an extraordinary saver of Oak where it may be had at reasonable price. I will not complain what an incredible mass of ordinary Money is yearly exported into the Northern Countrys for this sole commodity, which might all be saved were we industrious at home. Likewise from Fir we have the most of our Pot-ashes.

The Pine, and Picea buried in the earth never decay: From the latter transudes a very bright and pellucid Gum; hence we have likewise Rosin; also of the Pine are made Boxes, and Barrels for dry Goods; yea, and it is cloven into shingles for the covering of houses in some places; not to forget the kernels, of such admirable use in Emulsions: In sum, they are Plantations which exceedingly improve the Air by their odoriferous and balsamical emissions, and for ornament create a perpetual spring where they are propagated.

16. But now whiles I am reciting the Uses of these beneficial Trees, Mr. Winthorp presents the Royal Society with the Process of making the Tar and Pitch in New England, which we thus abbreviate.

Tar is made out of that sort of Pine-tree from which naturally Terpentine extilleth; and which at its first flowing out is liquid and clear; but being hardned by the air, either on the Tree, or where-ever it falls, is not much unlike the Burgundy Pitch; and we call them Pitch-pines out of which this gummy substance transudes: They grow upon the most barren plains, on rocks also and hills rising amongst those plains, where several are found blown down, that have lain so many ages as that the whole bodies, branches and roots of the Trees being perished, some certain knots only of the boughs have been left remainig intire (these knots are that part where the bough is joyn'd to the body of the Tree) lying at the same distance and posture as they grew upon the Tree for its whole length. The bodies of some of these Trees are not corrupted through age, but quite consum'd and reduc'd to ashes by the annual burnings of the Indians, when they set their grounds on fire; which yet has, it seems, no power over these hard knots beyond a black scorching; although being laid on heaps they are apt enough to burn.

It is of these knots they make their Tar in New England and the Country adjacent, whiles they are well impregnated with that Terebinthine, and Resinous matter, which like a Balsam preserves them so long from putrifaction. The rest of the Tree doe indeed contain the like Terebinthine sap, as appears (upon any slight incision of bark on the stem, or boughs) by a small crystaline pearl which will sweat out; but this, for being more watry, and undigested by reason of the porosity of the wood, which exposes it to the impressions of the air and wet, render the Tree more obnoxious; especially, if it lye prostrate with the bark on, which is a receptacle for a certain intercutaneous worm that accelerates its decay. They are the knots then alone which the Tar-makers amass in heaps, carrying them in Carts to some convenenient place not far off, where finding clay or loam fit for their turn, they lay an Hearth of such ordinary stone as they have at hand: This they build to such a height from the level of the ground, that a Vessel may stand a little lower then the Hearth to receive the Tar as it runs out: But first, the Hearth is made wide according to the quantity of knots to be set at once, and that with a very smooth floore of clay, yet somewhat descending or dipping from the extream parts to the middle, and thence towards one of the sides, where a gullet is left for the Tar to turn out at. The Hearth thus finish'd, they pile the knots upon one another, after the very same manner as our Colliers do their wood for Char-coal; and of a height proportionable to the breadth of the Hearth; and then cover them over with a coat of loam or clay (which is best) or in defect of those, with the best, and most tenacious earth the place will afford; leaving only a small spiracle at the top whereat to put the fire in; and making some little holes round about at several heights, for the admission of so much air is requisite to keep it burning, and to regulate the fire by opening, and stopping them at pleasure. The process is almost the same with that of making Char-coal, as will appear in due place; for when it is well on fire, that middle hole is also stopp'd, and the rest of the Registers so govern'd as the knots may keep burning and not be suffocated with too much smoak, whiles all being now through-heated, the Tar runs down to the Hearth together with some of the more watry sap, which hasting from all parts towards the middle is convey'd by the foremention'd gutter into the Barrel, or Vessel placed to receive it: Thus the whole Art of Tar-making is no other then a kind of rude distillation per descensum, and might therefore be as well done in Furnaces of large capacity, were it worth the expence. When the Tar is now all melted out, and run, they stop up all the vents very close; and afterwards find the knots made into excellent Char-coal preferr'd by the Smiths before any other whatsoever which is made of wood; and nothing so apt to burn out when their blast ceaseth; neither do they sparkle in the fire as many other sorts of Coal do; so as, in defect of Sea-coal, they make choice of this as best for their use, and give greater prices for it.

Of these knots likewise do the Planters split out small slivers about the thickness of one's finger, or somewhat thinner, which serve them to burn in stead of Candles; giving a very good light. This they call Candle-wood, and it is in much use both in New England, Virginia, and amongst the Dutch-planters in their Villages; but for that it is something offensive by reason of the much fuliginous smoak which comes from it, they commonly burn it in the chimney-corner upon a flat stone, or Iron; except, occasionally, they carry a single stick in their hand, as there is need for light to go about the house.

It must not be conceiv'd, by what we have mentioned in the former description of the knots, that they are only to be separated from the bodies of the trees by devouring time; or that they are the only materials out of which Tar can be extracted: For there are in these Tracts millions of Trees which abound with the same sort of knots, and full of Terpentine fit to make Tar: But the labour of felling these Trees, and of cutting out their knots, would far exceed the value of the Tar; especially in Countries where Workmen are so very dear: But those knots, above mention'd, are provided to hand, without any other labour then the gathering only.

There are sometimes found of those sort of Pine-trees the lowest part of whose stems towards the root is as full of Terpentine as the knots; and of these also may tar be made: but such Trees being rarely found, are commonly preserved to split into Candle-wood; because they will be easily riven out into any lengths, and scantlings desir'd, much better then the knots.

There be who pretend an art of as fully impregnating the body of any living Pine-tree for six or eight foot high: and some have reported that such an art is practis'd in Norway: But upon several experiments by girdling the Tree (as they call it) and cutting some of the bark round, and a little into the wood of the Tree, six or eight foot distant from the ground, it has never yet succeeded; whether the just season of the year were not observ'd, or what else omitted, were worth the disquisition; if at least there be any such secret amongst the Norwegians, Swedes, or any other Nation.

Of Tar, by boiling it to a sufficient height, is Pitch made: and in some places where Rosin is plentiful, a fit proportion of that may be dissolved in the Tar whiles it is boiling, and this mixture is soonest converted to Pitch; but it is of somewhat a differing kind from that which is made of Tar only, without other composition.

There is a way which some Ship-Carpenters in those Countries have us'd to bring their Tar into Pitch for any sudden use; by making the Tar so very hot in an Iron-kettle, that it will easily take fire, which when blazing and set in an airy place, they let burn so long, till, by taking out some small quantity for trial, being cold, it appears of a sufficient consistence: Then by covering the Kettle close, the fire is extinguish'd, and the Pitch is made without more ceremony.

There is a process of making Rosin also out of the same knots, by splitting them out into thin pieces, and then boiling them in water, which will educe all the Resinous matter, and gather it into a body which (when cold) will harden into pure Rosin.

CHAP. XXII.

Of the Larch, Platanus, Lotus, &c.

I. But why might we not hope as well of the Larch from whence that useful drogue Agaric is gather'd? I reade of Beams no less then 120 foot in length made out of this goodly Tree which is of so strange a composition that 'twill hardly burn, as Cæsar found in a Castle he besieg'd built of it: yet the Coals thereof were held far better then any other for the melting of Iron. That which now grows some where about Chelnsford in Essex, arriv'd to a flourishing, and ample Tree, does sufficiently reproach our negligence and want of industry as well as the incomparable and shady Platanus, that so beautiful and precious Tree which we reade the Romans brought out of the Levant, and cultivated with so much industry and cost, for its stately and proud head only; that they would irrigate them with Wine in stead of Water; and so priz'd the very shadow of it, that when afterwards they transplanted them into France, they exacted a Tribute of any of the Natives who should presume but to put his head under it. Pliny tells us there is no Tree whatsoever which so well defends us from the heat of the Sun in Summer; nor that admits it more kindly in Winter.

Platanus

I. There was lately at Basil in Switzerland an ancient goodly Platanetum: and they may with us be rais'd of their seeds with care, in a moist soil, as here I have known them: But the reason of our little success is, that we very rarely have them sent us ripe; which should be gather'd late in Autumn, and brought us from some more Levantine parts then Italy.

2. They come also of Layers abundantly; affecting a fresh and feeding ground; for so they plant them about their Rivulets, and Fountains.

Lotus.

I. The same opinion have I of the noble Lotus, which in Italy yields both an admirable shade, and Timber immortal.

2. The offer of Crassus to Domitius for half a dozen of these Trees growing about an house of his in Rome, testifies in what esteem they were had for their incomparable beauty and use.

CHAP. XXIII.

Of the Cypress-tree and Cedar.

Cypress.

I. If we should reason only from our common experience, even the Cypress-tree was, but within a few years past, reputed so tender, and nice a Plant, that it was cultivated with the greatest care, and to be found only amongst the Curious; whereas we see it now, in every Garden, rising to as goodly a bulk and stature, as most which you shall find even in Italy it self; for such I remember to have once seen in his late Majesties Gardens at Theobalds, before that Princely seat was demolish'd. I say, if we did argue from this Topic: Methinks it should rather encourage our Countrymen to add yet to their Plantations other Forreign and useful Trees, and not in the least deter them, because many of them are not as yet become endenizon'd amongst us.

2. We may read that the Peach was at first accounted so tender and delicate a Tree, as that it was believ'd to thrive only in Persia; and even in the days of Galen it grew no nearer then Egypt, of all the Roman Provinces, but was not seen in the City till more then thirty years before Pliny's time; whereas there is now hardly a more common and universal in Europe: Thus likewise the Avellana from Pontus in Asia; Thence into Greece, and so Italy, to the City of Abellino in Campania.

Una tantum litera immutata, Avellina dici, quae prius Abellina

I might affirm the same of our Damasco Plum, Quince, Medlar, Figue, and most ordinary Pears, as well of several other Peregrine Trees, Fruit-bearers, and others. It was 680 years after the foundation of Rome ere Italy had tasted a Cherry of their own, which being then brought thither out of Pontus (as the above mention'd Filberts were) did afterwards travel ad ultimos Britannos.

3. Josephus tells us, That the Cedar in Judea was first planted there by Solomon, who doubtless try'd many rare Experiments of this nature; and none more Kingly then that of Planting to Posterity. I do not speak of those which grow on the Mountains of Libanus, in the colder and Northern tracts of Syria: But, as I am inform'd by a curious Traveller, there remaining now not above twenty four of those stately Trees in all those goodly Forests, where that mighty Prince set fourscore thousand Hewers at work for the Materials of one only Temple and a Palace, 'tis a pregnant Example what Time and Neglect will bring to ruine, if due and continual care be not taken to propagate Timber.

4. Nor is it any wonder if we find the whole Species of some Trees so totally lost in a Countrey as if there had never been any such planted in it: Be this therefore applied to Fir, Pine, and many others with us, since it was so long ere Rome was acquainted with them, or indeed with any of the Pitch bearers.

5. We had our first Myrtils out of Greece, and Cypress from Creete, which was yet a meer stranger in Italy, as Pliny reports, and most difficult to be raised; which made Cato to write more concerning the culture of it then of any other Tree: Notwithstanding we have in this Countrey of ours no less then three sorts, which are all of them easily propagated, and prosper very well if they are rightly ordered; and therefore I shall not omit to disclose one secret, as well to confute a popular Errour, as for the Instruction of our Gard'ners.

6. The Tradition is, That the Cypress (being a Symbol of Mortality, they should say of the contrary) is never to be cut for fear of killing it. This makes them to impale and wind them about like so many Ægyptian Mummies; by which means the inward parts of the Tree being heated, for want of Air and Refreshment, it never arrives to any perfection, but is exceedingly troublesome, and chargeable to maintain; whereas indeed there is not a more tonsile and governable Plant in nature: For the Cypress may be cut to the very Roots, and yet spring afresh: And this we find was the husbandry in the Ile of Ænaria, where they us'd to fell it for Copse: For the Cypress being rais'd from the Nursery of Seeds sown in September (or rather March), and within two years after transplanted, should at two years standing more, have the master stem of the middle shaft cut off some hand-breadth below the summit, the sides and smaller sprigs shorn into a conique or pyramidal form, and so kept clipp'd from April to September, as oft as there is occasion; and by this Regiment they will grow furnish'd to the foot, and become the most beautiful Trees in the world, without binding or stake; still remembring to abate the middle stem, and to bring up the collateral branches in its stead to what altitude you please: Thus likewise you may form them into Hedges and Topiary works, or by sowing the Seeds in a shallow furrow, and plucking up the supernumeraries where they come too close and thick: For in this work it shall suffice to leave them within a foot of each other; and when they are risen about a yard in height (which may be to the half of your Palisado) cut off their tops, as you are taught, and keep the sides clipp'd, that they ascend but by degrees, and thicken at the bottom as they climbe. Thus they will present you in half a dozen or eight years with incomparable hedges, preferable to all others whatsoever, because they are perpetually green, and able to resist the Winds better then any which I know, the Holly only excepted, which indeed has no peer.

7. When I say Winds, I mean their fiercest gusts, not their cold: For though it be said, Brumaque illæsa Cupressus, and that indeed no frost impeaches them (for they grown even on the snowy tops of Ida,) yet our cruel Eastern winds do sometimes mortally invade them which have been late clipp'd, seldome the untouch'd, or that were dressed in the Spring only: The effects of this last March and April Winds, accompanied with cruel Frosts and cold blasts, for the space of more then two moneths night and day, did not amongst neer a thousand Cypresses (growing in my Garden) kill above three or four, which for being very late cut to the quick, (that is, the latter end of October) were raw of their wounds, took cold, and gangreen'd; some few others which were a little smitten towards the tops, might have escaped all their blemishes, had my Gard'ner capp'd them but with a wisp of hay or straw, as in my absence I commanded. As for the frost of the past Winter (then which I believe there was never known a more cruel and deadly piercing since England had a name) it did not touch a Cypress of mine till it joyn'd forces with that destructive Wind: Therefore for caution, clip not your Cypresses late in Autumn, and cloath them against these winds; for the frosts they only discolour them, but seldome or never hurt them, as by long experience I have found,

8. If you affect to see your Cypress in Standard, and grow wild (which may in time come to be of a large substance, fit for the most immortal of Timber) plant of the Male sort; it is a Tree which will prosper wonderfully; and where the ground is hot, and gravelly, though he be nothing so beautiful.

9. There is likewise the Tarentine Cypress, so much celebrated by Cato: I do not mean our Savine, (which some erroneously take for it) both that, and the Milesian, are worthy our culture.

10. I have already shew'd how this Tree is to be rais'd from the seed; but there was another Method amongst the Ancients, who (as I told you) were wont to make great Plantations of them for their Timber: I have practis'd it my self, and therefore describe it.

11. If you receive your seed in the Nuts, expose them to the Sun till they gape, or neer a gentle fire, by which means the seeds will be easily shaken out; for if you have them open before, they do not yield you half their crop,

About the beginning of April (or before, if the weather be showery) prepare an even Bed, which being made of fine earth, clap down with your Spade, as Gard'ners do for Purselain-seed: (of old they roll'd it with some Stone or Cylinder) Upon this strew your seeds pretty thick; then sieft over them some more mould for almost an inch in height: keep them duly watered after Sun-set, unless the season do it for you; and after one years growth (for they will be an inch high in little more than a Moneth) you may transplant them where you please.

12. What the Uses of Timber are, for Chests and other Utensils; as heretofore for supporters of Vines, Poles, Rails, and Planks, (resisting the Worm, Moth, and all putrefaction to eternity) the Venetians sufficiently understand; who do every twenty year, and oftner (the Romans every thirteen) make a considerable Revenue of it out of Candy: And certainly a very gainful commodity it was, when the Fell of a Cupressetum was heretofore reputed a good Daughters Portion, and the Plantation it self call'd Dotem filiæ.

13. The Timber of this wood was of infinite esteem with the Ancients: That lasting Bridge built over the Euphrates by Semiramis was made of this wood; and it is reported, Plato chose it to write his Laws in before Brass it self, for the diuturnity of the matter: It is certain, that it never rifts, or cleaves, but with great violence; and the bitterness of its juice preserves it from all worms, and putrifaction. To this day those of Creet, and Malta make use of it for their buildings; because they have it in plenty, and there is nothing out-lasts it: Finally, (not to forget even the very chips of this precious wood, which gives that flavour to Muscadines and other rich Wines) I commend it for the improvement of the Air, as sending forth most sweet, and aromatick emissions, when ever it is either clipp'd, or handled: But,

Quid tibi odorato referam sudantia ligno,

if I forget

The Cedar.

I. The Cedar? which grows in all extreams: In the moist Barbados; the hot Bermudas, the cold New England; even where the snow lyes (as I am assur'd) almost half the year: Why then it should not thrive in Old England, I conceive is from our want of industry: It grows in the Bogs of America, and in the Mountains of Asia:

2. It seems there is no place affrights it; and I have frequently rais'd it of the seeds, which I set like the Bay-berries; and we might have of the very best kind in the World from the Summer Islands, though now almost utterly exhausted there also, and so the most incomparable of that sacred wood like to be quite destroy'd by our Negligence, which is by nature almost eternal:

3. Thus I reade that in the Temple of Apollo at Utica there was found Timber of neer two thousand years old; and in the Sagunti of Spain a beam in a certain Oratory consecrated to Diana, which had been brought from Zant 200 years before the destruction of Troy:

4. The Sittim mention'd in holy Writ is believ'd to have been a kind of Cedar, of which the most precious Utensils were form'd; so that when they said a thing was cedro digna, the meaning was, worthy of eternity.

CHAP. XXIV.

Of the Cork, Alaternus, Phillyrea, Granad,

Myrtil, Jasmine, &c.

The Cork.

I. The Cork [Suber] grows in the coldest parts of Biscany, and in the North of New England:

2. Why should we despair? That the great Ilex thrives well enough, his Majesties Privy-gardens at White-hall would once have shew'd, where stood a goodly Tree, of more then fourscore years old; though there be now but an Impe of it remaining. I wonder Carolus Stephanus, and Benedictus Cursius should write so confidently there were no Cork-trees in Italy, where I my self have travell'd through vast Woods of them about Pisa, and Aquin, and in divers other places between Rome and the Kingdom of Naples: That were none in France indeed Pliny is express, Nat.Hist. l.16.c.8.

3. I shall not need rehearse the Uses of the Bark of this Tree, it is so well known; the Timber is else inconsiderable.

Alaternus

.

I. The Alaternus, which we have lately receiv'd from the hottest parts of Languedoc (and that is equal with the heat of almost any Country in Europe) thrives with us in England, as if it were an Indigene and Natural.

2. I have had the honour to be the first who brought it into Use and reputation in this Kingdome for the most beautiful, and useful of Hedges, and Verdure in the world (the swiftness of the growth consider'd) and propagated it from Cornwall even to Cumberland: The seed grows ripe with us in August; and the hony-breathing Blossomes afford an early and marvellous relief to the Bees.

Phillyrea

.

I. All the Phillyrea's are yet more hardy; which makes me wonder to find the Angustifolia planted in Cases, and so charily set into the stoves, amongst the Oranges and Lemmons; when by long experience I have found it equal our Holly in suffering the extreamest rigours of our cruellest Frosts, and Winds, which is doubtless (of all our English Trees) the most insensible and stout.

2. They are (both Alaternus and this) raised of the seeds (though those of the Phillyrea will be long under ground) and being transplanted for Espalier hedges, or Standards, are to be govern'd by the shears, as oft as there is occasion: The Alaternus will be up in one Moneth after it is sown: Plant it out at two years growth, and clip it after rain in the spring, before it grows sticky, and whiles the shoots are tender; thus will it form an hedge (though planted but in single rows and at two foot distance) of a yard in thickness, twenty foot high (if you desire it) and furnish'd to the bottom: But for an hedge of this altitude, it would require the friendship of some Wall, or a Frame of lusty poles, to secure against the Winds one of the most delicious objects in nature: But if we could have store of the Phillyrea folio leviter serrato (of which I have rais'd some very fine Plants from the seeds) we might fear no weather, and the verdure is incomparable.

Granade

.

I. The culture of the Granade does little differ from that of the Alaternus, of which we might raise considerable hedges on all our Southern Aspects: They have supported this last most unmercifull Winter without any artifice; and if they yield us their flowers for our pains of well pruning (for they must diligently be purged of their wood) it is a glorious recompence: I plant them in my Hedge-rows even amongst the Quick.

Myrtil.

I. The vulgar Italian wild Myrtil (though not indeed the most fragrant) grows high, and supports all weathers. I know of one neer fifty years old, which has been continually expos'd; unless it be, that in some exceeding sharp seasons a little straw has been thrown upon it; and where they are smitten, being cut down neer the ground, they put forth and recover again; which many times they do not in Pots, and Cases, where the roots are very obnoxious to perish with mouldiness. The shelter of a few Mats, and Straw, secur'd very great Trees (both leaf and colour in perfection) this last Winter also, which were planted abroad; whiles those that were carried into the Conserve were most of them lost. Myrtils may be rais'd of seeds, but with great caution; and they seldom prove hardy, nor is it worth the time being so abundantly encreased of Layers: But,

2. I produce not these particulars, and other am_na vireta already mention'd, as signifying any thing to Timber, the main deisgn of this Treatise (though I read of some so tall, as to make Spear shafts) but to exemplifie in what may be farther added to Ornament and Pleasure by a cheap, and most agreeable industry.

Jasmine

.

The common white and yellow Jasmine would shower plentifully in our Woods, and is as hardy as any of the Periclimena; (how it is propagated by submersion, or layers, every Gard'ner skills; and if it were as much imploy'd for Nose-gays, &c. with us, as it is in France and Italy, they might make money enough of the Flowers: One sorry tree in Paris, where they abound, has been worth to a poor woman neer twenty shillings in a year.

CHAP. XXV.

Of the Acacia, Arbutus, Bays, Box, Yew, Holly,

Juniper, and Laurel-trees.

Acacia

I. The French have lately brought in the Virginian Acacia, which exceedingly adorns their Walks: The Tree is hardy against all the invasions of our sharpest seasons, but our high winds; which by reason of its brittle nature it does not so well resist; and the Roots (which insinuate and run like liquorize under ground) are apt to emaciate the soil, and therefore haply not so commendable in our Gardens, as they would be agreeable for variety of Walks and shade:

2. They thrive well in his Majesties new Plantation in St. James's Park.

Arbutus

.

I. But why do we thus neglect the Arbutus, and make that such a rarity, which grows so common, and so naturally in Ireland? It is indeed with some difficulty rais'd from ths seeds; but it may be propagated from the Layers, grows to a goodly Tree, and is patient of our severest weather.

Bays

.

I. Bays are encreas'd both of their Suckers, and Seeds, which should be dropping-ripe ere gather'd: Pliny has a particular process for the ordering of the seeds, and it is not to be rejected: Which is, the gathering the Berries dry, in January, and spreading them till their sweat be over: then he puts them in dung and sows them: As for the steeping in wine, water does altogether as well: others wash the seeds from their mucilage, by breaking and bruising the glutinous Berries; then sow them in March by scores in a heap; and indeed so they will come up in clusters, but nothing so well, nor fit for transplantation, as where they are interr'd with a competent scattering, so as you would furrow Pease:

2. Both this way, and by setting them apart (which I most commend) I have rais'd multitudes, and that in the berries without any farther preparation; only for the first two years they would be defended from the piercing winds which frequently destroy them; and yet the scorching of their tender leaves ought not to make you despair, for many of them will recover beyond expectation.

3. This aromatic Tree greatly loves the shade, yet thrives best in our hottest Gravel, having once pass'd those first difficulties: Age and Culture about the roots wonderfully augment its growth; so as I have seen Trees neer thirty foot high of them; and almost two foot diameter. They are fit also both for Arbour and Palisade-work, so the Gard'ner understand when to prune, and keep it from too woody.

Box

.

I. The Box which we begin to proscribe our Gardens, should not yet be banish'd from our care; because the excellency of the wood does commute for the unagreeableness of its smell: therefore, let us furnish our cold, and barren Hills, and declivities with this useful Shrub: It will increase abundantly of slips set in March.

2. The Turner, Ingraver, Mathematical-Instrument, Comb and Pipe-makers give great prizes for it by weight, as well as measure; and by the seasoning, and divers manner of cutting, vigorous insolations, politure and grinding, the Roots of this Tree (as of even our common, and neglected Thorne) do furnish the Inlayer and Cabinet-makers with pieces rarely undulated, and full of variety.

3. The Chymical oyl of this wood has done the feats of the best Guajacum (though in greater quantity) for the cure of Venereal diseases, as one of the most expert Physitians in Europe has confess'd.

Eugh

.

I. Since the use of Bows is laid aside amongst us, the propagation of the Eugh-tree is likewise quite forborn; but the neglect of it is to be deplor'd; seeing that (besides the rarity of it in Italy, and France, where but little of it grows) the barrenest grounds, and coldest of our mountains (for

______ Aquilonem & frigora taxi) might be profitably replenish'd with them: I say, profitably, for besides the use of the wood for Bows

______ Ityreos taxi torquenter in arcus. The foremention'd Artists in Box most gladly imploy it: And for the cogs of Mills, Posts to be set in moist grounds, and everlasting Axle-trees, there is none to be compar'd with it, likewise for the bodies of Lutes, Theorbas, &c. yea, and for Tankards to drink out of, whatever Pliny report of its shade, and fatal fruit in Spain, France and Arcadia.

2. The toxic quality was certainly in the liquor which those good Fellows tippl'd out of those bottles, not in the nature of the wood; which yet he affirms is cur'd of that Venenous quality by driving a brazen wedge into the body of it: This I have never tri'd, but that of the shade and fruit I have frequently, without any deadly, or noxious effects: so that I am of opinion that Tree which Sestius calls Smilax, and our Historian thinks to be our Eugh, was some other Wood.

3. This Tree is easily produc'd of the seeds. wash'd and cleans'd from their mucilage; and burried in the ground like Haws; It will commonly be the second Winter ere they peep, and then they rise with their caps on their heads: Being three years old you may transplant them, and form them into Standards, Knobs, Walks, Hedges, &c. in all which works they succeed marvellous well, and are worth our patience for their perennial verdure, and durableness.

4. He that in Winter should behold some of our highest Hills in Surrey clad with whole Woods of these two last sort of Trees, for divers Miles in circuit, (as in those delicious Groves of them, belonging to the Honourable my noble friend Sir Adam Brown of Bech-worth-Castle, from Box-hill, and neer our famous Mole or Swallow) might without the least violence to his Imagination, easily phansie himslf transported into some new or enchanted Country; for, if in any spot of England,

Hic ver perpetuum, atque alienis mensibus aestas.

________ 'Tis here

Eternal Spring, and Summer all the year.

Holly

.

I. But, above all the natural Greens which inrich our home-born store, there is none certainly to be compar'd to the Holly; insomuch as I have often wonder'd at the Curiosity after forreign Plants, and expensive difficulties, to the neglect of the culture of this vulgar, but incomparable Tree; whether we will propagate it for Use, and Defence; or for sight and ornament.

2. Is there under heaven a more glorious and refreshing object of the kind, than an impregnable Hedge of one hundred and sixty foot in length, seven foot high, and five in diameter, which I can shew in my poor Gardens at any time of the year, glitt'ring with its arm'd and vernish'd leaves? the taller Standards at orderly distances blushing with their natural Corall: It mocks at the rudest assaults of the Weather, Beasts, or Hedge-breaker,

Et illum nemo impune lacessit.

3. I have already shew'd how it is to be rais'd of the Berries, when they are ready to drop: Remove them also after three or four years; but if you plant the Sets (which is likewise a commendable way, and the Woods will furnish enough) place 'em Northwards, as they do Quick. Of this might there lining Pales and Enclosures be made (such as the Right Honourable my Lord Dacres, somewhere in Sussex, has a park almost environ'd with, able to keep in any Game, as I am credibly inform'd) and cut into square Hedges, it becomes impenetrable, and will thrive in hottest as well as the coldest places. At Dengenesse in Kent they grow naturally amongst the very beach, and pibbles: And this rare Hedge, the boast of my Villa, was planted upon a burning gravel, expos'd to the meridian Sun.

4. True it is, that time must bring this Tree to perfection; it does so to all things else, & posteritati pangimus. But what if a little culture about the Roots (not dunging, which it abhorres) and frequent stirring of the mould doubles its growth? We stay even years for a tolerable Quick, it is worth staying it thrice for this, which has no Competitor.

5. And yet there is an expedient to effect it more insensibly, by planting it with the Quick: Let every fift or sixt be an Holly-set, they will grow up infallibly with your Quick, and as they begin to spread, make way for them, by extirpating the White-thorn, till they quite domineer: Thus was my Hedge first planted, without the least interruption to the Fence, by a most pleasant Metamorphosis. But there is also another, not less applauded, by laying along of well rooted Sets (a yard or more in length) and stripping off the leaves and branches: these cover'd with a competent depth of earth will send forth innumerable Suckers which will suddenly advance into an Hedge.

6. The Timber of the Holly is for all sturdy uses; the Mill-wright, Turner and Engraver prefer it to any other: It makes the best handles, and stocks for Tools, and of the Bark is compos'd our Bird-lime.

Juniper

.

I. Of Juniper we have two sorts, whereof one is much taller, and more fit for Improvement: The wood is yellow, and sweet as Cedar, whereof it is accounted a dwarfish sort.

2. I have rais'd them abundantly of their seeds, which in two moneths will peep, and being govern'd like the Cypresse, apt for all the employments of that beautiful Tree: The discreet loosening of the Earth about the Roots also makes it strangely to prevent your expectations by suddenly spreading into a bush fit for a thousand pretty Employments; for coming to be much unlike that which grows wild, and is subject to the treading and cropping of Cattle, &c. it may be form'd into most beautiful and useful Hedges: My Brother having cut of one onely Tree an Arbour capable for three to sit in: It was at my last measuring seven foot square, and eleven in height; and would certainly have been of a much greater altitude and farther spreading, were it not continually kept shorn: But what is most considerable is the little time since it was planted, being yet hardly ten years, and then it was brought out of the Common a slender Bush of about two foot high: But I have experimented a proportionable improvement in my own Garden, where I do mingle them with Cypresse, and they perfectly become their stations.

3. The Berries afford (besides a tolerable Pepper) one of the most universal Remedies in the world to our crazy Forester; and the Coals, which are made of the Wood, endure the longest of any: If it arrive to full growth it is Timber for many curious works; the very Chips render a wholesom perfume within doors, as well as the dusty blossoms in Spring without.

Laurel

.

I. But to Crown all, I will conclude with the Laurell, which by the Use we commonly put it to, seems as if it had been only destin'd for Hedges, and to cover bare Walls; whereas, being planted upright, and kept to the Standard, by cutting away the collateral Branches, and maintaining one stem, it will rise to a very considerable Tree; and (for the first twenty years) resembling the most beautiful headed Orange in shape and verdure, arrive in time to emulate even some of our lusty Timber-trees; so as I dare pronounce the Laurel to be one of the most proper and ornamental Trees for Walks and Trees of any growing.

2. Pity it is they are so abus'd in the Hedges, where the lower Branches growing stickie and dry, by reason of their frequent and unseasonable cutting (with the genius of the Tree, which is to spend much in wood) they never succeed after the first six or seven years; but are to be new planted again, or abated to the very Roots for a fresh shade.

3. But would you yet improve the Standard which I celebrate, to greater and more speedy exaltation? bud your Laurel on the Black-Cherry-stock to what height you please; if at least the report be true, which I had from an ocular testimony, and am now making an essay of, because I am more then somewhat doubtful of such Allyances, though something like it in Palladius speaks it not so impossible:

Inseritur lauro Cerasus, partuque coacto

Tingit adoptivus virginis ora pudor.

4. They are rais'd of the Seeds or Berries with extraordinary facility, or propagated by Layers and cuttings where-ever there is shade and moisture. I have finish'd now my Planting: A word or two concerning their Preservation, and the Cure of their Infirmities.

CHAP. XXVI.

Of the Infirmities of Trees.

The Diseases of Trees are various, affecting the several parts: These invade the Roots; Weeds, Suckers, Fern, Wet, Mice, and Moles.

I. Weeds are to be diligently pull'd up by hand after Rain, while your Seedlings are very young, and till they come to be able to kill them with shade and over-dripping: And then you are for the obstinate to use the Haw, Fork, and Spade, to extirpate Dog-grass, Bear-bind, &c.

2. Suckers shall be duly eradicated, and with a sharp spade dexterously separated from the Mother-roots, and Transplanted in convenient places for propagation, as the Season requires.

3. Fern is best destroy'd by striking off the Tops, as Tarquin did the heads of the Poppies: This done with a good wand or cudgel, at the decrease in the Spring, and now and then in Summer, kills it in a years or two beyond the vulgar way of Mowing, or burning, which rather encreases then diminishes it.

4. Over-much Wet is to be drain'd by Trenches, where it infests the Roots of such kinds as require drier ground: But if a drip do fret into the body of a Tree by the head, (which will certainly decay it) cutting first the place smooth, stop and cover it with loam and hay till a new dark succeed.

These infest the Bark; Bark-bound, Teredo, or Worm, Conys, Moss, Ivy, &c.

5. The Bark-bound are to be released by drawing your knife rind-deep from the Root, as far as you can conveniently; and if the gaping be much, filling the rift with a little Cow-dung; do this each side, and at Spring, February or March; also cutting off some branches is profitable; especially such as are blasted or lightning-struck.

6. The Teredo, Cossi, and other Worms, lying between the Body and the Bark, poyson that passage to the great prejudice of some Trees; but the holes being once found, they are to be taken out with a light Incision.

7. Conies and Hares by barking the Trees in hard Winters spoil very many tender Plantations: Next to the utter destroying them there is nothing better than to anoint that part which is within their reach with stercus humanum, tempered with a little Water or Urine, and lightly brushed on; this renew'd after every great Rain.

8. Moss is to be rubb'd and scrap'd off with some fit instrument of Wood, which may not excorticate the Tree, or with a piece of Hair-cloth after a sobbing Rain: But the most infallible Art of Emuscation is taking away the cause, which is superfluous moisture in clayie and spewing grounds.

9. Ivy is destroy'd by digging up the Roots, and loosning its hold: Missleto, and other Excrescences to be cut and broken off.

10. The Bodies of Trees are visited with Canker, Hollowness, Hornets, Earwigs, Snails, &c.

11. Cankers (caused by some stroak or galling) are to be cut out to the quick, the scars emplaistred with Tar mingled with Oil, and over that a thin spreading of loam; or else with clay and Horse-dung; or by laying Wood-ashes, Nettles, or Fern to the roots, &c.

12. Hollowness is contracted when by reason of the ignorant or careless lopping of a Tree the wet is suffer'd to fall perpendicularly upon a part, especially the Head: In this case if there be sufficient sound wood cut it to the quick and close to the body, and cap the hollow part with a Tarpaulin, or fill it with good stiff loam and fine hay mingled. This is one of the worst of Evils, and to which the Elm is most obnoxious.

13. Hornets and Wasps, &c. by breeding in the hollowness of Trees infest them, and are therefore to be destroy'd by stopping up their entrances with Tar and Goos-dung, or by conveying the fumes of brimstone into their Cells.

14. Earwigs and Snails do seldome infest Forest-trees, but those which are Fruit-bearers, and are destroy'd by enticing them into sweet waters, and by picking the Snails off betimes in the Morning, and rainy Evenings. Lastly,

Branches, Buds, and Leaves extreamly suffer from the Blasts, Jaundices, and Caterpillars, Rooks, &c.

15. The blasted parts of Trees are to be cut away to the quick; and to prevent it, smoak them in suspicious weather, by burning moist straw with the wind, or rather the dry and superfluous cuttings of Arromatick plants, such as Rosemary, Lavender, Juniper, Bays, &c.

Mice, Moles, and Pismires cause the Jaundies in Trees, known by the discolour of the Leaves and Buds.

16. The Moles may be taken in Traps, and kill'd, as every Woodman knows: It is certain that they are driven from their haunts by Garlick for a time, and other heady smells buried in their passages.

17. Mice with Traps, or by sinking some Vessel almost level with the surface of the ground, the Vessel half full of Water, upon which let there be strew'd some huls or chaff of Oates; also with Bane.

18. Destroy Pismires with scalding water, and disturbing their hills.

19. Caterpillars, by cutting off their webs from the twigs before the end of February, and burning them; the sooner the better: If they be already hatched wash them off, or choak and dry them with Smoak.

20. Rooks do in time, by pinching off the buds and tops of Trees for their Nests, cause many Trees and Groves to decay.

These (amongst many others) are the Infirmities to which Forest-Trees are subject whilst they are standing; and when they are fell'd, to the Worm; especially if cut before the Sap be perfectly at rest: But to prevent or cure it in the Timber, I recommend this Secret as the most approv'd.

21. Let common yellow Sulphur be put into a cucurbit-glass, upon which pour so much of the strongest Aqua-fortis as may cover it three fingers deep: Distil this to dryness, which is done by two or three Rectifications: Let the Sulphur remaining in the bottom (being of a blackish or sad red colour) be laid on a Marble, or put into a Glass, where it will easily dissolve into Oil: With this anoint what is either infected or to be preserved of Timber. It is a great and excellent Arcanum for tinging the Wood with no unpleasant colour, by no Art to be washed out; and such a preservative of all manner of Woods, nay of many other things; as Ropes, Cables, Fishing-nets, Masts of Ships, &c. that it defends them from putrefaction, either in Waters, under or above the earth, in the Snow, Ice, Air, Winter or Summer, &c.

It were superfluous to describe the process of the Aqua-fortis; It shall be sufficient to let you know, That our common Coperas makes this Aqua-fortis well enough for our purpose, being drawn over by a Retort: And for Sulphur the Island of St Christophers yields enough (which hardly needs any refining) to furnish the whole world. This Secret (for the Curious) I thought fit not to omit; though a more compendious three or four anointings with Linseed Oil, has prov'd very effectual: It was experimented in a Wall-nut Table, where it destroy'd millions of Worms immediately, and is to be practis'd for Tables, Tubes, Mathematical Instruments, Boxes, Bedsteads, Chairs, Rarities, &c. Oyl of Wall-nuts will doubtless do the same, is sweeter, and a better Vernish; but above all is commended Oyl of Cedar, or that of Juniper.

Hitherto I have spoken of Trees, their kinds, and propagation in particular: Now a word or two concerning their ordering in general, as it relates to Copses, Lopping, Felling, &c.

Then I shall add something more concerning their Uses, as to Fewel, &c. and cast such accidental Lessons into a few Aphorisms, as could not well be more regularly inserted.

Lastly, I shall conclude with some more serious Observations in reference to the main Design and project of this Discourse, as it concerns the Improvement of His Majesties Forests, for the honour and security of the whole Kingdom.

CHAP. XXVII.

Of Copses.

I. Sylva Cædua is as well Copse to cut for Fewel as for use of Timber; and we have already shew'd how it is to be rais'd, both by Sowing and Planting. Our ordinary Copses are chiefly upon Hasel, or the Birch; but if amongst the other kinds store of Ash and Sallow (at least one in four) were sprinkled in the Planting, the profit would soon discover a difference, and well recompence the Industry. Others advise us to plant shoots of Sallow, Willow, Alder, and of all the swift growing Trees, being of seven years growth, sloping off both the ends towards the ground to the length of a Billet, and burying them a reasonable depth in the earth. This will cause them to put forth seven or eight branches, each of which will become a Tree in a short time, especially if the soil be moist.

2. Copses being of a competent growth, as of twelve or fifteen years, are esteem'd fit for the Ax; but those of twenty years standing are better, and far advance the price. Some of our old Clergy Spring-woods heretofore have been let rest till twenty five or thirty years, and have prov'd highly worth the attendance; for by that time even a Seminary of Acorns will render a considerable advance, as I have already exemplified in the Northamptonshire Lady. And if Copses were so divided as that every year there might be some fell'd, it were a continual and a present profit: Seventeen years growth affords a tolerable Fell; supposing the Copse of seventeen Acres, one Acre might be yearly fell'd for ever; and so more, according to proportion.

3. As to what Numbers and Scantlings you are to leave on every Acre, the Statutes are our generall guides, at least the legal. It is a very ordinary Copse which will not afford three or four Firsts, that is, Bests; fourteen Seconds; twelve Thirds; eight Wavers, &c. according to which proportions the sizes of young Trees in Copsing are to succeed one another. By the statute of 35 Hen. 8. in Copses or Under-woods fell'd at twenty four years growth, there were to be left twelve Standils, or stores of Oak, upon each Acre; in defect of so many Oaks, the same number of Elms, Ash, Asp, or Beech; and they to be such as are of likely Trees for Timber, and of such as have been spar'd at some former Felling, unless there were none, in which case they are to be then left, and so continue without Felling till they are ten inch square within a yard of ground.

Copses above this growth fell'd, to leave 12 great Oaks; or in defect of them other Timber-trees (as above) and so to be left for 20 years longer, and to be enclosed seven years.

4. In summe, you are to spare as many likely Trees for Timber as with discretion you can. And as to the felling, (beginning at one side, that the Carts may enter without detriment to what you leave standing) the Under-wood may be cut from January at the latest, till mid-March, or April; or from mid-September, till neer the end of November; so as all be avoided by Midsomer at the latest, and then fenced (Where the Rowes and Brush lye longer unbound or made up, you endanger the loss of a second Spring) and not to stay so long as usually they are a clearing, that the Young, and the Seedlings may suffer the least interruption.

5. It is advis'd not to cut off the Browse-wood of Oaks in Copses, but to suffer it to fall off, as where Trees stand very close it usually does: I do not well comprehend why yet it should be spared so long.

6. When you espy a cluster of Plants growing as it were all in a bunch, it shall suffice that you preserve the fairest Sapling, cutting all the rest away. And if it chance to be a Chess-nut, Service, or like profitable Tree, cleer it from the droppings and incumbrances of other Trees, that it may thrive the better: Then as you pass along, prune, and trim up all the young Wavers, covering such Roots as lye bare and expos'd with fresh mould.

7. Cut not above half a foot from the Ground, and that slope-wise; stripping up such as you spare from their extravagant Branches, Water-boughs, &c. that hinder the growth of others: Always remembring (before you so much as enter upon this work) to preserve sufficient Plash-pole about the verge and bounds of the Copse for Fence, and security of what you leave; and for this something less then a Rod may suffice: Then raking your Wood cleer of Spray, Chips, and all Incumbrances, shut it up from the Cattle; the longer the better.

8. By the Statute men were bound to enclose Copses after Felling, of or under 14 years growth for 4 years: Those above 14 years growth to be 16 years Enclos'd: And for Woods in common a fourth part to be shut up; and at Felling the like proportion of great Trees to be left, and 7 years Enclos'd: This was enlarg'd by 13 Eliz.

Your elder Under-woods may be graz'd about July.

Then for the Measure of Fuel these proportions were to be observ'd.

9. Statutable Billet should hold three foot in length, and seven inch and half compass; 10 or 14 as they are counted for 1, 2, or 3, &c.

A stack of Wood (which is the boughs and offal of the Trees to be converted to Charcoal) is 4 yards long, three foot and half high, (in some laces but a yard) and as much over: In other places the Cord is 4 foot in height and 4 foot over; or, (to speak more Geometrically) a Solid made up of three dimensions, 4 foot high, four broad, and eight foot long; the content 128 cubique feet.

Fagots ought to be a full yard in length, and two foot in circumference, made round, and not flat; for so they contain less Fuel, though equal in the bulk appearing. But of these particulars when we come to speak expressly of Fuel.

10. In the mean time it were to be wish'd, that some approv'd Experiments were sedulously try'd (with the advice of skilful and ingenious Physitians) for the making of Beer without Hops; as possibly with the white Marrubium (a Plant of singular virtue) or with dry'd Heath-tops (viz. that sort which bears no Berries) or the like, far more wholesom, and less bitter then either Tamarisk, Carduus, or Broom, which divers have essay'd; it might prove a means to save a world of Fuel, and in divers places young Timber and Copse-wood, which is yearly spent for Poles; especially in Countries where Wood is very precious.

CHAP. XXVIII.

Of Pruning.

I. Pruning I call all purgation of Trees from what is superfluous. The Ancients found such benefit in Pruning, that they feign'd a Godess præsided over it, as Arnobius tells us: And in truth, it is in the discreet performance of this Work that the Improvement of our Timber and Woods does as much consist as in any thing whatsoever. A skilful Planter should therefore be early at this work: Shall old Gratius give you Reason and Direction?

Nunquam sponte sua procerus ad aera termes

Exiit, inque ipsa curvantur stirpe genistæ.

Ergo age luxuriam primo f_tusque nocenteis

Detrahe: frondosas gravat indulgentia silvas.

Post ubi proceris generosa stirpibus arbor

Se dederit, teretesque ferent ad sidera virgæ,

Stringe notas circum, & gemmanteis exige versus.

His, si quis vitium nociturus sufficit humor,

Visceribus fluit, & venas durabit inertes

.

And his incomparable Interpreter thus in English.

Twigs of themselves never rise strait and high.

And Under-Woods are bow'd as first they shoot.

Then prune the boughs; and Suckers from the root

Discharge. The leavy wood fond pity tires;

After, when with tall rods the tree aspires,

And the round staves to heaven advance their twigs,

Pluck all the buds, and strip off all the sprigs;

These issues vent what moisture still abound,

And the veins unimploy'd grow hard and sound.

2. For 'tis a misery to see how our fairest Trees are defac'd, and mangl'd by unskilful Wood-men, and mischievous Bordurers, who go always arm'd with short Hand-bills, hacking and chopping off all that somes in their way; by which our Trees are made full of knots, boils, cankers, and deform'd bunches, to their utter destruction: Good husbands should be asham'd of it. As much to be reprehended are those who either begin this work at unseasonable times, or so maim the poor branches, that either out of laziness, or want of skill, they leave most of them stubs, and instead of cutting the Arms and Branches close to the boale, hack them off a foot or two from the body of the Tree, by which means they become hollow and rotten, and are as so many conduits to receive the Rain and the Weather, which perishes them to the very head, deforming the whole Tree with many ugly botches, which shorten its life, and utterly marre the Timber.

3. By this Animadversion alone it were easie for an ingenious man to understand how Trees are to be govern'd; which is in a word, by cutting clean, smooth, and close, making the stroke upward, and with a sharp Bill, so as the weight of an untractable bough do not splice, and carry the bark with it, which is both dangerous and unsightly.

4. The proper season for this work is a little after the change in January:

_____ Tunc stringe comas, tunc brachia tonde:

_____ Tunc denique dura

Exerce Imperia, & ramos compesce fluenteis.

But this ought not to be too much in young Fruit-trees, after they once come to form a handsom head; in which period you should but only pare them over about March, to cover the stack the sooner, if the Tree be very choice: To the aged, this is plainly a renewing of their Youth, and an extraordinary refreshment: Besides, for Interlucation, exuberant branches, & spissae nemorum comæ, where the boughs grow too thick and are cumbersome, to let in the Sun and Air, this is of great importance.

5. Divers other precepts of this nature I could here enumerate, had not the great experience, faithful and accurate description how this necessary Work is to be perform'd, set down by our Country-man honest Lawson (Orchard, cap.II) prevented all that the most Inquisitive can suggest: The particulars are so ingenuous, and highly material, that you will not be displeas'd to read them in his own style.

All Ages (saith he) by Rules and experience do consent to a pruning and lopping of Trees: Yet have not any that I know described unto us (except in dark, and general words) what, or which are those superfluous boughs, which we must take away; and that is the most chief, and most needful point to be known in lopping. And we may well assure our selves (as in all other Arts, so in this) there is a vantage, and dexterity by skill; an habit by practice out of experience, in the performance hereof, for the profit of mankind: Yet do I not know (let me speak it with patience of our cunning Arborists) any thing within the compass of humane affairs so necessary, and so little regarded; not only in Orchards, but also in all other Timber-trees, where or whatsoever.

Now to our purpose:

How many Forests, and Woods, wherein you shall have for one lively thriving Tree, four (nay sometimes twenty four) evil thriving, rotten and dying Trees, even whiles they live; and instead of Trees, thousands of bushes and shrubs? what rotteness? what hollowness? what dead arms? wither'd tops? curtail'd trunks? what loads of Mosse? drouping boughs? and dying branches shall you see every where? and those that like in this sort are in a manner all unprofitable boughs, canker'd arms, crooked, little and short boats. What an infinite number of bushes, shrubs and skrags of Hasels, Thornes and other profitable wood, which might be brought by dressing to become great, and goodly trees? Consider now the Cause.

The lesser Wood hath been spoil'd with careless, unskilful, and untimely stowing; and much also of the great Wood. The greater Trees at the first rising have fill'd and overladen themselves with a number of wastefull boughs and suckers, which have not only drawn the sap from the boal, but also have made it knotty, and themselves, and the boal mossie, for want of dressing; whereas, if in the prime of growth they had been taken away close, all but one top, and clean by the bulk, the strength of all the sap should have gone to the bulk, and so would have recovered, and cover'd his his knots, and have put forth a fair, long and straight body, for Timber profitable, huge great of bulk, and of infinite last.

If all Timber-trees were such (will some say) how should we have crooked wood for Wheels, Coorbs, &c?

Answ. Dress all you can, and there will be enough crooked for those uses.

More then this; in most places they grow so thick, that neither themselves, nor earth, nor any thing under or neer them can thrive; nor Sun, nor Rain, nor Air can do them, not any thing neer, or under them, any profit or comfort.

I see a number of Hags, where out of one root you shall see three or four (nay more, such is mens unskilful greediness, who desiring many, have none grow) pretty Oaks, or Ashes, straight and tall; because the root at the first shoot gives sap amain: but if one only of them might be suffer'd to grow, and that well, and cleanly prun'd, all to his very top, what a Tree should we have in time? And we see by those roots continually, and plentifully springing, notwithstanding so deadly wounded, what a commodity should arise to the Owner, and the Commonwealth if wood were cherished, and orderly dress'd. The waste boughs closely, and skilfully taken away, would give us hope of Fences, and Fuel; and the bulk of the Tree in time would grow of huge length and bigness: But here (methinks) I hear an unskilful Arborist say, that Trees have their several forms, even by nature; the Pear, the Holly, the Aspe, &c. grow long in bulk, with few and little armes. The Oak by nature broad, and such like. All this I grant: But grant me also, that there is a profitable end and use of every Tree, from which if it decline (though by Nature) yet Man by Art may (nay must) correct it. Now other end of Trees I never could learn, than good Timber, Fruit much and good, and pleasure: Uses physical hinder nothing a good form.

Neither let any Man ever so much as think, that it is unprobable, much less unpossible, to reform any Tree of what kind soever: For (believe me) I have tried it: I can bring any Tree (beginning by time) to any form. The Pear, and Holly may be made spread, and the Oak to close.

Thus far the good Man out of his eight and forty years experience concerning Timber-trees: He descends then to the Orchards; which because it may likewise be acceptable to our industrious Planter, I thus contract.

6. Such as stand for Fruits should be parted from within two foot (or thereabouts) of the earth; so high, as to give liberty to dress the Root, and no higher; beause of exhausting the sap that should feed his Fruit: For the boal will be first, and best served and fed, being next to the root, and of greatest substance. These should be parted into two, three, or four Arms, as your graffs yield twigs; and every Arm into two, or more Branches, every Branch into his several Cyons: still spreading by equal degrees; so as his lowest spray be hardly without the reach of a mans hand, and his highest not past two yards higher: That no twig (especially in the middest) touch his fellow; let him spread as far as his list without any master-bough, or top, equally; and when any fall lower than his fellows (as they will with weight of Fruit) ease him the next spring of his superfluous twigs, and he will rise: When any amount above the rest, top him with a nip between your fingers, or with a knife: Thus reform any Cyon; and, as your Tree grows in stature, and strength, so let him rise with his tops, but slowly, and early; especially in the middest, and equally in breadth also; following him upward, with lopping his under-growth, and water-boughs, keeping the same distance of two yards, not above three, in any wise, betwixt the lowest and highest twigs.

I. Thus shall you have handsome, clear, healthful, great and lasting Trees.

2. Thus they will grow safe from Winds, yet the top spreading.

3. Thus shall they bear much Fruit; I dare say, one as much as five of your common Trees, all his branches loaden.

4. Thus shall your Boal being low defraud the branches but little of their sap.

5. Thus shall your Trees be easie to dress, and as easie to gather the Fruits from, without bruising the Cyons, &c.

6. The fittest time of the Moon for pruning is (as of Graffing) when the sap is ready to stir (not proudly stirring) and so to cover the wound. Old Trees would be prun'd before young Plants: And note, that wheresoever you take any thing away, the sap the next Summer will be putting: be sure therefore when he puts to bud in any unfit place, you rub it off with your finger: Thus begin timely with your Trees, and you may bring them to what form you please. If you desire any Tree should be taller, let him break or divide higher: This for young Trees: The old are reformed by curing of their diseases, of which we have already discours'd. There is this only to be consider'd, in reference to Foresters, out of what he has spoken concerning Fruit-trees; that where Trees are planted for shadow, and meer ornament, as in Walks, and Avenues, the Browse-wood (as they call it) should most of it be cherish'd; whereas in Fruit, and Timber-trees (Oak excepted) it is best to free them of it: As for Pollards (to which I am no great friend because it makes so many scrags and dwarfes of many Trees which would else be good Timber, endangering them with drips and the like injuries) they should not be headed above once in ten or twelve years, at the beginning of the spring, or end of the Fall.

7. For the improvement of the speedy growth of Trees, there is not a more excellent thing then the frequent rubbing of the Boal or Stem, with some piece of hair-cloth, or ruder stuff, at the beginning of Spring: some I have known done with Seales-skin; the more rugged bark with a piece of Coate of Maile, which is made of small wyres; this done, when the body of the Trees are wet, as after a soaking Rain; yet so, as not to excorticate, or gall the Tree, has exceedingly accelerated its growth, by opening the pores; freeing them of moss, and killing the worm.

8. Lastly, Frondation, or taking off some of the luxuriant branches, and sprays, of such Trees, especialy whose leaves are profitable for Cattel (whereof already) is a kind of pruning: and so is the scarifying, and cross-hatching of some Fruit-bearers, and others to abate that _ which spends all the juice in the leaves to the prejudice of the rest of the parts.

9. This, and the like, belonging to the care of the Wood-ward, will mind him of his continual duty; which is to walk about, and survey his young Plantations daily; and to see that all Gaps be immediately stopp'd; trespassing Cattle impounded; and (where they are infested) the Deer chased out, &c. It is most certain that Trees preserv'd, and govern'd by this discipline, and according to the Rules mention'd, would increase the beauty of Forests, and value of Timber, more in ten, or twelve years, then all other imaginable Plantations (accompanied with our usual neglect) can do in forty or fifty.

10. To conclude, in the time of this Work would our ingenious Arborator frequently incorporate, mingle, and unite the Arms and Branches of some young and flexible Trees which grow in comfort, and neer to one another; by entering them into their mutual barks with a convenient insition: This, especially, about Fields, and Hedge-rows for Fence and Ornament; also by bowing, and bending of others, especially Oak and Ash, into various flexures, curbs and postures, oblig'd to ply themselves into different Modes, which may be done by humbling and binding them down with tough bands and withs, till the tenor of the sap, and custom of being so constrain'd, did render them apt to grow so of themselves, without power of redressing; This course would wonderfully accommodate Materials for Knee-timber and Shipping, the Wheelwright and other uses; conform it to their Moulds, and save infinite labour, and abbreviate the work of hewing and waste,

_____ adeo in teneris consuescere multum est.

the Poet, it seems, knew it well, and for what purposes,

Continuo in Sylvis magna vi flexa domatur

In burim, & curvi formam accipit Ulmus aratri:

so as it even half made the Plow to their hands.

CHAP. XXIX.

Of the Age, Stature, and Felling of Trees.

Felling.

I. It is not till a Tree is arriv'd to his perfect Age, and full vigor, that the Lord of the Forest should consult, or determine concerning a Felling. For there is certainly in Trees (as in all things else) a time of Increment, or growth; a Status or season when they are at best (which is also that of a Felling) and a decrement or period when they decay.

To the first of these they proceed with more, or less velocity, as they consist of more strict and compacted particles, or are of a slighter, and more laxed contexture; by which they receive a speedier, or slower defluxion of Aliment: This is apparent in Box, and Willow; the one of a harder, the other of a more tender substance: But as they proceed, so they likewise continue.

By the state of Trees I would signifie their utmost effort, growth, and maturity, which are all of them different as to time, and kind; yet do not I intend by this any period or instant in which they do not continually either Improve or Decay (the end of one being still the beginning of the other) but farther then which their Natures do not extend; but immediately (though to our senses imperceptibly) through some infirmity (to which all things sublunary be obnoxious) dwindle and impair, either through Age, defect of Nourishment, by sickness, and decay of principal parts; but especially, and more inevitably, when violently invaded by mortal and incurable Infirmities, or by what other extinction of their native heat, substruction, or obstruction of Air and Moisture, which making all motions whatsoever to cease and determine, is the cause of their final destruction.

2. Our honest Countrey-man, to whose Experience we have been obliged for something I have lately Animadverted concerning the Pruning of Trees, does in another Chapter of the same Treatise speak of the Age of Trees. The Discourse is both learned, rational, and full of encouragement: For he does not scruple to affirm, That even some Fruit-Trees may possibly arrive to a thousand years of Age; and if so Fruit-Trees whose continual bearing does so much impair and shorten their lives, as we see it does their form and beauty; How much longer might we reasonably imagine some hardy and slow-growing Forest-trees may probably last? I remember Pliny tells us of some Oaks growing in his time in the Hercynian Forest, which were thought co-evous with the World it self; their roots had even raised Mountains, and where they encounter'd swell'd into goodly Arches like the Gates of a City: But to our more modern Author's calculation for Fruit-trees (I suppose he means Pears, Apples, &c.) his allowance is three hundred years for growth, as much for their stand (as he terms it) and three hundred for their Decay, which does in the total amount to no less then nine hundred years. The conjecture is deduc'd from Apple-Trees growing in his Orchard, which having known for fourty years, and upon diligent enquiry of sundry aged Persons of eighty years and more, who remembred them Trees all their time, he finds by comparing their growth with others of that kind, to be far short in bigness and perfection, (viz. by more then two parts of three) yea albeit those other Trees have been much hindred in their stature through ill government and ordering.

3. To establish this he assembles many Arguments from the age of Animals, whose state and decay double the time of their increase by the same proportion: "If then (saith he) those frail Creatures, whose bodies are nothing (in a manner) but a tender rottenness, may live to that age, I see not but a Tree of a solid substance, not damnified by heat or cold, capable of and subject to any kind of ordering or dressing, feeding naturally, and from the beginning disburthen'd of all superfluities, eased of, and of his own accord avoiding the causes that may annoy him, should double the life of other Creatures by very many years". He proceeds, "What else are Trees in comparison with the Earth, but as hairs to the body of Man? And it is certain, that (without some distemper, or forcible cause) the hairs dure with the body, and are esteem'd excrements but from their superfluous growth": So as he resolves upon good Reason, that Fruit-trees well ordered may live a thousand years, and bear Fruit, and the longer the more, the greater, and the better (for which an Instance also in Mr Beale's Hereford-shire Orchards, pag. 21, 22.) because his vigour is proud and stronger, when his years are many. Thus shall you see old Trees put forth their Buds and Blossomes both sooner and more plentifully then young Trees by much; "And I sensibly perceive (saith he) my young Trees to enlarge their Fruit as they grow greater, &c". And if Fruit-Trees continue to this Age, how many Ages is it to be supposed strong and huge Timber-trees will last? whose massie bodies require the years of divers Methusala's before they determine their days; whose Sap is strong and bitter; whose Bark is hard and thick, and their substance solid and stiff; all which are defences of health and long life. Their strengths withstands all forceable Winds; their Sap of that quality is not subject to Worms and tainting; their Bark receives seldome or never by casualty any wound; and not only so, but he is free from Removals, which are the death of millions of Trees; whereas the Fruit-tree (in comparison) is little, and frequently blown down; his Sap sweet, easily and soon tainted; his Bark tender, and soon wounded; and himself used by Man as Man uses himself; that is, either unskilfully, or carelessly. Thus he.

4. I might to this add much more, and truly with sufficient probability, that the Age of Timber-trees, especially of such as be of a compact, resinous, or balsamical nature (for of this kind are the Eugh, Box, Horn-beam, White-thorn, Oak, Walnut, Cedar, Juniper, &c.) are capable of very long duration and continuance: those of largest Roots, longer liv'd then the shorter; the dry, then the wet; and the gummy, then the watry: For not to conclude from Pliny's Hercynian Oaks, or the Terpentine Tree of Idumaea, which Josephus rankes also with the Creation: I read of a Cypress yet remaining some where in Persia neer an old Sepulchre, whose stem is as large as five men can encompass, the boughs extending fifteen paces every way; This must needs be a very old Tree, believ'd by my Author little less then 2500 years of age: The particulars were too long to recount. The old Platanus set by Agamemnon, and the Herculean Oaks, the Laurel neer Hippocren, the Vatican Ilex, and old Lotus Trees, recorded by Valerius Maximus, were famous for their age: St Hierome affirms he saw the Sycomore that Zaccheus climb'd up, to see our LORD ride in Triumph to Jerusalem: And now in the Aventine Mount they shew us the Malus Medica, planted by the hand of St Dominic: To which add those superannuated Tilia's now at Basil, and that of Auspurg, under whose prodigious shade they so often feast, and celebrate their Weddings; because they are all of them noted for their reverend Antiquity; for to such Trees it seems they paid Divine honours, as the nearest Emblems of Eternity, et tanquam sacros ex vetustate, as Quintilian speaks: And like to these might that be which is celebrated by our Poet, neer to another Monument,

_________ justaque antiqua Cupressus

Relligione patrum multos servata per annos.

5. But we will spare our Reader, and refer him that has a desire to multiply examples of this kind, to those undoubted Records our Naturalist mentions in his 44. Chap. Lib. 16. where he shall read of Scipio Africanus's Olive-trees; Dianas Lotus; the over-grown Myrtil; the Vatican Holm, those of Tybertine, and especially, that neer to Tusculum, whose body was thirty five foot about; besides divers others which he there enumerates in a large Chapter: And what shall we conjecture of the age of Xerxes's huge Platanus, in admiration whereof he staied the march of so many hundred thousand men for so many days by which the wise Socrates was us'd to swear? And certainly, a goodly Tree was a powerful attractive, when that prudent Consul Passienus Crispus fell in love with a prodigious Beech of a wonderful age and stature.

6. We have already made mention of Tiberius's Larch, and that of the Float which wafted Caligula's Obelisks out of Ægypt, four fathoms in circum-ference: We read also of a Cedar growing in the Island of Cyprus which was 130 foot long, and 18 in diameter; of the Plane in Athens whose roots extended 36 Cubits farther then the boughs, which were yet exceedingly large; and such another was that most famous Tree at Veliternus, whose arms stretch'd out 80 foot from the stem: But these were solid: Now if we will calculate from the hollow, besides those mention'd by Pliny in the Hercynian Forest; the Germans (as now the Indians) had of old some Punti or Canoes of excavated Oak which would well contain thirty, some fourty persons: And the Lician Platanus recorded by the Naturalist, and remaining long after his days, had a room in it of eighty one feet in compass, adorn'd with Fountains, stately Seats and Tables of stone; for it seems it was so glorious a Tree both in body, and head, that Licinius Mutianus (three times Consul, and Governour of that Province) us'd to feast his whole Retinue in it, chusing rather to lodge in it, then in his golden-roofed Palace.

7. Compare me then with these that nine fathom'd deep Tree spoken of by Josephus à Costa; the Mastick-tree seen and measur'd by Sir Francis Drake, which was four and thirty yards in circuit; and for prodigious height the two, and three hundred foot unparallel'd Palms-royal describ'd by Captain Ligon growing in our Plantations of the Barbados; or those goodly Masts of Fir, which I have seen, and measur'd, brought from New England; not to omit the vast, and incredible bulk of some Oaks standing lately in Westphalia, whereof one serv'd both for a Castle and Fort; because in this resention, a review or survey we will endeavour to give a taste of more fresh observations, and to compare our modern Timber with the Ancient, and that, not only abroad, but without travelling into forreign Countries for these wonders.

8. What goodly Trees were of old ador'd, and consecrated by the Dryads I leave to conjecture from the stories of our ancient Britains, who had they left Records of their prodigies in this kind, would doubtless have furnish'd us with examples as remarkable for the growth and stature of Trees, as any which we have deduc'd from the Writers of forreign places, since the remains of what are yet in being (notwithstanding the havock which has universally been made, and the little care to improve our Woods) may stand in fair competition with any thing that Antiquity can produce.

9. There is somewhere in Wales an Inscription extant, cut into the wood of an old Beam, thus

SEXAGINTA PEDES FUERANT IN STIPITE NOSTRO,

EXCEPTA COMA QUÆ SPECIOSA FUIT.

This must needs have been a noble Tree, but not without later parallels; for to instance in the several species, and speak first of the bulks of some immense Trees; there was standing an old and decay'd Chess-nut at Frailing in Essex, whose very stump did yield thirty sizable load of Logs; I could produce you another of the same kind in Glocestershire which contains within the bowels of it a pretty wain-scotted Room inlighten'd with windows, and furnish'd with seats, &c. to answer the Lician Platanus lately mention'd.

10. But whilest I am on this period; see what a Tilia that most learn'd and obliging person, D. Brown of Norwich, describes to me in a Letter just now receiv'd.

An extraordinary large, and stately Tilia, Linden or Lime-tree, there groweth at Depeham in Norfolk, ten miles from Norwich whose measure is this. The compass in the least part of the Trunk or body about two yards from the ground is at least eight yards and half: about the root nigh the earth, sixteen yards; about half a yard above that, neer twelve yards in circuit: The height to the uppermost boughs about thirty yards, which surmounts the famous Tilia of Zurich in Switzerland; and uncertain it is whether in any Tilicetum, or Lime-walk abroad it be considerably exceeded: Yet was the first motive I had to view it not so much the largeness of the Tree, as the general opinion that no man could ever name it; but I found it to be a Tilia fæmina; and (if the distinction of Bauhinus be admitted from the greater, and lesser leaf) a Tilia Platuphyllos or Latifolia; some leaves being three inches broad; but to distinguish it from others in the Country, I call'd it Tilia Colossaea Depehamensis.

Thus the Doctor.

A Poplar-tree not much inferior to this he informs me grew lately at Harlingly Thetford, at Sir William Gawdies gate, blown down by that terrible Hurrocan about four years since.

11. I am told of a very Withy-tree to be seen somewhere in Bark-shire which is increased to a most stupendious bulk: But these for arriving hastily to their Acme, and period, and generally not so considerable for their use; I pass to the Ash, Elm, Oak, &c,.

There were of the first of these divers which measur'd in length one hundred and thirty two foot, sold lately in Essex: And in the Manor of Horton (to go no farther then the Parish of Ebsham in Surrey, belonging to my brother Richard Evelyn Esq.) there are Elms now standing in good numbers, which will bear almost three foot square for more then forty foot in height, which is (in my judgement) a very extraordinary matter. They grow in a moist Gravel, and in the Hedge-rows.

Not to insist upon the Beech, which are frequently very large; there are Oaks of forty foot high; and five foot diameter yet flourishing in divers old Parks of our Nobility and Gentry.

A large and goodly Oak there is at Reedham in Sir Richard Berneys Park of Norfolk, which I am inform'd was valu'd at forty pounds the Timber, and twelve pounds the lopping wood.

12. Nor are we to over-pass those memorable Trees which so lately flourished in Dennington Park neer Newberry: amongst which three were most remarkable from the ingenious Planter, and dedication (if Tradition hold) the famous English bard, Jeofry Chaucer; of which one was call'd the Kings, another the Queens. and a third Chaucers-Oak. The first of these was fifty foot in height before any bough or knot appear'd, and cut five foot square at the butt end, all clear Timber. The Queens was fell'd since the Wars, and held forty foot excellent Timber, straight as an arrow in growth and grain, and cutting four foot at the stub, and neer a yard at the top; besides a fork of almost ten foot clear timber above the shaft, which was crown'd with a shady tuft of boughs, amongst which, some were on each side curved like Rams-horns, as if they had been so industriously bent by hand. This Oak was of a kind so excellent, cutting a grain clear as any Clap-board (as appear'd in the Wainscot which was made thereof) that a thousand pities it is some seminary of the Acorns had not been propagated, to preserve the species. Chaucers Oak, though it were not of these dimensions, yet it was a very goodly Tree: And this account I receiv'd from my most honour'd friend Phil. Packer Esq. whose father (as now the Gentleman his Brother) was proprietor of this Park: But that which I would farther remark, upon this occasion, is the bulk, and stature to which an Oak may possibly arrive within less then two hundred year, since it is not so long that our Poet flourish'd (being in the Reign of King Edward the fourth) if at least he were indeed the Planter of those Trees, as 'tis confidently affirm'd. I will not labour much in this enquiry; because an implicit faith is here of great encouragement; and it is not to be conceiv'd what Trees of a good kind, in apt Soil, will perform in a few years; and this (I am inform'd) is a sort of gravelly clay moistn'd with small and frequent springs.

13. There was in Cuns-burrow (sometimes belonging to my Lord of Dover) several Trees bought of a Couper, of which he made ten pound per yard for three or four yards, as I have been credibly assur'd: But where shall we parallel that mighty Tree which furnish'd the Main-mast to the Sovereign of our Seas, which being one hundred foot long save one, bare thirty five inches diameter. Yet was this exceeded in proportion, and use, by that Oak which furnish'd those prodigious beams that lye thwart her. The diameter of this Tree was four foot nine inches, which yielded four-square beams of four and forty foot long each of them. The Oak grew about Framingham in Suffolk; and indeed it would be thought fabulous, but to recount only the extraordinary dimensions of some Timber-trees growing in that County; and of the excessive sizes of these materials, had not mine hands measur'd a Table (more then once) of above five foot in breadth, nine an half in length, and six inches thick, all intire and clear: This plank cut out of a Tree fell'd down by my Fathers order, was made a Pastry-board, and lyes now on a frame of solid Brick-work at Wotton in Surrey, where it was so placed before the room was finish'd about it, or wall built, and yet abated by one foot shorter, to confine it to the intended dimensions of the place: for at first, it held this breadth, full ten foot and an half in length.

14. To these I might add that suprannuated Eugh-tree growing now in Braburne Church-yard, not far from Scots-hall in Kent; which being 58 foot 11 inches in the circumference, will bear neer twenty foot diameter, as it was measur'd first by my self imperfectly, and then more exactly for me, by order of the Right Honourable Sir George Carteret, Vice-Chamberlain to his Majesty, and Treasurer of the Navy: not to mention the goodly planks, and other considerable pieces of squar'd and clear Timber, which I observ'd to lye about it, that had been hew'd, and sawn out of some of the Arms only, torn from it by impetous winds. Such another Monster I am inform'd is also to be seen in Sutton Church-yard neer Winchester: But these (with infinite others, which I am ready to produce) might fairly suffice to vindicate, and assert our Proposition, as it relates to modern examples, and sizes of Timber-trees, comparable to any of the Ancients, remaining upon laudable and unsuspected Record; were it not great ingratitude to conceal a most industrious, and no less accurate Accompt, which comes just now to my hands from Mr. Halton, Auditor to the Right Honourable, the most Illustrious, and Noble, Henry Howard of Norfolk.

In Sheffield Lordship.

15. In the Hall Park, neer unto Rivelin, stood an Oak which had eighteen yards without bough, or knot; and carried a yard and six inches square at the said height, or length, and not much bigger neer the root: Sold twelve years ago for 11 li. Consider the distance of the place, and Country, and what so prodigious a Tree would have been worth neer London.

In Firth's Farme within Sheffield Lordship, about twenty years since, a Tree blown down by the wind, made or would have made two Forge-hammer-beams, and in those, and the other wood of that Tree, there was of worth, or made 50 li. and Godfrey Frogat (who is now living) did oft say, he lost 30 li. by the not buying of it.

A Hammer-beam is not less then 7½ yards long, and 4 foot square at the barrel.

In Sheffield Park, below the Manor, a Tree was standing which was sold by one Giffard (servant to the then Countess of Kent) for 2 li. 10s. to one Nich. Hicks; which yielded of sawn Wair fourteen hundred, and by estimation, twenty Chords of wood.

A Wair is two yards long, and one foot broad, sixscore to the hundred: so that, in the said Tree was 10080 foot of Boards; which, if any of the said Boards were more then half-inch thick, renders the thing yet more admirable.

In the upper end of Rivelin stood a Tree, call'd the Lords-Oak, of twelve yards about, and the top yielded twenty one Chord, cut down about thirteen years since.

In Sheffield Park An. 1646. stood above 100 Trees worth 1000 li. and there are yet two worth above 20 li. still note the place, and market.

In the same Park, about eight years ago, Ralph Archdall cut a Tree that was thirteen foot diameter at the Kerf, or cutting place neer the Root.

In the same Park two years since Mr. Sittwell, with Jo. Magson did chuse a Tree, which after it was cut, and laid aside falt upon a level ground, Sam. Staniforth a Keeper, and Ed. Morphy, both on horse-back, could not see over the Tree one anothers Hat-crowns. This Tree was afterwards sold for 20 li.

In the same Park, neer the old foord, is an Oak-tree yet standing, of ten yards circumference.

In the same Park, below the Conduit Plain, is an Oak-tree which bears a top, whose boughs shoot from the boal some fifteen, and some sixteen yards.

Then admitting 15½ yards for the common, or mean extent of the boughs from the boal, which being doubled is 31 yards; and if it be imagin'd for a diameter, because the Ratio of the diameter to the circumference is 113/355 it follows 113.355: : 31.97 44/113 yards which is the circumference belonging to this diameter.

Then farther it is demonstrable in Geometry, that half the diameter multiplied into half the circumference produces the Area or quantity of the Circle, and that will be found to be 754 347/452 which is 755 square yards ferè.

Then lastly, if a Horse can be limited to three square yards of ground to stand on (which may seem a competent proportion of three yards long, and one yard broad) then may 251 Horse be well said to stand under the shade of this Tree. But of Scotch Cattle certainly, more then twice that number.

Worksopp-Park.

16. In this Park, at the corner of the Bradshaw-rail, lyeth the boal of an Oak-tree which is twenty nine foot about, and would be found thirty, if it could be justly measur'd; because it lyeth upon the ground; and the length of this boal is ten foot, and no arm, nor branch upon it.

In the same Park, at the white-gate, a Tree did stand that was from bough end to bough end (that is, from the extream ends of two opposite boughs) 180 foot; which is witness'd by Jo. Magson and Geo. Hall, and measur'd them both.

Then because 180 foot, or 60 yards is the diameter; 30 yards will be the semidiameter: And by the former

Analogies

113. 355 : : 60. 188½

and

1. 30 : : 94¼. 2827½

That is, the Content of ground upon which this Tree perpendicularly drops, is above 2827 square yards, which is above half an Acre of ground: And the assigning three square yards (as above) for an Horse, there may 942 be well said to stand in this compass.

In

the same Park (after many hundreds sold, and carried away) there is a Tree which did yield quarter-cliff bottoms that were a yard square: and there is of them to be seen in Worksopp, at this day, and some Tables made of the said quarter-cliff likewise.

In the same Park, in the Place there call'd the Hawks-nest, are Tree forty foot long of Timber which will bear two foot square at the top-end or height of forty foot.

If then a square whose side is two foot, be inscribed in a Circle, the proportions at that Circle are

feet

Diameter 2:8284

Circumference 8:8858

Area 6:2831

And because a Tun of Timber is said to contain forty solid foot: one of these Columns of Oak will contain above six Tun of Timber and a quarter: in this computation taking them to be Cylinders, and not tapering like the segment of a Cone.

Welbeck-Lane

17. The Oak which stands in this Lane call'd Grindal-Oak hath at these several distances from the ground these Circumferences

foot foot inch

at 1 33: 01

at 2 28: 05

at 6 25: 07

The breadth is from bough-end to bough-end (i.) diametrically 88 foot; the height from the ground to the top-most bough 81 foot [this dimension taken from the proportion that a Gnomon bears to the shadow] there are three Arms broken off and gone, and eight very large ones yet remaining, which are very fresh and good Timber.

88 foot is 29_ yards, which being in this case admitted for the diameter of a circle, the square yards in that circumference will be 676 ferè; and then allowing three yards (as before) for a beast, leaves 225 beasts, which may possibly stand under this Tree.

But the Lords-Oak that stood in Rivelin was in diameter three yards, and twenty eight inches; and exceeded this in circumference three feet at one foot from the ground.

Shire-Oak.

Shire-Oak is a Tree standing in the ground <of the> late Sir Tho. Hewets, about a mile from Worksopp-Park, which drops into three Shires, viz. York, Nottingham, and Derby, and the distance from bough-end to bough-end is ninety foot or thirty yards.

This circumference will contain neer 707 square-yards, sufficient to shade 235 horse.

Thus for the accurate M. Halton.

18. Being inform'd by a person of credit, that an Oak in Sheffield-Park, call'd the Ladies-Oak, fell'd, contain'd forty two Tun of Timber, which had Arms that held at least four foot square for ten yards in length; the Body six foot of clear Timber: That in the same Park one might have chosen above 1000 Trees worth above 6000 li. another 1000 worth 4000 li. & sic de cæteris: To this M. Halton replies, That it might possibly be meant of the Lords-Oak already mention'd to have grown in Rivelin: For now Rivelin it self is totally destitute of that issue she once might have gloried in of Oaks; there being only the Hall-park adjoyning which keeps up with its number of Oaks. And as to the computation of 1000 Trees formerly in Sheffield-Park worth 6000 li. it is believ'd there were a thousand much above that value; since in what is now inclos'd, it is evident touching 100, worth a thousand pounds.

My worthy friend Leonard Pinckney Esq. first Clerk of his Majesties Kitchin (from whom I receiv'd the first hints of many of these particulars) did assure me, that one John Garland built a very handsome Barne containing five Baies, with Pan, Posts, Beams, Spars, &c. of one sole Tree growing in Worksop-park. But these shall suffice, I should never finish to pursue these Instances through our once goodly Magazines of Timber for all uses, growing in this our native Country, comparable (as I said) to any we can produce of elder times; and that not only (though chiefly) for the encouragement of Planters, and Preservers of one of the most excellent, and necessary Materials in the World for the benefit of Man; but to evince the continu'd vigor of Nature, and to reproach the want of Industry in this Age of ours; and (that we may return to the Argument of this large Chapter) to assert the procerity and stature of Trees from their very great Antiquity: For certainly if that be true, which is by divers affirmed concerning the Quercetum of Mambre, recorded by Eusebius to have continued till the time of Constantine the Great, we are not too prejudicately to censure what has been produc'd for the proofs of their Antiquity; nor for my part do I much question the Authorities: But let this suffice; what has been produc'd being only an historical speculation, of more encouragement haply then other use, but such as was pertinent to the subject under consideration, as well as what I am about to add concerning the Texture and similar parts of the body of Trees, which may also hold in shrubs, and other lignous plants, because it is both a curious and Rational account of their Anatomization, and worthy of the sagacious Inquiry of that incomparably learned Person Dr Goddard, as I find it entered amongst other of those precious Collections of this Illustrious Society.

19. The Trunk, or bough of a Tree being cut transversely plain and smooth, sheweth several Circles or Rings more or less Orbicular, according to the external figure, in some parallel proportion, one without the other, from the centre of the Wood to the inside of the Bark, dividing the whole into so many circular spaces. These rings are more large, gross, and distinct in colour and substance in some kind of Trees, generally in such as grow to a great bulk in a short time, as Fir, Ash, &c. smaller or less distinct in those that either not at all or in a longer time grow great, as Quince, Holly, Box, Lignum-vitæ, Ebony, and the like sad colour'd and hard woods; so that by the largeness or smallness of the Rings, the quickness or slowness of the growth of any Tree may perhaps at certainty be estimated.

These spaces are manifestly broader on the one side then on the other, especially the more outer, to a double proportion, or more; the inner being neer an equality.

It is asserted, that the larger parts of these Rings are on the South and sunny side of the Tree (which is very rational and probable) insomuch that by cutting a Tree transverse, and drawing a diametre through the broadest and narrowest parts of the Rings, a Meridian line may be described.

The outer spaces are generally narrower then the inner, not only on their narrower sides, but also on their broader, compared with the same sides of the inner: Notwithstanding which, they are for the most part, if not altogether, bigger upon the whole account.

Of these spaces the outer extremities in Fir, and the like woods, that have them larger and grosser, are more dense, hard, and compact; the inner more soft and spungy; by which difference of substance it is that the Rings themselves come to be distinguished.

According as the bodies and boughs of Trees, or several parts of the same, are bigger or lesser, so is the number as well as the breadth of the circular spaces greater or less; and the like according to the age, especially the number.

It is commonly and very probably asserted, That a Tree gains a new one every year. In the body of a great Oak in the New-Forest, cut transversly even (where many of the Trees are accounted to be some hundreds of years old) three and four hundred have been distinguish'd. In a Fir-tree, which is said to have just so many rows of boughs about it as of years growth, there has been observed just one less immediately above one row, then immediately below: Hence some probable account may be given of the difference between the outer and the inner parts of the Rings, that the outermost being newly produced in the Summer, the exterior superficies is condens'd in the Winter.

20. In the young branches and twigs of Trees there is a pith in the middle, which in some, as Ash, and especially Elder, equals or exceeds in dimensions the rest of the substance, but waxes less as they grow bigger, and in the great boughs and trunk scarce is to be found: This gives way for the growth of the inward Rings, which at first were less then the outer (as may be seen in any shoot of the first year) and after grow thicker, being it self absum'd, or perhaps converted into Wood; as it is certain Cartilages or Gristles are into bones (in the bodies of Animals) from which to sense they differ even as much as pith from Wood.

These Rings or spaces appearing upon transverse Section (as they appear elliptical upon oblique, and strait upon direct Section) are no other then the extremities of so many Integuments investing the whole Tree, and (perhaps) all the boughs that are of the same age with any of them, or older.

In the growth of Trees Augmentation in all dimensions is acquired, not only by Accession of a new Integument yearly, but also by Reception of nourishment into the Pores, and substance of the rest, upon which they also become thicker; not only those towards the middle, but also the rest, in a thriving Tree: Yet the principal growth is between the Bark and the Body, by Accession of a new Integument yearly, as hath been mentioned: Whence the cutting of the Bar of any Tree or Bough round about will certainly kill it.

The Bark of a Tree is distinguished into Rings or Integuments noe less then the Wood, though much smaller or thinner, and therefore not distinguishable except in the thick barks of great old Trees, and toward the inside next the Wood; the outer parts drying and breaking with innumerable fissures, growing wider and deeper, as the body of the Tree grows bigger, and mouldering away on the out side.

Though it cannot appear by reason of the continual decay of it upon the account aforesaid; yet it is probable the Bark of a Tree hath had successively as many Integuments as the wood; and that it doth grow by acquisition of a new one yearly on the inside, as the wood doth on the out-side; so that the chief way, and conveyance of nourishment to both the Wood and the Bark, is between them both.

The least Bud appearing on the body of a Tree doth as it were make perforation through the several Integuments to the middle, or very neer; which part is, as it were, a Root of the bough into the body of the Tree; and after becomes a knot, more hard then the other wood: And when it is larger, manifestly shewing it self also to consist of several Integuments, by the circles appearing in it, as in the body: more hard, probably; because streightned in room for growth; as appears by its distending, buckling, as it were, the Integuments of the wood about it; so implicating them the more; whence a knotty piece of wood is so much harder to cleave.

It is probable, that a Cience or Bud, upon Grassing, or Inoculating, doth, as it were, Root it self into the stock in the same manner as the branches, by producing a kind of knot. Thus far the accurate Doctor.

20. To this might be subjoyn'd the vegetative motion of Plants, with the diagrams of the Jesuite Kercher, where he discourses of their stupendious Magnetisms, &c. could there any thing material be added to what has already been so ingeniously inquir'd into: therefore let us proceed to their Felling.

Felling.

21. It should be in this status, vigour and perfection of Trees, that a Felling should be celebrated; since whiles our Woods are growing it is a pity, and indeed too soon; and when they are decaying, too late: I do not pretend that a man (who has occasion for Timber) is obliged to attend so many ages ere he fell his Trees; but I do by this infer, how highly necessary it were, that men should perpetually be planting; that so posterity might have Trees fit for their service of competent, that is, of a middle growth and age, which it is impossible they should have, if we thus continue to destroy our Woods, without this providential planting in their stead, and felling what we do cut down, with great discretion, and regard of the future.

22. Such therefore as we shall perceive to decay are first to be picked out for the Ax; and then those which are in their state, or approaching to it; but the very thriving, and manifestly improving, indulg'd as much as possible.

23. The time of the year for this destructive work is not usually till about the end of April (at which season the bark does commonly rise freely) though the opinions and practice of men have been very different: Vitruvius is for an Autumnal Fall; others advise December and January: Cato was of opinion Trees should have first born their Fruit, or, at least, not till full ripe, which agrees with that of the Architect: And though Timber unbarked be more obnoxious to the Worm, and to contract somewhat a darker hue (which is the reason so many have commended the season when it will most freely strip) yet were this to be rather consider'd for such Trees as one would leave round, and unsquar'd; since we finde the wilde Oak, and many other sorts, fell'd over late, and when the sap begins to grow proud, to be very subject to the worm; whereas being cut about mid-winter it neither casts, rifts, nor twines; because the cold of the winter does both dry, and consolidate; whiles in spring, and when pregnant, so much of the virtue goes into the leaves and branches: Happy therefore were it for our Timber, some real Inventions of Tanning without so much Bark (as the Honourable Mr. Charles Howard has most ingeniously offer'd) were become universal, that Trees being more early fell'd, the Timber might be better season'd and condition'd for its various Uses. But as the custom is, men have now time to fell their woods, even from mid-winter to the spring but never any after the Summer Solstice.

24. Then for the Age of the Moon, it has religiously been observ'd; and that Dianas presidency in Sylvis was not so much celebrated to credit the fictions of the Poets; as for the dominion of that moist Planet, and her influence over Timber: For my part, I am not so much inclin'd to these Criticisms, that I should altogether govern a Felling at the pleasure of this mutable Lady; however there is doubtless some regard to be had,

Nec frustra signorum obitus speculamur & ortus.

The old Rules are these:

Fell in the decrease, or four days after conjunction of the two great Luminaries; some the last quarter of it; or (as Pliny) in the very article of the change, if possible; which hapning (saith he) in the last day of the Winter Solstice, that Timber will prove immortal: At least should it be from the twentieth to the thirtieth day, according to Columella: Cato four days after the Full, as far better for the growth: But all viminious Trees silente Luna; such as Sallies, Birch, Poplar, &c. Vegetius for Ship-timber, from the 15th, to the 25th, the Moon as before; but never during the Increase, Trees being then most abounding with moisture, which is the only source of putrifaction.

25. Then for the Temper, and time of day: The wind low, neither East nor West; neither in frosty, wet or dewy weather; and therefore never in a Fore-noone. Lastly, touching the species; Fell Fir when it begins to spring; not only because it will then best quit its coat and strip; but for that they hold it will never decay in water; which howsoever Theophrastus deduce from the old Bridge made of this material over a certain River in Arcadia, cut in this season, is hardly sufficient to satisfie our inquiry.

26. Previous to this work of Felling is the advice of our Country-man Markham, and it is not to be rejected: "Survey (saith he) your Woods as they stand immediately after Christmas, and then divide the species in your mind: (I add, rather in some Note Book, or Tablets) and consider for what purpose every several kind is most useful: After this, reckon the bad and good together, so as one may put off the other, without being forc'd to glean your Woods of all your best Timber. This done (or before) you shall acquaint your self with the marketable prices of the Country where your Fell is made, and that of the several sorts; as what so many inches, or foot square and long, is worth for the several imployments: What planks? what other scantlings for so many Spoaks, Naves, Rings, Pales, Spares, &c. allowing the waste for the charges of Felling, &c. all which you shall compute with greater certainty, if you have leisure, and will take the pains to examine some of the Trees either by your own Fathom; or (more accurately) by girting it about with a string, and so reducing it to the square, &c. by which means you may give a neer guess: or, you may mark such as you intend to fell; and then begin your sale about Candlemas till the Spring; before which you must not (according as our Custom is) lay the Ax to the Root; though some, for particular imployments, as for Timber to make Plows, Carts, Axel-trees, Naves, Harrows, and the like Husbandry-tools, do frequently cut in October."

Being now entering with your Work-men, one of the first, and most principal things is, the skilful disbranching of the Boal of all such Arms and Limbs as may endanger it in the Fall, wherein much forecast and skill is requir'd of the Wood-man; so may excellent Trees being utterly spoiled for want of this only consideration: And therefore in arms of Timber which are very great, chop a nick under it close to the Boal, so meeting it with the down-right strokes, it will be cut without splicing.

27. Some there are who cut a kerfe round the body, almost to the very pitch, or heart, and so let it remain a while; by this means to drain away the moisture, which will distill out of the wounded Veins, and is chiefly good for the moister sort of Trees: And in this work the very Ax will tell you the difference of the Sex; the Male being so much harder, and browner then the Female: But here (and wherever we speak thus of Plants) you are to understand the analogical, not proper distinction. Fell as close to the ground as possible may be, if you design a renascency from the roots; unless you will grub for a total destruction, or the use of that part we have already mention'd, so far superiour in goodness to what is more remote from the Root. Some are of opinion, that the seedling Oak should never be cut to improve his Boal; because, they say, it produces a reddish wood not so acceptable to the Work-man; and that the Tree which grows on the head of his Mother does seldom prove good Timber: It is observ'd, indeed, that one foot of Timber neer the Root (which is the proper kerfe, or cutting place) is worth three farther off: And haply, the successor is more apt to be tender, then what was cut off to give it place; but let this be inquir'd into at leasure.

28. When your Tree is thus prostrate, strip off the Bark; and let it so as it may best dry; then cleanse the Boal of the Branches which were left, and saw it into lengths for the squaring, to which belongs the Measure, and Girth (as our Work-men call it) which I refer to the Buyer, and to many subsidiary Books lately printed, wherein it is taught by a very familiar and easie Method: A Tun of Timber is forty solid feet, a load fifty.

29. If you are to remove your Timber, let the Dew be first off, and the South-wind blow before you draw it: Neither should you by any means put it to use for three, or four moneths after, unless great necessity urge you, as it did Duilius, who in the Punic War built his Fleet of Timber before it was season'd, being not above two moneths from the very first Felling to the Launching: and as were also those Navies of Hiero after forty days; and that of Scipio, in the third Carthaginean War, from the very Forest to the Sea. July is a good time for bringing home your fell'd Timber.

30. To make excellent Boards and Planks, 'tis the advice of some, you should Bark your Trees in a fit season, and so let them stand naked a full year before the felling; and in some cases, and grounds, it may be profitable: But let these, with what has been already said in the foregoing Chapters of the several kinds, suffice for this Article: I shall add one Advertisement of Caution to those Noble persons, and others who have Groves and Trees of ornament neer their houses, and in their Gardens in London, and the Circle of it; especially, if they be of great stature, and well grown; such as are the Groves in the several Inns of Court; nay, even that (comparatively, new Plantation) in my Lord of Bedfords Garden, &c. and wherever they stand in the more interiour parts of the City; that they be not over hasty, or by any means perswaded to cut down any of their old Trees, upon hope of new, more flourishing Plantations; thickning, or repairing deformities, because they grow so well when first they were set: It is to be consider'd how exceedingly that pernicious smoak of the Sea-coal is increas'd in and about London since they were first planted, and the buildings environing them, and inclosing it in amongst them, which does so universally contaminate the Air, that what Plantations of Trees shall be now begun in any of those places will have much ado, great difficulty, and require a long time, to be brought to any tolerable perfection: Therefore let them make much of what they have; and though I discourage none, yet I can animate none to cut down the old.

CHAP. XXX.

Of Timber the Seasoning and Uses, and of Fuel.

Seasoning

.

We have before spoken concerning some preparations of standing Trees design'd for Timber, by a half-cutting, disbarking and the seasons of drawing, and using it.

I. Lay up your Timber very dry, in an airy place (yet out of the Wind, or Sun) and not standing upright, but lying along one piece upon another, interposing some short blocks between them, to preserve them from a certain mouldiness which they usually contract while they sweat, and which frequently produces a kind of fungus, especially if there be any sappy parts remaining.

2. Some there are yet, who keep their Timber as moist as they can, by submerging it in Water, where they let it imbibe to hinder the cleaving; and this is good in Fir, both for the better stripping and seasoning.

3. Some again commend Buryings in the Earth; others in Wheat; and there be seasonings of the Fire, as for the scorching and hardning of Piles which are to stand either in the water, or the earth: Thus do all the Elements contribute to the Art of Seasoning.

4. And yet even the greenest Timber is sometimes desirable for such as Carve and Turn; but it choaks the teeth of our Saws; and for Doors, Windows, Floors, and other close Works, it is altogether to be rejected; especially where Walnut-tree is the material, which will be sure to shrink: Therefore it is best to chuse such as is of two or three years seasoning, and that is neither moist nor over-dry; the mean is best. Sir Hugh Plat informs us that the Venetians use to burn and scorch their Timber in a flaming fire; continually turning it round with an Engine, till they have gotten upon it an hard, black, coaly crust; and the secret carries with it great probability; for that the wood is brought by it to such a hardness and driness, ut cum omnis putrifactio incipiat ab humido, nor earth nor water can penetrate it; I my self remembring to have seen Charcoals dug out of the ground amongst the ruines of ancient buildings, which have in all probability lain cover'd with earth above 1500 years.

5. Timber which is cleft is nothing so obnoxious to rift and cleave as what is hewn; nor that which is squar'd, as what is round; and therfore where use is to be made of huge and massie Columns, let them be boared through from end to end; it is an excellent preservative from splitting, and not un-philosophical; though to cure this accident, the rubbing them over with a wax-cloath is good, Painters Putty, &c. or before it be converted, the smearing the Timber over with Cow-dung, which prevents the effects both of Sun and Air upon it, if of necessity it must lye expos'd: But besides the former remedies I find this for the closing of the chops and clefts of green Timber, to anoint and supple it with the fat of powder'd-beef-broth, with which it must be well soak'd, the chasm's fill'd with spunges dipt into it; this to be twice done over: Some Carpenters make use of grease and saw-dust mingled; but the first is so good a way (says my Author) that I have seen Wind-shock-timber so exquisitely closed, as not to be discerned where the defects were: This must be us'd when the Timber is green: Finally,

6. I must not omit to take notice of the coating of Timber in Work, us'd by the Hollanders for the preservation of their Gates, Port-cullis's, Draw-bridges, Sluces, and other huge Beams and Contignations of Timber expos'd to the Sun, and perpetual injuries of the Weather, by a certain mixture of Pitch and Tar, upon which they strew small pieces of Cockle and other shells, beaten almost to powder, and mingles with Sea-sand, which incrusts and arms it after an incredible manner against all these assaults and foreign invaders.

Uses.

7. For all uses that Timber is esteem'd the best which is the most light, without knots, yet firm, and free from sap; which is that fatty, whiter, and softer part, call'd by the Ancients Alburnam, which you are diligently to hew away; You shall perceive some which has a spiral convolution of the veins; but it is a vice proceeding from the severity of unseasonable Winters, and defect of good nutriment.

8. Moreover, it is expedient that you know which is the Grain, and which are the Veins in Timber; because of the difficulty of working against it: Those therefore be the veins which grow largest, and are softer for the benefit of cleaving and hewing; that the Grain which runs in waves, and makes the divers and beautiful chamfers which some woods abound in to admiration. The Grain of Beech runs two contrary ways, and is therefore to be wrought accordingly.

9. For the place of growth, that Timber is esteem'd best which grows most in the Sun, and on a dry and hale ground; The Climate contributes much to its quality, and the Northern situation is preferr'd to the rest of the quarters; so as that which grew in Tuscany was of old thought better then that of the Venetian side; and Trees of the wilder kind, and barren, then the over much cultivated, and great bearers: but of this already.

10. To omit nothing, Authors have summ'd up the natures of Timber; as the hardest Ebeny, Box, Larch, Lotus, Terebinth, Eugh, &c. which are best to receive polishing; and for this Lin-seed, or the sweeter Nut-oyl does the effect best: Pliny gives us the Receipt, with a decoction of Walnut-shales, and certain wild-pears: Next to these, Oak for Ships, and Houses; Cornel, Holly, &c. for Pins, Wedges, &c. Chess-nut, Horn-beam, Poplar, &c. Then for Bucklers, and Targets, were commended the more soft and moist; because apt to close, swell, and make up their wounds again; such as Willow, Lime, Birch, Alder, Elder, Ash, Poplar, &c.

The Robur, or Wild-oak Timber, best to stand in ground; the Quercus without.

Pines, Pitch, Alder and Elm, are excellent to make Pumps and Conduit-pipes, and for all Water-works, &c. Fir for Beams, Bolts, Bars; being tough, and not so apt to break as the hardest Oak: In sum, the more odiferous Trees are the more durable and lasting.

11. We did, in Chap. 21. mention certain Subterranean Trees, which Mr Cambden supposes grew altogether under the ground: And truly, it did appear a very Paradox to me, till I both saw and diligently examin'd that piece (Plank, Stone, or both shall I name it) of Lignum fossile taken out of a certain Quarry thereof at Aqua Sparta not far from Rome, and sent to the most incomparably learn'd Dr Ent, by that obliging Virtuoso Cavalier dal Pozzo. He that shall examine the hardness, and feel the ponderousness of it, sinking in water, &c. will easily take it for a stone; but he that shall behold its grain, so exquisitely undulated, and varied, together with its colour, manner of hewing, chips, and other most perfect resemblances, will never scruple to pronounce it arrant wood.

Signor Stelluti (an Italian) has publish'd a whole Treatise expressly to describe this great curiosity: But, whiles others have Philosophiz'd according to their manner upon these extraordinary Concretions; see what the most industrious, and knowing M. Hook, Curator of this Royal Society, has with no less Reason, but more succinctness, observ'd from a late Microscopical Examen of another piece of petrifi'd-wood; the Description, and Ingenuity whereof cannot but gratifie the Curious, who will by this Instance, not only be instructed how to make Inquiries upon the like occasions; but see also with what accurateness the Society constantly proceeds in all their Indagations, and Experiments; and with what Candor they relate, and communicate them.

12. "It resembl'd Wood, in that

"First, all the parts of the petrifi'd substance seem'd not at all dislocated, or alter'd from their natural position whiles they were wood; but the whole piece retain'd the exact shape of wood, having many of the conspicuous pores of wood still remaining pores, and shewing a manifest difference visible enough between the grain of the wood and that of the Bark; especially, when any side of it was cut smooth and polite; for then it appear'd to have a very lovely grain, like that of some curious close wood.

"Next (it resembled wood) in that all the smaller and (if so I may call those which are only to be seen by a good glass) microscopical pores of it, appear (both when the substance is cut and polish'd transversly, and parallel to the pores) perfectly like the Microscopical pores of several kinds of wood, retaining both the shape, and position of such pores.

"It was differing from wood.

"First, in weight, being to common water, as 3¼ to 1. whereas there are few of our English woods, that, when dry, are found to be full as heavy as water.

"Secondly, in hardness, being very neer as hard as a Flint, and in some places of it also resembling the grain of a Flint: it would very readily cut Glass, and would not without difficulty (especially in some parts of it) be scratch'd by a black hard Flint: it would also as readily strike fire against a Steel, as also against a Flint.

"Thirdly, In the closeness of it; for, though all the microscopical pores of the wood were very conspicuous in one position, yet by altering the position of the polish'd surface to the light, it was also manifest that those pores appear'd darker then the rest of the body, only because they were fill'd up with a more dusky substance, and not because they were hollow.

"Fourthly, in that it would not burn in the Fire; nay, though I kept it a good while red-hot in the flame of a Lamp, very intensly cast on it by a blast through a small pipe; yet it seem'd not at all to have diminish'd its extension; but only I found it to have chang'd its colour, and to have put on a more dark, and dusky brown hue. Nor could I perceive that those parts which seem'd to have been Wood at first, were any thing wasted, but the parts appear'd as solid, and close, as before. It was farther observable also, that as it did not consume like wood; so neither did it crack and fly like a Flint, or such like hard stone; nor was it long before it appeared red-hot.

"Fiftly, in its dissolubleness; for putting some drops of distilled Vinegar upon the stone, I found it presently to yield very many bubbles, just like those which may be observed in spirit of Vinegar when it corrodes Coral; though I guess many of those bubbles proceeded from the small parcels of Air, which were driven out of the pores of this petrifi'd substance, by the insinuating liquid menstruum.

"Sixthly, in its Rigidness, and friability; being not at all flexible, but brittle like a Flint; insomuch that with one knock of a Hammer I broke a small piece of it, and with the same hammer quickly beat it to pretty fine powder upon an Anvil.

"Seventhly, it seem'd also very differing from wood, to the touch, feeling more cold then wood usually does, and much like other close Stones and Minerals.

"The Reasons of all which Phænomona seem to be.

"That this petrifi'd wood having lain in some place where it was well soaked with petrifying water (that is, such a water as is well impregnated with stony and earthy particles) did by degrees separate, by straining and filtration, or perhaps by præcipitation, co-hæsion or co-agulation, abundance of stony particles from that permeating water, which stony particles having, by means of the fluid Vehicle, convey'd themselves not only into the microscopical pores, and perfectly stop'd up them; but also into the pores, which may perhaps be even in that part of the Wood which through the microscope appears most solid; do thereby so augment the weight of the wood, as to make it above three times heavier then water, and perhaps six times as heavy as when it was wood; next, they hereby so lock up and fetter the parts of the wood, that the fire cannot easily make them fly away, but the action of the Fire upon them is only able to Char those parts, as it were, like as a piece of wood if it be closed very fast up in clay, and kept a good while red-hot in the fire, will by the heat of the fire be charr'd, and not consum'd; which may perhaps be the Reason why the petrifi'd substance appear'd of a blakish brown colour after it had been burnt. By this intrusion of the petrifi'd particles it also becomes hard, and friable; for the smaller pores of the wood being perfectly stuffed up with these stony particles, the particles of the wood have few, or no pores in which they can reside, and consequently, no flexion or yielding can be caus'd in such a substance. The remaining particles likewise of the wood among the stony particles may keep them from cracking and flying, as they do in a Flint."

2. Finally, for the use of our Chimneys, and maintenance of fire, the plenty of wood for Fuel, rather then the quality is to be looked after; and yet are there some greatly to be preferr'd before others, as harder, long-lasting, better heating, and cheerfully burning; for which we have commended the Ash, &c. in the foregoing Paragraphs, and to which I pretend not here to add much, for the avoiding repetitions; though even an History of the best way of Charking would not mis-become this Discourse.

3. But in this penury of that dear Commodity, to incite all ingenious persons, studious of the benefit of their Country, to think of ways how our Woods may be preserved, by all manner of Arts which may prolong the lasting of our Fuel, I would give the best encouragements. Those that shall seriously consider the intolerable misery of the poor Cauchi, the then inhabitants of the Low Countries describ'd by Pliny, lib. 16. cap. 1. (how opulent soever their late Industry has render'd them) for want only of wood for Fuel, will have reason to deplore the excessive decay of our former store of that useful Commodity; and by what shifts our Neighbours the Hollanders do yet repair that defect, be invited to exercise their ingenuity: For besides the Dung of Beasts, and the Turf for their Chimneys, they make use of Stoves both portable, and standing; and truly the more frequent use of those Inventions in our great, and wasting Cities (as the custom is through all Germany) as also of those new, and excellent Ovens invented by Dr Keffler, for the incomparably baking of Bread, &c. would be an extraordinary expedient of husbanding our Fuel; as well as the right mingling, and making up of Char-coal-dust, and loam, as 'tis hinted to us by Sir Hugh Plat, and is generally us'd in Mastricht and the Country about it; then which there is not a more sweet, lasting and beautiful Fuel; The manner of it is thus:

4. Take about one third part of the smallest of any Coal, Pit, Sea or Char-coal; and commix them very well with loam (whereof there is in some places to be found a sort somewhat combustible) make these up into balls, as big as an ordinary Cannon-bullet, or somewhat bigger; or if you will in any other form, like brick-bats, &c. expose these in the air till they are throughly dry; they will be built into the most orderly fires you can imagine, burn very clear, give a wonderful heat, and continue a very long time.

Two or three short Billets cover'd with Char-coal last much longer, and with more life, then twice the quantity by it self, whether Char-coal alone, or Billet; and the Billets under the Char-coal being undisturb'd, will melt as it were into Char-coals of such a lasting size.

If Small-coals be spread over the Char-coal, where you burn it alone, 'twill bind it to longer continuance; and yet more, if the Small-coal be made of the roots of Thornes, Briers and Brambles. Consult L. Bacon, Exp. 775.

The Sea-weed which comes in our Oyster-barrels laid under New-Castle-coal to kindle it (as the use is in some places) will (as I am inform'd) make it out-last two great fires of simple coals, and maintain a glowing luculent heat without waste: It was not try'd by my Friend, what it would do as to Fuel burnt by it self; but, that it adds much life, continuance and aid, to our sullen Sea-coal fuel; and if the main Ocean should afford Fuel, (as the Bernacles and Soland-Geese are said to do in some parts of Scotland with the very sticks of their Nests) we in these Isles may thank our selves if we be not warm: These few particulars I have but mention'd to animate Improvements, and ingenious Attempts of detecting more cheap, and useful processes, for ways of Charking-coals, Peat, and the like fuliginous materials; as the accomplish'd M. Boyle has intimated to us in the Fift of those his precious Essays concerning the usefulness of Natural Philosophy, Part 2. cap. 7. &c. to which I refer the curious.

6, By the Preamble of the Statute 7, Ed. 6 one may perceive (the Measures compar'd) how plentiful Fuel was in the time of Edward the 4th to what it was in the Reigns of his Successors: This suggested a review of Sizes, and a reformation of Abuses; in which it was Enacted, that every Sack of Coals should contain four Bushels: Every Taleshide to be four foot long, besides the carf; and if nam'd of one, marked one, to contain 16 inches circumference, within a foot of the middle: If of two marks, 23 inches; of 3.28. of 4.35; of 5.38. inches about, and so proportionably.

6. Billets were to be of three foot, and four inches in length: the single to be 17 inches and an half about; and every Billet of one cast (as they term the mark) to be ten inches about: of two cast, fourteen inches, and to be marked (unless for the private use of the Owner) within six inches of the middle: of one cast within four inches of the end, &c.

Every bound Fagot should be three foot long; the band twenty four inches in circumference, besides the knot.

In the 43. Eliz. the same Statute (which before only concern'd London and its Suburbs) was made more universal; and that of Edw. 6 explain'd with this addition: For such Taleshides as were of necessity to be made of cleft-wood, if of one mark, and half round, to be 19 inches about; if quarter-cleft, 18 inches ½: Marked two, being round it shall be 23 inches compass: half-round 27: quarter-cleft 26: marked three, round 28: half-round 33: quarter-cleft 32: marked four, being round 33 inches about: half-round 39: quarter-cleft 38: marked five round, 38 inches about: half-round 44: quarter-cleft 43: the measure to be taken within half a foot of middle of the length mention'd in the former Statute.

Then for the Billet every one nam'd a single; being round to have 7 inches ½ circumference; but no single to made of cleft wood: If marked one, and round, to contain 11 inches compass: if half-round 13: quarter-cleft 12 ½.

If marked two, being round, to contain 16 inches: half-round 19: quarter-cleft 18½: the length as in the Statute of King Ed. 6.

7. Fagots to be every stick of three foot in length, excepting only one stick of one foot long, to harden and wedge the binding of it: This to prevent the abuse (too much practis'd) of filling the middle part, and ends with trash, and short sticks, which had been omitted in the former Statute: concerning this and of the dimensions of wood in the Stack, see Chap. 27. to direct the less instructed Purchaser: and I have been the particular upon this occasion; because then our Fuel bought in Billet by the Notch (as they call it in London) there is nothing more deceitful; for by the vile iniquity of some Wretches, marking the Billets as they come to the Wharf, Gentlemen are egregiously cheated. I could produce an instance of a Friend of mine (and a Member of this Society) for which the Wood-monger has little cause to brag; since he never durst come at him, or challenge his Money for the Commodity he bought; because he durst not stand to the measure.

8. But I will now describe to you the Mystery of Charking (whereof something was but touch'd in the Process of extracting Tar out of the Pines) as I receiv'd it from a most industrious person, and so conclude the Chapter.

There is made of Char-coal usually three sorts, viz. one for the Iron-works, a second for Gun-powder, and a third for London and the Court, besides Small-coals, of which we shall also speak in its due place.

We will begin with that sort which is us'd for the Iron-works, because the rest are made much after the same manner, and with very little difference.

The best Wood for this is good Oak, cut into lengths of three foot, as they size it for the Stack: This is better then the Cord-wood, though of a larger measure, and much us'd in Sussex.

The wood cut, and set in stacks ready for the Coaling; chuse out some level place in the Copse, the most free from stubs, &c. to make the Hearth on: In the midst of this area drive down a stake for your Centre, and with a pole, having a ring fastn'd to one of the extreams (or else with a Cord put over the Centre) describe a Circumference from twenty, or more feet semidiameter, according to the quantity of your wood design'd for coaling, which being neer may conveniently be charked in that Hearth; and which at one time may be 12, 16, 20, 24, even to 30 stack: If 12 therefore be the quantity you will coal, a Circle whose diameter is 24 foot, will suffice for the Hearth; If 20 stack, a diameter of 32 foots; If 30, 40 foot, and so proportionably.

Having thus marked out the ground, with Mattock, haws, and fit Instruments, bare it of the Turf, and of all other combustible stuft whatsoever, which you are to rake up towards the Peripherie, or out-side of the circumference, for an use to be afterwards made of it; plaining, and levelling the ground within the circle: This done, the wood is to be brought from the neerest parts where it is stack'd, in wheel-barrows; and first the smallest of it plac'd at the utmost limit, or very margent of the Hearth, where it is to be set long-ways, as it lay in the stack; the biggest of the wood-pitch, or set up on end round about against the small-wood, and all this within the circle, till you come within five, or six foot of the centre; at which distance you shall begin to set the wood in a Triangular form (as in Fig. 2A) till it become to be three foot high: Against this again place your greater wood almost perpendicular, reducing it from the triangular to the circular form, till being come within a yard of the centre you may pile the wood long-ways, as it lay in the stack, being careful that the ends of the wood do not touch the Pole, which must now be erected in the centre, nine foot in height, that so there may remain a round hole, which is to be form'd in working up the stack-wood, for a tunnel, and the more commodious firing of the pit, as they call it. This provided for, go on to pile, and set your wood upright to the other, as before; till having gain'd a yard more, you lay it long-ways again as was shew'd: And thus continue the work, still enterchanging the position of the wood till the whole Area of the Hearth and Circle be fill'd, and pil'd up at the least eight foot high, and so drawn in by degrees in piling, that it resemble the form of a copped brown Houshold-loaf, filling all inequalities with the smaller trunchions till it lye very close, and be perfectly, and evenly shaped. This done, then take some straw, haume or ferne, and lay it on the out-side of the bottom of the heap of wood, to keep the next cover from falling amongst the sticks: Upon this put on the turf, and cast on the dust and rubbish which was grubb'd and raked up at the making of the Hearth, and reserved neer the circle of it; with this cover the whole heap of wood to the very top of the pit, or tunnel, to a reasonable and competent thickness beaten close and even, that so the fire may not vent but in the places where you intend it; and if in preparing the Hearth, at first, there did not rise sufficient turf and rubbish for this work, supply it from some convenient place neer to your heap: There be who cover this again with a sandy, or finer mould, which if it close well need not be above an inch or two thick: This done, provide a Screene, by making light hurdles with slits, rods, and straw of a competent thickness, to keep off the wind; and broad, and high enough to defend an opposite side to the very top of your pit, being eight or nine foot; and so as to be easily remov'd as need shall require for the luing of your pit.

When now is all in this posture, and the wood well rang'd, and clos'd, as has been directed, set fire to your heap: But first, you must provide you of a Ladder to ascend the top of your pit: this they usually make of a curved Tiller fit to apply to the convex shape of the heap, and cut it full of notches for the more commodious setting their feet whiles they govern the fire above; therefore now they pull up, and take away the stake which was erected at the centre to guide the building of the pile, and cavity of a Tunnel. This done, put in a quantity of Char-coals (about a peck) and let them fall to the bottom of the Hearth; upon them cast in coals that are fully kindled; and when those which were first put in are beginning to sink, throw in more fuel; and so, from time to time, till the Coals have universally taken fire up to the top: Then cut an ample, and reasonable thick turf, and clap it over the hole, or mouth of the Tunnel, stopping at as close as may be with some of the former dust and rubbish. Lastly, with the handles of your Rakers, or the like, you must make Vent-holes, or Registers (as our Chymists would name them) through the stuff which covers your heap to the very wood, these in ranges of two or three foot distance quite round within a foot (or thereabout) of the top, though some begin them at the bottom: A day after begin another row of holes a foot and half beneath the former; and so more, till they arrive to the ground, as occasion requires. Note, that as the Pit does coal and sink towards the centre, it is continually to be fed with short, and fitting wood, that no part remain unfir'd; and if it charks faster at one part then at another, there close up the vent-holes, and open them where need is: A pit will in this manner be burning off, and Charking, five, or six days, and as it coals the smoak from thick and gross clouds will grow more blew, and livid, and the whole mass sink accordingly; so as by these indications you may the better know how to stop, and govern your spiracles. Two or three days it will only require for cooling, which (the vents being stopp'd) they assist, by taking now off the outwards covering with a Rabil or Rubber; but this not for above the space of one yard breadth at a time; and first they remove the coursest, and grossest of it, throwing the finer over the heap again, that so it may neither cool too hastily, nor endanger the burning and reducing all to Ashes, should the whole pit be uncover'd and expos'd to the air at once; therefore they open it thus round by degrees.

When now by all the former Symptoms you judge it fully chark'd, you may begin to draw; that is, to take out the Coals, first round the bottom, by which means the Coals, Rubbish and Dust sinking and falling in together may choak, and extinguish the fire.

Your Coals sufficiently cool'd, with a very long-tooth'd Rake, and a Vann, you may load them into the Coal-wains, which are made close with boards, purposely to carry them to Market: Of these Coals the grosser sort are commonly reserv'd for the Forges, and Iron-works, the middling and smoother put up in sacks and carried to the Colliers to London and the adjacent Towns; those which are chark'd of the roots, if pick'd out, are accounted best for Chymical fires, and where a lasting, and extraordinary blast is requir'd.

9. Coal for the Powder-mills is made of Alder-wood (but Lime-tree were much better had we it in that plenty as we easily might) cut, stack'd, and set on the Hearth like the former: But first ought the wood to be wholly disbark'd (which work is to be done about Mid-summer before) and being throughly dry it may be coaled in the same method, the heap or pits only somewhat smaller, by reason that they seldom Coal above five, or six stack, a time, laying it but two lengths of the wood one above the other, in form somewhat flatter on the top then what we have describ'd. Likewise do they fling all their rubbish and dust on the top, and begin not to cover at the bottom, as in the former example. In like sort, when they have drawn up the fire in the Tunnel, and stopp'd it, they begin to draw down their dust by degrees round the heap; and this proportionably as it fires, till they come about to the bottom; all which is dispatch'd in the space of two days. One of these heaps will char threescore sacks of Coal, which may all be carried at one time in a Waggon; and some make the Court-coals after the same manner. Lastly,

10. Small-coals are made of the spray, and brush-wood which is shripped off from the branches of Copse-wood, and which is sometimes bound up into Bavins for this use; though also it is as frequently charked without binding, and then they call it cooming it together: This they stand in some neer floor, made level, and freed of incumbrances, where setting one of the Bavins or part of the spray, on fire, two men stand ready to throw on Bavin upon Bavin (as fast as they can take fire, which makes a very great and sudden blaze) till they have burnt all that lyes neer the place, to the number (it may be) of five, or six hundred Bavins: But ere they begin to set fire they fill great Tubs or Vessels with water, which stand ready by them, and this they dash on with a great dish or scoup so soon as ever they have thrown on all their Bavins, continually plying the great heap of glowing Coals, which gives a sudden stop to the fury of the fire, whiles with a great Rake they lay, and spread it abroad, and ply their casting of water still on the Coals, which are now perpetually turn'd by two men with great Shovels, a third throwing on the water: This they continue till no more fire appears, though they cease not from being very hot: After this, they shovel them up into great heaps, and when they are throughly cold, put them up in sacks for London, where they use them amongst divers Artificers, both to kindle greater fires, and to temper, and aneal their several Works.

The best season for the fetching home of other Fuel, is from June; the ways being then most dry, and passable.

B the central-pole the place

of the Tunnel

A the Wood laid in Triangle

11. And thus we have seen how for House-boot, and Ship-boot, Plow-boot, Hey-boot and Fire-boot, the Planting, and Propagation of Timber and Forest-trees is requisite; so as it was not for nothing, that the very name (which the Greeks generally apply'd to Timber) _, by Senechdoche, was taken always pro Materia; since we hardly find any thing in Nature more universally useful; or, in comparison with it, deserving the name of Material.

9. To sum up all the good qualities then, and transcendent perfections of Trees, let us hear the harmonious Poets, in this comfort of their Elogies:

___________ dant utile lignum

Navigiis pinos, domibus cedrosqus cupressosque;

Hinc radios trivere rotis, hinc tympana plaustris

Agricolæ, & pandas ratibus posuere carinas.

Viminibus salices, f_cundæ frondibus Ulmi:

At Myrtus validis hastilibus, & bona bello

Cornus: Ityreos Taxi torquentur in arcus.

Nec Tiliæ læves, aut torno rasile Buxum,

Non formam accipiunt ferroque cavantur acuto.

Nec non & torrentem undam in levis innatat Alnus

Missa Pado; nec non & apes examina condunt

Corticibusque cavis, vitiosæque Ilicis alvo:

and the most ingenious Ovid, where he introduces the miraculous Grove rais'd by the melodious Song of Orpheus,

______ non chaonis abfuit arbor,

Non nemus Heliadum, non frondibus æsculus altis,

Nec Tilia molles, nec Fagus, & innuba Laurus,

Et Coryli fragiles, & Fraxinus utilis hastis;

Enodisque Abies, curvataque glandibus Ilex,

Et Platanus genialis, Acerque coloribus impar.

Amnicolaque simul Salices, & aquatica Lotos,

Perpetuoque virens Buxus, tenuesque Myricæ,

Et bicolor Myrtus, & baccis cærula Ficus.

Vos quoque flexi-pedes Hederæ venistis, & una

Pampineæ Vites, & amictæ Vitibus Ulmi,

Ornique, & Piceæ, Pomoque onerata rubenti

Arbutus, & lentæ victoris præmia Palmæ,

Et succincta comas, hirsutaque vertice Pinus

Grata Deum matri, &c.

________

as the incomparable Poet goes on, and is imitated by our divine Spencer, where he brings his gentle Knight into a shady Grove praising

_____ the Trees so straight, and high,

The sailing Pine, the Cedar proud, and tall,

The Vine-prop Elm, the Poplar never dry

The builder Oak, sole King of Forests all;

The Aspine, good for staves; the Cypress funeral:

The Laurel, meede of mighty Conquerours

And Poets sage; the Fir, that weepeth still;

The Willow, worn of forlorne Paramours;

The Eugh, obedient to the benders will;

The Birch for shafts; the Sallow for the Mill;

The Myrrhe sweet bleeding in the bitter wound;

The war-like Beech; the Ash for nothing ill;

The fruitful Olive, and the Platane round;

The Carver Holm; the Maple, seldom inward sound.

And in this Symphony might the noble Tasso bear likewise his part; but that these are sufficient, & tria sunt omnia. What now remains concerns only some general Præcepts, and Directions applicable to most of that we have formerly touched; together with a Brief of what farther Laws have been enacted for the Improvement, and preservation of Woods; and which having dispatch'd, shall with a short Parænesis touching the present ordering, and disposing of his Majesties Plantations for the future benefit of the Nation, put an end to this rustick Discourse.

CHAP. XXXI.

Aphorisms, or certain general Præcepts of use to the

foregoing Chapters.

I. Try all sorts of Seeds, and by their thriving you shall best discern what are the most proper kinds for Grounds,

Quippe solo natura subest ______

and of these design the main of your Plantation.

2. Keep your newly sown seeds continually fresh, and in the shade (as much as may be) till they peep.

3. All curious seeds, and plants are diligently to be weeded till they are strong enough to over-drop or suppress them: And you shall carefully haw, half-dig, and stir up the earth about their Roots during the first three years; especially in the Vernal, and Autumnal Æquinoxes: This work to be done in a moist season for the first year to prevent the dust, and the suffocating of the tender buds; but afterwards in the more dry weather.

4. Plants rais'd from seed, shall be thinn'd where they come up too thick; and none so fit as you thus draw to be transplanted into Hedge-rows; especially where ground is precious.

5. In transplanting, omit not the placing of your Trees towards their accustom'd Aspect.

6. Remove the softest wood to the moistest grounds,

Divisæ arboribus patriæ ________

7. Begin to Transplant Forest-trees when the leaves fall after Michælmas; you may adventure when they are tarnish'd, and grow yellow: It is lost time to commence later, and for the most part of your Trees, early Transplanters seldom repent; for sometimes a tedious band of Frost prevents the whole season, and the baldness of the Tree is a note of deceipt; for some Oaks, and most Beeches, preserve their dead-leaves till new ones push them off.

8. Set deeper in the lighter grounds than in the strong; but shallowest in Clay: five inches is sufficient for the dryest, and one or two for the moist, provided you establish them against winds.

9. Plant forth in warm, and moist seasons; the Air tranquil and serene; the wind westerly; but never whiles it actually freezes, rains, or in misty weather; for it moulds, and infects the Roots.

10. What you gather, and draw out of Woods, plant immediately, for their roots are very apt to be mortified by the winds and cold air.

11. Trees produc'd from seeds must have the Tap-roots abated (the Walnut-tree, and some others excepted) and the bruised parts cut away; but sparing the fibrous, for they are the principal feeders; and those who cleanse them too much, are punish'd for the mistake.

12. In spring rub off some of the Collateral Buds, to check the exuberancy of sap in the Branches, till the Roots be well establish'd.

13. Transplant no more then you well Fence; for that neglected, Tree-culture comes to nothing: Therefore all young set Trees shoudl be defended from the winds, and Sun; especially the East, and North, till their roots are fixed; that is, till you perceive them shoot; and the not exactly observing of this Article is cause of the perishing of the most tender Plantations; for it is the invasion of these two assailants which does more mischief to our new set, and less hardy Trees, then the most severe and durable Frosts of a whole Winter.

14. The properest soil, and most natural, apply to distinct Species, Nec vero terræ ferre omnes omnia possunt. Yet we find by experience, that most of our Forest-trees grow well enough in the coursest lands; provided there be a competent depth of mould: For albeit most of our wild plants covet to run just under the surface, yet where there is not sufficient depth to cool them, and entertain the Moisture and Influences, they are neither lasting, nor prosperous.

15. Wood well planted will grow in Moorish, Boggy, Heathy, and the stoniest grounds: Only the white and blew Clay (which is commonly the best Pasture) is the worst for wood; and such good Timber as we find in any of these (Oaks excepted) is of an excessive age, requiring thrice the time to arrive at their stature.

16. If the season require it, all new Plantations are to be plied with waterings, which is better pour'd into a circle at some distance from the Roots, that percolating through a quantity of earth it may carry the nitrous virtue of the soil with it; and by no means at the stem; because it washes the mould from the Root, comes too crude, and endangers their rotting: But,

17. For the cooling, and refreshing Tree-roots, the congesting of Flints, or Pibbles neer the foot of the stem, is preferable to all other; and so the Poet,

Aut lapidem bibulum, aut squallenteis infode conchas,

Inter enim labentur aquæ, tenuisque subibit

Halitus

__________

18. Cut no Trees when either heat, or cold are in extreams; nor in very wet, or snowy weather; and in this work it is profitable to discharge all Trees of unthriving, broaken, wind-shaken, browse, and such as our Law terms Cablicia, and to take them off to the quick,

__________ ne pars sincera trahatur.

Many more useful Observations are to be collected, and added to these, from the diligent experience of Planters.

CHAP. XXXII.

Of the Laws and Statutes for the Preservation, and

Improvements of Woods, &c.

I. To let pass the Laws, and civil Constitutions of great Antiquity, by which Servius informs us 'twas no less then Capital, alienas arbores incidere; the lex Aquilia, and those of the xii. Tabb. mention'd by Paulus, Cajus, Julianus and others of that Robe repeated divers more. The wise Solon prescribed Ordinances for the very distances of Trees; as the divine Plato did against stealing of Fruit, and violating of Plantations: And the interdiction of de Glande legenda runs thus in Ulpian, AIT PRÆTOR, GLANDEM, QUÆ EX ILLIUS AGRO IN TUUM CADIT, QUO MINUS ILLI TERTIO QUOQUE DIE LEGERE AUFERRE LICEAT, VIM FIERI VETO. But it is not here that I design to enlarge, as those who have philologiz'd on this occasion de Sycophantis, and other curious Criticismes; but pass on, and continue my self to the prudent Sanctions of our own Parliaments, which I deduce in this Order.

2. From the time of Edward the fourth, were enacted many excellent Laws for the planting, securing, cutting, and ordering of Woods, Copses, and Under-woods, as then they took cognizance of them; together with the several penalties upon the Infringers; especially from the 25. of Hen. 8.17.&c. confirm'd by the 13. and 27. of Q. Eliz. cap. 25.19. &c. which are diligently to be consulted, revived, put in execution, and enlarg'd where any defect is apparent; as in particular the Act of exempting of Timber of 22 years growth from Tythe, for a longer period, to render it compleat, and more effectual to their Improvement: And that Law repealed, by which Willows, Sallows, Oziers, &c. which they term Sub-boys, are reputed but as Weeds.

3. Severer punishments have lately been ordain'd against our Wood-stealers, destroyers of young Trees, &c. I cannot say they are sharp ones, when I compare the severity of our Laws against Mare-stealers; nor am I by inclination the least cruel; But I do affirm, we might as well live without Mares, as without Ships, which are our Wooden, but no less profitable Horses.

4. I have heard, that in the great Expedition of 88, it was expressly enjoyn'd the Spanish Commanders of that signal Armada; that if when landed they should not be able to subdue our Nation, and make good their Conquest; they should yet be sure not to leave a Tree standing in the Forest of Dean: It was like the Policy of the Philistines, when the poor Isrælites went down to their Enemies Smiths to sharpen every man his Tools; for as they said, lest the Hebrews make them Swords, or Spears; so these, lest the English build them Ships, and Men of War: Whether this were so, or not; certain it is, we cannot be too jealous for the preservation of our Woods; and especially of those eminent, and with care inexhaustible Magazines: I dare not suggest the encouragement of a yet farther restraint, that even Proprietors themselves should not presume to make havoc of some of their own Woods, to feed their prodigality, and heap fuel to their vices; but it is worthy of our observation, that (in that in-imitable Oration, the second Philippic) Cicero does not so sharply reproach his great Antagonist for any other of his extravagancies (which yet he there enumerates) as for his wasteful disposure of certain Wood-lands belonging to the Commonwealth, amongst his jovial Bravos, and leud companions; tua ista detrimenta sunt (speaking of his Debauches) illa nostra; speaking of the Timber.

5. But to the Laws: it were to be wish'd that our tender, and improvable Woods, should not admit of Cattle, by any means, till they were quite grown out of reach; the Statutes which connive at it, in favour of Custom, and for the satisfying of a few clamorous, and rude Commoners, being too indulgent; since it is very evident that less then a 14 or 15 years enclosure is, in most places, too soon; and our most material Trees would be of infinite more worth and improvement, were the Standards suffer'd to grow to Timber, and not so frequently cut, at the next Felling of the Wood, as the general custom is. In 22. Edw. 4. the liberty arriv'd but to seven years after a felling of a Forest or Purlieu; and but three years before, without special license: This was very narrow; but let us then look on England as an over-grown Country.

6. Wood in Parks was afterwards to be four years fenced upon felling: and yearling Colts, and Calves might be put into inclosed Woods after two: By the 13. Eliz. five years, and no other Cattle till six, if the growth was under fourteen years; or untill eight, if exceeding that age till the last felling: All which Statutes being by the Act of Hen. 8. but temporal, this Parliament of Eliz. thought fit to make perpetual.

7. Then to prevent the destructive razing and converting of Woods to Pasture: No wood of two Acres, and above two furlongs from the Mansion house, should be indulg'd: And the prohibitions are good against Assarts made in Forests, &c. without license: The penalties are indeed great; but how seldom inflicted; and what is now more easie, then compounding for such a license?

In some parts of Germany, where a single Tree is observ'd to be extraordinary fertile, a constant, and plentiful Mast-bearer; there are Laws to prohibite their felling without special leave: And it was well Enacted amongst us, that even the Owners of Woods within Chases should not cut down the Timber without view of Officers; or if not within Chases, yet where a Common-person had liberty of Chase, &c. and this would be of much benefit, had the Regarders perform'd their duty, as 'tis at large describ'd in the Writ. of 12. Articles; and that the Surcharge of the Forests had been honestly inspected with the due Perambulations, and ancient Metes: Thus should the Justices of Eire dispose of no Woods without express Commission, and in convenient places: Minuti blaterones quercuum, culi, & curbi, as our Law terms wind-falls, dotterels, scrags, &c. and no others.

8. Care is likewise by our Laws to be taken that no unnecessary Imbezelment be made by pretences of Repair of Paling, Lodges-Browse for Deer, &c. Wind-falls, Root-falls; dead, and Sear-trees, all which is subject to the Inspection of the Wardens, Justices, &c. and even trespasses done de Viridi on boughs of Trees, Thickets and the like; which (as has been shew'd) are very great impediments to their growth and prosperity, be duly looked after, and punished: See Consuet. & Assis. Forest. Pannagium, or Pastura pecorum & de Glandibus, Fleta, &c. Man-woods Forest Laws: Cook pla. fol.366, li.8. fol.138.

9. Finally, that the exorbitance, and increase of devouring Iron-mills were looked into, as to their distance, and number neer the Seas, or navigable Rivers; And what if some of them were even remov'd into another World? 'twere better to purchase all our Iron out of America, then thus to exhaust our Woods at home, although (I doubt not) they might be so order'd, as to be rather a means of conserving them. There was a Statute made by Queen Eliz. to prohibite the converting of Timber-trees for Coal, or other Fuel for the use of Iron-mills; if the Tree were of one foot square, and growing within 14 miles of the Sea, or the greater Rivers, &c. 'tis pity some of those places in Kent, Sussex and Surrey were excepted in the Proviso, for the reason express'd in a Statute made 23. Eliz. by which even the imploying of any under-wood, as well as great Trees, was prohibited within 22 miles of London, and many other navigable Rivers, Creeks, and other lesser distances from some parts of Sussex Downs, Cinque-ports, Havens, &c.

10. And yet to prove what it is to manage Woods discreetly; I reade of one Mr Christopher Darell a Surrey Gent. of Nudigate, that had a particular Indulgence for the cutting of his Woods at pleasure, though a great Iron-master; because he so order'd his Works, that they were a means of preserving even his Woods; notwithstanding those unsatiable devourers: This may appear a Paradox, but is to be made out; and I have heard my own Father (whose Estate was none of the least wooded in England) affirm, that a Forge, and some other Mills, to which he furnish'd much Fuel, were a means of maintaining, and increasing his Woods; I suppose, by increasing the Industry of planting, and care; as what he has now left standing of his own planting, enclosing and cherishing in the possession of my most honour'd brother, Geo. Evelin of Wotton in the same County, does suffiently evince; a most laudable Monument of his Industry, and rare Example.

11. The same Act we have confirmed, and enlarg'd in the 17th of the said Queen, for the preserving of Timber-Trees, and the penalties of impairing Woods much increased; the tops, and offals only permitted to be made use of for this imployment: But let us see what others do.

12. The King of Spain has neer Bilbao sixteen times as many Acres of Copse-wood as are fit to be cut for Coal in one year; so that when 'tis ready to be fell'd, an Officer first marks such as are like to prove Ship-timber, which are let stand, as so many sacred, and dedicate Trees: But by this means the Iron-works are plentifully supplied in the same place, without at all diminishing the stock of Timber. Then in Biscay again, every proprietor, and other, plants three for one which he cuts down; and the Law obliging them is most severely executed. There indeed are few, or no Copses; but all are Pollards; and the very lopping (I am assur'd) does furnish the Iron-works with sufficient to support them.

13. What the practice is for the maintaining of these kind of Plantations in Germany, and France, has already been observ'd to this Illustrious Society by the learned Dr Meret; viz. that the Lords (for the Crown-lands) the Kings Commissioners, divide the Woods, and Forests, into eighty partitions; every year felling one of the divisions; so as no Wood is fell'd in less then fourscore years: And when any one partition is to be cut down, the Officer, or Lord contracts with the Buyer that he shall at the distance of every twenty foot (which is somewhat neer) leave a good, fair, sound and fruitful Oak standing. Those of 'twixt forty, and fifty years they reckon for the best, and then they are to fence these Trees from all sorts of Beasts, and injuries, for a competent time; which being done, at the season, down fall the Acorns, which (with the Autumnal rains beaten into the earth) take root, and in a short time furnish all the Wood again, where they let them grow for four or five years; and then grub up some of them for Fuel, or transplantations, and leave the most provable of them to continue for Timber.

14. The French King permits none of his Oak-woods, though belonging (some of them) to Monsieur (his Royal Brother) in Appenage, to be cut down; till his own Surveyors, and Officers, have first marked them out; nor are any fell'd beyond such a circuit: Then they are sufficiently fenc'd by him who buys; and no Cattle whatsoever suffer'd to be put in, till the very seedlings which spring up of the Acorns are perfectly out of danger. And to these I might superadd others, but I hasten to an end.

The Parænesis, and Conclusion.

I. Since our Forests are undoubtedly the greatest Magazines of the wealth, and glory of this Nation; and our Oaks the truest Oracles of the perpetuity of our happiness, as being the only support of that Navigation which makes us fear'd abroad, and flourish at Home; it has been strangely wonder'd at by some good Patriots, how it comes to pass that many Gentlemen have frequently repair'd, or gain'd a sudden Fortune, with plowing part of their Parks, and setting out their fat grounds to Dutch-gard'ners, &c. and very wild Wood-land parcels (as may be instanc'd in several places) to dressers of Hop-yards, &c. whiles the Royal portion lyes folded up in a Napkin, uncultivated, and neglected; especially, those great, and ample Forests; where though plowing, and sowing has been forbidden, a Royal command, and Design, may well dispense with it, and the breaking up of those Intervals advance the growth of the Trees to an incredible Improvement.

2. It is therefore insisted on, that there is not a cheaper, easier, or more prompt expedient to advance Ship-timber, then to solicit, that in all his Majesties Forests, Woods, and Parks, the spreading Oak (which we have formerly described) be cherish'd, by plowing, and sowing Barley, Rye, &c. (with due supply of culture, and soil, between them) as far as may (without danger of the Plow-share) be broken up. But this is only where these Trees are arriv'd to some magnitude, and stand at competent distances; a hundred, or fifty yards (for their Roots derive relief far beyond the reach of any boughs) as do the Walnut-trees in Burgundy, which stand in their best plow'd-lands.

3. But that we may particularize in his Majesties Forests of Dean, Sherewood, &c. and in some sort gratifie the Quæries of the Honourable the principal Officers and Commissioners of the Navy; I am advis'd by such as are every way judicious, and of long experience in those parts; that to enclose would be an excellent way: But it is to be consider'd, that the people, viz. Foresters and Bordurers, are not generally so civil, and reasonable, as might be wished; and therefore to design a solid Improvement in such places, his Majesty must assert his power, with a firme and high Resolution to Reduce these men to their due Obedience, and to a necessity of submitting to their own, and the publick utility; though they preserv'd their industry this way at a very tolerable rate upon that condition, whiles some person of trust, and integrity did regulate, and supervise the Mounds and Fences, and destine some portions frequently set apart, for the raising, and propagating of Woods, till the whole Nation were furnish'd for posterity.

4. And which work if his Majesty shall resolve to accomplish, he will leave such an everlasting obligation on his people, and raise such a Monument to his Fame, as the Ages for a thousand years to come shall have cause to celebrate his precious memory, and his Royal Successors to emulate his Virtue. For thus (besides the future expectations) it would in present be no deduction from his Majesties Treasure; but some increase; and fall in time to be a fair, and worthy Accession to it; whiles this kind of propriety would be the most likely expedient to civilise those wild and poor Bordurers; and to secure the vast and spreading heart of the Forest, which with all this Indulgence would be ample enough for a Princely Demeasnes: And if the difficulty be to find out who knows, or acknowledges what are the Bordures; this Article were worthy, and becoming of as serious an Inquisition, as the Legislative power of the whole Nation can contrive.

5. The Sum of all is; get the Bordures well Tenanted, by long Terms, and easie Rents, and this will invite and encourage Takers; whilst the middle, most secure, and interiour parts would be a Royal portion. Let his Majesty therefore admit of any willing Adventurers in this vast Circle for such Enclosures in the Precincts; and rather of more, then of few, though an hundred, or two should joyn together for any Enclosure of five hundred Acres more, or less; that multitudes being thus engaged, the consideration might procure, and facilitate a full discovery of latter Encrochments, and fortifie the recovery by favourable Rents, Improvements and Reversions by Copy-hold, or what other Tenures and Services shall please to accept of.

6. Now for the planting of Woods in such places (which is the only design of this whole Treatise) the Hills, and rough Grounds will do well; but they are the rich fat Vales, and flats which do best deserve the charge of Walls; such as that spot affords; and the Haw-thorn well plash'd (single or double) is a better, and more natural fence then unmorter'd walls, could our industry arrive to the making of such, as we have describ'd: besides, they are lasting, and profitable; and then one might allow sufficient bordure for a Mound of any thickness, which may be the first charge, and well supported, and rewarded by the culture of the Land thus enclosed.

7. For Example, suppose a man would take in 500 Acres of good Land, let the Mounds be of the wildest ground, as fittest for wood: Two hedges with their Valations, and Trenches will be requisite in all the Round; viz. one next to the Enclosure, the other about the Thicket to fence it from Cattle. This between the two hedges (of whatsoever breadth) is fittest for Plantation: In these hedges might be tryed the plantation of stocks; in the intervals all manner of wood-seeds sown (after competent plowings) as Acorns, Mast, Fir, Pine, Nuts, &c. the first year chasing away the Birds, because of the Fir and Pine seeds, for reasons given; the second year loosning the ground, and thinning the supernumeraries, &c, this is the most frugal way: Or by another Method the Waste places of Forests and Woods (which by through experience is known and tried) might be perfectly extirpated; and then allowing two or three plowings, well-rooted stocks be set, cut and trimm'd as is requisite; and that the Timber-trees may be excellent, those after wards copsed, and the choicest stocks kept shreaded. If an Enclosure be sow'd, the Seeds may be (as was directed) of all the species, not forgetting the best Pines, Fir, &c. whiles the yearly removal of very incumbrances only will re-pay the Work-men, who fell the Quick, or reserve it to store other Enclosures, and soften the circumjacent grounds to the very great improvement of what remains.

9. And how if in such Fencing-works we did sometimes imitate what Quintus Curtius, lib. 6. has recorded of the Mardorum gens, neer to the confines of Hyreania, who did by the close planting of Trees alone upon the bordures give so strange a check to the power of that great Conqueror Alexander? They were a barbarous people indeed, but in this worthy our imitation; and the work so handsomly and particularly describ'd that I shall not grieve to recite it. Arbores densæ sunt de industria consitæ, quarum teneros adhuc ramos manu flectunt, quos intortos rursus inserunt terræ: Inde velut ex alia radice lætiores virent trunci: hos, qua natura fert, adolescere non sinunt: quippe alium alii, quasi nexu conserunt: qui ubi multa fronde vestiti sunt, operiunt terram. Itaque occulti ramorum velut laquei perpetua sepe iter claudunt, &c. The Trees (saith he) were planted so neer and thick together of purpose, that when the boughs were yet young and flexible, bent and wreath'd within one another, their tops were bowed into the earth (as we submerge our Layers) whence taking fresh roots, they shot up new stems, which not being permitted to grow as of themselves they would have done, they so knit and perplex'd one within another, that when they were clad with leaves, they even cover'd the ground, and enclosed the whole Country with a kind of living net, and impenetrable hedge, as the Historian continues the description. Such works as these would become a Cato, or Varro indeed, one that were Pater Patriæ, non sibi soli natus born for Posterity; but we are commonly of another mould,

________ & fruges consumere nati.

10. A fair advance for speedy growth, and noble Trees (especially for Walks and Avenues) may be assuredly expected from the Graffing of young Oaks, and Elms with the best of their kinds; and where the goodliest of these last are growing, the ground would be plow'd, and finely raked in the season when the Scales fall; that the flowers and dews fastning the Seed where the wind drives it, it may take root, and hasten (as it will) to a sudden Tree; especially, if seasonable shreading be appli'd, which has sometimes made them arrive to the height of twelve foot by the first three years, after which they grow a main. And if such were planted as neer to one another in the Examples we have alledg'd, it is almost incredible what a paling they would be to our most expos'd Plantations mounting up their wooden walls to the clouds: And indeed the shelving and natural declivity of the Ground more or less to our unkind Aspects, and bleak Winds does best direct to the thickning of these protections; and the benefit of that soon appear, and recompence our industry in the smoothness and integrity of the Plantations so defended.

11. That great care be had of the Seeds which we intend to sow has already been advised; for it has been seen that Woods of the same age, planted in the same soil discover a visible difference in the Timber and growth; and where this variety should happen if not from the seed will be hard to interpret; therefore let the place, soil and growth of such Trees from whence you have your seeds be diligently examin'd; and why not this, as well as in our care of Animals for our breed and store?

12. As to the Form, obey the natural site, and submit to the several guizes; but ever declining to enclose High-ways and Common-roads as much as possible. For the rest be pleased to reflect on what we have already said to encourage the planting of the large spreading Oak above all that species; the amplitude of the distance which they require resign'd to the care of the Verderer for grazing Cattle, Deer, &c. and for the great, and masculine beauty which a wild Quincunx, as it were, of such Trees would present to your eye.

13. But to advance his Majesties Forests to this height of perfection, I should again urge the removal of some of our most mischievously plac'd Iron-mills; if that at least be true which some have affirm'd, that we had better Iron, and cheaper from Foreigners when those Works were strangers amongst us. I am inform'd that the New-English (who are now become very numerous, and hindred in their advance and prospect of the Continent by their surfeit of the Woods which we want) did about twelve years since begin to clear their High-ways by two Iron-mills: I am sure their zeal has sufficiently wasted our stately Woods, and Steel in the bowels of their Mother old England; and 'twere now but expedient their Brethren should hasten thither to supply us with Iron for the peace of our days; whilst His Majesty becomes the great Sovereign of the Ocean, free Commerce, Nemorum Vindex & Instaurator magnus. This were the only way to render both our Countries habitable indeed, and the fittest sacrifice for the Royal-Oaks, and their Hamadryad's to whom they owe more then a slight submission.

14. Another thing to be recommended (and which would prove no less then thirty years, in some places forty, and generally twenty years advance) were a good, (if well executed Act) to save our Standards and borduring Trees from the Axe of the Neighbourhood: And who would not preserve Timber when within so few years the price is almost quadrupl'd? I assure you standards of 20, 30 or 40 years growth are of a long day for the concernments of a Nation.

15. And though we have in our general Chapter of Copses declar'd what by our Laws, and common usage is expected at every Fell (and which is indeed most requisite till our store be otherwise suppli'd) yet might much even of that rigor be abated by no unfrugal permissions to take down more of the Standards for the benefit of the Under-woods (especially where by over-dropping, and shade they interrupt the kindly dews, rains and influences which nourish them) provided that there were a proportionable number of Timber-trees duly, and throughly planted, and preserved in the Hedge-rows and Bordures of our grounds: in which case even the total clearing of some Copses would be to their great advance, as by sad experience has been taught some good Husbands, whose necessities sometimes forced them to violate their Standards, and more grown Trees during the late Tyranny.

16. Nor will it be here unseasonable to advise, that where Trees are manifestly perceiv'd to decay, they be marked out for the Axe that so the younger may come on for a supply; especially, where they are chiefly Elms; because their successors hasten to their height and perfection in a competent time; but beginning once to grow sick of age, or other infirmity, suddenly impair, and lose much of their value yearly: besides that the increase of this, and other speedy Timber would spare the more Oak for Navigation and the sturdier uses.

How goodly a fight were it most of the Demesnes of our Country Gentlemen were crown'd and incircl'd with such stately rows of Limes, Firs, Elms, and other ample, shady and venerable Trees as adorn New-Hall in Essex, the Seat of that Suffolk Knight neer Yarmouth, and our neighbouring Pastures at Barnes? Yet were these Plantations but of late years in comparison: It were a noble and immortal providence to imitate these good Husbands in larger and more august Plantations of such useful Trees for Timber and Fuel, as well as for shade and ornament to our dwellings.

17. But these incomparable undertakings will best of all become the Inspection and care of the Honorable Lieutenants, and Rangers, when they delight themselves as much in the goodliness of their Trees, as other men generally do in Dogs, and Horses, for Races and Hunting; neither of which Recreations is comparable to that of Planting, either for virtue or pleasure, were things justly consider'd according to their true estimation: Not yet that I am of so morose an humour, that I reprove any of those noble, and manly Diversions seasonably us'd; but because I would court the Industry of great, and opulent persons to profitable and permanent delights: For suppose that Ambition were chang'd into a laudable emulation who should best, and with most artifice, raise a Plantation of Trees that should have all the proper ornaments, and perfections their nature is susceptible of by their direction and encouragement; such as Ælian sums up lib. 25. c. 14. o_ _o, _ ó o_, &c. kind and gentle Limbs, plenty of large leaves, an ample and fair body, profound or spreading roots, strong against impetuous winds (for so I affect to read it) extensive, and venerable shade, and the like: Methinks there were as much a subject of glory as could be phancied of the kind; and comparable, I durst pronounce, preferable, to any of their Recreations; and how goodly an Ornament to their Demesnes and Dwellings, let their own eyes be the judges. But I now proceed to the more general Concerns, in order to the Quæries, and first to the proportion.

18. It were but just, and infinitely befitting the miserable needs of the whole Nation, that every twenty Acres of Pasture made an allowance for half an Acre of Timber, to be planted in a clump, well preserv'd, and fenc'd for 14, or 15 years: And where the young Trees stand too thick, there to draw, and transplant them in the Hedge-rows, which would also prove excellent shelter for the Cattle: This Husbandry would more especially become Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Cornwall, and such other of our Countries as are the most naked of Timber, Fuel, &c. and unprovided of covert: For it is rightly observ'd, that the most fruitful places least abound in wood, and do most stand in need of it.

19. Such as are ready to tell ye their Lands are so wet that their Woods do not thrive in them, let them be converted to Pasture; or bestow the same industry on them which good husbands do in Meadows by draining: It is a sloathfulness unpardonable; as if the pains would not be as fully recompenc'd in the growth of the Timber, as in that of their grass: Where poor hungry Woods grow, rich Corn, and good Cattle would be more plentifully bred; and it were beneficial to convert some Wood-land (where the proper vertue is exhausted) to Pasture and Tillage; provided that fresh land were improved also to wood in recompence, and to balance the other.

20. Where we find uliginous and starv'd places (which sometimes obey no Art or Industry to drain, and of which our pale and fading Corn is a sure indication) we are as it were courted to obey Nature; and improve them for the propagation of Sallyes, Willows, Alders, Sycamore, Aspine, Birch, and the hasty and profitable grawers, by ranging them, casting of Ditches, Trenches, &c. as before has been taught.

21. In the mean while 'tis a thing to be deplor'd, that some persons bestow more in grubbing, and dressing a few Acres which has been excellent wood, to convert it into wretched pasture, not worth a quarter of what the Trees would have yielded, well order'd, and left standing; since it is certain, that barren land planted with wood will trebble the expence in a short time: This I am able to confirm by instancing a noble person, who (a little before our unhappy Wars) having sown three or four Acres with Acorns, the fourth year transplanted them which grew too thick all about his Lordship: These Trees are now of that stature, and so likely to prove excellent Timber, that they are already judg'd to be almost as much worth as the whole Demesnes; and yet they take off nothing from other profits, having been discreetly dispos'd at the first designment. The Prince Elector Fredric IV, in the year 1606, sow'd a part of that most barren Heath of Lambertheim with Acorns after plowing, as I have been inform'd; it is now likely to prove a most goodly Forest, though all this while miserably neglected by reason of the Wars.

The Right Honourable my Lord Viscount Mountague has planted many thousands of Oaks, which I am told he draws out of Copses, big enough to defend themselves; and that with such success as exceedingly improv'd his possessions; and it is a worthy example. To conclude, I can shew an Avenue planted to a house standing in barren Park, the soil a cold Clay; it consists totally of oaks, one hundred in number: The person who first set them (dying very lately) lived to see them spread their branches 123 foot in compass, which at distance of 24 foot mingling their shady tresses for above 1000 in length, form themselves into one of the most venerable and stately Arbour-Walks that in my life I ever beheld: This is at Baynards in Surrey, and belonging to my most honour'd Brother (because a most industrious Planter of wood) Richard Evelyn Esq. The Walk is broad 56 foot, and one Tree with another containing by estimation three quarters of a load of Timber in each Tree, and in their lops three Cord of fire-wood: Their bodies are not of the tallest, having been topped when they were young to reduce them to an uniform height; yet is the Timber most excellent for its scantling, and for their heads few in England excelling them: where some of their contemporaries were planted single in the Park without cumber, they spread above fourscore foot in arms.

22. I have produced these Examples because they are conspicuous, full of encouragement, worthy our imitation; and that from these, and sundry others I might enumerate, we have made this observation, that almost any soil is proper for some profitable Timber-trees or other which is good for very little else.

23. The bottoms of Downs and like places being well plow'd, and sown will bear lusty Timber, being broken up, and let lye till Mid-summer, and then stirr'd again before sowing about November: so likewise in most craggy, uneven, cold and exposed places, not fit for Arable, as in Biscay, &c. And it is truly from these Indications, more then from any other whatsoever, that a broken, and decaying Farmer is to be distinguish'd from a substantial Freeholder, the very Trees speaking the conditions of the Master: Let not then the Royal Patrimony bear a Bankrupts reproach: But to defend yet lower;

24. Had every Acre but three, or four Trees, and as many of Fruit in it as would a little adorn the Hedge-rows, the Improvement would be of fair advantage in a few years; for it is a shame that Turnep-planters should demolish and undo hedge-rows neer London, where the Mounds and Fences are stripp'd naked to give Sun to a few miserable Roots, which would thrive altogether as well under them being skilfully prun'd and lopp'd: Our Gard'ners will not believe me, but I know it to be true, though Pliny had not affirm'd it: As for Elms (saith he) their shade is so gentle and benigne, that it nourishes whatsoever grows under it: and (lib. 17. c. 22.) it is his opinion of all other Trees (very few excepted) provided their branches be par'd away, which being discreetly done, improves the Timber as we have already shew'd.

25. Now let us calculate a little at adventure, and much within what is both faisible, and very possible; and we shall find, that four Fruit-trees in each Acre throughout England, the product sold but at six pence the Bushel, will be worth above a Million yearly: What then may we reasonably judge of Timber, admit but at the growth of four pence per Acre yearly, (which is the lowest that can be estimated) it amounting to neer two Millions? if (as 'tis suppos'd) there may be five or six and twenty Millions of square Acres in the Kingdom (besides Fens, High-ways, Rivers, &c. not counted) and without reckoning in the Mast, or loppings, which whosoever shall calculate from the annual Revenue the Mast only of Westphalia, a small and wretched Country in Germany does yield to that Prince, will conclude to be no despicable Improvement.

26. In this poor Territory, every Farmer does by ancient custom plant so many Oaks about his Farme as may suffice to feed his Swine: To effect this, they have been so careful, that when of late years the Armies infested the poor Country, both Imperialists, and Protestants, the only Bishoprick of Munster was able to pay one hundred thousand Crowns per mensem (which amounts of our money to 25000 li. Starling) besides the ordinary entertainment of their own Prince and private Families. This being incredible to be practis'd in so extream barren a Country I thought fit to mention either to encourage, or reproach us: General Melander was wont to say, The Good Husbandry of their Ancestors had left them this stock pro sacra Anchora; considering how the People were afterward reduc'd to live even on their Trees when the Souldiers had devour'd their Hogs; redeeeming themselves from great extremities by the Timber which they were at last compell'd to cut down, and which, had it continu'd, would have proved the utter desolation of that whole Countrey. I have this Instance from my most worthy and honourable Friend Sir William Cursius (His Majesties Resident in Germany,) who receiv'd this particular from the mouth of Melander himself: In like manner the Princes, and Freedoms of Hesse, Saxony, Thuringia, and divers other places there, make vast incomes of their Forest-fruit (besides the Timber) for Swine only. I say then, whosoever shall duly consider this will finde planting of Wood to be no contemptible Addition; besides the Pasture much improv'd, the cooling of fat, and heavy Cattle, keeping them from injurious motions, disturbance and running as they do in Summer to finde shelter from the heat, and vexation of Flyes.

27. But I have done, and it is now time for us to get out of the Wood, and to recommend this, and all that we have propos'd to His most Sacred Majesty, the Honourable Parliament, and to the Principal Officers, and Commissioners of the Royal Navy; that where such Improvements may be made, it be speedily, and vigorously prosecuted; and where any defects appear, they may be duly reformed.

28. And what if for this purpose there were yet some additional Office constituted, which should have a more universal Inspection, and the charge of all the Woods and Forests in His Majesties Dominions? This might easily be perform'd by Deputies in every County, Persons judicious, and skilful in Husbandry; and who might be repair'd to for advice and direction: And if such there are at present (as indeed our Laws seem to provide) that their Power be sufficiently amplified where any thing appears deficient; and as their zeal excited by worthy encouragements; so might neglects be encounter'd by a vigilant and industrious Checque. It should belong to their Province to see that such proportions of Timber, &c. were planted, and set out upon every hundred, or more of Acres, as the Honorable Commissioners have suggest'd; or, as might be thought convenient, the quality, and nature of the places prudently consider'd: It should be their Office also to take notice of the growth, and decay of Woods, and of their fitness for publick uses and sale, and of all these to give Advertisements, that all defects in their ill governing may be speedily remedied; and the Superiour Officer, or Surveyor should be accomptable to the Lord Treasurer, and to the principal Officers of His Majesties Navy for the time being: And why might not such a Regulation be worthy the establishing by some Solemn, and publick Act of State becoming our glorious Prince SOVEREIGN OF THE SEAS, and his prudent Senate this present Parliament?

29. We find in Aristotles Politics the Constitution of Extra-urban Magistrates to be Sylvarum Custodes, and such were the Consulares Sylvæ which the great Cæsar himself (even in a time when Italy did abound in Timber) instituted; and was one of the very first things which he did at the setling of that vast Empire after the Civil Wars had exceedingly wasted the Country: Suetonius relates it in the life of Julius; and Peter Crinitus in his fifth Book De honesta disciplina, c.3. gives this reason for it, Ut materies (saith he) non deesset, qua videlicet Navigia publica possent a præfecturis Fabrum confici: True it is, that this Office was sometimes call'd Provincia minor; but for the most part annex'd and joyn'd to some of the greatest Consuls themselves; that facetious sarcasme of the Com_dian (where Plautus names it Provincia caudicaria) referring onely to some under-Officer subservient to the other: And such a charge is at this day extant amongst the noble Venetians, and other prudent States; not to importune you with the express Laws which Ancus Martius the Nephew of Numa, and other Princes long before Cæsar did ordain for this very purpose; since indeed the care of so publick and honourable an Enterprize as is this of Planting, and Improving of Woods, is a right noble and royal undertakings; as that of the Forest of Dean, &c. in particular (were it bravely manag'd) an Imperial design; and I do pronounce it more worthy of a Prince who truly consults his glory in the highest Interest of his Subjects, then that of gaining Battels, or subduing a Province: And if in saying so, or any thing else in this rustic Discourse, I have us'd the freedom of a plain Forester; it is the person you command me to put on, and my plea is ready,

ò ó __ _.

Præsente Quercu ligna quivis colligit.

for who could have spoken less upon so ample a Subject? and therefore I hope my zeal for it in these Papers, will (besides your Injunctions) excuse the prolixity of this Digression, and all other the Imperfections of my Services.

Si canimus Sylvas, Sylvæ sunt Consule dignæ.

F I N I S.