TO THEKING.

Apart from the planting done in the royal woods and forests, details of Evelyn’s diary shew that he was frequently called upon to give advice with regard to laying out private plantations,—as well as of ornamental gardens, on which subject he was also considered one of the leading authorities of the time.

More than a century after Evelyn’s death, during the time of our wars with France, the demand for timber and the serious outlook with regard to future supplies once more drew marked attention to the propagation of timber throughout Britain, and many plantations of oak were then made which have not yet been entirely cleared to make way for other and now more profitable crops of wood. A very decided impetus was given in this direction by the re-publication of the text of the fourth edition ofSylva(as finally revised by the author in 1678), with copious notes by Dr. A. Hunter F.R.S. in 1812. A most appreciative and favourable review of this work is contained in theQuarterly Reviewfor March 1813 (Vol. ix), which was of much assistance in drawing the attention of our great landowners to the advantages of growing timber. Plantations could then be made at about one-fourth to one-third (and often less than that) of what it now costs to make them, while the market for timber and wood of all sorts was then favourable, with a steady demand likely to increase as time rolled on and the national commerce and industries expanded,—because in those days theeconomic revolution, accomplished through the subsequent discoveries of the great uses to which steam and iron are now put, were not then dreamed of.

ThisQuarterly Reviewarticle was an appreciation of Evelyn,—and not the only one made by that celebrated periodical, as we shall see presently. It traced the history of the work, showing how Charles II. ‘was too sensible a man to think of compelling his subjects to plant, by fines and forfeitures for the omission. Example he knew would do something, and he had scope enough for the purpose in his own wasted forests; but an animated exhortation from the press, in an age when the nobility and gentry began to read and to reflect, he knew would do more. A proper person for the purpose therefore was sought and found; a man of family, fortune, and learning; an experienced planter; a virtuoso, and not a little of an enthusiast in his own walk. Such was Mr. Evelyn: and to this occasion we are indebted for theSylva, which has therefore a title to be regarded as a national work... It sounded the trumpet of alarm to the nation on the condition of their woods and forests.’

The re-publication of theSylvaby Dr. Hunter, coming at an appropriate moment, revived the ardour which the work had excited about 60 years previously, and ‘while forests were laid prostrate to protect our shores from the insults of the enemy, the nobility and gentry began once more to sow the seeds of future navies.’

Previous to 1812, planting on any large scale whether for profit or ornament seems to have been confined chiefly to great estates, and ‘if a private gentleman, in the century preceding, planted an hedgrow of an hundred oaks, it was recorded, for the benefit of posterity, in his diary.’ The trade in the supply of plants had previously been in the hands of a few nurserymen, but on the appearance of Dr. Hunter’s new edition many private nurseries were established. This was more especially the case in Scotland, where the Scottish nobility took the lead ‘in this national and patriotic work,’—which promised to be very profitable, owing to the recent introduction of the larch. The well-deserved eulogy given in theQuarterly Reviewarticle to the rapid growth of fine timber of this valuable forest tree was the direct cause oflarch plantations being largely extended, because it was said that ‘a tree which, if the oak should fail, would build navies, and if the forests of Livonia or Norway or Canada were exhausted, would build cities, is an acquisition to this island almost without a parallel.’ And it still is one of the most valuable of our woodland trees, despite the cankerous fungus-disease which has certainly been (indirectly) due in no small degree to injudicious planting in pure woods on unsuitable soils and situations.

ThisQuarterly Reviewarticle of 1813 probably did quite as much to stimulate planting throughout Great Britain as theSylvaitself had previously done; but as Evelyn’s classic formed the text for the exhortation, the beneficial effects must of course in great part be ascribed to his influence.

A few years later, theQuarterly Reviewin an article on Evelyn’sMemoirs(April, 1818), again sings the well-deserved praise of his influence on British Arboriculture. ‘The greater part of the woods, which were raised in consequence of Evelyn’s writings, have been cut down: the oaks have borne the British flag to seas and countries which were undiscovered when they were planted, and generation after generation has been coffined in the elms. The trees of his age, which may yet be standing, are verging fast toward their decay and dissolution: but his name is fresh in the land, and his reputation, like the trees of an Indian Paradise, exists and will continue to exist in full strength and beauty, uninjured by the course of time.

Thrones fall and Dynasties are changed:Empires decay and sinkBeneath their own unwieldy weight;Dominion passeth like a cloud away.The imperishable mindSurvives all meaner things.

No change of fashion, no alteration of taste, no revolutions of science have impaired or can impair his celebrity.’

Another of the celebratedQuarterly Reviewarticles on Forestry is thatOn Planting Waste Lands(October, 1827); and even though it was Robert Monteath’sForesters Guide and Profitable Planterwhich furnished the peg for a discourseon this occasion, still the spirit breathing throughout the exhortion was the revivification of Evelyn’s influence. And the same must also be said about the article onLoudon’s ‘Trees and Shrubs’(Quarterly Review; October, 1838), which opens with a eulogy of our great English enthusiast of Arboriculture. ‘The good and peaceful John Evelyn was a great benefactor to England. He was a country gentleman of independent fortune; he held an office under Government; and was personally familiar with Charles II. and James II; yet, in spite of the influence which he then possessed, his example effected little for his favourite object till the publication of theSylva. Half the charm of this work lies in his contriving to make us feel interested about his trees; he gossips about them, he tells us where they came from and what they are used for, and has a few marvels—not of his own—but told with such perfect good faith that we can hardly help believing them with him. This was the secret by which he managed to attract the attention of even the wits and gallants of ‘the gay court;’ and thus it was that he gave an impulse to planting those ‘goodly woods and forests,’ the absence of which, in his own time, he so feelingly laments, and which now crown our hills and enrich our valleys. Mr. Loudon has followed Evelyn’s track. Tradition—history—poetry—anecdote enliven his pages; the reader soon feels as if his instructor were a good natured and entertaining friend. He has also not contented himself with merely recalling old favourites to our memory, but has introduced to us numerous agreeable foreigners whose acquaintance we ought to rejoice to make, since by their aid we may hope, in the course of another half century, to see our woods and plantations presenting the richness and variety of the American autumns, the trees which produce those ‘lovely tints of scarlet and of gold,’ of which travellers tell us, are all to be obtained at moderate cost in every nursery; and that they will thrive perfectly in this country Fonthill and White Knights bear ample testimony.’

Hardly anything can well be added to the above testimony regarding Evelyn’s influence on Arboriculture throughout the British Isles. Economic conditions have changed entirely since his time, but the spirit living and breathing inSylvaisstill that which is found influencing many of our great landowners. And it is an influence which cannot be indicated in any mere enumeration of the number of trees planted or of acres enclosed as woodlands either for purposes of profit or of ornament.

Far more is, of course, now known with regard to the physiology and the natural requirements of our forest trees—e.g. with reference to soil and situation, demand for light and capacity of enduring shade, etc.,—than was known in Evelyn’s time. Many of his arguments could easily be shown to be wrong, and many of his recommendations could equally easily be proved to be inefficacious and inexpedient, just as old works on Agriculture can no longer be accepted as trustworthy text-books for the teaching of modern farming; because Vegetable Physiology forms the true and scientific basis of both the arts relating to the cultivation of the soil, Agriculture and Forestry; and Vegetable Physiology is a branch of botanical science which is only of comparatively recent growth.

Many works on Sylviculture or Forestry, on business principles, have appeared in England and Scotland within the last fifteen years, but this new edition ofSylvamakes no pretence to belong to such an up-to-date class of works. It is merely a reprint of the last edition that was revised by Evelyn himself; and no notes of any description have been added, such as those to be found in the several editions published by Dr. Hunter. The present reprint is intended for those who love our forests and woodlands and the old trees surviving in parks and chases as links with the distant past; and it will also, for its own sake, appeal no less strongly to those who love to peruse a classic work, written in the very highly polished and ornate style affected by writers of distinction in the seventeenth century.

John Nisbet.

xxxi:1This promise Charles afterwards failed to keep as, in 1672, he merely renewed the lease of the pastures for 99 years.lxvii:1Coppices.

xxxi:1This promise Charles afterwards failed to keep as, in 1672, he merely renewed the lease of the pastures for 99 years.

lxvii:1Coppices.

S I L V A,Or a DISCOURSE ofFOREST-TREES,AND THEPROPAGATION of TIMBERIn His MAJESTY’s DOMINIONS.

As it was Deliver’d in theROYAL SOCIETYthe xvthofOctober, MDCLXIIupon occasion of certainQuæriespropounded to thatIllustrious Assembly, by theHonourablethe PrincipalOfficersandCommissionersof theNavy.

In TWO BOOKS.

Together with an Historical Account of theSacrednessandUseof StandingGroves.

TERRA,APhilosophical ESSAY of EARTH, being aLecturein Course.

To which is annexedPOMONA:OR, ANAppendixconcerningFruit-Trees, in relation toCYDER;TheMaking, and several Ways ofOrderingit.

Published by ExpressOrderof the ROYAL SOCIETY.

ALSOACETARIA:Or, a DISCOURSE ofSALLETS.

WITHKALENDARIVM HORTENSE;OR THEGARD’NERS ALMANACK;Directing what he is to doMonthlythroughout theYear.

All which severalTreatisesare in thisFOURTH EDITIONmuchInlarg’dandImprov’d,By the AUTHORJOHN EVELYN, Esq; Fellow of theROYAL SOCIETY

........Tibi res antiquae laudis & artisIngredior, tantos ausus recludere fontes.Virg.

LONDON:Printed forRobert ScottinLittle-Britain;RichardChiswellin St.Paul’sChurchyard;George SawbridgeinLittle-Britain; andBenj. TookeinFleetstreet. MDCCVI.

For to whom,Sir, with so Just and Equal Right should I present the Fruits of my Labours, as to thePatronof thatSOCIETY, under whoseInfluence, as it was produced; so to whoseAuspicesalone it owes the FavourableAcceptancewhich it has receiv’d in the World? To You then (Royal Sir) does thisThird Editioncontinue its Humble Addresses,Tanquam MEMORUM VINDICI; as of old, they paid their Devotions,lxxv:1HERCULI & SILVANO; since You are ourΘεὸς ὑλικόςNemorensis Rex; as having once YourTemple, andCourttoo, under thatSacred Oakwhich YouConsecratedwith YourPresence, and weCelebrate, with Just Acknowledgment to God for YourPreservation.

I need not Aquaint YourMajesty, how manyMillionsofTimber-Trees(beside infiniteothers) have beenPropagatedandPlantedthroughout Your vastDominions, at theInstigation, and by the soleDirectionof thisWork; because YourGracious Majesty, has been pleas’d toownitPublickly, for myEncouragement, who, in all that I here pretend to say, deliver only thosePreceptswhich YourMajestyhas put intoPractice; as having (like anotherCyrus) by Your ownRoyal Example, exceeded all yourPredecessorsin thePlantationsYou have made, beyond (I dare assert it) all theMonarchsof thisNation,sincetheConquestof it. And, indeed what moreAugust, whatmoreWorthyYourMajesty, or more becoming ourImitation?than whilst You are thus solicitous for thePublick Good, we pursue YourMajesty’sGreatExample; and by cultivating our decayingWoods, contribute to YourPower, as to Your greatestWealthandSafety; since whilst YourMajestyis furnish’d to send forth thoseArgo’sandTrojan Horses,lxxvi:1about this HappyIsland, we are to fear nothing fromwithout it; and whilst we remainObedientto Your justCommands, nothing fromwithinit.

’Tis now someYearspast that YourMajestywas pleas’d to declare Your Favourable Acceptance of aTreatiseofArchitecturewhich I then presented toYou, with manyGracious Expressions, and that it was a mostusefulPiece.Sir, thatEncouragement(together with theSuccessof theBookit self, and of the formerEditionsofthis) has animated me still to continue myOblationto YourMajestyof theseImprovements: Nor was it certainly without someProvidentConduct, that we have been thus solicitous to begin, as it were, withMaterialsfor Building, andDirectionstoBuilders; if due Reflection be made on that DeplorableCalamity, theConflagrationof YourImperial City; which nevertheless, by the Blessing ofGod, and YourMajesty’sGraciousInfluence, we have seenRiseagain, aNew, and much moreGloriousPHOENIX.

This TRIBUTE I now once more lay at theFeetof our ROYAL FOUNDER.

May YourMajestybe pleas’d to be Invok’d by that noIngloriousTITLE, in the profoundestSubmissionof

Gracious Sir,YourMajesty’sEverLoyal, mostObedientandFaithful SubjectandServant,J. Evelyn.

Sayes-Court,5 Decemb.1678.

lxxv:1Catode R. R. cap. 73.Aurel. Vict. Class. Phil. apud. Tranquill.And soNemestinus Deus Nemorum.Arnob. l. 4.lxxvi:1Argon,lib.1. That Famous Ship built of theDodonaeanOak.

lxxv:1Catode R. R. cap. 73.Aurel. Vict. Class. Phil. apud. Tranquill.And soNemestinus Deus Nemorum.Arnob. l. 4.

lxxvi:1Argon,lib.1. That Famous Ship built of theDodonaeanOak.

After what theFrontispieceandPorchthisWooden Edificepresents you, I shall need no farther to repeat theOccasionof this followingDiscourse; I am only to acquaint you, That as it was delivered to theRoyal Societyby an unworthyMemberthereof, in Obedience to theirCommands; by thesameit is nowRe-publish’dwithout any farther Prospect: And theReaderis to know, That if these drysticksafford him anySap, it is one of theleastandmeanestof thosePieceswhich are every day produc’d by thatIllustrious Assembly, and which enrich theirCollections, as so manyMonumentsof their accurateExperiments, and publick Endeavours, in order to the production ofrealanduseful Theories, the Propagation and Improvement ofNatural Science, and the honour of theirInstitution. If tothisthere be any thing subjoynedhere, which may a while bespeak the Patience of theReader, it is only for the encouragement of anIndustry, and worthyLabour, much in our daysneglected, as haply reputed aConsiderationof too sordid and vulgar a nature forNoble Persons, andGentlemento busie themselves withal, and who oftner find out occasions toFell-down, and Destroy their Woods andPlantations, than either torepairorimprovethem.

But we are not without hopes of taking off thesePrejudices, and of reconciling them to aSubjectand anIndustrywhich has beenconsecrated(as I may say) by asgood, and asgreatPersons, as any the World has produced; and whose Names we find mingl’d amongstKingsandPhilosophers, graveSenators, andPatriotsof their Country: For such of old wereSolomon,Cyrus, andNuma,LiciniussurnamedStolo,Cato, andCincinnatus; thePiso’s,Fabii,Cicero, thePlinies, and thousands more whom I might enumerate, that disdained not to cultivate theseRusticitieseven with their own hands, and to esteem it no smallAccession, to dignifie theirTitles, and adorn theirpurplewith theseRural Charactersof their affections toPlanting, and love of this part ofAgriculture, which has transmitted to us their venerableNamesthrough so manyAgesandVicissitudesof the World.

That famousAnsweralone which thePersian Monarchgave toLysander, will sufficiently justifie that which I have said; besides what we might add, out of theWritingsandExamplesof the rest: But sincethesemay suffice after due reproofs of the late impolitiqueWast, and universalslothamongst us; we should now turn ourIndignationintoPrayers, and address our selves to our better-natur’dCountrymen;lxxviii:1that suchWoodsas do yet remain intire, might be carefullypreserved, and such as aredestroy’d, sedulouslyrepaired: It is what all Persons who areOwnersofLandmay contribute to, and with infinitedelight, as well asprofit, who are touch’d with that laudableAmbitionof imitating their IllustriousAncestors, and of worthily serving theirGeneration. To these my earnest and humbleAdviceshould be, That at their very first coming to theirEstates, and as soon as they getChildren, they would seriously think ofthis WorkofPropagationalso: For I observe there is no part ofHusbandry, which Men commonly morefailin,neglect, and have cause torepentof, than that they did not beginPlanting betimes, without which, they can expect neitherFruit,Ornament, orDelightfrom theirLabours: Men seldom plantTreestill they begin to beWise,that is, till they growOld, and find byExperiencethePrudenceandNecessityof it. WhenUlysses, after a ten-years Absence, was return’d fromTroy, and coming home, found his agedFatherin the Field planting ofTrees, He asked him, why (being now so far advanc’d in Years) he would put himself to the Fatigue and Labour of Planting,thatwhich he was never likely to enjoy the Fruits of? The good old Man (taking him for a Stranger) gently reply’d;I plant(says he)against my SonUlyssescomes home. TheApplicationis Obvious and Instructive for bothOldandYoung. And we have a more modern Instance, almost alike that of the good oldLaertes. Here then upon the Complaint of learned Persons and great Travellers, deploring the loss of many rare and precious Things,TreesandPlants, especially instancing theBalsam-Tree ofGilead(now almost, if not altogether failing, and no more to be found where it grew in great plenty.) He applys himself to youngEperous, to consider it seriously, and to fall a planting while time is before them, with this incouraging Exclamation,Agite, ô Adolescentes, & antequam canities vobis obrepat, stirpes jam alueritis, quae vobis cum insigni utilitate, delectationem etiam adferent: Nam quemadmodum canities temporis successu, vobis insciis, sensim obrepit: Sic natura vobis inserviens educabit quod telluri vestrae concredetis, modo prima initia illi dederitis, &c. Pet. BelloniusDe neglecta stirpium Cultura. Problema ix.

My nextAdviceis, that they do not easily commit themselves to theDictatesof their ignorantHindsandServants,lxxix:1who are (generally speaking) more fit to Learn than to Instruct.Male agitur cum Domino quem Villicus docet, was an Observation of oldCato’s; and ’twasIschomachuswho toldSocrates(discoursing one day upon a like subject)That it was far easier toMake, than toFinda good Husband-man: I have often prov’d it so inGardeners; and I believe it willhold in most of ourCountryEmployments: Country People universally know that all Trees consist ofRoots,Stems,Boughs,Leaves, &c. but can give no account of theSpecies,Virtues, or farther Culture, besides the making of a Pit or Hole; casting, and treading in the Earth, &c. which require a deeper search, than they are capable of: We are then to exactLabour, notConductandReason, from the greatest part of them; and the business ofPlantingis anArtorScience(for soVarrohas solemnly defined it;lxxx:1) and that exceedingly wide of Truth, which (it seems) many in his time accounted of it;facillimam esse, nec ullius acuminis Rusticationem,lxxx:2namely that it was an easie and insipid Study. It was the simpleCultureonly, with so much difficulty retrieved from the late confusion of an intestine and bloodyWar, like that ofOurs, and now put inReputationagain, which made the noblePoetwrite,

........How hard it wasLow Subjects with illustrious words to grace.........Verbis ea vincere magnumQuam sit, & angustis hunc addere rebus honorem.Georg. 3.

Seeing, as theOratordoes himself express it,Nihil est homine libero dignius; there is nothing more becoming and worthy of aGentleman, no, not the Majesty of alxxx:3Consul. In ancient and best Times, Men were not honour’d and esteem’d for the only Learned, who were greatLinguists, profoundCriticks, Reader and Devourers of Books: But such whose Studies consisted of the Discourses, Documents and Observations of theirFore-Fathers, ancient and venerable Persons; who,(as the excellent Author of theRitesof theIsraelites,cap.xv, &c. acquaints us,) were oblig’d to Instruct, and Inform their Children of the wonderful Things God had done for their Ancestors; together with the Precepts of theMoral Law,Feasts, and Religious Ceremonies: But taught them likewise all that concern’dAgriculture; joyn’d with Lessons of perpetual practice; in which they were, doubtless, exceedingly knowing; whilst during so many Ages, they employ’d themselves almost continually in it: And tho’ now adays thisnoble Artbe for the most part, left to be exercis’d amongst us, by People of grosser and unthinking Souls; yet there is noSciencewhatever, which contains a vaster Compass of Knowledge, infinitely more useful and beneficial to Mankind, than the fruitless and empty Notions of the greatest part ofSpeculatists; counted to be the onlyEruditiand learned Men. AnIsraelite, who fromTraditionof his Fore-fathers, his ownExperience, and some modern Reading, had inform’d himself of theReligionandLawswhich were to regulate his Life; and knew how to procure Things necessary: Who perfectly understood the several qualities of theEarth,Plants, andPlacesagreeable to each sort, and to cultivate, propagate, defend them from Accidents, and bring them to Maturity: That also was skill’d in the nature ofCattel, their Food, Diseases, Remedies, &c. which those who amongst us pass for the most learned and accomplish’dGentlemen, andScholars, are, for the most part, grosly ignorant of, look upon asbase,rustick, and things below them: is (in this learned Author’s Opinion) infinitely more to be valued, than a Man brought up either in wrangling at theBar; or the noisie, and ridiculous Disputes of ourSchools, &c. To this Sense the learn’dModena. And ’tis remarkable, that after all that wiseSolomonhad said, thatAllwasvanity and vexation of Spirit(among so manyparticularshe reckons up,) he should be altogethersilent, and say nothing concerningHusbandry; as, doubtless, considering it the most useful, innocent and laudable Employment of our Life, requiring those who cultivate the Ground to live in the Country, remote fromCity-Luxury, and the temptation to the Vices he condemns. It was indeed a plain Manlxxxii:1(aPotterbyTrade) but let no body despise him because aPotter(Agathocles, and aKingwas of thatCraft) who in my Opinion has given us the true reason whyHusbandry, and particularlyPlanting, is no more improved in this Age of ours; especially, where Persons areLordsand Owners of muchLand. The truth is, says he, when Men have acquired any considerableFortuneby theirgood Husbandry, andexperience(forgetting that the greatestPatriarchs,Princes, theirSonsandDaughters, belonged to thePlough, and theFlock) they account it ashameto breed up theirChildrenin the same Calling which they themselves were educated in, but presently design themGentlemen: They must forsooth, have aCoatofArms, and live upon theirEstates; So as by the time hisSonsBeard is grown, he begins to be asham’d of hisFather, and would be ready to defie him, that should upon any occasion mind him of hishonest Extraction: And if it chance that the good Man have otherChildrento provide for;Thismust be the Darling, be bred atSchool, and theUniversity, whilst the rest must toCartandPlowwith theFather, &c. This is theCause, says myAuthor, that ourLandsare so illCultivatedand neglected. Every body will subsist upon their ownRevenue, and take theirPleasure, whilst they resign theirEstatesto be manag’d by the mostIgnorant, which are theChildrenwhom they leave at home, or theHindsto whom they commit them. When as intruth, and inreason, the moreLearning, the betterPhilosophers, and the greaterAbilitiesthey possess, themore, and thebetterare theyqualified, toCultivate, and improve theirEstates: Methinks this is well and rationally argued.

And now you have in part what I had to produce in extenuation of thisAdventure; thatAnimatedwith aCommand, and Assisted by diversWorthy Persons(whoseNamesI am prone tocelebratewith all justRespects) I have presumed to cast in mySymbol; which, with the rest that are to follow, may (I hope) be in some degree serviceable tohim(who ere the happyPersonbe) that shall oblige theWorldwith that compleatSystemeofAgriculture, which as yet seems adesideratum, and wanting to its full perfection. It is (I assure you) what is one of the Principal designs of theROYAL SOCIETY, not in thisParticularonly, but through all theLiberaland more usefulArts; and for which (in the estimation of all equalJudges) it will merit the greatest ofEncouragements; that so, at last, what the LearnedColumellahas wittily reproached, and complained of, as a defect in thatAgeofhis, concerningAgriculturein general, and is applicablehere, may attain its desiredRemedyandConsummationinThisofOurs.

Sola enim Res Rustica, quae sine dubitatione proxima, & quasi consanguinea Sapientiae est, tam discentibus eget, quam magistris: Adhuc enim Scholas 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.lxxxiii:1But this I leave for ourPeruk’d Gallantsto interpret, and should now apply my self to theDirectivePart, which I am all this while bespeaking, if after what I have said in the severalParagraphsof the ensuingDiscourseupon theArgumentofWood, (and which in thisFourthEdition comingAbroadwith innumerableImprovements,andAdvantages(so furnished, as I hope shall neither reproach theAuthor, or repent theReader) it might not seem superfluous to havepremisedany thingherefor the Encouragement of so becoming anIndustry. There are diversLearned, and judiciousMenwho haveprecededMe in thisArgument; as many, at least, as have undertaken to Write and Compile vastHerbals, andTheatersofPlants; of which we have some of our ownCountry-men, (especially, the most Industrious and Learned Mr.Ray) who have (boldly I dare affirm it) surpass’dany, if not all theForeignersthat are extant: Inthoseit is you meet with theDescriptionof the severalPlants, byDiscourses,Figures,Names,PlacesofGrowth; time ofFlourishing, and theirMedicinal Virtues; which may supply anydeficiencyof mine as to thoseParticulars; if forbearing theRepetition, it should by any be imputed for adefect, though it were indeed none of mydesign: I say, these things are long since performed to our hands: But there is none of these (that I at least know of, and are come to my perusal) who have taken any considerable pains how toDirect, andEncourageus in theCultureofForest-Trees(the granddefectof thisNation) besides some small sprinklings to be met withal inGervas Markham, oldTusser, and ofForeigners, theCountry-Farmlong since translated out of French, and by no means suitable to our Clime andCountry: Neither have any of these proceeded after myMethod, and particularly, inRaising,Planting,Dressing, andGoverning, &c. or so sedulously made it their business, tospecifietheMechanical Usesof theseveral kinds, as I have done, which was hitherto a greatdesideratum, and in which theReaderwill likewise find some things altogetherNewandInstructive; and bothDirectionsandEncouragementsfor the Propagation of someForeignCuriosities ofOrnamentandUse, which were hitherto neglected. If I have upon occasion presumed to say any thing concerning theirMedicinalproperties,it has beenModestlyand Frugally, and with chief, if not only respect to the poorWood-man, whom none I presume will envy, that living far from thePhysician, he should in case ofNecessity, consult the reverendDruid, hislxxxv:1Oaksand hisElm,Birch, orElder, for a shortBreath, a GreenWound, or a soreLeg; Casualties incident to this hardLabour. These are the chiefParticularsof this ensuingWork, and what it pretends hitherto ofSingular, in which let me be permitted to say, There is sufficient forInstruction, and more than is extant in anyCollectionwhatsoever (absit verbo invidia) in this way and upon thisSubject; abstracting thingsPracticable, of soliduseandmaterial, from theOstentationand Impertinences of diversWriters; who receiving all that came to hand on trust, to swell their monstrousVolumes, have hitherto impos’d upon the credulousWorld, withoutconscienceorhonesty. I will not exasperate theAdorersof our ancient and lateNaturalists, by repeating of what ourVerulamhas justly pronounced concerning theirRhapsodies(because I likewise honour their painfulEndeavours, and am obliged to them for much of that I know,) nor will I (with some) reproachPliny,Porta,Cardan,Mizaldus,Cursius, and many others of greatNames(whoseWritingsI have diligently consulted) for theKnowledgethey 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 theirSpeculations, where they treat upon thisArgument: But theWorldis now advis’d, and (blessed beGod) infinitely redeem’d from that base and servile submission of our noblestFacultiesto their blindTraditions. This you will be apt to say, is a haughtyPeriod; but whilst I affirm it ofthePast, itjustifies, and doeshonourto thePresentIndustry of ourAge, and of which there cannot be agreaterand more emulousInstance, than thePassionof HisMajestyto encourage hisSubjects, and of theRoyal Society, (HisMajesty’s Foundation) who receive and promote HisDictates, in all that is laudable and trulyemolumentalof this Nature.

It is not therefore that I here presume to instructHimin the management of that great and augustEnterpriseof resolving toPlantand repair His ampleForests, and otherMagazinesofTimber, for the benefit of HisRoyal Navy, and the glory of HisKingdoms; but to present to HisSacred Majesty, and to theWorld, whatAdvicesI have received fromothers, observed my self, and most industriouslycollectedfrom a studious Propensity to serve as one of the leastIntelligencesin the amplerOrbof ourIllustrious Society, and in aWorkso necessary and important.

And now since I mention’d theSociety, give me leave (Worthy Reader) as aMemberof thatBody, which has been the chiefPromoterof this ensuingWork, (and, as I stand oblig’d) tovindicatethatAssembly, and consequently, theHonourof hisMajestyand theNation, in aParticularwhich concerns it, though (in appearance) a little forreign to the presentSubject.

I will not say thatallwhich I have written in the severalParagraphsof thisTreatise, isNew; but that there are very manyNew, andusefulthings, andObservations(without insisting on theMethodsonly) not hitherto deliver’d by anyAuthor, and so freely communicated, I hope will sufficiently appear: It is not therefore in behalf of any Particular which concernsmy self, that I have been induced to enlarge thisPreface; but, by taking thisOccasion, to encounter the unsufferableBoldness, orAmbitionof somePersons(as wellStrangers, as others)arrogatingto themselves the beingInventorsofdiversNewand usefulExperiments, justly attributable to severalMembersof theRoyal Society.lxxxvii:1

So far has thatAssemblybeen from affectingGlory, that they seem rather to have declin’d their due; not as asham’d of so numerous and fair anOff-spring; but as abundantly satisfied, that after all the hard measure, and virulentReproachesthey had sustain’d, for endeavouring byunited Attempts, and at their ownCharges, to improveReal Philosophy; they had from time to time, cultivated thatProvincein so manyusefuland profitableInstances, as are alreadypublishedto theWorld, and will be easilyassertedto theirAuthorsbefore allequitableJudges.

This being the sole inducement of publishing thisApology; it may not perhaps seem unseasonable todisabusesome (otherwise)well-meaningPeople, wholed awayandpervertedby theNoiseof a fewIgnorantandComical Buffoons, (whoseMalevolence, orImpertinenciesintitle them to nothing that is trulyGreatandVenerable) are with anInsolencesuitable to theirUnderstanding, still crying out, and asking,What have the Society done?

Now, as nothing less thanMiracles(and unlessGodshould every dayrepeatthem at theCallof theseExtravagants) willconvincesome Persons, of the mostRationalandDivineTruths, (already so often and extraordinarily establish’d;) so, nor will any thingsatisfietheseunreasonableMen, but the production of thePhilosophers-stone, andGreat-Elixir; which yet were theyPossessorsof, they wouldconsumeupon theirLuxandVanity.

It is not therefore to gratifie thesemagnificent Fops, whoseTalentsreach but to the adjusting of theirPeruques, courting aMiss, or at the farthest writing a smutty, or scurrilousLibel, (which they would have to pass forgenuineWit) that Iconcernmy self in thesepapers; but, as well inHonourof ourRoyal Founder, as theNation, toAssertwhat of otherCountrieshas been surreptitiouslyArrogated, and by which, they not only value themselvesabroad; but (prevailing on the Modesty of that IndustriousAssembly) seek thedeferenceofthose, who whilst it remains stillsilent, do not so clearly discern this gloriousPlumageto be purelyascititious, and not aFeatherof their own. —But still,What have they done?

Those who perfectly comprehend theScope, andEndof that nobleInstitution; which is toimprove Natural Knowledge, and inlarge theEmpireofOperative Philosophy; not by anAbolitionof theOld, but by theReal Effectsof theExperimental;Collecting,Examining, andImprovingtheir scatter’dPhænomena, to establish even theReceived MethodsandPrinciplesof theSchools(as far as were consistent withTruth, andmatterofFact) thought it long enough, that the World had beenimpos’dupon by thatNotional, andFormalway of delivering diversSystemsandBodiesofPhilosophie(falsely so call’d) beyond which there was no moreCountryto discover; which being brought to theTestandTryal, vapours all away inFume, and emptySound.

ThisStructurethen being thusRuinousandCrazy; ’tis obvious what they were to do; even the same which skilfulArchitectsdo every day before us; bypulling downthe decay’d and sinking Wall to erect abetter, and moresubstantialin its place: They not only take down theold, reject the useless and decay’d; but sever suchMaterialsas aresolid, and will serve again; bringnew-onesin, prepare and frame aModelsuitable to somagnificentaDesign: ThisSolomondid in order to theBuildingof theMaterial Temple; andthisis here to be pursued in theIntellectual: Nay, here was abundance ofRubbishto be clear’d, that theAreamight be free; and then was theFoundationto be deeply searched, theMaterialsaccuratelyexamined,squared, andadjusted, before it could be laid: Nor was this theLabourof aFew; less than a much longer time, more Cost and Encouragement than any which theSocietyhas yet met withal, could in reason be sufficient effectually to go through so chargeable a Work, and highly necessary.

A long time it was they had been surveying theDecays, of what was ready now to drop in pieces, whatever shew the out-side made with a noise ofElementsandQualities,OccultandEvident; abhorrence ofVacuum,Sympathies,Antipathies;Substantial Forms, andPrime mattercourtingForm;Epicycles,PtolemæanHypotheses, magisterialDefinitions, peremptoryMaximes,Speculative, andPositive Doctrines, andalti-sonant Phrases, with a thousand otherprecariousand unintelligibleNotions, &c. all which they have been turning over, to see if they could find any thing ofsincereandusefulamong thisPedantick Rubbish, but all invain; here was nothingmaterial, nothing of momentMathematical, orMechanical, and which had not been miserablysophisticated, on which to lay thestress;nothing in a manner whereby any fartherProgresscould be made, for theraisingandennoblingtheDignityofMankindin theSublimest Operationsof theRational Faculty, byclearingtheObscurities, andhealingtheDefectsof most of thePhisiological Hypotheses, repugnant, as they hitherto seemed to be, to thePrinciplesof realKnowledgeandExperience.

Now although it neither were theirHopes, or in their prospect toconsummateaDesignrequiring somighty Aids, (inviron’d as they have been with these Prejudices) yet have they not at alldesistedfrom theEnterprize; but rather than so Noble and Illustrious anUndertakingshould not proceed for want of some generous and industriousSpiritsto promote theWork; they havethemselvessubmitted to those meanImployments, ofdiggingin the veryQuarry; yea even and of makingBrickwhere there was noStraw, but what they gleaned, and lay dispersed up and down: Nor did they think their Pains yetill bestow’d, if through the assiduousLabour, and aTrainof continualExperiments, they might at last furnish, and leave solid and uncorruptMaterialsto asucceeding, and moregrateful Age, for thebuilding upaBodyofrealandsubstantial Philosophy, which should neversuccumbtoTime, but with theRuinesofNature, and theWorldit self.

In order tothis, how many, and almostinnumerablehave been theirTryalsandExperiments, through the large and ample Field both ofArtandNature? We call ourJournals,Registers,Correspondence, andTransactions, to witness; and may with modesty provoke all ourSystematical Methodists,Natural Histories, andPretendershitherto extant from thebeginningofLetters, to thisperiod, to shew us soample, soworthyand sousefula Collection. ’Tis aFatalityand anInjuryto be deplored, that those who give ushard words, will not first vouchsafeimpartiallytoexaminetheseparticulars; since allIngenuous Spiritscould not but be abundantlysatisfied, that thisIllustrious Assemblyhas not met so manyYearspurely forSpeculationonly; though I take eventhatto be no ignobleCultureof theMind, or time mispent for Persons who have so fewFriends, and slenderObligations, to those who shouldPatronizeandEncouragethem: But they have aimed atgreater things, andgreater thingsproduc’d, namely, byEmancipating, and freeing themselves from theTyrannyofOpinion,delusoryand fallacious shews, to receive nothing uponTrust, but bring it to theLydian Touch, make it pass theFire, theAnviland theFile, till it come forth perfectlyrepurged, and of consistence. They are not hasty inconcludingfrom asingle, orincompetentnumber ofExperiments, to pronounce theEcstatic Heureca, and offerHecatombs; but, after the most diligentScrutiny, and by degrees, and waryInductionshonestlyandfaithfullymade, torecordtheTruth, and event ofTryals, and transmit them toPosterity. They resort not immediately togeneral Propositions, upon everyspecious appearance; but stay forLight, and Information fromParticulars, and make Reportde Facto, and asSenseinforms them. They reject noSectofPhilosophers, noMechanicHelps,exceptnoPersonsof Men; but chearfully embracingall, cull out ofall, and aloneretainwhat abides theTest; that from a plentiful and well furnish’dMagazineof trueExperiments, they may in time advance to solemn and establishedAxiomes,General RulesandMaximes; and aStructuremay indeed lift up its head, such as may stand the shock ofTime, and render a solid accompt of thePhænomena, andEffectsofNature, theAspectable Works of God, and theirCombinations; so as byCausesandEffects,certainandusefulConsequences may be deduced. Therefore they do not fill theirPaperswithTranscriptsout ofRhapsodists,Mountebancs, and Compilers ofReceiptsandSecrets, to the loss of Oil and Labour; but as it were,evisceratingNature, disclosing theRessorts, and Springs ofMotion, havecollectedinnumerableExperiments,HistoriesandDiscourses; and brought inSpecimensfor the Improvement ofAstronomy,Geography,Navigation,Optics; all the Parts ofAgriculture, theGardenand theForest;AnatomyofPlants, andAnimals;MinesandOres;MeasuresandÆquationsofTimeby accuratePendulums, and other Motions,Hydro- andHygrostatics, diversEngines, Powers andAutomata, with innumerable moreluciferousparticulars, subservient to human life, of which Dr.Glanvilhas given an ample and ingeniousAccomptin his learned Essay: Andsincein thePosthumousWorks of Dr.Hooke, lately publish’d by the most obliging Mr.Waller, already mention’d.

This is (Reader) what they have done; and they are butpartof theMaterialswhich theSocietyhave hithertoamassed, and prepared for this great andIllustrious Work; not to pass over an infinity ofsolitary, and looseExperimentssubsidiary to it, gathered at no small Pains and Cost: For so have they hitherto born theBurden and Heat of the day alone;SappingandMiningto lay theFoundationdeep, and raise aSuperstructureto be one day perfected, by the jointEndeavoursof those who shall in akinderAge have little else to do, but theputtingandcementingof thePartstogether, which tocollectand fit, have cost them so much Solicitude and Care.Solomonindeed built the gloriousTemple; but ’twasDavidprovided theMaterials: Did Men in those days insolently ask,What he had done, in all the time of that tedious preparation? I beseech you whatObligationhas theR. Societyto render anAccomptof their Proceedings toanywho are not of theBody, and that carry on theWorkat their ownexpenceamidst so many Contradictions? It is anEvil Spirit, and anEvil Age, which having sadlydebauch’dtheMindsof Men; seeks with Industry to blast and undermine allAttemptsand Endeavours that signifie to the Illustration ofTruth, the discovery ofImpostors, and shake their sandy Foundations.

Those who come (says the nobleVerulam) to enquire afterKnowledge, with a mind toscorn, shall be sure to find matter for theirHumor; but none for theirInstruction:WouldMen bring light ofInvention, and not fire-brands ofContradiction, Knowledge would infinitely increase.But these are theSanballatsandHoroniteswho disturb our Men upon the Wallxciii:1: But,let us rise up and build, and be no more discourag’d. ’Tis impossible to conceive, how so honest, and worthy aDesignshould have found so fewPromoters, and cold a welcome in aNationwhoseEyesare so wide open: We see how greedily theFrench, and otherStrangersembrace and cultivate theDesign: What sumptuousBuildings, well furnish’dObservatories, ampleAppointments,Salaries, andAccommodations, they have erected to carry on the Work; whilst we liveprecariously, and spin theWebout of our ownBowels. Indeed we have had the Honour to be thefirstwho led theway, given theFerment, which like aTrainhas takenFire, and warm’d theRegionsall about us.This Glory, doubtless, shall none take from us: But whilst they flourish soabroad, we want theSpiritshould diffuse it here athome, and give progress to so hopeful abeginning: But as we said, theEnemyofMankindhas done us this despite; it is his Interest to impeach (in any sort) what e’re opposes hisDominion; which is to lead, and settle Men inErrorsas well inArtsandNatural Knowledge, as inReligion; and therefore would be glad, the World should still begropingafterboth. ’Tishethat sets theBuffoons, and emptySycophants, to turn all that’sGreatandVirtuousintoRailleryand Derision: ’Tis therefore to encounterthese, that like those resoluteBuilders,xciii:2whilst we employ one hand in the Work,we, with theotherare oblig’d to hold ourWeapon, till some bold, andGallant Geniusdeliver us, and raise the Siege. How gloriously would such aBenefactorshine! What aConstellationwould he make! How great aNameestablish! For mine own part (ReligiouslyIprofessit) were I not aPerson, who (whilst I stood expecting when others more worthy, and able than my self, should have snatch’d the Opportunity ofsignalizinga Work worthy ofImmortality) had long since givenHostagestoFortune, and so put my self out of a Capacity of shewing myAffectionto aDesignso glorious; I would not only most chearfully havecontributedtowards the freeing it from theStraitsit has so long struggl’d under; butsacrific’dall mySecular Interestsin their Service: But, as I said, this is reserv’d for that GallantHero(whoe’er it be) that truly weighing the noble and universalConsequenceof so high anEnterprize, shall at last free it of theseReproaches; and either set it above the reach ofEnvy, or convert it toEmulation. This were indeed to consult an honestFame, and toembalmtheMemoryof aGreater Namethan any has yet appear’d amongst all theBenefactorsof theDisputing Sects: Let it suffice to affirm, that next thePropagationof our mostHoly Faith, and itsAppendants, (nor can HisMajestyor theNationbuild theirFameon a morelasting, a moreGlorious Monument;) The Propagation ofLearning, anduseful Arts, having always surviv’d theTriumphsof the proudestConquerors, and Spillers of humaneBlood;)Princeshave been moreRenown’dfor their Civility toArtsandLetters, than to all theirSanguinary Victories, subduingProvinces, and making those brutishDesolationsin the World, to feed asalvageand vileAmbition. Witness youGreat Alexander, and you thePtolemees,Cæsars,Charemain,Francisthe First; theCosimo’s,Frederic’s,Alphonsus’s, and the rest ofLearned Princes: Since when all thePompand Noise is ended; They are thoselittle thingsinblack(whom now in scorn they termPhilosophersandFopps) to whom they must be oblig’d, for making theirNamesoutlast thePyramidswhoseFoundersare as unknown as the Heads ofNile; because they either deserv’d noMemoryfor theirVertues, or had none to transmit them, or theirActionstoPosterity.

Is not our R.FounderalreadyPanegyriz’dby all theUniversities,Academists,Learned Persons, diversPrincesAmbassadors,andIllustriousMen fromabroad? Witness besides, the many accurateTreatisesandVolumesof the mostcuriousandusefulSubjects,Medicinal,Mathematical, andMechanical, dedicated to HisMajestyasFounder; to itsPresident, and to theSociety, by the greatestWits, and most profoundly knowing of theEuropeanWorld, celebrating theirInstitutionandProceedings: Witness, the daily Submissions and solemnAppealsof the most learnedStrangersto itsSuffrages, as to the most able, candid and impartialJudges: Witness, theLetters, andCorrespondenciesfrom most parts of thehabitable Earth,East, andWest Indies, and almost fromPole to Pole; besides what they have receiv’d from the very Mouths of diversProfessors,Publique Ministers, greatTravellers,Noblemen, and Persons of highest Quality; who have not only frequented theAssembly, but desir’d to beIncorporatedandascrib’dinto theirNumber; so little has hisMajesty, or theKingdombeen diminish’d in their Reputation, by theRoyal Society, to the reproach of our sordidAdversaries: Never had theRepubliqueofLettersso learned and universal aCorrespondenceas has been procur’d and promoted by thisSocietyalone; as not only the casualTransactionsof several Years (filled withInstancesof the most curious and usefulObservations) make appear; but (as I said) the manyNuncupatory Epistlesto be seen in the Fronts of so manylearned Volumes: There it is you will find CHARLES the II. plac’d among theHeroesandDemi-Gods, for hisPatrocinyandProtection: There you will see the numerousCongratulationsof the most learnedForeigners, celebrating the Happiness of theirInstitution; and that whilst otherNationsare stillbenightedunder the duskyCloud, such a refulgent Beam should give day to thisblessed Isle: And certainly, it is not to be supposed thatalltheseLearned Persons, of so many, and diversInterests, as well asCountries, shouldspeak, andwritethus out ofFlattery, much less ofIgnorance; being Men of the mostrefin’dUniversal Knowledge, as well asIngenuity: But I should neverend, were I to pursue this fruitfulTopic. I have but one word more to add, to conciliate theFavourand Esteem of our ownUniversities, to anAssemblyofGentlemen, whofrom themacknowledge to have derived all theirAbilitiesfor these laudable Undertakings; and what above all is mostshiningin them of mostChristian,Moral, and otherwise conspicuous, as from theSourceandFountain, to which on all occasions, they are not only ready to pay theTributeandObsequiousnessofhumble Servants, but ofSons, and dutifulAlumni. There is nothing verily which they more desire, than a fair and mutualCorrespondencebetween so nearRelations, and that they may be perpetuallyFlourishingandFruitfulin bringing forth (as still they do) supplies toChurchandStatein all its great Capacities:xcvi:1Finally, that they would regard theRoyal Societyas aColonyof their ownplanting, andaugureitSuccess. And if in theseLabours, and arduousAttempts, severalInventionsof present use and service toMankind(either detectingErrors, illustrating and assertingTruths, or propagatingKnowledgeinnatural things, and the visibleWorksofGod) have been discover’d, as theyenvynot thecommunicatingthem to theWorld; so should they bewantingto theSociety, and to theHonourof diversLearnedandIngenious Persons, (who are theSoulandBodyof it) not to vindicate them from the ambitiousPlagiary, the Insults ofScoffersand injurious Men: Certainly, Persons of rightNobleand subactedPrinciples, that wereLoversof theirCountry, should be otherwise affected; and rather strive toencourage, and promote Endeavours tending to sogenerousaDesign, than decry it; especially, when it costs them nothing but theirCivilityto so manyobliging Persons, though they should hitherto have entertain’d them but with some innocentDiversions. To conclude, weenvynone theirDues; nay we gratefullyacknowledgeanyLightwhich we receive either fromHome, or fromAbroad: WecelebrateandrecordtheirNamesamongst ourBenefactors; recommend them to thePublique; and what we thusfreely give, we hope asfreelytoreceive.

Thus have I endeavour’d toVindicatetheRoyal Societyfrom someAspersionsandIncroachmentsit hitherto has suffer’d; and shew’d under whatWeightsandPressurethisPalmdoes still emerge: And if for all this I fall short of myAttempt, I shall yet have this satisfaction, That tho I derive noGloryfrom my ownAbilities(sensible of my greatDefects) I shall yetdeservetheirpardonfor myZealto itsProsperity.

Epictetus,κθ.

Φιλοσοφίας ἐπιθυμεῖς‧ παρασκευάζου αὐτόθεν, &c.

Wouldst thou be aPhilosopher; Prepare thy self forScoffs: What, you are setting up for aVirtuosonow? Why so proud I pray? Well, be not thou proud for all this; But so persist in what seemsbestandlaudable; as ifGodhimself had plac’d thee there; andremember, that so long as thouremain’stin thatStateandResolution, thyReproacherswill in timeadmirethee: But if once throughInconstancythougive out&flinch,διπλοῦν προσλήψῃ καταγέλωτα, Thoudeservestto be doublylaugh’dat.

LordVerulam, Instaur. Scient.

Some Men (likeLucianinReligion) seek by theirWit, totraduceandexpose useful things; because to arrive at them, they converse withmean Experiments: But those whodespiseto beemploy’dinordinaryandcommon matters, never arrive tosolid PerfectioninExperimental Knowledge.

The changes andAlterationsin the severalChaptersand PartsthroughoutthisDiscourse, with theAdditionsandImprovements, have often oblig’d me to alter theMethod, and indeed to make it almost aNew Work.

J. Evelyn.

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