Sylva, or, A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesties dominions 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 Honourable 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 severall wayes of ordering it published by expresse order of the Royal Society : also Kalendarivm hortense, or, the Gard'ners almanac, directing what he is to do monthly throughout the year / by John Evelyn ...

Sylva, or, A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesties dominions 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 Honourable 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 severall wayes of ordering it published by expresse order of the Royal Society : also Kalendarivm hortense, or, the Gard'ners almanac, directing what he is to do monthly throughout the year / by John Evelyn ...

Sylva, or, A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesties dominions 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 Honourable 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 severall wayes of ordering it published by expresse order of the Royal Society : also Kalendarivm hortense, or, the Gard'ners almanac, directing what he is to do monthly throughout the year / by John Evelyn ...

Table of contents

[1]

By the Council of the ROYAL SOCIETY of London for Improving of Natural Knowledge.

Title page

TO THE KING.

TO THE READER.

BOOKS Publish'd by the Author of this Discourse.

Amico charissimo Johanni Evelyno Armigero, è Societate Regali Londini. J. Beale, S.P.D. In Sylvam.

Nobilissimo Viro Johanni Evelyno Regalis Soc. Socio dignissimo.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

A TABLE Of the CHAPTERS.

The TABLE to SYLVA.

The TABLE to POMONA.

The Table to the Kalender.

The Introduction.

CHAP. I. Of the Soile, and of Seed.

CHAP. II. Of the Seminary.

CHAP. III. Of the Oak.

CHAP. IV. Of the Elm.

CHAP. V. Of the Beech.

CHAP. VI. Of the Ash.

CHAP. VII. Of the Chesnut.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Wall-nut.

CHAP. IX. Of the Mulberry.

CHAP. X. Of the Service.

CHAP. XI. Of the Maple.

CHAP. XII. Of the Sycomor.

CHAP. XIII. Of the Horn-beam.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Lime-Tree.

CHAP. XV. Of the Quick-Beam.

CHAP. XVI. Of the Birch.

CHAP. XVII. Of the Hasel.

CHAP. XVIII. Of the Poplar, Aspen, and Abele.

CHAP. XIX. Of the Alder.

CHAP. XX. Of the Withy, Sally, Ozier, and Willow.

CHAP. XXI. Of Fences, Quick-sets, &c.

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

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Larch, Platanus, Lotus, Cornus, &c.

CHAP. XXIV. Of the Cypress-tree and Cedar.

CHAP. XXV. Of the Cork, Ilex, Alaternus, Phyllyrea, Granad, Lentisc, Myrtle, Jasmine, &c.

CHAP. XXVI. Of the Acacia, Arbutus, Bays, Box, Yew, Holly, Juniper, and Laurel-trees.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the Infirmities of Trees.

CHAP. XXVIII. Of Copses.

CHAP. XXIX. Of Pruning.

CHAP. XXX. Of the Age, Stature, and Felling of Trees.

CHAP. XXXI. Of Timber the Seasoning and Uses, and of Fuel.

CHAP. XXXII. Aphorisms, or certain general Precepts of use to the foregoing Chapters.

CHAP. XXXIII. Of the Laws and Statutes for the Preservation, and Improvement of Woods, &c.

CHAP. XXXIV. The Paraenesis and Conclusion, containing some Encouragements and Proposals, for the Planting, and Improvement of his Majesties Forests.

CHAP. XXXV. An Historical Account of the Sacrednesse, and Ʋse of standing Groves, &c.

[2]

Title page

To the Right Honourable THOMAS Earl of SOƲTHAMPTON, Lord HIGH TREASURER OF ENGLAND, &c.

POMONA, Or An APPENDIX Concerning FRUIT-TREES, In relation to CIDER: The Making, and several ways of Ordering it.

THE PREFACE.

POMONA. CHAP. I. Of the Seminary.

CHAP. II. Of Stocks.

CHAP. III. Of Graffs and Insitions.

CHAP. IV. Of Variety and Improvements.

CHAP. V. Of the Place and Order.

CHAP. VI. Of Transplanting, and Distance.

CHAP. VII. Of the Fencing.

CHAP. VIII. Of Pruning and Use of the Fruit-Trees.

§

ANIMADVERSION.

GENERAL ADVERTISEMENTS CONCERNING CIDER: By Dr BEALE.

Sir PAƲL NEIL's DISCOURSE OF CIDER.

Sir PAƲL NEILE'S second Paper.

OBSERVATIONS Concerning the Making, and Preserving OF CIDER: BY JOHN NEWBƲRGH Esq

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

CONCERNING CIDER,

OF CIDER.

An ACCOUNT of Perry and Cider Out of GLOCESTER-SHIRE, Imparted by DANIEL COLLWALL Esq

The usual Names of Glocester-shire Cider-Fruit.

The Pears for Perry are,

Another Account of CIDER from a Person of great Experience.

The Summer-Ciders are,

To Conclude this Treatise,

Explication of the Figures.

Sylva, or, A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesties dominions 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 Honourable 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 severall wayes of ordering it published by expresse order of the Royal Society : also Kalendarivm hortense, or, the Gard'ners almanac, directing what he is to do monthly throughout the year / by John Evelyn ...[1]

SYLVA: OR, A DISCOURSE OF Forest-Trees, AND The Propagation of Timber in His MAJESTIES Dominions, &c.

SYLVA: OR, A DISCOURSE OF Forest-Trees, AND The Propagation of Timber in His MAJESTIES Dominions, &c.

[Page]

By the Council of the ROYAL SOCIETY 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 concerning Fruit-Trees in relation to Cider, the Making and several ways of Ordering it, be Printed by John Martyn and James Allestry, Printers to the said Society.

BROƲNCKER, P.R.S.

§

[Page]

SYLVA, Or A DISCOURSE Of FOREST-TREES, AND THE Propagation of Timber in His MAJESTIES Dominions.

As it was Deliver'd in the ROYAL SOCIETY the XVth of October, MDCLXII. upon occasion of certain Quaeries propounded to that Illustrious Assembly, by the Honourable 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 severall wayes of Ordering it.

Published by expresse Order of the ROYAL SOCIETY.

ALSO KALENDARIƲM HORTENSE; Or, the Gard'ners Almanae; Directing what he is to do Monthly throughout the Year.

All which several Treatises are in this SECOND EDITION much Inlarged and Improved BY JOHN EVELYN Esq Fellow of the ROYAL SOCIETY.

—Tibi res antiquae laudis & artis

Ingredior, tantos ausus recludere fonteis.

Virg.

[Royal Society coat of arms]

LONDON, Printed for Jo. Martyn, and Ja. Allestry, Printers to the Royal Society. MDCLXX.

[Page]

[Page]

TO THE KING.

SIR,

THis Second Edition of SYLƲA, after more than a Thousand Copies had been Bought up, and dispers'd of the First Impression, in much lesse time than two Years space (which Book-sellers assure us is a very extraordinary thing in Volumes of this bulk) comes now again to pay its Homage to your Serene Majesty, to whose Auspices alone it owes the favourable Acceptance which it has received in the World. But it is not That alone, which it presumes to tell your Majesty, but to acquaint You, that it has been the sole Occasion of furnishing your almost exhausted Dominions, with more (I dare say) than two Millions of Timber-Trees; besides infinite Others, which [Page] have been Propagated within the three Nations, at the Instigation, and by the Direction of this Work; and that the Author of it is able (if need require) to make it out, by a competent Volume of Letters, and acknowledgments, which are come to his hands from several Persons of the most eminent Quality; many of them Illustrious, and divers of them unknown to him, in justification of what he asserts, which he the rather preserves with the more care; because they are Testimonials from so many honourable Persons, of the Benefit they have receiv'd from the Endeavours of the Royal Society, which, now adayes, passes through so many Censures; but, she has yet your Majesty for her Founder and Patron, and is therefore the less concern'd; since no man of worth can likely speak ill of an Assembly, which your Majesty has thought fit to dignifie, by so signal a Relation to it.

It is now about five years past, that your Majesty was pleas'd to declare your favourable Acceptance of a Treatise of Architecture which I then presented to you, with many gracious expressions, and that it was a most useful Piece. Sir, That Encouragement (together with the success both of the Book it self, and of the first Edition of this) has animated me to make a second Oblation to you of these Improvements: Nor was it certainly, without some Provident Conduct, that we have been thus solicitous to begin as it were, with Materials for Building, and Directions [Page] to Builders; if due Reflections be made on that deplorable Calamity, the Conflagration of your Imperial City; which neverthelesse by the Blessing of GOD, and your Majesties gracious Influence, we despair not of seeing Rise again, a New, and much more Glorious PHOENIX.

This TRIBUTE, I now once more lay at the Feet of our ROYAL FOƲNDER: May your Majesty be pleas'd, to be Invok'd by that no Inglorious TITLE in the profoundest Submissions of

Gracious Sir,

Your Majesties Ever Loyal, most obedient, and Faithful Subject, and Servant, J. EƲELYN.

Says-Court Aug. 24 1669.

[Page]

[Page]

TO THE READER.

AFter what the Frontispiece and Porch of this Wooden Edifice presents you, I shall need no farther to repeat the Occasion of this following Discourse; I am onely to acquaint you, That as it was delivered to the Royal Society by an unworthy Member thereof, in Obedience to their Commands; by the same it is now Re-publish'd without any farther 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 Publick endeavours, in order to the production of real and useful Theories, the Propagation and Improvement of Nutural Science, and the honour of their Institution. If to this there be any thing subjoyned here, which may a while bespeak the Patience of the Reader, it is onely for the encouragement of an Industry, and worthy Labour, too much in our dayes neglected, as haply reputed a Consideration of too sordid and vulgar a nature for Noble Persons, and Gentlemen to busie themselves withal, and who [Page] oftner find wayes to Fell down, and Destroy their Trees and Plantations, than either to repair or improve them.

But we are not without hopes of taking off these Prejudices, and of reconciling them to a Subject and an Industry which has been consecrated (as I may say) by as good, and as great Persons, as any the World has produced: and whose Names we find mingl'd amongst Kings, and Philosophers, grave Senators, and Patriots of their Countrey: For such were of old Solomon, Cyrus, and Numa, Licinius sirnamed Stolo, Cato, and Cincinnatus; the Piso's, Fabii, Cicero, the Plinies, and thousands more whom I might enumerate, that disdained not to cultivate these Rusticities even with their own hands, and to esteem it a great Accession, to dignifie their Persons, and adorn their purple with these Rural Characters of their affections to Planting, and love of this part of Agriculture, which has transmitted to us their venerable Names through so many Ages and Vicissitudes of the World.

That famous Answer alone which the Persian Monarch gave to Lysander, will sufficiently justifie that which I have said; besides what we might add, out of the Writings and Examples of the rest: But since these may suffice, after due reproofs of the late impolitique Wast, and universal sloth amongst us; we would now turn our Indignation into Prayers, See Petrarch de Remed. utriusque fortunae L. 1. Dial. 57. and addresse our selves to our better natur'd Countrymen; that such Woods as do yet remain intire, might be carefully Preserved, and such as are Destroy'd, sedulously repaired: It is what all Persons who are Owners of Land may contribute to, and with infinite delight, as well as profit, who are touch'd with that laudable Ambition of imitating their Illustrious Ancestors, and of worthily serving their Generation. To these my earnest and humble Advice should be, That at their very first coming to their Estates, and as soon as they get Children, they would seriously think of this Work of Propagation also: [Page] For, I observe there is no part of Husbandry, which men commonly more Fail in, neglect, and have cause to repent of, than that they did not begin Planting betimes, without which, they can expect neither Fruit, Ornament, or Delight from their Labours: Men seldom Plant Trees till they begin to be Wise, that is, till they grow Old, and find by Experience the Prudence and Necessity of it.

My next Advice is, that they do not easily commit themselves to the Dictates of their ignorant Hinds and Servants, Vide & Curtium, l. 7. &c. who are (generally speaking) more fit to Learn than to Instruct. Male agitur cum Domino 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 than to Find a good Husband-man: I have often prov'd it so in Gardeners; and I believe it will hold in most of our Countrey 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,De R.R. 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 onely, 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

—How hard it was

Low Subjects with illustrious words to grace.

— Verbis ea vincere magnum

Quam sit, & angustis hanc addere rebus honorem.

Georg. 3.

Seeing, as the Orator does himself expresse it,In agris erant tunc Senatores. Cic. de Senect. Nihil est homine libero dignius; there is nothing more becoming and worthy of a Gentleman. Palissy, le Moye [...] de Devenir Rich. It was indeed a plain man (a Potter by Trade) but let no body despise him because a Potter (Agathocles, and a King was of that Craft) who [Page] in my Opinion has given us the true reason why Husbandry, and particularly Planting, is no more improv'd in this Age of ours: especially, where Persons are Lords and Owners of much Land. The truth is, sayes he, when men have acquired any considerable Fortune by their good Husbandry, and experience (forgetting that the greatest Patriarchs, Princes, their Sons and Daughters, belong'd to the Plough, and the Flock) they account it a shame to breed up their Children in the same Calling in which they themselves were educated, but presently design them for Gentlemen: They must forsooth, have a Coat of Arms, and live upon their Estates; So as by that time his Beard grows, he begins to be asham'd of his Father, and would be ready to defie him, that should upon any occasion mind him of his honest Extraction: And if it chance that the good-man have other Children to provide for; This must be the Darling, be bred at School, and the Ʋniversity, whilst the rest must to Plow with the Father, &c. This is the Cause, says my Authour, that our Lands are so ill Cultivated. Every body will subsist upon their own Revenue, and take their Pleasure, whilst they Resign their Estates to be manag'd by the most Ignorant, (which are the Children whom they leave at home, or the Hinds to whom they commit them.) When as in truth, and in reason, the more Learning the better Philosophers, and the greater Abilities they possesse, the more, and the better are they qualified, to Cultivate, and improve their Estates: Methinks this is well and rationally argued.

And now you have in part what I had to produce in extenuation 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 [Page] oblige the World with that compleat Systeme of Agriculture, which as yet seems a desiderate, and wanting to 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, Praefat. ad P. Sylvium; which I earnestly recommend to the serious perusal of our Gentry. Et mihi ad sapientis vitam proximè videtur accedere. Cic. de Senectute. & quasi consanguinea Sapientiae est, tam discentibus eget, quam magistris: Adhuc in Scholis Rhetorum, & Geometrarum, Musicorumque, Vel quod magis mirandum est, contemptissimorum vitiorum officinas, gulosius condiendi cibos, & luxuriosius sercula 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, (and which in this Second Edition coming Abroad with innumerable Improvements, to at the least, a full-half Augmented, and that with such Advantages, as I am not afraid, to pronounce it almost altogether a New-Work, so furnish'd, as I hope shall neither reproach the Author, or repent the Reader) it might not seem superfluous to have praemised any thing here for the Encouragement of so becoming an Industry. There are divers Learned, and judicious Men who have praeceded Me in this Argument; as many, at least, as have undertaken to Write and Compile vast Herbals, and Theaters of Plants; of which we have some of our own Country-men, who have (I dare boldly [Page] affirm it) surpass'd any, if not all the Forriners that are extant: In Those it is you meet with the Description of the several Plants, by Discourses, Figures, Names, Places of Growth, time of Flourishing, and their Medicinal Virtues; which may supply any deficiency of mine as to those Particulars; if the forbearing that Repetition, should by any be imputed for a defect, though it were indeed none of my designe: 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 to Direct, and Encourage us in the Culture of Forest-Trees (the grand defect of this Nation): besides some small sprinklings to be met withal in Gervas Markham, Old Tusser, and the Country-Farm long since Translated out of French; and by no means suitable to our clime and Country: Neither have any of these proceeded after my Method, and so particularly, in Raising, Planting, Dressing and Governing, &c. or so sedulously made it their business, to specifie the Mechanical Ʋses of the several kinds, as I have done, which was hitherto a great desiderate: and in which the Reader will likewise find some things altogether New and Instructive; and both Directions and Encouragements for the Propagation of some Forain Curiosities of Ornament and Ʋse, which were hitherto neglected. If I have upon occasion presum'd to say any thing concerning their Medicinal properties, it has been Modestly and Frugally, and with chief, if not onely respect to the poor Wood-man, whom none I presume will envy, that living far from the Physitian, he should in case of Necessity, consult the reverend Druid, his Nè Sylvae quidem, horridiorque naturae facies Medicinis carent, Sacra illa parente rerum omnium, nusquam non remedia disponente homini, ni Medicina, sieret etiam solitudo ipsa, &c. Hinc nata M [...]dic [...]na, &c. Haec sola natura placuerat esse remedia parata vulgò, inventu facilia, ac sine impendio, ex quibus vivimus, &c. Plin. L. 24. c. 1. Okes, and his Elme, Birch or Elder, for a short Breath, a Green Wound, or a sore Leg; Casualties incident to this hard Labour. These are the chief Particulars of this ensuing Work, and what it pretends hitherto of Singular, [Page] in which let me be permitted to say, There is sufficient for Instruction, and more than is extant in any Collection whatsoever (absit verbo invidia) in this way, and upon this Subject; abstracting things Practicable, of solid use, and material, from the Ostentation and impertinences of divers Writers; who receiving all that came to hand on trust, to swell 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 (with some) reproach Pliny, Porta, Cardan, Mizaldus, Cursius, and many others of great Names (whose Writings I have diligently consulted) for the Knowledge 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 honour to the Present Industry of our Age, and of which there cannot be a greater and more emulous Instance, than the Passion of His Majesty to encourage His Subjects, and of the Royal Society, His Majesties Foundation, who receive and promote His Dictates, 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 [Page] 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.

BOOKS Publish'd by the Author of this Discourse.

1. The French Gard'ner, II. Edition: 0/12.

2. Fumi-fugium, or a Prophetic Invective against the Smoke of London: 0/4.

3. Sylva, or a Discourse of Forest-Trees, &c. the II. Edition, very much Improv'd, Fol.

4. Kalendarium Hortense, both in Fol. and Octavo, the III. Edition, much Augmented.

5. Sculptura, or the History of Chalcography and Engraving in Copper, the Original and Progresse of that Art, &c. Octavo.

6. The Parallel of Architecture, being an Account of Ten famous Architects, with a Discourse of the Tearms, and a Treatise of Statues: Fol.

7. The Idea of the Perfection of Painting: Octavo.

[Page]

Amico charissimo Johanni Evelyno Armigero, è Societate Regali Londini. J. Beale, S.P.D. In Sylvam.

FAre age quid causae est quod tu Sylvestria pangis,

Inter Sylvanos, capripedesque Deos?

Inter Hamadryadas laetus, Dryadasque pudicas,

Cum tua Cyrrhaeis sit Chelys apta modis!

Scilicet hoc cecinit numerosus Horatius olim,

Scriptorum Sylvam quod Chorus Omnis a mat.

Est locus ille Sacer Musis, & Apolline dignus,

Prima dedit Summo Templa Sacranda Jovi.

Hinc quoque nunc Pontem Pontus non respuit ingens,

Stringitur Oceanus, corripiturque Salum.

Hinc novus Hesperiis emersit mundus in oris,

Gen. 1. c. 2.

Effuditque auri flumina larga probi.

Hinc exundavit distento Copia cornu,

Qualem & Amalthaeae non habuere sinus.

Sylva tibi curae est, grata & Pomona refundit

Auriferum, roseum, purpureumque nemus.

Illa famemque sitimque abigens expirat odores,

Quales nec Medus, nec tibi mittit Arabs.

Ambrosiam praebent modo cocta Cydonia, Tantum

Comprime, Nectareo poma liquore fluunt.

Progredere, O Soecli Cultor memorande futuri,

Felix Horticolam sic imitere Deum.

[Page]

Nobilissimo Viro Johanni Evelyno Regalis Soc. Socio dignissimo.

AƲsus laudato qui quondam reddere versu,

Aeternum & tentare melos, conamine magno

Lucreti nomenque suum donaverat aevo:

Ille leves atomos audaci pangere musa

Aggreditur, variis & semina caeca figuris,

Naturaeque vias, non quae Schola garrula jactat,

Non quae rixanti fert barbara turba Lyceo;

Ingentes animi sensus, & pondera rerum,

Grandior expressit Genius, nec scripta minora

Ev'linum decuisse solent.

Tuque per obscuros (victor Boylaee) recessus,

Naturae meditaris opus,

Libro de colcribus.

qua luce colores

Percipimus, quali magnus ferit organa motu

Cartesius, quali volitant primordia plexu

Ex atomis Gassende, tuis; simulachraque rerum

Diffugiunt subito vastum per inane meatu;

Mutato varios mentitur lana colores

Lumine; dum tales ardens habet ipsa figuras

Purpura, Sidoniaeque aliae tinxere veneno:

Materiam assiduo vatiatam, ut Protea, motu

Concipis,

D [...] origine formarum.

hinc formae patuit nascentis origo,

Hinc hominum species & vasti machina coeli:

Ipse creare Deus, solusque ostendere mundum

Boylaeus potuit; sed nunc favet aemula virtus

(Magne Eveline) tibi & generosos excitat ignes;

Pergite Scipiadae duo, qui vel mille Marones

Ʋincitis, & meriti longo lassatis honore.

Tu vero dilecte nimis! qui stemmate ab alto

Patricios deducis avos, cerasque parentum

Wottonicae de stirpe domus;

De Wotton in agro Surrensi.

virtutibus aequas

Nunc generis monumenta tui, post taedia Ponti

[Page]Innumerasque errore vias, quid Sequana fallax,

Quae Rhenus malefidus agit, quae Tibris, & Ister,

Nota tibi: triplici quid perfida Roma corona

Gessit, & Adriaca Venetus deliberat arce,

Qualiaque Odrysias vexarunt praelia lunas:

Europae Mundique artes Eveline, reducis,

Dum Phoebo comes ire paras, animamque, capacem

Vidit uterque polus, nec Grajum cana vetustas

Te latuit, veterum nunc prisca numismata regum

Eruis, & Latias per mystica templa ruinas;

Aestimat ille Forum & vasti fundamina Circi,

Cumque ruinoso Capitolia prisca Theatro,

Et Dominos colles altaeque palatia Romae,

Regales notat inde domos, ut mole superba

Surgat apex, molles quae tecta imitantur Ionas

Qualia Romulea,

Consule librum Aut [...]ris de Architectura.

Gothica quae marmora dextra

Quicquid Tuscus habet, mira panduntur ab arte;

O famae patriaeque sacer! modo diruta chartis

Vivet Roma tuis; te vindice, laeta Corinthus

Stabit adhuc magno nequicquam invisa Metello.

Nunc quoque Ruris opes dulcesque ante omnia curas

Pandis ovans, tristes maneat quae cura Decembres,

Pleiades haec Hyadesque jubent, ut laeta Bootes

Semina mandet humi, ardenti quae Sirius agro

Coepit ut aestiva segetes torrere favilla

Quid Maij vernantis opus, cum florea serta

Invitant Dominas ruris, cum vere tepenti

Ridet ager renovatque suos Narcissus amores,

Haud aliter victrix divinam Aeneida vates

Lusit opus; simul & gracili modulatus avena,

Fata decent majora tuos Eveline, triumphos,

Aeternum renovatur honos, te nulla vetustas

Obruet, atque tua servanda volumina cedro

Durent, & meritam cingat tibi laurea frontem

Qui vitam Sylvis donasti & Floribus aevum.

R. Bohun.

[Page]

[...].

[...],

[...].

[...],

[...].

[...],

[...],

[...];

[...],

[...],

[...]

[...],

[...].

Jo. Evelyn, Jun.

[Page]

A TABLE Of the CHAPTERS.

SYLVA.

Introduction

CHAP. 1 Of the Soil and Seed. Pag. 6

CHAP. 2 Of the Seminary. Pag. 9

CHAP. 3 Of the Oak. Pag. 14

CHAP. 4 Of the Elm. Pag. 28

CHAP. 5 Of the Beech. Pag. 35

CHAP. 6 Of the Ash. Pag. 38

CHAP. 7 Of the Chess-nut. Pag. 41

CHAP. 8 Of the Wall-nut. Pag. 44

CHAP. 9 Of the Mulbery. Pag. 57

CHAP. 10 Of the Service. Pag. 62

CHAP. 11 Of the Maple. Pag. 63

CHAP. 12 Of the Sycamore. Pag. 66

CHAP. 13 Of the Horn-beam. Pag. 67

CHAP. 14 Of the Lime-tree. Pag. 68

CHAP. 15 Of the Quick beam. Pag. 70

CHAP. 16 Of the Birch. Pag. 71

CHAP. 17 Of the Hasel. Pag. 78

CHAP. 18 Of the Poplar, Aspen and Abele. Pag. 80

CHAP. 19 Of the Alder. Pag. 83

CHAP. 20 Of the Withy, Sallow, Ozier, and Willow. Pag. 85

CHAP. 21 Of Fences, Quick-sets, &c. Pag. 93

CHAP. 22 Of the Fir, Pine, Pinaster, Pitch-tree, &c. Pag. 103

CHAP. 23 Of the Larch, Platanus, Lotus, Cornus, &c. Pag. 113

CHAP. 24 Of the Cypress-tree, and Cedar. Pag. 115

CHAP. 25 Of the Cork, Ilex, Alaternus, Phillyrea, Granad, Lentise, Olive, Myrtil, Jasmine, &c. Pag. 121

CHAP. 26 Of the Acacia, Arbutus, Bays, Box, Eugh, Holly, Juniper, and Laurel-trees. Pag. 125

CHAP. 27 Of the Infirmities of Trees. Pag. 133

CHAP. 28 Of Copses. Pag. 138

CHAP. 29 Of Pruning. Pag. 141

CHAP. 30 Of the Age, Stature, and Felling of Trees. Pag. 147

CHAP. 31 Of Timber, the Seasoning and Ʋses, and of Fuel. Pag. 178

CHAP. 32 Aphorisms, or certain general Praecepts, of use to the foregoing Chapters. Pag. 202

CHAP. 33 Of the Laws and Statutes for the Preservation and Improvement of Woods, &c. Pag. 205

CHAP. 34 The Paraenesis and Conclusion, Containing some encouragements and Proposals for the Planting, and Improvement of his Majesties Forests. Pag. 212

CHAP. 35 An Historical account of the Sacredness, and use of standing Groves. Pag. 225

POMONA.

[Page]The Preface. Pag. 1

CHAP. 1 Of the Seminary. Pag. 7

CHAP. 2 Of Stocks. Pag. 10

CHAP. 3 Of Graffs and Insitions. Pag. 11

CHAP. 4 Of Variety and Improvements. Pag. 13

CHAP. 5 Of the Place and Order. Pag. 20

CHAP. 6 Of Transplanting and Distance. Pag. 21

CHAP. 7 Of Fencing. Pag. 22

CHAP. 8 Of Pruning and the use of Fruit-trees. Pag. 24

CIDER.

General Advertisements concerning Cider by Dr. Beale. 29

Sir Paul Niele's Discourse of Cider. 39

Observations concerning the making and Preserving of Cider, by John Newburgh, Esq. 52

Concerning Cider, by Dr. Smith. 58

Of Cider, by Capt. Taylor. 59

An Account of Perry and Cider imparted by Daniel Collwall Esq 63

Another Account of Cider, &c. 65

KALENDARIUM HORTENSE.

Introduction. p. 5

January. 8, 9

February. 10, 11

March. 12, 13

April. 14, 15

May. 16, 17

June. 18, 19

July. 20, 21

August. 22, 23

September. 24, 25

October. 26, 27

November. 28, 29

December, 30, 31

The Catalogue of Plants, &c. to to be set into the Conserve, or otherwise defended in Winter. 32, 33.

[Page]

The TABLE to SYLVA.

Note, that the first Letter viz. (c.) denotes the Chapter; the Second viz. (s.) the Section.

ABeel Cap. 6, Sect. 2, c. 18, s. 5, c. 34, s. 20.

Ablaqueation c. 20, s. 29.

Abraham c. 35, s. 2, 5. vide Patriarch.

Abuse c. 35, s. 5.

Acacia c. 26, s. 1.

Acorns c. 1, s. 3, c. 3. s. 1, 3, 16, 17, c. 21. s. 13, c. 25, s. 4, c. 28, s. 2. c. 30, s. 12, c. 33, s. 2, c. 34, s. 21. v. Aesculus.

Aequinox c. 32, s. 3.

Aesculus c. 25, s. 5.

Agaric c. 33, s. 1.

Age c. 28, s. 2, 5. c. 29, s. 4, c. 30. s. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 12, 18, 19, c. 31, s. 12, c. 34, s. 15, 21, c. 35, s. 2, 14. vide stature.

Alaternus c. 25, s. 6, 9.

Albumen c. 22, s. 15.

Alburnum vide Sap.

Alder c. 16, s. 10, c. 19, 28, s. 1, c. 31, s. 15, 30. c, 32, s. 19, c. 34, s. 2.

Ale c. 15, s. 2. c. 16, s. 4.

Allegories c. 34, s. 21.

Aliment c. 30, s. 1.

Alkermes c. 25, s. 5.

Almonds c. 17, s. 3.

Almugim c. 22, s. 15.

Altar c. 35, s. 8.

Alum c. 31, s. 7.

Amber c. 18, s. 7.

Amerine c. 20, s. 1.

Anealing c. 31, s. 31.

Angler c. 22 s. 5.

Anglesey c. 22, s. 13.

Animals cap. 30, sect. 3, 20.

Antidots c. 8, s. 4,

Antients c. 29, s. 1.

Ants v. Pismires.

Aphorismes c. 32, s. 1.

Apothecary c. 20, s. 29.

Apparitions c. 35, s. 5.

Apples c. 30, s. 2. v. Fruit.

Approach c. 25, s. 10. v. Graffing.

Aquatical Introduct. s. 5. v. Water.

Aquaeducts c. 19, s. 5, c. 30, s. 36, c. 31, s. 15, c. 33, s. 2. vide Water-Works.

Arborator v. Pruner.

Arbours c. 13, s. 3. c. 25, s. 20.

Arbutus c. 26, s. 1. c. 32, s. 19.

Arke c. 24, s. 13, c. 30. s. 12, c. 31. s. 15, 17, 23.

Armes c. 29, s. 2, 6.

Army c. 34, s. 26.

Art c. 29, s. 5. c. 31, s. 1.

Ash c. 3, s. 8, c. 6, 8, s. 4, c. 16, s. 10, c. 21, 6, 9, 12, c. 22, s. 15, c. 28, s. 2, 3, c. 29, s. 10, c. 30, s. 3, 20, 30, 36, c. 31, s. 12, 15, c. 32, s. 19, c. 34, s. 23.

Ashes c. 3, s. 17, c. 5, s. 2, c. 7, s. 5, c. 8. s. 1. c. 31, s. 25.

Ashtaroth c. 35, s. 6.

Aspect c. 3, s. 6, 7, 8, c. 16, s. 6, c. 21, s. 11, c. 22, s. 2. c. 32, s. 5, c. 34, s. 9. v. Situation, Climat.

Aspen c. 18, s. 4, c. 28, s. 3.

Assarts c. 33, s. 9,

Asylum c. 35, s. 8.

Atch c. 21. s. 16.

[Page]Athenians c. 35, s. 12.

Avarice c. 35, s. 18.

Avenues c. 2. s. 7, c., 4, s. 6, 7, c. 7, s. 4, c. 8, s. 3, c. 9, s. 9, c. 12, s. 1. c. 23, s. 2, c. 26, s. 23, c. 29, s.6. c. 34, s. 9, 21.

Augustin St. c. 35, s. 5.

Axe c 29, s. 2, c. 30, s 29.

Axel-tree c. 25, s. 5, c. 26, s. 6, 8.

Ayre, c. 3, s. 8, c. 11, s. 1, c. 14. s. 1, c. 21, s. 16, c. 22, s. 5, c. 24, s. 6, 13, 16, c. 25, s. 2, c. 29, s. 4, 5, c. 30, s. 1, 35, c. 31, s. 13, 18, c. 32, s. 9.

B

BAking c. 31, s. 23.

Bands c. 17, s. 5, c. 20, s. 2, 17, c. 21, s. 19.

Banks c. 19, s. 2, c. 28, s. 1. v. Mounds.

Bark c. 3, s. 6, 7, 16, 17, c. 4, s. 5, c. 18, s. 2, c. 26, s. 17, c. 27, s. 4, 5, 6, 7, c. 29, s. 3, 10, c. 30, s. 3, 19, 20, 32, 33, 35, c. 31, s. 15, 30, c. 32, s. 17, c. 35, s. 12.

Barly c. 21, s. 22.

Barrells c 22, s. 15.

Barrs c. 22, s. 15, c. 26, s. 17. c. 31, s. 15. v. Bolts, Dores.

Basilidians c. 35, s. 6.

Basket-maker. c. 14, s. 4, c. 16, s. 2, c. 20, s. 4, 17.

Bavin c. 3, s. 17, c. 20, s. 29, c. 21, s. 9, c. 30, s. 23.

Bayes c. 26, s. 3.

Bead-tree. c. 26 s. 22.

Beams c. 7, s. 5, c. 8, s. 4, c. 22. s. 15, c. 23, s. 1, c. 26, s. 21, c. 31. s. 1, 6, 7, 8, 15, 19.

Beds c. 5, s. 2, c. 7, s. 5, c. 20, s, 30, c. 25, s. 2, c. 26, s. 22. v. Shade.

Beech c. 5, 16, s. 10, c. 21, s. 9, 12, 14, c. 28, s. 3, c. 30, s. 5, 36, c. 31, s. 11, c. 32. s. 19, c. 33. s. 14.

Bees c. 4, s. 15, c. 5, s. 2, c. 18, s. 8, c. 20, s. 8, 29, 30, c. 21, s. 22, c. 25, s. 7, c. 26, s. 5.

bellows c. 5, s. 2, c. 18. s. 8.

belly c. 9, s. 9.

benches c. 26, s. 22.

benefits c. 35, s. 14.

berberies c. 21, s. 11.

beere c. 22, s. 15, c. 28, s. 10.

bermudas c. 24, s. 16.

bernacles c. 31, s. 25.

berrys c. 10, s. 1, c. 14, s. 1, c. 15, s 2, c. 23, s. 4, c. 25, s. 14, c. 26, s. 3, 14, 18, 21, 26.

beetels c. 25, s. 5.

bests c. 28. s. 3, v. Copse.

billet c. 3, s. 17, c. 28, s. 9, c. 31, s. 24, 26, 27.

binding c. 24, s. 6, v. Girding

birch c. 16, 21, s. 14, c. 28, s. 1. c. 30, s. 36, c. 31, s. 15, c. 34, s. 20.

birds c. 22, s. 2, c. 30, s. 36, c. 34, s. 7.

bird-Lime c. 26, s. 18.

birth c. 35, s. 14.

biscay c. 25, s. 1, c. 33, s. 15.

black v. Colour

black-Thorn v. Thorn.

blanching c. 8, s. 4.

blast c. 27. s. 5.

blocks c. 4, s. 15, v. Pullies, Shivers.

blossom c. 14, s. 2, 4, c. 15, s. 2, c. 26▪ s 21, c. 32, s. 19, c. 35, s. 21, v. Flower.

blood c. 7, s. 6.

bleeding c. 22, s. 6.

boards c. 18, s. 2, c. 23, s. 1, c. 30, s. 15, c. 31, s. 3, v. Planks.

boaring c. 30, s. 24, 36, c. 31, s. 5.

boates c. 19, s. 4, c. 20, s. 17, c. 31, s. 6, 9, 10.

bobbins c. 26, s. 6.

boggs c. 18, 19, s. 1, 2, c. 20, s. 10, 26, c. 22, s. 13, c. 24, s. 14, c. 28, s. 1, c. 31, s. 15, v. Aquatic.

bolts c. 20, s. 18, v. barrs, dores.

bones c. 4, s. 15, c. 6, s. 4.

books c. 5. s. 2.

bordurers c. 29, s. 2.

bottles c. 14, s. 4.

[Page]Boughs c. 29, s. 4, 5, 6.

boundaries c. 28, s. 7, c. 34, s. 3, 4, 5.

bowls c. 26, s. 8, 17.

bows c 4, s. 5 c. 9, s. 1. c. 10, s. 2, c. 15, s. 2, c. 26, s. 8.

box c 3, s. 17, c. 21, s. 16, c. 22, s. 15, c. 26, s. 5, 10, c. 30, s. 1, c. 31, s. 3, 15, c. 32. s. 19.

boxes c. 5, s. 2, c. 14, s. 4, c. 20, s. 29, c. 21, s. 10, c. 22, s. 15.

bracmani c. 35, s. 10.

brambles c. 21, s. 7, c. 31, s. 24, 37.

branches c. 14, s. 1.

brasile c. 31, s. 12.

bread c. 5, s. 2, c. 7, s. 5.

bridg c. 24, s. 13, c. 31, s. 7.

broomes c. 16, s. 2, c. 17, s. 5, c. 18, s. 8, c. 21, s. 14, 15, c. 28, s. 10, c. 22, s. 19.

browse c. 28. s. 5, c. 29, s. 4, 6, c. 31, s. 23.

bruscum c. 11, s. 2.

brush c. 28, s. 4, c. 31, s. 34, vide bavin.

budds c. 27, s. 21, c. 29, s. 1, 6, c. 30, s. 20, c. 32, s. 12.

bucklers c. 31, s. 15, v. Targets.

building c. 3, s. 17. c. 19, s. 4, c. 31, s. 19, c. 35, s. 18.

burning c. 33, s. 5.

burying c. 31, s. 3, v. Sepulture.

bushing c. 3, s. 12.

button-moulds c. 31, s. 3.

buyer c. 30, s. 32, c. 31, s. 16. c. 33. s. 16.

C.

CAbinets c. 6, s. 3, c. 7, s. 4, c. 8, s. 1, 4, c. 11, s. 2. c. 21, s. 22, c. 26, s. 6, c. 31, s. 34, 35.

Cablicia c. 32, s. 19, v. Laws.

Caffè c. 16, s. 10.

Cages c. 20, s. 17.

Calves c. 28, s. 8.

Canaries c. 26, s. 22.

Candles c. 13, s. 2, c. 22, s. 11, 16.

Candy c 24, s. 12.

Canker c. 27, s. 12.

Canns c. 20, s. 29.

Canoos c. 30, s. [...].

Carbuncle c. 3, s. 17.

Carduns c. 28, s. 9.

Carkass c. 31 s 19, vide Frame.

Carpenter c. 6, s. 4, c. 7, s. 5, c. 9, s. 1. c. 26, s. 22, c. 30, s. 33, c 31, s. 19.

Cart Cart-Wright c. 12, s. 2, c. 18, s. 8, c. 20, s. 29, c. 22, s. 15, c. 28, s. 4.

Carving. c. 4, s. 15, c. 14, s. 4, c. 18, s. 2, c. 22, s. 15, c. 31, s. 4, vide Graver, Sculptor.

Cask c. 7, s. 5, c. 20, s. 19.

Cast c. 31, s 26, vide Billet.

Castle c. 30, s. 7.

Cattel c. 3, s. 7, 12, 17, c. 4, s. 11, 15, c. 6▪ s. 4, c. 9, s. 9, c. 18, s. 2, c. 20, s. 21, 26, c. 21, s. 9, 10, 22, c. 26, s. 9, 13, 14, 20, c. 27, s. 7, 21, c. 28, s. 4, 7, c. 29, s. 8, 9, c. 31, s. 23, c. 33, s. 6, 7, 8, 17, 11, c. 34, s. 18, 19, 23, 26, vide Fodder, Cropping.

Caterpillar c. 27, s. 20.

Catholicon c. 21, s. 16.

Cato c. 24, s. 5.

Caesar c. 35, s. 17.

Cedar c. 22, s. 15, c. 24, s. 3, 14, c. 26, s. 19, c. 30, s. 6, 12, c. 31, s. 15.

Ceiling c. 31, s. 16, vide Lathes.

Celastrus. c. 25, s. 13.

Chalk c. 5, s. 1. c. 8. s. 2.

Chapell c. 30, s. 6.

Chapman vide Buyer.

Chases vide Parks.

Chastity c. 20, s. 8.

Chaucer c. 30, s. 12.

Chayres c. 20, s. 17, c. 25, s. 5.

Chequers c. 10, s. 1.

Cherry-trees c. 35, s. 12, c. 7, s. 4, c. 21, s. 22, c. 24, s. 2, c. 26, s. 25. c. 33, s. 14.

Chess-Shire c. 22, s. 13.

Chesse-Nutts c. 5, s. 1. c. 7. s. 4. [Page] c. 8, s. 1, c. 28, s. 1, 2, 6, c. 30, s. 7, c. 31, s. 15, c. 32, s. 19.

Chesse men c. 26, s. 6.

chests c. 24, s. 16, c. 26, s. 21,

chezill c. 29, s. 2, vide Tools.

chimny c. 31, s. 23, vide Fire, Fuell.

chipps c. 4, s. 3, c. 22, s. 15, c. 26, s. 21, c. 28, s. 7.

choaking c. 32, s. 35.

choppines c. 25, s. 2.

church c. 17, s. 5, c. 35, s. 12, vide Sepulchres.

church-yards c. 29, s. 6.

chymists c. 31, s. 29.

cinnamon c. 26, s. 22.

circles c. 3, s. 6, c. 16, s. 4, 5. c. 35, s. 3.

citrin c. 8, s. 2, c. 11, s. 1, 2, vide Tables.

cities c. 35, s. 10.

clay c. 1, s. 1, c. 3 [...] s. 5, c. 22, s. 3, c. 27, s. 8, c. 30, s. 12, c. 31, s. 8, c. 32, s. 8, 15.

clap-board c. 3, s. 17.

cleargy c. 28, s. 2.

cleaving c. 31, s. 2.

cleft-wood c. 31, s. 27.

climat c. 3, s. 4, c. 22, s. 5, c. 26, s. 22. vide Aspect, Situation.

clipping c. 9, s. 11, c. 21, s. 8, 14, c. 24, s. 6, 7, c. 25, s. 9.

clothes c. 26, s. 22.

cloves c. 26, s. 22.

coaches c. 8, s. 4, c. 20, s. 17, c. 22, s. 15.

coales c. 3, s. 17, c. 4, s. 15, c. 6. s. 4, c. 7, s. 5, c. 14, s. 4, c. 16, s. 2, c. 17, s. 5, c. 18, s. 8, c. 29, s. 5, c. 20, s. 15, 29, c. 22, s. 16, c. 23, s. 1, c. 25, s. 5, c. 26, s. 2, 21, c. 28, s. 9, c. 23, s. 11, 15, c. 31, s. 4, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31.

coating c. 31, s. 7, vide Preserving.

cocco c. 16, s. 7.

coffin c. 24, s. 12, 13, c. 25, s. 2.

cold c. 24, s. y, c. 25, s. 11, c. 30, s. 25, c. 32, s. 19.

College c. 35, s. 10.

Collique c. 26, s. 21, vide Stone.

Colts c. 28, s. 8.

Column c. 3, s. 17, c. 30, s. 36, c. 31, s. 5, 15▪ vide Posts.

Combs c. 21, s. 10, c. 26, s. 6.

Common c. 28, s. 8, c. 33, s. 7, vide Inclosure.

Compost c. 1, s. 4, c. 7, s. 1, c. 8, s. 1. c. 9, s. 8, c. 22, s. 4, 9, c. 25, s. 10, c. 26, s. 15, 20.

Concretions c. 31, s. 20.

Cones c. 22, s. 1, 4, c. 24, s. 1, vide Nuts.

Conflagration c. 35, s. 2, vide Burning.

Connies c. 21, s. 1, c. 27, s. 7.

Consecration c. 35, s. 14.

Conserve c. 25, s. 11.

Consort c. 29, s. 10.

Consul c. 32, s. 29, vide Officers.

Consumption c. 10, s. 2, c. 16, s. 8.

Contemplation c. 35, s. 10, 20.

Contemplores c. 25, s. 2.

Contexture c. 30, s. 1.

Conversion c. 35, s. 5.

Cooming c. 31, s. 31.

Cooper c. 3, s. 17, c. 6, s. 4, c. 9, s. 1. c. 17, s. 5, c. 20, s. 18, 19, 24.

Coorbs c. 29, s. 5.

Copses c. 3, s. 8, 16, c. 7, s. 2, c. 16, s. 1, c. 17, s. 3, 4, 5, 6, c. 18, s. 1, 2, c. 20, s. 14, 26, c. 24, s. 6, c. 28, s. 1, c. 31, s. 31, c. 33, s. 14, 15, c. 34, s. 14.

Cormiere c. 10, s. 1, c. 32, s. 19.

Cord c. 28, s. 9, c. 30, s. 15, c. 31, s. 29. vide Stack.

Cordial c. 16, s. 8.

Corke c. 25, s. 1.

Corne c. 1, s. 1, c. 9, s. 4, c. 20, s. 24, c. 21, s. 2, 14, c. 34, s. 19.

Corn-Lands c. 4, s. 9, c. 6, s. 3, c. 8, s. 2.

Cornel c. 21, s. 11, 19, c. 23, s. 4, c. 30, s. 3, c. 31, s. 15.

Cornwall c. 22, s. 13, c. 34, s. 18.

[Page]Custom c. 29, s. 10, c. 33, s. 14, vide Laws.

cottages c. 17, s. 5.

cotton c. 20, s. 8.

cough c. 7, s. 5, c. 26, s. 21.

couler c. 4, s. 15, c. 31, s. 12, 34, 35, c. 32, s. 19.

counter-scarp c. 31, s. 6.

court c. 31, s. 29, 30.

cow-dung c. 31, s. 5, 23.

crab-tree c. 31, s. 7, 9, 10.

cracks c. 8, s. 4, c. 31, s. 34, vide clefts.

cranes c. 30, s. 36. vide Engines.

creation c. 30, s. 4.

cropping c. 20, s. 1, 2, vide cattel.

crosse c. 3, s. 17.

cudgels c. 17, s. 5, vide Staves.

cumberland c. 22, s. 13.

cup-board c. 26, s. 22.

cupps c. 25, s. 2, c. 27, s. 9.

curiosity c. 26, s. 12.

currier c. 19, s. 5.

cushions c. 20, s. 8.

cutting c. 3. s. 13, c. 9, s. 5, c. 17, s. 3, c. 18, s. 6, c. 19, s. 3, c. 20, s. 18, 23, 26, c. 21, s. 7, c. 24, s. 6, c. 25, s. 21, c. 26, s. 26, c. 28, s. 7, c. 29, s. 2, 3, 6, c. 32, s. 19. vide Felling.

cyder c. 21, s. 22.

cyon c. 29, s. 6.

cypresse c. 22, s. 9, 15, c. 24, s. 1, 5, c. 26, s. 20, c. 27, s. 15, 16, c. 30, s. 4, 30, c. 31, s. 15, c. 35, s. 8.

D

DAmasco, vide Plum.

Damasking, vide Grain.

Darts c. 21, s. 15.

Deafnesse c. 6, s. 4, vide Eares.

Dean-Forrest. c. 32, s. 6, 12, c. 34, s. 3, 21, 28, vide Forest.

Deaw c. 22, s. 13, c. 30, s. 34, c. 31, s. 23, vide Dottards.

Decay c. 30, s. 1, 2, 24, c. 34, s. 15, 28.

December c. 29, s. 4,

Decortication c. 25, s. 1, vide cork.

Dedication c. 35, s. 2.

Deere c. 5, s. 2. c. 29, s. 9, c. 33, s. 10, vide Game.

Defence c. 22, s. 2, c. 35, s. 17.

Delphos c. 35, s 7.

Deluge c. 22, s. 13.

Depth c. 3, s. 6, c. 32, s. 8.

Diameter vide Dimension.

Dictionary c. 32, s. 19.

Dimension c 30, s. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. vide Stature, Age.

Disbranch c. 4, s. 14, c. 6, s. 2, c. 8, s. 1, c. 22, s. 6, c. 30, s. 28, 32, c. 31, s. 23. vide Prune.

Dischargers c. 31, s. 19.

Dishes c. 31, s. 35.

Disease, vide Infirmities.

Distance c. 2, s. 7, c. 3, s. 2, 3, 11. c. 4, s. 6, c. 6, s. 3, c. 7, s. 3, c. 9, s. 3, 4, c. 14, s. 2, 4, c. 17, s. 2, c. 18, s. 6, c. 19, s. 2, 6, 9, 26, c. 21, s. 9, c. 22, s. 2. c. 28, s. 1, c. 33, s. 2, c. 34, s. 2.

Distillation c. 16, s. 5.

Distraction c. 35, s. 10.

Distribution Introd. Sect. 3.

Ditching c. 21, s. 6, 9, vide Hedg.

Divination c. 17, s. 5.

Division c. 28, s. 2, c. 33, s. 16.

Diüretic c. 16, s. 10.

Docks c. 21, s. 7.

Dodona c. 35, s. 7, 15, vide Groves.

Doggs c. 34, s. 16.

Dores c. 4, s. 15, c. 22, s. 15, c. 23, s. 1, c. 24, s. 13, c. 26, s. 17, c. 31, s. 4, 8, vide Gates.

Dorsars c. 20, s. 29.

Dotards c. 4, s. 14, c. 20, s. 26, c. 29, s. 6, c. 31, s. 23, vide decay.

Downs c. 34, s. 23.

[Page]Dram c. 22, s. 2, vide Firr.

draining c. 19, s. 5,

dreams c. 35, s. 7.

dreessars c. 4, s. 15, c. 5, s. 2.

dressing c. 9, s. 3, c. 20, s. 11, 22, 24, c. 29, s. 5.

drink c. 21, s. 22, c. 22, s. 15, c 31, s 37.

dripping c. 22, s. 1, c. 28, s. 6, c. 34, s. 14, vide Shade.

dropsy c. 21, s. 16, c. 26, s. 21.

druids c. 30, s. 8, c. 35, s. 2, 9. vide Dryad.

drumms c. 8, s. 4.

dryad vide druids.

dry-trees Introduct. 4.

duration c. 31, s. 3, 15. vide Age.

dust c. 32, s. 3.

dwarfs c. 29, s. 6.

dyes c. 3, s. 17, c. 8, s. 4, c. 19, s. 5.

dyssenterie c. 10, s. 2.

E.

EBony c. 3, s. 14, c. 6, s. 3, c. 22, s. 15, c. 31, s. 15, 34, vide Polishing.

eares c. 10, s. 2, c. 18, s. 8, vide deafnesse.

eare-wigs c. 27, s. 15, vide Insects.

earth Introduct. §. 7.

east c. 31, s. 15, c. 32, s. 13, vide Winds.

eights c. 20, s. 24.

elder c. 3, s. 17, c. 16, s. 10, c. 21, s. 9, 15, c. 30, s. 20, c. 31, s. 15, 37, c. 32, s. 19.

electuary c. 26, s. 21.

elme c. 3, s. 5, c. 4, 16, s. 10, c. 21, s. 6, 12, c. 27, s. 13, c. 28, s. 3, c. 29, s. 2, 3, c. 30, s. 11, c. 31, s. 15, 26, c. 32, s. 19, c. 34, s. 9, 15, 24.

elogies c. 31, s. 36.

elisium c. 35, s. 10.

emulsions c. 22, s. 15.

Enclosures c. 33, s. 7, c. 34, s. 3, 5.

encouragements c. 34, s. 22.

encroachments c. 34, s. 5.

engines c. 3, s 9, c. 31, s. 22, vide Cranes.

enthusiasme c. 35, s. 6, 7.

enzina c. 25, s. 1, 3.

eristchthon c. 35 s. 15.

errors c. 24, s. 5.

espaliers c. 6, s. 2, c. 18, s. 2, c. 20, s. 2, c. 25, s. 9.

essex c. 31, s. 29.

estovers c. 33, s. 14, vide Laws.

eternity c. 24, s. 17, c. 30, s. 4.

eugh.

evonymus c. 32, s. 19.

excrements c. 30, s. 3.

excrescences c. 3, s. 17, c. 27, s. 9.

exotics c. 26, s. 22.

experiment c. 29, s. 5, c. 31, s. 20.

extirpation c. 31▪ s. 22, vide Roots.

extravagance c. 31, s. 28.

eyes c. 18, s. 8.

F

FAggots c. 21, s. 19, c. 28, s. 9, c. 31, s. 27, 28, 31, vide Bavin.

famine c. 6, s. 4.

farcy c. 16, s. 10, vide Horse.

farmer c. 34, s. 23.

father c. 30, s. 20.

faunus c. 35, s. 6.

feasts c. 30, s. 7.

feavor c. 20, s. 29, c. 21, s. 16.

february c. 27, s. 20, c. 29, s. 4.

felling c. 3, s. 13, 15, c. 4, s. 14, c. 6, s. 4, c. 17, s. 4, c. 19, s. 1, 3, c. 28, s. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, c. 29, s. 6, c. 30, s. 1, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 34, 36, c. 31, s. 1, 3, 23, c. 32, s. 7, c. 33, s. 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, c. 34, s. 23, c. 35, s. 4, 15, vide Cutting.

femal c. 22, s. 2, 4, vide Sex.

fences c. 4, s. 12, c. 6, s. 2. c. 20, s. 6, 7, c. 21, s. 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 16, 20, c. 28, s. 4, 7, c. 29, s. 5, 10, [Page] c. 32, s. 13, c. 33, s. 14, c. 34, s. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24.

fermentation c. 16, s. 4.

fern c. 27, s. 3.

feet c. 20, s. 16, c. 24, s. 2, c. 30, s. 5, 7.

fibers c. 3, s. 6, c. 24, s. 2.

figues c. 20, s. 16, c. 24, s. 2, c. 30, s. 5, 7.

filberts c. 17, s. 3.

fire c. 24, s. 12, c. 31, s. 1, 3, 4, 7,

fire-boot c. 31, s. 33.

firr c. 2, s. 8, c. 12, s. 2, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, c. 22, s. 15, c. 33, s. 1, c. 24, s. 4, c. 30, s. 27, c. 31, s. 3, 9, 13, 15, 17, 34, c. 34, s. 7.

firsts c. 28, s. 3, vide Copses.

fishers c. 5, s. 2, c. 25, s. 2.

flanders c. 34, s. 17.

flayle c. 26, s. 17.

flecher c. 15, s. 2, c. 16, s. 2.

flexures c. 29 s. 10, vide Crooks, Knee-Timber.

flints c. 34, s. 23, vide Stones.

floating c. 31, s. 9.

floores c. 22, s. 15, c. 31, s. 3, 4.

flowers c. 8, s. 4, c. 16, s. 2, c. 20, s. 18, 29, c. 25, s. 10, c. 31, s. 35, c. 32, s. 19. vide Inlayer.

fluviari Arborem, c. 30, s. 11.

flux c. 3, s. 17, c. 10, s. 2, c. 26, s. 18.

flys c. 21, s. 16.

foggs c. 3, s. 8.

food c. 8, s. 4.

forests c. 29, s. 5, 9, c. 34, s. 1, 2, 12, c. 24, s. 3, 28.

forges vide Iron-mills.

forks c. 17, s. 5, c. 20, s. 29.

fortifications c. 11, s. 6.

foundations c. 33, s. 2.

fountains c. 35, s. 5.

fowle c. 34, s. 23.

fracture c. 4, s 15.

frames c. 31, s. 34, 35.

framing c. 31, s. 19, vide Carkasses.

france c. 25, s. 1, c. 34, s. 16.

french-Pox c. 26, s. 6.

fretters c. 29, s. 4, vide Galling.

friction c. 27 s. 9.

fritters c. 7, s. 5.

frondation c. 29, s. 8, vide Leaves.

frost c. 2, s. 3, c. 6. s. 2, c. 17, s. 2, c. 26, s. 18, c. 32, s. 9, 15.

fruit-trees c. 3, s. 3, c. 9, s. 9, c. 21, s. 12, 21, 22, c. 26, s. 9, c. 29, s. 4, 5, 6, c. 30, s. 2, 3, c. 33, s. 2, 14, c. 24, s. 24, 25.

fruit c. 30, s. 25, 30, c. 31, s. 15▪ 18, c. 35, s. 21.

fruiterer c. 20, s. 24, 29.

fuel c. 3, s. 13, c. 5, s. 2, c. 6, s. 4, c. 9, s. 9, c. 11, s 1, c. 13, s. 2, c. 15, s 2, c. 16, s. 2, c. 17, s. 5, c. 18, s. 8, c. 19, s. 5, c. 20, s. 13, 26, c. 21, s. 14, 15, c. 22, s. 3, c. 25, s. 5, c. 28, s. 1, 8, 9, 10, c. 29. s. 5, c. 31, s. 23, 32.

fungus c. 27, s. 3.

furniture c. 26, s. 22, vide Ʋtensils.

furrz c. 21, s. 13, 14.

G

GAlling c. 27. s. 12, vide Fretters.

Galls c. 3, s. 17.

Game c. 35, s. 2.

Gangreen c. 27, s 12.

Gapps c. 20, s. 9, c. 29, s. 9, vide Hedges.

Garden c. 6, s. 4, c. 9, s. 10, c. 12, s. 1, c. 20, s. 15, 18, 24, [...]8, c. 21. s. 8, c. 26, s. 1, c. 30, s. 35, c. 35, s. 10, 13.

Gargle c. 3, s. 17.

Garlick c. 27, s. 17, 20,

Gates c. 30, s. 7, vide Dores.

Gathering c. 8, s. 4, c. 9, s. 11. c. 22, s. 4, c. 26, s. 22.

Gelster c. 20, s. 19.

Generation c. 30, s. 30.

Genius c. 35, s. 14.

Germany c. 31, s. 23, c 33, s. 9, 16,

[Page]Ghosts c. 35, s. 13,

Girding c. 22, s. 16, c. 30, s. 33, vide Binding, Measure.

Glass c. 5, s. 2, c. 34, s. 12. Glass-Work.

Glue c. 3, s. 17, c. 22, s. 15, c. 31, s. 35.

Gnatts c. 24, s. 13,

Goates c. 21, s. 1, c. 27, s. 12.

Gold c. 31, s. 1.

Golden-Age c. 25, s. 5.

Gold-Smith c. 20, s. 29, c. 26, s. 2.

Gold-Stone c. 20, s. 19.

Gopher c. 24, s. 13.

Gowt c. 26, s. 21.

Graffing Intr. 7, c. 3, s. 5, c. 4, s. 13, c. 6, s. 2, c. 7, s. 4, c. 8, s. 1, 4, c. 9, s. 6, c. 10, s. 1, c. 17, s. 3, c. 20, s. 16, 21, 26, c. 21, s. 7, 22, c. 26, s. 2, 25, c. 30, s. 30, c. 34, s. 9, 23.

Grain c. 3, s. 4, c. 11, s. 1, 2, c. 16, s. 2, vide Damasking.

Granad c. 25, s. 10.

Grasse c. 19, s. 2, vide Grazing, Pasture.

Gravel c. 3, s. 5, c. 10, s. 2, c. 16, s. 8, c. 22, s. 2, 9, c. 26, s. 4, 14, 21, c. 30, s. 12, vide Stone.

Grazing c. 28, s. 1, 8.

Grease c. 31, s. 5.

Green vide Couler, c. 31, s. 34.

Green-sicknesse c. 20, s. 2.

Green-timber c. 30, s. 1, 4, 5, vide Timber.

Green-Wich c. 35, s. 16.

Grove c. 17, s. 2, c. 27, s. 21, c. 30, s. 35, c. 35, s. 3, 5, 10, 14, 17, vide Lucus, Nemus.

Ground sille c. 31, s. 8.

Growth c. 28, s. 2, 3, 8, c. 30, s. 1, 2, c. 34, s. 10, 13, 28, vide Age, Stature.

Grubbing c. 3, s. 14, c. 34, s. 21.

Guaicum c. 26, s. 6, 22.

Guilding c. 22, s. 15.

Gumm c. 5, s. 2, c. 22, s. 2, 6, 10, 15, c. 24, s. 13, c. 25, s. 12, c. 26, s. 21, c. 35, s. 23.

Gun-powder c. 14, s. 4, c. 19, s. 5, c. 31, s. 30.

Gun-smith c 8 s 4, c. 10, s. 2.

Gunters-line c. 30, s. 33, vide Girding, Measure.

Gymnosophists c. 35, s. 10.

H.

HAfts c. 23, s. 4.

Haggs c. 29, s. 5.

Haires c. 7, s. 5, c. 8, s. 4, c. 30, s. 3.

Halimus c. 25, s. 13.

Hamadryads c. 35▪ s. 14.

Hand-bill c. 29, s. 2, 3, vide Bill.

Hangings c. 26, s. 22.

Hardning c. 31, s. 35.

Hard-wood c. 31, s. 15.

Hares c. 27, s. 7.

Harps c. 22, s. 15, vide Musical Instruments.

Harrows c. 20, s. 29, c. 35, s. 15.

Hasel c. 17, 28, s. 1.

Hatchets c. 29, s. 2.

Haw c. 21, s. 4.

Head c. 8, s. 3, c. 29, s. 4.

Heading c. 18, s. 4, c. 31, s. 23.

Heart c. 3, s. 8, c. 22, s. 15, c. 29, s. 2, c. 31, s. 6, 15.

Heat c. 32, s. 19.

Heath c. 1, s. 1, c. 28, s. 10, c. 32, s. 15, c. 34, s. 23.

Hedg c. 12, s. 2, c. 21, s. 6, 8, 9, 14, 18, 22, c. 25. s. 7, 9, c. 26, s. 2, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, 23, 24, c. 33, s. 14.

Hedg-row c. 11, s. 1, 2, c. 3, s. 16, c. 4, s. 4, 8, c. 11, s. 1, c. 17, s. 4, c. 21, s. 21, c. 30, s. 11, c. 31, s. 23, c. 34, s. 14, 18.

Hei-boot c. 31, s. 33.

Height vide Stature.

Hei-thorn c. 21, s. 4, c. 30, s. 36, c. 31, s. 3, vide Quick Setts.

Heraulds c. 26, s. 26.

Hercynian Forest c 30, s. 2, vide Forest.

[Page]Hewing c. 29, s. 10, c. 30, s. 33, c. 31, s. 5, 6, 11, vide Converting, squaring.

High-waies c. 8, s. 3, c. 9, s. 4, 10, c. 33, s. 2.

Hills c. 1, s. 1, c. 22, s. 8, 9, c. 26, s. 5, 8, 11, c. 34, s. 6.

Hinges c. 26, s. 17.

Hipps c. 31, s. 19, vide Carkass.

History c. 35, s. 10.

Hives c. 25, s. 2, vide Bees.

Hollanders c. 31, s. 23.

Hollownesse c. 27, s. 13, c. 29, s. 2, 3, c. 30, s. 24.

Holly c. 20, s. 14, c. 26, s. 12, c. 30, s. 5, 30, 36, c. 31, s. 3, 15, c. 32, s. 19.

Hoopes c. 18, s. 8, c. 22, s. 15, vide Cooper.

Hops c. 18, s. 8, c. 29, s. 29, c. 22, s. 15, c. 28, s. 10, c. 33, s. 14. c. 34, s. 11.

Horn-beam c. 3, s. 17, c. 13, 31, s. 15.

Hornets c. 27, s. 14.

Horse c. 20, s. 14, c. 34, s. 16.

Horse-Chess nuts, vide Chess-nut.

Hovills c. 3 [...], s. 24.

House-boot c. 31, s. 33.

Hunters c. 21, s. 2.

Hurdles c. 17, s. 5, c. 20, s. 17.

Husks c. 28, s. 1, 4.

Husbandman c. 16, s. 2, c. 17, s. 4, c. 34, s. 28, vide Tooles.

[...] vide Material.

J

JAmaica c. 26, s. 22. St. Jame's Park, vide Park.

January c. 28, s. 4, c. 29, s. 4.

Jasmine c. 25, s. 15.

Jaundies c. 26, s. 21.

Idoles c. 35, s. 8.

Ilex c. 25, s. 3, c. 30, s. 4, 5.

Images c. 26, s. 21.

Imbibition c. 1, s 1, 4, c. 22, s. 4.

Impostumes c. 26, s. 21.

Inclosure c. 28, s 8, vide Commons.

Incorporation c. 29, s. 10.

Incrustation vide Coating.

Indies c. 26, s. 22.

Industry c. 24, s. 14, c. 26, s. 22, c. 30, s. 8.

Infirmity c. 27, 28, s. 4. c. 31, s. 23, vide Diseases.

Inflamation c. 21. s. 16.

Ingraver c. 10, s. 2. c. 26, s. 6, 17, 21, vide Carver, Sculptor.

Inke c. 3, s. 17, c. 19. s. 5, c. 26. s. 21.

Inlaying c. 8, s. 4, c. 19, s. 5, c. 26, s. 6, 17, c. 31, s. 35.

Inoculation Intro. 7, vide Graffing.

Inscription c. 30, s. 9, c. 35, s. 12.

Interlucation c. 27, s. 9, c. 29, s. 4, vide Pruning.

Inundation c. 22, s. 13.

Joyner c. 5, s. 2, c. 7, s. 5, c. 8, s. 4. c. 9, s. 1, c. 10, s. 2, c. 11, s. 1, 2, c. 26, s. 22.

Joyn-stools c. 26, s. 22, vide Stools.

Joysts c. 8, s. 4, c. 23, s. 1, c. 31, s. 19.

Ireland 25, s. 2.

Iron c. 26, s. 21.

Iron-Works Intro. 1. c. 33, s. 11.12, 15.

Iron-Mills c. 23, s. 1, 4, c. 30, s. 18, c. 31, s. 29, c. 34, s. 12.

Italy c. 25, s. 1, c. 24, s. 17.

Juice c. 16, s. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, vide Sap.

July c. 28, s. 8, c. 30, s. 34.

June c. 31, s. 32.

Juniper c. 22, s. 15, c. 26, s. 19, c. 32, s. 19.

Ivy c. 27, s. 9▪

K.

KEele c. 31, s. 15, vide Shipping.

Kent c. 30, s. 14, c. 33, s. 11.

Kernel c. 1, s. 2, c. 21, s. 4, 10, c. 22, s. 1, 15.

[Page]Keyes c. 6, s. 1, 2, c. 11, s. 1.

Keyle-Pinns c. 20, s. 29.

Kidding vide Bavines.

Kidnies c. 7. s. 5.

Kind vide Species.

Kirfe c. 30, s. 29, 31, vide Cutting.

Knee-Timber c. 29, s. 10, vide Courbs, Flexures.

Knife c. 20, s. 29, c. 29, s. 2.

Knotts c. 11, s. 2, c. 27, s. 1, c. 29, s. 5, c. 30, s. 20, c. 31, s. 9, 10, 15, vide Damasking, Grain.

L.

LAcq. c. 25, s. 5, vide Gumm.

Ladder c. 6, s. 4.

Lamp-black1 c. 22, s. 16.

Lancaster c. 22, s. 13.

Larch c. 22, s. 10, 15, c. 23, 24, s. 13, c. 30, s. 4, c. 31, s. 15.

Laserpitium c. 22, s. 5.

Lasts c. 20, s. 29, vide Shoomaker.

Lathes c. 3, s. 17, c. 22, s. 15, c. 31, s. 16.

Lattices c. 20, s. 17, 29.

Lantona c. 26, s. 18.

Laurell c. 26, s. 23, c. 30, s. 4, c. 35, s. 5, 7.

Laurus-Tinus c. 25, s. 13.

Laws c. 24, s. 13, c. 26, s. 22, c. 27, s. 3, 8, c. 31, s. 26, c. 33, s. 1, 3, c. 34, s. 29.

Lawson c. 29, s. 5.

Layers c. 9, s. 5, c. 18, s. 6, c. 22, s. 12, c. 23, s. 3, c. 25, s. 10, 11, 12, 15, c. 26, s. 2, 26.

Leaves c. 3, s. 2, c. 4, s. 15, c. 5, s. 2, c. 6, s. 4, c. 7, s. 1, 5, c. 8, s. 1, 4, c. 9, s. 9, 10, c. 11, s. 11, c. 13, s. 2, c. 19, s. 5, c. 26, s. 26, c. 26, s. 18, c. 29, s. 8, c. 31, s. 28, c. 32, s. 7, c. 33, s. 2, c. 35, s. 21.

Lentiscus c. 25, s. 12.

Levity c. 31, s. 18, 20.

Libanus c. 24, s. 3.

Lieutenants c. 34, s. 16, vide Officers.

Lightning c. 27, s. 11, c. 35, s. 15.

Lights c. 35, s. 8.

Lignum fossile c. 31, s. 20.

Lignum vitae. c. 25, s. 13.

Lime-tree c. 1, s. 1, c. 14, 29, s. 4, c. 30, s. 4, 10, c. 31, s. 15, 30.

Lime c. 31, s. 8, c. 32, s. 19.

Linnen c. 7, s. 5.

Lincolne shire c. 34, s. 18.

Liquors c. 1, s. 1, 4, c. 16, s. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, c. 35, s. 23, vide Juice, Sap, Tapping, Imbibition.

Load c. 30, s. 34, c. 31, s. 18, vide Timber.

Loame c. 31, s. 8, 24, vide Soile.

Loggs c. 31, s. 28.

London c. 24, s. 16, c. 30, s. 35, c. 31, s. 27, 29, 31.

Lopping c. 4, s. 12, c. 20, s. 26, c. 27, s. 13, c. 29, s. 2, 3, 5, c. 33, s. 14, 15, vide Pruning.

Lotus c. 23, s. 4, c. 26, s. 22, c. 30, s. 4, c. 31, s. 15.

Love c. 30, s. 5, c. 35, s. 12.

Lucus c. 35, s. 2, vide Groves.

Lungs c. 24, s. 13.

Luxury c. 26, s. 22.

M.

MAce c. 26, s. 22.

Mad-dog c. 8, s. 4.

Magnetisme c. 30, s. 21.

Male c. 22, s. 2, 4, vide Sex.

Mall-balls c. 25, s. 5, c. 26, s. 6.

Malefactors c. 35, s. 13.

Mallet c. 29, s. 2.

Mambre c. 30, s. 18, vide Oak.

Man c. 30, s. 3.

Manufacture c. 9, s. 10, c, 26, s. 22.

Manure c. 31, s. 25.

Maple c. 16, s. 4, c. 20, s. 9, c. 31, s. 13, 19.

March c. 28, s. 4, c. 29, s. 4.

Marking. c. 33, s. 17.

Marle c. 8, s. 2, vide Soile.

Marriage c. 8, s. 2.

Marrons c. 7, s. 2, 5,

[Page]Marshes c. 3, s. 8, c. 20, s. 26, c. 32, s. 15, vide Boggs.

Marrubium c. 28, s. 10.

Mast c. 3, s. 1, 13, 17, c. 5, s. 1, 2, c. 33, s. 2, 9, 14, c. 34, s. 23, 25.

Masts of Ships, c. 22, s. 2, 3, 15, c. 27, s. 23, c. 30, s. 7, 13, c. 33, s. 4.

Mastricht c. 31, s. 24.

Material c. 31, s. 33.

Mathematical Instruments c. 26, s. 6, 22, c. 34, s. 21.

May c. 28, s. 8, c. 31, s. 23.

May-Poles c. 33, s. 17.

Meade c. 16, s. 4, c. 20, s. 1.

Meadow c. 20, s. 26, vide Pasture.

Measuring c. 28, s. 8, 9, 10.

Meat c. 21, s. 22.

Medicine c. 31, s. 37, c. 35, s. 24.

Meditation c. 35, s. 2.

Medlar c. 24, s. 2.

Mechanies c. 35, s. 24, vide Ʋses.

Melancholy c. 8, s. 3.

Mensa-nucina c. 8, s. 2.

Metamorphosis c. 35, s. 14.

Mice c. 27, s. 18.

Mills c. 3, s. 17, c. 4, s. 15, c. 7, s. 5, c. 10, s. 2, c. 13, s. 2, c. 21, s. 16, 17, c. 26, s. 8, 17.

Mill Wright, vide Mills, Saw-mill.

Mineral c. 17, s. 5.

Miracle c. 27, s. 22.

Missle to c. 27, s. 9.

Mists c. 32, s. 9.

Moisture c. 11, s. 2, c. 29, s. 1, c. 30, s. 1, 26, 24, c. 31, s. 4.

Mole in Surrey c. 26, s. 10.

Molluscum c. 11, s. 2.

Moone c. 3, s. 13, c. 29, s. 6, c. 30, s. 26, 27, vide Season.

Mopps c. 20, s. 15.

Mortality c. 24, s. 6.

Mortar c. 31, s. 8.

Mosse c. 3, s. 7, 17, c. 22, s. 13, 14, c. 27, s. 8, c. 29, s. 5.

Mothes c. 24, s. 13, 16, c. 30, s. 30.

Mouldiness c. 31, s. 2, c. 32, s. 9.

Moulding c. 24, s. 16, c. 29, s. 10.

Mould c. 3, s. 4, 5, 8, vide Soile.

Moules c. 27, s. 17.

Mounds c. 21, s. 13, 14, c. 34, s. 6, 7, 8, vide Banks, Fences.

Mountain c. 30, s. 2, c. 35, s. 5, vide Hills.

Mulbery c. 9, 20, s. 16, c. 33, s. 19.

Mushrums c. 18, s. 2.

Musical-Instruments c. 11, s. 1, c. 21, s. 19, 22, c. 22, s. 15, c. 24, s. 12, c. 26, s. 6, c. 31, s. 13.

Myrtils c. 24, s. 5, c. 25, s. 11, 14, c. 30, s. 5.

Mysterie vide Art, Trade.

N.

NAiles c. 24, s. 16.

Names c. 35, s. 14.

Nature c. 22, s. 6, c. 30, s. 18, 36.

Naumachia c. 23, s. 1.

Navy c. 33, s. 11,

Neasts c. 31, s. 25.

Negligence c. 24, s. 3, 4, c. 29, s. 9.

Nemus c. 35, s. 2, vide Lucus.

Netts c. 27, s. 23.

Net-work c. 20, s. 25.

New England c. 22, s. 2, 16, c. 25, s. 1, c. 34, s. 12.

Nitellina c. 20, s. 3.

Noah c. 30, s. 12, vide Arke.

Norfolk c. 30, s. 10, 11.

North c. 31, s. 14, c. 32, s. 13, vide Wind.

Northampton-shire c. 34, s. 18.

Northumberland c. 22, s. 3.

Norway c. 22, s. 16, c. 30, s. 36.

Nose-gaies c. 25, s. 15.

Notching c. 31, s. 26, 28.

Novelty c. 35, s. 24.

November c. 28, s. 4.

Nursery Intr. 8, c. 3, s. 3, c. 4, s. 4, c. 6, s. 2, c. 9, s. 3, c. 18, s. 6, c. 22, s. 2, vide Seminary.

Nut-Crackers c. 26, s. 6, 8.

Nutmegs c. 26, s. 22.

Nutts c. 17, s. 1, c. 22, s 1, 4, 6, c. 30, s. 7.

Nutriment c. 31, s. 9, c. 35, s. 21.

Nux Vescicaria c. 26, s. 22.

Nymph c. 35, s. 14.

O.

[Page]OAres c. 5, s. 2, c. 6, s. 4.

Oates c. 4, s. 6, c. 9, s. 5, c. 22. s. 4.

October c. 30, s. 28, c. 31, s. 3.

Odoriferous Wood c. 31, s. 15.

Offal c. 28, s. 9.

Officers c. 3, s. 1, c. 6, s. 3, c. 16, s. 10, c. 21, s. 6, 9, c. 22, s. 15, c. 28, s. 2, 3, 5, c. 29, s. 3, 4, 5, 10.

Oak c. 30, s. 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 31, 36, c. 31, s. 3, 12, 13, 15, 17, 23, 28, 37, c. 32, s. 7, 19, c. 34, s. 1, 9, 11, 15, c. 35, s. 6, 9.

Olive c. 6, s. 3, c. 22, s. 15, c. 25, s. 12, c. 27, s. 21, c. 30, s. 4, 5.

Oracles c. 35, s. 6, 7.

Orange-tree c. 2, s. 5, c. 26, s. 22, 23.

Orators c. 35, s. 10, 13.

Orchard c. 20, s. 1, c. 29, s. 6.

Organ c. 31, s. 13, vide Musical Instruments.

Ornament c. 29, s. 4, c. 35, s. 21.

Ovens c. 31, s. 23.

Oyle c. 3, s. 12, 17, c. 5, s. 2, c. 6, s. 4, c. 8, s. 4, c. 26, s. 21, c. 27, s. 23, c. 31, s. 15, 34.

Oziers c. 20, s. 17, 22, c. 33, s. 3.

P.

PAles c. 3, s. 17, c. 21, s. 8, c. 22▪ s. 15.

Palmes, Palmeto c. 16, s. 7, c. 20, s. 8, c. 30, s. 30.

Pailes c. 20, s. 29.

Painter, Painting c. 8, s. 4, c. 20, s. 15. c. 31, s. 34.

Palisade c. 21, s. 20, c. 25, s. 2. c. 26, s. 4.

Palsie c. 3, s. 17, c. 26, s. 21.

Paliurus c. 21, s. 11,

Panacea c. 26, s. 21.

Pantherine c. 11, s. 2.

Paper c. 31, s. 35, c. 35, s. 12.

Paradise c. 35, s. 5.

Parlysis vide Palsie.

Paris c. 25, s. 15.

Parke c. 26, s. 14, c. 29, s. 4, c. 33, s. 8, 9, 10, c. 24, s. 1, 2, 23, c. 35, s. 2, 10, 16, vide St. James's.

Parts c. 32, s. 19.

Pastorals c. 35, s. 10, vide Scenes.

Pasture c. 1, s. 1, c. 4, s. 9, c. 31, s. 2, c. 32, s. 15, c. 33, s. 9, c. 34, s. 18, 19, 21, 23.

Patriarchs c. 35, s. 2.

Pattens c. 20, s. 29.

Peach c. 24, s. 2.

Pea-Cocks Tayle c. 11, s. 1.

Pear-tree c. 21, s. 22, c. 30, s. 2, 3, 30, c. 31, s. 3, 12, 13, 15, 34. vide Peares.

Peate c. 31, s. 23, vide Turfe.

Pecten c. 31, s. 11, vide Veines.

Pedegre c. 34, s. 17.

Peelings c. 20, s. 18.

Pembrok-shire c. 22, s. 13.

Penitence c. 35, s. 5.

Pepper c. 8, s. 4, c. 25, s. 14, c. 26, s. 21, 22.

Perches c. 20, s, 8, 26, 29, c. 28, s. 10, vide Poles.

Percolation c. 16, s. 7.

Perfume c. 26, s. 19, 23.

Pestles c. 21, s. 19, c. 26, s. 6.

Petrification c. 31, s. 21, vide Stones.

Phanatics c. 35, s. 6.

Philistines c. 33, s. 6.

Philosopy c. 34, s. 21, c. 35, s. 10, 20.

Phillyrea c. 25, s. 8.

Phlegme c. 26, s. 18.

[...] c. 29, s. 8, vide Leaves.

Physical-uses c. 29, s. 5, vide Medicine.

Pictures c. 26, s. 21.

Pikes, Pike-Staves c. 6, s. 2, 4, c. 20, s. 4, 9, 15, 19.

Piles c. 3, s. 17, c. 19, s. 5, c. 31, s. 3, 4.

Pillows c. 20, s. 8.

Piceaster c. 22, s. 10.

Pinaster c. 22, s. 1, 7.

Pine Int. 8, c. 2, s. 8, c. 22, s. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 15, 16, c. 24, s. 4.

Pinns c. 23, s. 4, c. 24, s. 16, c. 26, s. 8, 17, c. 31, s. 15.

Pipes c. 21, s. 22, c. 23, s. 4, c. 26, s. 6. c. 30, s. 36, c. 31, s. 13.

Pismires c. 27, s. 19, vide Ants.

Pitch c. 21, s. 16, c. 22, s. 15, 16, c. 31, s. 7, 8, 15.

Pith c. 30, s. 20, 29, c. 32, s. 19.

[Page]Pitts c. 3, s. 6.

pitty c. 29, s. 1.

place c. 14, s. 1, c. 24, s. 14, c. 31, s. 14. vide Situation, Place.

plague c. 22, s. 15, c. 26, s. 21,

plank c. 11, s. 2, c. 24, s. 12, c. 25, s. 2, c. 30, s. 7, 35, vide Boards.

planting, plantation Inter. 2, 8, c. 18, s. 4, c. 19, s. 1, 3, c. 20, s. 5, 6, 26, c. 24, s. 3, c. 26, s. 16, 22, c. 28, s. 1, c. 29, s. 1, 9, c. 30, s. 23, c. 32, s. 8, 10, c. 33, s. 2, 12, c. 34, s. 6, 21, 23, 29, c. 35, s. 19.

plants c. 32, s. 4.

plash-poles c. 28, s. 7.

plashing c. 4, s. 12, c. 21, s. 8, 9, vide pruning.

plaster c. 27, s. 12, c. 31, s. 19, 15, vide Ceiling, Lathes.

platanus c. 23, s. 2, 3, c. 30, s. 4, 5, 6, c. 35, s. 10, vide Xerxes.

plough c. 6, s. 4, c. 8, s. 2, c. 20, s. 4, c. 29, s. 10, c. 34, s. 1, 2.

plough boote c. 31, s. 33.

plum-tree c. 24, s. 2, c. 30, s. 30, c. 31, s. 12.

poets c. 26, s. 26, c. 35, s. 7, 10.

pollard c. 18, s. 1, c. 29, s. 3, 6.

poles c. 6, s. 4, c. 7, s. 2, 3, 5, c. 17, s. 3, 5, c. 19, s. 1, 5, c. 22, s. 15, c. 24▪ s. 12, c. 28, s. 10, vide Hops, Perches.

policy c. 26, s. 22.

politicians c. 35, s. 12.

polling c. 9, s. 7, vide Heading.

polishing c. 6, s. 3, c. 8, s. 2, c. 11, s. 2. c. 22, s. 15, c. 26, s. 6, c. 31, s. 15, 34, 35.

poore c. 21, s. 22.

pores c. 30, s. 20, 21.

poplar c. 16, s. 10, c. 18, s. 1, 7, 8, c. 28, s. 1, c. 30, s. 10, c. 31, s. 15, c. 32, s. 19.

portcullis c. 31, s. 7.

portion c. 24, s. 12, c. 34, s. 17.

posterity c. 24, s. 3.

posts c. 26, s. 8, c. 31, s. 15, vide Columns.

pot-ashes c. 22, s. 15.

pots c. 31, s. 35.

poultry c. 3▪ s. 17, c. 9, s. 9.

powder c. 6, s. 4, c. 16, s. 2.

prayer c. 35, s. 2.

presages c. 10, s. 2, c. 26, s. 26, c. 31, s. 28, vide Prophets.

preserving c. 8, s. 4▪

prices c. 30, s. 28, vide Sale.

priming vide Painting▪

principal-Timber c. 31, s. 19, vide Timber.

probleme c. 31, s. 18.

prophets c. 35, s. 7.

proportion c. 33, s. 17, vide Scantling.

protection c. 35, s. 21.

providence c. 34, s. 17, c. 35, s. 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.

prow c. 31, s. 15, vide Shipping.

pruner pruning c. 3, s. 13, c. 7, s. 3, c. 9, s. 3, 7, 11, c. 18, s. 6, c. 20, s. 22, c. 22, s. 6, c. 25, s. 10, c. 26, s. 20, 23, 24, c. 38, s. 6, 7, c. 29, s. 1, 6, 10, c. 32, s. 19, c. 33, s. 2, c. 35, s. 15, vide Arborator, Polling.

psalteries c. 22, s. 15, vide Musical Instruments.

ptisic c. 3, s. 17, c. 16, s. 9, c. 26, s. 21.

pullies c. 6, s. 4, c. 10, s. 2, c. 26, s. 6, 8, vide Blocks, Shivers.

pumps c. 19, s. 5, c. 31, s. 15, vide Aquaeducts.

purlins c. 31, s. 19.

puttie c. 31, s. 5, 34, vide Painting.

pyracanth c. 21, s. 11.

pyes c. 7, s. 5▪

Q.

QƲakers c. 35, s. 7.

Quality c. 31, s. 15, 36.

Quarter-clift c. 30, s. 15.

Quartering c. 31, s. 6, vide Hewing.

Quercus c. 31, s. 15, 25, vide Oak.

Quick beam c. 15, s. 1, vide Whitchen.

Quick-Set c. 20, s. 4, 9, c. 26, s. 16, c. 31, s. 7, vide Hey-thorn.

[Page]Quince c. 24, s. 2, c. 30, s. 30.

Quincunx c. 20, s. 6, 26, c, 34, s. 11.

R.

RAfters c. 26, s. 21, c. 31, s. 16, 19.

Raine c. 11, s. 2, c. 20, s. 6, c. 27, s. 1, 4, 7, 8, 13, 15, c. 29, s. 2, 4, 5, 7, vide Water, Wet, Dripping.

Rakes, Raking c. 20, s. 15, 24, c. 28, s. 7.

Raising Int. 6.

Rangers c. 34, s. 16.

Recess c. 35, s. 10, vide Solitude.

Recreation c. 34, s. 16.

Regarders c. 33, s. 9, vide Officers.

Reines c. 26, s. 21.

Religion c. 35, s. 2, vide Superstition.

Removing Int. 7, c. 2, s. 6, c. 3, s. 10, c. 14, s. 3, c. 22, s. 3, 4, c. 30, s. 3, vide Transplanting.

Rent c. 34, s. 5.

Revailing c. 31, s. 34, vide Painting.

Rhetorick c. 35, s. 10.

Resurrection c. 35, s. 13.

Rind c. 5, s. 2, c. 6, s. 3, c. 7, s. 5, vide Bark.

Rings c. 30, s. 19, 20, 21, vide Circles.

Ripening c. 8, s 4.

Rivelin, vide Park c. 30, s. 15.

Rivers c. 33, s. 2.

Robur c. 31, s. 15, vide Quercus.

Rocks c. 1, s. 1, c. 2, s. 5, c. 3, s. 5, c. 22, s. 9, c. 26, s. 22, c. 34, s. 23, vide Flints, Stones.

Rodds c. 16, s. 2.

Rolling-pins c. 26, s. 6.

Romans c. 23, s. 2.

Ropes c. 4, s. 5, c. 9, s. 9, c. 14, s. 4, c. 21, s. 5, c. 27, s. 23, vide Cables.

Rosen c. 22, s. 16.

Roses c. 24, s. 2.

Rose mary c. 30, s. 3.

Roofes c. 31, s. 19.

Rookes c. 27, s. 21.

Rootes Int. 7, 8, c. 1, s. 1, c. 3. s. 5, 6, 10, 14, 17, c. 4, s. 6, 10, 15, c. 5, s, 1, c. 6, s. 3, 4, c. 7, s. 5, c. 8, s. 1, c. 16, s. 6, c. 22, s. 6, 9, c. 24, s. 13, c. 25, s. 10, 11, c. 26, s. 1, 4, 6, 15, 20, c. 27, s. 1, 4, 5, 9, 12, 22, c. 28, s. 6, c. 29, s. 4, 6, c. 30, s. 2, 4, 20, 24, 31, c. 31, s. 22, 24, 29, c. 32, s. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, c 33, s. 2, c. 35, s. 21.

rotting c. 27, s. 1, c. 29, s. 2, 4, c. 32, s. 16.

royal-Society vide Society.

rubbing c. 29, s. 4, 7.

rulers c. 30, s. 33.

rupture c. 3, s. 17, c. 10, s. 2.

rust c. 26, s. 21.

Rye c. 1, s. 1.

S.

SAcks c. 31, s. 29, 31, vide Coales.

Sacraments c. 35, s. 5.

Sacrifices c. 35 s. 6, 15, 19.

Sadlers c. 12, s. 2, c. 20, s. 29.

Saffron c. 9, s. 10.

Salads c. 3, s. 17, c. 6, s. 4, c. 8, s. 4, c. 23, s. 4.

Sallies c. 20, s. 3, c. 28, s. 1, c. 32, s. 19, c. 33, s. 3, 14, c. 34, s. 20.

Salt c. 3, s. 17, c. 31, s. 3.

Samera c. 4, s. 2.

Sand c. 22, s. 2, 9, c. 31, s. 7.

Sap c. 3, s. 5, 13, c. 8, s. 3, c. 16, s. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, c. 20, s. 29, c. 21, s. 9. c. 27, s. 22, c. 29, s. 5, 6, 10, c. 30, s. 3, 21, 25, c. 31, s. 2, 9, 23, c. 32, s. 12.

Savine c. 24, s. 9.

Saw-dust c. 29, s. 2, c. 31, s. 4, 5.

Sawing c. 30, s. 37, vide Mill.

Saw-mill c. 34, s. 12, vide Mill.

Scabbs c. 5, s. 2, c. 27, s. 1.

Scaffolds c. 22, s. 15, vide Poles.

Scales c. 31, s. 7.

Scantlings c. 28, s 3, c 30, s. 28, 32, 36, c. 33, s. 17, c. 34, s. 18, Proportion.

Scarrifying c. 29, s. 8.

Sceanes c. 35, s. 10.

[Page]Scholes c. 35, s. 10.

Scotland c. 22, s. 2, 14, 16, c. 31, s. 25.

Scraping c. 27, s. 9.

Screw c. 10, s. 2, c. 21, s. 16, c. 26, s. 6.

Scurvey c. 15, s. 2, c. 21, s. 16, c. 22, s. 15.

Sea c. 25, s. 2, vide Shipps.

Season c. 5, s. 2, c. 8, s. 1, 4, c. 9, s. 3, 4, c. 11, s. 2, c. 15, s. 1, c. 17, s. 2, 4, c. 18, s. 5, c. 19, s. 1, c. 20, s. 13, 18, 21, c. 24, s. 6, c. 26, s. 3, 5, 14, c. 27, s. 5, c. 28, s. 4, c. 29, s. 2, 4, 6, c. 30, s. 25, c. 32, s. 7, 9, 16, 19.

Seasoning c. 5, s. 2, c. 8, s. 4, c. 21, s. 7, c. 30, s. 25, 34, c. 31, s. 1, 2, 3, 4, 34.

Sebestins c. 26, s. 18.

Seconds c. 28, s. 3.

Seedes Int. 7, 8, c. 1, s. 2, 3, 4, c. 3, s. 6, 8, c. 4, s. 2, c. 20, s. 24, c. 22, s. 5, c. 23, s. 3, c. 24, s. 11, 14, c. 25, s. 7, 9, 11, c. 26, s. 9, 10, 20, 26, c. 32, s. 1, 2, 3, 4, c. 34, s. 9, 10, c. 35, s. 20, 22.

Seedling Int. 8, c. 5, s. 1, c. 27, s. 1, c. 28, s. 4.

Seminary vide Sowing c. 1, s. 3, c. 2, s. 1, vide Nursery, Sowing, Seed.

September c. 28▪ s. 4.

Sepulcher c. 35, s. 5, 13, 15, vide Burying.

Serpent c. 6, s. 4.

Service c. 10, s. 1, c. 28, s. 6, c. 31, s. 3, c. 32, s. 19.

Seseli c. 25, s. 13.

Setts c. 13, s. 1, c. 15, s. 1, c. 20, s. 10, 13, c. 21, s. 5, 6, 12, c. 26, s. 14.

Sex c. 30, s. 29, 30, vide Male, Female.

Shade c. 3, s. 13, 17, c. 6, s. 3, 4, c. 7, s. 3, c. 8, s. 3, c. 11, s. 2, c. 12, s. 1, c. 13, s. 3, c. 16, s. 6, c. 18, s. 2, 6, 8, c. 19, s. 2, c. 2 [...]. s. 29, c. 22, s. 8, 9, c. 23, s. 2, c. 26, s. 4, 9, 20, 26, c. 29, s. 4, c. 30, s. 4, 7, 15, 16, 17, 18, c. 31, s. 34, c. 33, s. 2, c. 34, s. 14, 24, c. 35, s. 14, 19.

Shape c. 29▪ s. 5.

Sheathing c. 22, s. 15.

Shefield-Park c. 30, s. 15, 18, vide Forest.

Sheep c. 9, s 9, c. 21, s. 1, 2, 3, 9, c. 26, s. 13, 14, c. 34, s. 23, c. 35, s. 7.

Shell c. 8, s. 1, 4, c. 31, s. 7.

Shelter c. 3, s. 7, c. 21, s. 10, c. 25, s. 11, c. 27, s 11, 22, c. 34, s. 18, vide Shade.

Shelves c. 24, s. 16.

Sherewood vide Forest.

Shingles c. 3, s. 17, c. 22, s. 15.

Ships c. 3, s. 17, c. 4, s. 15, c. 22, s. 15. c. 23, s. 3, c. 24, s. 13, c. 26, s. 22, c. 29, s. 10, c. 30, s. 13, 14, c. 31, s. 6, 15, c. 33, s. 4, c. 34, s. 2, 29, vide Masts.

Ship-boot c. 31, s. 33.

Shivers c. 26, s. 17, vide Blocks, Pullies.

Shootes c. 17, s. 3.

Shovells vide Spades.

Shoo-maker c. 20, s. 29, c. 25, s. 2, c. 26, s. 6, vide Soles.

Shrinking c. 31, s. 4.

Shuttles c. 26, s. 6.

Sickness vide Infirmity.

Signes c. 30, s. 26, vide Moon

Silk worm c. 9, s. 3, 9, 10, 12, c. 26, s. 22.

Single c. 31, s. 26.

Sinking c. 31, s. 18, vide Weight.

Sinnues c. 21, s. 16.

Sittim c. 24, s. 17.

Situation c. 2, s. 7, c. 7, s▪ 1, c. 8, s. 2. c. 26, s. 22, vide Aspect, Climate.

Skreenes c. 31, s. 35.

Slabbs c. 31, s. 6, vide Plank, Board.

Sleepers c. 31, s. 19.

Sleeping c. 8, s. 1.

Slips c. 18, s. 5, c. 26, s. 5, vide Cyons.

Sloes c. 21, s. 4.

Sluces c. 31, s. 7, vide Water-works.

Small-Coale vide Coale.

Smilax c. 26, s. 9.

Smoke c. 20. s 26, c. 30, s. 35, c. 31, s. 3.

Snailes c. 27, s. 15.

[Page]Snow c. 24, s. 14, c. 32, s. 19, vide Cold, Frost.

Sobriety c. 31, s. 14.

Society vide Royal S. c. 25, s. 22, c. 31, s. 20.

Socrates c. 35, s. 9, 19.

Soft-Wood c. 31, s. 15.

Soile c. 1, s. 1, c. 4, s. 8, c. 5, s. 1, c. 6, s. 3, c. 7, s. 1, c. 8, s. 2, c. 9, s. 4, c. 10, s. 1, c. 13, s. 1, c. 14, s. 2, c. 15, s. 1, c. 16, s. 1, c. 17, s. 4, c. 18, s. 6, c. 20, s. 3, 4, 8, 17, 20, 26, c. 22, s. 2, 3, 9, 10, c. 23, s. 3, 4, c. 24, s. 11, c. 25, s. 1, c. 30, s. 36, c. 32, s. 1, 14, c. 34, s. 10, 22, vide Mould.

Soles c. 25, s. 2.

Solitude c. 35, s. 6.

Solomon c. 22, s. 15, c. 24, s. 3.

Soules vide Spirits.

Sounds c. 22, s. 15, c. 31, s. 10, 13.

Soundness c. 32, s. 10.

South c. 3, s. 7.

Sowing Int. 2, c. 1, s. 3, 5, c. 2, s. 1, c. 7, s. 1, c. 8, s. 1, c. 9, s. 3, c. 10, s. 1, c. 17, s. 1, c. 22, s. 2, 3, 4, c. 24, s. 6. c. 26, s. 10, c. 34, s. 9, 23.

Spades c. 20, s. 15.

Spaine, Spaniard c. 33, s. 6.

Sparrs c. 3, s. 17.

Speares c. 21, s, 15, c. 22, s. 15, c. 25, s. 14.

Species c. 32, s. 19, vide Kind.

Spice c. 26, s. 22.

Spindle-tree c. 21, s. 19.

Spirits c. 31, s. 37, c. 35, s. 8.

Spitts c. 26, s. 21.

Spleen c. 6, s. 4, c. 15, s. 2.

Splicing c. 29, s. 3.

Splitting c. 30, s. 36, c. 31, s. 3, 5, 23, 24. vide Cleaving, Chinks, &c.

Spoile c. 35, s. 17, vide Wast.

Spontaneous Productions, Int. 7. c. 22, s. 5.

Spoones c. 26, s. 6, 21.

Spray c. 28, s. 7, c. 31, s. 31, vide Bavine, Brush.

Spreading c. 29, s. 6.

Spring c. 28, s. 4, c. 29, s. 6, 7, c. 30, s. 25, c. 32, s. 12.

Spring-Wood c. 28, s. 1, vide Copps.

Springes c. 17, s. 5.

Spruce c. 22, s. 2, vide Firr.

Square c. 31, s. 19.

Stacks c. 28, s. 9, vide Cord.

Stafford-shire c. 22, s. 13.

Stacking c. 2, s, 8, c. 3, s. 7, c. 4, s. 4, c. 14, s. 4, c. 21, s. 6, 9, c. 27, s. 22, c. 31, s. 23, 28, 29.

Standards c. 6, s. 2, c. 9, s. 4, c. 21, s. 6, c. 24, s. 8, 9, c. 26, s. 13, 23, 25, c. 27, s. 9, c. 3 [...], s. 13, 14.

Standells c. 28, s. 3.

State c. 30, s. 1, c. 35, s. 14, vide Age, Stature.

States-men c. 35, s. 12.

Statutes c. 8, s. 3, c. 22, s. 15, vide Lawes.

Staves c. 3, s. 17, c. 8, s. 4, c. 14, s. 4. c. 21, s. 10, 15, c. 31, s. 34, vide Cudgels.

Stayre-Cases c. 31, s. 19.

Stem c. 3, s. 6, c. 29, s. 7.

Sterne c. 31, s. 15, vide Ships.

Steward c. 30, s. 33.

Stitch c. 3, s. 17, c. 8, s. 4.

Stock c. 3, s. 7, 12, c. 34, s. 7, 23.

Stomack c. 10, s. 2, c. 18, s. 8. c. 19, s. 5.

Stones c. 1, s. 1, c. 3, s. 17, c. 26, s. 18, c. 31, s. 20, c. 32, s. 5, vide Flint, Rock.

Stooles c. 21, s. 22, c. 31, s. 35.

Stopping vide Putty, Timber.

Stoves c. 31, s. 23, vide Fuell.

Strangurie c. 16, s. 10.

Strength c. 31, s. 17.

Stripping c. 29, s. 4▪ c. 31, s. 23, vide Pruning.

Stroke c. 29, s. 3, vide Cutting.

Study c. 35, s. 10.

Stumps c. 3, s. 14, c. 4, s. 4, c, 29, s. 2.

Styrax c. 26, s. 22.

Subterranean-Trees c. 22, s. 13, 14, c. 30, s. 20, 22, 23.

Suckers c. 3, s. 14, c. 4, s. 7, c. 5, s. 3, 4, c. 6, s. 2, c. 9, s. 5, c. 10, s. 1, c. 14, s. 1, c, 16, s. 1, c. 18, s. 1, c. 20, s. 26, [Page] c. 22, s. 12, c. 25, s. 12, c. 26, s. 3, 16, c. 27, s. 2, c. 29, s. 4, 5, c. 35, s. 22.

Sudorifi (que) c. 16, s. 10.

Suffolk c. 30, s. 13.

Sun c. 29, s. 4, 5, c. 31, s. 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, c. 32, s. 13.

Summer c. 30, s. 25, 26, c, 31, s. 3, vide Season.

Superstition c. 35, s. 5, 6, vide Religion.

Surrey c. 26, s. 10, c. 33, s. 11.

Surveying c. 30, s. 28, c. 30, 4, s. 26, vide Officers.

Sussex c. 26, s. 14, c. 33, s. 11, c. 34, s. 12.

Sweating c. 31, s. 2.

Swine c. 5, s, 2, c. 8, s. 4, c. 34, s. 26.

Swisser-Land c. 30, s. 36.

Switches c. 17, s. 5, Cudgels, Staves, Wands.

Sycomor c. 12, 16, s. 4, c. 28, s. 1, c. 30, s. 4, c. 34, s. 20.

Sylva c. 28, s. 1, c. 35, s. 2, vide Copps, Wood, &c.

T.

TAbles c. 11, s. 2, c. 21, s. 22, c. 24, s. 16, c. 26, s. 6, 21, c. 27, s. 9, c, 31, s. 4, 7, 13, 35.

Tabernacles c. 35, s. 3.

Talishides c. 31, s. 27, vide Lawes.

Talisman c. 35, s. 6.

Tamarisk c. 28, s. 10.

Tankard c. 26, s. 8.

Tanner c. 3, s. 17, c. 5, s. 1, 2, c. 16, s. 2, c. 25, s. 2, c. 30, s. 25.

Tapping c. 16, s. 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, c. 31, s. 37, vide Sap.

Tar c. 22, s. 16, c. 27, s. 12, 14, c. 29, s. 4, c. 31, s. 7.

Targets c. 18, s. 2, vide Bucklers.

Teda c. 22, s. 11, vide Pine.

Temples c. 35, s. 3, 4, 8.

Teeth c. 5, s. 2, c. 6, s. 4, c. 21, s. 19, c. 22, s. 15, c. 25, s. 12.

Tettars c. 5, s. 2.

Texture c. 30, s. 18, 19.

Thames c. 19, s. 2.

Thatcher c. 6, s. 4 c. 17, s. 5, c. 20▪ s▪ 3.

Theater c. 31, s. 19.

Theriacle c. 21, s. 16, c. 26, s. 21.

Thinning c. 22, s. 4.

Thistle c. 21, s. 7.

Thorn c. 21, s. 9, 10, 12, 20, c. 31, s. 24.

Throat c 9, s. 9.

Tigrin c. 11, s. 2.

Tilia vide Lime-tree.

Timber c. 3, s. 4, 5, 13, c. 6, s. 2, 3▪ c. 7, s. 1, 5, c. 8, s. 1, c. 9, s. 1, c. 10, s. 2, c. 11, s. 1, c. 14, s. 4, c. 16, s. 5, c. 18, s. 8, c. 20, s. 3, 6, c. 21, s. 14, 21, c. 22, s. 3, c. 23, s. 4, c. 24, s. 3, 13, c. 26, s. 17, 22, c. 28, s. 1, 2, 3, 4, 10, c. 29, s. 2, 5, c. 30, s. 2, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, 34, c. 31, s. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 19, 23, 24, c. 33, s. 3, 10, 17, c. 34, s. 22, 25, 28.

Time c. 26, s. 15.

Tinder c. 3, s. 17.

Tithe c. 21, s. 22, c. 33, s. 3, 14.

Toddy c. 16, s. 7.

Tooles c. 5, s. 2, c. 13, s. 2, c. 20, s. 4, c. 25, s. 5, c. 26, s. 17, c. 29, s. 2, vide Husbandry.

Topiary-work c. 20, s. 2.

Topps c. 26, s. 6.

Torches c. 22, s. 15.

Torulus c. 22, s. 15, c. 31, s. 9.

Trade vide Art, Mysterie.

Transplanting c. 3, s. 4, 6, 7, 9, 12. c. 4, s. 2, 6, 7, c. 5, s. 1, c. 6, s. 2, c. 7, s. 1, 2, c. 8, s. 1, c 9, s. 3, 4, c. 16, s. 6, c. 17, s. 2, c. 18, s. 1, 5, 6, c. 20, s. 16. c. 22, s. 2, 3, 4, 6, c. 24, s. 6; c. 25, s. 9, c. 26, s. 10, 14, c. 27, s. 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, vide Removing.

Transporting c. 22, s. 2, vide Carriage.

Trayes c 20, s. 29.

Treason c. 35, s. 15.

Trees c. 26, s. 8, c. 30, s. 3, c. 31, s. 36. c. 32, s. 19, c. 33, s. 1, c. 34, s. 16.

Trenchers c. 12, s. 2, c. 19, s. 5.

Trenching c. 3, s. 6, c. 21, s. 9, vide Ditching.

[Page]Tripos c. 35, s. 7.

Trojan-Horse. c. 22. s. 15.

Tryumphs c. 26, s. 26.

Tulip-tree c. 18, s. 3.

Tunn c. 30, s. 34, vide Measure.

Turfe c. 31, s. 23.

Turner c. 11, s. 1, c. 13, s. 2, c. 16, s. 2, c. 18, s. 8, c. 19, s. 5, c. 20, s. 29, c. 26, s. 6, 17, 22, c. 31, s. 3, 4.

Turpentine c. 22, s. 16.

Twiggs c. 29, s. 2.

Tyling c. 31, s. 16.

V.

VAllies c. 34, s. 6.

Vanns c. 26, s. 2.

Veines c. 31, s. 9, 11, 12, 22, vide Grain.

Venice, Venetians c. 23, s. 1, c. 31, s. 3, 14, c. 34, s. 29.

Venturine c. 31, s. 35.

Verdure c. 25, s. 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, c. 26, s. 10, 11, 12.

Vermine c. 7, s. 2, c. 8, s. 1, c. 9, s. 9. c. 17, s. 2, c. 22, s. 6, c. 32, s. 17.

Vernish c. 5, s. 2, c. 8, s. 4, c. 26. s. 21, c. 27, s. 23, c. 31, s. 34, 35.

Vines, Vine-yard c. 18, s. 8, c. 22, s. 12, 24, 29, c. 24, s. 12, c. 26, s. 22, c. 30, s. 4, c. 31, s. 37.

Violes c. 31, s. 13.

Virginia c. 22, s. 16, c. 26, s. 22.

Viscus c. 21, s. 4.

Visions c. 21, s. 4, c. 35, s. 7, 15, vide Apparitions.

Ʋlcers c. 3, s. 17, c. 8, s. 4, c. 9, s. 9.

Ʋnder-wood c. 28, s. 3, c. 31, s. 23, vide Coppse.

Ʋniversities c. 26, s. 22.

Ʋpholster c. 5, s. 2, c. 8, s. 4.

Ʋrine c. 3, s. 17.

Ʋtensils c. 5, s. 2, c. 8, s. 2, c. 26, s. 22.

W.

WAgon c. 20, s. 17, c. 30. s. 16, vide Carts.

Wain-Scot c. 3, s. 17, c. 8, s. 4, c. 22, s. 2, 15, c. 24, s. 16, c. 31, s. 2, 34, vide Clap-board.

Waires c. 20, s. 17, c. 30, s. 16.

Wales c. 22, s. 9.

Walkes c. 9, s. 4, c. 10, s. 2, c. 12, s. 1, 2, c. 13, s. 2, c. 18, s. 8, c. 20, s. 26, c. 22, s. 7, c. 23, s. 2, 4, c. 26, s. 1, 10, 23, c. 29, s. 6, c. 34, s. 9.

Wall-nut Int. 8, c. 5, s. 2, c. 8, 27, s. 22, 23, c. 30. s. 7, c. 31, s. 4, 12, 15, c. 32, s. 11, 19, c. 34, s. 2.

Walls c. 17, s. 5, c. 21, s. 10, c. 25, s. 2, c. 26, s. 23.

Wands c. 31, s. 34, vide Staves.

Warders c. 33, s. 10, vide Officers.

Warrens c. 21, s. 8.

Wasps c. 27, s. 14.

Wasts c. 20, s. 30, c. 29, s. 10, c. 30, s. 28, c. 31, s. 6, c. 35, s. 17, 18, vide Commons.

Water c. 7, s. 5, c. 9, s. 3, 5, c. 16, s. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, c. 18, s. 1, c. 22, s. 2, 9, c. 23. s. 2, c. 24, s. 11, c. 30, s. 27, c. 31, s. 3, 18, c. 32, s. 16, vide Wet.

Water-boughs c. 28, s. 7, c. 29, s. 4, 6, vide Boughs.

Water-works c. 4, s. 15, vide Aquaeducts.

Wavers c. 28, s. 3, 6, vide Copses.

Wax c. 31, s. 5.

Way-faring-tree. c. 21, s. 19.

Wedges c. 23, s. 4, c. 31, s. 15.

Weeding, VVeeders c. 9, s. 3, c. 18, s. 1, c. 20, s. 24, c. 21, s. 5, 7, 14, c. 24, s. 11, c. 27, s. 1, c. 28, s. 1, c. 29, s. 6, c. 30, s. 3, c. 33, s. 3.

VVeight c. 31, s. 9, 17, 18, vide Sinking.

VVest c. 31, s. 15, vide VVinds.

VVestphalia c. 30, s. 7, c. 34, s. 25, 26.

VVett c. 32, s. 19, vide Rain, Moisture, VVater.

VVheat c. 21, s. 22, c. 31, s. 3, vide Corn.

VVheeler c. 3, s. 17, c. 4, s. 15, c. 5, s. 2, c. 6, s. 4, c. 9, s. 1, c. 15, s. 2, c. 23, s. 4, c. 26, s. 6, 8.

VVheeles c. 29, s. 5, 10, c. 31, s. 3.

VVhitchen c. 3, s. 5, c. 4, s. 5, c. 15, s. 1, vide VVich hasel.

VVhite vide Colour.

[Page]White-work c. 20, s. 18, vide Oziers, Baskets.

Wildernesse c. 35, s. 5.

VVild-Fowle c. 21, s. 14.

VVillow c. 20, s. 26, 27, 28, c. 28, s. 1, c. 30, s. 1, 36, c. 31, s. 15, c. 33, s. 3, 14, c. 34, s. 20.

VVind c. 2, s. 8, c. 3, s. 8, 9, 12, c. 4, s. 11, c. 13, s. 2, c. 21, s. 10, c. 22, s. 1, c. 24, s. 7, c. 25, s. 8, 9, c. 26, s. 1, 3, 14, c. 27, s. 11, 22, c. 29, s. 6, c. 30, s. 26, 27, 34, 36, c. 31, s. 2, 3, 5, 23, c. 32, s. 8, 9, 10, 13, c. 35, s. 21.

VVind-stock c. 31, s. 5.

VVindow c. 31, s. 4, 8.

VVine c. 3, s. 17, c. 5, s. 2, c. 16, s. 7, 8, 9, c. 17, s. 5, c. 24, s. 13, c. 25, s. 2.

VVinter c. 31, s. 3, 9, 23, vide Season.

VVithy c. 20, s 2, c. 30, s. 11.

VVood c. 31, s. 1, 13, 18, 22, 35.

Woods c. 21, s. 3, c. 22, s. 5, 8, c. 2, s. 15, c. 26, s. 14▪ c. 27, s. 1, 8, c. 29, s. 5▪ 9, c. 32, s. 10, c. 33, s. 6, 8.

Wood monger c. 31, s. 28.

Wood-stealers c. 33, s. 4, vide Statutes.

Wood-wards c. 21, s. 2, c. 29, s. 2, 9, c. 30, s. 28, 33, vide Forester.

Wood-pecker c. 27, s 6.

Working c 31, s 11, vide Hewing.

Work-Sop, vide Park c. 30, s. 15, 18.

Wormes c. 3, s. 13, c. 5, s. 2, c. 8, s. 1, 4, c. 14, s. 1, c. 24, s. 12, 13, 16, c. 27, s. 6, 22, 23, c. 29, s. 7, c. 30, s. 25.

Wounds c. 4, s. 15, c. 29, s. 4.

Wrack c. 31, s. 25, vide Fuell.

Wythes vide Bands.

X.

XErxes c. 23, s. 2, c. 30, s. 5, vide Platanus.

Y.

YEw c. 21, s. 4.

Yoakes c. 13, s 2, c. 14, s. 4.

Youth c. 19, s. 4, c. 31, s. 12.

Yucca c. 21, s. 20

[Page]

The TABLE to POMONA.

A

ABoundance pag. 20.

Abricot 15.

Age 59, 65.

Agriculture 5.

Aire 3, 8.

Ale 1.

Alteration vide Species, Mixture 15, 16.

Antidote 37.

Antients 14, 15.

Apples 7, 10, 11, 14, 16, 31, 35, 39, 52. Hard 40, 41, 42, 48. Sweet 57. Arier-Apple 65. Baking-Apple 65. Bitter-Sweet 56. Bromsberry-Crab. 8, 14, 18, 19, 40, 58, 65. Codling 19, Coleing Ap. 65. Crab and Wilding 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 31, 32, 36, 58. Deane 57. Eliot 16. Fillets 59. Fox-Whelp 18, 58, 65. Genet-Moyle 12, 18, 19, 30, 40, 59, 65. Gilly-Flower 57. Greening 16. Harley 65. Harvy 16, 18, 58. Heming 64. Musts 8, 18, 34, 35, 58, 64, 65. Olive 65. Peare-main 16, 18, 30, 34, 40, 57, 58, 60, 65. Pepin Kentish Golden 16, 18, 19, 30, 34, 39, 40, 50, 57, 58, 60. Pleascentine 57. Purling 56. Red-Strake 2, 4, 8, 10, 14, 18, 19, 29, 32, 33, 35, 38, 40, 58, 59, 65, Rousseting 16. Stoking 16. Under-Leaf 65. Wood-cock 64.

Aprill 47.

Approach vide Graffing.

Arrable 20, 22.

Aspect 22.

B.

BAking vide Apple.

Bark 15.

Beere 1.

Berberies 9

Birch 16.

Birds 12.

Blasts 33, 34,

Blossomes p. 3, 66.

Boiling 56, 57, 62,

Bottling 32, 38, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49.55, 58, 62, 66.

Broching 32, 45, 58

Budds 11

C.

CAbinets 25.

Canary vide Wine.

Cask vide Vessel.

Cellar 38, 47, 62, 66.

Challenge 3, 4.

Chance 8.

Chayree 25.

Cherries 15, 25. Cherry-Wine, vide Wine.

Cider 2, 3, 4, 8, 14, 18. By Dr. Beale, 29. Sir P. Neile, 39. Mr. Newbery, 52. Dr. Smith, 58. Mr. Taylor, 59. Mr. Callwal, 63, &c.

Cion 11, 17.

Clay 9, 10, 20, 33.

Clarifying vide Fining.

Clary 38.

Clove-Gilly-flowers, vide Wine.

Clownes 14.

Codlin vide Apple.

Colour 35, 57.

Columella 17.

Coffee 3.

Commons 2, 20, 21.

Compost 7.

Cold 58. vide Cellar.

Cordial 37.

Corn 67.

Curiosity 20.

D.

DIet 3.

Diluting vide Water.

Distance 2, 21, 22, 34.

Distillation 38, 57, 58.

Dorcet-shire 65.

Drawing vide Broaching.

Drink 3.

Dwarfes 10.

E.

[Page]EAst vide Wind.

Ebony pag. 25.

Elm pag. 14, 16.

Encouragement pag. 20.

English pag. 3.

Experiments pag. 14.

F.

FEavor 16.

Fencing 22, 23.

Fermentation 19, 32, 37, 38, 40, 41 ad 49, 53, 55, 58, 61, 62, 64, 66.

Fining 55, 58, 65, 66.

Fountain 38.

Fragrancy 66.

Fret 47, 49.

Frosts 33.

Fruit 1, 2, 12, 13, 33, 34, 65, vide Table.

Fruit-trees 1, 2, 12, 13, 33, 34, 65, vide Table.

Fruiterer 2, 52.

G.

GArden 33,

Gathering 46, 60, 63, 65.

Ginger 37.

Glocester-shire 18, 58, 63.

Graffs 8, 10, ad p. 16.

Graffing 11, 19, 34, 36, 63.

Grapes 40, 43, 47.

Gravell 9, 20.

Green-Fruit vide Fruit.

Ground 19.

Gun-stock 25.

Grinding vide Pressing.

H.

HAm-lacy 29.

Head-lands 2.

Health 3.

Heat 58.

Hedg rowes 2, 23.

Hereford shire 2, 29, 38, 40, 59, 60.

Hills 20.

Hoarding 32, 52, 54, 58, 60, 63, 65.

Hollowness 12.

Hopps 1, 2.

Hypochondria 3, 30.

J.

JArsey 56, 57.

Imposture 14.

Improvement 1, 13, 16, 36.

Inclosure vide Common.

India 3.

Infirmity 16.

Infusion 9.

Inoculation vide Graffing▪

Instrument-maker 25.

Juniper Berries 37, 36.

K.

KEnt pag. 2.

Keeping pag. 58.

Kernell pag. 7, 8, 9, 13, 14.

Kings-Chapell pag. 29.

L.

LEaking 54.

Leaven vide Fermentation 32.

Lee 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 50.

Levelling 20.

Lopping 24.

Lungs 37.

M.

MEliorating vide Improvement.

Mellowing 60, vide Ripeness.

Mixture 38, 56, 64.

Moisture 58.

Moon 13.

Mustard 32, 37, 42, 55.

Musts vide Apples.

Mustiness 55, 56,

N.

NAme 35.

Nature 16.

November 46.

O.

ORder 20.

Ortyard 10, 20, 33, 34.

P.

PAlladius 36.

Palat 16

Pasture 63

Peares 12, 7, 9, 10, 11, 16, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 58, 60, 63. Barland and Bosbury p. 14, 19, 36, 60. Bery 8. Drake Pear 64. Harpary 64. John Pear 64. Lullam 64. Mary 64. Oken-Pin 14. Pigstaile 24. Squash 63, 64. Tergovian 13.

Peare-trees 19, 20.

Perrie 13, 19, 24, 34, 36, 40, 49, 63.

Piercing vide Broching,

Pith 9.

Place 20, 52.

Planting 2.

Plow 10, 34.

Plowing 10, 34.

Plums 37.

Poor 2.

Press 30, 31, 43, 48, 55, 57.58, 60, 61, 63, 66.

Pressing 30, 31, 43, 48, 55, 57.58, 60, 61, 63, 66.

Pruning 24.

Purising vide Fining

Q

QUantity 60, 61, 65.

Quick-sets 24.

Quince 17

[Page]Quincunx 20.

R

RAin 12.

Raisins 32.

Raspis vide Wine

Refrigeratorie vide Cellar

Rhamnus 16.

Rheumes 66.

Ripeness 31, 60.

Rock 9.

Royal Society 1, 4, 5.

Root 16, 17, 21.

Rotteness 52, 53, 55, 58, 66.

S

SAp 11.

Salt 9, 30.

Sand vide Cellar.

Sculpture 25.

Season 12, 13, 32, 46, 47, 58, 63.

Sharpness 55, 65.

Shoot 12.

Soil 4, 8, 10, 29, 33, 60, 63.

Sophistication 4.

Sowreness 54.

Species 15, 16.

Spices 11.

Spirits 3, 18, 38, 53, 56, 57, 58, 61, 62.

Spleen vide Hypochondria.

Stocks 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 24,

Stomack 30, 31, 33, 40.

Stones 9, 16, 21.

Stools 24.

Stopping 61, 64, vide Vent:

Straining 48, 61, 64.

Straw 47,

Suggar 32,

Sulphur 32.

Summer-fruit 46.

Surfeit 40.

Sweating vide Hording. 46, 60.

Swine 20, 36, 60, 63.

T

TAble-Fruit 8, 13.

Tables 25.

Taste 48.

Tenant 2.

Teeth 66.

Timber 24.

Toughness 57.

Trade 3.

Transplanting 10, 12, 21, 22.

Transporting 12, 13.

Tunning 45, 48, 61, 64.

V

VAriety 3, vide Mixture.

Vent 53, 64, vide Stopping

Vertues 16.

Vessel 54, 58, 61, 66.

Vines 11, 15.

Vinous Liquors 41.

Vintners 3.

Virgil 17,

Usefulness 20, 24, 25.

W

WAter 30, 56, 64, 66.

Wages 20.

Wine 3, 4, 8, 30, 39, 43, 47, 49, 58, 59. Canary 38, 40. Cherry 37. Gilly. flo. 37. Raspis 17. Rhenish 65. Verdea 40. Zerres, vide Vinous Liquors.

Windfalls 54.

Windiness 37, 62.

Winds 11, 12, 47.

Wonders 14, 17.

Worcester-shire 60.

Working vide Fermenting.

Wringing vide Press.

The Table to the Kalender.

It might seem impertinent to have added a Table to a Book of so small a Volume, and which seems to be of it self but a Table: But since it may prove advantageous for the saving of time, at once to learn the whole Culture of any Plant, as the Particulars are sprinckled the several Pages; the Authour has thought fit to Collect, and annex it.

ABlaqueation Page 8, 26.

Abricots 18, 20, 26.

Acacia 25.

Aethiopic Apples 13.

African flower 13.

Age 26.

Agriculture 7.

Alaternus 11, 13, 15, 23, 25, 27.

Alesanders 12.

Aloes 13, 24, 29.

Althaea 29.

Amaranthus 13, 17, 21.

Amomum Plinii 13, 21, 25.

Angelica 22,

Anemonies 9, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25.27, 31.

Aniseeds 10.

Antirrhinum 17.

Annuals 15, 25.

Apples 18, 24.

April 14, 15.

Arbutus 23, 25.

Artichocks 14, 24, 28.

Aspargus 12, 13, 25, 28.

[Page]August pag. 22, 23.

Aviaries 11, 13, 19.

Auricula 9, 13, 15, 19, 23, 25, 29.

Autumnals 25.

B

BAlsamina 13, 23.

Barba Jovis 15, 25, 1.

Basil 12, 14, 16.

Bayes 13, 31.

Beans 10, 14, 16, 28, 30.

Bees 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 30. vide Hives

Beetes 12, 22.

Birds 11, 13.

Blanching 13.

Box 13, 15, 21.

Budding vide Inoculating.

Buds 22, 24.

Bugloss 12.

Bulbs 21, 23, 25, 31.

C

CAbbages 10, 12, 16, 20, 22, 24, 28.

Camomile 13, 25.

Candy-Tufts 15, 25.

Canna [...]nd. 13, 21.

Cankers 10.

Capillaries 25

Capsicum 13, 21.

Carnations 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, 27, 29.

Carpet vide Walks.

Carrob 13.

Carrots 10, 12, 22, 28.

Cases 15, 25, 29.

Caterpillars 10.

Cats 25.

Cauly-flower 8, 10, 22, 24, 28.

Chamae Iris 13.

Chamaelaea 25.

Cherries 8, 18, 19.

Chervile 8, 12, 18, 22.

Cistus 24.

Climate 7.

Clipping 15, 21.

Cloves vide Carnations.

Colchicum 21, 23.

Columbines

Compost vide Stercoration, Dung, Soil, 28.

Conservatory 13, 15, 17, 25, 29, 31, 32, 33.

Contemplation 5.

Convolvulus 13.

Corn-sallet 10, 22.

Cressus 12.

Crocus 21, 23, 25, 31.

Crown Imperial 19, 21, 25.

Cucumbers 12, 14.

Cutting pag. 6▪

Cyanus 15.

Cyons 8.

Cypresse 13.27.

Cyclamen 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25.

Cyder 22, 24, 26, 30.

Cytisus 19, 25, 29.

D

DActyls 13, 25.

Daffodils vide Narcissus.

Dates vide Dactyle.

Datura 13.

December 30, 31.

Dens Caninus 19, 21, 23.

Delphinium 11, 15, 23, 25.

Digging 8. vide Trenching.

Digitalis 15, 23, 25. vide Fox-glove.

Distilling vide Laboratory.

Dressing 5.

Drones 20

Dung vide Compost, Soil, Stercoration

Dwarfs 26

E

EArthing-up 24.

Endive 12, 22.

Exotics 13, 15.

Experience 5, 6, 7,

F

FEbruary 10, 11.

Felicity 5.

Fennel 12.

Fibrous Plants 15, 25, 29,

Firr 13, 15, 25.

Flos-Cardinalis 15, 25.

Flowers 6, 7.

Foggs 25.

Forest-Trees 29.

Fountain Pipes 31.

Fox-gloves vide Digitalis.

Fraxinella 23.

Fritillaria 19, 21; 23.

Frost 9, 13, 29, 30, 31,

Fruit and Fruit-trees 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 24.26, 30. vide Gathering.

G

GAard'ner 5, 6, 7.

Gardine 5, 6, 7.

Garlick 10, 22.

Garnsey-Lilly 15.

Gathering 24, 26, 28.

Gentianella 13.

Geranium 13, 25.

Gilly-flowers vide Carnations.

Gladiolus 21.

Gourds 12.

Granads vide Pome-Granade.

[Page]Graffing pag. 8, 10, 12.15, 21, 26.

Graffs pag. 8, 10, 12.15, 21, 26.

Green house vide Conservatory.

Greens 13, 15, 21, 23, 25.29.

Groves 29.

H.

HEalth 5.

Hedysarum 13.

Helleborus 13, 15, 25.

Hepatica 13, 15, 23, 25.

Herbs-dry 18.

Hives vide Bees. 8.

Holy-hoc 15, 23, 27.

Hops 10.

Hot-bed 9, 10, 12, 13, 15.

Howsing 29.

Humble plant 13.

Hyacinth vide Jacynth. 13, 23.

Hyssop 14.

I.

JAcynth vide Hyacinthus. 13, 19, 23.

January 8, 9.

Jasmine 13, 15, 19, 23, 25, 29.

Inoculating vide Budding. 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25.

Insects 18, 20, 21, 24.

July 22, 21.

June 18, 19, 23.

Iris 19, 21, 25, 27.

K.

KEri 13

Kernels 9, 10, 12, 26, 30.

Kitchin-Garden 26.

Knots 21.

L.

LAbour 5,

Laboratory vide Distilling. 16, 18.

Larks-spur vide Delphinium. 11.

Lavander 12, 14.

Laurel 21.

Layers 10, 13, 20.21, 23, 25.

Laying 10, 13, 20.21, 23, 25.

Leaves 27, 29.

Leeks 13.

Lemmons 13, 15, 23, 25.

Lentiscus 13.

Lettuce 8, 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26.

Leucoium 13, 15, 21.

Lilie 23.

Lilac 29.

Lupines 13, 15.

Lychnis 25.

M.

MAjoran 12.14, 16.

March 12, 13.

Marcoc 13, 25.

Marum-syriacum pag. 15, 25.

Martagon 19, 23.

Mary-gold 10, 15, 22.

Matricaria 13, 15.

May 16, 17.

Medica 15.

Medicinal Plants 12, 24.

Melons 10, 12, 14, 16, 28.

Memory 7.

Method 6, 7.

Mirabile Peru 13, 21.

Moon 6.

Month 5, 6, 7.

Mok 8, 10, 25.

Mowing 15.

Murals vide Walls.

Muscaris 19.

Muscipula 15.

Myrrhe 13.

Myrtil 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25.

N.

NAiling vide Pruning. 8, 10, 30.

Narcissus vide Tuberose. 15, 19, 23, 25.

Nasturtium 13, 21, 20.

Nectarine 10, 13.

Neglect 6.

Nigella 25.

Nights 13.

November 28, 29.

Nursery 8, 9▪ 28, 30.

O.

OCcasion 6.

October 26, 27.

Oleander 13, 15, 23, 25.

Onions 10, 12, 22, 24.

Oranges 13, 15, 16, 21, 23, 25, 31.

Orchard 26.

P

PAlisades 10.

Paradise 5.

Parsley 10, 12.

Parterr vide Knots.

Parsnips 10, 12, 22, 24, 28.

Passion-flower vide Maracoc.

Peach 12, 18, 20.

Pear 8, 12, 18, 24, 26.

Pease 12, 20, 28, 30.

Peneroyal 14.

Peonies 29.

Perennial vide Green.

Perry 22, 26.

Phaseoli 13.

Phillyrea 13, 15, 23, 25, 27.

Pinus 13, 15, 25.

Pinks 13, 15.

[Page]Pipes vide Fountains. pag.

Planting 6, 12, 26.

Plashing 10, 26.

Plums 8, 18, 24.

Pomace vide Cider. 30.

Pomum-Amoris 13.

Pome-Granad. 15, 21, 23.

Poppy 25.

Potatos 10, 28.

Pot-herbs 10.

Pots 9, 13, 25.

Prime-rose 13, 15, 23, 25.

Pruning 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 20, 22, 25, 26, 30.

Purslain 12, 14, 16, 22.

Q

QUick-sets 8, 10.

R

RAin 9, 21, 25, 27, 31.

Ranunculus 9, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31.

Raddish 8, 10, 12, 18, 20, 24, 26.

Removing vide Transplanting. 23.

Rosemary 12, 14.

Roses 12, 19, 22, 23, 26.

Roots 10.

S.

SAffron vide Crocus. 23.

Sage 12.14.

Salleting 8.

Savoury 14.

Scabious 15, 19.

Scorpoides 15.

Scorzonera 12.

Scurvy-grass 22, 24.

Sellery 12.

Seacrests 6.

Season 5, 6.

Seeds 19, 22, 23, 26.28, 29.

Seedlings 19, 22, 23, 26.28, 29.

Senses 7.

Sedum 25, 29.

Sensitive-Plant 13.

September 24, 25.

Shade 13.

Shelter 29, 13.

Shrubs 26.

Signes 5.

Skirrets 12, 24.

Slips pag. 21, 23.

Smalege 12.

Snailes 14, 20.

Snow 9, 13, 29.

Soil 8.

Sorel 12.

Sowing 25, 27.

Spinach 10, 22, 24.

Stalks 17.

Standards 26, 28, 30.

Stercoration vide Compost. 12, 30.

Stock gilly-flowers vide Leucöium.

Stocks 8, 13, 22, 26, 28, 30.

Stones 9, 29, 30.

Stove 29, 31.

Strawberries 12, 24.

Suckers 22.

Sun 13, 22.

Swarmes vide Bees. 16.

Sweeping 29.

Sweet-Williams 13.

Syringa 29.

T

TObacco 12.

Thyme 12, 14, 16.

Time 6.

Tools 8.

Tuberose vide Narcissus. 13, 15, 25, 27.

Tulips 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.

Turneps 12, 14, 22, 28.

Transplanting vide Removing. 8, 13, 15, 17, 24, 28.

Trenching vide Digging. 8, 26, 28, 30.

V

VAriegation 27.

Vermine 9, 31.

Vines 8, 10, 18, 22, 26, 30.7, 20.

Vineyard 8, 10, 18, 22, 26, 30.7, 20.

Violets 15, 25.

Volubilis 13.

W

WAlks 21, 27, 29.

Walls 8, 10, 22, 26, 28, 30.

Water 17, 18, 20, 21, 23, 29.

Weeding 15, 16, 21, 27.

Wither'd Flowers 21.

Winds 13, 21, 24, 25, 29.

Worms 10, 14, 27.

[Page] [Page] 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 famae merito pars maxima nostrae,

CAROLIDE, pelagoque volans da vela petenti:

Da facilem cursum, atque audacibus annue coeptis:

Ignarosque viae mecum miseratus agrestes

Ingredere, & votis jam nunc assuesce vocari.

The Introduction.

1.Introduction. SInce there is nothing which seems more fatally to threaten a Weakning, if not a Dissolution of the strength 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 impolitick diminution of our Timber has proceeded; but from the disproportionate spreading [Page] of Tillage, caused through that prodigious havock made by such as lately professing themselves against Root and Branch (either to be re-imburs'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 intollerable 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 Ʋse, 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 upon the propagation of such only as seem to be the most wanting, and serviceable.

3. And first by Trees here, I consider principally for the Genus generalissimum, such Lignous and woody Plants, as are hard of substance, procere of stature; that are thick and solid, and stifly adhere to the Ground on which they stand: These we shall divide into the Greater and more Ceduous, Fruticant and Shrubby; Feras and wild; or more Civiliz'd and domestique; and such as are Sative and Hortensial subalternate to the other; But of which I give only a touch, distributing the rest into these two Classes, the Dry, and the Aquatic; both of them applicable to the same civil uses of Building, Ʋtensils, Ornament, and Fuel; for to dip into their Medicinal virtues is none of my Province, though I sometimes glance at them with due submission, and in few Instances.

4. 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.

— Which of how many sorts they are,

We can't at present here stand to declare.

Sed neque quàm multa species, nec nomina quae sint,

Est numerus,

Geor. 2.

5. 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, [Page] 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.

6. And first for their Raising, some there are,

Spring of themselves unforc't by human eare,

—Nullis hominum cogentibus, ipsae

Sponte sua veniunt—

Specifying according to the various disposition of the Air and Soil;

Some from their Seeds arise.

Pars autem posito surgunt de semine▪

As the Oak, Chess-nut, Ash, &c.

Some to th [...] Groves from their own Roots do spring,

Pullulat ab radico ali [...]s deusissima Sylva▪

As the Elme, Alder, &c. and there are others,

Grow without Root

Mil radicit egeut—

as Willows, and all the Vimineous kinds, which are raised of Sets only.

These wayes first Nature gave,

Hos natura modos primùm dedit —

For thus we see there are more ways to the Wood than one; and she has furnish'd us with variety of expedients.

7. And here we might fall into a deep Philosophical Research, whether the Earth it self in some place thereof or other, even without Seed, Branch or Root, &c. would produce every kind of Vegetable, as it manifestly does, divers sorts of Grasse and Plants? (viz.) the Tre-fole or Clover in succulent land; In dry ground May and Ra [...]-weeds; In the very moyst, Argentina, Flaggs, &c. And the very barren Ferne, Broome, and Heath, &c. So Virgil notes sterile places for the Pitch-tree; we our wett and Ʋligi [...]ous for Birch, Alder, &c. The more lofty, poor and perflatile for Eugh, Guiniper, Box, and the like; and we read in the Natural Histories of divers Countries, that the Cedar, Palmetos Queen-Pines, Ebony, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, &c. For Trees; the Tulip, Hyacinth, Crocus, &c. For Flowers, are sometimes, and in some regions Aborigines, descended immediately from the Genius of the Soyls, Climate, Sun, Shade, Air, Winds, Water, Niterous-Salts, Rocks, Bankes, Shores, and (as the Negros-Heads in the Bachados) even without Seed, or any perceptible rudiment. But with all this we are not satisfied without supposing some previous seminal disposition lurking, and dispers'd in every part of the Earth, in what Moleculae or subtile contextures we shall not enquire, but though happly not at first so perfect as the maturer Seeds of their after peculiar Plants; yet such as are fit for the Sun and Influences to operate on, 'til they have prepar'd, discuss'd, and excited their Seminal and Prolifique vertue to exert it self and awake out of sleep, in which they lay as in their causes; And free themselves from those impediments which hindred their Specification and Nativity: This Conception the learned Gassendus would illustrate by the latent fire in Flints, which never betrays it self [Page] 'til it be forced out by Collision; but which yet methinks, does not so fully inlighten this Hypothesis, which we only hint for Method and Introduction onely: For the design of this Discourse is not to perswade Men to sit still, and let Nature work alone, but to ayd and assist her as much as they are able from Seeds and Plants already perfected, and qualified for more speedy Propagation. Most Ingenious, in the mean time is what some upon an accurate and narrow guesse, have not feared to pronounce; namely, that all planting by Seed, was but a kind of Inoculation; and propagation by Cyons and Sprouts, but a Subterranean Graffing: And upon this account I am the more willing to assent, that in Removing of wild Trees, taken out of incumber'd places, (so it be perform'd with all due circumstances) there may happen considerable Improvements; since, as there is something in Super graffing, or the repetition of Graffing for the inlargement, and melioration of Fruit; so there may be also in a carefull Removal; especially the Tree being of a kind apt to dilate its Roots, and taken whilest those Roots may be safely, and intirely transferr'd; and likewise, because it is presum'd that most Trees propagated by Seeds, emitt a principal Root, very deep into the Earth, which frequently extracting but a courser Nutriment (though it may happly yield a close, and firmer Timber) yet is not so apt to Shoot and spread, as what are by Removal deprived of that Root, and by being more impregnate with the Sun, Dews and heavenly Influences neer the surface, inabled to produce larger, more delicate and better tasted Fruit; supposing Nutts, Mast, or Berries, for we would not go out of our Forest for instances. And yet even in these desents of the Top-Root, it sometimes penetrating to a Veine of some rich Marle or other Mould, the extraordinary flourishing and expedition of growth, will soon give notice of it. But to make some Trial of this, 'twere no difficult matter, when one plants a Nursery or Grove, to experiment what the Earth, as far as the Roots are like to reach, will advance and discover to us.

8. In the mean time, 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 perplexities of the mother-roots, they grow scraggy; [Page] and being over-dripp'd become squalid and mossie,

Which checks their growth, and makes their bodies pine.

Crescentique adimunt foetus, uruntque ferentem.

Geo. 2.

Nor can their roots expand, and spread themselves as they would do 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 scattered 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 does usually 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) might be mistaken, when he delivers this observation as universal, to the prejudice of Sowing, and raising Woods from their Rudiments:

Trees which from scattered Seeds to spring are made

Come slowly on; for our Grand-childrens shade.

Nam quae seminibus jactis se sustulit arbos

Tarda venit; seris factura nepotibus umbram.

Geor. l. 2.

And indeed I know divers are of this opinion; and possibly in some luckier Soils, and where extraordinary care is had in Transplanting, and removing cumbrances, &c. There may be reason for it; But I affirm it [...], and for the most part, and find I have the suffrage of another no inelegant Poet, if not in a full assent to my Assertion, yet in the choyce of my procedure for their perfection.

—Though Suckers which the Stock repaire,

Will with th [...]ck Branches crowd the empty Aire,

Or the Ground-Oak transplanted, boughs may shoot;

Yet no such Grov's do's with my fancy suit

As what from Acorns set on even rows

In open fields at their due distance grows.

What though your Ground long time must fallow ly,

And Se [...]dling-Oakes yield but a slow supply?

No walks else can be for like beauty prais'd

For, certain 'tis, that Plants from Acorns rais'd,

As to the Center deeper fivers spread,

So to the Zenith more advance their head:

Be it that Plants for natural moysture pine,

And as expos'd at Change of Soile decline;

Or that the Acorn with its native mould

Do's thrive, and spread, and firme alliance hold.

— Quamvis ipsa de stirpe parentis

Pullulet, & tenues tollat se quercus in auras,

Aut mutata solo, ramis exultet opacis;

Forma tamen nemoris non sit mihi gratior ulla,

Quam quod per campos, posito de semine, crevit

Et quamquam sit agro praelongum tempus inerti

Durcendum, ac tardae surgant de semine quercus:

His tamen, his longe veniunt felicius umbrae.

Nam certum est de glande satas radicibus imis

Altius in terram per se descendere plantas:

Majoresque adeo in coelum profundere ramos.

Seu quod dediscant mutatam semina matrem,

Dgen remque ferant alieno ex ubere prolem:

Sive quod ipsa [...]bi cognatae inolescere terrae

Glans primo melius paulatim assuevit ab ortu.

Rapinus Hort. l. 2.

[Page]

CHAP. I. Of the Soile, and of Seed.

Soile.1. HEre, for Methods sake, something it were expedient to premise concerning the Soile; and indeed I do acknowledge to have observ'd so vast a difference in the Improvement of Woods, by that of the Ground, that it is at no hand to be neglected: But this being more than Transitorily touch'd in each Chapter of the ensuing Discourse, I shall not need to assign it any apart, when I have affirm'd in General, that most Timber-Trees grow and prosper well in any tollerable Land which will produce Corn or Rye, and which is not in excesse Stony; in which neverthelesse there are some Trees delight; or altogether Clay, which few, or none do naturally affect; And yet the Oak is seen to prosper in it, for its toughnesse preferr'd before any other by many Workmen, though of all Soyls the Cow-pasture do certainly exceed, be it for what purpose soever of planting Wood. Rather therefore we should take notice how many great Witts and ingenious Persons, who have leasure and faculty are in pain for Improvements of their Heaths and barren Hills, cold and starving places, which causes them to be neglected and despair'd of; whilest they flatter their hopes and vain expectations with fructifying liquors, Chymical Menstrues and such vast conceptions; in the mean time that one may shew them as Heathy and Hope-less grounds, and barren Hills as any in England, that do now bear, or lately have born Woods, Groves and Copses which yield the Owners more wealth, than the richest and most opulent Wheat-Lands: And if it be objected that 'tis so long a day before these Plantations can afford that gain; The Brabant Nurseries, and divers home-plantations of Industrious Persons are sufficient to convince the gain-sayer. And when by this Husbandry a few Acorns shall have peopl'd the Neighboring Regions with young Stocks and Trees; the residue will become Groves and Copses of infinite delight and satisfaction to the Planters. Besides, we daily see what Course Lands will bear these Stocks (suppose them Oaks, Wall-nutts, Chess-nutts, Pines, Firr, Ash, Wild-Pears, Crabbs, &c.) and some of them, as for instance the Peare and the Firr or Pine, strike their Roots through the roughest and most impenetrable Rocks and clefts of Stone it self; and others require not any rich or pingued, but very moderate Soile; especially, if committed to it in Seeds, which allyes them to their Mother and Nurse without renitency or regrett: And then considering what assistances a little Care in easing and stirring of the ground about them for a few years does afford them: What cannot a [Page] strong Plow, a Winter mellowing, and summer heats, incorporated with the pregnant Turfe, or a slight assistance of Lime performe even in the most unnatural and obstinate Soile? And in such places where anciently Woods have grown, but are now unkind to them, the fault is to be reformed by this Care; and chiefly, by a Sedulous extirpation of the old remainders of Roots, and latent Stumps, which by their mustiness, and other pernicious qualities, sowre the ground, and poyson the Conception; And herewith let me put in this note, that even the Soile it self does frequently discover and point best to the particular Species, though some are for all places alike: but I shall say no more of these particulars at this time, because, the rest is sprinkl'd over this whole Work in their due places; Wherefore we hasten to the following Title, namely, the choyce and ordering of the Seeds.

2. Chuse your Seed of that which is perfectly mature, Seed. ponderous and sound; commonly that which is easily shaken from the boughs, or gathered about November, immediately upon its spontaneous fall, or taken from the tops and summities of the fairest and soundest Trees, is best, and does (for the most part) direct to the proper season of interring, &c. According to Institution. For,

Nature her self who all created first,

Invented sowing, and the wild Plants nurs't:

When Mast and Berries from the Trees did drop,

Succeeded under by a numerous Crop.

Nam specimen sationis, & insitionis origo

Ipsa fuit rerum primum natura creatrix:

Arboribus quoniam baccae, glandesque caducae

Tempestiva dabant pullorum examina subter, &c.

Lucret. l. 5.

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 barrel'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, with a tender hand, as apt to take as if they had been sown with the most early, nay with great advantage: by this means, too, they have escaped the Vermine (which are prodigious devourers of Winter fowing) 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, and 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-beries, &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 for ruder handlings, may you also do by burying your Seeds in dry Sand, or pulveriz'd Earth, 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,[Page]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. There be also who affirm, that the carefull cracking and opening of Stones which include the Kernels, as soon as ripe, precipitate Growth and gain a years advance.

3. But to pursue this to some farther Advantage; as to what concerns the election of your Seed, It is to be consider'd, that there is vast difference, (what if I should affirm more than an hundred years) 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 alwaies 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,) than 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.

4. 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 extraordinary 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.

5. 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 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 streight and even lines, for Hedg-rows, Avenues, and Walks, which is the more Ornamental: But, because some may chuse rather to draw them out of Nurseries; [Page] that the Culture is not much different, nor 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.

1. QƲi Vineam, vel Arbustum constituere volet, Seminary. Seminaria priùs facere debebit, was the precept of Columella, l. 3. c. 5. speaking of Vineyards and Fruit-trees: and, doubtlesse, 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 it is 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 a 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;

He that for wood his Field would sow,

Must clear it of the Shrubbs that grow;

Cut Brambles up, and the Ferne mow.

Qui serere ingenuum volet agrum,

Liberat prius arva fruticibus;

Falce rubos, filicemque resecat.

Boeth. l. 2. Me [...] ▪

This done, 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 cleansed 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 [Page]Sylva) throw your Oak, Beech, Ash, Nuts, all the Glandiferous Seeds, Mast, and Key-bearing kinds, so as they lie 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, for the Roboraria, Glandaria, Ʋlmaria, &c. 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.

Then see your hopefull Grove with Acorns sown,

But e're your Seed into the Field be thrown

With crooked Plough first let the lusty Swain

Break-up, and stubborn Clodds with Harrow plain.

Then when the Stemm appears, to make it bare

And lighten the hard Earth with Hough, prepare.

Hough in the Spring: nor frequent Culture fail,

Lest noxious Weeds 'ore the young Wood prevail:

To barren ground with toyle large meanour add,

Good-husbandry will force a Ground that's bad.

Proinde nemus sparsa cures de glande parandum:

Sed tamen ante tuo mandes quam semina campo;

Ipse tibi duro robustus vomere fossor

Omne solum subigat late, explanetque subactum.

Cumque novus fisso primum de germine ramus

Findit humum, rursus ferro versanda bicorni

Consita vere novo tellus, cultuque frequenti

Exercenda, herbae circum ne forte nocentes

Proveniant, germenque ipsum radicibus urant.

Nec cultu campum cunctantem urgere frequenti,

Et saturare fimo pudeat, si forte resistat.

Culturae: nam tristis humus superanda colendo est.

Rapinus l. 2.

Note that 6 Bushells of Acorns will sow or plant an Aker, at one foots distance.

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 ground you may in a moist season, draw them up where they are too thick, and set them immediately in other lines, or Beds prepar'd 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 (or a Plantarium purposely design'd) at one foot interval, leaving the rest at two or three.

4. When your Seedlings have stood thus till June, bestow a slight 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; For till then, the substance of the Kernell will hardly be spent in the plant, which is of maine import; but then (and that 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: If thus you reduce them to the distance of forty foot; the Intervals may be planted with Ash, which may be fell'd either for Poles, or Timber without the least prejudice of the Oak, some repeat the cutting we spake of the second Year, and after March [Page] (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 than needs) must be done with a very sharp Instrument, and with care, least 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 handsom, streight 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 streight and single Stems,: The Chess-nut, Ash, &c. multiply into Poles, which you may reduce to standards at pleasure: To this I add, that as oft as you make your annual Transplanting, out of the Nursery, by drawing forth the choycest Stocks, the remainder will be improved by a due stirring and turning of the mould about their Roots.

5. Theophrastus in his third Book de Causes c. 7. gives us great caution in planting to preserve the Roots, and especially the Earth, adhering to the smallest Fibers, which should by no means be shaken off, as most of our Gardners do to trim and quicken them as they pretend, which is to cut them shorter, &c. not at all considering, that those tender Hairs are the very mouths and Vehicles which suck in the nutriment, and transfuse into all the parts of the Tree, and that these once perishing, the thicker and larger Roots, hard and less spungie, signifie little but to establish the Stem; as I have frequently experimented in Orange-Trees, whose Fibers are so very obnoxious to rot, if they take in the least excess of wet: And therefore Cato advises us to take care that we bind the mould about them, or transfer the Roots in Baskets, to preserve it from forsaking them; For this Earth being already applied and fitted to the overtures and mouths of the Fibers, it will require some time to bring them in appetite again to a new mould, by which to repair their loss, furnish their stock, and proceed in their wonted Oeconomy without manifest danger and interruption: Nor less ought our care to be in the making and dressing of the pits and fosses into which we design our Transplantation, which should be prepar'd and left some time open to macerating Rains, Frosts and Sun, that may resolve the compacted Salt, render the Earth friable, mix and qualifie it for aliment, and to be more easily drawn in and digested by the Roots and analogus Stomack of the Trees: This to some degree may be artificially done, by burning of straw in the newly opened Pits, and drenching the mould with Water; especially in over dry seasons, and by meliorating barren-ground with sweet, and comminuted letations.

6. The Author of the Natural History, Pliny, tells us 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 [Page] less than 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 farther 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,

What each Soil bears, and what it does refuse.

Quid quaque ferat regio, & quid quaque recuset.

Transplanting those which you find least agreeing with the place; or else, by Copsing the starvlings in the places where they are new sown, cause them sometimes to overtake even their untouch'd contemporaries.

7. But here some may inquire what distances I would generally assign to Transplanted Trees? To this somewhat is said in the ensuing Periods, and as occasion offers; though the promiscuous rising of them in Forest-Work, wild, and natural is to us I acknowledge more pleasing, than all the studied accuracy in ranging of them; unless it be, where they conduct and lead us to Avenues, and are planted for Vistas (as the Italians term is) in which case, the proportion of the Breadth and Length of the Walks, &c. should govern, as well as the Nature of the Tree, with this only note; That such Trees as are rather apt to spread, than mount, as the Oak, Beech, Wall-nutt, &c. be dispos'd at wider intervals, than the other, and such as grow best in Consort, as the Elm, Ash, Lime-tree, Sycomore, Firr, Pine, &c. Regard is likewise to be had to the quality of the Soil, for this work: V.G. If Trees that affect cold and moist grounds, be planted in hot and dry places, then set them at closer Order; but Trees which love scorching and dry Grounds at farther distance: The like rule may also guide in situations expos'd to impetuous Winds and other accidents which may serve for general Rules in this piece of Tacties.

8. To leave nothing omitted which may contribute to the stability of our Transplanted Trees, something is to be premis'd concerning their staking, and securing from external injuries, especially from Winds and Cattel, against both which, such as are planted in Copses, and for ample Woods, are sufficiently defended by the Mounds and their closer order; especially, if they rise of Seed: But where they are expos'd in single rows, as in Walks and Avenues, the most effectual course is to empale them with three good quarter stakes of competent length set in triangle and made fast to one another by short pieces above and beneath; in which a few Brambles [Page] being stuck, secure it abundantly without that choking or fretting, to which Trees are obnoxious that are only single Staked and Bushed as the vulgar manner is; Nor is the charge of this so considerable, as the great advantage, accounting for the frequent reparations which the other will require. Where Cattel do not come, I find a good piece of Rope, tyed fast about the neck of Trees upon a wisp of straw to preserve it from galing; and the other end tightly strein'd to a hook or peg in the ground (as the Shrouds in Ships are fastned to the Masts) sufficiently stablishes my Trees against the Western blasts without more trouble; for the Winds of other quarters seldom infest us. But these Cords had need be well pitch't to preserve them from wett, and so they will last many Years: I cannot in the mean time conceal what a noble Person has assur'd me, that in his goodly Plantations of Trees in Scotland, where they are continually expos'd to much greater, and more impetuous Winds than we are usually acquainted with; he never stakes any of his Trees; but upon all disasters of this kind, causes only his Servants to redress, and set them up again as oft as they happen to be overthrown; which he has affirm'd to me, thrives better with them, than with those which he has staked; and that at last they strike root so fast, as nothing but the Axe is able to prostrate them; and there is good reason for it in my opinion, whilst these concussions of the Roots, loosning the mould, not only make room for their more easie insinuations, but likewise opens, and prepares it to receive, and impart the better nourishment: It is in another place I suggest that Transplanted Pines and Firrs, for want of their penetrating Tap roots, are hardly consistent against these Gusts after they are grown high; especially where they are set close, and in Tufts, which betraies them to the greater disadvantage; And therefore such Trees do best in Walks, and at competent distances, where they escape tolerably well: Such therefore as we design for Woods of them, should be sow'd, and never remov'd; but of this hereafter. I now proceed to particulars.

[Page]

CHAP. III. Of the Oak.

Oak.1. RObur, the Oak, 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 alone 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 maximè generis omnes, quibus honos apud Romanos perpetuus.’ ‘Mast-bearing-trees were principally those which the Romansheld in chiefest repute,’ lib. 6. cap. 3. And in the following where he treats of Chaplets, and the dignity of the Civic 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; (for we shall say little of the Cerris, goodly to look on, but for little else) the Quercus urbana, which grows more up-right, and being clean, and lighter is fittest for Timber: And the Robur or Quercus Sylvestris, (taking Robur for the general name, at least, as contradistinct from the rest) 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 allow'd a greater distance; viz. from twenty five, to forty foot; (nay sometimes as many yards) whereas the other shooting up more erect will be contented with fifteen: This kind is farther 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 prae-admonition of Oaks bearing strange leaves.

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 [Page] 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 handsom Intervals, by which Grazing might be improv'd for the feeding of Deer and Cattel under them, (for such was the old Saltus) benignly visited with the gleams of the Sun, and adorn'd with the distant Landskips appearing through the glades, and frequent Vallies.

— betwixt

Whose rows the azure Skie is seen immix'd,

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

Distinguish'd in a sweet variety;

Such places which wild Apple-trees throughout

Adorn, and happy Shrubs grow all about.

Caerula disting [...]ens inter plaga currere posset

Per tumulos, & convalles, camposque profusa:

Ʋt nunc esse vides vario distincta lepôre

Omnia, quae pomis intersita dulcibus ornant

Arbustisque tenent felicibus obsita circum.

Lucret. l. 5.

As the Poet describes his Olive-groves. Nothing could be more ravishing; for so we might also sprinkle Fruit-trees amongst them (of which hereafter) for Sider, and many singular uses, and 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 fashon, Forests and Woods (as well as Fields and Inclosures) will present us with another face than 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; some yet for these hardy, and late springing Trees, defer it till the Winter be well over; but the Earth had need be moyst; and though they will grow tolerably in most grounds; yet do they generally affect the sound, black, deep and fast mould, rather warm than over wet and cold, and a little rising; for this produces the firmest Timber; 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; ‘What 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 [Page] — [...]: from a Tree so expos'd; and Dydimus gives the reason. [...] (says he) [...], &c. For that being continually weather-beaten they become hardier and tougher. The result of all is, that upon occasion of special Timber, there is a very great and considerable difference; so as some Oaken Timber proves manifestly weaker, more spungie, and sooner decaying than other: The like may be affirm'd of Ash, and other kinds; and generally speaking, the close-grain'd is the stoutest, and most permanent: But of this let the industrious consult that whole tenth Chapter in the second Book of Vitruvius, where he expresly treats of this Argument, De Abiete supernate & infernate, cum Apennini descriptione: Where we note concerning Oak, that it neither prospers in very hot, nor excessive cold Countries; and therefore there is little good of it to be found in Africa, or indeed, the lower, and most southern parts of Italy (for the Venetians have excellent Timber) nor in Denmark or Norway comparable to ours; it chiefly affecting a temperate Climate, and where they grow naturally in abundance, 'tis a promising marke of it; If I were to make choice of the place, or the Tree, it should be such as grows in the best Cow-pasture, or, up-land Meadow, where the mould is rich and sweet (Suffolk affords an admirable instance) and in such places you may also Transplant large Trees with extraordinary success; And therefore it were not amiss to bore, and search the ground where you intend to plant or sow before you fall to work; since Earth too shallow or rockie is not so proper for this Timber; the Roots fix not kindly, and though for a time they may seem to flourish, yet they will dwindle.

5. But to discourage none, Oaks prosper exceedingly even in gravel, and moist Clays, which most other Trees abhor; yea, even the coldest Clay grounds that will hardly graze: But these Trees will frequently make Stands, as they encounter variety of footing; and sometimes proceed again vigorously, as they either penetrate beyond, or out-grow their obstructions, and meet better Earth,; which is of that consequence, that I dare boldly affirm, more than an hundred years advance is clearly gain'd by Soil and Husbandry. I have yet 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; and even in our renouned Forest of Dean it self, some goodly Oaks have been noted to grow upon Ground, which has been as it were a Rock of antient Cinders, buried there many ages since. It is indeed observ'd, that Oaks which grow in rough stony grounds, and obstinate 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 may we affirm of the lightest sands, which produces a smoother-grain'd Timber, of all other the most useful for the Joyner; but that which grows in Gravell is subject to be Frow (as they term it) and brittle. What improvement the [Page] 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. I have of late tried the Graffing of Oaks, but as yet with slender successe; Ruellius indeed affirms it will take the Pears and other Fruit, and if we may credit the Poet,

The sturdy Oak do's Golden Apples bear.

— Aurea durae

Mala feraut quercus.

Ecl. 8.

And under Elmes swine do the Mast devour.

Glandemque sues fregere sub Ʋlmo.

Geor.

Which I conceive to be the more probable, for that the Sap of the Oak is of an unkind tincture to most Trees. But for this Improvement, I would rather advise Inoculation, as the ordinary Elm upon the Witch-Hasel, for those large leaves we shall anon mention, and which are so familiar in France.

6. That the Transplanting of young Oaks gains them ten years Advance some happy persons have affirmed: from this belief, if in a former Impression I have desir'd to be excused, and produc't my Reasons for it, I shall not persist against any sober mans Experience; and therefore leave this Article to their choice; since (as the Butchers phrase is) change of Pasture makes fat Calves; and so Transplantations of these hard wood-trees, when young, may possibly, by an happy hand, in fit season, and other circumstances of Soil, Sun, and Room for growth, be an improvement: But as for those who advise us to plant Oaks of too great a stature, they hardly make any considerable progresse in an Age, and therefore I cannot encourage it unlesse the ground be extraordinarily qualified: 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 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, unlesse 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 hereby made 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 [Page] in this Work, be circumspect never to inter your Stem deeper than 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, for like the Aesculus

How much to heaven her towring head ascends,

So much towards hell her piercing root extends.

—Quòd quantum vertice ad auras

(Aethereas, tantum radicem Tartara tendit)

Geo. 2.

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 carefull soever men have been in ordering the Roots, and preparing the Ground) than 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.

The Card'nal poynts upon the Bark they signe,

And as before it stood, in the same line

Place to warm south, or the obverted polo;

Such force has custome, in each tender soule.

Quinetiam Coeli regionem in cortice signant,

Ʋt quo quaeque modo steterit, quâ parte calores

Austrinos tulerit, quae terga obverterit axi;

Restituant: Adeo in teneris consuescero multum est.

Geor. li. 1.

Which Monition, though Pliny, and some others think good to neglect, or esteem indifferent, I can confirm from frequent losses of my own, and by particular trials; having sometimes Transplanted great trees at Mid-somer with successe (the Earth adhearing 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 than 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 by the clearnesse, politure, and comparative splendor of the South side: And the frequent mossinesse of most Trees on the opposite side, does sufficiently note the unkindnesse 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, than those which are expos'd to the North, with an hard, dark, rougher, and more mossie Integument, as I can now demonstrate in a prodigious coat of it, investing some Pyracanths which I have removed to a Northern dripping [Page] shade. I have seen (writes a worthy Friend to me on this occasion) whole Hedge-rows of Apples and Pears that quite perished after that shelter was removed: 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 Authour 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 than blow fully 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 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 than that the Timber is commonly better qualified which hath endur'd the colder Aspects without these prejudices: And hence it is, that Seneca observes Wood 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 in many of Greece, which exceeded others for good Timber, as doubtlesse 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 have they such vast Junipers in Spain; and the Ashes in some parts of the Levant (as of old n [...]er 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 where in Europe. And we shall sometimes in our own Country see Woods within a little of each other, and to all appearance, growing on the same Soil, that Oaks of twenty years growth, or forty, will in the same bulke of Timber, contain their double in Heart and Timber; and that in one the Heart will not be so big as a mans Arm, when the [Page] trunke exceeds a mans body: This ought therefore to be weighed in the first plantation of Copses, and a good Eye may discern it in the first Shoot; the difference proceeding doubtlesse from the variety of the Seed, and therefore great care should be had of its goodness, and that it be gather'd from the best sort of Trees, as was formerly hinted, c. 1.

9. Veterem Arborem Transplantare was say'd of a difficult enterprise; Yet 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 neer his delicious Paradise of Friburge, containing six hundred Coco-trees of eighty years growth, and fifty foot high to the neerest 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 Gasper Barlaeus 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? A great person in Devon, planted Oaks as big as twelve Oxen could draw, to supply some defect in an Avenue to one of his houses; as the Right Honourable the Lord Fits-Harding, late Treasurer of his Majesties houshold, 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 Ax 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 Firr, that when it was to be Transplanted had a tap-root which went no less than 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 [Page] 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 prependicularly into the place by the help of the foresaid Engine. And by this addresse you may Transplant Trees of a wonderfull stature, without the least disorder; and many times without topping, or diminution of the head, which is of great importance where this is 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 oylinesse 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 off their tops, sear, and unthriving Branches only; If you intend an out-right felling, expect till November; for this praemature 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 reason for the growth of the Tree which you do not fell, the other for the durablenesse 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: But of these particulars more at large in Cap. 30.

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. I could name some who abandoning this to workmen [Page] for their pains only, when they perceiv'd the great advantage, repented of their Bargain, and undertaking it themselves, were gainers above half: I wish only for the expedition of this knotty work, some effectual Engine were devised; such as I have been told a worthy Person of this Nation made use of, by which he was able with one man to perform more than with twelve Oxen; and surely, there might be much done by fastning of Iron hooks and fangs about one Root to extract another; the hoock chayn'd to some portable Screw or Winch: I say such an invention might effect wonders not only for the extirpation of Roots, but the prostrating of huge Trees: That small Engine, which by some is cal'd the German-devil, reform'd, after this manner, and duely applied, might be very expedient for this purpose, and therefore we have exhibited the following figure and submit it to improvement.

[figure]

[Page]A The hand that keeps the Rope, b close upon the Cylinder c which is moved by a Pinnion of three or four teeth: d which moves a larger Iron Wheel f. e the Handle put upon the Spindle of the Pinnion, to turne it withall.

The whole Frame is let into a bigger piece of Wood, viz. h being about four foot in length, and one in breadth, and the other end of the Roller or Cylinder, is sustein'd by a lesser block of Wood (i) g the Plate which holds the Wheel and Pinnion in the larger block. Note,

That the Cylinder may be made of good tough Iron, about four inches in diameter, and fourteen or sixteen inches in length, and the tooth'd Wheel f of the like stuff, and of a thicknesse proportionable.

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 intire Acre of Ground, and Theophrastus describes the Lycean Platanus to have spread an hundred foot; if so, the Argument may hold good for their growth after the Tree is come to its period. They made Cups of the Roots of Oak heretofore, and such a curiosity Athenaeus tells us was carv'd by Thericleus himself; and there is a way so to tinge Oak after long burying and soaking in Water, which gives it a wonderfull politure, as that it has frequently been taken for a course Ebony.

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, unlesse 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, Fonti 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 Hedg-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 1 Jacobi.

[Page]17. To enumerate now the incomparable Ʋses of this Wood, were needlesse: 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 the Acorns, though they should be found fall [...]n 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, and scarcely the very Fire it self, in which it consumes but slowly, as seeming to partake of a ferruginous, and mettallin shining nature, proper for sundry robust Uses; It is doubtlesse of all Timber hitherto known, the most universally usefull and strong; for though some Trees be harder, as Box, Cornus, Ebony, and divers of the Indian Woods; yet we find them more fragil, and not so well qualified to support great incumbencies and weights, nor is there any Timber more lasting which way soever us'd: There has (we know) been no little stir amongst Learned men of what material the Cross was made, on which our blessed Saviour suffer'd: The contentions about it are very great: but, besides Lipsius, Angelus Rocca, Alphonsus Ciaconus, and divers others, writing on this subject, and upon accurate examination of the many fragments pretended to be parcells of it; 'tis generally concluded to have been the Oak, and I do verily believe it; since those who have described those Countries, assure us there is no Tree more frequent, which with relation to severall celebrations and Mysteries under Oaks in the Old Testament, has been the subject of many fine discourses. 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 usefull, 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 Ʋses does many times most dangerously flie in sunder, as wanting that native spring, and toughness, which our English Oak is indu'd withall. And here we forget not the stresse which Sir H. Wotton and other Architects put even in the very position of their growth, their native streightnesse and loftinesse, for Columns, Supporters, Cross-beams, &c. and 'tis found that the rough grain'd body of a stubbed Oak, is the fittest Timber for the Case of a Sider-Mill, and such like Engines, as best enduring the unquietnesse of a ponderous Rolling-stone. For Shingles, Pales, Lathes, Coopers ware, Clap-board for Wainscot, and some pannells, are curiously vein'd, of much esteem in former times, till the finer grain'd Norway Timber came amongst us, which is likewise of a whiter colour: It is observ'd that Oak will not easily glue to other Wood; no not very well with its own kind; and some sorts will never cohere tolerably, as the Box and Horn-beam, though both hard woods; so nor Service with Cornell, &c. Oak is excellent for Wheel-spokes, Pinns and Peggs for Tyling, &c. Mr. Blith makes [Page] Sparrs and small building-Timber of Oaks of eleven years growth, which is a prodigious advance, &c. the smallest and streightest is best; discover'd 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, the crooked, yet firm, for knee-timber in Shipping, Mill-wheels, &c. Were planting of these Woods more in use, we should banish our hoops of Hasel, &c. for those of good coppet 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; but this our Coopers love not to hear of, who work by the great for Sale, and for others. The smaller trunchions, and spray, make Billet, Bavine and Coals; and the Bark is of price with the Tanner and Dyer, to whom the very Saw-dust is of use, as are the Ashes and Lee to cure the roapishness of Wine: And 'tis probable the Cups of our Acorns would tan Leather as well as the Bark. The Ground-Oak while young is us'd for Poles, Cudgels and walking-staffs, much come into mode of late, but to the wast of many a hopefull Plant which might have prov'd good Timber; and I the rather declaime against the Custom, because I suspect they are such as are for the most part cut and stolen by idle Persons, and brought up to London in great bundles, without the knowledg or leave of the Owners, who would never have glean'd their Copses for such trifling uses: Here I am again to give a general notice of the peculiar excellency of the Roots of most Trees, for fair, beautifull, chamleted, and lasting Timber, applicable to many purposes; such as formerly made Hafts for Daggers, Hangers, Knives, Handles for staves, Tobacco-Boxes, and elegant Joyners-work, and even for some Mathematical Instruments of the larger size, to be had either in, or neer the Roots of many Trees; however 'tis a kindnesse to premonish Stewards and Surveyors, that they do not negligently wast those materials: Nor may we here omit to mention the Galls, Missletoe, Polypod, Agaric (us'd in Antidots) Vuae, Fungus's to make Tinder, and many other usefull Excrescencies, to the number of above twenty, which doubtlesse discovers the variety of transudations, percolations and contextures of this admirable Tree. Pliny affirms that the Galls 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. Galls are of several kinds, but grow upon a different species of Robur from any of ours, which never arive to any maturity; the white and imperforated are the best. 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. A Peck of Acorns a day, with a little Bran, will make an Hog ('tis said) increase a pound-weight per diem for two moneths together. They give them also to Oxen mingled with Bran, chop'd or broken; otherwise they are apt to sprout and grow in their bellies. Others say, they should first be macerated in water, to extract their malignity; cattel many [Page] times perishing without this preparation. Cato advises the Husband-man to reserve [...]40 bushels of Acorns for his Oxen, mingled with a like quantity of Beans and Lupines, and to drench them well. But in truth they are more proper for Swine, and being so made small will fatten Pigeons, Peacocks, Turkies, Pheasants, and Poultry: nay 'tis reported, that some Fishes feed on them, especially the Tunny, in such places of the coast where trees hang over Arms of the Sea. Acorns were heretofore the food of Men, nay of Jupiter himself, (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 Chesnuts) which they likewise used to rost under the embers.

— Fed with the Oaken Mast

The aged Trees themselves in years surpass'd.

— Et quernâ glande repasta

Aequâsse annosas vivendo corpora Quercus.

And men had indeed hearts of Oak; I mean, not so hard, but health, and strength, and liv'd naturally, and with things easily parable and plain.

Blest Age o'th' World, just Nymph, when Man did dwell

Under thy shade, whence his provision fell;

Sallads the meal: Wildings were the Dissert,

No Tree yet learn'd by ill-exampled Art

With in [...]ititious fruit to symbolize,

As in an Emblem, our Adulteries.

Foelix illa aetas mundi justissima Nymphe,

Cùm dabat umbra domum vivam tua, cùm domus ipsa

Deciduâ Dominos pascebat fruge quietos,

Soláque praebebaut Sylvestria poma secundas

Gramineis epulas mensis; nondum arte magistrâ

Arbor Adulteriis praeluserat iusita nostris, &c.

Couleii Pl. L. 6.

as the sweet Poet bespeaks the Dryad; But 'tis in another place where I shew you what this Acorn was; and even now I am told, that those small young Acorns which we find in the Stock-doves Craws, are a delicious fare, as well as those incomparable Salads of young herbs taken out of the maws of Partridges at a certain season of the year, which gives them a preparation far exceeding all the art of Cookery. Oaks bear also a knur, full of a cottony matter, of which they anciently made Wick for their Lamps and Candles; and among the Selectiora Remedia of Jo. Praevotius there is mention of an Oil è querna glande Chymically extracted, which he affirms 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. The leaves of Oaks abundantly congested on Snow, preserves it as well for wine, as a deep pit, or the most artificial Refrigeratory. Varro affirms, they made Salt of Oak ashes, with which they sometimes seasoned meat, but more frequently made use of it to sprinkle among and fertilize their seed-corn: which minds me of a certain Oak found buried somewhere in Transilvania, near the Salt-pits, that was intirely converted into an hard salt, when they came to examine it by cutting. This experiment (if true) may possibly encourage some other attempts for the multiplying of Salt. Of the Galls is made the ground and basis of Inks and several Dies, especially sadder colours, and are a great revenue to those who have quantities of them. The very Mosse of [Page] the Oak, viz. that which is white, composes the choicest Cypresse-powder, which is esteemed good for the head: but Impostors familiarly vend other Mosses under that name, as they do the Fungi for the true Agaric, to the great scandal of Physick. Young red Oaken leaves decocted in wine, make an excellent gargle for a sore mouth: and almost every part of this Tree is soveraign against Fluxes in general. The dew that impearls the leaves in May, insolated, meteorizes and sends up a liquor, which is of admirable effect in Ruptures: And a water distill'd from the Acorns are good against the Phthisick, Stitch in the side, and heals inward Ʋlcers, breaks the Stone, and refrigerates Inflammations, being applied with Linnen dip'd therein: nay, the Acorns themselves eaten fasting kill the worms, provoke urine, and (some affirm) break even the Stone it self. The Coals of Oak beaten and mingled with honey, cures the Carbuncle; to say nothing of the Viscous's, Polypods, and other Exerescences, of which innumerable Remedies are composed, noble Antidotes, Syrups, &c. Nay, 'tis reported, that the very shade of this tree is so wholesom, that the sleeping or lying under it becomes a present remedy to Paralyticks, and recovers those whom the mistaken malign influence of the Walnut-tree has smitten. To conclude, and upon serious meditation of the various uses of this and other trees, we cannot but take notice of the admirable Mechanism of Vegetables in general; as in particular in this species; that by the diversity of Percolations and Strainers, and by mixtures as it were of divine Chymistry, various concoctions, &c. the sap should be so green on the indented leaves, so lustily esculent for our hardier and rustick Constitutions in the fruit; so flat and palid in the Atramental Galls; and haply so prognostick in the Apple; so Suberous in the Bark (for even the Cork tree is but a courser Oak) so Oozie in the Tanners pit; and in that subduction so wonderfully specifick in corroborating the Entrails, and Bladder, Reins, Loins, Back, &c. which are all but the gifts and qualities, with many more, that these robust sons of the Earth afford us; and that in other specific's, even the most despicable and vulgar Elder imparts to us in its rind, leaves, buds, blossoms, berries, ears, pith, bark, &c. Which hint may also carry our remarks upon all the varieties of Shape, Leaf, Seed, Fruit, Timber, Grain, Colour, and all those other forms that Philosophers have enumerated; but which were here too injurious for us to repeat. Let us end with the Poet:

When Ships for bloudy combat we prepare,

Oak affords plank, and arms our Men of War;

Maintains our fires, makes plows to till the ground,

For use no Timber like the Oak is found.

Si quando armandae naves, & bella paranda,

Det quercus nautis tabulata, det arma furorè

Bellantum; det ligna foco, det aratra colono,

Aut aliis alios porro sumatur in usus.

Rapinus.

[Page]

CHAP. IV. Of the Elm.

Elm.1. ULmus 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 our culture, the vulgar, viz. the Mountain Elm, which is taken to be the Oriptelea of Theophrastus; being of a lesse jagged and smaller leaf; and the Vernacula or French Elm, whose leaves are thicker, and more florid, glabrous and smooth, delighting in the lower and moister grounds, where they will sometimes rise to above an hundred foot in height; and a prodigious growth, in lesse than an Age; my self having seen one planted by the hand of a Countesse 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: I am persuaded some of these are Viviradices & Traduces produc't of the falling seeds.

2. For though both these sorts are rais'd of Appendices or Suckers (as anon we shall describe) yet this latter comes well from the Samera or Seeds, and therefore I suppose it to be the antient Attinea, for such an Elm they acknowledge to be rais'd of Seeds, which being ripe about the beginning of March (though frequently not till the following Month) 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 Countrey, though so seldom taken notice of, as that it is esteemed a fable, by the lesse observant and ignorant vulgar; let it be tryed in season, by turning and raking some fine earth, often refreshed under some amply spreading Tree, or to raise them of their Seeds (being well dryed a day or two before) sprinkled in Beds prepar'd of good earth, and siefting some of the finest mould thinly over them, and watering them when need requires. Being risen an inch above ground (refreshed and preserved from the scraping of Birds and Poultry) comfort the tender seedlings by a second siefting of more sine 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 n [...]t need above one cutting, [Page] where they grow lesse 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 (besides 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 produced in abundance from the Roots, whence, being dextrously separated, after the Earth has been well loosned, and planted about the end of October, they will grow very well: Nay, the stubs onely, 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) scattered 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 examined; for I pronounce nothing Magisterially, since it is so confidently reported.

4. I have known Stakes sharpned at the ends for other purposes, take root familiarly in moist grounds, and become Trees; and divers have essay'd with extraordinary success the trunchions of the Boughs and Arms of Elms cut to the scantling of a mans arm, about an ell in length. These must be chopp'd on each side opposite, and laid into trenches about half a foot deep, covered about two or three fingers deep with good mould. The season for this work is towards the exit of January, or early in February if the Frosts impede not, and after the first year, you may cut or saw the trunchions off in as many places as you find cause, and as the shoots and rooted Sprouts will direct you for transplantation. Another expedient for the propagation of Elms is this; let trenches be sunk at a good distance (viz. twenty or thirty yards) from such Trees as stand in Hedge-rows, and in such order as you desire your Elms should grow; where these gutters are, many young Elms will spring from the small roots of the adjoyning Trees, divide (after one year) the shoots from their Mother-roots, which you may dextrously do with a sharp spade: These transplanted, will prove good Trees without any damage to their Progenitors. Or do thus, Lop a young Elm, the lop being about three years growth, do it in the latter end of March, when the Sap begins to creep up into the Boughs, and the Buds ready to break out; cut the Boughs into lengths of four foot slanting, leaving the knot where the bud seems to put forth in the middle: [Page] Interr these short pieces in trenches of three or four inches deep, and in good mou [...]d well trodden, and they will infallibly produce you a Crop, for even the smallest Suckers of Elms will grow being set when the Sap is newly stirring in them: There is yet a fourth way no lesse expeditious, and frequently confirmed with excellent successe: Bare some of the Master-roots of a vigorous Tree within a foot of the Trunk, or thereabouts, and with your Ax make several Chops, putting a small stone into every clest, to hinder their closure, and give accesse to the wet; then cover them with three, or four inch thick of Earth; and thus they will send forth Suckers in abundance (I assure you one single Elm thus well ordered, is a fair Nursery) which after two or three years, you may separate, and plant in the Ʋlmarium, or place designed 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 Consort, Sociable, and so affecting to grow in Company, that the very best which I have ever 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 even arrive 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 at the sides, as in Hedge-rows and Avenues, where they have the Air likewise free.

5. There is besides these sorts we have named, one of a more Scabrous harsh leaf, but very large, which becomes an huge Tree, and is distinguished by the name of the Witch-hazel in our Statute Books, as serving formerly to make long Bowes of; but the Timber is not so good as the first more vulgar; but the Bark at time of year, will serve to make a course bast-rope with.

6. Of all the Trees which grow in our Woods, there is none which does better suffer the Transplantation then the Elm; for you may remove a tree of twenty years growth with undoubted successe: 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 onely 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 disposed 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, provided they take care to temper it well, so as the Vermine nestle not in 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 [Page] 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 Mistriss) tells us, that you can hardly plant an Elm too big. There are 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 than I do the strewing of Oats in the pit; which fermenting with the moisture, and frequent watering [...], 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.

7. I have affirmed how patient this Tree is of Transplantation; not onely for that I observe so few of them to grow wild in England, and where it may not be suspected; but they, or their predecessors have been planted by some industrious hand; but for that those incomparable Walkes and Vistas of them both at Aranivez, Casa del Campo, Madrid, the Escurial, and other places of delight belonging to the King and Grandees of Spain, are planted with such as they report Philip the second caused to be brought out of England; before which (as that most Honourable Person the Earl of Sandwich now his Majesties Ambassador Extraordinary, at that Court writes to me) it does not appear there were any of those Trees in all Spain. In that Princely Seat it is, that double rowes of them are planted in many places for a league together in length, and some of them fourty yards high, which are kept stript up to the very top branch, which must needs render a most glorious, and agreeable effect; no Tree whatsoever, becoming long Walks and Avenues, comparably to this Majestick plant: But hear it as sweetly advised as described;

An Elm for graceful verdure, bushy bough,

A lofty top, and a firm rind allow.

Plant Elm in borders, on the Grasse-plots list,

Branches of Elm into thick Arbours twist;

A Gallery of Elm draw to the end

That Eyes can reach, or a breath'd race extend.

Ʋt viror est ulmo laetus, ramique comantes,

Arduus, alta petens & levi cortice truncus.

Ʋlmum adhibe ordinibus, quoties fundenda per hortum,

Sunt serie spatia ingenti, texendaque totis,

Aestivos contra soles umbracula campis:

Ʋna alias inter texendis aptior ulmus

Marginibus spatiorum, exornandoque vireto.

Seque adeo series, plano super aequore, tendat

Ʋlmorum tractu longo; quantum ipsa tuentum

Lumina, vel gressus valeant lustrare sequentum.

Rapinus.

8. The Elm delights in a sound, sweet, and fertile Land, something more inclined 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 refreshed 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 [Page] 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 a little elevated from these annoyances; as we see in the Mounds, and castings up of Ditches, upon whose banks the Female sort does more naturally delight; though it seems to be so much more addicted to some places than to others, that I have frequently doubted, whether it be a pure Indigene or translatitious; and not onely because I have hardly ever known any considerable Woods of them (besides some few Nurseries neer Cambridge, planted I suppose for store) but almost continually in Tufts, Hedg-rowes, and Mounds; and that Shropshire, and several other Counties, have rarely, any growing in many miles together.

9. The Elm is by reason of its aspiring, and tapering growth (unlesse it be topped 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 agreeable Ornament.

10. 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.

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

12. When you lop the side-boughs of an 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 trim them, be careful to indulge the tops; for they protect the body of your Trees from the wet, which alwayes 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 Authour; for I have noted many Elms so disbranched, 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.

13. There is a Cloyster of the right French Elm in the little Garden neer to her Majesties the Queen Mothers Chappel at Somerset-house, which were (I suppose) planted there, by the industry of [Page] 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 my self procured some of them from Paris, but they were so abused in the Transportation, that they all perished save one, which now flourishes with me: I have also heard of graffing Elms to a great improvement of their heads: Virgil tells us they will joyn in Marriage with the Oak, and they would both be tryed; and that with the more probable successe, for such lignous kinds, if you graff under the Earth, upon, or neer the very Root it self, which is likely to entertain the Cyon better than when more exposed, till it be well fixt, and have made some considerable progresse.

14. 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 alleadged 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 kerse neer 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-mans judgment 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.

15. Elm is a Timber of most singular use; especially where it may lie continually dry, or wet in extreames; therefore proper for Water-works, Mills, Pipes, Pumps, Aquae-ducts, Ship-planks beneath the Waterline; and some that has been found buried in Bogs has turned like the most polish'd, and hardest Ebony, onely discerned by the grain: Also for Wheel-wrights, Handles for the single Hand-saw, the knotty for Naves, the straight and smooth for Axel-trees, and the very Roots for curiously dappled works, scarce has any superior for Kerbs of Coppers, Featheridge, and Weather-boards, Chopping-blocks, Blocks for the Hatmaker, Trunks, and Boxes to be covered with leather; for Dressers, and Shovel-board-Tables of great length, and a lustrous Colour if rightly seasoned; also for the Carver, by reason of the tenor of the grain, and toughnesse which fits it for all those curious works of Frutages, Foleage, Shields, Statues, and most of the Ornaments appertaining to the Orders of Architecture; and for not being much subject to warping; I find that of old they used it even for hinges and hooks of Doors; but then, that part of the Plank, which grew towards the top of the Tree, was in work to be alwayes reversed: But besides these and sundry other employments, 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 strip'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 [Page] prove a great relief to Cattel in Winter, and scorching Summers, when Hay and fodder is dear; they will eat them before Oates, and thrive exceedingly well with them; remember onely 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 Epithite was advis'd,

Fruitful in leaves the Elm.

—foecundae frondibus Ʋlmi.

Georg. 2.

In some parts of Herefordshire they gather them in Sacks for their Swine, and other Cattel according to this Husbandry. But I hear an ill report of them for Bees, that surfeiting of the blooming Seeds, they are obnoxious to the Lask, at their first going abroad in Spring, which endangers whole Stock [...], if Remedies be not timely adhibited; therefore 'tis said in great Elm Countries they do not thrive, but the truth of which I am yet to learn. The Green leaf of the Elms contused, heales a green wound or Cut, and boyled with the Bark consolidates fractur'd bones.

[Page]

CHAP. V. Of the Beech.

1. THe Beech, [Fagus] (of two or three kinds) and numbred amongst the glandiferous Trees,Beech▪ I rank here before the martial Ash, because it commonly grows to a greater stature. But here I may not omit a Note of the accurate Critis Palmerius, Exercit. in Theophrast. l. 3. c. 9. upon a passage in Theophrastus, where he Animadverts upon his Interpreter, and shews that the antient [...] was by no means the Beech, but a kind of Oak; for that the figure of the fruit is so widely unlike it; that being round, this triangular; and both Theophrastus and Pausanias make it indeed a Species of Oak, In Arcad. wholly differing in Trunk, as well as Fruit and Leaf, to which he adds (what determines the Controversie) [...], &c. That it is of a firm Timber, not obnoxious to the Worm, neither of which can so confidently be said of the Beech. Yet La Cerda too seems guilty of the same mistake: But leaving this, there are of our Fagi, too or three kinds with us; the Mountain (where it most affects to grow) 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 onely 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-furnished 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 Consort) they will grow to a stupendious procerity, though the soyl 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 Firr it self, which, with this so common Tree, the great Caesar denies to be found in Britanny, Materia cujusque generis, ut in Gallia, praeter Fagum & abietem: But certainly from a grand mistake, or rather, for that he had not travelled much up [Page] into the Countrey. Virgil reports it will graff with the Chesnut.

2. The Beech serves for various Ʋses of the Housewife;

Hence in the Worlds best years the humble Shed,

Was happily, and fully furnished:

Beech made their Chests, their Beds and the Joyn'd-stools,

Beech made the Board, the Platters, and the Bowles.

Hinc olim juvenis Mundi melioribus annis

Fortunatarum domuum non magna Supeliex

Tota petebatur; Sellas, Armaria, Lectos.

Et Mensas dabat, & Lances, & pocula Fagus, &c.

Couleij Pl. l. 6.

with it the Turner makes Dishes, Trays, Rimbs, for Buckets, and other Utensils, Trenchers, Dresser-boards, &c. likewise for the Wheeler, Joyner, and Ʋpholster for Sellyes, Chairs, Stools, Bedsteads, &c. for the Bellows-maker, and Husbandman his Shovel and Spade-graffs; Floates for Fishers Nets instead of Corks, is made of its Bark; for Fuel, Billet, Bavin and Coal though one of the least lasting: Not to omit even the very Shavings for the fining of Wines. Peter Cresentius writes, that the Ashes of Beech with proper mixture, is excellent to make Glasse with. If the Timber lye altogether under water, 'tis little inferior to Elm, as I find it practised and asserted by Shipwrights: Of old they made their Vasa Vindimiatoria and Corbes Messoriae (as we our pots for Strawberries) with the Rind of this Beech, nay, and Vessels to preserve Wine in, and that curiously wrought Cup which the Shepherd in the Buchollicks wagers with all, was engraven by Alcimedon upon the Bark of this tree: And an happy age it seems:

— No Wars did men molest,

When onely Beechen-Bowles were in request.

— nec bella fuerunt,

Faginus astabat dum Scyphus ante dapes.

Tibul.

Of the thin Lamina or Scale of this wood (as our Cutlers call it) are made Scabards for Swords and Bandboxes, superinduc'd with thin leather or Paper, Boxes for Writings, Hat-cases, and formerly Book-covers. I wonder we cannot split it our selves but send into other Countreys for such trifles. In the Cavities of these Trees, Bees much delight to Hive themselves: Yet for all this, 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 Ʋtensils with excellent Wallnut; 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, where it lyes either dry, or wet and dry, as has been noted; but being put ten dayes in water, it will exceedingly resist the worm. Ricciolus much commends it for Oars, and some say that the vast Argo was built of the Fagus, a good part of it at least, as we learn out of Apolonius; this will admit of Interpretation. But whilst 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 indured 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 [Page] 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 gathered about [...]e Fall, and somewhat before they are much frost-bitten, afford the best and easiest Mattrasses in the world to lay under our Quilts instead of straw; because, besides their tendernesse 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 sometimes lain on them to my great refreshment; so as of this Tree it may properly be said,

The Wood's an House, the leaves a Bed.

—Sylva domus, cubilia froudes.

Juvenal.

The stagnant water in the hollow Trees cure the most obstinate Tettars, Scabs, and Scurfs, in Man or Beast, fomenting the part with it; and the Leaves chew'd, are wholesome for the Gums and Teeth, for which the very Buds, as they are in Winter hardned and dryed upon the twiggs, make good Tooth pickers. Swine may be driven to Mast about the end of August.

[Page]

CHAP. VI. Of the Ash.

Ash.1. FRaxinus the Ash, is with us Male and Female, the one affecting the higher grounds: 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 pound 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 valued worth fifty thousand pounds to be bought. These are pretty encouragements, for a small, and pleasant industry. That there is a lower, and more knotty sort, every Husbandman can distinguish.

2. The Keys being gathered when they begin to fall (which is about the end of October, and the ensuing Month) are to be sowed; but not altogether so deep as your former Masts: Thus they do in Spain: from whence it were good to procure some of the keyes from their best trees: A very narrow Seminary will be sufficient to store an whole Country: They will lye a 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 (which I prefer) 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 obstnate, and deep rooting; tantus amor terrae— which makes them hard to be taken up when they grow older, and that being removed they take no great hold till 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 (which being young is pithy) nor, by any means, the fibrous part of the Roots; onely, 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; [Page] because being yet young, it is but of a spongie 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. Young Ashes are sometimes in Winter frost-burnt, black as Coals, and then to use the knife is seasonable, though they do commonly recover of themselves slowly. In South-Spain (where as we said 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,

By havock, Wounds, and Blows,

More lively and luxuriant grows.

Per damna, per caedes, ab ipso

Ducit opes auimúmque ferro.

Ho [...].

Ash will be propagated from a Bough slipt off with some of the old-wood, a little before the Bud swells. Such as they reserve for Spears in Spain, they keep shrip'd up close to the stem, and plant them in close order, and moyster places. These they cut above the knot (for the least nodosity spoils all) in the decrease of January, which were of the latest for us: It is reported that the Ash will not onely receive its own kind, but graff, or be inoculated with the Pear and Apple, but to what improvement I know not.

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-rowes, and Plumps, they will thrive exceedingly, where they may be dispos'd at nine or ten foot distance, and sometimes neerer: But in planting of 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 Ma [...]shy, unlesse it be first well drain'd: By the Banks of sweet and crystal Rivers and Streams, I have observ'd them to thrive infinitely. One may observe as manifest a difference in the Timber of Ashes, as of the Oak; much more than is found in any one kind of Elm, caeteris paribus: For so the ground-Ash (like the Oak) much excells a bough, or branch of the same bulk, for strength and toughnesse; and in yet farther emulation of the Oak, it has been known to prove as good, and lasting Timber for Building, nay, preferr'd before it, where there has [Page] been plenty of Oake; vast difference there is also in the strength of Ground, and quarter'd Ash: 'Tis likewise remarkable that the Ash, like the Cork tree, grows when the Bark is quite peel'd off, as has been observ'd in several Forests, where the Deer have bared them as far as they could climb: Some Ash is curiously camleted and vein'd, I say, so differently from other Timber; that our skilful Cabinet-makers prize it equal with Ebony, and give it the name of green Ebony, which the Customer payes well for; and when our Woodmen light upon it, they may make what mony they will of it: But to bring it to that curious lustre, so as 'tis hardly to be distinguished from the most curiously diaper'd Olive, they Varnish their Work with the China-varnish (hereafter described) which infinitely excells I [...]ynseed-oyl, that Cardan so commends, speaking of this Root.

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▪ Ovid. The Carpenter, Wheel-wright, Cart-wright, for Ploughs, Axel trees, Wheelrings, Harrows, Bulls, Oares, the best blocks for Pullys and Sheffs, as Seamen name them; Also for the 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 Husbandman cannot be without the Ash for his Carts, Ladders, and other tackling: From the Pike, to the Plow; Spear, and Bow, for of Ash were they formerly made, and therefore reckon'd amongst those woods, which after long tension has a natural Spring, and recovers its position; so as in Peace and War it is a Wood in highest request: There is extracted an Oyl from the Ash, by the processe on other Woods, which is excellent to recover the Hearing; some drops of it being distill'd warm into the Ears, and for the Caries or rot of the Bones, Tooth-ach, pains in the Kidneys, and Spleen, the anointing therewith is most soveraign. 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; and there is a dwarfe sort in France (if in truth it be not, as I suspect, our Witchen-tree) whose Berries feed the poor People, in scarce years, but it bears no Keys, like to ours, which being pickled tender, afford a delicate Salading. But the Shade of the Ash 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 Ʋmbrage, 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. Note, that the Season for felling of this Tree must be when the Sap is fully at rest; for if you cut it down too early, or over late in the year, it will be so obnoxious [Page] to the Worm, as greatly to prejudice the timber; therefore to be sure, fell not till the three Mid-winter Months, beginning about November. I am astonish'd at the universal Confidence of all our Botanists, that a Serpent will rather creep into the Fire, than over a twig of Ash; this is an old Imposture of Plinys, who either took it up upon trust, or we mistake the Tree.

CHAP. VII. Of the Chesnut.

1. THe next is the Chesnut, Chess-nut. [Castanea] of which Pliny reckons many kinds, especially about Tarentum and Naples; but we commend those of Portugal or Bayone, choosing the largest brown and most ponderous for fruit, such as Pliny calls Coctivae, but the lesser ones to raise for Timber. They are produc'd best by sowing; previous to which, let the Nuts be first spread to sweat, then cover them in sand, a Month being past, plunge them in Water, reject the swimmers; being dry'd for thirty dayes more, sand them again, and to the water-ordeal as before. Being thus treated till the beginning of Spring, or in November, set them as you would do Beans; and as some practise it, drench'd for a night or more, in new Milk: They should be put into the holes with the poynt upmost as you plant Tulips; 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 passe this examination; nor will any of them fail: But being come up they thrive best unremoved, 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 exposed, and bleak places, and the pendent declivities of Hills to the North, in dry airy places, and sometimes neer Marshes and Waters; but they affect no other compost, save what their own leaves afford them, and are more patient of cold than 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. Pliny l. 15. c. 23. from this natural Guard, concludes them to be excellent food, and doubtlesse Caesar thought so, when he transported them from Sardis first into Italy, whence they were propagated into France, and thence among us; another encouragement to make such Experiments out of forain Countreys. Some [Page] 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 Chesnuts be wonderfully increased, and thickned, 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 loosned about their Roots, for two or three of the first years, and the superfluous wood prun'd away; and indeed for good Trees, they should be shrip'd up after the first years removal: Thus will you 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 Hopyard, 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 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, the nature of whose shade it resembles, since nothing affects much to grow under it: Some Husbands tell me, that the young Chess-nut-trees should not be pruned or touched with any knife or edgetool, for the first three or four years, but rather crop'd or broken off, which I leave to farther Experience.

4. The Chessnut being graffed in the Wall-nut, Oak, or Beech (I have been told) will come exceeding fair, and produce incomparabl [...] Fruit; for the Wall-nut, and Chessnut in each other, it is probable; but I have not as yet made a full attempt; they also speak of Inoculating Cherrys in the Chessnut-stock for a later fruit. In the mean time, I wish we did more universally propagate the Horse-Chessnut, which being easily increas'd from layers, grows into a goodly Standard, and bears a most glorious flower, even in our cold Countrey: 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. It was first brought from Constantinople to Vienna, thence into Italy, and so France; but to Ʋs from the Levant more immediately, and flourishes so well, and grows so goodly a Tree in compent time, that by this alone, we might have ample encouragement to Denizen other strangers amongst us.

5. 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 [Page] written by Fitz-Stephens, in the Reign of Hen. 2. he speaks of a very noble and large Forest which grew on the Boreal part of it: Proxime (sayes he) patet foresta ingens, saltus nemorosi ferarum, latebrae cervorum, damarum, aprorum, & taurorum Sylvestrium, &c. A very goodly thing it seems, and as well stor'd with all sorts of good Timber, as with Venison and all kind of Chase. The Chess-nut affords the best Stakes and Poles for Palisades, Pedaments for Vine-props, and Hops, as I said before: Also for Mill-timber and Water-works, or when it may lie buried; but if water touch the Roots of the growing Trees, it spoils both Fruit and Timber: 'Tis likewise observed, that this Tree is so prevalent against cold, that where they stand, they defend other Plantations from the injuries of the severest frosts: I am sure being planted in Hedge-rowes, & circa agrorum itinera, or for Avenues to our Countrey-houses, they are a magnificent, and royal Ornament: This Timber also does well for Columns, Tables, Chests, Chairs, Stools, Bedsteads; for Tubs, and VVine-Cask, which it preserves with the least tincture of the wood of any whatsoever: If the Timber be dip'd in scalding Oyl, and well Pitch'd, it becomes extreamly durable: Beams made of Chessnut tree have this property, that being somewhat brittle, they give warning, and premonish the danger by a certain crackling which it makes: Formerly they made Consultatory Staves of this Tree; and the Variegated Rods which Jacob peel'd to lay in the Troughs, and impresse a fancy in his Father-in-law's conceiving Ewes, were of this material. The Coales are excellent for the Smith, being soon kindled, and as soon extinguisht; but the Ashes of Chessnut-wood are not convenient for to make a Lee with, because it is observ'd to stain the Linnen. As for the Fruit, 'tis better to beat it down from the Tree, some little time before they fall off themselves; thus, they will the better keep, or else you must smoke-dry them. But we give that fruit to our Swine in England, which is amongst the delicacies of Princes in other Countries; and being of the larger Nut, is a lusty, and masculine food for Rustics at all times; and of better nourishment for Husbandmen than Cole and rusty Bacon, yea, or Beans to boote, instead of which, they boyle them in Italy with their Bacon; and in Virgil's time, they ate them with Milk and Cheese. The best Tables in France and Italy make them a Service, eating them with Salt, in VVine, or juice of Lemon and Sugar; being first rosted in Embers on the Chaplet; and doubtlesse we might propagate their use, amongst our common people, (as of old the [...]) being a food so cheap, and so lasting. In Italy they also boyl them in Wine, and then smoke them a little, these they call Anseri or Geese, I know not why: Those of Piemont add Fennel, Cinnamon and Nutmeg to their Wine, but first they peele them. Others macerate them in Rose-water; the Bread of the flower is exceeding nutritive; 'tis a robust food and makes Women well complexion'd, as I have read in a good Authour: They also make Fritters of Chessnut flower, which they wet with Rosewater, and sprinkle with [Page] grated Parmegiano, and so fry them in fresh Butter, a delicate: How we here use them in stew'd-meats, and Beatille-Pyes, our French Cooks teach us; and this is in truth the very best use of their Fruit, and very commendable; for it is found that the eating of them raw or in Bread (as they do much about Limosin) is apt to swell the belly, though without any other inconvenience that I can learn, and yet some condemn them as dangerous for such as are subject to the Gravel in the Kidnies. The best way to preserve them, is to keep them in Earthen vessels in a cold place; some lay them in a Smoke-loft, others, in dry Barly-straw, others, in Sand, &c. The leaves of the Chess-nut tree makes very wholsome Mattrasses to lye on, and they are good Litter for Cattel: But those leafie-beds, for the crackling noyse they make when one turns upon them, the French call Licts de Parliament: Lastly, the flower of Chessnuts made into an Electuary with Hony, is an approved Remedy against spitting blood, and the Cough; and a decoction of the Rind of the Tree, tinctures hair of a golden Colour.

CHAP. VIII. Of the Wall-nut.

Wall-nut.1. JƲglans, quasi Jovis glans, the Wall-nut, is of several sorts; the soft shell, and the hard, the whiter, and the blacker grain: This black bears the worst Nut, but the Timber much to be preferred, and we might propagate more of them if we were careful to procure them out of Virginia, where they abound, or from Grenoble, which our Cabinet-makers so prize. It is said that the Wallnut kernel wrap'd in its own leaf, being carefully taken out of its shell, brings a Nut without shell; but this is a trifle; the best way to elevate them is, to set them as you do the Chessnut, being planted of the Nut, or set at the distance you would have him stand; for which they may be prepared by beating them off the Tree (as was prescribed of the Chessnut) some dayes before they quit the Branches of themselves, and kept in their husks, or without them, till Spring, or 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 bitternesse thereof is most exitial, and deadly to Worms; or it were good to strew some Furzes (broken or chopp'd small) under the ground amongst them, to preserve them from Mice and Rats, when their shells begin to wax tender; especially if as some, you supple them a little in warm Cows milk; [Page] but being treated as before, you will find them already sprouted, and have need onely 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, if you can well dispose of it, since being of a pithy and hollow substance, the least diminution, or bruise, will greatly endanger the killing: But see here what we have said of the Chess-nut; I have been told, that the very Tops, and palish Buds of this Tree, when it first sprouts, though as late as April, will take hold of the ground, and grow to an incredible improvement; but first they steep them in Milk and Saffron; but this attempt did not succeed with us, yet it will be propagated by a Branch slipp'd off with some of the old wood, and set in February: An industrious and very experienc'd Husbandman told me, that if they be transplanted as big as ones Middle, it may be done safer than when younger; I do onely report it: What they hint of putting a Tile-shard under the Nuts when first set, to divaricate and spread the Roots (which are otherwise apt to penetrate very deep) I like well enough; 'tis said they will receive their own Cyons being Graffed, but that it does not at all improve their Fruit: The best compost is the strewing of Ashes at the foot of the Trees, the Salt whereof being washed into the Earth, is the best dressing, whilst the juice of the fallen leaves, though it kill the Worm, is noxious to the Root.

2. The Wallnut 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 (though it affect cold rather then extream heat) as in great Pits, Vallies, and Highway sides; also in Stonie-grounds, and on Hills, especially Chalkie: likewise in Cornfields: Thus Burgundy abounds with them, where they stand in the midst 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 onely the the old, and decayed) they alwayes plant a young one near him; and in several places 'twixt Hanaw, and Francfort in Germany, no young Farmer whatsoever is permitted to Marry a Wife, till he bring proof that he hath planted, and is a Father of such a stated number of Walnut-trees, as the Law is inviolably observed to this day, for the extraordinary benefit which this Tree affords the Inhabitants: And in truth, were this Timber in greater plenty amongst us, we should have far better Ʋtensils of all sorts for our Houses, as Chairs, Stools, Bedsteads, Tables, Wainscot, Cabinets, &c. in stead of the more vulgar Beech, subject to the worm, weak, and unsightly; but which to counterfeit and deceive the unwary, they wash over with a decoction made of the Green husks of Walnuts, &c. I say, had we store of this material, we should [Page] find an incredible improvement in the more stable Furniture of our Houses, as in the first frugal, and better dayes of Rome, when

Tables made here at home, those times beheld,

Of our own Wood, for that same purpose fell'd,

Old Walnut blown down, when the Wind set East.

Sr. R. Stapylton.

Illa domi natas, nostraque ex arbore mensas

Tempora viderunt: hos lignum stabat in usus,

Annosam si fortè nucem dejecerat Enrus.

Juv. l. 4. Sat. 11.

for if it had been cut in that season, it would not have prov'd so sound, as we shew in our Chapter of Felling. It is certain, that the Mensae nucinae, were once in price even before the Citrin, as Strabo notes; and nothing can be more beautiful, than some Planks, and Works which I have beheld of it, especially that which comes from Grenoble, of all other the most beautiful and esteemed.

3. They render most graceful Avenues to our Country dwellings, and do excellently neer 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 Walnuts; for so by another antient Law, the Bordurers were obliged 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 Countrey, under a continued Arbour, or Close-walk; The Traveller both refreshed with the Fruit, and the shade, which some have causlesly defam'd for its ill effects on the head, for which the Fruit is a specifique and a notable signature; although I deny not, but the sent of the fallen leaves, when they begin to be damp'd with lying, may emit somewhat a heady steam, which to some has prov'd noxious; but not whilst they were fresh, and lively upon the Trees. How would such publick Plantations improve the Glory and Wealth of a Nation! but where shall we find the spirits among our Countrymen? Yes, I will adventure to instance in those Plantations of Sir Richard Stidolph, upon the Downs neer Lether-head in Surry; 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 readinesse 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 Highwayes, 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 Nobles and Gentry of most other Countries: And in effect it is a most ravishing object, to behold their amenities in this particular: With us sayes he (speaking of France) they make a jest at such political Ordinances, by [Page] 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 resolution of adorning all the High-wayes of France with Elms, &c. but the rude and mischievous Paysans, did so hack, steal, and destroy what they had begun, that they were forced to desist from the thorough prosecution of the design; so as there is nothing more expos'd, wild, and lesse 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 High-wayes, since doubtlesse, such noble, and agreeable objects, would exceedingly divert, entertain, and take off the Minds and Discourses of Melancholy people, and pensive Travellers, who having nothing but the dull and enclosed Wayes to cast their eyes on, are but ill Conversation to themselves, and others, and instead of Celebrating, Censure their Superiours. It is by a curious Person, and industrious Friend of mine, observ'd, that the Sap of this Tree rises, and descends with the Suns diurnal course (which it visibly slackens in the Night) and more plentifully at the Root on the South-side, though those on the North were larger, and lesse distant from the Body of the Tree; and not onely distill'd from the ends, which were next the Stem, but from those which were cut off and separated; which was never observed to happen in the Birch, or other Sap-yielding Trees.

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 Wainscot, with the Gunsmith for Stocks, for Coach wheels excellent, and the Bodies of Coaches, 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, some wood especially, as that which we have from Bologne very black of Colour, and so admirably streaked, as to represent natural flowers, Landskips, and other Fancys: To render this the better coloured, Joyners put the boards into an Oven after the batch is forth, or lay them in a warm Stable, and when they work it, polish it over with its own Oyl very hot, which makes it look black and sleek, and the older it is the more esteemable; but then it should not be put in work till thoroughly seasoned, because it will shrink beyond expectation. It is only not good to confide in it much for beams, or Joysts, because of its brittleness, of which yet, it has been observed to give timely notice, by the crackling before it breaks. Besides the uses of the Wood, the fruit with husk and all when tender and very young, is for preserves, for food, and Oyl, of extraordinary use with the Painter, in whites, and other delicate Colours, also for Gold-size, and Vernish; and [Page] with this they polish Walking-staves, and other works which are wrought in with burning: For Food they Fry with it in some places, and use it to burn in Lamps; the younger Timber is held to make the better coloured work (and so the Oak) but the older more firm and close, is finer Chambleted for Ornament; 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 grasse; not to mention the Dye which is made of this Lixive, to Colour Wooll, Woods, and Hair, as of old they us'd it. The water of the Husks is soveraign against all pestilential infections, and that of the leaves to mundifie, and heal inveterate Ʋlcers. 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, and I am assur'd, that having been Graffed on the Ash (though others say no Insition improves it) they thrive exceedingly, become handsome Trees, and what is most estimable, bears its fruit within four years; all which I recommend to the farther Industrious. The green husk dry'd, or the first peeping red Buds and leaves reduc'd to powder, serves in stead of Pepper, to condite meats and sauces. 'Tis better to cudgel off the Fruit, than to gather it by hand; and in Italy they arm the tops of long Poles with nails and iron for the purpose, and believe the beating improves the Tree: Those Nuts which come not easily out of their husks, should be laid to mellow in heaps, and the rest expos'd in the Sun, till the Shells dry, else they will be apt to perish the Kernel: Some again preserve them in their own leaves, or in a Chest made of Walnut-tree wood; others in Sand: Old Nuts are not wholesome till macerated in warm and almost boyling water; but if you lay them in a Leaden pot, and bury them in the Earth, so as no Vermine can attaque them, they will keep mervellously plump the whole year about, and may easily be blanched: In Spain they use to strew the gratings of old and hard Nuts (first peeld) into their Tarts and other Meats. For the Oyl, one Bushel of Nuts will yield fifteen pounds of peeld and cleer Kernels, and that half as much Oyl, which the sooner 'tis drawn, is the more in quantity, though the dryer the Nut the better in quality; the Lees, or Marc of the Pressing, is excellent to fatten Hogs with. After the Nuts are beaten down, the leaves would be swep'd into heaps, and carried away, because their extream Bitternesse impairs the ground, and as I am assured, prejudices the Trees: The Green husks boyled, make a good Colour to dye a dark Yellow, without any mixture; and the distillation of its leaves with Hony and Ʋrine, makes Hair spring in bald-heads: Besides its use in the Famous Salernitan Antidote; if the Kernel a little masticated, be applied to the biting of a suspected Mad-dog, and when it has lain three hours, be cast to Poultrey, they will dye if they eat of it. In Italy, when a Countrey man finds any pain in his Side, he drinks a Pint of the [Page] fresh Oyl of this Nut, and finds immediate ease: The Kernel being rub'd upon any crack or chink of a Leaking or crasy Vessel, stops it better than either Clay, Pitch, or Wax: In France they eat them blanch'd and fresh with Wine and Salt, having first cut them out of the shells before they are hardned, with a short broad brasse-knife, because Iron rusts, and these they call Cernois, from their manner of scooping them out.

CHAP. IX. Of the Mulberry.

1. MOrus, the Mulberry: Mulberry. It may possibly be wonder'd by some, why we should insert this Tree amongst our Forest Inhabitants; but we shall soon reconcile our industrious Planter, when he comes to understand the incomparable benefit of it, and that for its Timber, durablenesse, and use for the Joyner and Carpenter, and to make Hoops, Bows, Wheels, and even Ribs for small Vessels in stead of Oak, &c. though the Fruit and the leaves had not the due value with us, which they diservedly enjoy in other places of the World.

2. But it is not here I would recommend our ordinary black fruit bearers, though that be likewise worth the propagation; but that kind which is call'd the White Mulberry, one of them of a broad leaf, found in Province, whose Seeds being procured from Paris, where they have it from Avignion, should be thus treated in the Seminary.

3. In Countreys where they cultivate them for the Silk-worm, and other uses, they sow the perfectly mature berrys of a Tree whose Leaves have not been gather'd; these they shake down upon an old Sheet, spread under the Tree, to protect them from Gravel and Ordure, which will hinder you from discerning the Seed: If they be not ripe, lay them to mature upon Shelves, but by no means till they corrupt; to prevent which, turn them daily; then put them in a fine Siev, and plunging it in Water, bruise them with your hand; do this in several Waters, then change them in other clear Water, and the Seed will sink to the bottom, whilst the pulp swims, and must be taken off carefully: This done, lay them to dry in the Sun upon a linnen Cloth, for which, one hour is sufficient, then Van and sieft it from the husks, and reserve it till the season. This is the processe of curious persons, but the sowing of ripe Mulberries themselves is altogether as good, and from the excrement of Hogs, and even Dogs (that will frequently eat them) they will rise abundantly: Note, that in sowing the Berry 'tis [Page] good to squash and bruise them with fine siefted Mould, and if it be rich, and of the old bed, so much the better: They would be interr'd, well moystned and cover'd with straw, and then rarely water'd till they peep; Or you may squeeze the ripe Berrys in Ropes of Hair or Bast, and bury them as is prescrib'd for Hipps and Haws; the Earth in which you sow them, should be fine Mould, and as rich as for Melons, rais'd a little higher then the Area, as they make the Beds for ordinary Pot-herbs, to keep them loose and warm, and in such beds you may sow Seeds as you do Purslane, mingled with some fine Earth, and thinly cover'd, and then for a fortnight strew'd over with straw, to protect them both from sudden heat, and from birds: The Season is April or May, though some forbear even till July and August, and in the second quarter of the Moon, the Weather calm and serene; at the beginning, keep them moderately fresh (not over wet) and clean weeded, secured from the rigor of Frosts; the second year of their growth about the beginning of October, or early Spring, draw them gently out, prune the Roots, and dipping them a little in Pond-water, transplant them in a warm place or Nursery; 'tis best ranging them in Drills, two foot large, and one in depth, each rill three foot distance, and each Plant two. And if thus the new Earth be somewhat lower then the Surface of the rest, 'twill the better receive the Rain: Being Planted, cut them all within three Inches of the ground. Water them not in Winter, but in extream necessity, and when the weather is warm, and then do it in the Morning. In this cold Season you shall do well to cover the ground with the Leaves of Trees, Straw, or short Littier, to keep them warm; and every year you shall give them three Dressings or half diggings; viz. in April, June, and in August; this, for the first year, still after Rain: The second Spring after Transplanting, purge them of all superfluous shoots and Scions, reserving only the most towardly for the future Stem; this to be done yearly, as long as they continue in the Nursery; and if of the principal Stem so left, the frost mortifie any part, cut it off, and continue this government till they are neer six foot high, after which suffer them to spread into head by discreetly pruning, and fashioning them: But if you plant where Cattel may endanger them, the stem had need be taller, for they are extreamly liquorish of the leaves.

4. When now they are about five years growth, you may transplant them without cutting the Root (provided you irradicate them with care) onely trimming the head a little; the Season is from September to November in the New Moon, and if the holes or pits you set them in were dug and prepar'd some months before, it would much secure their taking; some cast hornes, bones, Shells, &c. into them the better to loosen the earth about them, which should be rich, and well refresh'd all Summer. A light, and dry Mould is best, well expos'd to the Sun and Air, which above all things this Tree affects, and hates watery low grounds: In sum, they thrive best where Vines prosper most, whose society they exceedingly [Page] cherish; nor do they lesse delight to be amongst Corn, no way prejudicing it with its shade. The Distance for these Standards would be twenty, or twenty four foot every way, if you would design Walks or Groves of them; if the environs of Fields, Banks of Rivers, High-wayes, &c. twelve or fourteen foot may suffice, but the farther distant, the better.

5. Another Expedient to increase Mulberries is, by Layers from the Suckers at the foot, this done in Spring, leaving not above two Buds out of the Earth, which you must diligently water, and the second year they will be rooted: They will also take by passing any branch or Arm slit, and kept a little open with a wedge, or stone, through a basket of Earth, which is a very sure way: Nay, the very Cuttings will strike in Spring, but let them be from Shoots of two years growth, with some of the old Wood, though of seven or eight years; these set in Rills like Vines, having two or three Buds at the top, will root infallibly, especially if you twist the old Wood a little, or at least hack it, though some slit the foot, inserting a stone, or grain of an Oate, to suckle and entertain the Plant with moysture.

6. They may also be propagated by Graffing them on the black Mulberry in Spring, or inoculated in July, taking the cyons from some old tree, that has broad, even, and round leaves, which causes it to produce very ample and tender leaves, of great emolument to the Silk-master.

7. Some experienc'd Husbandmen advise to poll our Mulberries every three or four years, as we do our Willows: others not till 8 years: both erroneously. The best way is yearly to prune them of their dry and superfluous branches, and to form their heads round and natural. The first year of removal where they are to abide, cut off all the shoots to five or six of the most promising: the next year leave not above three of these, which dispose in triangle as near as may be, and then disturb them no more, unless it be to purge them (as we taught) of dead Scare-wood, and extravagant parts, which may impeach the rest; and if afterward any prun'd branch shoot above three or four Cyons, reduce them to that number. One of the best ways of Pruning is, what they practise in Sicily and Province, to make the head hollow and like a bell, by cleansing them of their inmost branches; and this may be done, either before they bud, viz. in the New Moon of March, or when they are full of leaves in June or July, if the season prove any thing fresh. Here I must not omit what I read of the Chinese culture, and which they now also imitate in Virginia, where they have found a way to raise these Plants of the Seeds, which they mow and cut like a crop of grasse which sprout and bear leaves again in a few moneths.

8. The Mulberry is much improv'd by stirring the Mould at root, and Lestulion.

9. We have already mentioned some of the Ʋses of this excellent tree, especially of the white, so called because the fruit is of a paler colour, which is also of a more luscious taste, and lesser than [Page] the black; The rind likewise is whiter, and the leaves of a mealy clear green colour, and far tenderer, and sooner produc'd by at least a fortnight, which is a marvellous advantage to the newly disclos'd Silk-worm; Also they arrive sooner to their maturity, and the food produces a finer web. Nor is this tree less beautiful to the eye then the fairest Elm, very proper for Walks and Avenues: The timber (amongst other properties) will last in the water as well as the most solid Oak, and the bark makes good and tough Bast-ropes. It suffers no kind of Vermin to breed on it, whether standing or fell'd, nor dares any Caterpillar attaque it save the Silk-worm only. The Loppings are excellent fuel: but that for which this tree is in greatest and most worthy esteem, is for the Leaves, which (besides the Silk-worm) nourishes Cows, Sheep, and other cattel; especially young Porkers, being boil'd with a little bran: and the fruit excellent to feed Poultry. In summe, what ever eats of them, will with difficulty be reduc'd to endure any thing else, as long as they can come by them; to say nothing of their other soveraign qualities, as relaxing of the belly being eaten in the morning, and curing Inflammations and Ulcers of the mouth and throat, mix'd with Mel Rosarum, in which Receipt they do best, being taken before they are over-ripe.

10. To proceed with the Leaf (for which they are chiefly cherish'd) the benefit of it is so great, that they are frequently let to farm for vast summes; so as some one sole tree has yielded the proprietor a rent of twenty Shillings per Annum, for the Leaves onely; and six or seven pounds of Silk, worth as many pounds Sterling, in five or six weeks, to those who keep the worms. We know that till after Italy had made Silk above a thousand years, they receiv'd it not in France; it being hardly yet an hundred since they betook themselves to this manufacture in Province, [...]anguedoc, Dauphine, Lionnois, &c. and not in Tourain and Orleans till Hen. the fourth's time; but it is incredible what a Revenue it amounts to in that Kingdom. About the same time, or a little after, it was that King James did with extraordinary care recommend it to this Nation, by a Book of Directions, Acts of Councel, and all other Princely assistance. But this did not take no more then that of Hen. the fourth's Proposal about the Invirons of Paris, who filled the High-ways, Parks, and Gardens of France with the trees, beginning in his own Gardens for encouragement: Yet, I say, this would not be brought into example, till this present great Monarch, by the indefatigable diligence of Monsieur Colbert (Superintendent of His Majesties manufactures) who has so successfully reviv'd it, that 'tis prodigious to consider what an happy progress they have made in it, to our shame be it spoken; who have no other discouragements from any insuperable difficulty whatever, but our sloth and want of industry: since where ever these trees will grow and prosper, the Silk-worms will do so also; and they were alike averse, and from the very same suggestions where now that manufacture flourishes in our neighbour Countries. It is demonstrable, that Mulberries in four or five years may be made to [Page] spread all over this Land, and when the indigent and young daughters in proud Families are as willing to gain three or four Shillings a day for gathering Silk, and busying themselves in this sweet and easie imployment, as some do to get four pence a day for hard work at Hemp, Flax, and Wool; the reputation of Mulberries would spread in England and other Plantations. I might say something like this of Saffron, which we yet too much neglect the culture of; but, which for all this I do not despair of seeing reassum'd when that good Genius returns. In order to this hopeful Prognostick we will add a few Directions about the gathering of their Leaves, to render this chapter one of the most accomplish'd; for certainly one of the most accomplish'd and agreeable works in the world.

11. The Leaves of the Mulberry should be collected from trees of seven or eight years old; if of such as are very young, it impairs their growth, neither are they so healthful for the worms, making them hydropical and apt to burst: As do also the Leaves of such trees as be planted in a too waterish or over-rich soil, or where no Sun comes; and all sick and yellow leaves are hurtful. It is better to clip, and let the leaves fall upon a subtended sheet or blanket, than to gather them by hand; and to gather them, than to strip them, which marrs and gauls the branches, and bruises the leaves that should hardly be touched. Some there are who lop off the boughs, and make it their pruning, and it is a tolerable way, so it be discreetly done in the over-thick parts of the tree; but these leaves gather'd from a separated branch will die, and wither much sooner than those which are taken from the tree immediately, unless you set the stem in water. Leaves gathered from boughs cut off will shrink in three hours; whereas those you take from the living tree will last as many days; and being thus a while kept are better than over-fresh ones. It is a Rule, Never to gather in a rainy season, nor cut any branch whilst the wet is upon it; and therefore against such suspected times you are to provide before hand, and to reserve them in some fresh but dry place: the same caution you must observe for the dew, though it do not rain, for wet-food kills the worms. But if this cannot be altogether prevented, put the leaves between a pair of sheets well dried by the fire, and shake them up and down 'till the moisture be drunk up in the Linen, and then spreading them to the air a little, on another dry cloth, you may feed with them boldly. The top-leaves and oldest would be gathered last of all, as being most proper to repast the worms with towards their last change. The gatherer must be neat, and have his hands clean, and his breath sweet, and not poison'd with Onions or Tobacco, and be careful not to press the leaves by crouding them into the Bags or Baskets. Lastly, that they gather onely (unless in case of necessity) leaves from the present, not from the former years sprigs, or old wood, which are not onely rude and harsh, but are annex'd to stubb'd Stalks, which injure the worms, and spoil the denudated branches.

12. This is what I thought fit to premonish concerning the gathering [Page] of the Leaves of this tree for Silk-worms, as I newly find it in Monsieur Isnard's Instructions, in that exact Discourse of his published some three years since, and dedicated to Monsieur Colbert, who has, it seems, constituted this industrious and experienc'd person, Surveyor of this Princely manufacture about Paris; and because the book it self is rare, and known of by very few. I have no more to adde, but this for our encouragement, and to encounter the Objections which may be suggested about the coldness and moisture of our Country; That the Spring is in Province no less inconstant than is ours in England; that the colds at Paris are altogether as sharp; and that when in May it has continued raining for nine and twenty days successively, Monsieur Isnard assures us, he proceeded in his work without the least disaster; and in the year 1664 he presented the French King his Master with a considerable quantity of better Silks, than any Messina or Boulonia could produce, which he sold raw at Lions, for a Pistol the pound; when that of Avignion, Province, and Dauphine produc'd little above half that price. But you are to expect the compleat History of the Silk-worm from that incomparable Treatise, which the learned Malpighius has lately sent out of Italy, and dedicated to the Royal Society (now ready to be publish'd) as a specimen, and noble effect of its universal correspondence and concernments for the improvement of useful knowledge.

CHAP. X. Of the Service.

Service.1. SOrbus, the Service tree (of which there are four sorts) is rais'd of the Chequers 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. The Torminalis is the kind most frequent with us; for those of the narrower and lesse indented Leaf, is not so common in England as in France, bearing a sort of Berry of the Pear shape, and is there call'd the Cormier; this Tree may be Graffed either with it self, or on the White-thorn, and Quince.

[Page]2. The Timber is useful for the Joyner, for the Engraver of Woodcuts, Bows, Pulleys, Skrews, Mill-Spindles and other, Goads to drive Oxen with, &c. Pistol, and Gun-stocks, and for most that the Wild-Pear-tree serves; and being of a very delicate Grain, for the Turner, and divers curiosities, and looks delicately, and is almost everlasting, being rub'd over with Oyl of Linseed, well boyl'd, and may be made to counterfeit Ebony, or almost any Indian Wood, colour'd according to Art: Also it is taken to Build with, yielding Beams of considerable substance: The shade is beautiful for Walks, and the Fruit not unpleasant, especially the second kind, of which with new Wine and Honey, they make a Condilum of admirable effect to corroborate the Stomach; and the Fruit alone is good in Dysenteria and Lasks. The water distill'd from the Stalks of the Flowers and Leaves on M.B. and twice Rectified upon fresh matter, is incomparable for Consumptive and Tabed Bodies, taking an Ounce daily at several times: Likewise it cures the Green-sicknesse in Virgins, and is prevalent in all Fluxes; distill'd warm into the Ears it abates the pain: The Wood, or Bark contus'd and applied to any green Wound, heals it; and the Powder thereof drank in Oyl Olive, consolidates inward Ruptures: Lastly, the Salt of the Wood taken in decoction of Althaea to three Grains, is an incomparable Remedy to break and expel Gravel. The Service gives the Husbandman an early presage of the approching Spring, by extending his adorned Buds for a peculiar entertainment, and dares peep out in the severest Winters.

CHAP. XI. Of the Maple.

1.Maple. THe Maple [Acer minus] (of which Authors (see Salmasius upon Solinus. c. 33.) reckon very many kinds) was of old held in equal estimation almost with the Citron; especially the Bruseum, the French-Maple, and the Peacocks-tail Maple, which is that sort so elegantly undulated, and crisped into variety of curles. It were a most laudable attempt, if some would enquire out, and try the planting of such sorts as are not Indigenes amongst us; such as is especially the German Aire, and that of Virginia, not yet cultivated here, but an excellent Tree: And if this were extended to other Timber and exotic Trees, likewise it would prove of extraordinary benefit and Ornament to the Publick, and were worthy even of the Royal Care. They are all produced of the Keys, like the Ash; and like to it, affect a sound, and a dry, mould; [Page] growing both in Woods and Hedge-rows, especially in the latter; which if rather hilly then low, affords the fairest Timber. By shreding up the boughs to a head, I have caused it to shoot to a wonderful height 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, Cups, 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.

2. But the description of this lesser Maple, and the ancient value of it, is worth the citing. ‘Acer operum elegantiâ & subtilitate Cedro secundum; plura ejus genera: Album, quod praecipui candoris vocatur Gallicum: In Transpadana Italia, tránsque Alpes nascens. Alterum genus crispo macularum discursu, qui cùm excellentior fuit, à similitudine caudae pavonum nomen accepit.’ ‘The Maple (says Pliny) for the elegancy and fineness of the wood is next to the very Cedar it self: There are several kinds of it, especially the White, which is wonderfully beautiful; this is call'd the French Maple, and grows on that part of Italy, that is on the other side of Po beyond the Alpes: The other has a curl'd grain, so curiously maculated, that from a neer resemblance, it was usually cal'd the Peacocks-tayl, &c.’ He goes on to commend that of Istria, and that growing on the Mountains for the best: But in the next chapter; ‘Pulcherrimum vero est Bruscum, multóque excellentius, etiamnum Mollusculum tuber utrumque arboris ejus Bruscum intortiùs crispum, Mollusculum simplicius sparsum; Et si magnitudinem mensarum caperet, haud dubiè praeferretur Cedro, nunc intrà pugillares, lectorúmque silicios aut laminas, &c. è Brusco fiunt mensae nigrescentes, &c. Plin. l. 16. c. 15, 16.’ ‘The Bruscum, or Knur is wonderfully fair, but the Molluscum is counted most precious; both of them Knobs and swellings out of the Tree. The Bruscum is more intricately crisp'd; the Molluscum not so much; and had we Trees large enough to saw into Planks for Tables, 'twould be preferr'd before Cedar (or Citron, for so some Copies read it) but now they use it onely for small Table-books, and with its thin boards to Wainscot Bed-Testers with, &c. The Bruscum is of a blackish kind, with which they make Tables.’ Thus far Pliny. And such spotted Tables were the famous Tigrin, and Pantherine Curiosities of, not so call'd from being supported with figures carved like those Beasts, as some conceive, and was in use even in our Grandfathers dayes, but from its natural Spots and maculations; such a Table was that of Cicero's, which cost him 10000. Sesterces; that of King Juba, sold for 15000. and another which I read of, valu'd at 140000 H.S. which at about 3 d. sterling, arives to a pretty Summ; and yet that of the Mauritanian Ptolomie, was far richer, containing four Foot and an half diameter, three Inches thick, which is reported to have been sold for its [Page] weight in Gold: Of that value they were, and so madly luxurious the age, that when they at any time reproach'd their Wives for their wanton Expensivenesse in Pearl and other rich trifles, they were wont to retort, and turn the Tables upon their Husbands. The Knot of the Timber was the most esteem'd, and is said to be much resembled by the Female Cypress; we have now, I am almost perswaded, as beautiful Planks of some Wallnut-trees, neer the Root; and of Eugh, Ivy, Rose-wood, and Olive, I have seen incomparable pieces; but the great Art was in the Seasoning, and Politure, for which last, the rubbing with a Mans hand who came warm out of the Bath, was accounted better then any Cloth, as Pliny reports. Some there be who contend, this Citern was a part neer the Root of the Cedar, which, as they describe that, is very Oriental and Oderiferous, but most of the Learned favour the Citern, and that it grew not far from our Tangier, about the foot of Mount Atlas, when haply some industrious Person might procure of it from the Moors; and I have not forgotten to put his Excellency my Lord H. Howard in mind of it, who will have all the opportunities of satisfying our Curiosity, that by comparing it with those elegant Woods, both our own Countreys, and the Indies furnish, we might pronounce something in the Controversie. Here I think good to add what honest Palissy Philosophises after his plain manner, about the reason of those pretty undulations and chamfers, which we so frequently find in diverse Woods; which he takes to be the descent as well as ascent of Moisture: For what else (sayes he) becomes of that water which we often encounter in the Cavities, when many branches divaricate and spread themselves at the tops of great Trees (especially Pollards) unlesse (according to its natural appetite) it sink into the very Body of the Stem through the Pores? For example, in the Wall-nut, you shall find, when 'tis old, that the Wood is admirably figur'd, and as it were marbl'd, and therefore much more esteemed by the Joyners, Cabinet-makers, &c. then the Young, which is paler of Colour, and without any notable Grain, as they call it. For the Rain distilling along the Branches, when many of them break out into clusters from the stem, sinks in, and is the Cause of these marks; since we find it exceedingly full of pores: Do but Plane off a thin chip, or sliver from one of these old Trees, and interposing it 'twixt your Eye and the Light, you shall observe it to be full of innumerable holes (much more perspicuous and ample, by the application of a good Microscope) But above all, notable for these extravagant Damaskings and Characters, is the Maple; and 'tis notorious, that this Tree is very full of Branches from the Root to its very Summit, by reason that it produces no considerable Fruit: These Arms being frequently cut, the Head is more surcharged with them, which spreading like so many Raies from a Center, form that hollownesse at the top of the Stem whence they shoot, capable of containing a good quantity of Water every time it Raines: This sinking into the pores, as was before hinted, is compell'd to divert its course as it passes [Page] through the Body of the Tree, where-ever it encounters the knot of any of those Branches which were cut off from the stem; because their Roots not onely deeply penetrate towards the heart, but are likewise of themselves very hard and impervious; and the frequent obliquity of this Course of the subsiding moisture by reason of these obstructions, is, as may be conceived, the cause of those curious works, which we find remarkable in this, and other woods, whose Branches grow thick from the Stem. We have shewed how by Culture and stripping up, it arrives to a goodly Tree; and surely, there were some of them of large bulk, and noble Shades, that Virgil should choose it for the Court of his Evander, one of his Worthiest Princes in his best of Poems sitting in his Maple-Throne; and when he brings Aeneas into the Royal Cottage, he makes him this memorable Complement; Greater, sayes great Cowley, than ever was yet spoken at the Escurial, the Louvre, or Whitehall.

This humble Roof, this Rustique Court, said he,

Receiv'd Alcides crown'd with Victorie:

Scorn not (great Guest) the steps where he has trod,

But contemn Wealth, and imitate a God.

— Haec (inquit) limina Victor

Alcides—

CHAP. XII. Of the Sycomor.

Sycomor.1. THE Sycomor, falsely so called, is, our Acer majus, one of the Maples, and is much more in reputation for its shade than it deserves; for the leaves which fall early (like those of the Ash) turn to Mucilage, and putrefie 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.

2. 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 Trenchers, Cart, and Plow-timber, being light, tough, and not much inferiour to Ash it self; and if the trees be very tall and handsome, are the more tolerable for distant Walks, especially where other better trees prosper not so well, or where a sudden shade is expected.

[Page]

CHAP. XIII. Of the Horn-beam.

1. OStrys the Horn-beam, in Latine ignorantly the Carpinus, Horn-beam. 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 Mill-cogs, &c. (for which it excells either Yew or Crab) Yoak-timber (whence of old 'twas called [...]) Heads of Beetles, Stocks and Handles of Tools; It is likewise for the Turners use excellent: Good Fire-wood, where it burns like a candle, and was of old so employ'd; ‘Carpinus taedas fissa facésque dabit.’ (For all which purposes its extreme toughness and whiteness commends it to the Husbandman.) Being planted in small Fosses or Trenches, at half a foot intervall, 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 deciduos, 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 foot of the Stem, and flourishes with a glossie and polish'd verdure which is exceeding 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 (than which there is nothing more graceful) is planted of this Tree; and so is that Cradle, or Close walk, with that perplext Canopy, 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.

3. They very frequently plant a Clump of these Trees before the Entries of most of the great Towns in Germany, to which they apply Timber-Frames for convenience, and the People to sit and solace [Page] in. Scamozzi the Architect, sayes, that in his time he found one whose Branches extended seventy foot in breadth: This was at Vuimfen neer the Necker, belonging to the Duke of Witemberg: But that which I find planted before the Gates of Strasburgh, is a Platanus and a Lime tree growing hard by one another, in which is erected a Pergolo eight foot from the ground, of fifty foot wide, having ten Arches of twelve foot height, all shaded with their folige; and there is besides this, an Over-grown Oak, which has an Arbour in it of 60 foot diameter: hear we Rapinus describe the use of our Horn-beam for these and other Elegancies.

In Walkes the Horn-beam stands, or in a Maze

Through thousand self-entangling Labyrinths strays:

So clasp the Branches lopp'd on either side,

As though an Alley did two Walls divide:

This Beauty found, Order did next adorne

The Boughs into a thousand figures shorne,

Which pleasing Objects wearinesse betray'd,

Your feet into a Wildernesse convey'd.

Nor better Leaf on twining Arbor spread,

Against the scorching Sun to shield your head.

In tractus longos facilis tibi Carpinus ibit,

Mille per errores, indeprehensosque recessus,

Et molles tendens secto seu pariete ramos,

Praebebit viridem diverso e margine scenam.

Primus honos illi quondam, post aditus ord [...] est,

Attonsaeque coma, & formis quaesita voluptas

Innumeris, fartoque viae, obliquoque recessu:

In tractus acta est longos & opaca vireta.

Quinetiam egregiae tendens umbracula frondis

Temperat ardentes ramis ingentibus aestus.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Lime-Tree.

Lime-Tree. TIlia the Lime-Tree, or [Linden] is of two kinds; the Male (which some allow to be but a finer sort of Elm) is harder, fuller of knots, and of a redder colour; but producing neither Flower, nor Seed, as does the Female, whose Blossom is very odoriferous, perfuming the Air: The Wood is likewise thicker, of small pith, and not obnoxious to the VVorm, so as it seems Theophrastus, de Pl. l. 3. c. 10. said true, that though they were of both Sexes [...] &c. yet they totally differ'd as to their form. 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, and though of somewhat a smaller leaf, yet altogether as good, apt to be civiliz'd, and made more florid. From thence 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 successe) by the Suckers, and Plants, after the same method, and in as great abundance as the Elm, like to which it should be cultivated. But not onely by the Suckers, at the Roots, but even by Branches lop'd from the head, may this Tree be propagated; [Page] and peeling off a little of the Bark, at a competent distance from the Stem or Arms, and covering it with Lome mingled with rich Earth, they will shoot their fibers, and may be seasonably separated: But to facilitate this and the like attempts, it is advisable to apply a ligature above the place, when the Sap is ascending, or beneath it, when it descends.

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 do they prosper rarely well: But the Heads were cut off, and the Pits into which they were transplanted, were (by the industry and direction of Monsieur de Son, a Frenchman, that admirable Mechanicean, who himself related it to me) 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 expresly.

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 fit for Yokes, and to be turn'd into Boxes for the Apothecaries; and Columella commends Arculas tiliaceas. And because of its Colour and easie working, Architects make with it Modells for their designed Buildings; and small Statues, and little curious Figures have been Carved of this wood. 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. Bellonius sayes, that the Grecians made Bottles of it, which they finely Rozin'd within side, also Lattices for Windows. The Gravers in Wood do sometimes make use of this fine material; and even 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 than that of Alder it self: And the extraordinary candor and lightnesse, has dignifi'd it above all the VVoods of our Forest, in the hands of the Right Honourable the VVhite-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 [Page] 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 wayes 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 accesse, and intercourse to the bole, and by no means be excluded from flowing freely about them, or indeed any other Trees; provided they are secur'd 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 VVood? this is extreamly fresh, of admirable effect against the Epilepsie, for which the delicately sented blossoms are held prevalent; and skreens the Houses both from VVinds, Sun, and Dust; then which there can be nothing more desirable where Streets are much frequented.

The stately Lime, smooth, gentle, streight, and fair,

(With which no other Dryad may compare)

With verdant locks, and fragrant Blossoms deckt,

Does a large, ev'n, odorate Shade project.

Stat Philyra; haud omnes formos [...]or altera surgit

Inter Hamadryades; mollissima, candida, lavis,

Et viridante comâ, & beneolenti flore superba,

Spargit odoratam latè, atque aequaliter umbram.

Coulei l. 6. Pl.

The distance for VValks may in rich ground be eighteen foot, in more ordinary Soil, fifteen, or sixteen.

CHAP. XV. Of the Quick-Beam.

Quick-beam.1. THe Quick-beam [Ornus, or as the Pinax more peculiarly, Fraxinus bubula, others, the Wild Sorb] or (as some term it) the Witchen, 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 Ʋ Ʋoods, and to fix it self in good light ground; Virgil affirms, 'twill unite with the Peare.

2. Besides the use of it for the Husbandmans Tools, the VVheel-wright commends it for being all heart; and our Fletchers for Bowes next to Eugh, which we ought not to passe over, for [Page] the glory of right English Ancestors: In a Statute of Hen. 8. you have it mention'd: It is excellent Fuel; but I have not yet observed any other use, save that the Blossoms are of an agreeable scent, and the Berries such a tempting Bait for the Thrushes, that as long as they last, you shall be sure of their Company. Some highly commend the Juice of the berries, which (fermenting of it self) if well preserv'd, makes an excellent Drink, against the Spleen and Scorbut: Ale and Beer Brew'd with these Berries, being ripe, is an incomparable Drink

CHAP. XVI. Of the Birch.

1. THe Birch [Betula] is altogether produc'd of Suckers, Birch. (though it sheds a kind of Samera about the Spring) which being planted at four or five 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 Grasse, do many times spontaneously produce it in abundance, whether the place be high, or low, and nothing comes amisse 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 Coppse, and Spring-woods; or, by reducing them to one stem, render them in a very few years fit for the Turner. For

2. Though Birch be of all other the worst of Timber, yet has it its various uses, as for the Husbandmans Ox-yokes; also for Hoops, Paniers, Brooms, Wands, bavin bands, and Wythes for Fagots; and claims a memory for Arrows, bolts, Shafts, our old English Artillery; also for Dishes, Boules, Ladles, and other domestic Utensils, in the good old dayes of more simplicity, yet of better and truer Hospitality: Also for Fuel, great and small-Coal, which last is made by charring the slenderest brush, and summities of the twigs; as of the Tops and loppings M. Howards new Tanne. The inner silken-bark was antiently us'd for Writing-Tables, even before the Invention of Paper; and of the out-ward thicker, and courser part, are divers Houses in Russia, and those poor Northern Tracts cover'd, in stead of Slates, and Tyle: 'Tis affirm'd by Cardan, that some Birch-roots are so very extravagantly rein'd, as to represent the Shapes and Images of Beasts, Birds, Trees, and [Page] many other pretty resemblances. Lastly, of the whitest part of the old Wood, found commonly in doating Birches, is made the grounds of our Gallants sweet-Powder; and of the quite consum'd and rotten, such as we find reduc'd to a kind of reddish Earth in superexannuated hollow-trees, is gotten the best Mould for the raising of divers Seedlings of the rarest Plants and Flowers; to say nothing here of the Magisterial Fasces, for which antiently the Gudgels were us'd by the Lictor; as now the gentler Rods by our tyrannical Paedagogues.

3. I should here add the uses of the Water too, had I full permission to tamper with all the Medicinal virtues of Trees: 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 Woodman 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 than 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-wayes (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 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 overthwart, no farther then to the Body of the Tree: Moreover, that this wound be made onely 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 distil in 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 as well as perforation or tapping: Out of this aperture will extil a limpid and clear Water, retaining an obscure smack both of the tast and odor of the Tree; and which (as I am credibly inform'd) will in the space of twelve, or fourteen dayes preponderate, and out-weigh the whole Tree it self, Body, and Roots; which if it be constant, and so happen likewise in other trees, is not onely stupendious, but an experiment worthy the Consideration of our profoundest Philosophers: an ex sola aqua fiunt Arbores? whether Water only be the Principle of [Page] 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) in Form 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 it 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, more impregnated with this Astral Vertue, as not so near the Root, which seems to attract rather a cruder and more common water, through fewer strainers, and neither so pure and Aërial as in those refined percolations, the nature of the places where these trees delight to grow (for the most part lofty, dry, and barren) consider'd. 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 usefulnesse of Natural Philosophy Sect. 1. 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 Wallnut-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 first ready, I have onely here the liberty to refer the Reader to one of the best Entertainments in the world.

4. But whilst this Second Edition is now under my hand, there comes to me divers Papers upon this subject experimentally made by a worthy Friend of mine, a Learned and most industrious Person, which I had here once resolv'd to have publish'd, according to the generous liberty granted me for so doing; but understanding he was still in pursuit of that usefull, and curious Secret, I chang'd my resolution into an earnest addresse, that he would communicate it to the World himself, together with those other excellent Enquiries, and observations which he is adorning for the benefit of Planters, and such as delight themselves in those innocent Rusticities. I will onely by way of Corolarie, hint some particulars for satisfaction of the Curious; and especially that we may in some sort gratifie those earnest suggestions and Queries of the most obliging Publisher of the Philosophical Transactions, to whose indefatigable pains the Learned World is infinitely engag'd. In compliance therefore to his Queries, Monday Octob. 19. 1668. Numb. 40. p. 797, 821, &c. these Generals are submitted: That in such Trials as my Friend essai'd, he has not yet encountred with any Sap but what is very clear and sweet; especially that of the Sycomor, which has a dulcoration as if mixed with Sugar, and that it runs one of the earliest: That the Maple distill'd when quite reseinded from the Body, and even whilst he yet held it in his [Page] hand: That the Sycomor ran at the Root, which some dayes before yielded no Sap, from his branches; the Experiment made at the end of March: But the accurate knowledge of the nature of Sap, and its periodic Motions and properties in several Trees, should be observed by some at entire leisure to attend it daily, and almost continually, and will require more than any one persons industry can afford: For it must be enquir'd concerning every tree, its age, soyl, scituation, &c. the variety of its ascending Sap depending on it; and then of its Sap ascending in the branches and Roots; descending in cut branches; descending from Root and not from branches; the Seasons and difference of time in which those Accidents happen, &c. He likewise thinks the best expedient to procure store of Liquor, is, to cut the Trees almost quite through all the Circles on both sides the Pith, leaving only the outmost Circle and the barks on the North, or North-East side unpierced; and this hole the larger it is bored, the more plentifully 'twill distill; which if it be under, and through a large Arm, neer the Ground, it is effected with greatest advantage, and will need neither stone nor Chip to keep it open, nor Spigot to direct it to the Recipient. Thus it will in a short time, afford Liquor sufficient to Brew with; and in some of these sweet Saps, one Bushel of Mault will afford as good Ale as four in ordinary Waters, even in March it self; in others, as good as two Bushels; for this, prefering the Sycomor before any other: But to preserve it in best condition for brewing, till you are stor'd with a sufficient quantity, it is advis'd that what first runs, be insolated, till the remainder be prepar'd to prevent its growing sowre: But it may also be fermented alone by such as have the Secret: To the Curious these Essayes are recommended. That it be immediately stopp'd up in bottles in which it is gathered, the Corks well wax'd and expos'd to the Sun, till (as was said) sufficient quantity be run; then let so much Rye-bread (toasted very dry, but not burnt) be put into it as will serve to set it a working; and when it begins to ferment, take it out, and Bottle it immediately. If you add a few Cloves, &c. to steep in it, 'twill certainly keep the year about: 'Tis a wonder how speedily it extracts the tast, and tincture of the spice: Mr. Boyle proposes a sulphurous fume to the bottles: Spirit of Wine may haply not onely preserve, but advance the Vertues of Saps; and Infusions of Raisins are obvious, and without decoction best, which does but spend the more delicate parts. Note that the Sap of the Birch will make excellent Meade.

5. To these Observations, that of the Weight, and Vertue of the several Juices would be both useful and Curious: As whether that which proceeds from the bark, or between that and the Wood be of the same nature with that which is suppos'd to spring from the pores of the woody Circles? and whether it rise in like quantity upon comparing the incisures? All which may be try'd, first attempting through the bark, and saving that apart, and then [Page] perforating into the Wood to the thicknesse of the bark or more, with a like separation of what distills. The period also of its current would be calculated; as how much proceeds from the bark, in one hour, how much from the Wood or Body of the Tree, and thus every hour, still a deeper incision with a good large Augre, till the Tree be quite perforated: Then by making a second hole within the first, fitted with a lesser pipe, the interior heart-sap may be drawn apart, and examin'd by Weight, Quantity, Colour, Distillation, &c. And if no difference perceptible be detected, the presumption will be greater, that the difference of heart and Sap in Timber, is not from the Saps plenty or penury, but the Season; and then possibly, the very season of squaring, as well as Felling of Timber, may be considerable to the preservation of it.

6. The notice likewise of the Saps rising more plentifully, and constantly in the Sun, than Shade; more in the Day than Night, more in the Roots than Branch, more Southward than Northward, &c. may yield many useful Observations: As for Planting, to set thicker, or thinner (si coetera sint paria) namely the nature of the Tree, Soyl, &c.) and not to shade over much the Roots of those Trees whose stems we desire should mount, &c. That in transplanting Trees we turn the best, and largest Roots towards the South, and consequently the most ample and spreading part of the head correspondent to the Roots: For if there be a strong Root on that Quarter, and but a feeble attraction in the Branches, this may not alwayes counterpoise the weak Roots on the North-side, damnified by the too puissant attraction of over large Branches: this may also suggest a cause why Trees flourish more on the South-side, and have their Integument and Coates thicker on those aspects annually, with divers other useful speculations, if in the mean time they seem not rather to be puntillos, over nice for a plain Forester.

7. To shew our Reader yet, that these are no novel Experiments, we are to know, that a large Tract of the World almost altogether subsist on these Treen Liquors; Especially, that of the Date, which being grown to about seven or eight foot in height, they wound, as we have taught, for the Sap, which they call Toddy, a very famous Drink in the East-Indias. This Tree increasing every year about a foot, near the opposite part of the first Incisure, they pierce again, changing the Receiver; and so still by opposite wounds and Notches, they yearly draw forth the Liquor, till it arrive to near thirty foot upward, and of these they have ample Groves and Plantations which they set at seven or eight foot distance: But then they use to percolate what they extract, through a Stratum made of the Rind of the Tree, well contus'd and beaten, before which preparation it is not safe to Drink it; and 'tis observ'd, that some Trees afford a much more generous Wine, than others of the same kind. In the Coco and Palmeto Trees, they Chop a Bough as we do the Betula; but in [Page] the Date, make the Incision with a Chisel in the Body very neatly, in which they stitch a Leaf of the Tree as a lingula to direct it into the appendent Vessel, which the subjoyn'd Figure represents, and illustrates with its improvement to our former Discourse:

Note, If there be no fitting Arms, the hole thus obliquely perforated, and a Faucet or pipe inserted, will lead the Sap into the Recipient.

(a. b.) the body of the Tree (g.) boar'd at that part of the Arm (f.) joyn'd to the Stem, with an Augre of an inch or more diameter, according to the bignesse of the Tree. (c.) a part of the Bark bent down into the mouth of the Bottle (e.) to conduct the Liquor into it. (d.) the String about the Arm (f.) by which the Bottle hangs.

8. The Liquor of the Birch is esteem'd to have all the Virtues of the Spirit of Salt, De Lithias [...] c. 8. n. 24.25. &c. without the danger of its acrimony; 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 [Page] rich Cordial, curing (as I am told) Consumptions, and such interior 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 harmlesse in operation within the body, and exceedingly sharpens the Appetite, being drank ante pastum: I will present you a Receipt, as it was sent me by a fair Lady.

9. To every Gallon of Birch-water put a quart of Hony well stirr'd together; then boyl 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 spoonfulls 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 Ptisick: This Wine may (if you please) be made as successfully with Sugar in stead of Hony, lbj. 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.

10. 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 than 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 lesse delight; but Quacking is not my Trade: I speak onely 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.

[Page]

CHAP. XVII. Of the Hasel.

Hasel.1. NƲx Sylvestris, or Corylus, the Hasel, 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 onely loosning the Mould a little about their roots. Others there are, who set the Nuts by hand at one foot distance, to be transplanted 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.

Hasels from Sets and Suckers take.

Plantis & durae Coryli nascuntur—

Georg 2.

3. From whence they thrive very well, the shoots being of the scantlings of small wands, and switches, or somewhat bigger, and such as have drawn divers hairy twiggs, which are by no means to be disbranch'd no more than their Roots, unless by a very sparing and discreet hand. Thus your Coryletum or Copse of Hasels being Planted about Autumn, may (as some practise it) be cut within three or four inches of the ground the Spring following, which the new Cyon 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, but chiefly by Graffing, and it would be try'd with Filberts, and even with Almonds themselves, for more elegant Experiments.

[Page]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-rowes. Such as are maintain'd for Coppses, 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, Forks, Angling rods, Faggots, Cudgels, Coals, and Springes to catch birds; and it makes one of the best Coals, once us'd for Gun-powder, being very fine and Light, till they found Alder to be more fit: There is no Wood which purifies Wine sooner, than the Chipps of Hasel: Also for VVith's and Bands, upon which I remember Pliny thinks it a pretty Speculation, that a Wood should be stronger to bind withal 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. But the most signal Honour it was ever employ'd in, and which might deservedly exalt this humble, and common Plant above all the Trees of the Wood, is that of Hurdles; not for that it is generally us'd for the Folding of our Innocent Sheep, an Emblem of the Church; but for making the Walks of one of the first Christian Oratories in the World; and particularly in this Island, that venerable and Sacred Fabric at Glastenbury, founded by S. Joseph of Arimathea, which is storied to have been first compos'd but of a few small Hasel-Rods interwoven about certain Stakes driven into the ground; and Walls of this kind, in stead of Laths and Punchions, superinduc'd with a course Mortar made of Loam and Straw, does to this day, inclose divers humble Cottages, Sheads, and Out-Houses in the Countrey; and 'tis strong and lasting for such purposes, whole, or Cleft, and I have seen ample enclosures of Courts and Gardens so secur'd.

6. There is a compendious expedient for the thickning of Copses which are too transparant, 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 near 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 Gardeners lay their Carnations) will produce a world of Suckers, thicken, and furnish a Copse speedily. But I am now come to the VVaterside; let us next consider the Aquatic.

[Page]

CHAP. XVIII. Of the Poplar, Aspen, and Abele.

Poplar.1. POpulus. I begin this second Class (according to our former distribution) with the Poplar, of which there are several kinds; White, Black, &c. (which in Candy 'tis reported bears seed) besides the Aspen. The white is the most ordinary with us, to be rais'd in abundance by every set or slip. Fence the ground as far as any old Poplar roots extend, they will furnish you with suckers innumerable, to be slipp'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 boggie places they will flourish wonderfully, so the ground be not spewing; but especially near the margins and banks of Rivers, ‘Populus in fluviis —’ and in low, sweet and fertile grounds. Also trunchions of seven or eight foot long, thrust two foot into the earth, (a hole being made with a sharp hard stake, fill'd with water, and then with fine earth pressed in and close about them) 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. They will make prodigious shoots in 15 or 16 years; but then the heads must by no means be diminish'd, but the lower branches may, yet not too far up: the foot would also be cleansed every second year. This for the White. The Black Poplar is frequently pollar'd when as big as ones arm, eight or nine foot from the ground, as they trim them in Italy for their Vines to serpent on, and those they poll or head every second year, sparing the middle, streight and thrivingest shoot, and at the third year cut him also.

2. The shade of this tree is esteemed very wholesome in Summer, and the leaves good for cattel, which must be stripp'd from the cut boughs before they are faggotted. This to be done in the decrease of October, and reserv'd in bundles for the winter fodder. The wood of white Poplar is sought of the Sculptor, and they saw both sorts into boards, which, where they lie dry, continue a long time. Of this material they also made Shields of defence in Sword and Buckler days. Dioscorides writes, that the bark chopt small, and sow'd in rills, well and richly manur'd and watered, [Page] will produce a plentiful crop of Mushrums. It is to be noted, that those Fungi, which spring from the putrid stumps of this tree, are not venomous (as of all or most other trees they are) being gathered after the first Autumnal rains.

3. They have a Poplar in Virginia of a very peculiar shap'd leaf, as if the point of it were cut off, which grows very well with the curious amongst us to a considerable stature. I conceive it was first brought over by John Tradescant under the name of the Tulip-tree, but is not that I find taken notice of in any of our Herbals; I wish we had more of them.

4. The Aspen onely (which is that kind of Libica or white Poplar, Aspen. 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 dried) at one foot and half distance, and then moulded over.

5. There is something a finer sort of white Poplar, Abele. which the Dutch call Abele, and we have much 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.

6. 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, by no means clayie, in which though they may shoot up tall, yet for want of root they never spread; for, as I said, they must be interr'd pretty deep, not above three inches above ground; 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 intervall: They will likewise grow of layers, and even of cuttings in very moist places. 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 17 foot in length: for which celerity we may recommend them to such late builders, as seat their houses in naked and unsheltered places, and that would put a guise of Antiquity upon any new Inclosure; since by these, whilest a man is in a voyage of no long continuance, his house and lands may be so covered, as to be hardly known at his return. But as they thus increase in bulk, their value (as the Italian Poplar has taught us) advances likewise; which after the first seven years is annually worth twelve pence more; 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 lib. being laid out in these plants, would render at the least ten thousand pounds in eighteen [Page] years; every tree affording thirty plants, and every of them thirty more, after each seven years improving twelve pence in growth, till they arrived to their acme.

7. 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 Po in Italy; which river being the old Eridanus, so celebrated by the Poets, in which the temerarious Phaeton 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 pretious 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. I am told there is a Mountain Poplar much propagated in Germany about Vienna, and in Bohemia, of which some trees have yielded Planks of a yard in breadth.

8. 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 near 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 wooden vessels, as Trays, Bowls, and other Turners ware; and of especial use for the Bellows-maker, because it is almost of the nature of Cork, though not very solid, yet very close: also for wooden heels, &c. Vitruvius l. 2. de materia caedenda reckons it among the Building Timbers, quae maximè in aedificiis sunt idoneae. 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 therefore such as have proper Grounds, may with ease and in short time store themselves for a considerable family, where fuel is dear: but the truth is, it burns untowardly, and rather moulders away than maintains any solid heat. Of the twigs (with the leaves on) are made Brooms. The Brya or Catkins attract the Bees, as do also the leaves (especially of the black) more tenacious of the Mel [...]dews then most other Forest-trees, the Oak excepted.

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

The juice of Poplar leaves drop'd into the ears asswages the pain; and the buds contus'd and mix'd with Hony, is a good Collyrium for the eyes.

[Page]

CHAP. XIX. Of the Alder.

1. ALnus, Alder. the Alder is of all other the most faithful lover of watery and boggie 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 Roots, which I prefer, being set as big as the small of ones leg, and in length about two foot; whereof one would be plunged in the mud. This profound fixing of Aquatick trees being to preserve them steddy, 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. But there is yet another way of planting Alders after the Jersey manner, and as I receiv'd it from a most ingenious Gentleman of that Country, which is, by taking trunchions of two or three foot long, at the beginning of Winter, and to bind them in faggots, and place the ends of them in water 'till towards the Spring, by which season they will have contracted a swelling spire or knurr about that part, which being set, does (like the Gennet-moil Apple) never fail of growing and striking root. There is a black sort more affected to Woods and drier grounds.

2. There are a sort of Husbands who take excessive pains in stubbing up their Alders, where ever they meet them in the boggie places of their grounds, with the same indignation as one would exstirpate the most pernicious of Weeds; and when they have finished, know not how to convert their best lands to more profit then this ( [...]eeming 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; and being set and well plashed, is an excellent defence to the banks of Rivers; so as I wonder it is not more practis'd about the Thames, to fortifie and prevent [Page] the mouldring of the walls, and the violent weather they are exposed to.

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 amisse 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, and excepting Noah's Ark; the first Vessels we read of, were made of this VVood.

When hollow Alders first the Waters tri'd,

Tunc alnos primum fluvii sensêre cavatas.

Georg. 1.

And down the rapid Poe light Aldars glide.

Nec non & torrentem undam levis innatat alnus

Missa Pado—

2.

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, because its natural humidity is of so near affinity with its adventitious; as Scaliger assigns the cause. Vitruvius tells us, that the Morasses about Ravenna in Italy, were pil'd with this Timber, to superstruct upon, and highly commends it. I find also they us'd it under that famous Bridge at Venice, the Rialto which passes over the Gran-Canal bearing a vast weight.

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, Hop-poles, Water-pipes, Troughs, Sluces, small Trays, and Trenchers, Wooden-heels; the bark is precious to Dyers, and some Tanners and Leather-dressers make use of it; and with it, and the Fruits (in stead of Galls) they make Ink. The fresh Leaves alone applied to the naked soal of the Foot, infinitely refresh the surbated Traveller; and the swelling bunches which are now and then found in the old Trees, afford the Inlayer pieces curiously chambletted and very hard, &c. but the Fagots better for the Fire than for the draining of Grounds, by placing them (as the guise is) in the Trenches; which old rubbish of Flints, Stones, and the like grosse materials, does infinitely exceed, because it is for ever, preserves the Drains 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 expresse Paragraph, were it here seasonable,

—& jam nos inter opacas

Musa vocat Salices—

[Page]

CHAP. XX. Of the Withy, Sally, Ozier, and Willow.

1. SAlix, W [...]t [...] ▪ 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 Ʋse, I have thought good to be the more particular in my Discourse upon them; especially, since so much of that which 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 bark; and by Latine Authors all comprehended under that of Salices; and our English Books reckon them promiscuously thus; The Common-white Willow, the Black, and the Hard-black, the Rose of Cambridge, the Black-Withy, the Round-long Sallow; the longest Sallow, the Lesser-broad-leav'd Willow, Silver Sallow, Ʋpright broad-Willow, Repent broad-leaf'd, the Red-stone, the Lesser Willow, the Strait-Dwarf, the Creeper, the Black-low-Willow, the Willow-bay, and the Ozier. I begin with the Withy.

2. The Withy is a reasonable large Tree, and fit to be planted on high Banks; because they extend their Roots deeper then either Salleys or Willows. For this reason you shall Plant them at ten, or twenty foot distance; and though they grow the slowest of all the Twiggie 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 Arbor-poling, and in Topiary works, Vineyards, Espalier-fruit, and the like. There are two principal sorts of these Withies, the hoary, and the red Withy which is the Greek; toughest, and fittest to bind, whiles the Twigs are flexible and tender.Sally.

3. 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. Before you Plant them, it is found best to turn the ground with a Spade; especially, if you design them for a flat. We have three sorts of Sallyes amongst us (which is one more than the Antients challeng'd, who [Page] name onely the Black, and White which was their Nitellina) the vulgar, which proves best in dryer Banks, and the hopping-Sallyes 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 whilst 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-Sallyes 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 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 cropped the second and third) the first years increase will be 'twixt eight and twelve foot long generally; the third years growth strong enough to make Rakes, and Pike-staves; and the fourth for M. Blithes's tren [...]hing Plow, and other like Ʋtensils 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 lesse useful for streight staves, and for setlings, and make lesse 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 Man's hand, and of a more vivid green, alwayes larger the first year than 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 near, inclining to one another, they soon destroy each other.

7. The worst Sallyes may be planted so neer yet, as to be instead of Stakes in a Hedge, and then their Tops will supply their dwarfishnesse; 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 (or [...], frugiperdae as Homer terms them for their extream levity) are four inches long, and full of a fine lanuginous Cotton: A poor Body might in an hours space, gather a pound or two of it, which resembling the finest Silk, might doubtlesse be converted to some profitable use by an ingenious House-wife, if gather'd [Page] in calm Evenings, before the Wind, Rain and Dew impair them; I am of opinion, if it were dri'd with care, it might be fit for Cushions, and Pillows of Chastity, for such of old was the reputation of those Trees.

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 in an Acre, if Planted at five foot interval: But a fat, and moist Soil, requires indeed more space than 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 Sa [...] lys are more hardy then even Willows and Oziers, of which Columella takes as much care as of Vines themselves. But [...]is 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; we about London begin at the latter end of December. 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 Archwise, will produce plentiful sprouts, and suddenly furnish a head.

14. If in our Coppses 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 slower, 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 Figure, and Mulberry Cyon 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 [Page] the first year, and in three, be fit to transplant. The Season for this Curiosity is February.

Oziers.17. Oziers or the Aquatic Salix, are of innumerable kinds, 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, yet would be Planted in rather a dryish ground, than over moist and spewing, which we frequently cut Trenches to avert: It likewise yields more limber, and flexible twigs for Baskets, Flaskets, Hampers, Cages, Lattices, Cradles, the Bodies of Coaches, and Wagons, for which 'tis of excellent use, light, durable, and neat, as it may be wrought and cover'd: For Chairs, Hurdles, Stayes, Bands, &c. likewise for Fish Wairs, and to support the Banks of impetuous Rivers: In fine, for all Wicker and Twiggie Works: ‘Viminibus Salices—’

18. 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; unlesse you will attend till the Cold be past, which is better; and yet we about London, Cut them in the most piercing Seasons, and Plant them also till Candlemass, which those who do not observe, we Judge ill Husbands, as I learn from a very Experienc'd Basket-maker; 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 fagotted, and made up in Bolts, as the tearm is, severing each sort by themselves, should be set in water, the ends dipped; but for black, and unpeel'd preserv'd under Covert only, or in some Vault or Cellar, to keep them fresh, sprinkling them now and then in excessive hot Weather: The peelings of the former are for the use of the Gard'ner, and Cooper; or rather the splicings.

19. 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, onely the twigs are not altogether so green, but yellowish, and near the Popinjay: This is the very best for Ʋse, tough, and hardy. But the most usual names by which Basket makers call them about London, and which are all of different species, therefore to be Planted separately, are, the hard Gelster, the Horse Gelster, Whyning, or shrivell'd Gelster, the Black Gelster, in which Suffolk abounds. Then follow the Golstones, the Hard and the Soft Golston (brittle, and worst of all the Golstones) the sharp, and slender top'd yellow Golston; the fine Golston: Then is there the [Page] Yellow Ozier, the Green-Ozier, the Snake or speckled Ozier, Swallow-tayl, and the Spaniard: To these we may add amongst the number of Oziers (for they are both govern'd and us'd alike) the Flanders VVillow, which will arrive to be a large Tree as big as ones middle, the oftner cut the better: With these our Coopers tie their Hoops, to keep them bent. Lastly, the white-Sallow, which being of a Year or two growth, is us'd for Green-work; and if of the toughest sort, to make quarter-Can-hoops, of which our Seamen provide great quantities, &c.

20. 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 that (as some direct) the Roots may frequently reach the water; for Fulminibus Salices— though we commonly find it rots them, and therefore never choose to set them so deep as to sent it, and at three, or four foot distance.

21. The Season for Planting is January, and all February, though some not till mid-February, at two foot square; but Cattel being excessively liquorish 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.

22. Some do also Plant Oziers in their Eights like Quick-sets, thick, and (neer the water) keep them not more than 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

23. You may cut VVithies, Sallys, and VVillows, at any mild and gentle season between leaf and leaf, even in VVinter; but the most congruous time both to Plant, and to cut them is Crescente Lunâ Vere, circa calendas Martias; that is, about the new Moon, and first open weather of the early Spring.

24. It is in France, upon the Loire, where these Eights (as we call them) and Plantations of Oziers and VVithies are perfectly understood; and both there, and in divers other Countries beyond Seas, they raise them of the Seeds, contain'd in their Juli or Catkins, which they sow in Furrows or shallow Trenches, and it springs up like Corn in the blade, and come to be so tender and delicate, that they frequently mow them with a Scyth: This we have attempted in England too, even in the place where I live, but the obstinate, and unmerciful Weed did so confound them, that it was impossible to keep them clean with any ordinary Industry, and so they were given over: It seems either weeds grow not so fast in other Countries, or that the People (which I rather think) are more patient and laborious. The Ozier is of that Emolument, [Page] that in some places I have heard twenty-pounds has been given for one Acre; ten is in this part an usual price; and doubtlesse, it is far preferrable to the best Corn-land; not onely for that it needs but once Planting, but because it yields a constant Crop and revenue to the Worlds end; and is therefore in esteem of knowing Persons, valu'd in Purchase accordingly; consider'd likewise, how easily 'tis renew'd, when a Plant now and then fails, by but pricking in a twig of the next at hand, when you visie to cut them: We have in this Parish where I dwell, improv'd Land from lesse than one pound, to neer ten pounds the Acre: And when we shall reflect upon the infinite quantities of them we yearly bring out of France and Flanders, to supply the extraordinary expence of Basket-work, &c. for the Fruiterers, Lime-burners, Gardners, Coopers, Packers up of all sorts of Ware, and for general Carriage, which seldom last above a Journey or two; I greatly admire Gentlemen do no more think of employing their moist grounds (especially, where Tides near fresh Rivers are reciprocal) in Planting and propagating Oziers. 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 interval. 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 made Vine-props, and one Acre hath been known to yield Props sufficient to serve a Vineyard of twenty five Acres.

25. John Tradescant brought a small Ozier from S. Omers in Flanders, which makes incomparable Net-work [...], not much inferiour to the Indian twig or bent-work [...] which we have seen; but if we had them in greater abundance, we should haply want the Artificers who could imploy them.

Willow.26. Our common Salix or Willow, is of two kinds, the white and the black: The white is also of two sorts, the one of a yellowish, the other of a browner Bark: The black Willow is Planted of stakes of three years growth, taken from the head of an old Tree, before it begins to sprout: Set them of six foot high, and ten distant. Those Woody sorts of VVillow delight in Meads and Ditch-sides, rather dry, then over wet (for so they last longest) yet the black sort, and the reddish do sometimes well in more boggie grounds, and would be Planted of Stakes as big as on's Leg, cut as the other, at the length of five or six foot, and fix'd a foot or more into the earth; the hole made with an Oken-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 dayes (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; the mould as well clos'd to them as possible, and treated as was taught in the Poplar. If you [Page] Plant for a kind of VVood or Coppse (for such I have seen) set them at six foot distance, or nearer, in the Quincunx, and be careful to take away all Suckers from them at three years end: You may abate the head half a foot from the Trunk, viz. three, or four of the lustiest Shoots, and the rest cut close, and bare them yearly, that the three or four you left, may enjoy all the Sap, and so those which were spared, will be gallant Pearches within two years. 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. 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 lesse then twelve foot in one year, after which the old, rotten Dotards may be fell'd, and easily suppli'd. But if you have ground fit for whole Coppses of this wood, cast it into double Dikes, making every foss near 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 than 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 than the Collateral, viz. three, four, five or six foot high, and distant from each other about two yards. These banks being carefully kept weeded for the first two years, till the Plants have vanquish'd the Grasse, and not cut till the third; then lop them traverse, and not obliquely, at one foot from the ground, or somewhat more, and he will head to admiration: But such which are cut at three foot height, are most durable, as least soft and aquatic: They may also be Graffed 'twixt the Bark, or budded; and then they become so beautifull, as to be fit for some kind of delightful Walks; and this I wish were practis'd among such as are seated in low, and Marshy places, not so friendly to other Trees. Every Acre at eleven, or twelve years growth, may yield you near 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 lesse than 2000 yearly, all of his own planting. It is far the sweetest of all our English Fuel, provided it be sound and dry, and emitting little Smoke is the fittest for Ladies Chambers; and all those Woods and Twiggs would be cut either to Plant, Work with, or Burn in the dryest time of the day.

27. 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, onely here rehears'd to acknowledge the variety.

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

[Page]29. What most of the former enumerated kinds differ from the Sallys, is indeed not much considerable, they being generally u [...]eful for the same purposes; as Boxes, such as Apothecaries and Goldsmiths use; for Cart-Saddle-trees, yea, Gun-stocks, and Half-Pikes, Harrows, Shooe-makers Lasts, Heels, Clogs for Pattens, Forks, Rakes, especially the Tooths, which should be wedg'd with Oak, but let them not be cut for this when the Sap is stirring, because they will shrink, 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, Kyele-pins, great Town-Topps; for Platters, little Cashes and Vessels; especially to preserve Verjuices in the best of any: Pailes are also made of cleft Willow, Dorsers, Fruit-baskets, Canns, Hives for Bees, Trenchers, Trays, and for polishing and whetting Table-Knives, the Butler will find it above any Wood or Whet-stone; also for Coals and Bavin, not forgetting the fresh boughs, which of all the Trees in nature, yield the most chast and coolest Shade in the hottest season of the day; and this Umbrage so wholesome, that Physicians prescribe it to Feaverish persons, permitting them to be plac'd even about their Beds, as a safe and comfortable refrigerium. 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.

What would we more? low Broom, and Sallys wild,

Or feed the Flock, or Shepheards shade, or Field

Hedges about, or do us Hony yield.

Quid majora sequ [...]r? Salices, humilesque genista.

Aut illae pecori frondem, aut pastoribus umbram

Sufficiunt, sepemque satis, & pabula melli.

Georg. 2.

30. Now by all these Plantations of the Aquatic Trees, it is evident, the Lords of Moorish Commons, and unprofitable Wasts, may learn some Improvement, and the neighbour Bees be gratified; 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, minorisve impendii, aut tempestatis securior.

[Page]

CHAP. XXI. Of Fences, Quick-sets, &c.

1. OUr main Plantation is now finish'd,Fences. and our Forest adorn'd with a just variety: But what is yet all this labour, but losse of time, and irreparable expence, unlesse 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 Cop.

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

Plash Fences thy Plantation round about,

And whilst yet Young, be sure keep Cattell out;

Severest Winters, scorching Sun infest,

And Sheep, Goats, Bullocks, all young Plants molest;

Yet neither Cold, nor the hoar rigid Frost,

Nor Heat reflecting from the Rocky Coast,

Like Cattel Trees, and tender Shoots consound,

When with invenom'd Teeth the twigs they wound.

Texendae sepes etiam, & pecus omne tenendum est:

Praecipuè, dum frons tenera, imprudensque laborum

Cui, super indignas hyemes, solemque potentem,

Sylvestres Ʋri assiduè, capreaeque sequaces

Illudunt: Pascuntur Oves, avidaeque juven [...]ae.

Frigora nec tantum cana concreta pruina,

Aut gravis incumbens scopulis arentibus astas,

Quantum illi nocuere greges, durique venenum

Dentis, & admorso signata in stirpe cicatrix.

Georg. 2.

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 employment 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 Masters 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 treading 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.

3. But shall I provoke you by an instance? A Kins-man of mine has a Wood of more than 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 [Page] 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 than 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, than preserving it fenc'd: Judge then by this, how our Woods come 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?

And shall men doubt to Plant, and careful be?

Et dabitant homines serere, atque impendere curam?

Georg. 2.

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

—All Countreys bear, in every ground

As Denizen, or Enter-loper found:

From Gardens and till'd fields expell'd, yet there

On the extreams stands up, and claims a share.

Nor Mastiff-dog, nor Pike-man can be found

A better Fence to the enclosed Ground.

Such breed the rough and hardy Cantons rear,

And into all adjacent Lands prefer,

Tough rugged Churles; and for the Battel fit,

Who Courts and States with Complement or Wit

To civilize nor to instruct pretend;

But with stout faithful service to defend.

This Tyrants know full well, nor more confide

On Guards that serve lesse for Defence than Pride:

Their Persons safe they do not judge amisse,

And Realms committed to their Guard of Swisse.

—Omne solum natale est, intrat ubique

Ardelio; illa quidem culiis excluditur agris

Plerumque, atque hortis; sed circumsepit utrosque

Atque omnes adytus servat fidissima custos,

Ʋtilior latrante Cane, armatoque Priapo.

Aspera frigoribus saxisque Helvetia tales

Educat, & peregis terras emittit in omnes

Enormes durósque viros, sed fortia bell [...]

Pectora; non illi cultu, non moribus Aulas,

Atque Ʋrbes decorare valent, sed utrasque fideli

Defendunt opera; nec iis, gens cauta, Tyranni,

Praeponunt speciosa magis, multúmque sonora

Praefidia; his certi vitam tutantur opesque, &c.

Couleii pl. l. 6.

For so the ingenious Poet has metamorphos'd him, and I could not withstand him.

Quick-sets.4. The Hei-thorne, and indeed the very best of common hedges, 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: 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 with patience; for (as I affirm'd) they will sleep sometimes two entire years in their Graves; as will also [Page] the seeds of Yew, 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 considerably improv'd his Revenue, by sowing Haws only, and raising Nurseries of Quick-sets, which he sells by the hundred far and neer: This is a commendable industry; any neglected corners of ground will fit this Plantation.

5. 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 year; by which time even your seedlings will be of stature fit to remove; for I do by no means approve of the vulgar praemature Planting of Sets, as is generally us'd throughout England; which is to take such onely as are the very smallest, and so to crowd them into three or four files, which are both egregious mistakes.

6. 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 (not altogether, because the Rain should not get in 'twixt the Rind and wood) 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. Yet, that I may not be wanting to direct such as either affect the other way, or whose Grounds may require some Bank of Earth, as ordinarily the verges of Coppses, and other Inclosures do: You shall by line cast up your fosse of about three foot broad, and about the same depth, provided your mould hold it; beginning first to turn the turf, upon which, be careful to lay some of the best Earth to bed your Quick in, and there lay, or set the Plants; two in a foot space is sufficient; being diligent to procure such as are fresh gathered, streight, smooth, and well rooted; adding now and then, at equal spaces of twenty or thirty foot, a young [Page] Oakling or Elme-sucker, Ash or the like, which will come in time to be ornamental Standards, and good Timber: If you will needs multiply your rowes, a foot or somewhat lesse: Above that, upon more congested mould, plant another ranke of sets, so as to point just in the middle of the vacuities of the first, which I conceive enough: This is but for the single Fosse; but if you would fortifie it to the purpose, do as much on the other side, of the same depth, height, and planting; and then last of all, cap the top in Pyramis with the worst, or bottom of the Ditch: Some, if the mould be good, plant a row or two on the Edge, or very crest of the mound, which ought to be a little flatned: Here also many set their dry-Hedge, to defend, and shade their under-plantation, and I cannot reprove it: But great care is to be had in this work, that the main bank be well footed, and not made with too suddain a declivity, which is subject to fall-in after frosts and wet weather; and this is good husbandry for moyst grounds; but where the Land lyes high, and is hot and gravelly, I prefer the lower fencing; which, though even with the arëa it self, may be protected with stakes and a dry hedge, the distance competent, and to very good purposes of educating more frequent Timber amongst the rowes.

8. Your Hedge being yet Young, should be constantly weeded, (of Brambles especially, the great Dock, and Thistle, &c.) though some admit not of this work 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 for the graffing of Fruit amongst them, which does highly recompense their industry. Some cut their Sets at three years growth even to the very ground, and find that in a year or two, it will have shot, as much as in seven, had it been let alone.

9. When your Hedge is now neer 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. Markam 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 than 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 Rabbets in Warrens instead of pales.

10. And now since I did mention it, and that most I find do greatly affect the vulgar way of Quicking (that this our Discourse be in nothing deficient) we will in brief give it you again after Geo. Markams description, because it is the best and most accurate, although much resembling our former direction, of which it seems [Page] but a Repetition, 'till he comes to the plashing. 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; though some stay till the tenth or longer. In February therefore, or October, with a very sharp hand-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 close to the Ground, about three quarters through, or rather, so far onely, as till you can make them comply handsomely, which is your best direction, 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. For stakes in this work, Oake is to be preferr'd, though some will use Elder, or the Black-Thorn droven well in at every yard of interval; and even your plash'd-hedges need some small thorns to be lay'd over to protect the Spring from Cattel and Sheep, 'till they are somewhat fortified; and the doubler the winding is lodg'd, the better; which should be beaten, and forced [Page] down together with the stakes, as equally as may be. Note, that in sloping your Windings, if it be too low done (as very usually) it frequently mortifies the tops; therefore, it ought to be so bent, as it may not impead the mounting of the Sap: If the plash be of a great, and extraordinary age, wind it at the neather boughs all together, and cutting the sets as directed, permit it rather to hang downwards a little, than rise too forwards; and then twist the branches into the work, leaving a set free and unconstrain'd at every yard space; besides such as will serve for stakes, abated to about five-foot-length (which is a competent stature for an Hedge) and so let it stand. One shall often find in this work, especially in Old neglected Hedges, some great Trees, or stubs, that commonly make gaps for Cattel: Such, should be cut so neer the Earth, as 'till you can lay them thwart, that the top of one, may rest on the root, or stub of the other, as far as they extend, stopping the cavities with its boughs and branches; and thus Hedges which seem to consist but onely of Scrubby-Trees and stumps, may be reduc'd to a tollerable Fence. We have been the longer on these descriptions, because it is of main importance, and that so few Husband-men are perfectly skil'd in it.

10. The Roots of an Old Thorne is excellent both for Boxes and Combs, and is curiously and naturally wrought: I have read, that they made ribs to some small Boates or Vessels with the White-Thorn. The Black-Crab rightly season'd and treated, is famous for Walking-staves▪ and if over-grown us'd in Mill-work. Here we owe due Elogy to the Industry of that honourable Person my Lord Ashley, who has taught us to make such Enclosures of Crab-stocks onely, planted close to one another, as there is nothing more impregnable and becoming; or you may sowe Sider-kernels in a rill, and fence it for a while with a double dry Hedge, not onely for a suddain and beautiful, but a very profitable Inclosure; because, amongst other benefits, they will yield you Sider-fruit in abundance: But in Devonshire, they build two walls with their stones, setting them edgeways, two, and then one between; and so as it rises, fill the intervall or Cofer with Earth (the breadth and height as you please) and continuing the stone-work, and filling, and as you work beating in the stones flat to the sides, which causes them to stick everlastingly: This is absolutely the neatest, most saving, and profitable Fencing imaginable, where slaty stones are in any abundance; and it becomes not onely the most secure to the Lands, but the best for Cattel to lye warme under the Walls; when other Hedges, (be they never so thick) admit of some cold winds in Winter time that the leaves are of: Upon these Banks they plant not onely Quick sets, but even Timber-Trees which exceedingly thrive, being out of all danger.

11. The Pyracanth, Paliurus, and like pretioser sorts of Thorne might easily be propagated into plenty sufficient to store even these vulgar Ʋses 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. [Page] 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 than North or West, as usually we observe them.

13. Some (as we noted) mingle their very hedges with Oaklings, Ash, and Fruit trees sown, or planted, and 'tis a laudable improvement; though others do rather recommend to us Sets of all one sort, and will not so much as admit of the Black-Thorne to be mingled with the White, because of their unequal progress; and indeed, Timber-trees set in the Hedge (though contemporaries with it) do frequently wear it out; and therefore I should rather incourage such Plantations to be at some Yards neer the Verges, than perpendicularly in them.

14. 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,Furzes. such as the French imploy for the same purpose in Bretaigne, where they are incomparable husbands.

15. 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: It is likewise admirable Covert for wildefowle, and will be made to grow even in moyst, as well as dry places: The young, and tender tops of Furzes, being a little bruis'd, and given to a lean sickly Horse, will strangely recover and plump him. Thus, in some places, they sow in barren grounds (when they lay them down) the last crop with this seed, 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, if this be question'd, the Scene is within a mile of Hereford, and proved by anniversary experience, in the Lands, as I take it, of a Gentleman who is now one of the Burgesses for that City. 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 (as we say) 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 a great refuge for Fowl and other Game: I am assur'd, in Bretaigne 'tis sometimes sown no lesse then twelve yards thick, for a speedy, profitable, and impenetrable Mound: If we imitated this husbandry in the barren [Page] 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. It seems that in the more Eastern parts of Germany, and especially in Poland, this vulgar trifle, and even our common Broom is so rare, that they have desired the seeds of them out of England, and preserve them with extraordinary care in their best Gardens; this I learn out of our Johnsons Herbal; by which we may consider, that what is reputed a curse and a cumber in some places, is esteem'd the ornament and blessing of another: But we shall not need go so far for this, since both Beech and Birch are almost as great strangers in many parts of this Nation, particularly Northampton and Oxfordshire.

Broom.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. 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 Genistae Altinates, with which (as he affirms) they us'd to make staves for their Spears, and hunting Darts.

Elder.16. 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 excelling those extravagant plantations of them about London, where the lops are permitted to grow without due and skilful laying. 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, Butchers Skewers, and such tough employments. Old trees do in time become firm, and close up the hollowness to an almost invisible pith. But if the Medicinal properties of the Leaves, Bark, Berries, &c. were throughly known, I cannot tell what our Country-man could aile for which he might not fetch a Remedy from every Hedge, either for Sicknesse or Wound: The inner Barke of Elder, or, in season, the Buds, boyld in Water-grewel for a Break-fast, has effected wonders in the Feaver; and the decoction is admirable to asswage Inflammations and tetrous humors, and especially the Scorbut: But an Extract or Therica may be compos'd of the Berries, which is not onely efficacious to erradicate this Epidemical inconvenience, and greatly to assist Longaevity (for famous is the story of Naeander) but is a kind of Catholicon against all Infirmities whatever: The Water of the leaves and Berries are approved in the Dropsy, every part of the Tree is useful: The Oyntment made with the young buds and leaves in May with Butter, is most soveraine for Aches, shrunk sinnues, &c. And lesse than this could I not say (with the leave of the charitable Physitian) to gratifie our poor Wood-man; and yet when I have say'd all this, I do by no means commend the sent of it, which is very noxious to the Ayre, and therefore, though I do not undertake that all things which sweeten the Ayre are salubrious, nor all ill savors pernicious; yet, as not for its beauty, so [Page] neither for its smell, would I plant Elder or much Box neer my Habitation: The Elder does likewise produce a certain green Fly, almost invisible, which is exceedingly troublesome, and whose sting is plainly venomous, smarts vehemently, and gathers a fiery rednesse where it ataques.

19. There is a Shrub call'd the Spindle-Tree, Evonymus or Fusanum, Evonymus. commonly growing in our Hedges, which bears a very hard wood, of which they sometimes made Bowes for Viols, and the Inlayer us'd it for its colour, and Instrument-makers for Toothing of Organs and Virginal-keys, Tooth-pickers, &c. What we else do with it I know not, save that, according with its name abroad, they make spindles with it. Here might come in (or be nam'd at least) the Wild-Cornel, good to make Mill-Cogs, Pestles, Bobins for Bonelace, Cornel. &c. Lastly, the Viburnum, or Way-faring tree, growing also plentifully in every corner, makes the most plyant and best bands to Fagot with.

20.Yucca. The American Yucca is a hardier 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 in 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. Finally, let trial likewise be made of that Thorn mention'd by Cap. Liggon in his History of Barbados; whether it would not be made grow amongst us, and prove as convenient for fences as there; the Seeds or Sets transported to us with due care. 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 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 of it; did not 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.

21. To discourse in this stile of all such Fruit-trees as would prove of greatest emolument to the whole Nation, Fruit-Trees. 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 my poor knowledge and research) that it would be needless to Repeat.

22. I do only wish (upon the prospect, and meditation of the universal Benefit) that every person whatsoever, worth ten pounds [Page] per annum, within his Majesties Dominions, were by some indispensable Statute oblig'd to plant his Hedg-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.

22. 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 Country-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 Sider 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 Hedgrows about the Grounds of a Worshipful Gentleman dwelling two miles from Hereford, call'd 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 Hogs-heads of Sider: 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 taste of any but of 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, Set, 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 Patron of a little 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, Black-Cherry afford, and many thorny plums (which are best for grain, colour and glosse) afford, comparable (for divers curious Ʋses) with any we have enumerated. The Black-Cherry-Wood grows sometimes to that bulke, as is fit to make stooles with, Cabinets, Tables, especially the redder sort, which will polish well; also Pipes, and Musical Instruments, the very bark employ'd for Bee-Hyves: But of this I am to render a more ample Accompt in the Appendix to this Discourse. 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.

[Page]

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

1. ABies, Pinus, Pinaster, Picea, &c.Fir. 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, or in warm water, till they begin to gape, and are ready to deliver themselves of their numerous burthen.

2. There are of the Fir two principal species; the Male which is the bigger Tree most beautiful and tapering, and of a harder wood; the Female, which is much the softer, and whiter. Though Whitenesse be not the best character; that which knowing Workemen call the Dram, and that comes to us from Bergen, Swinsound, Mosse, Longlound, Dranton, &c. long, strait, clear, and of a yellow more Cedrie colour, is esteemed much before the White for flooring and wainscot; For Masts, &c. Those of Prusia, which we call Spruse, and Norway (especially from Gottenberg) are the best; unlesse we had more commerce of them from our Plantations in New-England, which are preferrable to any of them. In the Scottish High-lands are Trees of wonderful altitude (though not altogether so tall, thick and fine as the former) which grow upon places so unaccessable, and far from the Sea, that (as one says) they seem to be planted of God on purpose for Nurseries of Seed, and monitors to our Industry, reserved with other Blessings, to be discover'd in our days amongst the new-invented Improvements of Husbandry, not known to our Southern people of this Nation, &c. Did we consider the pains they take to bring them out of the Alps, we should lesse stick at the difficulty of transporting them from the utmost parts of Scotland. To the former sorts we may add the Esterund Firs, Tonsberry, Fredrick-stad, Hellerone, Holmstrand, Landifer, Stavenger, Lawrwat, &c. 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 little 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 [Page] 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. They will grow both in moyst, or barren Gravel, and poor ground, so it be not over sandy and light; but before sowing (I mean here for large designes) turn it up a foot deep, sowing or setting your Seeds an hand distance, and riddle Earth upon them; In five or six weeks they will peep: When you transplant, water them well before, and cut the clod out about the root as you do Melons out of the Hot-bed, which knead close to them like an Egg: Thus they may be sent safely many miles, but the top must neither be bruised, much lesse cut, which would dwarfe it for ever.

3. The best time to transplant, were in the beginning of April; they would thrive mainly in a stiff hungry Clay; but by no means in over light, or rich Soyle: Fill the holes therefore with such barren Earth, if your ground be improper of it self; and if the Clay be too stiff and untractable, with a little sand, removing with as much Earth about the roots as is possible, though the Fir will better endure a naked transplantation, than the Pine: You may likewise sow in such earth about February, they will make a shoot the very first year of an Inch; next an handful, the third year three foot, and thence forward, above a yard annually. A Northern Gentleman, who has oblig'd me with this processe upon his great Experience, assures me, that there are trees planted in Northumberland, which are in few years grown to the magnitude of Ship-masts; and from all has been sayd, deduces these Incouragements; 1. The facility of their propagation, 2. The nature of their growth, which is to affect places where nothing else will thrive: 3. Their uniformity and beauty, 4. Their perpetual Verdure; 5. Their sweetnesse, 6. Their Fruitfulness, affording seed, gum, fuel, and timber of all other woods the most useful and easy to work, &c. All which highly recommend it as an excellent Improvement of Husbandry, fit to be enjoyn'd by some solemn Edict to the Inhabitants of this our Island, that we may have masts, and those other materials of our own growth.

4. The Pine (of which are reckon'd no lesse then ten several sorts, preferring the Domestic or Sative for the fuller growth) is likewise of both Sexes, whereof the Male growing lower, hath its wood more knotty and rude than the Female. They would be gather'd in June, before they gape, yet having hung two years (for there will be always some ripe, and some green on the same Tree) preserve them in their nuts, in Sand, as you treat Akorns, &c. 'till the season invite, and then set, or sow them in Ground which is 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; and a Spanish Author tels us, that macerated five days in a childs urine, and three days in water, is of wonderful effect; This [Page] were an expeditious processe 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, I say, taken up, and not remov'd by Evulsion; 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. The safest course of all, were to set the Nuts in an Earthen-pot, and in frosty weather, shewing it a little to the fire, the intire Clod will come out with them, which are to be reserved, and set in the naked Earth, in convenient and fit holes, so soon as the thaw is universal: Some commend the strewing a few Oats at the bottom of the fosses or pits in which you transplant the naked roots, for a great promotement of their taking; and that it will cause them to shoot more in one year than in three; but to this I have already spoken.

5. 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 Warrs 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 lesse then fourscore miles; so as 'tis verily conjectur'd by some, they might be wafted 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 warrantable: But of these Aerial irradiations, various conceptions, and aequivocal 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.

6. In transplanting of these Coniferous Trees, which are generally Resinaceous, viz. Fir, Pine, Larix, Cedar, and which have but thin and single Roots, you must never diminish their heads, nor be at all busie with their roots, which pierce deep, and is all their foundation, unless [Page] you find any of them bruised, or much broken, therefore such down-right Roots as you may be forc'd to cut off, it were safe to sear with an hot Iron, and prevent the danger of bleeding, to which they are obnoxious even to destruction, though unseen and unheeded: Neither may you disbranch them, but with great caution, as about March, or before, or else in September, and then 'tis best, to prune up the side-branches close to the Trunk, cutting off all that are above a year old; if you suffer them too long, they grow too big, and the cicatrice will be more apt to spend the Tree in gumme; upon which accident 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. Some advise us to break the shells of Pines to facilitate their delivery, and I have essay'd it, but to my losse; Nature does obstetricate, and do that office of her self, when it is the proper 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 both in Mountains and Plains; but the Pinaster or wilder (of which are four sorts) best for Walks, because it grows tall, and proud, maintaining their Branches at the sides, which the Pine does lesse 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,

The friendly Pine the mighty Oke invites.

Et comitem quercum Pinus amica trahit.

9. They both affect the cold, high, and rockie grounds, Abies in montibus altis; 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 than the Valley; but [...], It cannot endure the Shade, as Theophrastus observes, de Pl. l. 4. c. 1. But this is not rigidly true; for they will grow in Consort, till they even shade, and darken one another, and will also descend from the Hills, and succeed very well, 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 their Roots for Ablaqueation, or be disturb'd. This is also to be understood of Cypress. A Fir for the first half dozen years seems 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 [Page] great satisfaction) having assur'd me that a Fir-tree of his raising, did shoot no lesse than sixty foot in height, in little more than 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, Pitch. and to be cultivated like it, the cold grounds which these Plants most affect, though it be hard to discover,

Yet sometimes Pitch-trees and the noxious Yew,

Or the dark Ivy will dire Symptomes shew.

—Piceae tantum, taxique nocentes

Interdum, aut ederae pandunt Vestigia nigrae.

Georg. 2.

And therefore I am not satisfied why it might not prosper in some tollerable 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, and produces a Gum almost as white and firm as Frankincense: But it is the Larix (another sort of Pine) that yields the Venetian Turpentine.

11. There is also the Piceaster (a wilder sort) out of which the greatest store of Pitch is boyl'd. The Teda likewise, which is a sort abounding in Dalmatia, more unctious, and more patient of the warmer situations, and so inflamable, that it will slit into Candles, and therefore some will by no means admit it to be of a different Species, but a metamorphosis of over-grown fattinesse, to which the most Judicious incline.

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: But the Fir may be propagated of Layers, which I divulge, as a considerable Secret that has been essay'd with successe.

13. That all these, especially the Fir, and Pine, will prosper well with us is more than probable, because it is a kind of Demonstration that they did heretofore grow plentifully in Cumberland, Cheshire, Stafford, and Lancashire, if the multitudes of these Trees to this day found intire, and buried under the Earth, though suppos'd to have been or'ethrown and cover'd so ever since the universal Deluge, be indeed of this Species: That incomparable Naturalist, the Learned Dr. Merre [...]t, in his Pinax, speaks of several places of this Nation, where subterraneous Trees are found; as namely, in Cornwal, ad finem terrae, in agris Flints; in Penbrok-shire towards the shore, where they so abound, ut totum littus (says the Doctor) tanquam Sylva caedua apparet; in Cheshire also, as we said, Cumberland, and Anglesey, and several of our Euro-boreal tracts, and are called Noahs-Ark. By Chatnesse in Lancashire (says Cambden) the low Mossie ground was no very long time since, carried away by an impetuous flood, and in that place now lies a low irriguous Vale, where many prostrate Trees have been digged out: These Trees were (some think) carried away in times past by some [Page] accident of Innundation, or by Waters undermining the ground, till their own weight, and the Winds bow'd them down and overwhelm'd in the Mud: For 'tis observ'd, that these Trees are no where found but in Boggie places; but that the burning of these Trees so very bright, should be an Argument they were Fir, is not necessary, since the Bitumineous quality of such Earth may have imparted it to them; and Cambden denies them to be fir-trees, suggesting the Querie; Whether there may not possibly grow Trees even under the Ground, as well as other things? There are in Cumberland, on the Sea-shore, Trees sometimes discover'd at Low-water, and at other times that lye buried in the Sand; and in other Mossie places of that Shire 'tis reported, the People frequently dig up the Bodies of vast Trees without Boughs, and that by direction of the Deaw alone in Summer; for they observe it never lyes upon that part, under which those Trees are interr'd. These particulars I find noted by the Ingenious Authour of the Britannia Baconica: But we shall enquire farther concerning these Subterranean Productions anon, and whether the Earth, as well as the Water, have not the vertue of strange Transmutations: These Trees are found in Moors by poking with Staves of three or four foot length, shod with Iron.

14. In Scotland (as we noted) there is a most beautiful sort of Fir growing upon the Mountains; of which from the late Marquiss of Argyle, I had sent me some seeds, which I have sown with tolerable successe; and I preferr them before any other, because they grow both very erect, and fixing themselves stoutly, need little or no support. And there neer Loughbrun, 'twixt the Lough and an Hill, they grow in such quantity; that from the spontaneous Fall, Ruine, and Decay of the Trees lying crosse one another to a Man's height, partly cover'd with Mosse, and partly Earth and Grasse, which rots, fills up, and grows again, a considerable Hill has in processe of time been raised to almost their very tops, which being an Accident of singular remark, I thought fit to mention.

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

The useful Pine for Ships—

—dant utile Lignum

Navigiis Pines—

Georg. 2.

Hence Papinius 6. Thebaid. calls it audax abies. They make our best Mast, Sheathing, Scaffold-poles, &c. heretofore the whole Vessel. It is pretty (saith Pliny) to consider, that those Trees which are so 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 all intestine works, as Wainscot, Floors, Pales, Balks, Laths, Boxes, Bellies for all Musical Instruments in general, nay the Ribs and Sides of that enormous Stratagem, the so famous Trojan Horse, may be thought to be built of this Material, and if the Poet mistake not.

[Page]—The Ribs with Deal they fit:

— Sectáque intexunt Abiete costas.

Aen. 2.

It is exceeding smooth to polish on, and therefore does well under Gilding work, and takes black equal with the Pear-tree: Both Fir, and especially Pine, succeed well in Carving, as for Capitols, Festoons, nay Statues, especially being Gilded, because of the easinesse of the Grain, to work and take the Tool every way; and he that shall examine it nearly, will find that famous Image of the B. Virgin at Loretto (reported to be Carved by the hands of S. Luke) to be made of Fir, as the grain easily discovers it. The Torulus (as Vitruvius calls it) and heart of Deal, kept dry, rejecting the Albumen and white is everlasting; 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, and therefore of very good use for Barrs and bolts of Doors, as well as for Doors themselves, by reason of a natural Spring which it has, not easily violated: You shall find, that of old they made Carts, and Coaches of it: For Scaffolding also there is none comparable to it; and I am sure we find it an extraordinary saver of Oak where it may be had at reasonable price. I will not complain what an incredible mass of ready Money is yearly exported into the Northern Countreys 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: Of Fir are made our Torch or Funebral-staves; nay, and of old, Spears of it, if we may credit Virgil's Amazonian Combate,

—She prest

A long Fir Spear through his exposed Breast.

—Cujus apertum

Adversi longâ transverberat abiete pectus.

Aen. 11.

Lastly, the very Chips, or Shavings of Deal-boards, are of other use than to kindle Fires alone: Thomas Bartholinus in his Medicina Danorum Dissert. 7. &c. where he disclaims the use of Hops in Beer, as pernicious and malignant, and from several instances how apt it is to produce and usher in Infections, nay, Plagues, &c. would substitute in its place, the Shavings of Deal-boards, as he affirms, to give a grateful odor to the Drink; and how soverain those resinous woods, the Tops of Fir and Pines, are against the Scorbut, we generally find: It is in the same Chapter that he commends also Wormwood, Marrubium, Chamelaeagnum, Sage, Tamarisc, and almost any thing rather than Hopps. The Pine, or 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; also Hoops for Wine-Vessels, especially, of the easily flexible Wild-Pine; not to forget the Kernels (this Tree being alwayes furnish'd with Cones, some ripe, others green) of such admirable use in Emulsion, and [Page] the Tooth-pickers for which even the very leaves are commended: In sum, they are Plantations which exceedingly improve the Air by their oderiferous, and balsamical emissions, and for ornament, create a perpetual Spring where they are plentifully propagated. And if it could be proved that the Almugim-trees, Recorded 1 Reg. 10.12. and whereof Pillars for that famous Temple, and the Royal Palace, Harps, and Psalteries, &c. were made, were of this sort of Wood (as some doubt not to assert) we should esteem it at another rate; yet we know Josephus affirms they were a kind of Pine-tree, though somewhat resembling the Fig-tree wood to appearance, as of a most lustrious Candor. In the 2 Chron. 2.8. there is mention of Almug-trees to grow in Lebanon; and if so, methinks it should rather be a kind of Cedar; (yet we find Firr also in the same period) for we have seen a whiter sort of it, even very white as well as red; though some affirm it to be but the Sap of it (so our Cabinet-makers call it) I say, their were both Fir and Pine-trees also growing upon those Mountains. Mr. Purchas informs us, that Dr. Dee Writ a laborious Treatise almost wholly of this Subject (but I could never have the good hap to see it) wherein, as Commissioner for Solomon's Timber, and like a Learned Architect, and Planter, he has summon'd a Jury of twelve sorts of Trees. namely, 1. the Fir, 2. Box, 3. Cedar, 4. Cypresse, 5. Ebony, 6. Ash, 7. Juniper, 8. Larch, 9. Olive, 10. Pine, 11. Oke, and 12. Sandal-trees, to examine which of them were this Almugim, and at last seems to concur with Josephus, in favour of Pine or Fir; who possibly from some antient Record, or fragment of the Wood it self, might learn something of it; and 'tis believ'd, that it was some material both odoriferous to the Sent, and beautiful to the Eye, and of fittest temper to refract Sounds; besides its serviceablenesse for Building, all which Properties are in the best sort of Pine or Thyina, as Pliny calls it; or perhaps some other rare Wood, of which the Eastern Indias are doubtlesse the best provided; and yet I find, that these vast beams which sustain'd the Roof of S. Peter's Church at Rome, laid (as reported) by Constantine the Great, were made of the Pitch tree, and have lasted from Anno 336. down to our dayes, above 1300. years.

16. But now whiles I am reciting the Ʋses 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 natually Turpentine 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 dovvn, that have lain so many Ages, as that the vvhole Bodies, Branches and Roots of the Trees being perished, some certain knots onely of the Boughs have been left remaining intire (these knots are that part vvhere the bough is joyn'd to the [Page] body of the Tree) lying at the same distance and posture as they grevv upon the Tree for its vvhole 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 Countrey adjacent, whiles they are well impregnated with that Terebinthine, and Resinous [...]atter, which like a Balsam preserves them so long from putrifaction. The rest of the Tree does 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 watery, and undigested by reason of the porosity of the Wood, which exposes it to the impressions of the Air and Wet, renders 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 convenient 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 an 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 floor of Clay, yet somewhat descending, or dripping from the extream parts to the middle, and thence towards one of the sides, where a gullet is left for the Tar to run out at. The Hearth thus finish'd, they pile the knots one upon 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 onely 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 as is requisite to keep it burning, and to regulate the fire by opening, and stopping them at pleasure. The processe is almost the 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 fore-mention'd gutter into the Barrel, or Vessel placed to receive it: Thus, the whole Art of Tarmaking is no other, than 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 [Page] 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 muc [...] 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 of light to go about the house. It must not be conceiv'd, by what we have mention'd 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 Turpentine 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 Turpentine 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 yet never 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 [Page] 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. It is moreover to be understood, that the Fir and most Coniferous Trees, yield the same Concretes, Lachrymae, Turpentines, Rosins, Hard, Naval or stone and liquid Pitch and Tar for innumerable uses; and from the burning, and fuliginous vapour of these, especially, the Rosin, we have our Lamp and Printers black, &c. I am perswaded the Pine, and Fir trees in Scotland, might yield his Majesty plenty of excellent Tar, were some industrious Person employ'd about the work.

CHAP. XXIII. Of the Larch, Platanus, Lotus, Cornus, &c.

1. LArix, though of the Coniferous family, looses its leaf, Larch. and therefore we separate him from the Firs and Pines; but why we might not hope as well of the Larch as from any of them I know not: I read of Beams of 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 Caesar found in a Castle he besieg'd built of it; (the story is recited at large by Vitruvius l. 2. c. 9.) but see what Philander says upon the place, on his own experience: yet the Coals thereof were held far better then any other for the melting of Iron. There is abundance of this Larch timber in the Buildings at Venice, especially about the Palaces in Piazza San Marco, where I remember Scmozzi says he himself us'd much of it, and infinitely commends it: Tiberius we find built that famous Bridg to his Naumachia with it; and it seems to excel for Beams, Dores, Windoes, and will support an incredible Weight; which (and for its property of long refecting fire) makes Vitruvius wish they had greater plenty of it at Rome to make Goists of. From this Tree it is that useful Drug Agaric is gathered; and the timber of it is so exceedingly transparant, that Cabanes made of the thin boards, when in the dark night, they have lighted candles, people, who are at a distance without dores, would imagine the whole room to be on fire, which is pretty odd, considering there is no material so unapt to kindle. 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.

[Page] Platanus▪2. Platanus, that so beautiful and precious Tree, so doated on by Xerxes, that Aelian and other Authours tell us he made halt, and stop'd his prodigious Army of seventeen hundred thousand souldiers which even cover'd the Sea, exhausted Rivers, and thrust Mount Athos from the Continent, to admire the pulchritude and procerity of one of these goodly Trees, and became so fond of it, that spoiling both himself, his Concubines, and great Persons of all their jewels, he cover'd it with Gold, Gems, Neck-laces, Scarfs and Bracelets, and infinite riches; In sum, was so enamor'd of it, that for some days neither the concernment of his grand Expedition, nor interest of honor, nor the necessary motion of his portentous Army, could perswade him from it: He styl'd it his Mistris, his Minion, his Goddesse; and when he was forc'd to part from it, he caus'd the figure of it to be stampt in a Medail of Gold, which he continually wore about him. These Trees the Romans first brought out of the Levant, and cultivated with so much industry and cost, for its stately and proud head only;Mac [...]ob. Saturnal. 3. that great Orators and States-men, Cicero and Hortensius would exchange now and then a turn at the Bar, that they might have the pleasure [...]o step to their Villas, and refresh their Platans, which they would often irrigate with Wine instead 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. And for our encouragement, I do upon experience assure you, that they will flourish and abide with us, without any more trouble than frequent, and plentiful Watering, which from their youth they excessively delight in, and gratefully acknowledge by their growth accordingly; so as I am perswaded, that with very ordinary Industry, they might be propagated to the incredible Ornament of the Walks and Avenues to Great-mens houses. The Introduction of this true Plane amongst us, is due to that honorable Gentleman Sir Geo. Crook of Oxfordshire, from whose bounty I received an hopefull plant now growing in my Villa.

3. There was lately at Basil in Switzerland an ancient goodly Platanetum, and now in France they are come again in vogue: I know it was antiently accounted [...]; but 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 than Italy. They come also of Layers abundantly; affecting a fresh and feeding ground; for so they plant them about their Rivulets, and Fountains. The West-Indian Plane is not altogether so rare, but it rises to a goodly Tree, and bears a very ample, and lesse jaged leaf: That the Turks use their Platanus for the building of Ships, I learn out of Ricciolus Hydrog. l. 10. c. 37.

Lotus.4. The same opinion have I of the noble Lotus, (another lover [Page] of the Water) which in Italy yields both an admirable shade, and Timber immortal. Of this Wood are made Pipes and Wind-Instruments, and of its Root, Hafts for knives, and other Tools, &c. 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. The Cornel-tree, Cor [...]u [...]. though not mention'd by Plinie for its Timber, is exceedingly commended for its durablenesse, and use in Wheel-work, Pinns, and Wedges, in which it lasts like the hardest Iron; and it will grow with us to good bulk and stature; and the preserv'd, and pickl'd berries, are most refreshing, and an excellent condiment.

CHAP. XXIV. Of the Cypress-tree and Cedar.

CƲpressus, the Cypresse-Tree, is either the Sative or Garden tree,Cypresse. the most pyramidal and beautiful; or that which is call'd the Male, (though somewhat prepostrously) which bears the Cones, but is of a more extravagant shape: should we reason only from our common experience, even the Cypresse-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 Country-men 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.

Ʋna tantùm 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 as of several other Peregrine Trees, Fruit-bearers, and others; For even the very Damask-rose it self, (as my Lord Bacon tels us Cent. 2. Exp. 659.) is little more [Page] than an hundred years old in England: Methinks this should be of wonderful incitement. 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 tels 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 Itinerario. in the colder and Northern tracts of Syria: But as I am inform'd by that curious Traveller, Ranwolfius. i. Since also confirm'd by that Virtuoso Monsieur Monconys, 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 onely 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 Aegyptian 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 Isle of Aenaria, 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 [Page] branches in its stead to what altitude you please; but when I speak of shortning the middle shoot, I do not intend the dwarfing of it, and therefore it must be done discreetly, so as it may not over-hastily advance, till the foot thereof be perfectly furnished: But there is likewise another, no lesse commendable expedient, to dresse this Tree with all the former advantages; if sparing the shaft altogether, you diligently cut away all the forked branches, reserving onely such as radiate directly from the body, which being shorn, and clipt in due season, will render the Tree very beautiful; and though more subject to obey the shaking winds, yet the natural spring of it, does immediately redress it, without the least discomposure; and this is a secret worth the learning of Gard'ners, who subject themselves to the trouble of stakes and binding, which is very inconvenient. Thus likewise may you 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, Brumáque illaesa Cupressus, and that indeed no frost impeaches them (for they grow even on the snowy tops of Ida,) yet our cruel Eastern winds do sometimes mortally invade them which have been late clipp'd, seldom the untouch'd, or that were dressed in the Spring only: The effects of the late March and April Winds (in the years 1663. and 1665.) accompanied with cruel Frosts and cold blasts, for the space of more then two months 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 those Winters (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 (if young) against these winds; for the frosts they only discolour them, but seldom, or never hurt them, as by long experience I have found.

8. If you affect to see your Cypress in Standard, and grow wild [Page] (which may in time come to be of a large substance, fit for the most immortal of Timber) plant of the reputed Male sort; it is a Tree which will prosper wonderfully; and where the ground is hot, and gravelly, though (as we say'd) he be nothing so beautiful; and it is of this, that the Venetians make their greatest profit.

9. There is likewise the Tarentine Cypress, so much celebrated by Cato; I do not mean our Savine, (which some erroneously take for it, though there be a Berry-bearing Savine, much resembling the Cypress, which comes to prove a gallant, upright Tree, fit for the Standard.) 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 which uses to be gather'd thrise a year, (but seldom ripening with us) expose them to the Sun till they gape, or neer a gentle fire, or put them in warme water, 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 somewhat better than half 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. In watering them, I give you this caution (which may also serve you for most tender and delicate seeds) that you deaw them rather with a broom or spergatory, then hazard the beating them out with the common watering-pot; and when they are well come up, be but sparing of water: Be sure likewise that you clense them when the weeds are very young and tender, least in stead of purging, you quite erradicate your Cypress: We have spoken of Watering, and indeed whilst young, if well follow'd, they will make a prodigious advance: when that long, and incomparable walke of Cypress at Frascati neer Rome was first planted, they drew a small stream (and indeed Irrigare is properly thus, aquam inducere riguis (i.e.) in small gutters and rills) by the foot of it, (as the Water there is in abundance tractable) and made it arrive to seven or eight foot height in one year; but with us, we may not be too prodigal; since, being once well taken, they thrive best in our sandy, light, and warmest grounds, whence Cardan says, juxta aquas arescit, meaning in low and moorish places, stiff and cold earth, &c. where they never thrive.

12. What the Ʋses of this Timber are, for Chests and other Ʋtensils, Harps, and divers other Musical Instruments (it being a very [Page] sonorous wood, and therefore employ'd for Organ-pipes, as heretofore for supporters of Vines, Poles, Rails, and Planks, (resisting the Worm, Moth, and all putrefaction to eternity) the Venetians sufficiently understand; who did 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 filiae. But there was in Candy a vast Wood of these Trees belonging to the Republique, by malice or accident set on Fire, which Anno 1400. burnt for seven years continually, before it could be quite extinguish'd; fed so long a space by the unctuous nature of the Timber, of which there were to be seen at Venice planks of above foure foot in bredth; and formerly the Valves of Saint Peters Church at Rome were framed of this Material, which lasted from the great Constantine to Pope Eugenius the Fourths time, almost six hundred years; and then were found as fresh and intire as if they had been new: But this Pope would needs change them for Gates of Brasse, which were cast by the famous Antonio Philarete; not in my opinion so venerable as those other of Cypresse. It was in Coffins of this material, that Thycidides tells us, the Athenians us'd to bury their Heros.

13. The Timber of this wood was of infinite esteem with the Antients: 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 Brasse it self, for the diuturnity of the matter: It is certain, that it never rifts or cleaves, but with great violence; and the bitternesse 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, or can be more beautifull, especially than the Root of the wilder sort, incomparable for its crisped undulations. Divers Learned Persons have conceiv'd the Gopher mention'd in holy Writ, Gen. 6.14. and of which the Ark was built, to have been no other than this [...], Cupar or Cuper, by the easie mutation of Letters; and beside, 'tis known that in Creet they employ'd it for the same use in the largest contignations, and did formerly build Ships of it: And Epiphanius Haeres. l. 1. tells us, some Reliques of that Ark lasted even to his dayes, and was judged to have been of Cypresse. Some indeed suppose that Copher was the Name of a Place a Cupressis, as Elon a Quercubus; and might possibly be that which Strabo calls Cupressetum neer Adiabens in Assyria: But for the reason of its long lasting, Coffins, as noted, for the dead were made of it, and thence it first became to be Diti Sacra; and the Valves or Doors of the Ephesine Temple were likewise of it, as we observ'd but now were those of St. Peters at Rome: Works of Cypresse wood, permanent ad diuturnitatem, sayes Vitruvius l. 2. and the Poet

—perpetuâ nunquam moritura Cupresso.

Mart. E. 6.6.

[Page]But to resume the disquisition, whether it be truly so proper for Shipping is controverted, though we also find in Cassiodorus Vor. l. 5. Ep. 16. that Theodoric caused store of it to be provided for that purpose; and Plato (who we told you made Laws and Titles to be Engraven in it) nominates it inter Arbores [...] utilis. l. 4. leg. and so does Diodorus l. 19. And as Travellers observe, there is no other sort of Timber fit for Shipping, so frequent as this Tree about those parts of Assyria, where the Ark is conjectur'd to have been built; so as those vast Armadas that Alexander the Great caus'd to be Equipp'd and set out from Babylon, consisted onely of Cypresse, as we learn out of Arrian in Alex. l. 7. and Strabo l. 16. Paulus Colamenus in his [...] literaria cap. 24. perstringes the most Learned Is. Vossius, that in his Vindiciae pro LXX. Interp. he affirms Cypresse not fit for Ships: But besides what we have produc'd, Fuller, Bochartus, &c. Lilius Gyraldus (lib. de Navig. c. 4.) and divers others, sufficiently evince it, and that the Vessel built by Trajan was of that material; lasting uncorrupt near 1400 years, when it was afterwards found in a certain Lake; if it were not rather (as I suspect) that which Aeneas Silvius reports to have been discovered in his time, lying under Water in the Numician Lake, crusted over with a certain feruginous mixture of Earth and Scales, as if it had been of Iron; but it was pronounc'd to be Larix, and not Cypress, employ'd by Tiberius. 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, and a specific for the Lungs, as sending forth most sweet, and aromatick emissions, when ever it is either clipp'd, or handled, and the chips, or cones being burnt, extinguishes Moths, and expells the Gnats and Flies, &c. not omitting the Gum which it yields, not much inferiour to the Terbintine or Lentisc. But, ‘Quid tibi odorato referam sudantia ligno,’ if I forget

14. 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; it seems there is no place affrights it; 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.

15. Thus I read that in the Temple of Apollo at Ʋtica, there was found Timber of near two thousand years old; and in Sagunti of Spain a Beam in a certain Oratory consecrated to Diana, which had been brought from Zant two hundred years before the Destruction of Troy.

16. And here I cannot omit my Wishes, that since this precious [Page] material may be had at such tollerable rates, as certainly it might from Cape Florida, the Bermudas, and other parts of the West Indias: I say, I cannot but suggest, that our more Wealthy Citizens of London, now Building, might be encourag'd to use of it in their Shops; at least for Shelves, Comptoires, Chests, Tables, Wainscot, &c. It might be done with moderate Expense, especially, in some small proportions, and in Faneering, as they term it, and mouldings, since beside the everlastingnesse of the wood not obnoxious to the Worms, and which would also be a means to preserve cloth, and other Ware from Moths and corruption; it would likewise be a Cure to reform the Malignity and corrosivenesse of the Air, and even preserve the whole City as if it stood amongst the Spices of the happy Arabia, or the prospects of Mount Libanus. Note, that the Cedar is of so dry a nature, that it will not well endure to be fastned with Nails, from which it usually shrinks, and therefore pinns of the same wood, are better.

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

CHAP. XXV. Of the Cork, Ilex, Alaternus, Phyllyrea, Granad, Lentisc, Myrtle, Jasmine, &c.

Cork.1. THe Cork [Suber] of which there are two sorts (and divers more in the Indias) one of a narrower lesse jagged leaf and perenneal; the other of a broader, falling in Winter; grows in the coldest parts of Biscany, in the North of New-England, in the South-West of France, especially the second Species, fittest for our Climate; and in all sorts of ground, dry Heaths, Stony, and Rockie-Mountains, so as the Roots will run even above the Earth where they have little to cover them; all which considered, methinks we should not despair: We have said where they grow plentifully in France; but by Pliny, Nat. Hist. l. 16. c. 8. it should seem they were since transplanted thither; for he affirms there were none either there or in Italy, in his time: But I exceedingly wonder that Carolus Stephanus, and Crusius should write so peremptorily, that there were none in Italy, where I my self have travell'd through vast Woods of them about Pisa, Aquin, and in divers tracts between Rome and the Kingdom of Naples. The Spanish Cork is a species of the Enzina, differing chiefly in the [Page] Leaf, which is not so prickly; and in the bark, which is frequently, four or five inches thick: The manner of decortication whereof is once in two, or three years to strip it in a dry season; otherwise, the intercutaneous moisture indangers the Tree; when the bark is off, they unwarp it before the fire, and presse it even, and that with weights upon the convex part, and so it continues being cold.

2. The uses of Cork is well known amongst us both at Sea and Land for its resisting both Water and Air: The Fisher-men who deal in Nets, and all who deal with Liquors cannot be without it: Antient Persons prefer it before Leather for the soles of their Shooes, being light, dry, and resisting moisture, whence the Germans name it Pantoffel-holts (Slipper-wood) perhaps from the Greek [...] & [...], for I find it first applied to that purpose by the Grecian Ladies, whence they were call'd light-footed; I know not whether the Epithite do still belong to that Sex; but from them its likely the Venetian Dames took it up for their monstrous Choppines; affecting, or usurping an artificial eminency above Men, which Nature has denied them. Of one of the sorts of Cork are made pretty Cups, and other Vessels, esteem'd good to drink out of for Hectical persons: The Aegyptians made their Coffins of it, which being lin'd with a r [...]sinous composition, preserv'd their Dead incorrupt: The poor People in Spain lay broad Planks of it by their Beds-side, to tread on (as great Persons use Turkie and Persian Carpets) to defend them from the floor, and sometimes they line, or Wainscot the Walls, and inside of their Houses built of Stone, with this Bark, which renders them very warm, and corrects the moisture of the Air: Also they employ it for Bee-Hives, and to double the insides of their Contemplores, and leather Cases wherein they put Flasquera's with Snow to refrigerate their Wine. This Tree has beneath the Cortex or Cork, two other Coats, or Libri, of which one is reddish, which they strip from the bole when 'tis fell'd onely; and this bears good price with the Tanner: The rest of the wood is very good firing, and applicable to many other uses of Building; Palisade work, &c.

Ilex.3. Ilex major glandifera or great Scarlet Oak, thrives manifestly with us; witnesse His Majesties Privy Garden at White-Hall, where once flourish'd a goodly Tree of more than fourscore years growth, though there be now but a sickly Impe of it remaining.

4. By what I have touch'd in the Chapter of the Elms, concerning the peregrination of that Tree into Spain (where even in Plinie's time there were none, and where now they are in great abundance) why should we not more generally endeavour to propagate the Ilex amongst us; I mean, that Baccifera, which the Spaniards call the Enzina, and of which they have such Woods, and profitable Plantations? They are an hardy sort of Tree, and familiarly rais'd from the Acorn, if we could have them sound and well put up in Earth or Sand, as I have found by experience.

5. The wood of these Ilex's is serviceable for many uses, as stocks [Page] of Tools, Mallet-heads, Mall-balls, Chairs, Axeltrees, Wedges Beetles, Pins, and above all for Palisadoes us'd in Fortifications. Besides, it affords so good fuel, that it supplies all Spain almost with the best and most lasting of Charcoales, in vast abundance. Of the first kind is made the Paynten Lac extracted from the berries; to speak nothing of that noble Confection Alkermes: The Acorns of the first yield excellent nourishment for Rustics, sweet, and little, if at all, inferiour to the Chesse-nut; and this, and not the Fagus, was doubtlesse the true Esculas of the Antients, the Food of the Golden Age. The wood of the Enzina when old, is curiously chambletted, and embroidered with Natural vermiculations as if it were painted.

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

7. I have had the honour to be the first who brought it into Ʋse and reputation in this Kingdom for the most beautiful, and useful of Hedges, and Verdure in the vvorld (the swiftnesse of the growth consider'd) and propagated it from Cornwall even to Cumberland: The seed grovvs ripe vvith us in August; and the hony-breathing blossomes, afford an early, and mervellous relief to the Bees.

8. All the Phillyrea's are yet more hardy;Phillyrea. vvhich makes me vvonder to find the Angustifolia planted in Cases, and so char [...]ly set into the Stoves, amongst the Oranges and Lemmons; vvhen by long experience, I have found it equal our Holly in suffering the extreamest rigours of our cruellest Frosts, and Winds, vvhich is doubtlesse (of all our English Trees) the most insensible and stout.

9. They are (both Alaternus and this) raised of the Seeds (though those of the Phillyrea vvill 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 vvill be up in one Month after it is sovvn: Plant it out at tvvo years grovvth, and clip it after rain in the Spring, before it grovvs sticky, and vvhiles the shoots are tender; thus vvill it form an hedge (though planted but in single rows, and at two foot distance) of a yard in thicknesse, 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.

10.Granad [...] ▪ The Culture of the Granade (of which are three sorts) does little differ from that of the Alaternus, of which we might raise considerable Hedges on all our Southern Aspects: They have supported that most unmerciful Winter in sixty three, without any [Page] artifice; and if they yield us their flowers for our pains of well pruning and Recision (for they must diligently be purged of their wood) it is a glorious recompence: I plant them in my Hedgerows even amongst the Quick; but to have them thrive, you must loosen the Earth at Roots, and inrich it both Spring and Autumn, leaving but a few woody branches: There is no Tree so Adulterous as this Shrub, and best by Layers Approach and Inarching, as they call it; and thence 'tis said to marry with Lawrells, Damson, Ash, Almond, Mulberry, Citron, &c. too many (I fear) to hold: If you will plant them in Gardens to best advantage, keep them to one Stem, and inrich the mould with Hogs dung well consum'd, which they greatly delight in.

Myrtil.11. The vulgar Italian wild Myrtil (though not indeed the most fragrant) grows high, and supports all weathers. I know of one near fifty years old, which has been continually expos'd; unlesse it be, that in some exceeding sharp Seasons, a little dry straw has been thrown upon it; and where they are smitten, being cut down near 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.

Lentisc.12. Lentiscus, the Lentisc, a very beautiful ever-green, will thrive abroad with us, with a little care and shelter, amongst other expos'd Shrubs, and may be propagated of Suckers and Layers; and the like may be done by the Olive, though it bear no other Fruit than the perennial verdure of the leaves: Of the Lentisc are made the best Tooth-pickers in the world, and the Mastic, or Gum is of excellent use, especially for the Teeth and Gums.

13. I might to these add Lignum vitae, the Aethiopic Seseli, Halimus Latifolius, Laurus Tinus, Celast [...]us, &c. fittest for the Shrubby part and under-furniture of our ever green Groves, and near our Gardens of Pleasure. But

14. I produce not these particulars, and other amoena vireta already mention'd, as signifying any thing to Timber, the main design of this Treatise (though I read of some Myrtils 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. The Berries of Myrtil were us'd of old in stead of Peper.

Jasmine.15. The common white and yellow Jasmine would flower plentifully in our Woods, and 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 near twenty shillings in a year.

[Page]

CHAP. XXVI. Of the Acacia, Arbutus, Bays, Box, Yew, Holly, Juniper, and Laurel-trees.

1. THe French have lately brought in the Virginian Acacia, 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: They thrive well in his Majesties new Plantation in St. James's Park.

2. But why do we thus neglect the Arbutus, 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 the Seeds; but it may be propagated from the Layers, grows to a goodly Tree; is patient of our severest Weather, and may be contriv'd into most beautiful Hedges: Virgil reports it will inoculate with the Nut; and I find Bauhinus commends the Coals for Gold-smiths works, and the Poet

Arbutean Harrows and the mystic Van.

Arbuteae crates, & mystica Vannus Jacchi.

Georg. 1.

3. Bays are encreas'd both of their Suckers, and Seeds, Bays. 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, 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: 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; onely 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 make you despair, for many of them will recover beyond expectation.

[Page]4. 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 near 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 growing two woody.

Box.5. The Box which we begin to proscribe our Gardens (and indeed Bees are no friend to it) should not yet be banish'd from our care; because the excellency of the wood does commute for the unagreeablenesse of its smell: therefore let us furnish our cold, and barren Hills, and declivities with this useful Shrub, I mean the taller sort, for I meddle not here with the dwarf and more tonsile; It will increase abundantly of slips set in March.

6. The Turner, Ingraver, Carver, Mathematical-Instrument, Comb and Pipe-makers (Si buxos inflare juvat— Virg.) 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. Also of Box are made Wheels or Shivers (as our Ship-Carpenters call them) and Pinns for Blocks and Pullies; Pegs for Musical Instruments, Nutcrackers, VVeavers Shuttles, Hollar-sticks, Bump-sticks, and Dressers for the Shooe-maker, Rulers, Rolling-pins, Pestles, Mall-balls, Beetles, Topps, Tables, Chess-men, Skrews male and female, Bobins for Bonelace, Spoons, nay the stoutest Axle-trees; but above all,

— Box-Combs bear no small part

In the Militia of the Female Art;

They tye the Links which hold our Gallants fast,

And spread the Nets to which fond Lovers hast.

—Non ultima belli

Arma Puellaris; Laqu [...]os haec nectit Amantûm,

Et venatricis disponit retia Formae.

Couleii Pl. l. 6

7. 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 Physicians in Europe has confess'd.

Eugh.8. Since the use of Bows is laid aside amongst us, the propagation of the Eugh-tree (of which we have two sorts, and other places reckon more, as the Arcadian black, and red; the yellow of Ida, infinitely esteem'd of old) 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

—Ityraeos taxi torquentur in arcus. (for which the close, and more deeply dy'd is best.) The foremention'd Artists [Page] 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, Bowles, VVheels, and Pinns for Pullys; yea, and for Tankards to drink out of; whatever Pliny report concerning its Shade, and the stories of the Air about Thasus, the Fate of Cativulcus mention'd by Caesar, and the ill report which the Fruit has vulgarly obtain'd in France, Spain, and Arcadia; But,

How are poor Trees abus'd!

Quàm multa Arborihus tribuuntur crimina falsa!

9. 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; and yet I acknowledge that it is esteem'd noxious to Cattel, when 'tis in the Seeds, or newly sprouting.

10. This Tree is easily produc'd of the Seeds, wash'd and cleans'd from their mucilage; and buried in the ground like Haws; It will commonly be the second VVinter 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, VValks, Hedges, &c. in all which works they succeed marvellous well, and are worth our patience for their perennial verdure, and durablenesse.

11. 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 himself transported into some new or enchanted Country; for, if any spot of England,

— 'Tis here

Eternall Spring, and Summer all the year.

Hîc ver perpetuum, atque alienis mensibus aestas.

12. But,Holly. above all the natural Greens which inrich our homeborn store, there is none certainly to be compar'd to the Agrifolium, or Acuifolium rather, our Holly, insomuch as I have often wonder'd at our 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 Ʋse, and Defence, or for sight and Ornament.

A Hedge of Holly, Thieves that would invade,

Repulses like a growing Palizade;

Whose numerous leaves such Orient Greens invest

As in deep Winter do the Spring a rest.

— Mala furta hominum densis mucronibus axcens

Securum defendit in expugnabilis Hortûm▪

Exornátque simul, toto spectabilis anno,

Et numero & viridifoliorum luce nitentum.

Couleii Pl. l. 6.

[Page]13. 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 Coral: It mocks at the rudest assaults of the Weather, Beasts, or Hedge-breakers, ‘Et illum nemo impunè lacessit.’ It is with us of two eminent kinds, the prickly, and smoother leav'd, or as some term it, the Free-holly, not unwelcome when tender, to Sheep, and other Cattel.

14. I have already shew'd how it is to be rais'd of the Berries (of which there is a sort bears them yellow) when they are ready to drop, this onely omitted, that they would first be freed from their tenacious and glutinous Mucilage by being wash'd, and a little bruised, then dry'd with a Cloth; or else bury them as you do Hipps; and let our Forester receive this for no common secret, and take notice of the effect: 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 living 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. I take thousands of them four inches long out of the Woods (amongst the fall'n leaves whereof, they sow themselves) and so Plant them; but this should be before the Cattel begin to crop them, especially Sheep, who are greedy of them when tender: Stick them into the ground in a moist season, Spring, or Autumn; especially the Spring, shaded (if it prove too hot and scorching) till they begin to shoot of themselves, and in very sharp Weather, and during our Eastern Etesians, cover'd with dry straw or Haume; and if any of them seem to perish, cut it close, and you shall soon see it revive. The lustyer and bigger the Sets are, the better, and if you can procure such as are a Thumbs-breadth thick, they will soon furnish into an Hedge. 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.

15. 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 abhors) and frequent stirring of the mould doubles its growth? We stay seven years for a tolerable Quick, it is worth staying it thrice for this, which has no Competitor.

16. And yet there is an expedient to effect it more insensibly, by [Page] 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 lesse 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.

17. The Timber of the Holly (besides that it is the Whitest of all hard woods, and therefore us'd by the In-layer, especially, under thin plates of Ivory to render it more conspicuous) 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, Flayles, Riding-rods the best, and Carters whips; Bowles, Shivers, and pins for Blocks; Also it excels for Dore-bars and bolts; and as of the Elme, so of this especially, they made even hinges and hooks to serve instead of Iron, and of the Bark is compos'd our Bird-lime.

18. Pill a good quantity of the Bark about Midsommer, fill a Vessel with it, and put to it Spring-water; then boyle it, 'till the grey and white bark rise from the green, which will require neer 12 hours boyling; then taking it off the fire, separate the barks, the water first well drained from it: Then lay the green bark on the Earth in some coole Vault or Cellar, covering it with any sort of green and rank weeds, such as Dock, Thistles, Hemlock, &c. to a good thickness: Thus let it continue neer a fort-night, by which time 'twill become a perfect mucilage: then pound it all exceedingly in a stone mortar 'till it be a tough past, and so very fine, as no part of the bark be discernable: This done, wash it accurately well in some running stream of Water, as long as you perceive the least ordure or motes in it, and so reserve it in some earthen pot to purge and ferment, scuming it as often as any thing arises for four or five days, and when no more filth comes, change it into a fresh Vessel of earth, and reserve it for use, Thus: Take what quantity you please of it, and in an earthen pipkin add a third part of Capons or Goose-grease to it, well clarified; or Oyle of Walnuts which is better: Incorporate these on a gentle fire, continually stirring it 'till it be cold, and thus your Composition is finish'd. But to prevent Frosts (which in severe weather will sometimes invade it on the Rods) take a quarter of as much Oyle of Petrolium as you do of Grease, and no cold whatever will congeale it. The Italians make their Vischio of the Berries of the Misselto of Trees, treated much after the same manner, but then they mix it with Nut-Oyle an ounce to a pound of Lime, and taking it from the fire, add half an ounce of Terpentine which qualifies it also for the Water. Great quantities of Bird-lime is brought to us out of Turky, and from Damascus, which some conceive to be made of Sebestens, finding sometimes the kernels: This lime is of a greener colour, subject to Frosts, and impatient of Wet, nor [Page] will last above a year or two good: Another sort comes also out of Syria of a yellow hue; Likewise from Spain, whiter than the rest, will resist the water, but is of an ill sent. I have been told that the Cortex of our Lantona or Wayfaring shrub, will make as good Bird-lime as the best. But, let these suffice, being more than as yet, any one has publish'd. The superiour Leaves of Holly Trees dry'd to a fine powder, and drunk in White-wine is prevalent against the Stone, and cures Fluxes; and a dozen of the mature Berries being swallow'd, purge Phlegme without danger.

Juniper.19. Of Juniper we have three sorts, (Male, Female, Dwarf) whereof one is much taller, and more fit for Improvement: The wood is yellow, and sweet as Cedar, whereof it is accounted a spurious kind.

20. I have rais'd them abundantly of their seeds (neither watring nor dunging the soile) which in two moneths will peep, and being govern'd like the Cypress, apt for all the employments of that beautiful Tree: To make it grow tall, prune and clense it to the very stem, the male best. 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 out 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. I wonder Virgil should condemn its shadow, I suspect him mis-reported: For,

21. The Berries afford (besides a tolerable Pepper) one of the most universal Remedies in the world to our crazy Forrester; The Berry swallow'd onely, instantly appeaseth the Wind-Collique, and in decoction most soveraign against an inveterate Cough: They are of rare effect being steeped in Beer. The Water is a most singular specifique against the Gravel in the Reins; But all is comprehended in the virtue of the Theriacle or Electuary, which I have often made for my poor Neighbours, and may well be term'd the Forresters Panaäea against the Stone, Rheume, Ptisic, Dropsie, Jaundies, inward Impostumes, nay, Palsie, Goute and Plague it self taken like Venice-Treacle. Of the extracted Oyle (with that of Nuts) is made an excellent good Vernish for Pictures, for Wood-work and to preserve polish'd Iron from the rust. The Gum is good to rub on parchment to make it bear Ink, and the Coals, which are made of the Wood, endure the longest of any. See Saint Hierom. ad Fabiolam upon that expression Psal. 120. v. 4. If it arrive to full [Page] growth it is Timber for many curious works; for Tables, Chests, small Carvings and Images, spoons, wholesome to the mouth; spits to rost meat on, to which it gives a rare taste, but it should be old and dry wood; nay, I read of some large enough for beams and rafters. The very Chips render a wholesom perfume within doors, as well as the dusty blossoms in Spring without.

22. And since we now mention'd Pepper, it is by the most prudent, and princely care of his Majesty that I am assur'd of a late solemn Act of Councel, enjoyning the preserving of that incomparable Spice which comes to us from Jamaica under that denomination; though in truth it be a mixture of so many Aromatics in one, that it might as well have been call'd Cinnamon, Nutmeg or Mace, to every of which it seems something alied: And that there is not onely prohibited the destruction of these Trees (for it seems some Prodigals us'd to cut them down for the more easie gathering) but order taken likewise for their propagation, and that Assays and Samples be from time to time sent over, what other Fruits, Trees, Gums and Vegetables may there be found, and which I prognostick will at last also incite his Majesty, and the Planters there to think of procuring Cinnamon, Cloves and Nutmeg-trees indeed from the East-Indias, and what other useful Curiosities will not approach our Northern Beare (and that are incicurabiles amongst us) and to plant them in Jamaica, and other of his Majesties Western Islands, a more safe and frugal expedient to humble our emulous Neighbours; since there is nothing in their Situation, or defect of Natures benignity, which ought in the least to discourage us: And what if some of the Trees of those Countrys (especially such as aspire to be Timber, and may be of improvement amongst us) were more frequently brought to us likewise here in England; since we daily find how many rare Exotics and strangers with little care, become endenizon'd, and so contented to live amongst us, as may be seen in the Platanus, Constantinople-Chess-nut, the greater Glandiferos Ilex, Cork, Nux Vesicaria (which is an hard Wood fit for the Turner, &c.) the Styrax, Bead tree, the famous Lotus, Virginian Acatia, Guaicum Patavinum, Paliurus, Cypress, Pines, Fir, and sundry others, which grow already in our Gardens expos'd to the Weather; and so doubtless would many more: So judiciously observ'd is that of the learned Author of the History of the Royal Society, Part. 3. Sect. 28. ‘That whatever attempts of this nature have succeeded, they have redounded to the great advantage of the Ʋndertakers. The Orange of China being of late brought into Portugal, has drawn a great Revenew every year from London alone. The Vine of the Rhene taking root in the Canaries, has produc'd a far more delicious juyce, and has made the Rocks and Sun-burnt Ashes of those Islands, one of the richest spots of Ground in the World. And I will also instance in that which is now in a good forwardnesse: Virginia has already given Silk for the cloathing of our King; and it may happen hereafter to give Cloathes to a great part of Europe, and a vast Treasure to our [Page] Kings: If the Silk-worms shall thrive there (of which there seems to be no doubt) the profit will be inexpressible. We may guess at it, by considering what numbers of Caravans, and how many great Cities in Persia are maintain'd by that Manufacture alone, and what mighty Customs it yearly brings unto the Sophi's Revenew.’ Thus He; And to return to that of Trees and Plants, the Industry we have recommended, would questionless in lesse than halfe an Age produce us wonders, by introduction, if not of quite different; yet of better kinds, and such variety for pulchritude and sweetnesse; that when by some Princely Example, our late Pride, Effeminacy and Luxurie (which has to our vast charges excluded all the Ornaments of Timber, &c. to give place to Hangings, Embroderies and forrain Leather) shall be put out of Countenance, we may hope to see a new face of things for the encouragement of Planters, the more immediate Work of Gods hands; and the natural, wholesome, and ancient use of Timber, for the more lasting occasions and furniture of our Dwellings: And though I do not speak all this for the sake of Joyne-stools, Benches, Cup-boards, Massy Tables and Gygantic Bed-steds, the hospitable Ʋtensils of our fore-Fathers; Yet I would be glad to encourage the Carpenter and the Joyner, and rejoyce to see, that their Work and Skil do dayly improve; and that by the Example and application of his Majesties Ʋniversities, and Royal Society the Restauration and Improvement of Shiping, Mathematical and Mechanical Arts, the use of Timber grows dayly in more reputation: And it were well if Great Persons might only be indulg'd to inrich and adorn their Palaces with Tapistry, Damasc, Velvet, and Persian furniture, whilst by some wholesom Sumptuary Laws, the universal excess of those Costly and Luxurious Moveables were prohibited meaner Men, for divers politic Considerations and Reasons which it were easie to produce; but by a lesse influence than severer Laws, it will be very difficult, if not altogether impossible, to recover our selves from a softnesse and vanity which will in time not onely effeminate, but undo the Nation.

23.Laurel. But to Crown all, I will conclude with the Laurel, which by the Ʋse 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 Avenues of any growing.

24. 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 shote.

[Page]25. 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;

A Cherry Grast on Laurel-stock does stain

The Virgin Fruit in a deep double grain.

Inseritur lauro Cerasus, partúque coacto

Tingit adoptivus virginis ora pudor

26. They are rais'd of the Seeds or Berries with extraordinary facility, or propagated by Layers Taleae, and cuttings where-ever there is shade and moisture. I find little concerning the Mechanical uses of the Laurel; but than its Attributes of old there was nothing more glorious and magnificent; For,

From Laurel chew'd the Pythian Priestess rose,

Events of future Actions to disclose.

Laurel Triumphant Generals did wear,

And Laurel Heralds in their hands did bear:

Poets ambitious of unfading praise,

Phoebus, the Muses all are crown'd with Bays.

And Vertue to her sons the Prize does name Symbol of Glory, and immortal Fame.

Tu sacros Phoebi tripodas, ta Sidera sentis,

Et casus aperis rerum praesaga futuros.

Te ju [...]at armorum strepitus, clangorque Tubarum:

Perque acies medias, saevique periculà belli,

Accendis bellantum animos; te Cynthius ipse,

Te Musae, Vatesque sacri optav [...]re Coronam:

Ipsa suis Virtus te spem proponit alumnis,

Tantùm servatus valuit pudor, & bona famu▪

Rapinus.

I have now finish'd my Planting: A word or two concerning their Preservation, and the Cure of their Infirmities.

CHAP. XXVII. Of the Infirmities of Trees.

THe Diseases of Trees are various,Infirmities▪ according to the Rustick Rhyme,

The Calf, the Wind-shoc and the Knot,

The Canker, Scab, Scurf, Sap and Rot.

Affecting the several parts: These invade the Roots; Weeds, Suckers, Fern, Wet, Mice, Moles, Winds, &c. to these may be added Siderations and even Plagues, Tumors, Distortions, Lacrimations, Tophi, Goutes, Carbuncles, Ʋlcers, Crudities, Fungosities, Gangreens, and an Army more, whereof some are hardly discernable; yet Enemies, which not foreseen, makes many a bargain of standing-wood (though seemingly fair) very costly ware.

1. Weeds are to be diligently pull'd up by hand after Rain, whiles your Seedlings are very young, and till they come to be able to kill them with shade and over-dripping: And then are you 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 [Page] 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 year or two beyond the vulgar way of Mowing, or burning, which rather encreases than 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 bark 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 on 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; and the Wood-pecker, and other Birds often pitching upon the stem, as you may observe them, and knocking with their bils, is a mark that the Tree is infected, at least, between the Bark.

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 then to anoint that part which is within their reach, with stercus humanum, tempered with a little Water or Ʋrine, and lightly brushed on; this renewed after every great Rain: But a cleanlier than this, and yet which Conies, and even Cattel most abhor, is to water, or sprinkle them with Tanners Liquor, viz. That, which they use for dressing their hides.

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 diging up the Roots, and loosning its hold: And yet even Ivy it self, the destruction of many fair Trees, if very old, and where it has long invested its support, if taken off, does frequently kill the Tree, by a too suddain exposure to the un-accustom'd cold: Of the Roots of Ivy (which with small Industry, may be made a beautiful Standard) are made curiously polish'd and fleck'd cups and boxes, and even Tables of great value. Missleto and other Excrescences to be cut and broken off. But the Fungi (which prognosticate a fault in the Liver and Entrails of Trees as we may call it) is remedied by Abrasion, Friction, Interlucation and exposure to the Sun.

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

11. The Wind-shock is a bruise and shiver throughout the Tree, though not constantly visible, yet leading the Warp from smooth renting; caused by over-powerful Winds, when young, and perhaps, by subtil Lightnings: The best prevention is shelter, choyce of place for the Plantation, frequent shreading whilst they are yet in their youth.

12. 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; but best with hogs-dung alone, bound to it in a rag: or by laying Wood-ashes, Nettles, or Fern to the roots, &c. But if the Gangreen be within, it must be cured by nitrous, sulphureous and drying applications, and by no means, by any thing of an unctious nature, which is exitial to Trees. Tar as was said, onely excepted, which I have experimentally known to preserve Trees from the envenom'd teeth of Goats, and other injuries; the intire stem smar'd over, without the least prejudice to my no small admiration.

13. 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.

14. Hornets and Wasps, &c. by breeding in the hollowness of Trees infect 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.

15. Earwigs and Snails do seldom 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: I advise you to visite your Cypresse-Trees on the first Rains in April; you shall sometimes find them cover'd with young snailes no bigger than small pease: Lastly, Branches, Buds, and Leaves extreamly suffer from the Blasts, Jaundies, and Caterpillars, Rooks, &c.

16. 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 Aromatic plants, such as Rosemary, Lavender, Juniper, Bays, &c. I use to whip, and chastise my Cypresses with a wand, after their Winter-burnings, 'till all the mortified and scorch'd parts flie off in dust, as long almost as any will fall, and observe that they recover and spring the better. Mice, Moles, and Pismires cause the Jaundies in Trees, known by the discolour of the Leaves and Buds.

17. The Moles may be taken in Traps, and kill'd, as every Wood-man [Page] knows: It is certain that they are driven from their haunts by Garlick for a time, and other heady smels buried in their passages.

18. 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 hulls or chaff of Oates; also with Bane.

19. Destroy Pismires with scalding water, and disturbing their hills, or rubbing the stem with Cow-dung, or a decoction of Tithy-male, washing the infested parts; and this will insinuate, and chase them quite out of the chinks and crevices, without prejudice to the Tree, and is a good prevention of other Infirmities.

20. 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 with Water, in which some of the Caterpillars themselves, and Garlick have been bruised, or the juyce of Rue, or choak and dry them with smoak of Galbanum, Shooe-soles, Hair, and some affirm that planting the Pionie neer them is a certain remedy; but there is no remedy so facile as the burning them oft with small wisps of dry straw, which in a moment rids you.

21. Rooks do in time, by pinching off the buds and tops of Trees for their Nests, cause many Trees and Groves to decay: But if Cattel break in before the time, conclamatum est, especially Goats, whose mouths and breath is poyson to Trees; they never thrive well after, and Varro affirms, if they but lick the Olive tree, they become immediately barren.

22. Another touch at the Winds; For though they cannot properly be said to be Infirmities of Trees; yet they are amongst the principal causes that render Trees infirme. I know no surer protection against them, than (as we said) to shelter and stake them whilst they are young, 'till they have well establish'd Roots; And with this caution, that in case any goodly Trees (which you would desire especially to preserve and redress) chance to be prostrated by some impetuous and extraordinary storme; you be not over hasty to carry him away, or despair of him; but first let me perswade you to poll him close, and so let him lye some time; for by this means many vast Trees have rais'd themselves by the vigour onely of the remaining Roots, without any other assistance; so as people have pronounc'd it Miraculous, as I could tell you by several Instances; besides what Theophrastus relates c. 19. of that huge Platanus, which rise in one Night in his observation; and the like I find hapn'd in more than one Tree neer Bononia in Italy, An. 1657. when of late a turbulent Gust had almost quite irradicated a very large Tract of huge Poplars, belonging to the Marchioness Elephantucca Spada, that universally erected themselves again after they were beheaded as they lay even prostrate: What says the Naturalist? Prostratas restitui plerunque, & quadam terrae cicatrice reviviscere vulgare est: 'Tis familiar (says Plinie) in the Platanus, [Page] which are very obnoxious to the Winds, by reason of the thicknesse of their branches, which being cut off, and discharged, restore themselves. This also frequently happens in Wall-nuts, Olive-trees, and several others, as he affirms; l. 16. c. 31. 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.

23. Let common yellow Sulphur be put into a cucurbit-glasse, 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, ether 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 Saint 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, Bed-steads, 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.

24. 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 Ʋses, 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.

[Page]

CHAP. XXVIII. Of Copses.

Copses.1. SYlva Caedua is (as Varro defines it) as well Copse to cut for fuel as for use of Timber; and we have already shew'd how it is to be rais'd, both by Sowing and Planting. I shall onely here add, that if in their first Designation, they be so laid out, as to grow for several Falls; they will both prove more profitable, and most delightful: Most profitable, because of their annual Succession; and most pleasant, because there will alwayes remain some of them standing; and if they be so cast out, as that you leave strait, and even Intervals of eighteen, or twenty foot for grasse, between Spring-wood and Spring-wood, securely Fenc'd, and preserv'd; the Pastures will lye both warm, and prove of exceeding delight to the Owner. These Spaces likewise useful and necessary for Cart-way, to fetch out the wood at every Fall. There is not a more noble, and worthy Husbandry, than is this, which rejects no sort of Ground, as we have abundantly shew'd; since even the most boggy places, may so be drein'd and cast, as to yield its increase, by Planting the dryer sorts upon the Ridges and banks which you cast up, where they will thrive exceedingly: And then Willow, Sallow, Alder, Poplar, Sycomor, &c. will shoot tollerably well on the lower and more Ʋliginous; with this caution, that for the first two years, they be kept diligently weeded and clensed, which is as necessary as fencing and guarding from Cattel. Our ordinary Copses are chiefly upon Hasel, or the Birch; but if amongst the other kinds store of Ash, Chessnut, 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. The neerest distance for these Plantations ought never to be lesse than five foot at first, since every felling renders them wider for the benefit of the Timber, even to thirty and fourty foot in five or six fellings.

2. Though it be almost impossible for us to prescribe at what Age it were best Husbandry to fell Coppses (as we at least call best Husbandry) that is, for most, and greatest gain; since the Mercats, [Page] and the kinds of Wood, and emergent uses do so much govern; yet Copses are sometimes of a competent stature after eight or nine years from the Acorn, and so every eight or ten years successively, will rise better and better: But this had need be in extraordinary ground, otherwise you may do well to allow them twelve or fifteen to fit them for the Ax; but those of twenty years standing are better, and far advance the price; especially if Oke, and Ash, and Chessnut be the chief furniture. 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 consideble 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; but the seldom Fall, yields the more Timber.

3. As to what Numbers and Scantlings you are to leave on every Acre, the Statutes are our general 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 Ʋnder-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, unlesse there were none, in which case they are to be then left, and so to continue without Felling till they are ten inch square within a yard of ground. Copses above this growth fell'd, to leave twelve great Oaks; or in defect of them other Timber-trees (as above) and so to be left for twenty 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 Ʋnder-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 Midsummer at the latest, and then fenced (where the Rows and brush lye longer unbound or made up, you endanger the losse 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: And if the Winter previous to your felling Copses, you preserve them well from Cattel, it will recompense your care.

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 spar'd so long.

[Page]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 Ches-nut, Service, or like profitable Tree, clear it from the droppings and incumbrances of other Trees, that it may thrive the better: Then as you passe 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 to the South slopewise; stripping up such as you spare from their extravagant branches, water-boughs, &c. that hinder the growth of others: Alwayes 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 lesse than a Rod may suffice: Then raking your Wood clear of Spray, Chips, and all incumbrances, shut it up from the Cattel; the longer the better.

8. By the Statute Men were bound to enclose Copses after Felling, of or under fourteen years growth for four years: Those above fourteen years growth to be sixteen 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 seven years Enclos'd: This was enlarg'd by 13 Eliz. Your elder Ʋnder-woods may be graz'd about July: But for a general Rule, newly-weaned Calves are the least noxious to newly-cut Spring-woods, where there is abundance of Grasse; and some say, Colts of a year old; but then the Calves must be driven out at May at farthest, though the Colts be permitted to stay a while longer: But of this every mans experience will direct him; and surely the later you admit Beasts to graze, the better. 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 compasse; ten; or fourteen as they are counted for one, two, or three, &c. A Stack of Wood (which is the boughs and offal of the Trees to be converted to Char-coal) is four yards long, three foot and half high (in some places but a yard) and as much over: In other places the Cord is four foot in height, and four foot over; or (to speak more Geometrically) a Solid made up of three dimensions, four foot high, four foot 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 lesse Fuel, though equal in the bulk appearing. But of these particulars when we come to speak expresly 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 skillful and ingenious Physicians) for the making of Beer without Hopps; 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 lesse bitter than either, Tamarisk, Carduus, or Broom, which divers have essay'd; it might prove a [Page] 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.

Note, that the Wood-land-measure by Statute, is computed after eighteen foot the Perch.

CHAP. XXIX. Of Pruning.

1. PRuning I call all purgation of Trees from what is superfluous. Pruning. The Ancients found such benefit in Pruning, that they feigned a Goddesse praesided 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 skillful Planter should therefore be early at this Work: Shall old Gratius give you Reason and Direction?

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.

Wase.

Nunquam sponte sua procerus ad aera termes

Exiit, inque ipsa curvantur stirpe genistae.

Ergo [...]ge luxuriam primo foetusque uocenteis

Detrahe: frondosas graevat indulgentia silva [...].

Post ubi proceris generosa stirpibus arbor

Se dederit, teretésque ferent ad sidera virgae,

Stringe notas circum, & gemmanteis exige versus.

His, si quis vitium nociturus sufficit humor,

Visceribus fluit, & venas durabit i [...]ertes.

Gra. fal. Cynaeget.

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 alwayes arm'd with short Hand-bills, hacking and chopping off all that comes 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; though I would have no VVood-man pretend to be without all his necessary Furniture, when he goes about this work; which I (once for all) reckon to be the Hand bill, Hatchet, Hook, Hand saw, an excellent Pruning-Knife, broad Chizel and Mallet, all made of the best steel and kept sharp; And thus he is provided for greater, or more gentle Executions, Purgations, Recisions, and Coersions; and it is of main concern, that the proper and effectual Tool be app [...]ied to every work; since heavy and rude Instruments do but mangle and bruise tender Plants; and if they be too small, they cannot make cleer and even work upon great arms and branches: The Knife is for [Page] Twigs and Spray; The Chizel for larger Armes, and such Amputations as the Ax, and Bill cannot well operate upon. 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 lazinesse, or want of skill, they leave most of them stubs, and instead of cutting the Arms and Branches close to the boal, 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 Matrix and Heart, deforming the whole Tree with many ugly botches, which shorten its life, and utterly marre the Timber: I know Sir H. Platt tells us, the Elm should be so lopp'd, but he says it not of his own Experience as I do.

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. The Oak will suffer it self to be made a Pollard, that is, to have its Head quite cut off; but the Elm so treated, will perish to the foot, and certainly become hollow at last, if it scape with life.

4. The proper Season for this work is for old Trees earlier, for young later, as a little after the change in January or February, some say in December:

Then shave their locks, and cut their branchy tresse

Severely now, luxuriant boughs represse.

— Tunc stringe comas, tunc brachia tonde:

—Tunc de [...]ique dura

Exerce Imperia, & ramos compesce fluenteis.

Georg. 2.

But this ought not to be too much in young Fruit-tres, after they once come to form a handsom head; in which period you should but onely pare them over about March, to cover the stock the sooner, if the Tree be very choice: To the aged, this is plainly a renewing of their Youth, and an extraordinary refreshment, if taken in time, and that their Armes be not suffer'd to grow too great and large: Besides, for Interlucation, exuberant branches, & spissae nemorum comae, where the boughs grow too thick and are cumbersome, to let in the Sun and Air, this is of great importance; and so is the sedulous taking away of Suckers, Water-boughs, Fretters, &c. And for the benefit of tall Timber, the due stripping up the branches, and rubbing of the buds to the heights you require: Yet some do totally forbear the Oak, especially if aged, observing that they much exceed in growth such as are prun'd; and in truth such Trees as we would leave for shade, and ornament, should be seldom cut; but the browse-wood cherish'd, and preserv'd as low towards the Ground as may be, for a more venerable and solemn shade: and therefore I did much prefer the walk of Elms at S. James's Park, as it lately grew branchy, intermingling their reverend tresses, before the present trimming them up so high; especially, since I fear, the remedy comes [Page] too late to save their decay, if the amputations of such over-grown parts as have been cut off, should not rather accelerate it, by exposing their large and many wounds to the injuries of the weather, which will indanger the rotting of them, beyond all that can be apply'd by Tar, or otherwise to protect them: I do rather conceive their Infirmities to proceed from what has not long since been abated of their large spreading Branches, to accommodate with the Mall; as any one may conjecture by the great impression which the wet has already made in those incurable scarrs, that being now multiplied, must needs the sooner impair them: The roots having likewise infinitely suffer'd, by many disturbances about them. In all events this VValk might have enjoy'd its goodly Canopy with all their branchy furniture for some Ages to come; since 'tis hardly one, that first they were planted: But his Majestie will have providently, and nobly supplied this defect, by their successors of Lime-trees, which will sooner accomplish their perfection.

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. 11.) prevented all that the most Inquisitive can suggest: The particulars are so ingenious, 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 compasse of humane affairs so necessary, and so little regarded; not onely 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 rottennesse? what hollownesse? 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 in this sort are in a manner all unprofitable boughs, canker'd armes, crooked, little and short boals. What an infinite number of Bushes, Shrubs, and Skrags of Hasels, Thornes, and other unprofitable wood, which might be brought by dressing to become[Page]great, and goodly Trees? Consider now the Cause.

The lesser Wood hath been spoil'd with careless, unskilfull, and untimely slowing; and much also of the great Wood. The greater Trees at the first rising have fill'd and overladen themselves with a number of wasteful boughs and suckers, which have not onely 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 he would have recovered, and cover'd his knots, and have put forth a fair, long, and streight 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. Dresse all you can, and there will be enough crooked for those uses.

More than 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, nor 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 unskillful greedinesse, who desiring many, have none good) pretty Oaks, or Ashes streight and tall; because the root at the first shoot gives sap amain: But if one onely 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 skillfully taken away, would give us store of Fences and Fuel; and the bulk of the Tree in time would grow of huge length and bignesse: 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 Arms. 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: Vses Physical hinder nothing a good form.

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

[Page]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; because 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 then his fellows (as they will with weight of Fruit) ease him the next spring of his superfluous twigs, and he will rise: When any mount 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 easily; 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.

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

2. Thus will they 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 dresse, and as easie to gather the Fruit from, without bruising the Cyons, &c.

6. The fittest time of the Moon for the Pruning is (as of Graffing) when the sap is ready to stir (not proudly stirring) and so to cover the wound; and here, for the time of day, we may take Columella, Frondem medio die arborator ne caedito. l. 11. 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 as has been touch'd) where Trees are planted for shadow, [Page] and meer ornament, as in Walks, and Avenues, the Browse-wood (as they call it) should most of it be cherished; 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. And note, that all Copsing, and cutting close, invigorates the Roots, and the stem of whatsoever grows weak and unkindly; but you must then take care it be not overgrown with Weeds or Grasse: Nothing (says my Lord Bacon Exp. 586. and truly) causes Trees to last so long, as the frequent Cutting; every such diminution being a re [...]invigoration of the Plants juyce, that it neither goes too far, nor rises too faintly, as when 'tis not timely refresh'd with this Remedy; and therefore we see, that the most ancient Trees in Church-Yards, and about Old Buildings, are either Pollards or Dottards, seldom arising to their full altitude.

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 Seals-skin; the more rugged bark with a piece of Coat 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, (I am assured, to a wonderful and incredible improvement) by opening the pores, freeing them of moss, and killing the worm.

8. Lastly, Frondation or the taking off some of the luxuriant branches, and sprays, of such Trees, especially 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 juyce 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 dayly; 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, than 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 consort, and neer to one another; by entring them into their mutual barks with a convenient insition: This, especially, about Fields, [Page] 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, or hooks rather, cut Skrew-wise, or slightly hagled and indented with a knife, and so skrewed into the ground, 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 Wheel-wright 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,

When in the woods with mighty force they bow

The Elme, and shape it to a crooked plow.

Continuò in Sylvis magna vi flexa domatur

In burim, & curvi formam accipit Ʋlmus aratri:

Geo. 1.

so as it even half made it to their hands.

CHAP. XXX. Of the Age, Stature, and Felling of Trees.

1. IT is not till a Tree is arriv'd to his perfect Age, and full vigor,Felling. 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 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 defluction 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 than 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 sicknesse, and decay of principal parts; [Page] but especially, and more inevitably, when violently invaded by mortal and incurable Infirmities, or by what other extinction of their native heat, substraction, 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 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 lesse than nine hundred years. This 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 hindered in their stature, through ill government and mis-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 fraile Creatures, whose bodies are nothing (in a manner) but a tender rottennesse, 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 Dr. Beale's Herefordshire Orchards, pag. 21, 22.) because his vigour is proud and stronger, when his years are many. Thus shall you see old Trees put forth [Page] their Buds and Blossoms both sooner, and more plentifully than 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 Methusela'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 strength withstands all forceable Winds; their Sap of that quality is not subject to Worms and tainting; their Bark receives seldom 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 carelesly. Thus he. But Vossius de Theolog. Gent. l. 5. c. 5. gives too little age to Ashes, when he speaks but of one hundred years; and to the Medica, Pyrus, Prunus, Cornus but sixty: he had as good have held his peace: Even Rosemary has lasted amongst us a hundred years.

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 (a sign of Age) longer liv'd than the shorter; the dry than the wet; and the gummy, than the watery, sterile, than the fruitful: For not to conclude from Pliny's Hercynian Oaks, or the Terpentine Tree of Idumaea, (which Josephus ranks also with the Creation:) I mention'd a Cypress yet remaining somewhere 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 lesse then 2500. years of age: The particulars were too long to recount. The old Platanus set by Agamemnon, mention'd by Theophrastus, and the Herculean Oaks; the Laurel neer Hippocren, the Vatican Ilex, the Vine which was grown to that bulk and Woodinesse, as to make Columns in Juno's Temple: Pliny mentions one of six hundred years old in his time; and at Eguan the late Duke of Montmoramys house, is a Table of a very large dimention made of the same plant. And the old Lotus Trees, recorded by Valerius Maximus, and the Quercus Mariana celebrated by that Prince of Orators: Plinies huge Larix, and what grew in the Fortunate Islands, with that enormous Tree Scaliger reports was growing in the Troglodyfic India, &c. were famous for their age: Saint Hierome affirms he saw the Sycomor that Zaccheus climb'd up, to behold our LORD ride in Triumph to Jerusalem: And now in the Aventine Mount they shew us the Malus, Medica, planted by the hand of Saint Dominic: In Congo they speak of Trees capable to be excavated in Vessels that [Page] would contain two hundred men a piece. 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, & tanquam sacros ex vetustate, as Quintilian speaks: And like to these might that Cypresse be, which is celebrated by Virgil, neer to another Monument.

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; Dianus Lotus, the Ruminal Fig-tree lasting (as Tacitus calculated 840 years: The Ilix of prodigious antiquity, as the Hetruscian Inscription remaining on it imported; But Pausanias in his Arcadics, thinks the Samian Vitex (of which already) to be one of the oldest Trees growing, and the Platan set by Menelaus; to these he adds the Delian Palme, co [...]evous with Apollo himself; and the Olive planted by Minerva according to their tradition; the over-grown Myrtil; the Vatican Holm, those of Tyburtine, 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 staid 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, and that wise Prince Francis the First, with an huge Oak, which he caus'd to be so curiously immur'd at Bituriges.

6. We have already made mention of Tiberius's Larch, employ'd about the Naumachiaria, which being of one hundred and twenty foot in length, bare two foot diameter all that space, not counting the top: To this might be added the Mast of Demetrius's Galeasse, which consisted of one Cedar. And that of the Float which wasted Caligulas Obelisks out of Aegypt, four fathoms in circumference: 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) [Page] us'd to feast his whole Retinue in it, chusing rather to lodge in it, then in his golden-roofed Palace; And of later date, that vast Cerrus in which an Eremite built his Cell and Chappel, so celebrated by the noble Fracastorius in his Poem Malteide. Cant. 8. Stro. 30.

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; Those of Nicaragua and Gambra, which 17 persons could hardly embrace. In India, (says Pliny) Arbores tantae proceritatis traduntur, ut sagittis superari nequeant (and adds, which I think material, and therefore add also) Haec facit ubertas soli, temperies caeli, & Aquarum abundantia. Such were those Trees in Corsica, and neer Memphis, &c. recorded by Theophrastus, &c, 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: and what Bembus relates of those twenty-fathom'd Antartic-Trees; or those of which Cardan writes, call'd Ciba, which rising in their several Stems each of twenty foot, in compass, and as far distant each from other, unite in the bole at fifteen foot height from the ground, composing three stately Arches, and thence ascending in a shaft of prodigious bulk and altitude; Such Trees of 37 foot diameter (an incredible thing) Scaliger (his Antagonist) speaks of ad Gambrae fluvium. Mathiolus speaks of a Tree growing in the Island of Cyprus, which contain'd 130 foot high sound Timber: And upon Mount Aetna in Sicily is a place call'd by them, the Ire Castayne from three Chesnut-Trees there standing, where in the cavity of one yet remaining, a considerable Flock of Sheep is commonly folded: Kerchers words are these, as seen by himself, Et quod forsan [...] videri possit, ostendit mihi viae dux, unius Castaneae Corticem tantae amplitudinis, ut inta eam integer pecorum grex à pastoribus, tanquam in Caula, commodissima noctu includeretur. China Illust. p. 185. And what may we conceive of those Trees in the Indias, one of whose Nuts hardly one man is able to carry; and which are so vast, as they depend not like other Fruit, by a Stalke from the boughs, but are produc'd out of the very body and stem of the Tree, and are sufficient to feed twenty persons at a meale.

We read of a certain Fig in the Caribby Islands, which emits such large buttresses, that great Planks for Tables and Flooring are cleft out of them, without the least prejudice to the Tree; and that one of these do easily shelter 200 men under them: Strabo, I remember, Geog. l. 15. talkes of fifty Horsmen under a Tree in India; his words are [...], and of another that shaded five stadia at once; and in another place of a Pine about Ida, which held 24 foot diameter, and of a monstrous height: But this, and all we have hitherto produc'd, is nothing to what I find mention'd in the late Chineze History (as 'tis set forth upon occasion of the Dutch Embassy) where they tell us of [Page] a certain Tree call'd Ciennich (or the Tree of a thousand years) in the Province of Suchu neer the City Kien, which is so prodigiously large, as to shrow'd 200 Sheep under one onely branch of it, without being so much as perceiv'd by those who approch it. And to conclude with yet a greater wonder, of another in the Province of Chekiang, whose amplitude is so stupendiously vast, as fourescore persons can hardly embrace: not to omit the strange, and incredible bulk of some Oaks standing lately in Westphalia, whereof one serv'd both for a Castle and Fort, and another there which contain'd in height 130 foot, and (as some report) 30 foot diameter: I have read of a Table of Walnut-tree to be seen at Saint Nicholas's in Lorraine, which held 25 foot broad, all of a piece, and of competent length and thicknesse, rarely flek'd and watered; Scamozzi the Architect reports he saw it: Such a monster, that might be, under which the Emperor Fred. the third held his magnificent Feast 1472. For in this resention 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 doubtlesse 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 FƲERANT IN STIPITE NOSTRO, EXCEPTA COMA QƲAE SPECIOSA FƲIT.’ 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 Chessnut at Fraiting 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 [Page]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 largenesse of the Tree, as the general opinion that no man could ever name it; but I found it to be a Tilia faemina; and (if the distinction of Bauhinus be admitted from the greater, and lesser leaf) a Tilia Platyphyllos 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 Barkshire, 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 than 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 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) of 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 [Page] of the Acorns had not been propagated, to preserve the species. Chaucers Oak, though it were not of these dimensions, yet was it 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 lesse then three hundred years; 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, and 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. In the mean while, I have often wish'd, that Gentlemen were more curious of transmitting to Posterity, such Records, by noting the years when they begin any considerable Plantation; that the Ages to come, may have both the satisfaction, and encouragement by more accurate and certain Calculations. I find a Jewish tradition, cited by the learned Bochart, That Noah planted the Trees (he supposes Cedars) of which he afterwards built the Ark that preserv'd him. But to proceed.

13. There was in Cuns-burrow (sometimes belonging to my Lord of Dover) several Trees bought by 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 afforded 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 Framingam 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 own hands measur'd a Table (more then once) of above five foot in breadth, nine and 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. Mersennus tells us that the Great Ship call'd the Crown, which the late French King caus'd to be built, has its keel-timber 120 foot long; and the Main-mast 12 foot diameter at the bottom, and 85 in height.

14. To these I might add that superannuated Eugh tree growing now in Braburne Church-yard, not far from Scots hall in Kent, vvhich [Page] 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 late 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 impetuous 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 Lord Howard of Norfolk.

In Sheffield Lordship.

15. In the Hall Park, neer unto Rivelin, The names of the persons who gave intelligence of the particulars. Edw. Rawson. stood an Oak which had eighteen yards without bough, or knot; and carryed 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.Cap. Bullock.

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. 10 s. 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,Ed. Morphy, Wood-ward. 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 l. still note the place, and market.

In the same Park, about eight years ago, Ralph Archdall cut a [Page] 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 said aside flat 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.

Jo. Halton.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 754347/452 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 the more Northern Cattle certainly, above 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;Kenhelm Homer. 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,Jo. Magson. Geo. Hall. from the extream ends of two opposite boughs) 180 foot; which is witness'd by Jo. Magson and Geo. Hall, and measur'd by 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 [Page] 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 carryed 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,Jo. Magson. and some Tables made of the said quarter-cliff likewise.

In the same Park, in the place there call'd the Hawks-nest, are Trees 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 feet: 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.

Welbeek-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 [...] and eight very large ones yet remaining, which are very [...] good Timber.

88 foot is 29⅓ 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 late Sir Tho. Hewets, Hen. Home [...] ▪ about a mile from Worksopp-Park, which drops into three Shires, viz. York, Nottingham, and Derby, and the distance from bough-end [Page] to bough-end, is ninety foot, or thirty yards.

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

Thus far the accurate Mr. 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 caeteris: 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. I am inform'd that an Oak (I think in Shropshire) growing lately in a Coppse of my Lord Cravens, yielded 19 Tun and half of Timber, 2 [...] Cord of Fire-wood, 2 load of Brush, and 2 load of Bark. And my worthy friend Leonard Pinckney Esq late 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 Worksopp-Park. I will close This with an Instance which I greatly value, because it is transmitted to me from that honourable and noble Person Sir Ed. Harley: I am (says he) assur'd by an Inquisition taken about 300 years since, that a Park of mine, and some adjacent Woods, had not then a Tree capable to bear Acorns; Yet, that very Park I have seen full of great Oaks, and most of them in the extreamest Wane of decay. The Trunk of one of these Oaks afforded so much Timber, as upon the place would have yielded 15 li. and did compleatly seat with Waine-scot Pues a whole Church: You may please (says he, writing to Sir Rob. Morray) to remember when you were here, you took notice of a large Tree, newly fallen; When it was wrought up, it proved very hollow and unsound: One of its cavities contayn'd two Hogs-heads of Water, Another was filled with better stuff, Wax and Hony; Notwithstanding all defects, it yielded, besides three Tun of Timber, 23 Cords of Wood: But my own Trees are but Chips in comparison of a Tree in the Neighbourhood, in which every foot forward one with another, was half a Tun of Timber, It bore 5 foot square, 40 foot long; It contein'd 20 Tun of Timber, most of it sold for 20 s. per Tun; besides that the Boughs afforded 25 Cords of Fuel-wood; This was call'd the Lady-Oak: Is't not pitty such goodly creatures should be devoted to Vulcane? &c. So far this noble Gent. to which I would add Dirae, a deep Execration of Iron-Mills, and I had almost sayd Iron-Masters too ‘[Page]Quos ego; sed motos praestat componere—’ for 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 (where the Patriarch entertain'd his Angelical Guests) 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 all, or in a longer time grow great; as Quince, Holly, Box, Lignum-vitae, Ebony, and the like sad colour'd and hard woods; so that by the largeness, or smallnesse 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.

[Page]The outer spaces are generally narrower then the inner, not onely in 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 lesse; 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 it is of years growth, there has been observed just one lesse, 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 VVinter.

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 lesse 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 lesse than 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 VVood; 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 VVood.

These Rings or spaces appearing upon transverse Section (as they appear eliptical upon oblique, and strait lines upon direct Section) are no other than 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.

The growth of Trees Augmentation in all dimensions is acquired, not onely by accession of a new Integument yearly, but also by the 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 body, by accession of a new Integument yearly, as hath been mentioned: Whence the cutting of the bark of any tree or bough round about, will certainly kill it.

The bark of a Tree is distinguished into Rings, or Integuments no lesse than the Wood, though much smaller or thinner, and therefore [Page] 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 Graffing, 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.

21. To which permit me to add onely (in reference to the Circles we have been speaking of) what another curious Inquirer suggests to us; namely, That they are caus'd by the Pores of the wood, through which the Sap ascends in the same manner as betwen the Wood and the Bark; and that in some Trees, the bark adheres to the wood, as the Integuments of Wood cleave to one another, and may be separated from each other as the bark from the outward-most; and being thus parted, will be found on their out-sides to represent the Colour of the outer-most, contiguous to the bark; and on the inner sides, to hold the Colour of the inner side of the bark, and all to have a deeper, or lighter hue on their inner-side, as the Bark is on that part more or less tinged; which tincture is suppos'd to proceed from the ascendent Sap. Moreover, by cutting the branch, the ascending Sap may be examin'd as well as the Circles: It is probable, the more frequent the Circles, the larger, and more copiously the liquor will ascend into it; the fewer, the sooner descend from it. That a Branch of three Circles cut off at Spring, the Sap ascending will be found at Michaelmasse ensuing; cut again in the same branch, or another of equal bignesse, to have one more than it had at Spring; and either at Spring or Fall to carry a Circle of Pricks next the bark, at other seasons a circle of wood onely next it. But here the Comparison must be made with distinction; for some Trees do probably shoot new tops yearly till a certain period, and not after; and some have perhaps their Circles [Page] in their branches decreased from their Bodies to the extreamity of the branch, in such Oeconomy and Order; that (for instance) an Apple-tree shoot of this year has one Circle of Pricks or wood less, than the Graft of two years growth; and that of two years growth, may the next year have one Circle more than it had the last year; but this onely till that Branch shoot no more Grafts, and then 'tis doubtful whether the outmost twig obtain any more Circles, or remain at a stay, onely nourished, not augmented in the Circles. It would also be inquir'd, whether the Circles of Pricks increase not till Midsummer and after, and the Circles of Wood from thence, to the following Spring? But this may suffice, unlesse I should subjoyn.

22. 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.23. 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 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.

24. Such therefore as we shall perceive to decay are first to be pick'd 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. But to explore the goodness and sincerity of a standing-Tree, is not the easiest thing in the world; we shall anon have occasion to mention my L. Bacon's Experiment to detect the hollownesse of Timber: But there is doubtlesse none more infallible, than the boring it with a middling Piercer made Auger fashion, and by frequent pulling out, and examining what substance comes along with it, as those who bore the Earth to explore what Minerals the place is impregn'd with, and as sound Cheeses are tasted: Some again there are who by digging a little about the Roots will pronounce shrewdly concerning the state of a Tree; and if they find him perish'd at the top (for Trees dye upward as Men do from the feet) be sure the cause lies deep, for 'tis ever a mark of great decay in the Roots. There is also a swelling Vein which discovers it self eminently above the rest of the stem, though like the rest, invested with barks, and which frequently circles about and embraces the tree, like a branch of Ivy, which is an infallible indication of Hollownesse and hypocrisie within.

[Page]25. 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 practise 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 indeed 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 find the wild 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 Invention 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 felled, the Timber might be better season'd and condition'd for its various Ʋses. 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.

26. 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 doubtlesse some regard to be had,

Nor is't in vain Sigus fall and rise to note.

Nec frustra fignorum obitus speculamur, & ortus▪

The Old Rules are these:

Fell in the decrease, or four dayes 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 dayes after the Full, as far better for the growth: But all viminious Trees silente Lunâ; such as Sallies, Birch, Poplar, &c. Vegetius for Ship timber, from the fifteenth to the twenty-fifth, the Moon as before; but never during the Increase, Trees being then most abounding with moisture, which is the onely source of putrefaction: And yet 'tis affirm'd upon unquestionable Experience, that Timber cut at any season of the year, in the Old Moon, or last Quarter, when the Wind blows Westerly; proves as sound, and good as at any other period whatsoever; nay, [Page] all the whole Summer long, as in any Month of the Year; which for that it may be of great use on some publike emergencies, I thought fit to communicate.

27. Then for the temper, and time of day: The Wind low, neither East nor West (but West of the two) the East being most pernicious, and exposing it to the worms; and for which the best cure is, the plentiful sobbing it in water; neither in frosty, wet, or dewy weather; and therefore never in a Fore-noon. 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.

28. Previous to this work of Felling is the advice of our Countryman 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 purposes every several kind is most useful, which you may find in the several Chapters of this Discourse under every Head. 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 Countrey 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, Spars, &c. as suppose it were Ash, to set apart the largest for the Wheel-wright, the smallest for the Cooper, and that of ordinary scantling for the Ploughs, and the brush to be kidded, and sold by the hundred, or thousand, and so all other sorts of Timber, viz. large, middling stuff, and Poles, &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 Workmen, 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 many excellent trees being utterly spoiled for want of this onely 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 downright strokes, it will be sever'd without splicing.

[Page]29. Some there are who cut a kerf 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 proper for the moister sort of Trees: And in this work the very Ax will well tell you the difference of the Sex; the Male being so much harder, and browner than the Female: But here (and wherever we speak thus of Plants) you are to understand the analogical, not proper distinction.

30. But that none may wonder why in many Authours of good note, we find the Fruit-bearers of some Trees call'd Males, and not rather Females, as particularly the Cypresse, &c. This prepostrous denomination had I read it sourse from very antient Custom, and was first begun in Aegypt (Diodorus sayes in Greece) where we are told, that the Father onely was esteem'd the sole Authour of Generation; the Mother contributing only Receptacle and Nutrition to the Off-spring, which legitimated their mixtures as well with their Slaves as Free-women: And upon this account it was, that even Trees bearing Fruit, were amongst them reputed Males, and the sterile and barren ones, for Females; and we are not ignorant, how learnedly this doctrine has been lately reviv'd by some of our most celebrated Physicians: But since the same Arguments do not altogether quadrate in Trees, where the Coition is not so sensible (whatever they pretend of the Palms, &c. and other amorous intertwining of Roots) in my opinion we might with more reason call that the Female which bears any eminent Fruit or Seed, and them Males who produce none: But sometimes too the rudenesse, or lesse asperity of the leaves, bark, and grain, nay their Medical operations, may deserve the distinction; to which Aristotle adds Branchinesse, lesse moisture, quick maturity, &c. l. 1. de Pl. c. 3. All which seems to be most conspicuous in Plum-trees, Hollys, Ashes, Quince, Pears, and many other sorts; not to insist on such as may be compell'd even to change, as it were, their Sex by Graffing and artificial Improvements: But I onely hint it, and return to

31. Felling, which should be as close to the ground as possible may be, if you design a renascency from the Roots; unlesse you will grub for a total destruction, or the use of that part we have already mention'd, so far superiour in goodnesse to what is more remote from the Root, and besides the longer you cut and convert the Timber, the better for many uses. Some are of opinion, that the seedling Oak should never be cut to improve his boal; because, say they, it produces a reddish wood not so acceptable to the Workman; 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 near the Root (though divers I know who otherwise opine) and (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 enquir'd into at leisure.

32. When your Tree is thus prostrate, strip off the bark; and [Page] set 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 Workmen call it) which I refer to the Buyer, and to many subsidiary Books lately Printed, wherein it is taught by a very familiar Calcule Mechanical and easie Method.

33. But by none in my apprehension set forth, in a more facile and accurate way than what that Industrious Mathematician Mr. Leybourn has Publish'd, in his late Line of Proportion made Easie, and other his Labours; where he treats as well of the Square as the Round, as 'tis applicable to Boards and Superficials, and to Timber which is hew'd or lesse rough, in so Easie a Method, as nothing can be more desired. I know our ordinary Carpenters, &c. have generally upon their Rulers a Line, which they usually call Gunters-Line; but they few of them, understand how to Work from it: And divers Countrey Gentlemen, Stewards, and Wood-men, when they are to Measure Rough Timber upon the Ground, confide much to the Girt, which they do with a string at about four, or five foot distance from the Root or Great Extream: Of the Strings length, they take a quarter for the true Square, which is so manifestly erroneous, that thereby they make every tree so measur'd, more than a fift part lesse than really it is. This mistake would therefore be reformed; and it were (I conceive) worth the Seller's while to inspect it accordingly: Their Argument is, That when the Bark of a Tree is stripp'd, and the Body hew'd to a Square, it will then hold out no more measure; that which is cut off being onely fit for Fuel, and the Expense of Squaring costs more than the Chips are worth. But let us however Convince them of this Errour by confronting Mr. Leybourns Tables.

PROB. I.

A Tree being 68 Inches about, to find how much thereof in Length will make one foot square.

SOL.

A fourth part of 60 Inches, is 15, which they take for the due Square; wherefore look for 15 Inches (viz. one foot three Inches) in the first Column of the first Table, and opposite to it in the second Column, you shall find 7 Inches, 6 tenth parts of an Inch (which is somewhat above half an Inch) will make one foot square. Again,

PROB. II.

A Tree being 136 Inches about, and 9 Foot in length, to know how many solid Feet the Tree contains?

[Page]

SOL.

The fourth part of 136 is 34 inches in the first Column of the second Table, and 9 foot in the head of it; and opposite to the 34 inches, and under 9 foot, you shall find 72.25. (viz. 72 foot ¼) and for so much you may sell it, and no more, which is yet less than the true content by above a fifth part.

But supposing (as they ought to do) there were no such Waste as is pretended; you will find by the third Table, how much in length of any Cylendrical Timber, whose Girt is known, will make a foot solid, and consequently, detect the Error of the former customary practise.

PROB. III.

A Tree being 60 Inches circumference, to know how much thereof will make a cubical foot.

SOL.

Find 60 inches in the first Column; and opposite to it in the second Column, you shall find 0-6-0 which is to say, 6 inches onely: The Consectarie is, that 6 inches in length of a Tree 60 inches circumference, will make a foot solid: Whereas by the other usual procedure, you found there must be 7 inches and above half an inch, to make so much; which is above an inch and half too much in every foots length, and what that amounts to in many feet 'tis easy to imagine.

So suppose a Tree be but 29 inches in circumference, the same Table will in like manner shew, that it requires but 1 foot 2 inches and 3 tenth parts of an inch in length, to make it a foot solid of Timber; and thus of any number as far as you will inlarge your Table.

But then imagine that the sides of the square at the extremities of squar'd Timber are unequal, as frequently it happens, by sometimes 5, 6, 10, or more inches difference: Some Artificers think they encounter this well enough by adding the two sides together, and taking the moitie of the side for the true square: But this is as erroneous as the other; especially, if the sides differ considerably. v. g. Let one side be 30 inches, and the other 138, these added, make 213, the half whereof is 106½, which they estimate for the true square; whereas in truth, the right square is 74 inches, and one tenth part; which demonstrates the error to be 32 inches and 4 tenths.

To reforme therefore this egregious mistake, the fourth Table may be calculated to what number of inches you desire: Example,

[Page]

PROB. IV.

One side of a square of Timber containing 16 inches, and the other 25: to find the side of a square equal unto it.

SOL.

First, find 16 inches in the fourth Table, opposite to it you have this number 120411. Then find out 25 inches, and opposite to that occurs 139794 which added, produces 260205, and the half of it 130102½. Find in the Table this Number (or the neerest you can to it) and you will see it to stand against 20 inches; which is the true square of such an unequal'd-sided piece of Timber.

16—120411

25—139794

sum—260205

20—130102½

Note, In these Instances 'tis suppos'd the Tree measur'd to carry the same Proportion of square throughout the Piece, which in almost all Trees that are considerably long, does not hold, by reason of its continual tapering, which must needs cause a great difference in the squares at either extream. Our common Workemen do, to adjust this, for the most part, choose the most likely place about the middle of the Tree, and take its square there; But this is also an Error: Therefore in such Trees, measure the square at both ends, and add the sides of the two squares together, and half that length shall be the true square which the Tree does carry throughout. E. g.

Suppose a Tree have that side of the square at the But-end 32 inches, and at the smaller end 22 onely; Those added, will make 55 inches, and the moitie of that 27½, which is the true side of the square, with which, and the length, you may find by the second Table the just content.

And, in case your Tree be longer than the Table provides for (as for example in this second Table it proceeds but to 10 foot) take the half, or so many times 10 foot, as its length contains, and the odd feet, if they happen, by themselves. V. g.

Suppose a Tree being 31 inches square, is 47 foot long; have recourse to 10 foot in the second Table, and opposite to 31 in the inch Column, you'l find 64 foot, 60 parts under the Column 10: put this down as many times as any tens occur in your 47 foot (which was the length of that Tree, and by the same Table the odd 7 will give you 45 feet 22 parts, which sum'd together, amount to 303 feet, 62 parts, viz. half a foot and half a quarter of a foot. By this Method proceed for any length whatsoever.

There remains but one operation more, which our Timber man can much stand in need of direction in; and that is, for the Measure of Planks; because we have occasion sometimes to saw them in the Wood: We will therefore add one Table more of that, and so dismiss him.

[Page]

PROB. V.

A Plank or Board being 9 inches broad: to find how much in length will make one foot.

SOL.

First find out 9 inches in the first Column; opposite to that, in the second Column, you shall meet 1.4.0. which imports 1 foot, 4 inches: so much then in length of a Plank or Board 9 inches broad, must go to make a foot: So as every 16 inches in length, is a foot of Plank, and consequently, every 8 inches, half a foot; every 4 inches a quarter, &c. Thus again, if a Board hold 2 foot and 3 inches in breadth; 5 inches and 3 tenth parts of an inch in length will make a square superficial foot of Plank, & sic de caeteris.

TABLE I.

The Square of the End of Timber in Feet and Inches. | The length of a Foot solid in Feet, Inches and parts of Inches.
F. | In. | F. | In. | Pts.
0. | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0
7 | 2 | 11 | 2
8 | 2 | 3 | 0
9 | 1 | 9 | 3
10 | 1 | 3 | 3
11 | 1 | 2 | 3
I. | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0
1 | 0 | 10 | 2
2 | 0 | 8 | 8
3 | 0 | 7 | 6
4 | 0 | 6 | 7
5 | 0 | 5 | 9
6 | 0 | 5 | 3
7 | 0 | 4 | 8
8 | 0 | 4 | 3
9 | 0 | 3 | 9
10 | 0 | 3 | 5
11 | 0 | 3 | 3
II. | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0
1 | 0 | 2 | 8
2 | 0 | 2 | 6
3 | 0 | 2 | 3
4 | 0 | 2 | 2
5 | 0 | 2 | 1
6 | 0 | 1 | 9
7 | 0 | 1 | 8
8 | 0 | 1 | 7
9 | 0 | 1 | 6
10 | 0 | 1 | 5
11 | 0 | 1 | 4
III. | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3

[Page]

TABLE II.

Square of Timber in Inches, and half-Inches. | The length of the Timber.
Inch. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
| F. | Pr. | F. | Pr. | F. | Pr. | F. | Pr. | F. | Pr.
- | 0 | 00 | 0 | 00 | 0 | 00 | 0 | 01 | 0 | 01
1 | 0 | 01 | 0 | 01 | 0 | 02 | 0 | 03 | 0 | 03
- | 0 | 01 | 0 | 03 | 0 | 05 | 0 | 06 | 0 | 08
2 | 0 | 03 | 0 | 05 | 0 | 08 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 14
- | 0 | 04 | 0 | 08 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 21
3 | 0 | 06 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 31
- | 0 | 08 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 34 | 0 | 42
4 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 44 | 0 | 55
- | 0 | 14 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 56 | 0 | 70
5 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 52 | 0 | 69 | 0 | 81
- | 0 | 21 | 0 | 42 | 0 | 63 | 0 | 84 | 1 | 05
6 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 50 | 0 | 75 | 1 | 00 | 1 | 25
- | 0 | 29 | 0 | 58 | 0 | 88 | 1 | 17 | 1 | 46
7 | 0 | 34 | 0 | 68 | 1 | 02 | 1 | 36 | 1 | 70
- | 0 | 39 | 0 | 78 | 1 | 17 | 1 | 56 | 1 | 95
8 | 0 | 44 | 0 | 89 | 1 | 33 | 1 | 77 | 2 | 22
- | 0 | 50 | 1 | 90 | 1 | 50 | 1 | 01 | 2 | 51
9 | 0 | 56 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 68 | 2 | 25 | 2 | 81
- | 1 | 63 | 1 | 25 | 1 | 88 | 2 | 51 | 3 | 13
10 | 1 | 69 | 1 | 39 | 2 | 08 | 2 | 47 | 3 | 47
- | 1 | 76 | 1 | 53 | 2 | 29 | 3 | 06 | 3 | 82
11 | 1 | 84 | 1 | 68 | 2 | 52 | 3 | 36 | 4 | 20
- | 0 | 92 | 1 | 84 | 2 | 76 | 3 | 67 | 4 | 59
12 | 1 | 00 | 2 | 90 | 3 | 00 | 4 | 00 | 5 | 00
- | 1 | 08 | 2 | 17 | 3 | 25 | 4 | 34 | 5 | 42
13 | 1 | 17 | 2 | 35 | 3 | 51 | 4 | 69 | 5 | 87
- | 1 | 26 | 2 | 53 | 3 | 80 | 5 | 06 | 6 | 33
14 | 1 | 36 | 2 | 72 | 4 | 08 | 5 | 44 | 6 | 80
- | 1 | 46 | 2 | 92 | 4 | 38 | 5 | 80 | 7 | 30
15 | 1 | 55 | 3 | 12 | 4 | 68 | 6 | 25 | 7 | 81
- | 1 | 67 | 3 | 33 | 5 | 00 | 6 | 67 | 8 | 34
16 | 1 | 78 | 3 | 55 | 5 | 33 | 7 | 11 | 8 | 89
- | 1 | 89 | 3 | 78 | 5 | 67 | 7 | 56 | 9 | 45
17 | 2 | 01 | 4 | 01 | 6 | 02 | 8 | 03 | 10 | 03
- | 2 | 13 | 4 | 25 | 6 | 38 | 8 | 51 | 10 | 63
18 | 2 | 25 | 4 | 50 | 6 | 25 | 9 | 00 | 11 | 25

[Page]

TABLE III.

The Circumference of the Tree in Inches.
Cir. | F. | In. | Pt.
10 | 18 | 11 | 2
11 | 14 | 11 | 5
12 | 12 | 6 | 8
13 | 10 | 8 | 5
14 | 9 | 2 | 7
15 | 7 | 10 | 3
16 | 7 | 0 | 8
17 | 6 | 3 | 0
18 | 5 | 7 | 0
19 | 5 | 0 | 2
20 | 4 | 6 | 3
21 | 4 | 1 | 2
22 | 3 | 8 | 9
23 | 3 | 4 | 9
24 | 3 | 1 | 7
25 | 2 | 10 | 7
26 | 2 | 8 | 1
27 | 2 | 5 | 8
28 | 2 | 3 | 7
29 | 2 | 1 | 8
30 | 2 | 0 | 1
31 | 1 | 10 | 6
32 | 1 | 9 | 2
33 | 1 | 7 | 9
34 | 1 | 6 | 8
35 | 1 | 5 | 7
36 | 1 | 4 | 7
37 | 1 | 3 | 8
38 | 1 | 3 | 0
39 | 1 | 2 | 3
40 | 1 | 1 | 6
41 | 1 | 0 | 9
42 | 1 | 0 | 3
43 | 0 | 11 | 7
44 | 0 | 11 | 1
45 | 0 | 10 | 7
46 | 0 | 10 | 2
47 | 0 | 9 | 9
48 | 0 | 9 | 4
49 | 0 | 9 | 0
50 | 0 | 8 | 7
51 | 0 | 8 | 3
52 | 0 | 8 | 0
53 | 0 | 7 | 8
54 | 0 | 7 | 4
55 | 0 | 7 | 2
56 | 0 | 6 | 9
57 | 0 | 6 | 7
58 | 0 | 6 | 4
59 | 0 | 6 | 2
60 | 0 | 6 | 0
61 | 0 | 5 | 8
62 | 0 | 5 | 6
63 | 0 | 5 | 5
64 | 0 | 5 | 2
65 | 0 | 5 | 1
66 | 0 | 4 | 9
67 | 0 | 4 | 8
68 | 0 | 4 | 7
69 | 0 | 4 | 6
70 | 0 | 4 | 4
71 | 0 | 4 | 3
72 | 0 | 4 | 2
73 | 0 | 4 | 1
74 | 0 | 3 | 9
75 | 0 | 3 | 8
76 | 0 | 3 | 7
77 | 0 | 3 | 7
78 | 0 | 3 | 6
79 | 0 | 3 | 5
80 | 0 | 3 | 4
81 | 0 | 3 | 3
82 | 0 | 3 | 2
83 | 0 | 3 | 2
84 | 0 | 3 | 1
85 | 0 | 3 | 0
86 | 0 | 2 | 9
87 | 0 | 2 | 9
88 | 0 | 2 | 8
89 | 0 | 2 | 7
90 | 0 | 2 | 7
91 | 0 | 2 | 6
92 | 0 | 2 | 6
93 | 0 | 2 | 5
94 | 0 | 2 | 5
95 | 0 | 2 | 4
96 | 0 | 2 | 4
97 | 0 | 2 | 3
98 | 0 | 2 | 3
99 | 0 | 2 | 2
100 | 0 | 2 | 2

[Page]

TABLE IV.

In. |
1 | 000000
2 | 030103
3 | 047712
4 | 062206
5 | 069897
6 | 077815
7 | 084509
8 | 090308
9 | 095424
10 | 100000
11 | 104139
12 | 107918
13 | 111394
14 | 114612
15 | 117609
16 | 120411
17 | 123044
18 | 125527
19 | 127875
20 | 130102
21 | 132221
22 | 134242
23 | 136172
24 | 138021
25 | 139794
26 | 141497
27 | 143136
28 | 144715
29 | 146239
30 | 147712
31 | 149136
32 | 150525
33 | 151851
34 | 153147
35 | 154406
36 | 155630
37 | 156820
38 | 157978
39 | 159106
40 | 160205
41 | 161278
42 | 162325
43 | 163346
44 | 164345
45 | 165321
46 | 166275
47 | 167209
48 | 168124
49 | 169019
50 | 169807
51 | 170757
52 | 171600
53 | 172427
54 | 173239
55 | 174036
56 | 174818
57 | 175587
58 | 176342
59 | 177085
60 | 177815
61 | 178532
62 | 179239
63 | 179934
64 | 180618
65 | 181291
66 | 181954
67 | 182607
68 | 183250
69 | 183885
70 | 184509
71 | 185125
72 | 185735
73 | 186832
74 | 186923
75 | 187506
76 | 188081
77 | 188649
78 | 189209
79 | 189762
80 | 190309
81 | 190848
82 | 191381
83 | 191907
84 | 192428
85 | 192941
86 | 193449
87 | 193952
88 | 194448
89 | 194939
90 | 195624
91 | 195904
92 | 196378
93 | 196848
94 | 197312
95 | 197772
96 | 198217
97 | 198677
98 | 199122
99 | 129563
100 | 200000

[Page]

TABLE II.

Square of the Timber in Inches and half-Inches. | The length of the Timber.
Inch. | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
| F. | Pt. | F. | Pt. | F. | Pt. | F. | Pt. | F. | Pt.
-* | 0 | 01 | 0 | 01 | 0 | 01 | 0 | 02 | 0 | 02
1 | 0 | 04 | 0 | 05 | 0 | 05 | 0 | 06 | 0 | 07
-* | 0 | 09 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 16
2 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 2 [...] | 0 | 25 | 0 | 28
-* | 0 | 26 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 34 | 0 | 39 | 0 | 43
3 | 0 | 37 | 0 | 43 | 0 | 49 | 0 | 56 | 0 | 62
- | 0 | 51 | 0 | 59 | 0 | 68 | 0 | 76 | 0 | 85
4 | 0 | 66 | 0 | 78 | 0 | 89 | 0 | 99 | 1 | 11
- | 0 | 84 | 0 | 98 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 26 | 1 | 40
5 | 1 | 04 | 1 | 22 | 1 | 39 | 1 | 56 | 1 | 74
- | 1 | 26 | 1 | 47 | 1 | 68 | 1 | 89 | 2 | 10
6 | 1 | 50 | 1 | 55 | 2 | 00 | 2 | 25 | 2 | 50
- | 1 | 76 | 2 | 05 | 2 | 34 | 2 | 64 | 2 | 93
7 | 2 | 04 | 2 | 38 | 2 | 72 | 3 | 06 | [...] | 40
- | 2 | 34 | 2 | 73 | 3 | 12 | 3 | 51 | 3 | 90
8 | 2 | 66 | 3 | 11 | 3 | 55 | 3 | 99 | 4 | 44
- | 3 | 01 | 3 | 51 | 4 | 01 | 4 | 52 | 5 | 02
9 | 3 | 37 | 3 | 93 | 4 | 49 | 5 | 06 | 5 | 62
- | 3 | 76 | 4 | 29 | 5 | 01 | 5 | 64 | 6 | 27
10 | 4 | 16 | 4 | 86 | 5 | 55 | 6 | 24 | 6 | 94
- | 4 | 59 | 5 | 35 | 6 | 12 | 6 | 88 | 7 | 65
11 | 5 | 04 | 5 | 88 | 6 | 72 | 7 | 56 | 8 | 40
- | 5 | 51 | 6 | 43 | 7 | 35 | 8 | 27 | 9 | 19
12 | 6 | 00 | 7 | 00 | 8 | 00 | 9 | 00 | 10 | 00
- | 6 | 51 | 7 | 51 | 8 | 68 | 9 | 76 | 10 | 85
13 | 7 | 04 | 8 | 22 | 9 | 39 | 10 | 56 | 11 | 74
- | 7 | 59 | 8 | 86 | 10 | 13 | 11 | 39 | 12 | 66
14 | 8 | 16 | 9 | 53 | 10 | 89 | 12 | 25 | 13 | 61
- | 8 | 76 | 10 | 22 | 11 | 68 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 60
15 | 9 | 37 | 10 | 93 | 12 | 49 | 14 | 06 | 15 | 62
- | 10 | 01 | 11 | 67 | 13 | 34 | 15 | 01 | 16 | 68
16 | 10 | 67 | 12 | 44 | 14 | 22 | 16 | 00 | 17 | 78
- | 11 | 34 | 13 | 24 | 15 | 13 | 17 | 02 | 18 | 91
17 | 12 | 04 | 14 | 05 | 16 | 05 | 18 | 06 | 20 | 07
- | 12 | 76 | 14 | 89 | 17 | 01 | 19 | 14 | 21 | 27
18 | 13 | 50 | 15 | 75 | 19 | 00 | 20 | 25 | 22 | 50

[Page]

TABLE II.

Square of the Timber in Inches and half-Inches. | The length of the Timber.
In. | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
| F. | Pt. | F. | Pt. | F. | Pt. | F. | Pt. | F. | Pt.
- | 2 | 38 | 4 | 75 | 7 | 13 | 9 | 51 | 11 | 88
19 | 2 | 51 | 5 | 01 | 7 | 52 | 10 | 03 | 12 | 53
- | 2 | 64 | 5 | 28 | 7 | 82 | 10 | 56 | 13 | 20
20 | 2 | 78 | 5 | 55 | 8 | 33 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 89
- | 2 | 92 | 5 | 83 | 8 | 75 | 11 | 67 | 14 | 59
21 | 3 | 06 | 6 | 12 | 9 | 18 | 12 | 25 | 15 | 31
- | 3 | 11 | 6 | 42 | 9 | 63 | 12 | 84 | 16 | 05
22 | 3 | 36 | 6 | 72 | 10 | 08 | 13 | 44 | 16 | 80
- | 3 | 51 | 7 | 03 | 10 | 55 | 14 | 06 | 17 | 58
23 | 3 | 67 | 7 | 34 | 11 | 02 | 14 | 69 | 18 | 36
- | 3 | 33 | 7 | 67 | 11 | 50 | 15 | 34 | 19 | 12
24 | 4 | 00 | 8 | 00 | 12 | 00 | 16 | 00 | 20 | 00
- | 4 | 16 | 8 | 33 | 12 | 50 | 16 | 66 | 20 | 83
25 | 4 | 34 | 8 | 68 | 13 | 02 | 17 | 36 | 21 | 70
- | 4 | 51 | 9 | 02 | 13 | 54 | 18 | 05 | 22 | 56
26 | 4 | 69 | 9 | 39 | 14 | 08 | 18 | 77 | 23 | 47
- | 4 | 88 | 9 | 75 | 14 | 63 | 19 | 51 | 24 | 38
27 | 5 | 06 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 20 | 25 | 25 | 31
- | 5 | 25 | 10 | 50 | 15 | 75 | 21 | 0 [...] | 26 | 25
28 | 5 | 44 | 10 | 89 | 16 | 33 | 21 | 78 | 27 | 22
- | 5 | 67 | 11 | 34 | 17 | 01 | 22 | 68 | 28 | 35
29 | 5 | 84 | 11 | 68 | 17 | 52 | 23 | 36 | 29 | 20
- | 6 | 04 | 12 | 08 | 18 | 13 | 24 | 17 | 30 | 21
30 | 6 | 25 | 12 | 50 | 18 | 75 | 25 | 00 | 31 | 25
- | 6 | 46 | 12 | 92 | 19 | 38 | 25 | 84 | 32 | 30
31 | 6 | 67 | 13 | 34 | 20 | 02 | 26 | 69 | 33 | 36
- | 6 | 89 | 13 | 78 | 20 | 67 | 17 | 56 | 34 | 45
32 | 7 | 11 | 14 | [...]2 | 21 | 33 | 28 | 44 | 35 | 55
- | 7 | 33 | 14 | 66 | 21 | 99 | 29 | 33 | 36 | 66
32 | 7 | 56 | 15 | 12 | 32 | 68 | 30 | 24 | 37 | 81
- | 7 | 78 | 15 | 56 | 23 | 34 | 31 | 12 | 38 | 90
34 | 8 | 03 | 16 | 05 | 24 | 0 [...] | 32 | 11 | 40 | 14
- | 8 | 26 | 16 | 52 | 24 | 79 | 33 | 05 | 41 | 31
35 | 8 | 54 | 17 | 01 | 25 | 52 | 34 | 03 | 42 | 53
- | 8 | 70 | 17 | 50 | 26 | 25 | 35 | 00 | 43 | 75
36 | 9 | 00 | 18 | 00 | 27 | 00 | 36 | 00 | 49 | 00

Square of the Timber in Inches and half-Inches. | The length of the Timber.
In. | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
| F. | Pt. | F. | Pt. | F. | Pt. | F. | Pt. | F. | Pt.
- | 14 | 26 | 16 | 64 | 19 | 01 | 21 | 39 | 23 | 77
19 | 15 | 04 | 17 | 55 | 20 | 05 | 22 | 56 | 25 | 07
- | 15 | 64 | 18 | 49 | 21 | 13 | 23 | 77 | 26 | 41
20 | 16 | 67 | 19 | 40 | 22 | 22 | 25 | 00 | 27 | 78
- | 17 | 51 | 20 | 42 | 23 | 34 | 26 | 26 | 29 | 18
21 | 18 | 37 | 21 | 43 | 24 | 49 | 27 | 56 | 30 | 62
- | 19 | 26 | 22 | 47 | 25 | 68 | 28 | 89 | 32 | 10
22 | 20 | 16 | 23 | 53 | 26 | 89 | 30 | 25 | 33 | 61
- | 21 | 09 | 24 | 61 | 28 | 13 | 31 | 64 | 35 | 16
23 | 22 | 04 | 25 | 71 | 29 | 38 | 33 | 06 | 36 | 73
- | 23 | 01 | 26 | 84 | 30 | 68 | 34 | 51 | 38 | 35
24 | 24 | 00 | 28 | 00 | 32 | 00 | 36 | 00 | 40 | 00
- | 24 | 99 | 29 | 16 | 33 | 33 | 37 | 49 | 41 | 66
25 | 26 | 04 | 30 | 38 | 34 | 7 [...] | 39 | 06 | 43 | 40
- | 27 | 08 | 31 | 59 | 36 | 10 | 40 | 62 | 45 | 13
26 | 28 | 16 | 32 | 86 | 37 | 55 | 42 | 24 | 46 | 94
- | 29 | 26 | 34 | 14 | 39 | 01 | 43 | 89 | 48 | 77
27 | 30 | 38 | 35 | 44 | 40 | 50 | 45 | 57 | 50 | 63
- | 31 | 50 | 36 | 75 | 42 | 00 | 47 | 25 | 52 | 50
28 | 32 | 67 | 38 | 11 | 43 | 56 | 49 | 00 | 54 | 45
- | 34 | 02 | 39 | 69 | 45 | 36 | 51 | 03 | 56 | 70
29 | 35 | 04 | 40 | 88 | 46 | 72 | 52 | 56 | 58 | 40
- | 36 | 26 | 42 | 30 | 48 | 34 | 54 | 39 | 60 | 43
30 | 37 | 50 | 43 | 75 | 5 | 00 | 56 | 25 | 62 | 50
- | 38 | 76 | 45 | 22 | 51 | 68 | 58 | 14 | 64 | 60
31 | 40 | 04 | 46 | 71 | 53 | 36 | 60 | 06 | 66 |
- | 41 | 3 [...] | 48 | 23 | 55 | 1 [...] | 62 | 01 | 68 |
32 | 42 | 6 [...] | 49 | 78 | 56 | 89 | 63 | 99 | 71 | 11
- | 43 | 99 | 51 | 33 | 58 | 66 | 65 | 99 | 73 | 33
33 | 45 | 37 | 52 | 93 | 60 | 49 | 68 | 06 | 75 | 62
- | 46 | 68 | 54 | 46 | 62 | 24 | 70 | 02 | 78 | 80
34 | 48 | 17 | 56 | 19 | 64 | 22 | 72 | 25 | 80 | 28
- | 49 | 58 | 57 | 84 | 66 | 10 | 74 | 37 | 82 | 63
35 | 51 | 04 | 59 | 55 | 68 | 05 | 76 | 56 | 85 | 07
- | 52 | 50 | 61 | 25 | 70 | 00 | 78 | 75 | 87 | 50
36 | 45 | 00 | 63 | 00 | 72 | 00 | S1 | 00 | 90 | 00

[Page] TABLE V.

The Breadth of Plank in Feet and Inches. | The length of a Foot square, in Feet and 10th. part of Inches.
F. | In. | F. | In. | Pts.
0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0
2 | 6 | 0 | 0
3 | 4 | 0 | 0
4 | 3 | 0 | 0
5 | 2 | 4 | 8
6 | 2 | 0 | 0
7 | 1 | 8 | 6
8 | 1 | 6 | 0
9 | 1 | 4 | 0
10 | 1 | 2 | 4
11 | 1 | 1 | 1
I | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0
1 | 0 | 11 | 8
2 | 0 | 10 | 3
3 | 0 | 9 | 6
4 | 0 | 9 | 0
5 | 0 | 8 | 5
6 | 0 | 8 | 0
7 | 0 | 7 | 6
8 | 0 | 7 | 2
9 | 0 | 6 | 8
10 | 0 | 6 | 5
11 | 0 | 6 | 2
II | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0
1 | 0 | 5 | 8
2 | 0 | 5 | 5
3 | 0 | 5 | 3
4 | 0 | 5 | 1
5 | 0 | 5 | 0
6 | 0 | 4 | 8
7 | 0 | 4 | 7
8 | 0 | 4 | 5
9 | 0 | 4 | 4
10 | 0 | 4 | 2
11 | 0 | 4 | 1
III | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0

[Page]34. 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 months 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 months from the very 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: But concerning the Time and Season of Felling, a just Treatise might be written: Let the Learned therefore consult Vitruvius particularly on this subject. l. 2. c. 19. Also M. Cato c. 17. Plin. l. 16. c. 31. Constantinus and Heron. l. 3. de RR. Veget. l. 4. c. 35. Columella l. 3. c. 2. but especially the most ample Theophrastus [...]. l. 5. Note, that a Tun of Timber is forty solid Feet, a Load fifty.

35. 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 grew 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.

36. And here might now come in a pretty speculation, what should be the Reason after generall Fellings and Extirpations of vast Woods of one species, the next spontaneous succession should be of quite a different sort? We see indeed something of this in our Gardens and Corne fields (as the best of Poets witnesses) but that may be much imputed to the alteration, by improvement, or detriment of the Soyle and other Accidents: whatever the Cause may be, since it appears not in any universal decay of Nature (sufficiently exploded) I shall onely here produce matter of Fact, and that it ordinarily [Page] happens. As in some goodly Woods formerly belonging to my Grandfather that were all of Oak; after felling, they universally sprung up Beech; and 'tis affirm'd by general Experience, that after Beech, Birch succeeds; as in that famous Wood at Darnway on the River Tindarne in the Province of Moray in Scotland, where nothing had grown but Oak in a Wood three miles in length, and happily more Southerly, it might have been Beech, and not Birch 'till the third degradation. Birches familiarly grow out of old and decay'd Oaks; but whence this Sympathy and affection should proceed, is more difficult to resolve, in as much as we do not detect any so prolifical, and eminent Seed in that Tree. Some Accidents of this nature may be imputed to the Winds, and the Birds who frequently have been known to waste and convey Seeds to places widely distant, as we have touch'd in the Chapter of Firs, &c. Sect. 4. Holly has been seen to grow out of Ash, as Ash out of severall Trees, especially Hei-Thorn; nay, in an old rotten Ash-stump, in a place where no Ashes at all grew by many miles in the whole County: And I have had it confidently asserted by Persons of undoubted truth, that they have seen a Tree cut in the middle, whose heart was Ash-wood, and the exteriour part Oak, and this in Northampton-shire: And why not as well (though with something more difficulty?) as through a Willow, whose Body it has been observed to penetrate even to the Earth? obtruding the Willow quite out of its place, of which a pretty Emblem might be conceiv'd: But I pursue these Instances no farther, concluding this Chapter with the Norway Engine, or Saw-Mill, to be either moved with the force of Water, or Wind, &c. for the more expedite cuting and converting of Timber, to which we will add another, for the more facile perforation and boring of Elms, or other Timber to make Pipes and Aquaeducts, and the excavating of Columns to preserve their Shafts from splitting, to which otherwise they are obnoxious.

The Frames of both these Instruments discover themselves sufficiently to the eye, and therefore will need the less description; There is yet this reformation from those which they use both in Norway and Switzerland; That whereas they make the Timber approach the Sawes, by certain indented Wheels with a Rochet (which is frequently out of order) there is in the first Figure a substitution of two Counterpoises of about three hundred pound weight, each, as you may see at A.A. fastning the Cords to which they append, at the extreams of two movable pieces of Timber, which slide on two other pieces of fixed Wood, by the ayd of certain small Pullys, which you may imagine to be within an Hinge in the House or Mill, by which means the Weights continually draw, and advance the moving pieces of Wood, and consequently the Timber to be slit, fastned 'twixt the said Pieces, towards the Teeth of the Saws, rising, and falling as the motion of the Wheele directs; And on this Frame you may put four or five Saws, or more if you please, and place them at what intervals you think fit, according to the dimensions which you designe in cutting the Timber for your use; and when the piece [Page] is sawn, then one or two men with a Lever, must turn a Roller, to which there is annext a strong Cord, which will draw back the Piece, and lift up the Counter-poise; and so the piece put a little towards one side, direct the Saws against another.

The second Figure for Boring, consists of an Ax-tree, to which is fastned a Wheel of six and thirty Teeth, or more, as the velocity of the Water-motion requires; for if it be slow, more Teeth are requisite; There must also be a Pinion of six, turn'd by the said indented Wheel: Then to the Ax-tree of the Pinion is to be fixt a long Auger, as in letter A, which must passe through the hole B, to be opened and clos'd as occasion requires, somewhat like a Turners Lathe: The Tree or piece of Timber to be Bored, is to be plac'd on the Frame CD, so as the Frame may easily slide by the help of certain small Wheels, which are in the hollow of it, and turn upon strong Pins, so as the Work-man may shove forwards, or draw the Tree back, after 'tis fastned to the Frame; that so the Auger turning, the end of the Tree may be applied to it; still remembring to draw it back at every progresse of three or four inches which the Auger makes for the clensing it from the Chips, least the Auger break: Continue this work till the Tree, or piece of Timber be bored as far as you think convenient, and when you desire to inlarge the hole, change your Auger Bits as the Figure represents them.

[Page]

[figure]

[Page]To these we might add severall more, as they are described by Besson, Ramelli, Cause, and others; as likewise Cranes and Machines for the easier Elevation, Moving, and Transporting of Timber, but they are now become familiar, and therefore I omit them.

CHAP. XXXI. Of Timber the Seasoning and Uses, and of Fuel.

Seasoning.SInce it is certain and Demonstrable that all Arts and Artisans whatsoever, must faile and cease, if there were no Timber and Wood in a Nation (for he that shall take his Pen, and begin to set down what Art, Mysterie, or Trade belonging any way to human life, could be maintain'd and exercis'd without Wood, will quickly find that I speak no Paradox) I say, when this shall be well consider'd, it will appear, that we had better be without Gold, than without Timber: This contemplation, and the universal use of that precious Material (which yet is not of universal use 'till it be duly prepar'd) has mov'd me to design a solemn Chapter for the seasoning, as well as to mention some farther particular Applications of it. 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.

2. 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 mouldinesse which they usually contract while they sweat, and which frequently produces a kind of fungus, especially if there be any sappy parts remaining.

3. 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; yea, and not onely in Fir, but other Timber: lay therefore your Boards a Fortnight in the Water, and then setting them upright in the Sun and Wind, so as it may freely passe through them, (especially during the heats of Summer, which is the time of finishing Buildings) turn them daily; and thus treated, even newly sawn Boards, will Floor far better than a many years dry Seasoning, as they call it. But to prevent all possible accidents, when you lay your Floors, let the joynts be shot, fitted, and tack'd down only for the first year, nailing them for good and all the next; and by this means they will lye Stanch, close, and without Shrinking in the least, as if it were all of one piece. Amongst Wheele-Wrights [Page] the Water-seasoning is of especial regard, and in such esteem amongst some, that I am assur'd the Venetians for their Provision in the Arsenal, lay their Oak some years in it, before they employ it.

Elm fell'd never so green for suddain use, if plung'd four or five dayes in water (especially Salt, which is best) obtains an admirable seasoning, and may immediately be us'd. 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;

— The Oke

Explore, suspended in the Chimney smoke.

Et suspensa focis exploret robora fumus.

Georg. [...].

For that to most Timber it contributes much to its duration. Thus do all the Elements contribute to the Art of Seasoning. The Learned Interpreter of Antonio Neris Art of Glasse c. 5. speaking of the Difference of Vegetables, as they are made use of at various seasons, observes from the Button-mould-makers in those woods they use, that Pear-trees cut in Summer work toughest, but Holly in the VVinter, Box hardest about Easter, but mellow in Summer, Hawthorn kindly about October, and Service tree in the Summer.

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, VVindows, Floors, and other close Works, it is altogether to be rejected; especially, where VVallnut-tree is the material, which will be sure to shrink: Therefore it is best to choose 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 hardnesse and drynesse, ut cùm omnis putrifactio incipiat ab humido, nor Earth, nor VVater can penetrate it; I my self remembring to have seen Charcoals dug out of the ground amongst the ruines of antient 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 hewen; nor that which is squar'd, as what is round; and therefore 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-cloth 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 [Page] 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 sawdust mingled; but the first is so good a way (sayes my Authour) 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.

6. We spake before of Squaring, and I would now recommend the Quartering of such trees as will allow useful and competent Scantlings, to be of much more durablenesse, and effect for strength, than where (as custome is, and for want of observation) whole Beams and Timbers are apply'd in Ships or Houses, with slab and all about them, upon false suppositions of strength beyond these Quarters: For there is in all trees an evident Interstice or separation between the heart and the rest of the body, which renders it much more obnoxious to decay and miscarry, than when they are treated, and converted as I have describ'd it; and it would likewise save a world of Materials in the Building of great Ships, where so much excellent timber is hew'd away to spoyl, were it more in practise. Finally,

7. 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 mingled with Sea-sand, or the Scales of Iron, beaten small and siefted, which incrusts, and arms it after an incredible manner against all these assaults and foreign invaders: But if this should be deem'd more obnoxious to Fireing, I have heard that a Wash made of Alume, has wonderfully protected it against the assaults even of that devouring Element, and that so a wooden Tower or Fort at the Piraeum an Athenian Port, was defended by Archelaus a Commander of Mithridates, from the great Sylla.

8. Timbers that you have occasion to lay in Morter, or which is in any part contiguous to Lime, as Doors, Window-Cases, Ground-sils, and the extremities of Beams, &c. should be cap'd with molten Pitch, which will be a marvellous preserver of it from the burning, and destructive effects of the Lime; and in defect of Pitch, Loam, or Clay will prove a tollerable defence.

9. For all uses, that Timber is esteem'd the best, which is the most pondrous, and which lying long, makes deepest impression in the Earth, or in the Water being floated; also what is without knots, yet firm, and free from sap; which is that fatty, whiter, and softer part, call'd by the Antients Alburnum, which you are diligently to hew away; here we have much adoe about the Porulus of the Fir, and the [...] by both Vitruvius and Theophrastus, which I passe over. 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.

[Page]10. My Lord Bacon Exp. 658. recommends for tryal of a sound or knotty piece of Timber, to cause one to speak at one of the Extreams to his Companion listning at the other; for if it be knotty, the sound sayes he, will come abrupt.

11. Moreover, it is expedient that you know which is the Grain, and which are the Veins in Timber (whence the term fluviari arborem) 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 or Pectines 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 wayes, and is therefore to be wrought accordingly.

12. Here it may be fitly enquir'd, whether of all the sorts we have enumerated, the old, or the younger Trees do yield the fairest Colour, pleasant Grain and Glosse for Wainscot, Cabinets, Boxes, Gun-stocks, &c. and what kind of Pear and Plum-tree give the deepest Red, and approaches nearest in beauty to Brasil: 'Tis affirm'd the Old-Oake, Old Walnut, and young-Ash, are best for most uses; black, and thorny Plum-tree is of the deepest, Oriency; but whether these belong to the Forest, I am not yet satisfied, and therefore have assigned them no Chapter apart.

13. I would also add something concerning what VVoods are observed to be most sonorous for Musical Instruments: We as yet detect few but the German Fir, which is a species of Maple, for the Rimms of Viols, and the choicest and finest grain'd Fir for the Bellyes: The finger-boards, Back, and Ribbs, I have seen of Eugh, Pear-tree, &c. But Pipes, Recorders, and wind-Instruments, are made both of hard, and soft woods; I had lately an Organ with a set of Oaken-pipes, which were the most sweet and mellow that were ever heard; It was a very old Instrument, and formerly, I think, belonging to the Duke of Norfolk.

14. For the place of growth, that Timber is esteem'd best which grows most in the Sun, and on a dry and hale ground; for those trees which suck, and drink little, are most hard, robust, and longest liv'd, instances of Sobriety; The Climate contributes much to its quality, and the Northern situation is preferred to the rest of the quarters; so as that which grew in Tuscany was of old thought better than that of the Venetian side; and trees of the wilder kind, and barren, than the over much cultivated, and great bearers: but of this already.

15. To omit nothing, Authours have sum'd up the natures of timber; as the hardest Ebeny, Box, Larch, Lotus, Terebinth, Cornus, Eugh, &c. which are best to receive politure; and for this, Lin-seed, or the sweeter Nut oyl does the effect best: Pliny gives us the Receipt, with a decoction of VValnut-shales, and certain wild pears: Next to these, Oak for Ships, and Houses (or more minutely) the Oak for the Keel, the Robur for the Prow, VValnut the Stern, Elm the Pump; Furnerus l. 1. c. 22. conceives the Ark to have been built of several woods; Cornel, Holly, &c. for Pins, Wedges, &c. Chessnut, Hornbeam[Page]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: The Cypresse, Fir, Pines, Cedar, &c. for Posts, and Columns, because of their erect growth, natural and comely diminutions. Then again it is noted, that Oriental Trees are hardest towards the Cortex or Bark; our Western towards the middle, which we call the Heart; and that Trees which bear fruit, or but little, are more durable than the more pregnant. It is noted, of Oak, that the knots of an inveterate Tree, just where a lusty arme joyns to the Stem, is as curiously vein'd as the Wall-nut, which omitted in the Chapter of the Oake, I here observe.

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 odoriferous Trees are the more durable and lasting.

16. Here farther for the uses of timber, I will observe to our Reader some other Particulars for direction both of the Seller and Buyer, applicable to the several Species: And first of the two sorts of Lathes allow'd by Statute, one of five, the other of four foot long, because of the different Intervals of Rafters: That of five has 100 to the Bundle, those of four 120; and to be in breadth 1 Inch and ½, and half Inch thick; of either of which sorts there are three, viz. Heart-oak, Sap-Lathes, and Deal-Lathes, which also differ in Price: The Heart-oak are fittest to lye under tyling, the second sort, for plastring of side-walls, and the third for Ceilings, because they are streight and even.

17. Here we will gratifie our curious Reader with as curious an Account of the Comparative strength and fortitude of the several usual sorts of timber, as upon Suggestions previous to this Work, it was several times Experimented by the Royal Society, though omitted in the first Impression, because the tryals were not complete as they now thus stand in our Register.

March 23. 1663.

The Experiment of breaking several sorts of Wood was begun to be made: And there were taken three pieces of several kinds; of Fir, Oak, and Ash, each an Inch thick, and two foot long, the Fir weighed 81/16 Ounces, and was broken with 200 l. weight: The Oak weigh'd 12¼ [...], broken with 250 weight: the Ash weigh'd 10¼ [...], broken with 325 weight.

Besides there were taken 3 pieces of the same sorts of wood each of ½ inch thick, and 1 foot long: the Fir weigh'd j [...], and was broken with ⅝ of an 100: The Oak weigh'd 1⅝ [...] broken with ⅝ of an 100: the Ash weigh'd 1⅜ [...] broken with 100 l.

[Page]Again, there was a piece of Fir ½ Inch square, and two foot long, broken with 33 l. A piece of ½ Inch thick 1 Inch broad, and 7 foots long, broken with 100 weight edge-wise; And a piece of ½ inch thick, 1½ broad, 2 foot long, broken with 125 weight, also edge-wise.

The Experiment was order'd to be repeated by the President, to Sr. William Petty, and Mr. Hook; and it was suggested by some of the Company, that in these tryals consideration might be had of the age, knottinesse, solidity, several Soyls, and parts of trees, &c. and Sr. Robert Morray did particularly add, that it might be observ'd how far any kind of Wood bends before it breaks.

March — 64.

The Operator gave an Accompt of more pieces of wood broken by weight, viz. a piece of Fir 4 foot long 2 Inches, 53 Ounce weight, broken with 800 l. weight, and very little bending with 750; by which the Hypothesis seems to be confirm'd, that in similar pieces, the Proportion of the breaking-weight is according to the basis of the wood-broken: Secondly, of a piece of Fir 2 foot long, 1 Inch square, cut away from the middle both wayes to half an Inch, which supported 250 l. weight before it broke, which is more by 50 l. than a piece of the same thicknesse every way was formerly broken with; the difference was guessed to proceed from the more firmnesse of this other piece.

His Lordship was desired to contribute to the Prosecution of this Experiment, and particularly, to consider what line a Beam must be cut in, and how thick it ought to be at the Extream, to be equally strong: Which was brought in April 13, but I find it not enter'd.

April 20. 1664.

The Experiment of breaking VVood was prosecuted, and there were taken two pieces of Fir, each two foot long, and 1 Inch square, which were broken, the one long-wayes with 300 l. weight, the other transverse-wayes with 2½ hundred: Secondly, two pieces of the same wood, each of ¾ of an Inch square, and two foot long, broken, the one long wayes with 1¼ hundred; the other transverse with 100 l. weight: Thirdly, one piece of 2 foot long ½ Inch square, broken longwayes with 81 l. Fourthly, one piece cut out of a crooked Oken-billet, with an arching Grain, about ¾ Inch square, two foot long, broken with ¼ hundred.

June 29. 1664.

There were made several Experiments more of breaking wood: First, a piece of Fir ½ Inch diameter, and 3 Inches long, at which distance the weight hung, broke in the Plane of the Grain horizontally, with 66¾ l. whereof 15 l. Troy; Vertically, with 2 l. more. Also Fir of a ¼ Inch diameter, and 1½ Inch long, broke vertically with 20 l. [Page] and horizontally, with 19 l. Elm of ½ Inch diameter, and three inches long, broke horizontally, with 47 l. Vertically with 23 l. Elm of ¼ inch diameter, and 1½ Inch long, broke horizontally with 12 l. Vertically with 10 l. which is Note-worthy.

July 6. 1664.

The Experiment of breaking Woods prosecuted: A piece of Oak of ½ Inch diameter and three Inches long, at which distance the weight hung, broke horizontally with 48 l. Vertically with 40 l. Ash of ½ Inch diameter, and 3 Inch long, horizontally with 77 l. Vertically, with 75 l. Ash of ½ Inch diameter, and 1½ Inch long, horizontally with 19 l. Vertically, with 12 l. &c. Thus far the Register.

18. Here might come in the Problemes of Cardinal Cusa in Lib. 4. Idiotae dial. 4 to concerning the different velocity of the Ascent of great pieces of Timber, before the smaller, submerged in water; as also of the weight; as v. g. Why a piece of Wood 100 l. weight, poising more in the Air than 2 l. of Lead, the 2 l. of Lead should seem to weigh (he should say Sink) more in the Water? Why Fruits being cut off from the Tree, weigh heavier, than when they were growing? with several the like Paradoxes, haply more curious than useful, and therefore we purposely omit them.

19. Concerning Squar'd, and Principal Timber for any usual Building, these are the legal Proportions, and which Builders ought not to vary from.

Summers or Girders from

F.

14

18

20

23

26

to

F.

16

20

23

26

28

In length, must be in their Square.

In.

11

13

14

16

17

&

In.

8

9

10

12

14

Joysts of

Feet

11½

10½

In length must be in their Square.

Inch

8

7

6

Inch

3

3

3

Binding Joysts & Trimming from
F. 7 to F. 11½
In length must be in their Square

6

7

8

&

5

5

5

Wall-plates and Beams of any length, from 15 foot, may have in their square—

Inch

7

10

8

&

Inch

5

6

6

Purlynes from

F.

15

18½

to

F.

18½

21½

In length, must have in their square

9

12

&

8

9

Principal Rafters cut Taper from

F.

12½

14½

18½

21½

24½

to

F.

14½

18½

21½

24½

26½

In length must have in their square on one side

In.

8

9

10

12

9

to

In.

5

7

8

9

9

on the other side

6

7

8

9

single Rafters in length from 6½ to 9½—

F.

6½

0

9½

must have in their squ.
5-3½ & 5—4

Principal Dischargers of any length from
Foot 10 upward
must have in their square

Inch

13

16

Inch

12

13

But Carpenters also work by Square, which is 10 foot in Framing [Page] and Erecting the Carcase (as they call it) of any Timber Edifice, which is valued according to the goodnesse and choyce of the Materials, and curiosity in Framing; especially Roofs and Stayre-cases, which are of most charges. And here might also something be added concerning the manner of framing the Carcases of Buildings, as of Floors, pitch of Roofs, the length of Hips, and Sleepers, together with the names of all those several Timbers used in Fabrics totally consisting of Wood; but I find it done to my hand, and Publish'd some years since, at the end of a late Translation of the first Book of Palladio, to which I refer the Reader. And to accomplish our Artist in Timber, with the utmost which that material is capable of; to the Study and Contemplation of that stupendious Roof, which now lies over the ever renowned Sheldonean Theater at the Ʋniversity of Oxford; being the sole Work and Contrivement of that my most Honoured Friend Dr. Chr. Wren, now worthily dignified with the Superintendency of his Majesties Buildings.

20. 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 learned Sir George Ent, by that obliging Virtuoso Cavalier dal Pozzo. He that shall examine the hardnesse, and feel the ponderousnesse 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 expresly to describe this great Curiosity: And there has been brought to our notice, a certain relation of an Elm growing in Bark-shire neer Farringdon, which being cut towards the Root, was there plainly Petrified; the like, as I once my self remember to have seen in another Tree, which grew quite through a Rock near the Sepulchre of Agrippina (the Mother of that Monster Nero) at the Baia by Naples, which appear'd to be all Stone, and trickling down in drops of Water, if I forget not. But, whiles others have Philosophiz'd according to their manner upon these extraordinary Concretions; see what the most industrious, and knowing Mr. Hook, Curator of this Royal Society, has with no lesse Reason, but more succinctnesse, observ'd from a late Microscopical Examen of another piece of petrifid wood; the Description, and Ingenuity whereof cannot but gratifie the Curious, who will by this Instance, not onely be instructed how to make Inquiries upon the like occasions; but see also with what accuratenesse the Society constantly proceeds in all their Indagations, and Experiments; and with what Candor they relate, and communicate them.

21. It resembl'd wood, in that

[Page]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 appeared 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 onely to be seen by a good glasse) 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 hardnesse, being very near 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 closenesse of it; for, though all the microscopical pores of the wood were very conspicuous in one position, yet by altering that position of the polish'd surface to the light, it also was manifest that those pores appear'd darker than the rest of the body, onely 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 seemed not at all to have diminish'd its extension; but onely 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 dissolublenesse; 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 insmuating liquid menstruum.

Sixtly, in its Rigidnesse, and friability; being not at all flexible, [Page] but brittle like a flint; insomuch that with one knock of a Hammer I broke off 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 Phaenomena 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 praecipitation, co-haesion or coagulation, abundance of stony particles from that permeating water, which stony particles having, by means of the fluid Vehicle, convey'd themselves not onely 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 than water, and perhaps six times as heavy as it was when 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 onely 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 char'd, and not consum'd; which may perhaps be the reason why the petrifi'd substance appear'd of a blackish 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.

22. The casual finding of Subterraneous-Trees has been the occasion of this curious Digression: Now it were a strange Paradox to affirm, that the Timber under the ground, should to a great degree, equal the value of that which grows above the Ground; seeing though it be far lesse, yet it is far Richer; the Roots of the vilest Shrub, being better for its toughnesse, and for Ornaments, and delicate uses much more preferrable than the Heart of the fairest and soundest Tree: And many Hills, and other waste-places, that have in late and former Ages been stately Groves and Woods, have yet this Treasure remaining, and perchance sound and unperish'd, and commonly (as we observ'd) an hinderance to other Plantations; Engines therefore, and Expedients for the more easily extracting these Cumbrances, and making riddance upon such Occasions, besides those we have produc'd, would be excogitated, and enquir'd after, for the dispatch of this difficult Work.

[Page] Fuel.23. Finally, for the use of our Chimneys, and maintenance of fire, the plenty of wood for fuel, rather than the quality is to be looked after; and yet there are some greatly to be preferr'd before others, as harder, longer-lasting, better heating, and chearfully 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 Charing would not mis-become this Discourse.

But something more is to be said sure, concerning the felling of Fuel-wood: Note therefore, that you first begin with the under-wood: Some conceive between Martle-mas and Holy-Rood; but, generally with Oaks as soon as 'twill strip, but not after May; and for Ashes, 'twixt Michael-mas and Candle-mas; and so fell'd, as that the Cattel may have the browsing of it, for in Winter they will not onely eat the tender twiggs, but even the very Mosse; but fell no more in a day than they can Eat for this purpose: This done, kid or bavin them, and pitch them upon their ends to preserve them from rotting: Thus the Ʋnder-wood being dispos'd of, the rest will prosper the better, and besides it otherwise does but rot upon the Earth, and destroy that which would spring. If you head or top for the fire, 'tis not amiss to begin three or four foot above the Timber, if it be considerable; but in case they are onely shaken-Trees and Hedge-rows, strip them even to thirty foot high, because they are usually full of boughs; and 'twere good to top such as you perceive to wither at the tops a competent way beneath, to prevent their sicknesse downwards, which will else certainly ensue; whereas by this means even dying Trees may be preserved many years to good emolument, though they never advance taller; and being thus frequently shred, they will produce more, than if suffered to stand and decay: This is a profitable note for such as have old, doating, or any wayes infirm Woods: In other Fellings, some advise never to commence the disbranching from the top, for though the incumbency of the very boughs upon the next, cause them to fall off the easier, yet it endangers the splicing of the next, which is very prejudicial, and therefore advise the beginng at the nearest. And in Cutting for fuel you may as at the top, so at the sides, cut a foot, or more from the Body; but never when you shred Timber-Trees: We have said how dangerous it is, to cut for wood when the Sap is up, it is a mark of improvident Husbands; besides it will never burn well, though abundance be congested: Lastly, remember that East and North-winds are unkind to the succeeding Shoots. Now for directions in Stacking (of which we have said something in Chap. of Copses) ever set the lowest course an end, the second that on the sides and ends, viz. sides and ends outward; the third thwart the other on the side, and so the rest, till all are placd, spending the up-most first.

Thus we have endeavoured to prescribe the best directions we could learn concerning this necessary Subject. And in this penury of that dear Commodity, and to incite all ingenious persons, [Page] studious of the benefit of their Countrey, to think of wayes 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 intollerable 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 Peat and Turf for their Chimneys, Cow sheardes, &c. they make use of Stoves both portable and standing; and truly the more frequent use of those Inventions in our great, 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 Countrey about it; than which there is not a more sweet, lasting, and beautiful fuel; The manner of it is thus:

24. 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 more combustible) make these up into balls (moistned with a little Ʋrine of Man or Beast) as big as an ordinary Goose-egge, 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 wonderfull heat, and continue a very long time. But first you must make the fire of Char-coal, or Small-coal, covering them with your Eggs or Hovilles (as they are call'd) and building them up in Pyramis, or what shape you please; they will continue a glowing, solemn and constant fire for seven or eight hours without being stirred, and then they encourage and recruite the innermost vvith a fevv fresh Eggs, and turn the rest, vvhich are yet quite reduc'd to Cinders.

Two or three short Billets cover'd with Char-coal last much longer, and with more life, than 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 Thorns, Briers, and Brambles. Consult L. Bacon, Exp. 775.

25. The Quercus Marina, Wrack, or 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 [Page] two great fires of simple Coals, and maintain a glowing luculent heat without wast: The manner of gathering it is to cut it in Summer time from the Rocks whereon it grows abundantly, and bringing it in Boats or otherwise to Land, spread and dry it in the Sun like hay, turning and cocking it till it be fully cured: It makes an excellent fire alone, and roasts to admiration; and when all is burnt, the Ashes are one of the best manures for Land in the world, for the time it continues its vertue, which should be frequently supplied with fresh; and as to the Fire mingled with other Combustibles, it is evident 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 wayes of Charing-Coals, Peat, and the like fuliginous materials; as the accomplish'd Mr. Boyle has intimated to us in the Fift of those his precious Essays concerning the usefulnesse of Natural Philosophy, Part 2. cap. 7. &c. to which I refer the Curious.

26. By the Preamble of the Statute 7 Ed. 6. one may perceive (the Measures compar'd) how plentiful fuel was in the time of Ed. 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.

27. 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 (unlesse 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 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 Ed. 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 the middle of the length mention'd in the former Statute.

[Page]Then for the Billet, every one nam'd a single, being round, to have 7 inches ½ circumference; but no single to be made of cleft wood: If marked one, and round, to contain 11 inches compasse: if half-round 13: quarter-cleft 12½.

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

28. Fagots to be every stick of three foot in length, excepting onely 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. 28. to direct the lesse instructed Purchaser: and I have been the more particular upon this occasion; because, than 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.

At Hall near Foy, there is a Fagot, which consists but of one piece of Wood, naturally grown in that form, with a band wrapped about it, and parted at the ends into four sticks, one of which is subdivided into two others: It was carefully preserved many years by an Earl of Devonshire, and looked on as portending the fate of his Posterity, which is since indeed come into the hands of four Cornish Gentlemen, one of whose Estates is likewise divided 'twixt two Heirs. This we have out of Cambden, and I here note, for the Extravagancy of the thing; though as to the verity of such Portents from Trees, &c. I do not find (upon enquiry, which I have diligently made of my Lord Brereton) that there is any certainty of the rising of those Logs in the Lake belonging to that Noble Person, so as still to premonish the Death of the Heir of that Family, how confidently soever reported. Sometimes it has happn'd, but the Tradition is not constant: To this Classe may be referred what is affirmed concerning the fatal Prediction of Oakes bearing strange leaves, which may be enquired of.

29. But I will now describe to you the Mystery of Charing (whereof something was but touch'd in the Processe 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.

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

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 fasten'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 Chared 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 foot; If 30, 40 foot, and so proportionably.

Having thus marked out the ground, with Mattocks, Haws, and fit Instruments, bare it of the Turf, and of all other combustible stuff 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 nearest parts where it is stack'd, in Wheel-barrows; and first the smallest of it plac'd at the utmost limit, or very margin of the Hearth, where it is to be set long-wayes, 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 the following Print, a) till it come to be three foot high: Against this again, place your greater Wood almost perpendicular, reducing it from the triangular to a circular form, till being come within a yard of the Centre, you may Pile the Wood long-wayes, 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, though not very properly. 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-wayes 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, take straw, haume, or ferne, and lay it on the out-side of the bottome of the heap, or 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, [Page] and reserved near 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 thicknesse, 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 near 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 slit rods, and straw of a compent thicknesse, 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 all is 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 guid the building of the Pile, and cavity of the 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 it 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 chars faster at one part than at another, there close up the vent-holes, and open them where need is: A Pit will in this manner be burning off, and charing, five, or six dayes, and as it coals, the smoke 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 dayes it will onely require for cooling, which (the vents being stopp'd) they assist, by taking now off the outward covering with a Rabil or Rubber; but this, not for above the space of one ya [...]d breadth at a time; and first they remove [Page] 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 chared, 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 by the Colliers to London and the adjacent Towns; those which are char'd of the Roots, if pick'd out, are accounted best for Chymical fires, and where a lasting, and extraordinary blast is requir'd.

30. 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 onely somewhat smaller, by reason that they seldom coal above five, or six stacks at a time, laying it but two lengths of the wood one above the other, in form somewhat flatter on the top than what we have described. 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 dayes. 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,

31. 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 be as frequently chared without binding, and then they call it cooming it together: This, they place in some near 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 near 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 [Page] 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.

32. The best Season for the fetching home of other Fuel, is from June; the Ways being then most dry, and passable, yet I know some good Husbands will begin rather in May; because Fallowing and stirring of Ground for Corn, comes in the ensuing Monthes, and the Dayes are long enough, and Swaines have then least to do.

[figure]

b The Central Pole or place of the Tunnel with the Area making ready.

a The Wood plac'd about it in Triangle.

c The Coal Wood pil'd up before it be covered with Earth.

d The Coal-pit or Pile fir'd.

[Page]33. 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.

34. Lastly, to complete this Chapter of the universal Ʋse of Trees, and the Parts of them, something I could be tempted to say concerning Staves, Wands &c. Their Antiquity, Ʋse, Divine, Domestick, Civil, and Political; the time of Cutting, manner of Seasoning, Forming, and other curious particulars (how dry soever the Subject may appear) both of Delight and Profit: but we reserve it for some more fit opportunity, and perhaps, it may merit a peculiar Treatise, as acceptable, as it will prove divertisant. Instead of this, we will therefore gratifie our Reader with some no inconsiderable Secrets: But first we will begin with a few plain Directions for such Persons and Countrey Gentlemen, as being far distant from, or unhandsomely impos'd upon by common Painters, may be desirous to know how to Stop, Prime, and Paint their Timber-work at home, and save the Expense of Work by any of their Servants indu'd with an ordinary Capacity.

Putty to stop the chaps and cracks of wrought Timber, is made of White and Red-lead, and some Spannish-white (not much) temper'd, and bruised with so much Lin-seed Oyl as will bring it to the Consistence of a Past. Then,

Your first Priming shall be of Oaker and Spanish-white, very thinly ground: The second with the same, a little Whiter; but it matters not much. The third and last, with White-lead alone; some mingle a little Spanish-white with it, but it is better omitted. If you desire it exquisite, instead of Lin-seed-Oyl, use that of Wall-nuts: But the ordinary Stone-colour for grosse work, expos'd to the Air, may be of lesse Expense, with the more ordinary Oyl, to which you may add a little Char-coal in the Grinding.

Blew, is made of Indigo, with a small addition of Red-lead, or Verdigreese for a dryer; unlesse you will use drying-Oyl, which is much preferrable, and is made of Lin-seed Oyl boyl'd with a little Ʋmber bruised small: I speak nothing here of Smalt and Byce, which is onely done by Strewing.

Green, with Verdigreece ground with Lin-seed Oyl pretty thick, and then temper'd with Joyners Vernish in a glaz'd Pot of Earth (the best to preserve your Colours in) till it run somewhat thin; and just touch it with your Brush, when you lay it on, having Prim'd it the second time with White.

Note, that every Primer must be dry, before you go it over again.

If you will Re-vaile, as they term it, and shadow, or Vein your Stone-colour, there is a Colour call'd Shadowing-Black; or you may now and then lightly touch it with a little Red-lead; or work with Ʋmber.

[Page]It will also behove you to have a good smooth Slat, and a Pibble Muller well polish'd, which may be bought at London; as likewise a dozen of large, and lesser Brushes, and Glaz'd Pots; and to grind the Colours perfectly well. The Spanish-white requires little labour; the Shadowing Black, none at all.

When you have finish'd, wash your Brushes with warm-Water and a little Sope: Preserve your Oyl in Bladders; and what Colour you leave, plunge the Pots into fair Water, so as they may stand a little cover'd in it, which will keep them from growing dry, till you have occasion for them. That you may not be altogether ignorant of the charge, and Price of the Ingredients, which seldome varies:

Cleer, and sweet Lin-seed Oyl is usually had for 4 s. per Gallon.

Spruce-Oaker, of all sorts to Prime with, 3 s. per Pound.

Spanish white, for half a Penny: White-lead 3 d. per Pound.

Vert-de-Greece, clean and bright, 3 s. per Pound. Black to shadow with, exceeding cheap. Joyners Vernish, 6 d. per Pound. So as for farther direction; of White-lead six pound, Span. white six pound, Spruce-Oker three pounds, Vert-de-Greece half a pound, Vernish one pound, Shadowing-black half a pound, &c. will serve one for a pretty deal of Work, and easily inform what quantities you should provide for a greater, or lesser occasion.

We will next impart a Receipt for a cheap Black-dye, such yet as no Weather will fetch out, and that may be of use both within and without doors, upon Wainscot, or any fine Timber, as I once apply'd it to a Coach with perfect successe.

Take of Galls, grosly contus'd in a Stone Mortar one pound, boyle them in three quarts of White-wine Vinegar to the diminution of one part, two remaining: With this, rub the Wood twise over; Then, take of the Silk Diers black, liquid (cheap, and easie to be had) a convenient quantity, mix it at discretion with Lamp-black and Aqua-vitae, sufficient to make it thin enough to passe a Strainer: With this, die over your Work again; and if at any time it be stain'd or spotted with dirt, &c. rubbing it only with a Wollen-cloth dip'd in Oyl, it will not onely recover, but present you with a very fair and noble polish. There is a Black which Joyners use to tinge their Pear-tree with, and make it resemble Ebony, and likewise Fir, and other Woods for Cabinets, Picture-Frames, &c. which is this.

Take Log-wood q. s. boyl it in ordinary Lye, and with this paint them over: when 'tis dry, work it over a second time with Lamp-black and strong Size: That also dry, rub off the dusty Sootiness adhering to it, with a soft Brush, or Cloth; then melt some Beeswax, mixing it with your Lamp-black and Size, and when this is cold, make it up into a Ball, and rub over your former Black: Lastly, with a Polishing brush (made of short stiff Boars Bristles, and fastned with Wyre) labour it till the Lustre be to your liking. But,

The black Putty, wherewith they stop, and fill up cracks and [Page] fissures in Ebony, and other fine wood, is compos'd of a part of the purest Rosin, Bees-wax, and Lamp-black: This they heat and drop into the Crannies; then with an hot-Iron, glaze it over, and being cold, scrape it even with a sharp Chisel, and after all, polish it with a Brush of bents, a wollen-cloth, Felt, and an Hogs-hair Rubber: Also Mastic alone, mingled with a proper Colour is of no lesse effect.

35. We conclude all, with that incomparable Secret of the Japon or China-Vernishes, which has hitherto been reserv'd so choicely among the Virtuosi; with which I shall suppose to have abundantly gratified the most curious employers of the finer woods.

Take a Pint of Spirit of Wine exquisitely dephlegm'd, four Ounces of Gum-Lacq, which thus clense: break it first from the sticks and rubbish, and roughly contusing it in a Mortar, put it to steep in Fountain water, ti'd up in a bag of course Linnen, together with a very small morsel of the best Castle-Sope, for 12 hours; then rub out all the tincture from it, to which add a little Alum, and reserve it apart: The Gum-lacq remaining in the bag, with one Ounce of Sandrac (some add as much Mastic and White-Amber) dissolve in a large Matras (well stopp'd) with the spirit of Wine by a two dayes digestion, frequently agitating it, that it adhere not to the Glasse: Then strain, and presse it forth into a lesser Vessel; Some, after the first Infusion upon the Ashes, after twenty four hours, augment the heat, and transfer the Matras to the Sandbach, till the Liquor begins to simper; and when the upper part of the Matras grows a little hot, and that the Gum-lacq is melted, which by that time (if the Operation be heeded) commonly it is, strain it through a Linnen-cloth, and presse it 'twixt two sticks into the glass, to be kept for use, which it will eternally be, if well stopp'd.

The Application.

The Wood which you would Vernish, should be very clean, smooth, and without the least freckle or flaw; and in case there be any, stop them with a past made of Gum Tragacanth, incorporated with what Colour you design: Then cover it with a layer of Vernish purely, till it be sufficiently drench'd with it: Then take seven times the quantity of the Vernish, as you do of Colour, and bruise it in a small earthen dish glaz'd, with a piece of some hard wood, till they are well mingled: Apply this with a very fine and full Pencil; a quarter of an hour after, do it over again, even to three times successively; and if every time it be permitted to dry, before you put on the next, 'twill prove the better: Within two hours after these four layers (or sooner if you please) Polish it with Preslc (which our Cabinet-makers call as I think, Dutch-Reeds) wet, or dry; nor much imports it, though in doing this, you should chance to discover any of the wood; since you are to passe it over four or five times as above; and if it be not yet smooth enough, Preslc it again with the Reeds; but now very tenderly: Then rub [Page] it sufficiently with Tripoly, and a little Oyl-Olive, or Water: Lastly, cover it once or twice again with your Vernish, and two days after, polish it as before with Tripoly, and a piece of Hatters Felt.

The Colours.

To make it of a fair Red, Take Spanish Vermilion, with a quarter part of Venice-Lacke.

For Black, Ivory calcin'd (as Chymists speak) 'twixt two well luted Crucibles, which being grown'd in water, with the best and greenest Coppros, and so let dry, reserve.

For Blew, take Ʋltra-Marin, and onely twice as much Vernish, as of Colour. The rest, are to be appli'd like the Red, except it be the Green, which is hard to make fair and vivid, and therefore seldome used.

Note, The right Japon, is done with three or four Layers of Vernish with the Colours; then two of pure Vernish un-colour'd (which is made by the former Processe, without the Sandrac which is only mingled and used for Reds) which must be done with a svvift, and even stroke, that it may not dry before the Aventurin be seifted on it; and then you are to cover it with so many Layers of pure Vernish, as will render it like polish'd Glasse. Last of all fourbish it with Tripoly, Oyl, and the Felt, as before directed. Note,

By Venturine is meant the most delicate and slender Golden-wyre such as Embroiderers use, reduc'd to a kind of powder, as small as you can clipp it: this strew'd upon the first Layer of pure Vernish, when dry, superinduce what Colour you please; and this is pretily imitated with several Talkes.

This being the first time that so rare a Secret has been imparted, the Reader will believe that I envy him nothing vvhich may be of use to the Publique: And though many years since vve vvere Master of this Curiosity, Athanasius Kercher has set dovvn a Processe in his late China Illustrata pretty faithfully; yet, besides that it onely speaks Latine (such as 'tis) it is nothing so perfect as ours. Hovvbeit, there vve learn, that the most opulent Province of Chekiang is for nothing more celebrated, than the excellent Paper vvhich it produces, and the Gumme call'd Ciè (extilling from certain Trees) vvith vvhich they compose their famous Vernish, so universally valu'd over the World; because it is found above all other Inventions of that nature, to preserve, and beautifie wood, above any thing vvhich has hitherto been detected: And it has accordingly so generally obtained vvith them, that they have vvhole Rooms and ample Chambers, Wainscotted therevvith, and divers of their most precious Furniture; as Cabinets, Tables, Stools, Beds, Dishes, Skreens, Staves, Frames, Pots, and other Ʋtensils: But long it vvas ere vve could for all this, approach it in Europe to any purpose, till F. Eustachius Imart an Augustine-Monk, obtain'd the Secret, and oblig'd us vvith it.

[Page]I know not whether it may be any Service to speak here of Colour'd Woods, I mean such as are naturally so, because besides the Berbery for Yellow, and Holly for White, we have very few: Our Inlayers use Fustic, Locust, or Acacia; Brasile, Prince and Rosewood for Yellow and Reds, with several others brought from both the Indies; but when they would imitate the naturall turning of Leaves in their curious Compartiments and bordures of Flower-works, they effect it by dipping the pieces (first cut into shape and ready to In-lay) so far into hot Sand, as they would have the Shadow, and the heat of the Sand darkens it so gradually, without detriment or burning the thin Chip, as one would conceive it to be natural: Note, that the Sand is to be heated in some very thin Brasse-pan like to the bottom of a Scale or Ballance: This I mention because the burning with Irons, or Aqua-fortis, is not comparable to it.

I learn also, that soft Woods attain little politure without infinite labour, and the expedient is, to Plane it often, and every time you do so, to smeare it with strong Glew, which easily penetrating, hardens it; and the frequenter you do this, and still Plane it, the harder, and sleeker it will remain.

And now we have spoken of Glew, 'tis so common and cheap, that I need not tell you it is made by boyling the sinnes, &c. of Sheeps trotters, parings of raw Hides, &c. to a Gelly, and straining it: But the finer, and more delicate Work is best fastned with Fish Glew, to be had of the Drougist by the name of Ichthyocolla; and here I conclude.

36. Let us now then sum up all the good qualities, and transcendent perfections of Trees, in the harmonious Poets, Consort of Elogies.

— Pines are for Masts an useful Wood,

Cedar and Cypresse, to build Houses good:

Hence covers for their Carts, and spokes for Wheels

Swains make, and Ships do form their crooked Keels:

The Twiggy Sallows, Elms with leaves are frait;

Myrtles stout Spears, and Cornel good for fight:

The Yews into Ityrean Bows are bent;

Smooth Limes, and Box, the Turners Instrument

Shaves into form, and hollow Cups does trim;

And down the rapid Po light Alders swim:

In hollow Bark Bees do their hony stive,

And make the Trunk of an old Oak their Hive.

— dant utile lignum

Navigiis Pinos, domibus cedrosque cupressosque;

Hinc radios triv re rotis, hinc tympana plaustris

Agricolae, & pandas ratibus posuere carinas.

Viminibus salices, foecundae frondibus Ʋlmi:

At Myrtus validis hastilibus, & bona bello

Cornus: Ityreos Taxi torquentur in arcus.

Nec Tiliae laeves, aut torno rosile Buxum,

Non formam accipiunt ferroque cavantur acuto:

Nec non torrentem undam levis innatat Alnus

Missa Pado, nec non & apes exam [...]na condunt

Cort [...]cibusque cavis, vitiosaeque Il [...]cis alvo:

Georg. 2.

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

— Nor Trees of Chaony,

The Poplar, various Oaks that pierce the sky,

Soft Linden, smooth-rind Beech, unmarried Bays,

The brittle Hasel, Ash, whose spears we praise,

Unknotty Fir, the solace shading Planes,

Rough Chessnuts, Maple Fleet with different granes,

Stream-bordering Willow, Lotus loving takes,

Tuffe Box, whom never sappy spring forsakes,

The slender Tamarisk, with Trees that bear

A purple Fig, nor Myrtles absent were.

The wanton Ivie wreath'd in amorous twines,

Vines bearing grapes, and Elms supporting Vines,

Straight Service-Trees, Trees dropping Pitch, fruit-red

Arbutus, these the rest accompanied.

With limber Palmes, of Victory the prize:

And upright Pine, whose leaves like bristles rise,

Priz'd by the Mother of the Gods.—

Sandys.

[Page] —non chaonis abfuit arbor,

Non nemus Heliadum, non frondibus aesculus altis▪

Nec Til [...]ae molles, nec Fagus, & innuba Laurus,

Et Coryli fragiles, & Fraxinus utilis hastis;

Enodisque Abies, curvataque glandibus Ilex,

Et Platanus genialis, Acerque coloribus impar.

Amnicolaeque simul Salices, & aquatica Lotos,

Perpetuóque virens Buxus, tenuesque Myricae,

Et bicolor Myrtus, & baccis caerula Ficus.

Vos quoque flexi-pedes Hederae venistis, & un [...]

Pampineae Vites, & amictae Vitibus Ʋlmi,

Orníque, & Piceae, Pomoque onerata rubeuti

Arbutus, & lentae victoris praemia Palmae.

Et succincta comas, h [...]rsutaqae vertice Pinus

Grata Deum matri, &c.—

Met. 10.

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 forlorn 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.

Canto. 1 [...]

And in this Symphony might the noble Tasso bear likewise his part; but that these are sufficient, & tria sunt omnia.

37. For we have already spoken of that modern Art of Tapping Trees in the Spring, by which doubtlesse some excellent and specific Medicines may be attained; as from the Birch for the Stone; from Elms and Elder against Feavers; so from the Vine, the Oak, and even the very Bramble, &c. besides the wholesom and pleasant Drinks, Spirits, &c. that may possibly be educed out of them all, which we leave to the Industrious, satisfying our selves, that we have been among the first who have hinted, and Publish'd the wayes of performing it.

What now remains concerns onely some general Precepts, 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 Paraenesis touching the present ordering, and disposing of his Majesties Plantations for the future benefit of the Nation, put an end to this rustick Discourse.

[Page]

CHAP. XXXII. Aphorisms, or certain general Precepts of use to the foregoing Chapters.

1. 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 suppresse 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 Aequinoxes: 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-rowes, 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, ‘Divisae arboribus partiae—’

7. Begin to Transplant Forest-trees when the leaves fall after Michaelmasse; 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, Raines, or in Misty Weather; for it moulds, and infects the Roots.

[Page]10. What you gather, and draw out of VVoods, 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 VVallnut-tree, and some others excepted, and yet if Planted meerly for the Fruit, some affirm it may be adventur'd on with successe) and the bruised parts cut away; but sparing the fibrous, for they are the principal feeders; and those who clense 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 should 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 lesse hardy Trees, then the most severe and durable Frosts of a whole VVinter.

14. The properest Soil, and most natural, apply to distinct species, Nec verò terrae 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. VVood 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 (Oak [...] 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, which should continually be bared of Grasse, and if the water be rich, or impregnated, the shoots will soon discover it; for the Liquor being percolated through a quantity of earth will carry the nitrous virtue of the soil with it; by no means therefore water 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 Pot-sheards, Flints, or Pibb [...]es near the foot of the stem, is preferable to all other; and so the Poet,

[Page] Lime-stones, or squallid Shells, that may the Rain,

Vapors, and gliding moisture entertain.

Aut lapidem bibulum, aut squallenteis infode conchas,

Inter enim labentur aquae, tenuísque subibit

Halitus—

Georg. 2.

But remember you remove them after a competent time, else the Vermine, Snails, and Insects which they produce and shelter, will gnaw, and greatly injure their Bark.

18. Young Plants will be strangled with Corn, Oates, Pease, or Hemp, or any rankly growing Grain, if a competent circle and distance be not left (as of near a yard, or so) of the Stem; this is a useful remark.

19. Cut no Trees (especially, having an eminent Pith in them, being young and tender too) 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, broken, wind-shaken browse, and such as our Law terms Cablicia, and to take them off to the quick, ‘—ne pars sincera trahatur.’ And for Ever-greens, especially such as are tender, prune them not after Planting, till they do Radicare, that is, by some little fresh shoot, discover that they have taken.

I will Conclude with the Tecnical names, or dissimiler parts of Trees, as I find them enumerated by the Industrious and Learned Dr. Merett. Scapus, Truncus, Cortex, Liber, Malicorium, Matrix, Medulla & Cor, Pecten, Circuli, Surculi, Rami, Sarmenta, Ramusculi, Spadix, Vimen, Virgultum & Cremium, Vitilia, Talea, Scobs, Termes, Turiones, Frondes, Cachryas & Nucamentum, Julus & Catulus, Comae: The Species Frutex, Suffrutex, &c. all which I leave to be put into good and proper English, by those who shall once oblige our Nation with a full, and absolutely compleat Dictionary, as yet a great desiderate amongst us.

To this I shall add, the Time, and Season of the flourishing of Trees, computing from the entrie of each Month as the figures denote; that is, from March (where the Doctor begings) inclusively. March, Acer 3. ((i) from March to May, viz. one Month; & sic de coeteris) Populus 2. Quercus 5. Sorbus 2. Ʋlmus 2. April, Alnus 2. Betula 2. Castanea 4. Euonymus 2. Fagus 2. Fraxinus 2. Nux-Juglans 3. Salix 2. Sambucus 2. May, Cornus 2. Genista 4. Juniperus, Morus 2. Tilia 4. June, Aquifolium 2. July, Arbutus 2. Feb. Buxus 2.

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

[Page]

CHAP. XXXIII. Of the Laws and Statutes for the Preservation, and Improvement of Woods, &c.

1. 'TIs not to be passed by, that the very first Law we find which was ever promulg'd, was concerning Trees; and that Laws themselves were first Written upon them, or Tables compos'd of them; and after that Establishment in Paradise, the next we meet withal are as Antient as Moses; you may find the Statute at large in Deut. c. 20. v. 19, 20. Which though they chiefly tended to Fruit-Trees, even in an Enemies Countrey, yet you will find a case of necessity, onely alledg'd for the permission to destroy any other.

2. To Summe up briefly the Lawes, and Civil Constitutions of great Antiquity, by which Servius informs us 'twas no lesse than 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.

It was by those Sacred Constitutions provided, that none might so much as Plant Trees on the Confines of his Neighbours Ground, but he was to leave a space of at the least five foot, for the smallest Tree, that they might not injure him with their shadow. Si Arbor in Vicini agrum impenderit, eam sublucato▪ &c. and if for all this, any hung over farther, 'twas to be strip'd up fifteen foot; And this Law Baldwinus, Olderdorpius, and Hotoman recites out of Ʋlpian L. 1. F. de Arb. Caedend. where we have the Praetors Interdict express'd, and the impendent Wood adjudged to appertain to him whose field, or fence was thereby damnified: Nay, 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 de Glande legenda runs thus in Ʋlpian, AIT PRAETOR, GLANDEM, QƲAE EX ILLIƲS AGRO IN TƲ ƲM CADIT, QƲO MINƲS ILLI TERTIO QƲOQƲE DIE LEGERE AƲFERRE LICEAT, VIM FIERI VETO. And yet, though by the Praetors permission he might come every third day to gather it up without Trespasse, his Neighbour was to share of the Mast which so fell into his Ground; and this Chapter is well supplied by Pliny l. 16. c. 5. and Cajus upon the Place, interprets Glandem to signifie not the Acorns of the Oak alone, but all sorts of fruit whatsoever, l. 136. F. de Verb. Signif. L. Ʋnis ff. de Glande leg. as by usage of the Greeks, amongst whom [...] imports all kind of Trees.

[Page]Moreover, no Trees might be Planted neer Publique Aquae-ducts, least the Roots should insinuate into, and displace the Stones: Nor on the very margent of Navigable Rivers, lest the Boats and other Vessels passing to and fro, should be hindred, and therefore such impediments were call'd Retae, quia Naves retinent, sayes the Gloss; and because the falling of the leaves corrupted the Water. So nor within such a distance of High ways (which also our own Laws prohibit) that they might dry the better, and lesse cumber the Traveller. Trees that obstructed the Foundation of Houses were to be fell'd; Bartol. L. 1. doct. c. de Interdict. Ʋlp. in L. priore ff. de Arborum caedend. Trees spreading their Roots in neighbour-ground, to be in common; See Cujas and Paulus in L. Arb. ff de Communi dividend. where more of the Alienation of Trees fell'd, and not standing but with the Funds, as also of the Ʋse-fruit of Trees and the difference 'twixt Arbores Grandes, and Cremiales or Ceduae, of all which Ʋlpian, Ba [...]dus, Alciat, with the Lawes to govern the Conlucatores and Sublucatores, and Pruners; vide Pan. s. c. Sent. l. 5. Festus, &c. for we passe over what concerns Vines and Olive-trees, to be found in Cato de R.R. &c. Nor is it here that we design to enlarge, as those who have philologiz'd on this occasion de Sycophantis, and other curious criticismes; but passe now on, and confine my self to the prudent Sanctions of our own Parliaments: for though according to the old and best Spirit of true English, we ought to be more powerfully led by his Majesties Example, than to have need of more cogent and violent Laws; yet that our Discourse may be as ample, and as little defective as we can render it, something 'tis fit should be spoken concerning such Lawes and Ordinances as have been from time to time constituted amongst us for the Encouragement, and Direction of such as do well, as for the Animadversion and Punishment of those who continue refractory, which I deduce in this order.

3. From the time of Edward the fourth, were enacted many excellent Lawes for the Planting, securing, cutting, and ordering of Woods, Copses, and Ʋnder 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-bois, are reputed but as Weeds.

4. Severer punishments have lately been ordain'd against our Wood-stealers, destroyers of young Trees, &c. by an antient Law of some Nation, I read he forfeited his Hand, who beheaded a Tree without permission of the Owner; and I cannot say they are sharp ones, when I compare the severity of our Lawes against Mare stealers; nor am I by inclination the least cruel; but I do affirm, we might [Page] as well live without Mares, as without Masts and Ships, which are our wooden, but no lesse profitable Horses.

5. And here we cannot but perstringe those Royotous Assemblies of Idle People, who under pretence of going a Maying (as they term it) do oftentimes cut down, and carry away fine straight Trees, to set up before some Ale-house, or Revelling-place, where they keep their drunken Bacchanalias: For though this Custom was, I read, introduc'd by the Emperor Anastasius, to abolish the Gentil Majana of the Romans at Ostia; which was to transfer a great Oaken-Tree out of some Forest into the Town, and erect it before their Mistris's Door; yet I think it were better to be quite abolish'd amongst us, for many reasons, besides that of occasioning so much wast and spoyl as we find is done to Trees at that Season, under this wanton pretence, by breaking, mangling, and tearing down of branches, and intire Arms of Trees, to adorn their Wooden-Idol. The Imperial Law against such disorders we have in L. ob. id. sl. ad legem Aquill. & in ff. l. 47. Tit. 7. Arborem furtim caesarum: See also Triphon. L. ig. de Bon. off. cont. tab. vel in ligna focaria. L. Ligni ff. de Lege 3. &c.

To these I might add the Laws of our King Inas or as the Learned Lambert calls them, [...] de priscis Anglorum legibus, whose Title is, Be [...]: of Burning Trees: The Sanction runs thus.

If any one set fire of a fell'd Wood, he shall be punished, and besides pay three pounds, and for those who clandestinely cut Wood (of which the very sound of the Axe shall be sufficient Conviction) for every Tree, he shall be mulcted thirty shillings. A Tree so fell'd under whose Shadow thirty Hoggs can stand, shall be mulcted at three pounds, &c.

6. I have heard, that in the great Expedition of 88, it was expresly 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 Israelites 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 havock 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 Common-wealth, amongst his jovial Bravo's, and [Page] leud Companions: tua ista detrimenta sunt (meaning his Debauches) illa nostra; speaking of the Timber.

7. 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.

8. 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 until 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.

9. 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 seldome inflicted? and what is novv more easie, than Compounding for such a license?

In some parts of Germany, vvhere 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; this Act being in affirmance of the Common Law, and not to be violated without Prescription: See the Case cited by my Lord Cook in his Comment on Littleton. Tenure Burgage. L. 2. Sect. 170. 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 described in the Writ of the 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 expresse Commission, and in convenient places: Minuti blaterones quercuum, culi, & curbi, as our Law terms wind-falls, dotterels, scrags, &c. and no others.

10. 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, [Page] all which is subject to the Inspection of the VVarders, 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, and should be duly looked after, and punish'd; and the great neglect of Swainmote-Courts reformed, &c. See Consuet. & Assis. Forest. Pannagium, or Pastura pecorum & de Glandibus, Fleta, &c. Manwoods Forest-lawes: Cook pla. fol. 366. li. 8. fol. 138.

11. 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, than 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 to Coal, or other Fuel for the use of Iron-mills; if the Tree were of one foot square, and growing within fourteen 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.

There are several Acres of wood-land of no mean circuit near Rochester, in the County of Kent, extending as far as Bexley, and indeed, for many miles about Shoters-Hill, near the River of Thames, which, were his Majesty owner of, might in few years, be of an un-valuable Improvement and benefit, considering how apt they are to grow Forest, and how opportune they lye for the use of his Royal Navy at Chatham.

12. But yet to prove what it is to manage VVoods discreetly; I read of one Mr. Christopher Darell a Surrey Gentleman 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 VVorks, that they were a means of preserving even his VVoods; 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 improving 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 honoured Brother, George Evelin of VVotton in the same County, does sufficiently evince; a most laudable Monument of his Industry, and rare Example, for without such an Example, and such an Application, I am no Advocate for Iron-works, but a declared denouncer: But Nature has thought [Page] fit to produce this wasting-Oare more plentifully in Wood-land, than any other Ground, and to enrich our Forests to their own Destruction,

O Poverty, still safe! and therefore found

Insep'rably with Mischiefs under ground!

Woods tall, and Reverend from all time appear

Inviolable, where no Mine is near.

O semper bona pauperies! & conditus altâ

Thesaurus tellure nocens! O semper ovantes,

Integra, salvaque solo non divite Sylva!

Couleii Pl. l. 6.

for so our sweet Poet deplores the Fate of the Forest of Dean.

13. The same Act we have Confirmed, and enlarged in the Seventeenth of the said Queen, for the preserving of Timber-Trees, and the Penalties of impairing VVoods much increased; the Tops and offals onely permitted to be made use of for this imployment.

14. As to the Law of Tythes, I find Timber-Trees pay none, but others do, both for Body, Branches, Bark, Fruit, Root, and even the Suckers growing out of them; and the Tenth of the Body sold, or kept: And so of VVillows, Sallows, and all other Trees not apt for Timber: Also of Sylva caedua, as Coppices, and Ʋnder-woods, pay the tenth when ever the Proprietor receives his nine Parts. But if any of these we have named un-exempted are cut onely for Mounds, Fencing, or Plow-boot within the Parish in which they grow, or for the Fuel of the Owner, no Tythes are due, though the Vicar have the Tyth-wood, and the Parson that of the places so inclosed; nor are Ʋnder-woods grub'd up by the Roots Tythable, unlesse for this, and any of the former cases there be Prescription. But for Timber-trees, such as Oak, Ash, Elm (which are accounted Timber in all places after the first twenty years) also Beech, Horn-beam, Maple, Aspen, and even Hasel (many of which are in some Countries reputed Timber) they are not to pay Tithes, unlesse they are fell'd before the said age of twenty years from their first Planting. Note here,

If the Owner fell a fruit-tree (of which the Parson has had tythe that year) and convert the wood into fuel, the tythe shall cease; because he cannot receive the tythe of one thing twice in one year.

Beech, in Countrys where it abounds, is not tythable; because in such places 'tis not accounted Timber. 16 Jac. Co. B. Pinders Case.

Cherry-trees in Buckinghamshire have been adjudged Timber, and Tythe-free. Pasch. 17 Jac. B.R.

If a Tree be lop'd under twenty years growth, and afterwards be permitted to grow past twenty years, and then be lop'd again, no tythe is due for it, though at the first cutting it were not so.

If wood be cut for hedges, which is not tythable, and any be left of it un-employ'd, no tythe shall be paid for it.

If wood be cut for Hop-poles (where the Parson or Vicar has tythe Hops) in this case he shall not have tythe of Hop-poles.

[Page]If a great wood consist chiefly of Ʋnder wood Tythable, and some great trees of Beech, or the like grow dispersedly amongst them; Tythe is due, unlesse the Custom be otherwise of all both great and lesser together: And in like manner if a wood consist for the most part of Timber trees, with some small scatterings of Ʋnder-wood amongst them, no Tythe shall be paid for the Ʋnder wood or Bushes. Trin. 19 Jac. B.R. Adjudg. 16 Jac. in C.B. Leonards case.

No Tythe is to be paid of Common of Estovers, or the wood burnt in ones House. Now as to the manner of Payment.

To give the Parson the Tenth Acre of Wood in a Coppice, or the tenth Cord (provided they are equal) is a good payment, and setting forth of Tythe, especially if the Custom confirm it.

The Tythe of Mast of Oak, or Beech, if sold, must be answer'd by the tenth Penny: if eaten by Swine, the worth of it. And thus much we thought sit to add concerning Predial Tythes; who has desire to be farther informed may consult my Lord Cook's Rep. 11.48, 49.81. Plow. 470. Brownlows Rep. 1 part. 94. 2 part. 150. D. & St. 169. &c: But let us see what others do.

15. The King of Spain has neer Bilbao, sixteen times as many Acres of Copse-wood as are sit 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.

16. What the practise 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 and (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 sell'd in less than 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, downfall 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.

17. The French King permits none of his Oak woods, though belonging (some of them) to Mounsieur (his Royal Brother) in Appenage, [Page] 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 are they 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. But these, and many other wholsom Ordinances, especially, as they concern the Forest of Dean, we have comprised in the late Statute of the twentieth of his Majesties Reign, which I find Enacted five years after the first Edition of this Treatise: And these Lawes are worthy our perusal; as also the Statute prescribing a Scheme of Proportions for the several scantlings of Building-Timber (besides what we have already touched Chap. 31.) which you have 19 Car. 2. intituled, An Act for the Re-building of London; to which I refer the Reader.

CHAP. XXXIV. The Paraenesis and Conclusion, containing some Encouragements and Proposals, for the Planting, and Improvement of his Majesties Forests.

1. SInce our Forests are undoubtedly the greatest Magazines of the Wealth, and Glory of this Nation; and our Oaks the truest Oracles of its perpetuity and happinesse, as being the onely 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 passe 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 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, than to solicit, that in all his Majesties Forests, VVoods, and Parks, the spreading Oak, &c. (which we have formerly described) be cherish'd, by Plowing, and sowing Barley, Rye, &c. (with due supply of culture and Soyl, between them) as far as may (without danger of the Plow-share) be broken up. But this is onely where these Trees [Page] 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 Wallnut-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 Quaeries 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 firm 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 civilize 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, than of few, though an hundred or two, should joyn together for any Enclosure of five hundred Acres more, or lesse; that multitudes being thus engaged, the consideration might procure, and facilitate a full discovery of latter Encroachments, and fortifie the recovery by favourable Rents, Improvements, and Reversions by Copy-hold, or what other Tenures and Services his Majesty shall please to accept of.

6. Now for the Planting of Woods in such places (which is the main Design of this whole Treatise) the Hills, and rough Grounds [Page] 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, than 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 thicknesse, 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 Vallations, 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 clensed; 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 afterwards 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 onely, will repay the Workmen, who sell the Quick, or reserve it to store other Enclosures, and soften the circumjacent grounds, to the very great improvement of what remains.

8. And how if in such fencing-works, we did sometimes imitate what Quintus Curtius, lib. 6. has Recorded of the Mardorum gens, near to the Confines of Hyrcania, 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 densae sunt de industria consitae, quarum teneros adhuc ramos manu flectunt, quos intortos rursus inserunt terrae: Inde, velut ex alia radice, laetiores 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 perpetuá sepe iter claudunt, &c. The Trees (saith he) were Planted so near 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 [Page] they would have done, they so knit, and perplex'd one within another, that vvhen they vvere clad vvith 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; and this is not unlike what I am told is frequently practis'd in divers places of Devon; where the Oaks being planted very neer the foot of those high Mounds by which they separate their Lands; so Root themselves into the Bank, that when it fails and crumbles down, the Fense continues still maintain'd by them with exceeding profit. Such works as these would become a Cato, or Varro indeed, one that were Pater Patriae, non sibi soli natus, born for Posterity; but we are commonly of another mould, ‘—& fruges consumere nati.’

9. 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 showres 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 vvhich they grovv a main. And if such vvere planted as near to one another as in the Examples vve have alledg'd, it is almost incredible, vvhat a paling they vvould be to our most expos'd Plantations, mounting up their vvooden walls to the clouds: And indeed the shelving, and natural declivity of the Ground more or lesse 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 smoothnesse and integrity of the Plantations so defended.

10. That great care be had of the Seeds vvhich vve intend to sovv has been already 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 vvhere this variety should happen, if not from the seed, vvill be hard to interpret; therefore, let the place, soil and growth of such Trees from vvhence you have your seeds, be diligently examin'd; and vvhy not this, as vvell as in our care of Animals for our breed and store?

11. As to the Form, obey the natural site, and submit to the several guizes; but ever declining to enclose High wayes, 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.

[Page]12. 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 Forreigners, when those works were strangers amongst us. I am inform'd, that the New-English (vvho are novv 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 dayes; whilst his Majesty becomes the great Soveraign of the Ocean, free Commerce, Nemorum Vindex & Instaurator magnus. This were the onely 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 than a sleight submission: And he that should deeply consider the prodigious waste which these voracious Iron, and Glasse-works have formerly made but in one County alone, the County of Sussex, for 120 Miles in length, and thirty in breadth (for so wide, and spacious was the antient Andradswald, of old one intire Wood, but of which there remains now little, or no sign) would be touch'd with no mean Indignation: Certainly, the goodly Rivers and Forests of the other World, would much better become our Iron, and Saw-mills, than these exhausted Countreys; and we prove gainers by the timely removal: I have said this already, and I cannot too often inculcate it for the Concerns of a Nation, whose onely Protection (under God) are her Wooden Walls.

13. Another thing to be recommended (and which would prove no lesse than 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 Ax 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 twenty, thirty, or forty years growth, are of a long day for the Concernments of a Nation.

14. 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 Ʋnder-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, [Page] whose necessities sometimes forced them to violate their Standards, and more grown Trees during the late Tyranny.

15. Nor will it be here unseasonable to advise, that where Trees are manifestly perceiv'd to decay, they be marked out for the Ax, 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 sight were it, if most of the Demesnes of our Countrey 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.

16. But these incomparable undertakings will best of all become the Inspection and care of the Honourable Lieutenants, and Rangers, when they delight themselves as much in the goodlinesse of their Trees, as other men generally do in their 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 Aelian sums up lib. 3. c. 14. [...], &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, preferrable, to any of their Recreations; and how goodly an Ornament to their Demesnes and Dwellings, let their own eyes be the judges.

17. One Encouragement more, I would reinforce from an History I have read of a certain frugal, and most Industrious Italian Noble-man, who, after his Lady was brought to Bed of a Daughter, considering that Wood and Timber was a Revenue coming on whilst the Owners were asleep: commanded his Servants immediately to [Page] Plant in his Lands (which were ample) Oaks, Ashes, and other profitable, and Marketable Trees, to the number of an Hundred thousand; as undoubtedly calculating, that each of those Trees, might be worth twenty pence, before his Daughter became Marriageable, which would amount to 100000 francs (which is neer ten thousand pounds sterling) intended to be given with his Daughter for a Portion. This was good Philosophy, and such as I am assur'd is frequently practis'd in Flanders upon the very same account: Let us see it once take effect amongst our many slothful Gentry, who have certainly as large Demesnes, and yet are so deficient in that decent point of timely providing for their numerous Children: And those who have none, let them the rather Plant: Trees and Vegetables have perpetuated some Names longer, and better than a Pedigree of a numerous Off-spring; and it were a pledge of a Noble Mind, to oblige the future Age by our particular Industry, and by a long lasting train, with the living work of our own hands: But I now proceed to more general Concerns, in order to the Quaeries, 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, the Ground dug about Christmas, casting the Grassy-side downwards 'till June, then dug again, and about November stir'd afresh, and sown with Mast, or planted in a clump, well preserv'd, and fenc'd for 14, or 15 years; unless that Sheep might haply Graze after 4 or 5 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 Cattel: This Husbandry would more especially become Northhamptonshire, 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 fruitfull 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 sloathfullnesse unpardonable; as if the pains would not be as fully recompenc'd in the growth of their 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, VVillows, Alders, Abele, Sycomore, Aspine, Bircb, and the like hasty and profitable growers, by ranging them, casting of Ditches, Trenches, &c. as before has been taught.

[Page]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. Of this, the R. Honourable the L. Vicount Scudamor may give fair proof, who having fell'd (as I am credibly inform'd) a decay'd Wood, intended to be set to Tennants; but upon second thoughts (and for that his Lordship saw it apt to cast Wood) enclos'd and preserv'd; it yielded him, before thirty years were expir'd, neer 1000 pound upon Wood-Falls, whereas the utmost Rent of the whole price of Land yearly, was not above 8 pound 10 shillings. The like 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 Lord-ship: 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 of at the first designment. And supposing the Longuaevity of Trees should not extend to the Periods we have (upon so good account) produc'd; Yet, neither is their arrival to a very competent perfection, so very discouraging; since I am credibly inform'd, that several Persons have built of Timber (and that of Oak) which were Acorns within this fourty years; and I find it credibly reported, that even our famous Forest of Dean, hath been utterly wasted no lesse than three several times, within the space of Nine-hundred years. The Prince Elector Frederic 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. For the care of Planting Trees, should indeed be recommended to Princes and great Persons, who have the Fee of the Estate; Tennants upon the Rack by reason of the tedious expectation, and jealousie of having their Lands enhanc'd, are for the most part averse from this Husbandry; so that unless the Land-Lord will be at the whole Charge of Planting, and Fencing (without which as good no Planting) little is to be expected; and whatsoever is propos'd to them above their usual course, is look'd upon as the whim and fancy of speculative Persons, which they turn into ridicule when they are applied to Action; and this, says an ingenious and excellent Husband (whose Observations have afforded me no little treasure) might be the reason, why the prime Writers of all Ages, indeavour'd to involve their Discourses with Allegories, and Aenigmatical termes, to protect them from the contempt, and pollution of the Vulgar, which has been of some ill Consequence in Husbandry; for that very few Writers of Worth, have adventured upon so plain a Subject, though doubtlesse to any Considering Person, [Page] the most Delightful kind of Natural Philosophy, and that which employs the most useful part of the Mathematics.

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 has exceedingly improv'd his Possessions; and it is a worthy Example. To conclude, I can shew an Avenue Planted to a House standing in a 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 compasse, 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 Arbor 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 which 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 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.

An old, and judicious Planter of Woods, prescribes us these Directions, for improving of Sheep-walks, Downs, Heaths, &c. Suppose, on every such Walk on which 500 Sheep might be kept, there were Plow'd up twenty Acres (Plow'd pretty deep, that the Roots might take hold, and be able to resist the Winds) this should be sowed with Mast of Oak, Beech, Chats of Ash, Maple-keys, Sloes, Service-berries, Nuts, Bullis, &c. bruis'd Crabs, and Haws; mingled and scatter'd about the sides and ends of the Ground, near a yard in breadth. On the rest sowe no Haws, but some few Crabkernells: Then begin at a side, and sowe five yards broad, Plowing under the Mast, &c. very shallow; then leave six yards in breadth, and sowe, and Plow five yards more, and so from side to side; remembring to leave a yard and half at the last side; let the rest of the head-lands lie, till the Remainder of the Close be sown in March with Oates, &c. to preserve it from hurt of Cattel, and potching the Ground, when the Spring is of two years growth, draw part of it [Page] for Quick-sets; and when the rest of the Trees are of six years shoot, exhaust it of more; and leave not above forty of either side, each row five yards distant; and here, and there a Crab stock to graff on, and in the invironing Hedge (to be left thick) let each Tree stand four yards asunder; which if forty four were spared, will amount to about 4000 Trees: At twenty years end stock up 2000 of them, lop a thousand more every ten years, and reserve the remaining thousand for Timber: Judge what this may be worth in a short time, besides the Grass, &c. which will grow the first six or seven years, and the benefit of shelter for Sheep in ill Weather, when they cannot be folded; and the Pasture which will be had under the Trees, now at eleven yards interval, by reason of the stocking up those 2000 we mention'd, excepting the Hedges; and if in any of these Places any considerable waters fortune to lye in their bottoms, Fowl would abundantly both breed, and harbour there. These are admirable Directions for Park-lands where shelter and Food is scarcy.

But even this Improvement yet does no way reach, what I have met withal in the most accurate, and no lesse laborious Calculation of Captain Smith upon this very Topic; where he Demonstratively asserts, that a thousand Acres of Land, Planted at one foot interval, in 7201 rowes; taking up 51854401 Plants of Oak, Ash, Chessnut (or to be sown) taking up 17284800 of each sort, and fit to be transplanted at three years period (if set in good ground) are worth eighteen pence the hundred; and there being 345696 hundred, it amounts to no lesse then 25927 l. 4 s. besides the Chessnuts, of which there being 1728480 l. (valued at, and worth half a Crown the Hundred) they come to 21606 l. and the total of all, to 47533 l. 4 s.

This being made out, consider what an immense sum, great Trees would amount to, and in a large quantity of Land; such as were worthy a Royal undertaking: It is computed, that at three foot distance, the first Felling (that is, eight, or nine years after their Planting) would be worth in Hoops, Poles, Firing, &c. 55015 l. and the second Fell, 28657 l. 19 s. 5 d. And the fourth (which may be about thirty two years from their Semination) 90104 l. 17 s. and so forward.

At four foot interval, and Felling, according to the same proportion, you may likewise reckon; and in 11 years with three years Crop of Wheat (sow'd at first between) it will amount to 34001 l. 9 s. 4 d. And the next, very much more; in regard the Wood will spring up thicker: So as at the fifth Fell, the accompt stands 126 992 l. 10 s. 2 d. &c. and at the seventh (whoever lives to it) 200000: And if planted at wider distance, viz. 18 foot (according to the Captains method) at 30, or 40 years growth you may compute them worth 19296 [...] l. 6s. And in seventy years, 201001; besides the three years crop of Wheat, in all 410312 l. 16 s. which at 36 foot interval (accounted the utmost for Timber) takes up (for 1000 Acres) 40401 Trees for the first 100 years. Then,

[Page]To make room, as they grow larger, grubbing up every middle Tree, at 9 l. per Tree, 19800 Trees amount to 99000 l. and the remaining 20601 at 220 years growth, at but 8 l. per Tree, comes to 164808 l. besides the inferiour Crop of Meadow, or Corn in all this time, sown in the distances; reckoning for three years product 90000 Bushels at 5 s. per Bushel, which will amount to 22500 l. besides the Straw, Chaff, &c. which at 5 s. a Load, and 3 d. a Bush. Chaff, comes to 2025 l. So as the total Improvement (besides the 217 years emolument arising from the Corn, Cattel, &c.) amounts to 288333.

And these Trees (as well they may) coming to be worth for Timber, 20 l. an Oak; the 20601 Trees amount to 412020 l. and the total Improvement of the 1000 Acres (the Corn Profits not computed) ascends to 675833 l. So as admit there were in all England (and which his Majesty might easily compasse, even for his own Proportion, and for Posterity) 20000 Acres thus Planted, at two foot diameter (and as may be presum'd thirty foot high, which in 150 years, they might well arrive to) they would be worth 13516660 l. an immense and stupendious Summe, and an everlasting supply for all the Ʋses both of Sea and Land: But it is to Captain Smith's laborious Works (to which I wish all encouragement) that we have the total Charge of this noble Ʋndertaking from the first Semination, to their maturity; by which it will be easie to compute what the Gains will be for any greater or lesser quantity.

But now to return to the Place of Planting (from whence this Calculation has more than a little diverted) we shall find, as we said, that even in the most craggie, uneven, cold and exposed places, not fit for Arable, as in Biscay, &c. and in our very Peaks of Derbyshire, and other Rockie places, Ashes grow about every Village, and we find that Oak, Beech, Elm, and Ash, will prosper in the most flinty Soils. And it is truly from these Indications, more than from any other whatsoever, that a broken, and decaying Farmer, is to be distinguish'd from a substantial Free-holder, the very Trees speaking the conditions of the Master: Let not then the Royal Patrimony bear a Bankrupts reproach: But to descend 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 Turnip-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.

[Page]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 (but where do we now buy them so cheap?) will be worth 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 near 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 onely of Westphalia, a small and wretched Countrey im Germany, does yield to that Prince, will conclude to be no despicable Improvement.

26. In this poor Territory, every Farmer does by antient custom, Plant so many Oaks about his Farm, 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 Countrey, both Imperialists, and Protestants; the onely Bishoprick of Munster was able to pay One hundred thousand Crowns per mensem (which amounts of our money to about 25000 l. sterling) besides the ordinary entertainment of their own Prince and private families. This being incredible to be practis'd in so extream barren a Countrey, 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 Anchorâ; considering how the People were afterward reduc'd to live even on their Trees, when the Souldiers had devour'd their Hogs; redeeming themselves from great extreamities, by the Timber which they were at last compelled to cut down, and which, had it continu'd, would have prov'd the utter desolation of that whole Countrey. I have this Instance from my most worthy, and honourable Friend Sir William Curtius (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 onely. I say then, whosoever shall duly consider this, will find Planting of Wood to be no contemptible Addition; besides the Pasture much improv'd, the cooling of fat, and heavy Cattel, keeping them from injurious motions, disturbance, and running as they do in Summer to find 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.

[Page]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 Cheque. 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 Honourable Commissioners have suggested; 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 defect 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 vvhy might not such a Regulation be vvorthy 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 Extraurban Magistrates to be Sylvarum Custodes; and such vvere the Consulares Sylvae, vvhich the great Caesar himself (even in a time vvhen Italy did abound in Timber) Instituted; and vvas one of the very first things vvhich he did, at the setling of that vast Empire, after the Civil VVars had exceedingly vvasted the Countrey: 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, Ʋt materies (saith he) non deesset, qua videlicet Navigia publica possent à praefecturis fabrum, confici: True it is, that this Office vvas 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 Comoedian (vvhere Plautus names it Provincia caudicaria) referring onely to some under Officer, subservient to the other: And such a Cha [...]ge is at this day extant amongst the noble Venetians, vvho have near Trivisi (besides vvhat they nourish in other places) a goodly Forest of Oaks, preserv'd as a Jewel, for the onely use of the Arsenal, call'd the Montello, vvhich is in length twelve Miles, large five, and near twenty miles in compasse; carefully supervised by a certain Officer, vvhom they name il Capitano; and vve might Instance in many other prudent States; not to importune you vvith the expresse Laws vvhich Ancus Martius the Nephevv of Numa, and other Princes long before Caesar, did ordain for this very purpose; since indeed, the care of so publick, and [Page] honourable an Enterprize as is this of Planting, and Improving of Woods, is a right noble, and Royal undertaking; 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, than 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,

[...].

Praesente Quercu, ligna quivis colligit.

for who could have spoken lesse 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, Sylvae sunt Consule dignae.

CHAP. XXXV. An Historical Account of the Sacrednesse, and Ʋse of standing Groves, &c.

1. ANd thus have we finish'd what we esteemed necessary for the Direction of Planting, and the Culture of Trees and Woods in general; whether for the raising of new, or preservation of the more Antient and venerable shades, crowning the brows of lofty Hills, or furnishing, and adorning the more fruitful and humble Plains; Groves and Forests, such as were never Prophan'd by the Inhumanity of Edge-tools: Woods, whose Original are as unknown as the Arcadians; like the goodly Cedars of Libanus, Psal. 104. Arbores Dei according to the Hebrew, for something doubtlesse which they noted in the Genius of those Venerable places besides their meer bulk and Stature: And verily, I cannot think to have well acquitted my self of this useful Subject, till I shall have in some sort vindicated the honour of Trees, and Woods, by shewing my Reader of what Estimation they were of old for their Divine, as well as Civil Ʋses; at least refresh both Him, and my Self, with what occurs of Historical and Instructive amongst the Learned concerning them.

[Page]2. Though Sylva was the more general Name, denoting a large Tract of Wood, or Trees, the inciduae and coeduae; yet there were several other Titles attributed to greater or lesser assemblies of them: As when they Planted them for Pleasure, and shade onely, they had their Nemora; and as we our Parks, for the preservation of Game, and particularly Venizon, &c. their Saltus, and Sylva invia, secluded for the most part from the rest, &c. But among Authours, we meet with nothing more frequent, and indeed more celebrated, than those Arboreous amenities and Plantations of Woods, which they call'd Luci; and which though sometimes we confesse, were restrain'd to certain peculiar places: Yet were they also promiscuously both used, and taken for all that the wide Forest comprehends, or can signifie. To dismiss a number of Critics, The name Lucus is deriv'd by Quintilian and others à minime Lucendo because of its densitie ‘—nullo penetrabilis astro.’ whence Apuleius us'd Lucum sublucidum; and the Poets, Sublustris umbra: Others (on the contrary) have taken it for Light in the Masculine; because there they kindled Fires, by what accident unknown

— Whether it were

By Lightning sent from Heaven, or else there

The Salvage-men in mutual Wars and Fight,

Had set the Trees on Fire, their Foes t' affright.

— Seu Coeli fulmine misso

Sive quòd inter se bellum Sylvestria gentes

Hostibus intulerant ignem, formidinis ergo, &c.

Lucret. l. 5.

Or whether the Trees set Fire on themselves

When clashing boughs thwarting, each other fret.

Mutua dum inter se rami stirpesque teruntur.

For such Accidents, and even the very heat of the Sun alone has kindled wonderful conflagrations: or happly to consume their Sacrifices, we will not much insist: The Poets it seems, speaking of Juno, would give it quite another original, and tune it to their Songs invoking Lucina, whilst the main and principal difference consisted not so much in the Name, as the Ʋse and Dedication, which was for silent, awful and more solemn Religion, to which purpose they were chiefly manu consiti, such as we have been treating of, intire, and never violated with the Ax: Fabius calls them Sacros ex Vetustate venerable for their Age; and certain it is, they had of very great Antiquity been Consecrated to Holy uses, not onely by Superstitious Persons to the Gentile Deities and Heroes; but the true God, by the Patriarchs themselves, who ab initio (as is presum'd) did frequently retire to such places to serve him in, Compose their Meditations, and celebrate Sacred Mysteries, Prayers, and Oblations following the Tradition of the Gomerites or Descendants of Noah who first Peopl'd Galata after the universal Deluge. From hence some presume that even the antient Druids had their origin: But that Abraham might imitate what the most Religious of that Age had practis'd before him may [Page] not be unlikely; for we read he soon Planted himself and Family at the Quercetum of Mambre, Gen. 13. where as Eusebius, Ecc. Hist. l. 1. c. 18. gives us the account, He spread his Pavilions, erected an Altar, Offer'd and perform'd all the Priestly Rites; and there, to the immortal glory of the Oak, or rather Arboreous Temple, he entertained God himself. Isidor, St. Hierom, and Sozomenus report confidently, that one of the most eminent of those Trees remained till the Reign of the great Constantine, who Founded a venerable Chappel under it; and that both the Christians, Jews, and Arabs, held a solemn Anniversarie or Station there and believed that from the very time of Noah it had been a Consecrated place: sure we are it was about some such assembly of Trees, that God was pleas'd first of all to appear to the Father of the Faithful when he established the Covenant with him, and more expressly, when removing thence (upon confirming the League with Abimelech, Gen. 21. and settling at Bersheba) he design'd an expresse place for Gods Divine Service: For there, says the sacred Text, He Planted a Grove, and called upon the Name of the Lord. Such another tuft we read of (for we must not alwayes restrain it to one single Tree) when the Patriarch came to [...] Elon Moreh, ad Convallem illustrium: But whether that were the same in which the High-Priest reposited the famous Stone after the Exhortation mention'd Joshua 24.26. we do not contend; under an Oak sayes the Scripture, and it grew near the Sanctuary, and probably might be that which his Grand child Consecrated with the Funeral of his beloved Rebecca, Gen. 35. For 'tis apparent by the Context, that There, God appeared to him again: So Grotius upon the words (Subter quercum) Illam ipsam (sayes he) cujus mentio, Gen. 35.4. in historia Jacobi & Judae; and adds, Is locus in honorem Jacobi diù pro Templo fuit. That the very spot was long after us'd for a Temple in honour of him.

3. If we would track the Religious esteem of Trees and Woods, yet farther in Holy Writ, we have that glorious Vision of Moses in the fiery Thicket, and it is not to abuse or violate the Text, that Moncaeus and others, interpret it to have been an intire Grove, and not a single Bush onely, which he saw as burning, yet unconsum'd. Puto égo (sayes my Authour) rubi vocabulo non quidem rubum aliquem unicum & solitarium significari, verum rubetum totum, aut potius fruticetum, quomodo de Quercu Mambre pro Querceto toto Docti intelligunt. Now that they Worshipped in that Place soon after their coming out of Aegypt, the following story shews; and the Feast of Tabernacles had some resemblance of Patriarchal Devotion under Trees, though but in temporary Groves and Shades in manner of Booths, yet Celebrated with all the refreshings of the Forest; and from the very Infancy of the World in which Adam was entertain'd in Paradise, and Abraham (as we noted) receiv'd his Divine Guests, not in his Tent, but under a Tree, an Oak, Triclinium Angelicum the Antients Dining-Room; all intelligent persons have imbrac'd the solace of shady Arbours, and all devout [Page] Persons found how naturally they dispose our Spirits to Religious Contemplations: For this, as some conceive, they much affected to Plant their Trees in Circles, and gave that capacious Form to the first Temples▪ observ'd not onely of old, but even at this day by the Jews, as the most accommodate for their Assemblies; or, as others, because that figure most resembl'd the Ʋniverse, and the Heavens: Templum à Templando says a knowing Critic, and another, Templum est nescio quid immane, atque amplum; such as Arnobius speaks of, that had no Roof but Heaven, till that sumptuous Fabric of Solomon was confin'd to Jerusalem, and the goodliest Cedars, and most costly Woods were carried thither to form the Columns, and lay the Rafters; and then, and not till then, was it so much as Schisme that I can find, to retire to Groves for their Devotion, or even to Bethel it self.

4. In such Recesses were the antient Oratories and Proseuchae built even amongst the Gentiles, as well as the People of God (nor is it alwaies the lesse authentical for having been the guise of Nations) hence that of Philo, speaking of one who [...], &c. that had fell'd all the Trees about it; and such a place the Satyrist means, where he asks, In qua te quaero proseucha? because it was the Rendezvous also, where poor People us'd to frequent to beg the Alms of devout and Charitable Persons; and it was esteemed piacular for any to cut down so much as a stick about them, unlesse it were to build them, when with the Psalmist, men had honour according to their forwardnesse of repairing the Houses of God in the Land, upon which account it was lawful to lift up Axes against the goodliest Trees in the Forest; but those zealous dayes are past,

Now Temples shut, and Groves desertedly,

All Gold adore, and neglect Piety.

Et nunc desertis cessant sacraria Lucis

Aurum omnes victâ, jam Pietate colunt.

Propert.

5. They came afterwards indeed to be abus'd to Superstition, but what good, or indifferent thing has not been subject to perversion? It is said in the end of Isaiah, Exprobratur Hebraeis quod in Opisthonais Idolorum horti essent in quorum medio februabantur; but how this is applicable to Groves does not appear so fully; though we find them interdicted, Deut. 16.21. Judg. 6.26. 2 Chron: 31.3. &c. and forbidden to be Planted neer the Temple; and an impure Grove on Mount Libanus dedicated to Venus, was by an Imperial Edict of Constantine extirpated; but from the abuse of the thing to the non-use, the Consequence is not alwayes valid, and we may note as to this very particular, that where in divers places of Holy Writ, the denuntiation against Groves is so express, it is frequently to be taken but catachrestically, from the Wooden Image or Statue call'd by that name, as our Learned Selden makes out by sundry Instances in his Syntagma de Diis Syris.

The Summe of all is, Paradise it self was but a kind of Nemorous Temple or sacred Grove, Planted by God himself, and given [Page] to Man, tanquam primo sacerdoti, the Word is [...] which properly signifies to Serve or administer res divinas, a place Consecrated for sober Discipline, and to Contemplate those mysterious and Sacramental Trees which they were not to touch with their hands; and in memory of them, I am inclin'd to believe, Holy Men (as we have shew'd in Abraham and others) might Plant and cultivate Groves, where they traditionally invok'd the Deity; and St. Hierom, Chrysostom, Cyprian, Augustine, and other Fathers of the Church greatly magnified these pious advantages; and Cajetan tells us, that from Isaac to Jacob and their Descendants they followed Abraham in this Custome: In such places were the Monuments of their Saints, and the Bones of their Heroes deposited; for which David celebrated the Humanity of the Galaadites, In Nemora Jabes as the most sacred and inviolable: In such a place did the Angel appear to Gideon, and in others Princes were Inaugurated; so Abimelec, Judic. 9. And the Rabbines add a reason why they were reputed so Venerable; because more remote from Men and Company, more apt to compose the Soul and fit it for divine Actions, and sometimes Apparitions, for which the first enclosures were attributed to Groves, Mountains, Fountains of Water, and the like solemn objects; as of peculiar Sanctity, and as the old sense of all words denoting Sanctity did import separatenesse and uncommon propriety: See our Learned Meade. For though since the Devils intrusion into Paradise, even the most holy and devoted Places were not free from his Tentations and ougly Stratagems: Yet we find our Blessed Saviour did frequently retire into the Wildernesse, as Elijah and St. John did before him, and divers other Holy men: The reason is obvious, and I shall shew when I come to speak concerning the use of Gardens in another Work (long since attempted, and now in some forwardnesse) how the Air of such retired places may be assistant and influential for the inciting of Penitential expressions and affections; especially where one may have the additional assistances of solitary Grotts, murmuring Streams, and desolate Prospects: I remember that under a Tree was the place of that admirable St. Augustines solemn Conversion, after all his importunate reluctances: I have often thought of it, and it is a mealting passage as himself has recorded it, Con. l. 8. c. 8. and he gives the reason, Solitudo enim mihi ad negotium flendi aptior suggerebatur. And that indeed such opportunities were successful for Recollection, and to the very reformation of some ingenious Spirits from secular Engagements to excellent and mortifying Purposes, we may find in that wonderful relation of Pontianus's two Friends, great Courtiers of the time, as the same Holy Father relates it, previous to his own Conversion.

6. We shall now in the next place endevour to shew how this innocent veneration to Groves passed from the People of God to the Gentiles, and by what degrees it degenerated into dangerous Superstitions: For the Devil was alwayes Gods Ape, and did [Page] so ply his Groves, Altars, and Sacrifices, and almost all other Rites belonging to his Worship, that every Green Tree was full of his Abominations, and places devoted to his impure Service, Hi fuêre (says Pliny, speaking of Groves) quondam Numinum templa, &c. These, were of old the Temples of the Gods, and after that simple (but antient Custom) men at this day Consecrate the fairest and goodliest Trees to some Deity or other; nor do we more adore our glittering Shrines of Gold and Ivory, than the Groves, in which with a profound and awful silence, we worship them. For in truth the very Tree it self was sometimes Deified, and that Celtic Statue of Jupiter no better than a prodigious tall Oak, whence 'tis said the Chaldean Theologues deriv'd their superstition towards it; and the Persians we read, us'd that Tree in all their mysterious Rites; so as to some they proceeded to the offering even of humane Sacrifices,

Each Tree besprinckled was with humane gore.

Omnis & humanis lustrata cruoribus arbos.

Lucan l. 3.

Procopius tells us plainly that the Sclavii worshipped Trees and whole Forests of them: See Jo. Dubravius l. 1. Hist. Bohem. and that formerly the Gandenses did the like, Surius the Legendary 6. Feb. reports in the life of S. Amadus: So did the Vandals says Albert Crantz; and even those of Peru, as I learn from Acosta l. 5. c. 11. But one of the first Idols which procur'd particular veneration in them was the Sidonian Ashtaroth who took her name à Lucis, as the Jupiter [...] amongst the Rhodians, the Nemorensis Diana or Arduenna, and others who had peculiar Worship in the Groves; so soon had Men degenerated into this irrational and stupid Devotion, that Arch-Fanatic Sathan (who began his pranks in a Tree) debauching the Contemplative use of Groves and other Solitudes. Nor were the Heathens alone in this crime, the Basilidians and other Haeretics even amongst the Christians, did consecrate to the Woods and the Trees their Serpent-footed and barbarous [...], as it is yet to be seen in some of their mysterious Talismans and Periapta's which they carried about.

In opere Pas [...]bali.But the Roman madnesse (like that which the Prophet derides in the Jews) was well perstring'd by Sedulius and others for imploring these Stocks to be propitious to them, as we learn in Cato de R.R. c. 113.134. &c. And it was not long after, when they were generally Consecrated by Faunus, that they boldly set up his Oracles and Responses in these nemorous places: Hence the Heathen Chappels had the name of Fana, and from their wild and extravagant Religion, the Professors of it Phanatics; a name well becoming some of our late Enthusiasts amongst us; who, when their Quaking fits possesse them, resemble the giddy motion of Trees, whose heads are agitated with every wind of Doctrine.

[Page]7. Here we may not omit what Learned men have observ'd concerning the Custome of Prophets and Persons inspir'd of old, to sleep upon the Boughs and branches of Trees (I do not mean on the tops of them, as the Salvages somewhere do in the Indies for fear of Wild Beasts in the night time) but on Matrasses and Beds made of their Leaves, ad Consulendum to ask advise of God. Naturalists tell us, that the Laurus and Agnus Castus were Trees which greatly compos'd the Phansy, and did facilitate true Visions; and that the first was specifically efficacious [...] (as my Authour expresses it) to Inspire a Poetical fury: Such a Tradition there goes of Rebecca the Wife of Isaack, See S. Hier. in Trad. Heb. 3 Reg. c. 4. in imitation of her Father in Law: The Instance is recited out of an ancient Ecclesiastical History by Abulensis; and (what I drive at) that from hence the Delphic Tripos, the Dodonaean Oracle in Epirus, and others of that nature had their Originals: At this decubation upon Boughs the Satyrist seems to hint where he introduces the Gypsies.

—with fear

The poor she Jew begs in my Ladies ear,

The Groves high Priestesse, Heavens true messenger,

Hierusalem's old Lawes expounds to her.

Stapylton.

Arcanam Judaea tremens mendicat in aurem

Interpres Legum Solymarum, & magn Sacerdos

Arboris, ac summi fida internuncia Coeli.

Juv. Sat. 6.

For indeed the Delphic Oracle (as Diodorus l. 16. tells us) was first made è Lauri ramis of the Branches of Laurel transferr'd from Thessaly, bended, and arched over in form of a Bower or Summer-house, a very simple Fabric you may be sure: And Cardan I remember in his Book de Fato, insists very much on the Dreams of Trees for portents and presages, and that the use of some of them do dispose men to Visions.

8.Vide Annium viterb. l. 17. fol. 158. From hence then began Temples to be erected and sought to in such Places, and as there was hardly a Grove without its Temple, so had every Temple almost, a Grove belonging to it, where they plac'd Idols, and Altars and Lights endow'd with fair Revenues which the devotion of Superstitious persons continually augmented; and I remember to have seen something very like this in Italy, and other Parts, namely, where the Images of the B. Virgin and other Saints have been enshrin'd in hollow and umbragious Trees frequented with much veneration, which puts me in mind of what that great Traveller Pietro della Valla relates, where he speaks of an extraordinary Cypresse, yet extant, near the Tomb of Cyrus, to which at this day many Pilgrimages are made, and speaks of a Gummy transudation which it yields, that the Turks affirm to turn every Friday into drops of Blood: The Tree is hollow within, adorn'd with many Lamps, and fitted for an Oratory, and indeed some would derive the name Lucus a Grove, as more particularly to signifie such enormous and cavernous Trees quod ibi lumina accenderentur Religionis causa: But our Author adds, The Ethnics do still repute all great Trees to be divine, and the habitation of Souls departed: These the Persians call Pir [Page] and Imàm. Perhaps such a hollow Tree was that Asylum of our Poets Hero, when he fled from his burning Troy,

— an antient Cypresse near

Kept by Religious Parents many a year.

—ju [...]a (que) antiqua Cupressus

Religione Patrum multos servata per annos.

Aen. 2.

For that they were places of Protection, and priviledg'd like Churches, and Altars, appears out of Livy and other good Authority: Thus where they introduce Romulus encouraging his new Colony,

So soon as ere the Grove he had immur'd

Hast hither (says he) here you are secur'd.

—ut saxo Lucum circumdedit alto

Quilibet, huc, dicit, Confuge, tutus eris.

Such a Sanctuary was the Aricina, and Suburban Diana, call'd the Nemorale Templum, and divers more which we shall reckon up anon.

9. The Mysteries which the famous Druids celebrated in their Woods and Forests, are at large to be found in Caesar, Pliny, Strabo, Diodorus, Mela, Apuleius, Ammianus, Lucan, Aventinus, and innumerable other Writers, where you will see that they chose the Woods and the Groves, not onely for all their Religious Exercises, but their Courts of Justice; as the whole Institution and Discipline is recorded by Caesar, l. 6. and as he it seems found it in our Countrey of Britain, from whence it was afterwards translated into Gallia: For he attributes the first rise of it to this once happy Island of Groves, and Oaks; and affirms that the antient Gauls travelled hither for their initiation. To this Tacitus assents, 14 Annal. and our most Learned Critics who vindicate it both from the Greeks and French, who frequently challenge it: But the very Name it self, which is purely Celtic, does best decide the Controversie: For though [...] be Quercus; yet Vossius skilfully proves that the Druids were altogether strangers to the Greeks; but what comes yet nearer to us, Dru, fides (as one observes) begetting our now antiquated Trou, or True, makes our title the stronger: Add to this, that amongst the Germans it signified no lesse than God it self; and we find Drutin or Trudin to import Divine or Faithful in the Othfridian Gospel, both of them Sacerdotal expressions. But that in this Island of ours men should be so extreamly devoted to Trees, and especially to the Oak, the strength and defence of all our enjoyments, inviron'd as we are by the Seas, and Martial Neighbours, is lesse to be wonder'd,

Our Brittish Druids not with vain intent,

Or without Providence did the Oke frequent;

That Albion did that Tree so much advance

Nor Superstition was, nor ignorance

Those Priests divining even then, bespoke

The mighty Triumphs of the Royal Oake.

When the Seas Empire with like boundlesse fame

Victorious CHARLES the Son of CHARLES shall claim,

Non igitur Dryadae nostrates pectore vano

Nec sine consulto coluerunt Numine Quercum,

Non illam Albionis jam tum celebravit honore

Stulta Superstitio, venturive inscia secli

Angliaci ingentes puto praevidisse triumphos

Roboris, Imperiumque maris quod maximus olim,

CAROLIDES vastâ Victor ditione teneret.

Couleii L. 6. Pl.

[Page] as we may find the Praediction gloriously followed by our ingenious Poet, where his Dryad consignes that Sacred Depositum to this Monarch of the Forest the Oak, than which nothing can be more sublime and rapturous.

10. From those Sylvan Philosophers and Divines (not to speak much of the Indian Brachmans descended of the antient Gymnosophists) 'tis believed that the great Pythagoras might Institute his silent Monasterie; and we read that Plato entertain'd his Auditors amongst his Walks of Trees, which were afterward defac'd by the inhumanity of Sylla, when as Appian tells us, he cut down those venerable shades to build Forts against Pyraeus: And another we find he had, Planted near Anicerides with his own hands, wherein grew that celebrated Platanus under which he introduces his Master Socrates discoursing with Phaedon de Pulchro: Such another place was the Athenian Cephisia as Agellius describes it: Democritus also taught in a Grove, as we find in that of Hippocrates to Damagetus, where there is a particular Tree design'd ad Otium literarum;ad Mart. and I remember Tertullian calls these places Studia opaca: I could here tell you of Palaemon, Timon, Apollonius, Theophrastus, and many more that erected their Schools in such Colleges of Trees, but I spare my Reader; I shall onely note that 'tis reported of Thucydides that he compiled his noble History in the Scaplan Groves▪ as Pliny writes; and in that matchless piece de Oratore, we shall find the Interlocutors to be often under the Platanus in his Tusculan Villa, where invited by the freshnesse and sweetness of the place Admonuit (says one of them) me haec tua Platanus quae non minus ad opacandum hunc locum patulis & diffusa ramis quam illa, cujus umbram secutus est Socrates, quae mihi videtur non tam ipsa aquula, quae describitur, quàm Platonis oratione crevisse, &c. as the Orator brings it in, in the person of one of that meeting.

I confesse Quintilian seems much to question whether such places do not rather perturb and distract from an Orators Recollection,l. 10. and the depths of Contemplation: Non tamen (sayes he) protinus audiendi, qui credunt aptissima in hoc Nemora, sylvasque, quod illa coeli libertas, locorumque amaenitas, sublimem animum, & beatiorem spiritum parent: Mihi certè jucundus hic magis; quàm studiorum hortator videtur esse secessus: Nam (que) illa ipsa quae delectant, necesse est avocent ab intentione operis destinati: He proceeds —Quare Sylvarum amoenitas, & praeter labentia flumina, & inspirantes ramis arborum aurae, volucrúmque cantus & ipsa latè circumspiciendi libertas, ad se trahunt; ut mihi remittere potius vo [...]uptas ista videatur cogitationem quam intendere. But this is onely his singular suffrage, which as conscious of his Error, we soon hear him retract, when he is by and by as loud in its Praises, as the Places in the World, the best fitted for the diviner Rhetorique of Poetry: But let us admit another to cast in his Symbol for Groves: Nemora (sayes he) & Luci, & secretum ipsum, tantam mihi afferunt voluptatem ut inter precipuos Carminum fructus, majorem, quod nec in strepitu, nec sedente[Page]ante hostium litigatore, nec inter Sordes & lacrymas reorum comprimantur: Sed secedit animus in loca pura, atque innocentia, fruturque sedibus Sacris.

And indeed the Poets thought of no other Heaven upon Earth, or elsewhere; for when Anchises was setting forth the felicity of the other life to his Son, the most lively description he could make of it was to tell him,

—We dwell in shady Groves,

—Lucis habitamus opacit

and that when Aeneas had travell'd far to find those happy Abodes,

They came to Groves, of happy Souls the Rest

To Ever-greens, the dwellings of the Blest.

Devenere locos latos, & amoena vireta

Fortunatorum Nemorum, Sedesque beatas.

Such a prospect he gives us of his Elysium; and therefore wise and great Persons had alwayes these sweet opportunities of Recesse, their Domos Sylvae, as we reed, 2 Reg. 7.2. which were thence called Houses of Royal Refreshment, or as the Septuagint [...], not much unlike the Lodges in divers of our Noble-mens Parks, and Forest-Walks; which minds me of his choice in another Poem,

In lofty Towers let Pallas take her rest,

Whilst shady Groves 'boue all things please us best.

— Pallas quas condidit arces,

Ipsa colat, nobis placeant ante omnia Sylvae.

Eclog. 2.

And for the same reason Mecoenas

—Chose the broad Oak —

Maluit umbrosam Quercum—

and as Horace bespeaks them,

Me the cool Woods above the rest advance

Where the rough Satyrs with the light Nymphs dance.

— Me gelidum nemus

Nympharum (que) leves cum Satyris Chori,

Secernunt populo —

and Virgil again,

Our sweet Thalia loves, nor does she scorn

To haunt umbragious Groves —

Nostra nec [...]rubuit Sylvas habitare Thalia.

or as thus expressed by Petrarch,

— The Muse her self injoys

Best in the Woods, verse flies the City noyse.

‘Sylva placet Musis, urbs est inimica Poetis.’ So true is that of yet a better Poet of our own;

As well might Corn, as Verse in Cities grow,

In vain the thanklesse Glebe we Plow and Sow,

Against th' unnatural Soil in vain we strive,

'Tis not a ground in which these Plants will thrive.

Conley.

[Page] When it seems they will bear nothing but Nettles, and Thorns of Satyrs, ‘and as Juvenal sayes, by Indignation too; and therefore almost all the Poets, except those who were not able to eat Bread without the Bounty of Great men; that is, without what they could get by flattering them (which was Homer's and Pindar's case) have not onely withdrawn themselves from the Vices and Vanities of the great World, into the innocent felicities of Gardens, and Groves, and Retirednesse, but have also commended and adorned nothing so much in their never-dying Poems.’ Here then is the true Parnassus, Castalia, and the Muses, and at every call in a Grove of Venerable Oaks, methinks I hear the answer of an hundred old Druyds, and the Bards of our inspired Ancestors.

Innumerable are the Testimonies I might produce in behalf of Groves and Woods out of the Poets, Virgil, Gratius, Ovid, Horace, Claudian, Statius, Silius, and others of latter times, especially the divine Petrarch; were I minded to swell this Charming Subject, beyond the limits of a Chapter: I think onely to take notice, that Theatrical Representations, such as were those of the Ionian call'd Andria; the Scenes of Pastorals, and the like innocent Rural Entertainments were of old adorn'd and trimm'd up è ramis & frondibus, cum racemis & corymbis, and frequently represented in Groves, as the Learned Scaliger shews:Poetices l. 1. [...]. 21. And here the most beloved of Apollo rooted his coy Mistris, and the noblest Raptures have been conceiv'd in the Walks and shades of Trees, and Poets have composed Verses which have animated men to Heroic and glorious Actions; here Orators (as we shewed) have made their Panegyrics, Historians grave Relations, and the Profound Philosophers lov'd here to passe their lives in repose and Contemplation, and the frugal Repasts —mollesque sub arbore somni were the natural and chast delights of our Fore-Fathers.

12. Nor were Groves thus onely frequented by the great Scholars, and the great Wits, but by the greatest Statesmen and Politians also; and the Athenians were wont to Consult of their gravest matters and Publick Concernments in them. Famous for these Assemblies were the Ceraunian, and at Rome the Lucus Petilinus, the Farentinus, and others, in which there was held that renowned Parliament after the Defeat of the Gaules by M. Popilio: For 'twas supposed that in places so Sacred, they would Faithfully and Religiously observe what was Concluded amongst them.

In such green Palaces the first Kings reign'd,

Slept in their Shades, and Angels entertain'd:

With such old Counsellors they did advise,

And by frequenting Sacred Groves, grew Wise;

Free from th' impediments of Light and Noyse,

Man thus retir'd, his nobler thoughts imploys.

Mr. Wallet.

[Page]As our excellent Poet has describ'd it: and amongst other weighty matters they treated of Matches for their Children, and the Young people made Love in the cooler Shades, and ingrav'd their Mistris's Names upon the Bark,L. 16. c. 44. Arist. l. Ep. 10. tituli aereis literis insculpti as Pliny speaks of that Antient Vatican Ilex, and Euripides in Hippolyto, where he shews us how they made the incision, whisper their soft Complaints like that of Aristaenetus [...], &c. and wish that it had but a Soul and a Voyce to tell Cydippe, the fair Cydippe, how she was belov'd:Vide Symmach. l. 4. Ep. 28. And doubtlesse this Character was Antienter than that in Paper; let us hear the Amorous Poet leaving his young Couple thus Courting each other.

My name on Bark engraven by your fair hand,

Oenone, there, cut by your knife does stand;

And with the Stock my Name alike do's grow,

Be't so, and my advancing honour show.

Incisae servant a te mea nomina fagi

Et Legor Oenone falce notata tua,

Et quantum trunci, tantum mea nomina crescunt,

Crescite, & in titulos surgite ritè meos.

Ovid. Ep.

which doubtlesse he learnt of Maro describing the unfortunate Gallus.

There on the tender bark to carve my Love;

And as they grow, so shall my hopes improve.

Ogilby.

— tenerisque meos incidere amores

Arboribus; Crescentillae, crescetis amores.

Eclog. 10.

and these pretty Monuments of Courtship I find were much used on the Cherry-tree (the Wild one I suppose) which has a very smooth Rind, as the witty Calfurnius,

Repeat, thy words on Cherry-bark I'll take,

And that red skin my Table-book will make.

Dic age, nam Cerasi tua cortice verba notab [...]

Et decisa feram rutilanti carmina libro.

I omit Olympius Nemesianus, and others, for we have dwelt too long on this trifle, but we will now change the Scene as the Aegyptians did the mirth of their Guests when they serv'd in a Scull to make them more serious. For,

13. Amongst other Uses of Groves, I read that some Nations were wont to hang, not Malefactors onely, but their departed Friends, and those whom they most esteemed upon Trees, as so much nearer to Heaven, and dedicated to God; believing it far more honourable than to be buried in the Earth; and that some affected to repose rather in these Woody places Propertius seems to bespeak.

The Gods forbid my Bones in the high-Road

Should lye▪ by every wandring vulgar trod;

Thus buried Lovers are to scorn expos'd,

My Tomb in some by Arbor be inclos'd.

Di faciant mea ne terrâ locet ossa frequenti

Quâ facit assiduo tramite vulgus iter,

Post mortem tumuli sic infamantur amantum,

Me tegat arboreâ devia terra comâ.

The same is affirmed of other Septentrional People by Chr. Cilicus de Bello Dithmarsico l. 1. We have already mention'd Rebeccah, and read of Kings themselves that honoured such places with their Sepulchres: What else should be the meaning of 1 Chro. [Page] 10.12. when the valiant men of Jabesh interr'd the Bones of Saul and Jonathan under the Oke. Famous was the Hyrnethian Caemeterie where Daiphon lay; Ariadnes Tomb was in the Amathusian Grove in Crete, now Candie: For they believed that the Spirits and Ghosts of Men delighted to expatiate and appear in such solemn places, as the Learned Grotius notes from Theophylact, speaking of the Daemons, upon Mat. 8 20. for which cause Plato gave permission, that Trees might be Planted over Graves, to obumbrate and refresh them.

Our Blessed Saviour chose the Garden sometimes for his Oratory, and dying, for the place of his Sepulchre; and we do avouch for many weighty causes, that there are none more fit to bury our Dead in, than in our Gardens and Groves, where our Beds may be decked with verdant and fragrant Flowers, Trees and Perennial Plants, the most natural and instructive Hieroglyphics of our expected Resurrection and Immortality, besides what they might conduce to the Meditation of the living, and the taking off our Cogitations from dwelling too intently upon more vain and sensual Objects; that Custom of Burying in Churches, and near about them (especially in great and populous Cities) being both a Novel Presumption, undecent, and very unhealthful.

14. To make this Discourse the more absolute, we shall add a short recital of the most famous Groves which we find Celebrated in Histories; and those, besides many already mention'd, were such as being Consecrated both to Gods and Men, bore their Names: Amongst these are reckoned the Sacred to Minerva, Isis, Latona, Cybele, Osiris, Aesculapius, Diana, and especially the Aricinian, in which there was a goodly Temple erected, placed in the midst of an Iland, with a vast Lake about it, a Mount, and a Grotto adorn'd with Statues, and irrigated with plentiful Streams: and this was that renouned Recesse of Numa, where he so frequently conversed with his Aegeria, as did Minos in the Cave of Jupiter, and by whose pretended Inspirations they gain'd the deceived People, and made them receive what Lawes he pleas'd to impose upon them. To these we may joyn, the Groves of Vulcan, Venus, and the little Cupid: Mars, Bellona, Bacchus, Sylvanus, the Muses, and that neer Helicon from the same Numa, their great Patron; and hence had they their Name Camoenae. In this was the noble Statue of Eupheme Nurse to those Poetical Ladies; but so the Feranian and even Mons Parnassus, were thick shaded with Trees. Nor may we omit the more impure Lupercal Groves Sacred, or Prophan'd rather, yet most famous for their affording shelter and foster to Romulus, and his Brother Rhemus.

That of Vulcan was usually guarded by Dogs, like the Town of S. Malos in Bretaigne: The Pinea Sylva appertain'd to the Mother of the Gods, as we find in Virgil. Venus had several Groves in Aegypt, and in the Gnidian Island, where once stood those famous Statues cut by Praxiteles; another in Pontus, where (if [Page] you'll believe it) hung up the Golden Fleece for the bold Adventurer. Nor was the Watry-King Neptune without his Groves, the Helicean in Greece was his: So Ceres, and Proserpine, Pluto, Vesta, Castor and Pollux had such shady Places Consecrated to them; add to these the Lebadian, Arfinoan, Paphian, Senonian, and such as were in general dedicated to all the Gods.

—The Gods have dwelt in Groves.

—Habitarunt dii quoque Sylva [...].

And these were as it were Pantheons. To the memory of famous Men and Heros were Consecrated the Achillean, Aglauran, and those to Bellerophon, Hector, Alexander, and to others who disdained not to derive their Names from Trees and Forests; as Sylvius the Posthumus of Aeneas; divers of the Albanian Princes, and great Persons; Stolon, Laura, Daphnis, &c. And a certain Custom there was for the Parents to Plant a Tree at the Birth of an Heir or Son, presaging by the growth and thriving of the Tree the prosperity of the Child: Thus we read in the life of Virgil, and how far his Natalitial Poplar had out-strip'd the rest of its Contemporaries. And the reason doubtlesse of all this was, the general repute of the Sanctity of those Places; for no sooner does the Poët speak of a Grove, but immediately some Consecration follows, as believing that out of those shady Profundities some Deity must needs emerge, ‘Quo possis viso dicere Numen inest.’ so as Tacitus (speaking of the Germans) sayes, Lucos & Nemora consecrant, Deorumque nominibus appellant secretum illud, quod solâ reverentiâ vident; and the Consecration of these Nemorous places we find in Quintus Curtius, and in what Paulus Diaconus de Lege relates of the Longobards where the Rites are expresse, allur'd as 'tis likely by the gloominesse of the Shade, procerity and altitude of the Stem, floridnesse of the leaves and other accidents, not capable of Philosophising on the Physical Causes, which they deem'd supernatural, and plainly divine; so as to use the words of Prudentius,

Here all Religion paid; whose dark Recesse

A sacred awe does on their mind impresse,

To their Wild Gods—

Quos penes omne sacrum est, quicquid formid [...] trem [...]udu [...]

Suaserit horrificos, quos prodigialia cogun [...]

Monstra Deos—

L. 2. Cout. Sym.

And this deification of their Trees, and amongst other things, for their Age and perennial viridity, sayes Diodorus, might spring from the manifold use which they afforded, and happly had been taught them by the Gods, or rather by some God-like persons, whom for their worth and the publick benefit they esteemed so; and that divers of them were voyc'd to have been Metamorphoz'd [Page] from Men into Trees, and again out of Trees into Men, as the Arcadians gloried in their Birth, when

Out of the teeming Bark of Oakes men burst.

Géusque virûm, truncis, & rupto robore nati,

which perhaps they fancied, by seeing men creep sometimes out of their Cavities, in which they often lodg'd and secur'd themselves;

For in th' Earths non-age under Heavens new frame,

They stricter liv'd, who from Oaks rupture came.

Stapylton.

Quippe aliter tunc orbe novo coelòque recenti

Vivebant homines qui rupto robore nati, &c.

Juven. l. 2. S. 6.

Or as the sweet Papinius,

Fame goes that thou brake forth from the hard rind,

When the new earth with the first feet was sign'd?

Fields yet nor Houses doleful pangs reliev'd

But shady Ash the numerous births receiv'd,

And the green Babe drop'd from the pregnant Elm,

Whom strange amazement first did over-whelm

At break of day, and when the gloomy night

Ravish'd the Sun from their pursuing sight,

Gave it for lost—

— Nemorum vos stirpe rigen [...]i

— Fama satos, cum prima pedum vestigia tellus

Admirata tulit, nondum arva, domúsque ferebant

Cruda puerperia, ac populos umbrosa creavit,

Fraxinus, & foetâ viridis puer excidit Orno:

Hi Lucis stupuisse vices, noctísque feruntur,

Nubila, & occiduum Longe Titana secuti

Desperâsse diem—

almost like that which Rinaldo saw in the Inchanted Forest.

An aged Oak beside him cleft and rent,

And from his fertile hollow womb forth went

(Clad in rare weeds, and strange habilement)

A full grown Nymph. —

Quercia gli appar, che per se ste [...] incis [...]

Apre feconda il cavo ventre, è figlia:

En' esce fuor vestita in strania guisa

Ninfa d' età cresciuta. —

Canto 18.

And that every great Tree included a certain tutelar Genius or Nymph living and dying with it, the Poets are full; a special instance we have in that prodigious Oak which fell by the fatal stroke of Erisichthon; but the Hamadryads it seems were immortal, and had power to remove, and change their wooden habitations.

15. We might here produce wonderful strange Apparitions of this nature, interceding for the standing, and life of Trees, when the Ax has been ready for Execution,In Phoe. & Arcad. as you may see in that Hymn of Callimachus, Pausanias, and the famous story of Paraebius related by Apollonius in 2. Argonaut. with the fearful Catastrophe of such as causelesly and wantonly violated those goodly Plantations (from which fables arose, that of the Dodonean and vocal Forests, frequent in Heathen Writers) but by none so Elegantly as the witty Ovid, describing the Fact of the wicked Erisichthon.

—Who Gods despis'd,

Nor ever on their Altars sacrific'd,

— Qui numina divûm

Sperneret, & nullos aris adoleret honores &c.

Who Ceres Groves with steel prophan'd: Where stood

An old huge Oak; even of it self a Wood.

[Page]Wreaths, Ribands, grateful Tables deckt his boughs

And sacred Stem; the Dues of powerful Vows.

Full oft the Dryades, with Chaplets crown'd,

Danc't in the shade; full oft they tript a Round

About his bole. Five Cubits three times told

His ample Circuit hardly could infold.

Whose stature other Trees as far exceeds,

As other Trees surmount the humble Weeds.

Yet this his Fury rather did provoke:

Who bids his Servants fell the Sacred Oak.

And snatches, while they paus'd, an Ax from one,

Thus storming: Not the Goddesse lov'd alone;

But, though this were the Goddesse, she should down,

And sweep the Earth with her aspiring Crown.

As he advanc'd his Arms to strike, the Oak

Both sigh'd and trembl'd at the threatning stroke.

His Leaves and Acorns, pale together grew,

And colour-changing-branches sweat cold deaw:

Then wounded by his impious hand, the Blood

Gush'd from th' incision in a purple flood:

Much like a mighty Ox, that falls before

The Sacred Altar, sprouting streams of gore.

On All amazement seiz'd: When One of all

The Crime deters, nor would his Ax let fall.

Contracting his stern brows; Receive, said he,

Thy Pieties Reward; and from the Tree

The stroke converting, lops his Head; then strake

The Oak again; from whence a Voyce thus spake:

A Nymph am I, within this Tree inshrin'd,

Belov'd of Ceres, O prophane of mind,

Vengeance is near thee: With my parting breath,

I Prophecy, a Comfort to my Death.

He still his guilt pursues; who over-throws

With Cables, and innumerable blows

The sturdy Oak; which nodding, long, down rush'd,

And in his lofty fall his fellows crush'd.

Sandys.

But a sad Revenge follows it, as the Poet will tell you; and one might fill a just Volume with the Histories of Groves that were violated by wicked Men, who came to fatal periods.

It is reported that the Minturensian Grove was esteem'd so venerable, that a stranger might not be admitted into it; and the great Xerxes himself when he passed through Achaia, would not touch a Grove which was dedicated to Jupiter, Commanding his Army to do it no Violence, and the honours he did to one single (but a goodly) Platanus we have already mention'd. The like to this we find when the Persians were put to flight by Pausanias; though they might have sav'd their lives by it, as appears [Page] in the Story. The same reverence made that Hercules would not so much as tast the Waters of the Aegerian Groves after he slew Cacus, though extreamly thirsty.

— The Priestesse se'd

(A purple Fillet binding her gray head)

Stranger, pry not, but quit this shady Seat,

Avant, and whiles thou safely may, Retreat,

To men forbid, and by hard Sanction bound▪

Far better other Springs were by you found.

Punicco canas stamine vincta comas,

Parce oculis hospes, Lucôque abscede verend [...]

Cede agedum, & tuta limina linque fuga,

Interdicta viris, metuenda lege piatur

Di tibi dent alios fontes—

Propert. l. 4.

Nor indeed in such places was it lawful to Hunt, unlesse it were to kill for Sacrifice, as we read in Arrianus; whence 'tis reported by Strabo, that in the Aetolian Groves Sacred to Diana, the Beasts were so tame, that the very Wolves and Staggs fed together like Lambs, and would follow a man licking his hands, and fauning on him. Such a Grove was the Crotonian, in which Livy writes, there was a spacious Field stor'd with all sorts of Game. There were many Forests consecrated to Jupiter, Juno, and Apollo; especially the famous Epidaphnes near the Syrian Antioch, which vvas most incomparably pleasant, adorn'd vvith Fountains and rare Statues. There vvas to be seen the Laurel vvhich had been his chast Mistris, and in the Center of it his Temple and Asylum: Here it vvas Cosroes and Julian did Sacrifice upon several occasions as Eusebius relates, but could not vvith all their impious Arts obtain an Answer; because the holy Babylas had been interr'd near that Oracle, for vvhich it vvas reputed so venerable, that there remained an expresse Title in the Code de Cupressis ex Luco Daphnes non excidendis, vel venundandis, that none should either fell, or sell any of the Trees about it, which may serve for another Instance of their Burying in such places. The truth is, so exceedingly Superstitious they were and tender, that there was almost no medling with these devoted Trees, and even before they did but conlucare and prune one of them, they were first to Sacrifice, least they might offend in something ignorantly: But to Cut down was Capital, and never to be done away with any Offering whatsoever; and therefore Conlucare in Authours is not (as some pretend) Succidere, but to prune the Branches onely, and yet even this gentle tonsure of superfluities was reputed a kind of Contamination; and hence Lucus cöinquinari dicitur, unlesse in the case of Lightning when Caelo tacti, a whole Tree might quite be fell'd,Salmut. exer▪ Plin. Sol [...]. as mark'd by Heaven for the Fire. But of this sufficient: We could indeed fill many sheets with the Catastrophe of such as maliciously destroy'd Groves to feed either their revenge or avarice: See Plutarch in Pericles, and the saying of Pompeius: Cicero sharply reproves G. Gabinius for his prodigious spoil in Greece, and it was of late dayes held a piece of Inhumanity in Charles the French King, when he entred the Frisons after he had slain their Leader, to cut down their Woods, a punishment never inflicted by sober Princes but to prevent Idolatry in the Old Law; and to shew the heinousnesse [Page] of disloyalty and Treason by latter Sanctions, in which case, and for Terror, even a Traitors Woods have become Anathema, as were easie to instance out of Histories.

16. But what shall we say then of our late prodigious Spoilers, whose furious devastation of so many goodly Woods and Forests, have bequeath'd an Infamy on their Names and Memories not quickly to be forgotten! I mean our unhappy Ʋsurpers, 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 Wast, by an inhumane and unparallel'd Tyrannie 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 once beautiful Grove under Greenwich-Castle, the Royal Walk of Elms in St. James's Park.

‘That living Galery of aged Trees,’ was once propos'd to the late Council of State (as they call'd it) to be cut down and sold, that with the rest of his Majesties Houses already demolished, and mark'd out for Destruction, his Trees might likewise undergo the same destiny, and no footsteps of Monarchy remain unviolated.

17. 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 Country, when being Parties in the Booty themselves, they gave way to so dishonourable and impolitic a Wast 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 height 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 express'd a Resolution more barbarous.

We have spoken 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; and have sufficiently observed from the Antients, that the Gods did never permit them to escape unpunish'd who were injurious to Groves. What became of Agamemnon's Host after his Spoyl of the Woods at Aulis? Histories tell us Cleomenes died mad: The Temesaean Genius became proverbial; and the destructive fact that the inraged Caesar perpetrated on the Massilian Trees, went not long unreveng'd, thus related by the Poet, and an illustrious Record of all we have hitherto produc'd, to assert their Veneration.

Lucus erat longo nunquam violatus ab aevo, &c.

Lucan. l. 3.

A Wood untouch'd of old was growing there

Of thick-set Trees, whose boughs spreading and fair

Meeting, obscured the inclosed Air,

[Page]And made dark shades exiling Phoebus Rayes:

There no rude Fawn, nor wanton Sylvan playes;

No Nymph disports, but cruel Deities

Claim barbarous Rites, and bloody Sacrifice:

Each Tree defil'd with humane blood; if we

Believe Traditions of Antiquity:

No Bird dares light upon those hollowed boughs,

No Beasts make there their dens; no wind there blows;

No lightning falls: a sad religious awe,

The quiet Trees unstirr'd by wind do draw.

Black water Currents from dark Fountains flow:

The Gods unpolish'd Images do know

No art, but plain, and formlesse trunks they are.

Their mosse and mouldinesse procures a fear:

The common figures of known Deities

Are not so fear'd: not knowing what God 'tis,

Makes him more awfull: by relation

The shaken Earths dark caverns oft did grone:

Fall'n Yew-trees often of themselves would rise:

With seeming fire oft flam'd th'unburned Trees:

And winding dragons the cold Oaks embrace,

None give neer worship to that baleful place;

The People leave it to the Gods alone.

When black night reigns, or Phoebus gilds the Noon,

The Priest himself trembles, afraid to spy

In th'awful Woods its Guardian-Deity.

But now Erisichthon-like, and like him in Punishment; for his was Hunger, Caesars Thirst, and thirst of Humane Blood, reveng'd soon after in his Own.

The Wood he bids them fell, not standing far

From all their Work: untoucht in former War,

Among the other bared Hills it stands

Of a thick growth; the Souldiers valiant hands

Trembled to strike, mov'd with the Majestie,

And think the Ax from off the Sacred Tree

Rebounding back, would their own bodies wound:

Th' amazement of his Men when Caesar found;

In his bold hand himself an Hatchet took,

And first of all assaults a lofty Oak,

And having wounded the Religious Tree,

Let no man fear to fell this Wood (quoth he)

The guilt of this Offence let Caesar bear. &c.

May

and so he did soon after, carrying to the Grave ('tis thought) the Maledictions of the incensed Gauls to his Funeral-pile,

—For who

The Gods thus injur'd, unreveng'd does go?

— Quis enim laesos impunè putar [...]

Esse Deos—

[Page]18. But least 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 a certain Wood belonging to the Prince of Orange there, though a reputed Traytor, and in open defiance with his Master. In sum, we read, that when Mithridates but deliberated about the cutting down of some stately Trees which grew near Patara, a City of Lycia, though necessitated to it for the building of Warlike Engines with them, being terrifi'd in a Vision, he desisted from his purpose. It were to be wish'd 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 spoyl of those goodly Forests, Woods, and Trees (to gratifie an impious and unworthy Avarice) which being once the Treasure and Ornament of this Nation, were doubtlesse reserved by our more prudent Ancestors for the repairs of our floating Castles, the safeguard and boast of this renowned Island, when Necessity, or some imminent Peril should threaten it, or call for their Assistance; and not to be devoured by these improvident Wretches, who, to their eternal Reproach, did (with the Royal Patrimony) swallow likewise Gods own Inheritance;Quae tibi factorum poenas instare tuorum Vaticinor — but whose Sons and Nephews we have liv'd to see hastily disgorge them again; and with it all the rest of their Holy Purchases, which otherwise they might securely have enjoy'd. But this, in terrorem onely,Vide Met. l. 8. Apollon. l. 2. Argonaut. Prosternit quercum fun [...] stam quam fibi Nympha pignoribúsque suis fecit— and for Caution to Posterity, whiles we leave the Guilty, and those who have done the Mischiefs, to their proper Scorpions, and to their Erisichthonian-fate, or that of the inexorable Paraebius, the vengeance of the Dryads, and to their Tutelar better Genius, if any yet remain, who love the solid Honour and Ornament of their Countrey: For what could I say lesse, [...], and At Wooton in Surrey: For so in all ages from Trees have been denominated whole Countreys, Regions, Cities and Towns; as Cyparissa in Greece, Cerasus in Pontus, Laurentum in Italy, Myrrhinûs in Attica. Ports, Mountains and eminent Places; as the Viminalis, Aesculetum, &c. The reason is obvious, from the spontaneous growth and abounding of such Trees in the respective Soyles. Wood-born as I am, in behalf of those Sacred Shades, which both grace our Habitations, and Protect our Nation?

19. But I acknowledge how easie it is to be lost in this Wood, and that I have hardly power to take off my Pen whilst I am on this delightful Subject: For what more august, more charming and useful, than the culture and preservation of such goodly Plantations.

That shade to our Grand-Children give.

—Seris factura nepotibus umbram.

and afford so sweet, and so agreeable refreshment to our Industrious Wood-man.

When He, his wearied Limbs had laid,

Under a florid Plataus Shade.

Cùm post labores sub Platano cubat

Virentis umbrae —

Claud.

[Page] Or some other goodly spreading Trees, such as we told you stopt the Legions of a proud Conquerour, and that the wise Socrates sware by: That Passenius Crispus did Sacrifice to, and the honours of his Gods.

20. But, whilst we condemn this Excesse in them; Christians, and true Philosophers may be instructed to make use of these Enjoyments to better purposes, by contemplating the Miracles of their Production and structure: And what Mortal is there so perfect an Atomist, who will undertake to detect the thousandth part, or poynt of so exile a Grain; as that insensible rudiment, or rather halituous spirit, which brings forth the lofty Firr-Tree, and the spreading Oake? That Trees of so enormous an height and magnitude, as we find some Elmes, Planes, and Cypresses; some hard as Iron, and solid as Marble (for such the Indies furnish many) should be swadl'd and involv'd within so small a dimension (if a poynt may be said to have any) without the least luxation, confusion or disorder of Parts, and in so weak and feeble a substance; being at first but a kind of tender mucilage, or rather rotteness, which so easily dissolves and corrupts Substances so much harder, when they are buried in the moist Womb of the Earth, whilst this tender, and flexible as it is, shall be able in time to displace and rent in sunder whole Rocks of stones, and sometimes to cleave them beyond the force of Iron Wedges, so as even to remove Mountains? For thus no Weights are observ'd able to suppress the victorious Palm; And thus, our Tree (like Man whose inverted Symbol he is) being sown in corruption, rises in glory, by little and little ascending into an hard erect Stem of comely dimensions, into a solid Tower as it were; and that which but lately a single Ant, would easily have born to his little Cavern, now capable of resisting the fury, and braving the Rage of the most impetuous storms, Magni mehercle artificis, Epist. 53 clausisse totum in tam exiguo (to use Seneca's expression) & horror est consideranti.

21. Contemplate we again, What it is which begins this motion or flame, causing it first to radiate in the Earth, and then to display its Top in the Ayre, so different Poles (as I may call them) in such different Mediums? How it elects, and then intro-sumes its proper food, and gives suck, as it were, to its yet tender Infant, till it have strength and force to prey on, and digest the more solid Juices of the Earth; for then, and not 'till then, do the Roots begin to harden: Consider how it assimilates, separates, and distributes these several supplies; how it concocts, transmutes, augments, produces and nourishes without separation of Excrements (at least to us visible) and generates its like, without violation of Virginity: By what exquisite percolations, and fermentations it proceeds; for the Heart, Fibers, Veins, Rind, Branches, Leaves, Blossoms, Fruit; for the strength, Colour, Tast, Odour and other stupendious Qualities, and distinct Faculties, some of them so repugnant and contrary to others; yet in so uniform, and successive a Series, and all this perform'd in the dark, and those secret Recesses of Nature. Quid [Page]Foliorum describam diversitates? What shall we say of the Mysterious forms, variety, and variegation of the Leaves and Flowers, contriv'd with such Art, yet without Art; some round, others long, Oval, Multangular, indented, crisped, rough, smooth and polished, soft and flexible at every tremulous blast, as if it would drop in a moment, and yet so obstinately adhering, as to be able to contest against the fiercest Winds, that prostrate mighty Structures, raising Hurrocanes, the violence whereof whole Fleets and Countries do often feel; yet I say, continually making War, and sometimes joyning Forces with steeming showers, against the poor Leaf, tyed on by a slender stalk; there it abides 'till God bids it fall: For so the wise Disposer of Things has plac't it, not only for Ornament, but use and protection both of Body and Fruit, from the excessive heat of Summer, and colds even of the sharpest Winters, and their immediate impressions; as we find it in all such Places and Trees, as like the blessed and good man, have alwayes Fruit upon them, ripe, or preparing to mature; such as the Pine, Fir, Arbutus, Orange and most of those which the Indies and more Southern Tracts plentifully abound in; where Nature provides this continual shelter, and clothes them with perennial Garments.

22. Let us again examine with what care the Seeds, those little Souls of Plants, Quorum exilitas (as one sayes) vix locum inveniat (in which the whole and compleat Tree; though invisible to our dull sense, is yet perfectly and intirely wrapp'd up) are preserv'd from avolation, diminution and detriment; expos'd, as they seem to be, to all those accidents of Weather, storms and rapacious Birds, in their spinic, arm'd and compacted Receptacles; where they sleep as in their Causes, 'till their Prisons let them gently fall into the embraces of the Earth, now made pregnant with the Season, and ready for another Burthen: For at the time of Year she fails not to bring them forth; and with what delight have I beheld this tender and innumerable Off-spring repullulating at the Feet of an aged Tree! from whence the Suckers are drawn, transplanted and educated by humane Industry; and forgetting the ferity of their Nature, become civiliz'd to all his Employments.

23. Can we look on the prodigious quantity of Liquor, which one poor wounded Birch will produce in a few hours, and not be astonish'd how some Trees should in so short a space, Weep more than they weigh? and that so dry, so feeble and wretched a branch as that which bears the Grape, should yield a Juice that Cheers both God and Man? That the Pine, Fir, Larch, and other Resinous Trees, Planted in such rude, and uncultivated places, amongst Rocks and dry Pumices, should transude into Terpentine, and pearl out into Gums, and pretious Balms?

24. There are ten Thousand Considerations more, besides that of their Medicinal and Sanative properties, and the Mechanical Ʋses mention'd in this Treatise, which a Contemplative Person may derive from the Groves and the Woods; all of them the Subject of Wonder; And though he had onely the Palm or the Cocco, which [Page] furnishes a great Part of the World with all that even a Voluptuous Man can need, or almost desire, it were sufficient to employ his Meditations and his Hands, as long as he had to live, though his years were as many as the most aged Oak: But a Wise, and a Thinking Man can need none of these Topics, in every Hedge, and every Field they are before him; and yet we do not admire them, because they are Common, and obvious: Thus we fall into the just reproach given by one of the Philosophers (introduc'd by the Oratour) to those who slighted what they saw every-day, Cic. d [...] Nat. Deor. L. 2. because they every-day saw them; Quasi Novitas nos magis quàm magnitudo rerum, debeat ad exquirendas causas excitare: As if Novelty onely should be of more force to ingage our enquiry into the Causes of Things, than the Worth and Magnitude of the Things themselves.

Resonate montes Laudationem, SYLVA,

Isa. 44.23.

Et omne Lignum ejus.

FINIS.

Notes

*

Note that the short lines of the Inch Column, between the Figures 1-2-3 &c. do signifie half-Inches.

↵

*

Note that the short lines of the Inch Column, between the Figures 1-2-3 &c. do signifie half-Inches.

↵

*

Note that the short lines of the Inch Column, between the Figures 1-2-3 &c. do signifie half-Inches.

↵

Sylva, or, A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesties dominions 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 Honourable 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 severall wayes of ordering it published by expresse order of the Royal Society : also Kalendarivm hortense, or, the Gard'ners almanac, directing what he is to do monthly throughout the year / by John Evelyn ...[2]

§

§

§

[Page]

[Page]

POMONA, OR AN APPENDIX CONCERNING FRUIT-TREES, In relation to CIDER, The Making, and several ways of Ordering it.

VIRG. Eclog. ix.

—Carpent tua Poma nepotes.

[figure]

LONDON, Printed by John Martyn and James Allestry, Printers to the Royal Society. MDCLXX.

[Page]

[Page]

To the Right Honourable THOMAS Earl of SOƲTHAMPTON, Lord HIGH TREASURER OF ENGLAND, &c.

My Lord,

IF great Examples did not support it, the dignity and greatness of your Person would soon have given cheque to this presumption: But since Emperours and Kings have not only gratefully accepted Works of this nature, but honor'd them likewise with their own sacred hands, that Name of yours, (which ought indeed never to appear but on Instruments of State and fronts of Marble, consecrating your Wisdom and Vertues to Eternity) will be no way lessen'd by giving Patronage to these appendant Rusticities. It is from the Protection and Cherishment of such as your Lordship is, that these Endeavours of ours may hope one day to succeed and be prosperous. The noblest and most useful Structures have laid their Foundations in the Earth: if that prove firm here (and firm I pronounce it to be, if your Lordship favour it) We shall go on and flourish. I speak now in relation to the Royal Society, not my self, who am but a Servant of it only, and a Pioner in the Works. But be its fate what it will, Your Lordship, who is a Builder, and a lover of all Magnificences, cannot be displeas'd at these agreeable Accessories [Page] of Planting, and of Gard'ning. But, my Lord, I pretend by it yet some farther service to the State than that of meerly profit, if in contributing to your divertisement I provide for the Publick health, which is so precious and necessary to it in your excellent Person. Vouchsafe POMONA your Lordships hand to kiss, and the humble Presenter of these Papers the honour of being esteem'd,

My Lord,

Your most humble, and most obedient Servant J. EVELYN.

[Page]

POMONA, Or An APPENDIX Concerning FRUIT-TREES, In relation to CIDER: The Making, and several ways of Ordering it.

THE PREFACE.

SAt Quercus was the Proverb; [...]: in eos qui relicto victu sordido, ad elegantiorem lautiorém (que) digrediuntur. and it is now time to walk out of the Woods into the Fields a little, and to consider what Advancement may be there likewise made by the planting of FRUIT-TREES. For after the Earth is duly cultivated, and pregnant with a Crop of Grain; it is only by the Furniture of such Trees as bear Fruit, that it becomes capable of any farther Improvement. If then by discovering how this may best be effected I can but raise a worthy emulation in our Country-men; this addition of noble Ornament, as well as of Wealth and Pleasure, Food and Wine, may (I presume) obtain some grateful admittance amongst all Promoters of Industry.

But before I proceed, I must, and do ingenuously acknowledge, that I present my Reader here with very little of my own, save the pains of collecting and digesting a few dispers'd Notes (but such as are to me exceedingly precious) which I have receiv'd; some from worthy, and most experienc'd Especially, from the most excellently learned Dr. Beale of Yeavil in Somerset-shire, a Member of the Royal Society. Friends of mine; and others, from the well-furnish'd Registers, and Cimelia of the ROYAL SOCIETY. Especially, those Aphorisms, and Treatises relating to the History of Cider, which by express commands they have been pleas'd to injoyn I should publish with my Sylva.

It is little more than an Age, since Hops (rather a Medical, than Alimental Vegetable) transmuted our wholesome Ale into Beer; which doubtless much alter'd our Constitutions: That one Ingredient (by some not unworthily suspected) preserving Drink indeed, and so by custom made agreeable; yet repaying the pleasure with tormenting Diseases, and a shorter life, may deservedly abate our fondness to it; especially, if with this be consider'd likewise, the casualties in planting it, as seldom succeeding more than once in three years; yet requiring constant charge and culture; Besides that it is none of the least devourers of young Timber.

And what if a like care, or indeed one quarter of it, were (for the future) converted to the propagation of Fruit-trees, in all parts of this Nation, as it is already in some, for the benefit of Cider? (one Shire [Page] alone within twenty miles compass, making no less, yearly, than Fifty thousand Hogsheads) the commutation would (I perswade my self) rob us of no great Advantage; but present us with one of the most delicious and wholesom Beverages in the World.

It was by the plain Industry of one Harris (a Fruiterer to King Henry the Eighth) that the Fields, and Environs of about thirty Towns, in Kent only, were planted with Fruit, to the universal benefit, and general Improvement of that County to this day; as by the noble example of my Lord Scudamor, and of some other publick-spirited Gentlemen in those parts, all Herefordshire is become, in a manner, but one intire Orchard: And when his Majesty shall once be pleas'd, to command the Planting but of some Acres, for the best Cider-fruit, at every of his Royal Mansions, amongst other of his most laudable Magnificences; Noblemen, wealthy Purchasers, and Citizens will (doubtless) follow the Example, till the preference of Cider, wholesom, and more natural Drinks, do quite vanquish Hopps, and banish all other Drogues of that nature.

But this Improvement (say some) would be generally obstructed by the Tenant, and High-shoon-men, who are all for the present profit; their expectations seldom holding out above a year or two at most.

To this 'tis answer'd; That therefore should the Lord of the Mannour not only encourage the Work by his own Example, and by the Applause of such Tenants as can be courted to delight in these kinds of Improvements; but should also oblige them by Covenants to plant certain Proportions of them, and to preserve them being planted.

To fortifie this profitable Design, It were farther to be desir'd, that (if already there be not effectual provision for it which wants only due execution and quickning) an Act of Parliament might be procur'd for the Setting but of two or three Trees in every Acre of Land that shall hereafter be enclosed, under the Forfeiture of Six-pence per Tree, for some publick and charitable Work, to be levy'd on the Defaulters. To what an innumerable multitude would this, in few years, insensibly mount; affording infinite proportions, and variety of Fruit throughout the Nation, which now takes a Potion for a refreshment, and drinks its very Bread-corn!

I have seen a Calculation of twenty Fruit-trees to every Five-pounds of yearly Rent; forty to Ten; sixty to Fifteen; eighty to Twenty; and so according to the proportion. Had all our Commons, and Waste-lands one Fruit-tree but at every hundred foot distance, planted, and fenc'd at the publick charge, for the benefit of the Poor, (whatever might dy and miscarry) enough would escape able to maintain a Stock, which would afford them a most incredible relief. And the Hedg-rows, and the Champion-grounds, Land-divisions, Mounds, and Head-lands (where the Plough not coming, 'tis ever abandon'd to VVeeds and Briars) would add yet considerably to these Advantages, without detriment to any man.

As touching the Species, if much have been said to the preference of the Red-strake before other Cider-Apples, this is to be added; That as the best Vines, of richest liquor, and greatest burden, do not spend much in wood and unprofitable branches; so nor does this Tree: for though other Cider may seem more pleasant (since we decline to give Judgment of what is unknown to us) we yet attain our purpose, if This shall appear [Page] best to reward the Planter, of any in present practise; especially, for the generality; because it will fit the most parts which are addicted to these Liquors, but miss of the right kinds, and prove the most secure from external injuries and Invaders.

But not to refine any farther upon the rare effects of Cider, which is above all the most eminent, soberly to exhilerate the Spirits of us Hypocondriacal Islanders, and by a specific quality to chase away that unsociable Spleen, without excess; we must not forget that the very Blossom of the Fruit perfumes, and purifies the Ambient Air, which (as Dr Beal well observes in his Hereford-shire Orchards) is conceiv'd conduces so much to the constant Health and Longaevity, for which that Country has been always celebrated, fencing their Habitations and sweet Recesses from Winds, and Winter-invasions, the heat of the Sun, Hereford-sh. Orch. p. 8. and his unsufferable darts: And if (saith he) we may acknowledge grateful trifles, for that they harbour a constant Aviary of sweet Singers, which are here retain'd without the charge of Italian wires: To which I cannot but add his following option, That if at any time we are in danger of being hindred from Trade in Forreign Countries, our English indignation may scorn to feed at their Tables, to drink of their Liquors, or otherwise to borrow or buy of Them, or of any their Confederates, so long as our Native Soyl does supply us with such excellent Necessaries.

Nor do we produce these Instances to redeem the Liquor from the superstition, prejudice, and opinions of those Men who so much magnifie the juice of the Grape above it: But we will here add some Experiments from undenyable success (in spite of Vintners, and Bauds to mens Palats) were they sufficient to convince us, and reclaim the vitiated; or that it were possible to dispute of the pleasantness, riches, and praecedency of Drinks and Diets, and so to provide for fit, competent, and impartial Judges; when by Nature, Nation, or Climate (as well as by Custom and Education) we differ in those Extreams.

Most parts of Africa and Asia prefer Coffee before our Noblest Liquors▪ India, the Roots and Plants before our best Cook'd Venison; Almost all the World crude water, before our Country Ale and Beer; and we English being generally more for insipid, luscious, or gross Diet, than for the spicy, poignant, oylie, and highly relish'd, (witness our universal hatred of Oyls, French-wine, or Rhenish without Sugar; our doating on Currans, Figgs, Plum-pottage, Pies, Pudding, Cake, &c.) renders yet the difficulty more arduous. But to make good the Experiment

About thirty years since one M. Taylor (a person well known in Hereford-shire) challeng'd a London-Vintner (finding him in the Country) That he would produce a Cider which should excel his best Spanish or French-wine: The Wager being deposited, He brings in a good Red-strake to a private House: On that Scene, all the Vintner could call to be Judges pronounce against his Wine; Nor would any many there drink French-wine (without the help of Sugar) nor endure Sack for a full draught; and to those who were not accustomed to either, the more racy Canaries were no more agreeable than Malaga, too luscious for the repetition. But this Wager being lost, our Vintner renews his Chartel, upon these express terms, of Competent and Indifferent Arbitrators: The Gentleman [Page] agrees to the Articles; and thus again after mutual engagements i [...] must be debated who were Competent Judges, and absolutely Indifferent. M. Taylor proposes Three, whereof the odd Number should by Vote determine: They must be of the fittest Ages too, or rather the fittest of all Ages, and such as were inur'd neither to Cider nor any Wine; and so it was agreed. The Judges convene; viz. A Youth of ten years old, a Man of thirty, and a Third of sixty; and by All these also our Vintner lost the Battel. But this is not enough; 'Tis assay'd again by Nine Judges, the Ternary thrice over; and there 'tis lost also: To this we could add another, even of the Cider of Ledbury (which is not yet the best of Herefordshire) which, when an experienced London-Vintner had tasted, he wish'd had been Poyson; for that if it were known where he dwelt, it would utterly undo his Trade. And here I will conclude; for I think never was fairer Duel; nor can more be reasonably pretended to vindicate this Blessing of God, and our Native Liquor from their contempt, and to engage our Propagators of it.

Tot veneficiis placere cogitur, & miramur noxium esse Vinum? Plin. As 'tis most ingeniously cited by Dr Charleton, in his excellent Discourse of the Adulterations of Wine, entered into the Register of the Royal Society; and (with those other most useful Pieces subjoin'd) worthy to be published, &c. See Regist. Ro. Society, Num. 2.17. Decemb. 28. Jan. 1662. pag. 67.116. &c.To sum up all: If Health be more precious than Opinion, I wish our Admirers of Wines, to the prejudice of Cider, beheld but the Cheat themselves; the Sophistications, Transformations, Transmutations, Adulterations, Bastardizings, Brewings, Trickings, not to say, even Arsenical Compassings of this Sophisticated God they adore; and that they had as true an Inspection into those Arcana Lucifera, which the Priests of his Temples (our Vintners in their Taverns) do practise; and then let them drink freely that will; [...]: —Give me good Cider.

It is noted in our Aphorisms how much this Beverage was esteemed by His late Majesty, and Court, and there referr'd to all the Gentry of the invironing Country, (no strangers to the best VVines) when for several Summers in the City of Hereford (so encompass'd with store of it, and brought thither without charge, or extraordinary subductions) it was sold for six-pence the VVine-Quart, not for the scarcity, but the excellency of it: And for the Red-strake, that it has been seen there hundreds of times (with vehement and engaged competition) compar'd with the Cider of other the most celebrated Fruit, when after a while of vapour, no man stood for any other Liquor in comparison.

But it is from these Instances (may some say) when the VVorld shall have multiplied Cider-Trees, that it will be time enough to give Instructions for the right Pressing and Preserving of the Liquor. The Objection is fair: But there are already more Persons better furnish'd with Fruit, than with Directions how to use it as they should; when in plentiful years so much Cider is impair'd by the ignorant handling, and becomes dead and sowr, that many even surfeit with the Blessing; it being rarely seen in most Countries, that any remains good, to supply the defects of another year; and the Royal Society would prevent all this hazard by this free Anticipation. And yet when all this is said, we undertake not to divine what excellent Cider other soils may bear; nor do we positively extol the Red-strake farther than the bounds and confines of Herefordshire, for the Experiments we have produc'd; but because there are doubtless many such soils sparsedly throughout this Nation; why should it not incite our Industry to its utmost effort, and [Page] the commendable emulation of endeavouring to raise a yet kindlier Cider-fruit if it be possible, and which may prove in it self as good, and as agreeable to the Soil where we plant it? And certainly, much of this may fairly be expected, from the Trials, Culture, and Propagation of Kernel-Fruits of innumerable sorts, and from hopeful VVildings, and the peculiarity of Grounds.

It now remains, that I should make some Apology for my self, to extenuate the tumultuary Method of the ensuing Periods. Indeed it was not intended for a queint or elaborate piece of Art; nor is it the design of the Royal Society to accumulate Repetitions when they can be avoided; and therefore in an Argument so much beaten as is that of dressing the Seminary, Planting, and modes of Graffing, it has been with Industry avoided; such rude, and imperfect draughts being far better in their esteem (and according to my Lord Bacon's) than such as are adorn'd with more pomp, and ostentous circumstances, for a pretence to Perfection. The Time may come when the richness, and fullness of their Collections may worthily invite some more Industrious Person to accomplish that History of Agriculture, of which these Pieces (like the limbs of Hippolitus) are but scattered parts: And it is their greatest ambition for the Publique Good, to provide such Materials, as may serve to Raise, and Beautifie that most desirable Structure.

EVELYN.

[Page]

[Page]

POMONA.
CHAP. I. Of the Seminary.

WE had not the least intention to enlarge upon this Title, after we had well reflected on the many and accurate Directions which are already published, as well in our French-Gardiner, as in sundry other Treatises of that nature,Dr. Beale of Yeavil in Somersetshire. had not a most worthy Member of the Royal Society (to whom we have infinite Obligations) furnished us with some things very particular and remarkable, in order to the improvement of our Seminaries, Stocks, &c. which are indeed the very Basis and Foundation of Cider-Orchards. It is from those precious papers of his, and of some others (whose Observations also have richly contributed to this Enterprize) that we shall chiefly entertain our Planter in most of the following Periods.

Whosoever expects from the kernel of a rich or peculiar Apple or Pear to raise Fruit of the same kind, is likely to find many obstructions and disappointments: For the Wilding, (Crab or Pear) Pomus Sylvestris, being at the best the natural product of the soundest kernel in the firmest land, and therefore the gust of the Fruit more strongly austere, fierce, and sharp, and also the Fruit less and more woody; and the pleasanter or plumper and larger Apple being the effect of some inteneration, which inclines to a kind of rebatement of the natural strength of the Tree; the best choice of kernels for Stocks indefinitely, (and on which we may graff what we please) should be from the soundest Wilding. For,

A kernel taken from any graffed-Apple, as Pepin, Pear-main, &c. does most naturally propend to the wildness of the Stock on which 'twas inserted, as being the natural mother of the kernel, which is the very heart of the Apple; and also from a more deep and secret Reason, to be hereafter unfolded.

Apples and Pears requiring rather a vulgar and ordinary Fieldland, than a rich Garden-mould, (as has been often seen to succeed by frequent Observations) it has been found that kernels sowed in a very high compost, and rank earth, have produced (large indeed) but insipid Fruit, hastily rotting on the Trees, before all the parts of it were mature. Vid. Aphor. 33.

And sometimes when they seemed in outward figure to bear the shape of graffed Apples, from whence the kernels came, yet the gust did utterly deceive, wanting that vivacity and pungent agreeableness.

[Page]If the kernels of natural Apples (or of ungraffed Trees) should produce the same, or some other variety of Apples, (as sometimes it succeeds) yet would this care be seldom operae pretium, and at best but a work of Chance, the disappointment falling out so often through the fickleness of the Soil: Or admit that the most proper and constant, yet would the very dews and rain, by various and mutable Seasons, and even by the Air it self, (which operates beyond vulgar perception, in the very changes as well of the mould, as of the seeds and fruit) create almost infinite alterations: And the choice having been in all places (apparently for some thousands of years) by propagating the most delicate of Fruits by the Graffs, 'tis almost a desperate task to attempt the raising of the like, or better Fruit from the rudiments of the Kernel.

Yet since our design of relieving the want of Wine, by a Succedaneum of Cider, (as lately improv'd) is a kind of Modern Invention, We may encourage and commend their patience and diligence who endeavour to raise several kinds of Wildings for the tryal of that excellent Liquor; especially since by late experience we have found, that Wildings are the more proper Cider-Fruits; some of them growing more speedily, bearing sooner, more constantly, and in greater abundance in leaner Land, much fuller of juice, and that more masculine, and of a more Winy vigour.

Thus the famous Red-strake of Hereford-shire is a pure Wilding, and within the memory of some now living sirnamed the Scudamores Crab, and then not much known save in the Neighbourhood, &c. Yet now it would be difficult to shew that Red-strake which grew from a kernel in that whole Tract, all being since become graffed Trees. Thus 'tis also believed, That the Bromsbury Crab (which carries the fame in some parts of Glocester-shire) and many of the White Musts, and Green Musts, are originally Savages; as now in Somerset-shire they have a generous Cider made of promiscuous kernels, or ungraffed Trees, which fills their confidence that no other Cider does exceed it; and 'tis indeed strong, and of a generous vigour.

Nor dare we positively deny, but that even the best of our Table-fruit came also originally from the kernel: For it is truly noted by my L. Bacon, That the Fruit does generally obey the Graff, and yields very little to the Stock; yet some little it does.

The famous Bezy de Hery, an excellent Musky Pear, was brought into the best Orchards of France from a Forest in Bretainy, where it grew wild, and was but of late taken notice of.

But now to the deep Reason we lately threatned: We have by an Experiment found some neer affinity between the Kernel of the Apple and the heart or interiour of the Stock: For I saw (says Dr. Beale) an old rotten Kernel-Tree bearing a delicate Summer-fruit, yielding store of smooth Cider, ('tis call'd the French-Kernel-Tree, and is also a Dwarf, as is the Red-strake;) and examining divers Kernels, many years successively, of that hollow and decayed Tree, I found them always very small of growth, and empty, meer skins of Kernels, not unlike to the emasculated Scrotum of an Eunuch; another[Page]younger Tree, issuing from the sounder part of a Root of the same old Tree, had full and entire Kernels.

And from some such Observation might the production of Berberies, &c. without Stones, be happily attempted; an Instrument fitted to take out the marrow or pith of the Branches, (as the same Dr Beale perform'd it;) for from the numerical Bush of that Fruit he found some Branches produce Berberies that had no stones, others which had; and in searching for the cause of the effect, perceived, that the pith or heart was taken from the radicat, or main Branches, as the other was full of pith, and consequently the fruit in perfection; of all which (he writes me word) he made several tryals on other fruit, but left the place before he could see the event. But he adds;

These many years (almost twenty) I have yearly tri'd Kernels in Beds of clean Earth, Pots, and Pans, and by the very leaves (as they appear'd in first springing for one moneth) I could discern how far my Essays had civiliz'd 'em: The Wilder had shorter, stiffer, brown, or fox-colour'd leaves, The more ingenuous had more tender, more spreading leaves; and approaching the lighter verdure of the Berbery leaf when it first appears. He adds,

Some Apples are call'd Rose-Apples, Rosemary-Apples, Gillyflower-Apples, Orange-Apples, with several other adjuncts, denominating them, from what Reason I know not. But if we intended to try such infusions upon the Kernels (as should endeavour to alter their kinds) we should not approve of the bedabbling them with such infusions, (for over-moisture would rather enervate than strengthen them) but rather prepare the Earth the year before, with such insuccations, and then hinder it from producing any Weeds, till ready for the Kernels, and then in dewy times, and more frequently when our Climate were surcharg'd with rain, cover the Beds and Pots with the small leaves of Rosemary, Gillyflowers, or other oderiferous Blossomes, and repeat it often, to the end the dews may meteorize, and emit their finer Spirits, &c. Or if any shall please to be so-liberal of their Salts and Calcinations of peculiar Virtues (though possibly the Essay may indanger their seeds) yet the mixture of such Salts finely reduc'd and strewed discreetly on their Beds, may be a more probable means, than those Liquid Infusions which have hitherto been so confidently boasted. For thus also we are in this Age of ours provided of more vigorous Ingredients for trials than were known to the Ancients. Finally,

From what has been deduc'd from the Wilding of several parts, it may manifestly appear, how much more congeneal some soil is than other, to yield the best Cider-fruit from the Kernel; and the hazzle ground, or quicker mould, much better than the more obstinate clay or ranker earth: In hot Gravelly-Grounds, where almost no sort of Fruit will grow, Pears will thrive; and a Friend of mine assures me, of One that clave a Rock, and filling it with a little good Earth, planted a Pear-tree therein, which prosper'd exceedingly: I add this, that none may go hence without encouragement.

[Page]

CHAP. II. Of Stocks.

THe former thus establish'd, after all humours and varieties have been sufficiently wearied, we shall find the Wilding to be the hardiest and most proper Stock for the most delicate Fruit: This confirm'd by Varro, lib. 1. cap. 40. In quamcun (que) arborem inseras, &c. and 'tis with reason: However they do in Hereford-shire, both in practice, and opinion, limit this Rule; and to preserve the gust of any delicate Apple (as of the Pear-main, Quince-Apple, Stockin, &c.) rather graff upon a Gennet-Moyle or Cydoddin-Stock, (as there call'd) than a Crab-stock; but then indeed they conclude the Tree lasts not so long; and 'tis observ'd, That Apples are better tasted from a clean, light land, &c. than from stiffer clay, or the more pinguid and luxurious soil, whence we may expect some assistance from the civility of the Stock, which is a kind of prepared Soil, or foundation to the Graff; even as our very Transplantations into better ground is likewise a kind of Graffing.

Thus in like manner our Master Varro, loco citato concerning Pears; Si in Pyrum Sylvaticam, &c. The Wild-stock does enliven the dull and phlegmatic Apple, and the Stock of a Gennet-Moyle sweeten and improve an Apple that seems over-tart, as the Pome-roy, or some Greening, &c. or may rather seem to abate at least some Apple over-tart and severe.

Your Crab-stock would be planted about October, at thirty two Foot distance, and not graffed till the third Spring after, or at least not before the second.

But if your design be for Orchard only, and where they are to abide, an interval of sixteen Foot shall suffice for the Dwarfish kind, or in the Grounds where the Red-strake, or other Fruit-trees are of small bulk, provided the ground be yearly turn'd up with the Spade, and the distance quadrupled where the Plough has priviledge; this being the most expedite for such as have no Nursery ground.

[Page]

CHAP. III. Of Graffs and Insitions.

MAke choice of your Graffs from a constant and well-bearing Branch.

And as the Stock hath a more verdant rind, and is capable to yield more plenty of juice, so let the Graff have more Eyes or Buds: Ordinarily three or four Eyes are sufficient to give issue to the Sap; but as well in Apples, and Pears, as in Vines, those Graffs or Cions are preferr'd in which the buds are not too far asunder, or distant from the foot thereof: and such a number of buds usually determining the length of the Graff, there may divers Cions be made of one Branch, where you cannot procure plenty of them for severals.

As to the success of graffing, the main point is, to joyn the inward rind of the Cion to the inward rind of the Stock, so that the sap of the One, may there meet with the sap of the Other, and these parts should be joyn'd closely, but not too forceably; that being the best and most infallible way, by which most of the quick and juicy parts are mutually united, especially towards the bottom.

If the Stock be so big as to endanger the pinching of your Graff, when the wedge is drawn out of the cleft, let the inner side of the Graff, which is within the wood of the Stock, be left the thicker, that so the woody part of the Cion may bear the stress, and the sappy part be preserved from bruising. Some by an happy-hand, do with good success Graff without cleaving the Stock at all, only by Incisions in the Rind, as the Industrious Mr. Austin teaches us: But since this is not for every Rustic hand, nor seems to fortifie so strongly against impetuous Winds, before the Union be secure, there had need be some extraordinary defence.

Choose the streightest and smoothest part of the Stock for the place where you intend to graff: If the Stock be all knotty (which some esteem no impediment) or crooked, rectifie it with the fittest posture of the Graff.

For a Graff covet not a Cions too slender; for the Sun and Wind will sooner enforce it to wither: Yet are we to distinguish, that for Inoculation, we take the Bud from a sprig of the last years shoot; and most allow that the Cions should also have some of the former with it, that it may be the stronger to graff, and abide to be put close into the Stock, which is thought to advance it in bearing.

In Hereford-shire they do frequently choose a Graff of several years growth; and for the graffing of such large Stocks as are taken out of the Woods or Nurseries, and fitted into rows for Orchards, they choose not the Graffs so small as in other Countries they require [Page] them; which has, it seems, occasion'd some complaint from them that understand not the Reason of the first branch of this Note. Once for all, the stumpy Graff will be found much superiour to the slender one, and make a much nobler and larger Shoot. This upon experience.

Graff your Cions on that side of the Stock where it may receive the least hurt from the South-west Wind, it being the most common, and most violent that blows in Summer; so as the wind may blow it to the Stock, not from it: And when the Zephyres of the Spring are stirring, choose that Season before all others for this work.

Some there are who talk of removing the Stock about Christmas, and then also graff it; which there be that glory they can succesfully do even by the fire side, and so not be forc'd to expect a two or three years rooting of the Stock; But in this Adventure 'tis adviseable to plunge the Graff three or four inches deep in the Stock. Lastly,

Be careful that the Rain get not into the clefts of your young graffed Stocks: Yet it has been noted, That many old Trees (quite decay'd with an inward hollowness) have born as full burdens, and constantly, as the very soundest, and the Fruit found to be more delicate than usually the same kind from a perfect and more entire Stock.

Except some former case requires it, leave not your Graffs above four, five, or (at most) six inches of length above the Stock; for by the length it draws more feebly, and is more expos'd to the shocks of the Wind, or hurt by the Birds; and you shall frequently perceive the summities and tops of such young Graffs to be mortified and die.

The Genet-moyle is commonly propagated by cutting off the Branch a little below a Burr-knot, and setting it without any more Ceremony; but if they be also graffed first as they grow on the Tree, and when they have covered the head, cut off below the Burr, and set, it is far better: In this separation cut a little beneath the Burr, and peel off, or prick the Bark, almost to the knot: Thus also if the Branch have more knots than one, you may graff, and cut off yearly, till within half a foot of the very stem, which you may graff likewise, and so let stand.

Now for encouragement in transporting Graffs at great distance, we find that with little care (their tops uncut and unbruis'd) they will hold good, and may support the transportation by Sea or Land from October or November to the very end of March: See Sir H. Plat's Offers, Paragr. 75. To which may be added, That if the Graff receives no hurt by lying in the Stock expos'd to all rain, dews, and severities of Winter frosts from December to Spring, (as has been experimentally noted); then (by a stronger presumption) in oyled, or rather waxen Leather, it may undoubtedly escape. Some prescribe, That the ends shall be stuck in a Turnip: and many excellent Graffers (Gentlemen some of very good credit) have assured us, That the Graffs which seemed withered, and fit [Page] to be cast away, have proved the best when tri'd. Thus in honest Barnaby Googes noble Heresbachius you will find it commended to gather your Cions in the wane of the Moon, at least ten days before you graff them; and Constantine gives this reason for it, That the Graff a little withered, and thirsty, may be the better received of the Stock: I know some who keep them in Earth, from the end of October, till the Spring, and will hardly use them before. There are also other inducements for this practice, as Simon Harwood, pag. 4. has shew'd us; but none beyond our own experience, who have known Graffs gathered in December thrive and do perfectly well.

The best expedient to convey Graffs is to stick the cut-ends in Clay, envelop'd with a clout to preserve it from falling off; and to wrap the other part of the Twigs in dry Hay or straw-bands, which will secure them both from the Winds, Galling, and other injuries in Transportation: Nay, I have known them sent many hundred Miles from beyond the Seas accommodated to an ordinary Letter, and though somewhat short, and with very few Buds, yet with excellent success; and if this course were more universally consider'd, we might be furnish'd with many great Curiosities with little difficulty or charge.

CHAP. IV. Of Variety and Improvements.

IF any man would have variety of unexpected and unknown Apples and Pears, for the improvement of Cider, or Palate-fruit, there is more hope from Kernels rais'd in the Nursery (as has already been directed) than from such tryals of graffings as we have yet seen in present use.

But if we would recover the patience, and the sedulity of the Antient (of which some brief account will follow) or listen to some unusual Proposals, then may we undertake for some variety by Insitions.

To delude none with Promises, we do much rather recommend the diligence of enquiring from all Countries the best Graffs of such Fruits as are already found excellent for the purpose we design: As from the Turgovians for that Pear of which Dr. Pell gives so good and weighty informations; and of which I had presented me some Graffs, together with a tast of the most superlative Perry the World certainly produces; both which were brought near 800 Miles, without suffering the least diminution of Excellency, by my Worthy Friend Mr. Hake a Member of the R. Society, in the year 1666, and tasting as high, and as rich as ever to the present year I am writing this Paragraph.

But as some sorts are to be enquired after for the Palate and the [Page] Table, so 'tis now our main business to search after such as are excellent for their Liquor, either as more pleasant, more winy, or more lasting; of which sort the Bosbury bare-land-Pear excels. The Red strake, Bromebury-Crab, and that other much celebrated Wilding call'd the Oaken-pin, as the best for Cider; though for sufficient reasons we do yet prefer the Red strake, to oblige the emulation of other Countries, 'till they find out a Fruit which shall excell it, and which we do most heartily wish.

But to pursue the diligence of the Antients, we direct the eye to a general expedient for all kinde of varieties imaginable, and which we hold far better than to present the World with a List of the particulars either known, or experimented: For who indeed but a Fool will dare to tell Wonders in this severe Age, and upon an Argument which is so environ'd with Imposture in most Writers old or new? Much less pretend to Experiments which may fail to succeed by default of an unhappy occasion, when the conclusion must be Penes Authorem sit fides!

And truly men receive no small discouragement from the ugly affronts of Clowns, and less cultivated persons, who laugh and scorn at every thing which is above their understanding: For example; I knew a man (writes Dr. Beale to me) and he a most diligent Planter and Graffer, who for thirty or fourty years made innumerable Essays to produce some change of an Apple by Graffing: It seems he was ambitious to leave his Name on such a Fruit, if he could have obtained it; but always fail'd; for he perpetually made his Trials upon Crab-stocks, or such (at least) as did not greatly differ from the kind; and he ever found that the Graff would praedominate. And how infinitely such Men having lost their own aims, will despise better Advice, we leave to observation.

However, let us add, That where nothing is more facile than to raise new kinds of Apples (in infinitum) from Kernels: Yet in that Apple-Country (so much addicted to Orchards) we could never encounter more than two or three persons that did believe it: But in other places we meet with many that, on the other side, repute Wildings, or (as they call them) Kernel-fruit, at all adventure, and without choice, to be the very best of Cider-fruit, and to make the most noble Liquor. So much does the common judgment differ in several Countries, though at no considerable distance, even in matters of visible Fact, and epidemical experience.

It has been soberly affirmed, that by graffing any White Apple upon an Elm, it changes the Apple, and particularly to a red colour: I have a Direction where we may be eye-witnesses of the proof; whatever the Truth of it be, we are not over-hastily to erect Hercules's Pillars; but rather to encourage the Experiment.

To gratifie yet the Ingenious, instruct others, and emancipate us all from these bastinado-Clowns, we are furnish'd with many Arguments and proofs to assure a good success, at least for variety and change, if not for infinite choice: Two or three antient References being duly praemis'd; namely, First,

[Page]1. That 'tis in vain to expect change of Apples from Graffing upon differing Stocks of Crabs or Apples.

2. In vain also are we to look for a kind Tree from a very much differing Stock; as an altered Pear to grow kindly on a Crab or Apple-stock, & contra. There go about indeed some jugglings, but we disdain to name them.

It is one thing to find the kindest Stock for the Improvement of any Fruit; as the Crab-stock for the delicate Apple, the Wild or Black-Cherry-Stock, for the graffs of the fairest Cherries; the largest Vine, (whose root makes best shift for relief) to accept the Graff of the more delicate Vine; the White Pear-Plum Stock, for the Abricot, &c. And another thing it is to seek the Stock which begets the wonder, variety, and that same transcendent and particular excellency we inquire after: For this must be at more remote distance; and we offer from the Ancients to shew, how it may be at any distance whatsoever: But the whole expedient seems to be hinted by Sir H. Plat, pag. 72. where he affirms, that If two Trees grow together, that be apt to be graffed one into another, then let one branch into another, workmanly joyning Sap to Sap. This our Gardiners call Graffing by Approach, and is explicated at large by Columella.

But in this express Rule he is too narrow for our purpose, and far short of old experience; as we find in Parag. 63. where he affirms, We may not graff a contrary Fruit thereon. Against this we urge; That any contrary Fruit may be adventured, and any Fruit upon any fruitless Stock growing in propinquity in the same Nursery; as it is not only affirm'd, but seriously undertaken, and experimentally proved by the sober Columella, in several of his Treatises; Turn to the eleventh Chapter of his fifth Book, (Stephens Ediiion:) Sed cum antiqui negaverint posse omne genus surculorum in omnem Arborem inseri, & illam quasi finitionem, qua nos paulò ante usi sumus, veluti quandam legem sanxerint, eos tantùm surculos posse coalescere, qui sint cortice, ac libro, & fructu consimiles iis arboribus quibus inseruntur, existimavimus errorem hujus opinionis discutiendum, tradendámque posteris rationem, qua possit omne genus surculi omni generi Arboris inseri. And the example follows in a Graff of an Olive into a Fig-stock by Approach (as we call it,) which he also repeats in the twenty seventh Chapter of his Book De Arboribus, without altering a syllable. But possibly in this check at the Ancient he might aim at old Varro, whom we find threatning no less than Thunderbolts and Blasts to those who should attempt these strange Marriages, and did not sort the Graff with the Tree; consult lib. 1. cap. 40. And yet you may see this Art assum'd by Columella for his own invention (1500 years since) to be no news to Varro 200 years older; where he goes on, Est altera species ex arbore in arborem inserendi nuper animadversa in arboribus propinquis, &c. Though here again we may question our Masters nuper animadversa too; since before he was born Cato relates it as usual to Graff. Vines in the manner by them prescribed, cap. 41. Tertia insitio est: Terebra vitem quam inseres, &c. Which by the way makes us admire how the witty Walchius in his Discourse De [Page]vitibus fructuariis, pag. 265. could recount the graffing of Vines amongst the wonders of Modern Inventions.

But it seems Varro and his Contemporaries did extend the practice beyond Cato; and Columella proceeded further than Varro, even to all sorts of Trees, however differing in nature, quality, bark, or season: And then Palladius assumes the result, and gives us the particulars of the success in his Poem, De Infitionibus. And to these four as in chief (no phantastical or counterfeit persons) we refer the Industrious.

But be pleas'd to take this note also: As soon as your Graff hath attained to a second, or at farthest a third years growth, take it off the Stock, and then graff it upon a Stock of a more natural kind: For in our own Trials we have found a graff prosper the second year exceeding well; yet the third the whole growth at once blasted quite to the very Stock, as if Varro's Augurs had said the word.

To this add, the making use of such Stocks as in this Experiment may contribute some special aid to several kinds of humane Infirmities: As suppose the Birch Tree for the Stone, the Elm for Fevers, &c. For 'tis evident, that by such Insitions, the Branch may convert the Sap of the Root even of another species into its own nature, and alter all its properties; though in some they dominere, as the Branch of the Apple in the Rhamnus, or Mezerea, acquires a Purgative quality. And by these means why may not the Fruit by effectual Marriages be rendred Cordial, Astringent, Purgative, Sudorific, Soporiferous, and even Deliterious and Mortal: But this we only hint.

Moreover, To graff rather the Wilding, or Crab, than the Pepin, because the Wilding is the more natural; and Nature does more delight in progress, than to be Retrograde and go backwards.

I should also expect far more advance from a more pungent sap, than from Insipid; as generally we see the best and vigorous juices to salute our Palats with a more agreeable piquancy and tartness; for so we find the rellish of the Stocking-Apple, Golden Pepin, Pearmain, Eliot, Harvy, and all (both Russetings and Greenings) to be more poignant than of others.

And here we note from Palladius, That the Ancients had the success which we all, and particularly Sir H. Plat, does so frequently deny, as in the particular of graffing the Apple on the Pear, & contra. Let us hear him de Pomo.

The Graffed-Crab its bushy Head does rear,

Much Meliorating the inserted Pear:

Its self to leave its Wildness does invite,

And in a Nobler issue to delight.

Insita proceris pergit concrescere ramis,

Et sociam mutat malus amica Pyrum:

[Page]Séque feros sylvis hortatur linquere mores,

Et partu gaudet nobiliore frui.

Pallad. de Insitionib. lib. 14.

But possibly Palladius assum'd this Poetical expression, upon presumption, that no man in his days durst degrade the most excellent Quince to support the Cyon of another Fruit, which then must be of less esteem, but we by our luxury have found the success.

And we have good argument to believe; That Virgil, and Columella, in several of their wonderful Relations of these kinds of mixture, (which but for the prolixity we might now recite) did not so far affect Wonders as to desert the truth.

You may also observe, That as well the French Gardiner, and our Modern Planters, have found the same benefit from the Stock of the Quince, as old Palladius did, it seems, acknowledge; yet (as he conceiv'd) more hospitable still with its own kindred, and that

Though the Quince-stock admit all other Fruit,

Its Cyon with no other stock will suit:

Scorning the Bark of Forreign Trees, does know

Such lovely Fruit on no mean stem can grow:

But the Quince-Graff, to the Quince-stock is joyn'd,

Contented only to improve its kind.

Cum praestet cunctis se fulva cydonia pomis,

Alterius nullo creditur hospitio.

Roboris externi librum aspernata superbit,

Scit tantum nullo crescere posse decus:

Sed propriis pandens cognata cubilia ramis,

Stat, contenta suum nobilitare bonum▪

Pallad. de Malo Cydonio.

Lastly, We did by unexpected chance find the facility of graffing the very youngest Stocks, even of one years growth, by the Root: At a second removal of the Stocks (being then of two years growth) we observed some Roots so fast closed together into one, as not to be divorced: Hereupon we concluded, If casualty, or negligence, chance of spade, or oppression of neighbourhood did this, by Art it might be done more effectually, and possibly to some desirable purpose; for that then the stock was more apt to receive a mastering Impression; and any Garden Plant whatsoever might by this process interchange and mingle their Roots. But this can extend no farther than the Stock may prevail with the Graff.

And thus we have presented our diligent Ciderist with what Observations and Arguments of Encouragement, grounded on frequent Experience, we have received from our most ingenious Correspondents, especially the Learned and truly Candid Dr Beale, in whose Person we have so long entertain'd you: and to these we could add sundry others, were it not now time (whiles we discourse [Page] of possibilities) to conclude with something certain, and to speak of what we have.

For the kinds then of Cider-Apples in being; Glocester-shire affects the Bromsbury Crab; It affords a smart, winy Liquor, and is peculiarly hardy, but not so proper for a cold and late-bearing Climate, it being not ripe in hot Land till the end of Autumn, nor fit to be ground for Cider till Christmas, lying so long in heaps and preparation.

It is in the same Shire that they likewise much esteem of the white and red Must-Apple, the sweetest as well as sowrest Pepin, and the Harvy-Apple, which (being boyl'd) some prefer to the very best of all Ciders; though from any experience we have yet seen, we cannot recommend it, and it will want more particular and infallible Directions before we can be reconciled to the Adventure, which we have observed so frequently to miscarry.

But about London, and the more Southern Tracts, the Pepin, and especially the Golden, is esteemed for the making of the most delicious of that Liquor, most wholesom, and most restorative; and indeed it may (in my poor judgment) challenge those perfections with very good reason.

By others the Pearmain alone is thought to come in competition with the best; but, say they, the Cider is for the most part found of the weakest, unless encourag'd with some agreeable Pepin to inspirit it; whereas this is to be taken according to the constitution of the Fruit; for even Pepins do differ as much from Pepins in Tast and Liquor, as the Kind, and the Soil dispose them; nay, though of the same Species; so as the Cider of the Pearmain (though likewise very different) does not seldom exceed it in that briskness which others attribute to the Pepin, which is for the most part more smooth and less poinant: I conceive a good way of extracting the Spirits of these Fruits, might prove a likely Criterion to ground our judgments on in all these niceties; whilst by the way, we may note, that of all Apples, that bear one general Name, the Pepin seems the most to differ; and the Cider from the genuine Cider-Fruit, keeps nearest to the same strength and relish.

Some commend the Fox-Whelp; and the Gennet-Moyle was once preferr'd to the very Red-strake, and before the Bromsbury-Crab; but upon more mature consideration, the very Criticks themselves now Recant, as being too effeminate and soft for a judicious Palate.

The Red-strake then amongst these accurate Tasters hath obtained the absolute praeeminence of all other Cider-fruit, especially in Hereford-shire, See Aph. 42, 45, 37. as being the richest and most vinous Liquor, and now with the more earnestness commended to our practice, for its celerity in becoming an Orchard, being ordinarily as full of Fruit at ten years growth as other Trees are at twenty; the Pepin or Pearmain at thirty: And lastly, from that no contemptible quality, That though the smiles of it intice even on the Tree, as being indeed better than most other Table-fruits whilst hanging, yet it [Page] needs no Priapus for Protector, since (as beautiful as 'tis) it has no such temptation to the Tast, 'till it be either baked, or converted into Cider. The same may be affirmed also of the Broms-bery-Crab, Bareland-Pear, and many other Wildings, who are no less at their Self-defence; yet the Gennet-Moyle at due maturity, has both a gentle, and agreeable relish; their unagreeableness to the Palate (as else-where noted) proceeding only from the separation the juice makes from the Pulp, which even Children do remedy by contusing them on their sharpned Elbows; which (if throughly weigh'd) seems to dispute, if not overthrow some Hypotheses of Fermentation.

In sum, The Red-strake will at three years graffing give you fair hopes, and last almost an hundred years; if from sundry mens Experience of more than 60 years, we may divine, and that it agree with the Soyl. And the Gennet-Moyles hasten to an Orchard for Cider without trouble of Art or Graffing: But note,See C. Taylor's Discourse of Cider. That this Tree is very apt to contract a bur-knot near its Trunk, where it begins to divide; and being cut off under that boss, commonly grows (if so set) and becomes speedily a Tree, except it encounter an extraordinary dry Summer the first year to give it check. And though the knack of graffing be so obvious, yet this more appearing facility does so please the lazy Clowns, that in some places they neither have nor desire any other Orchards; and how this humour prevails you may perceive by the hasty progress of our Kentish Codlin in most parts of England. But this hasty growth and maturity of the Tree is by another Instance confirm'd to us from that worthy Gent. Mr. Blount of Orleton, who writes me word, that some of the rejected Spray, or Prunings of the Gennet-Moyle, taken by chance to rice a Plot of Pease (though stuck into the Earth but at April) put forth root, grew, blossom'd, and bore Apples the same year.

But to advance again our Red-strake, even above the Pepin, and the rest (besides the celerity of the improvement and constant burthen) consider we the most incredible product, since we may expect from each Apple more than double the quantity; so as in the same Orchard, under the same culture, thirty Red-strake Trees shall at ten years graffing yield more Cider than a hundred of those Pepins, and surmount them in proportion during their period at least sixty or seventy years: So that granting the Cider of the Golden-Pepin should excel, (which with some is precarious) yet 'tis in no wise proper for a Cider-Orchard, according to our general design, not by half so soon bearing, nor so constantly, nor in that quantity, nor fulness or security.

Concerning Perry, the Horse-Pear and Bare-land-Pear are reputed of the best, as bearing almost their weight of spriteful and vinous Liquor. The Experienced prefer the tawny or ruddy sort,Aph. 43. Aph. 34. as the colour of all other most proper for Perry: They will grow in common-fields, gravelly, wild, and stony ground, to that largeness, as one only Tree has been usually known to make three or four Hogsheads: That of Bosbury, and some others, are so tart and [Page] harsh that there is nothing more safe from plunder, when even a Swine will not take them in his mouth. But thus likewise would the abundance preserve these Fruits, as we see it does in Normandy.

CHAP. V. Of the Place and Order.

WE do seriously prefer a very wild Orchard, as mainly intended for the publick utility, and to our purpose of obliging the People, as with a speedy Plantation yielding store for Cider: Upon this it is that we do so frequently inculcate, how well they thrive upon Arable, whilst the continuing it so accelerates the growth in almost half the time: And if the Arable can be so levell'd (as commonly we see it for Barly-land) then without detriment it may assume the Ornament of Cyrus, and flourish in the Quincunx.

If it be shallow Land, or must be rais'd with high Ridges, then 'tis necessary to have more regard of planting on the tops of those eminencies, and to excuse the unavoydable breach of the decussis, as my Lord Verulam excuseth the defect of our humane phansies in the Constellations, which obey the Omnipotent order rather than ours: Add to this the rigour of the Royal Society, which approves more of plainness and usefulness, than of niceness and curiosity; whiles many putting themselves to the vast charge of levelling their grounds, oftentimes make them but the worse; since where the places are full of gastly inequalities, there may be planted some sorts of Cider-fruit, which is apt by the great burden to be press'd down to the ground, and there (whiles it hides Irregularities) to bear much better, and abundantly beyond belief; for so have been seen many such recumbent Pear-trees bear each of them two, three, yea, even to six or more Hogsheads yearly.

And for this Cider, whiles we prefer some sorts of Wildings which do not tempt the palate of a Thief, by the caution we shall not provoke any man to repent his charge from the necessity of richer and more reserv'd Enclosures; Though we have frequently seen divers Orchards successfully planted on very poor Arable, and even in stony Gleab, gravel and clay, and that pretty high, on the sides and declivities of Hills, where it only bears very short grass, like to the most ordinary Common, not worth the charge of Tillage: And yet even there the Tenants and Confiners sometimes enclose it for the Fruit, and find their reward, though not equally to such Orchards as are planted on better ground, and in the Vallies. Hence we suggest, That if there be no Statute for it, 'twere to be wished there were a Law which should allow endeavours of this nature out of the Common-field, to enclose for these Encouragements, [Page] since both the Publick and the Poor (whatever the clamour is) are advantaged by such Enclosures, as Tusser in his old Rhimes, and all indifferent observers apprehend with good reason.

True indeed it is, That all Land is not fit for Orcharding, so as even where to form just Inclosures, being either too shallow and dry, or too wet and sterving: But this (saith the judicious Mr Buckland) we may aver, That there are few Parishes, or Hamlets in England where there are not some fat and deep Headlands capable of Rows of Trees; and that (as hath been said) the raised Banks of all Inclosures generally by the advantage of the depth, fatness, and health of their Mould, yield ready opportunity for planting; (yea, and in many Countrys multitudes of Crab-stocks fit to be graffed;) in which latter (saith he) I have frequently observed very goodly Fruit-bearing Trees, when in the same soil Trees in Orchards have been poor and worth nothing. To conclude,

If the soil be very bad and unkind, any other Fruit (which it may more freely yield without requiring much depth, and less Sun) may be planted instead of Apples.

CHAP. VI. Of Transplanting, and Distance.

THe most proper season for Transplanting is before the hard Frosts of Winter surprize you, and that is a competent while before Christmas: And the main point is, to see that the Roots be larger than the Head; and the more ways that extends, the better and firmer.

If the Stock seems able to stand on its own three or four legs (as we may call 'em,) and then after settlement some stones be heaped or laid about it, as it were gently wedging it fast, and safe from Winds (which stones may after the second or third year be removed) it will salve from the main danger: For if the Roots be much shaken the first Spring, it will hardly recover it.

You may transplant a Fruit-Tree almost at any tolerable season of the Year, especially if you apprehend it may be spent before you have finish'd your work, having many to remove: Thus, let your Trees be taken up about Allhallontide, (or as soon as the leaf begins to fall); then having trimm'd and quickned the Roots, set them in a Pit, forty, fifty, or a hundred together, yet so as they may be covered with mould, and kept very fresh: By the Spring they will be found well cured of their wounds, and so ready to strike root and put forth, that being Transplanted where they are to stand, they will take suddenly, and seldom fail; whereas being thus cut at Spring they recover with greater hazard.

The very Roots of Trees planted in the ground, and buried within a quarter of an Inch, or little more, of the level of the Bed, will sprout, and grow to be very good Stocks. This and the [Page] other being Experiments of our own, we thought convenient to mention.

By the oft removal of a Wild-stock, cutting the ends of the Roots, and dis-branching somewhat of the Head at every change of place, it will greatly abate of its natural wildness, and in time bring forth more civil and ingenuous Fruit: Thus Gillyflowers do (by oft removals, and at full-Moon especially) increase and multiply the leaves.

Plant not too deep; for the over-turf is always richer than the next Mould. How material it is to keep the coast or side of the Stock, as well in Fruit-trees as in Forest, we have sufficiently discuss'd; nor is the Negative to be prov'd.

See Aph. 35.For the distance in Fields, they may be set from thirty two to sixty Foot, so as not to hinder the Plough, nor the benefit of manure and soil; but in hedg-rows as much nearer as you please, Sun and Air considered.

CHAP. VII. Of the Fencing.

SEeing a Cider-Orchard is but a wild Plantation, best in Arable well enclos'd from Beasts, and yet better on the Tops, Ridges, and natural Inequalities, (though with some loss of Order, as we shew'd,) one of the greatest discouragements is the preserving of our Trees being planted, the raising of them so familiar.

We have in our Sylva treated in particular of this, as of one of the most material obstacles; wherein yet we did purposely omit one Expedient, which came then to our hands from the very Industrious Mr. Buckland to the Learned Dr. Beal: You shall have it in his own words.

This of Fencing single Trees useth to be done by Rails at great charges; or by Hedges and Bushes, which every other year must be renew'd, and the materials not to be had in all places neither. I therefore prefer and commend to you the ensuing form of Planting and Fencing, which is more cheap and easie, and which hath other Advantages in it, and not commonly known. I never saw it but once, and that imperfectly perform'd; but have practis'd it my self with success: Take it thus.

Set your Tree on the Green-swarth, or five or six inches under it if the soil be very healthy; if moist or weeping, half a foot above it; then cut a Trench round that Tree, two foot or more in the cleare from it: Lay a rank of the Turfs, with the grass outward, upon the inner side of the Trench towards your Plant, and then a second rank upon the former, and so a third, and fourth, all orderly plac'd, (as in a Fortification) and leaning, towards the Tree, after the form of a Pyramide, or larger Hop-hill: Always as you place a row of Turfs [Page] in compass, you must fill up the inner part of the Circle with the loose Earth of the second spit which you dig out of your Trench, and which is to be two foot and half wide, or more, as you desire to mount the hillock, which by this means you will have rais'd about your Plant near three foot in heighth. At the point it needs not be above two foot or eighteen inches diametre, where you may leave the Earth in form of a Dish, to convey the Rain towards the body of the Tree; and upon the top of this hillock prick up five or six small Briars or Thorns, binding them lightly to the body of the Plant, and you have finish'd the work.

The commodities of this kind of Planting are,

First, Neither Swine, nor Sheep, nor any other sort of Cattel can annoy your Trees.

Secondly, You may adventure to set the smaller Plants, being thus raised, and secur'd from the reach of Cattel.

Thirdly, Your Trees faston in the Hillock against violence of Winds, without Stakes to fret and canker them.

Fourthly, If the soil be wet, it is hereby made healthy.

Fifthly, If very dry, the hillock defends from the outward heat.

Sixthly, It prevents the Couch-grass, which for the first years insensibly robs most plants in sandy grounds apt to graze. And,

Lastly, The grazing bank will recompence the nigardly Farmer for the waste of his Ditch, which otherwise he will sorely bethink.

In the second or third year (by what time your Roots spread) the Trench, if the Ground be moist, or Seasons wet, will be neer fill'd up again by the treading of Cattel; for it need not be cleansed; but then you must renew your Thorns: Yet if the Planter be curious, I should advise a casting of some small quantity of rich Mould into the bottom of the Trench the second year, which may improve the growth, and invite the Roots to spread.

In this manner of Planting, where the soil is not rich, the exact Planter should add a little quantity to each Root of Earth from a frequented High-way, or Yard where Cattel are kept; One Load will suffice for six or seven Trees; this being much more proper than rotted soil or loose Earth; the fat Mould best agreeing with the Apple Tree.

The broader and deeper your Ditch is, the higher will be your Bank, and the securer your Fence; but then you must add some good Earth in the second year, as before.

I must subjoyn, That only Trees of an upright growth be thus planted in open grounds; because spreading of low growing Trees will be still within reach of Cattel as they encrease: Nor have I met with any inconvenience in this kind of Transplanting (which is applicable to all sorts of Trees) but that the Mole and the Ant may find ready entertainment the first year, and sometime impairs a weak rooted Plant; otherwise it rarely miscarries. In sum,

This manner of Fencing is soon executed by an indifferent Workman, who will easily set and guard six Trees in a Winter day. Thus far Mr. Buckland: To which we shall only add, That those which are planted in the Hedg-rows need none of these defences; for (I [Page]am told) in Hereford-shire in the Plantations of their Quick-sets, or any other, all men did so superstitiously place a Crab-stock at every twenty foot distance, as if they had been under some rigorous Statute requiring it; and I am of Opinion, that 'twere better to be content with Fruit in the bordering Mounds, than to be at all this trouble to raise Tumps, or temporary banks in the midst of an In [...]osure; or if Pears will thrive in the Plain of the Ortyard, as we frequently see them, (where neither Apple or other Fruit could in appearance be expected) then Crabs, which may be raised on the Mounds, will kindly mix the Liquor into very good Beverage.

CHAP. VIII. Of Pruning and Use of the Fruit-Trees.

THe Branches are to be lopp'd in proportion to the bruises of the Roots, whose fibres else should only be quickned, not altogether cut off nor intangled: For the Top, let a little of each arm be lopp'd in Cider-fruit only; but for the Pears, cut two or three buds deep at the summities of their aspiring Branches, just above the eye slanting; this will keep them from over-hasty mounting, reduce them into shape, and accelerate their bearing.

To this we add again out of Dr. Beals Herefordshire Orchards, pag. 23. In a graffed plant every Bough should be lopped at the very tops, in Apples and Pears, as in Cherries and Plums, if Transplanted without violation of Roots, which only indeed renders it less necessary.

In most kinds of natural Plants the Boughs should not at all be lopped, but some taken off close to the Trunk, that the Root at first Transplantation be not engaged to maintain too many Suckers, this to be understood, though of such as grow naturally from the Kernel, or the Bur-knot; especially if removed after they are well rooted. And this must be done with such discretion, that the Top-branches be not too close together; for the natural Plant is apt to grow spiry, and thereby fails, of fruitfulness. Therefore let the reserved Branches be divided at a convenient roundness.

The Branches of those we call natural Plants (for usually the Graffed generally fail) that are cut off, may be set, and will grow, though slowly.

If the Top prove spiry, or the fruit unkind, then the due remedy must be in re-graffing. See Chap. xxviij. in Sylva.

Besides the Perrys, dri'd and preserv'd Fruit, useful is the Pear-Tree (and best the most barren, or Pig-taile, as they call it, which is the Wild Pyraster) for its excellent colour'd Timber, hard and levigable (seldom or not ordinarily worm-eaten) especially for [Page] Stools, Tables, Chairs, Pistol-Stocks, Instrument-Maker, Cabinets, and very many works of the Joyner, (who can make it easily to counterfeit Ebony) and Sculptor, either for flat, or emboss'd-Works, and to Engrave upon, because the Grain intercepts not the Tool. And so is likewise both the Black-Cherry (especially for the Necks of Musical-Instruments) and the Plum-Tree.

§

[Page]

[Page]

ANIMADVERSION.

IF some of the following Discourses seem less constant, or (upon occasion) repugnant to one another, they are to be consider'd as relating only to the several gusts, and guizes of Persons and Countries, and not to be looked upon as recommended Secrets, much less impos'd, farther than upon Tryal they may prove grateful to the Publick, and the different inclinations of those who affect these Drinks: nor in reason ought any to decry what is propos'd for the universal Benefit; since it costs them nothing but their civility to so many obliging Persons.

[Page]

[Page]

GENERAL ADVERTISEMENTS CONCERNING CIDER: By Dr BEALE.

1. HE that would treat exactly of Cider and Perry, must lay his foundation so deep as to begin with the Soyl: For as no Culture or Graffs will exalt the French Wines to compare with the Wines of Greece, Canaries, and Montefiasco; so neither will the Cider of Bromyard and Ledbury equal that of Ham lacy, and Kings-Capell, in the same small County of Hereford.

2. Yet the choice of the Graff or Fruit hath so much of prevalency, that the Red-strake-Cider will every where excel common Cider, as the Grape of Frontignac, Canary, or Baccharach, excels the common French Grape; at least, till by time and traduction it degenerateth.

3. I cannot divine what Soil or what Fruit would yield the best Cider; or, how excellent Cider or Perry might be if all Soils in common and all Fruit were tried; but for thirty years I have tried all sorts of Cider in Hereford-shire, and for three years I have tried the best Cider in Somerset-shire; and for some years I have had the best Cider of Kent and Essex at my call; yet hitherto I have always found the Cider of Hereford shire the best, and so adjudged by all good Palates. But I shall rejoice to be better informed, and truly from all other Countries; and do both wish and hope, that in a short time, we shall every where be rich in many Improvements.

4. I cannot undertake to particularize all kind of Soil, no more than to compute how many syllables may be drawn from the Alphabet; the number of Alphabetical Elements being better known than the Ingredients and Particles of Soil, as Chalk, Clay, Gravel, Sand, Marle, (the tenaciousness, colour, and innumerable other qualities, shewing endless diversities;) and the Fruit of Crabs, Apples, and Pears, being as various as of Grapes, Figs, and Plums.

5. Yet in gross, this I note; That as Bacchus amat colles, and a light ground, so our best Cider comes from the hot Rie-Lands: In fat Wheat-Land it is more sluggish; and in white, stiff Clay-Land (as in Woollhope in Hereford-shire) the common Cider retains a [Page] thick whey-colour, and not good: Only such as riseth there (by the diligence or some Art of the Inhabitants) is bright and clear, and so lively, that they are apt to challenge the best.

6. Some Cider mixeth kindly with Water in the Cider-mill, and will hold out a good small Wine, and less inflaming, all the following Summer. Some Cider (as of Long-hope, a kind of sour Wood-Land Country of Herefordshire) will not bear any mixture of Water, but soon decay, and turn more harsh and sour: And thus we noted in France, some course Wines stuck like paint in the Glass, unwilling to incorporate with the Water: Vin d' Aye, and other delicate Wines, did spread themselves more freely, as gold is more ductile than baser metals.

7. Some would, for a fit, extol the Cider of Pearmains, some of Pepins; (and of Pepins I have found a congenial Liquor, less afflicting splenetick persons, as in mine own experience I conceived:) And Sir Henry Lingen once extolled the Cider of Eleots (as richly bedewing the Glass like the best Canaries;) and full Hogsheads of the Stocking-Apple have been tried amongst us, but disappointing our expectation, though perhaps by evil ordering: Yet Mr. Gritten highly boasted a Mixture of Stocking-Apples and May-Pears, tried (as I take it) by himself: After many years trial of those and many other kinds, the Red-strake carried the common fame, and from most of those reduced admirers. The Gennet-Moyl Cider was indeed more acceptable to tender Palats; and it will require Custom and Judgment to understand the preferrency of the Red-strake, whose mordicant sweetness most agreeably gives the farewel, endearing the rellish to all flagrant Palats; which both obliges, whets, and sharpens the stomach with its masculine and winy vigour; and many thousands extol it for exceeding the ordinary French-Wine: But grant it should not be so strong as Wine; let me ask how many sober persons abroad addict themselves to meer Wine? Then compare this with diluted Wine, as usually for temperate men, and then let the trial be made, whether the Pepin-Cider or Red-strake will retain the winy vigour in greater proportion of Water. Add to this, That they commonly mingle Water in the Press with Apples (a good quantity) whiles they grinde the Apple; and the Water thus mixed, at that time, does so pleasingly incorporate in the grinding, fermentation, and maturity of Vesseling, that 'tis quite another and far more pleasant thing than if so much or half so much Water were mingled in the Cup at the drinking time; as Salt on the Trencher will not give Beef, Pork, or Neats-Tongue, half that same rellish which duly powder'd and timely season'd.

8. I did once preser the Gennet-moyl Cider, but had only the Ladies on my side, as gentler for their sugary palats, and for one or two sober draughts; but I saw cause to recant, and to confess the Red-strake to warm and whet the Stomach, either for meat or more drink.

9. The right Cider-fruit is far more succulent, and the Liquor more easily divides from the pulpe of the Apple, than in best Table-fruit, [Page] in which the juice and the pulp seem friendly to dissolve together on the tongues end.

10. The Liquor of best Cider-fruit in the Apple, in best season of ripeness, is more brisk and smart than that which proves duller Cider: And generally the fiercest Pears, and a kind of tamer Crabs, (and such was the Red-strake called in my memory) makes the more winy Cider.

11. Palladius denieth Perry to bear the heat of Summer; but there is a Pear in Bosbury, and that Neighbourhood, which yields the Liquor richer the second year than the first, and so by my experience very much amended the third year: They talk much higher; but that's beyond my account.

12. As Cider is for some time a sluggard, so by like care it may be retained to keep the Memorials of many Consuls; and these smoaky bottles are the nappy Wine. My Lord Scudamore seldome fails of three or four years; and he is nobly liberal to offer the Trial.

13. As red Apples, so red Pears (and amongst them the red Hors-pear next to the Bosbury) have held out best for the stomach and durance: But Pears do less gratifie the stomach than Apples.

14. The season of grinding these harsh Pears is after a full maturity, not till they have dropt from the Tree, and there lain under the Tree, or in heaps, a week, or thereabouts.

15. And so of Cider-Apples, as of Grapes, they require full maturity, which is best known by their natural fragrancy; and then also, as ripe Grapes require a few mellowing days, so do all Apples, as about a week or little more, so they be not bruised, which soon turns to rottenness; and better sound from the Tree than rotten from the heap; though yet the juice of Apples and Pears (yea, of Cherrys or Grapes) is not altogether destroy'd, or quite putrified, as soon as the Pulp seems to be corrupted; neither haply needs there such curiosity, to cull and pick them so accurately, as some prescribe, though doubtless the cleaner, and less contaminated, the better.

16. That due maurity, and some rest on the heap, does make the Liquor taste rather of Apples than winy, hath no more truth, (if the Cider be kept to fit age) than that very old Cheese doth taste of a Posset.

17. The harsher the wild-fruit is, the longer it must lye on heaps; for of the same fruit, suddenly ground, I have tasted good Ver juice; being on heaps till near Christmas, all good-fellows called it Rhenish wine.

18. The Grinding is somewhat considerable, rather too much than too little; here I saw a Mill in Somersetshire which grinds half a Hogshead at a grist, and so much the better ground for the frequent rolling.

19. See for This, excellent directions in Mr. Newburghs preserving of the surface; C. Taylors Vessel, and Dr Smiths closing of it up. Soon after grinding it should be prest, and immediately be put into the Vessel, that it may ferment before the spirits be dissipated; and then also in fermenting time the Vent-hole should not [Page] be so wide as to allow a prodigal waste of the spirits; and as soon as the ferment begins to allay, the Vessels should be filled of the same, and well stopped.

20. Of late 'tis much commended, that before it be prest the Liquor and Must should for four and twenty hours ferment together in a Vat for that purpose, covered, as Ale or Beer in the Yest-vat, and then tunned up. This is said to enrich the liquor, and to give it somewhat of the tincture of some red Apples, as I have seen, and very well approved.

21. As Sulphur hath some use in Wines, so some do lay Brimstone on a ragge, and by a wire let it down into the Cider-Vessel and there fire it; and when the Vessel is full of the smoak, the liquor speedily poured in ferments the better. I cannot condemn this, for Sulphur is more kind to the Lungs than Cider, and the impurity will be discharged in the ferment.

22. Apples over-long hoarded before grinding will for a long time hold the liquor thick; and this liquor will be both pleasant, and as I think, wholesome; and we see some rich Wines of the later Vintage, and from Greece, retain a like crassitude, and they are both meat and drink.

23. I have seen thick harsh Cider the second Summer become clear and very richly pleasant; but I never saw clear acid Cider recover.

24. Wheat or Leven is good and kind in Cider, as in Beer; Juniper-berries agree well and friendly for Coughs, weak Lungs, and the aged, but not at first for every Palate: The most infallible and undiscerned improver, is Mustard a Pint to each Hogshead, bruised, as for sauce, with a mixture of the same Cider, and applied as soon as the Vessel is to be closed after fermenting.

25. Bottleing is the next improver, and proper for Cider; some put two or three Raisins into every Bottle, which is to seek aid from the Vine. Here in Somersetshire I have seen as much as a Wal nut of Sugar, not without cause, used for this Country Cider.

26. Crabs do not hasten the decay of Perry, but preserve it, as Salt preserves flesh. But Pears and Crabs being of a thousand kinds require more Aphorisms; this only I would Note, that Land which refuses Apples, is generally civil to Pears, and Crabs mingled with them, make a rich and wholsome Cider, and has sometimes challenged even the best Red-strake.

27. Neither Wheat, Leven, Sulphur, nor Mustard, are used but by very few; and therefore are not necessary to make Cider last well, for two, three, or four years.

28. The time of drawing Cider into Bottles is best in March, it being then clarified by the Winter, and free from the heat of the Sun.

29. In drawing, the best is neerest the heart or middle of the Vessel, as the Yelk in the Egge.

30. Red-strakes are of divers kinds, but the name is in Herefordshire appropriated to one kind, which is fair and large, of a high purple colour, the smell Aromatical, the Tree a very shrub, [Page] soon bearing a full burden, and seldom or never failing till it decays, which is much sooner than other Apple-trees. 'Tis lately spread all over Hereford-shire; and he that computes speedy return, and true Wine, will think of no other Cider-Apple, till a better be found.

31. I said the Red strake is a small shrub, 'tis of small growth where the Cider proves richest, for ought we have yet seen in Herefordshire, viz. in light quick land; and if the land be very dry, jejune and shallow, that and other Cider-fruit (especially the Gennet-moyle) will suspend the store of fruit alternatively every other year; except some Blasts or surprising Frosts in the Spring alter that Method; for two bad years seldom come together, very hardly three.

32. In good soil, I mean of common field (for fat land is not best for Cider-fruit, but common arable) I have seen the Trees of good growth, almost equalling other Cider-trees, the Apple larger and seldom failing of a good burthen: thus in the Vales of Wheat-lands, in strong Glebe or Clay, where the Cider is not so much extolled: but still Sack is Sack, and Canary differs from Claret; so does the Red-strake-Cider of the Vale excell any other Cider of the foresaid soil, such as is already celebrated for its kindness to good Cider.

33. Yet this distinction of Soil requires much experience, and great heed, if we insist upon accurate directions; for as Lauremberg saith, in pingni solo non seruntur omnia rectè, ne (que), in macro nihil. And for Gardens, Flowers, and Orchards, I would chuse many times such lands as do not please the Husbandman, either for Wheat or sweet Pasture, which are his chief aims; and thus Lauremberg, In Arida & tenui terra faelicius proveniunt Ruta, Allium, Petroselinum, Crocus, Hyssopus, Capparis, Lupini, Satureia, Thymus; Arbores quo (que), tenue & macilentum solum amane; item (que), frutices pleri (que) Hujusmodi arbores sunt, Pomus, Pyrus, Cerasus, Prunus, Persica, Cotonea, Morus, Juglans, Corylus, Staphylodendrum, Mespilus, Ornus, Castanea, &c. Frutices, scil. Vitis, Berberis, Genista, Juniperus, Oxyacantha, Periclymenum, Rosa, Ribesium, Ʋva, Spina, Vaccinia, &c.

34. But here also we must distinguish, that Pears will bear in a very stony, hungry, gravelly-land, such as Apples will not bear in; and I have seen Pears bear in a tough binding hungry Clay, when Apples could not so well bear it (as the smooth rinds of the Pear-trees, and the Mossie and cankered rinds of the Apple trees did prove) the root of a Pear-tree being it seems more able to pierce a stony and stiff ground. And Cherries, Mulberries and Plums can rejoyce in a richer soil, though by the smalness of the Roots, the shallower soil will suffice them. And the Quinces require a deeper ground, and will bear with some degrees of hungry land, if they be supplied with a due measure of succulency, and neighbouring moisture; and the other shrubs, according to the smalness of their roots, do generally bear a thinner land. I have seen a soil so much too rank for Apples and Plums, that all their fruits from year to year were [Page] always worm-eaten, till their lives were forfeited to the fire.

35. To take up from these Curiosities, the most useful result to our purpose; we have always found these Orchards to grow best, last longest, and bear most, which are frequently tilled for Barley, Wheat, or other Corn, and kept (by Culture and seasonable rest) in due strength to bear a full crop. And therefore, whereas the Red-strake might otherwise without much injury be planted at fifteen or twenty foot distance, and the best distance for other Cider-fruit hath heretofore been reputed thirty, or two and thirty foot; very good husbands do now allow in their largest Inclosures (as of 20, 40 or 100 Acres) fifty or sixty foot distance, that the Trees may not much hinder the Plow, and yet receive the benefit of Compost; and a Horse-teem well governed will (without any damage of danger) plow close to the Trees.

36. In such soil as is here required, namely of good Tillage, an Orchard of graffed Red-strakes will be of good growth, and good burthen, within ten or twelve years, and branch out with good store to begin an encouragement at three years graffing; and (except the land be very unkind) will not yield to any decay within sixty or eighty years, which is a mans age.

37. In some sheets I rendred many Reasons against Mr. Austin of Oxford, why we should prefer a peculiar Cider-fruit, which in Herefordshire are generally called Musts; (so we name both the Apple and the Liquor, and Pulpe as mingled together in the contusion) as from the Latine Mustum. White-Musts of divers kinds, Red-cheek'd and Red-strak'd Musts of several kinds, Green-Musts called also Green-fillet, and Blew-spotted: Why, I say, we should prefer them for Cider, before Table-fruit, as Pepins, Pearmains, &c. And I do still insist on them: 1. The Liquor of these Cider-fruits and of many kinds of austere fruit, which are no better than a sort of full succulent Crabs, is more sprightful, brisk and winy. For Essay, I sent up many bottles to London, that did me no discredit. Secondly, One bushel of the Cider-fruit yields twice or thrice as much liquor. Thirdly, The Tree grows more in three or four years than the other in ten years, as I oft times remarked. Fourthly, The Tree bears far greater store, and doth more generally escape Blasts and Frosts of the Spring. I might add, that some of these, and especially such Pears as yield the best Perry, will best escape the hand of the Thief, and may be trusted in the open field.

38. By the first, second and fourth of these Reasons, I must exclude the Gennet-Moyle from a right Cider fruit, it being dry and very apt to take frosty blasts; yet it is no Table-fruit, but properly a baking fruit, as the ruddy colour from the Oven shews.

39. I said that the right Cider-fruit generally called Musts, and deserving the Latine name Mustum, is of divers kinds; and I have need to note more expresly that there is a Red-strak'd Must (as I have often seen) but not generally known, that is quite differing from the famous Red-strake, being much less, somewhat oblong and like some of the white Musts in shape, and full of a very good winy liquor. I could willingly name the persons and place where [Page] the distinct kinds are best known: it was first shewed me by John Nash of Ashperton in Herefordshire; and for some years they did in some places distinguish a Red-strake, as yielding a richer Red-strak'd Cider of a more fulvous or ruddy colour; but this difference, as far as I could find, is but a choice of a better insolated or ruddy fruit of the best kind, as taken from the South part of the Tree, or from a soil that renders them richer. But my Lord Scudamore's is safely of the best sort; and M. Whingate of the Grange in Dimoc, and some of King's-capel, do best know these and other differences, Straked-Must, right Red-strake, Red-Redstrake, &c.

40. The greenish Must, (formerly called in the Language of the Country, the Green-fillet) when the Liquor is of a kindly ripeness, retains a greeness equal to the Rhenish-glass; which I note for them that conceive no Cider to be fit for use till it be of the colour of old Sack.

41. To direct a little more caution, for enquiry of the right Red-strake, I should give notice that some Moneths ago, M. Philips of Mountague in Somersetshire, shewed me a very fair large Red-strake Apple, that by smell and sight seemed to me and to another of Herefordshire then with me to be the best Red strake; but when we did cut it, and taste it, we both denied it to be right (the other with much more confidence than my self) but M. Philips making Cider of it, this week invited me to it, assuring that already it equals or resembles High-country-wines. It had not such plenty of juice as our Red strakes with us, and it had more of the pleasantness of Table-fruit, which might be occasioned, for ought I know, by the purer and quicker soil. This Apple is here call'd Meriot-Ysnot, and great store of them are at Meriot, a Village not far distant: Possibly, this Meriot may prove to be the Red-strake of Somerset-shire, when they shall please to try it apart with equal diligence and constancy as they do in Hereford-shire: This fruit is of a very lovely hue, and by some conceived to be of Affinity to the Red-Jersey-Apple, which is reported to tinge so deeply: In truth, there can hardly be a deeper Purple, than is our right Herefordshire Red-strake, having a few streaks towards the Eye, of a dark colour, or Orange-tawny intermingled: But, 'tis no wonder if an Apple should change its Name in travelling so far beyond the Severn, when even in this Country, most sorts of Apples, and especially, Cider-fruit, loseth the Name in the next Village.

42. I may now ask why we should talk of other Cider-fruit or Perry, if the best Red-strake have all the aforesaid pre-eminencies of richer and more winy liquor, by half sooner an Orchard, more constantly bearing, &c. An Orchard of Red-strakes is commonly as full of fruit at ten years, as other Cider-fruit at twenty years, or as the Pepin and Pearmain at thirty or thereabout.

43. To this may be Answered, that all soils bear not Apples, and to some soils other Apples may be more kind, and if we be driven to Perry, much we may say both in behalf of the Perry, and of the Pear; of the fruit, and of the Tree; It is the goodlier Tree for a Grove, to shelter a house and walks from Summers heat and Winters[Page]cold Winds, and far more lasting; the pleasantest Cider-pear of a known name amongst them, is the Horse-pear. And it is much argued, whether the White-horse-pear, or the Red-horse-pear be the better; where both are best, within two Miles they differ in judgment. The Pear bears almost its weight of sprightful winy Liquor; and I always preferred the tawny or ruddy Horse-pear, and generally that colour in all Pears that are proper for Perry.

44. I rejected Palladius against the durableness of Perry; his words are, Hyeme durat, sed prima acescit aestate, Tit. 25. Febr. possibly so of common Pears, and in hotter Countries; but from good Cellars I have tasted a very brisk lively and winy liquor of these Horse-pears during the end of Summer; and a Bosbury-pear I have named and often tried, which without bottleing, in common Hogsheads of vulgar and indifferent Cellars, proves as well pleasanter as richer the second year, and yet also better the third year. A very honest, worthy and witty Gentleman of that neighbourhood would engage to me, that in good Cellars, and in careful custody, it passeth any account of decay, and may be heightned to a kind of Aqua-vitae. I take the information worthy the stile of our modern improvements.

The Pear-tree grows in common fields and wild stony ground, to the largeness of bearing one, two, three or four Hogsheads each year.

45. This Bosbury-tree, and such generally that bear the most lasting Liquor and winy, is of such unsufferable taste, that hungry Swine will not smell to it; or if hunger tempt them to taste, at first crush they shake it out of their mouths; (I say not this of the Horse-pear) and the Clowns call other Pears, of best Liquor, Choak-pears, and will offer money to such as dare adventure to taste them, for their sport; and their mouths will be more stupified than at the root of Wake-robin.

46. A row of Crab-trees will give an improvement to any kind of Perry; and since Pears and Crabs may be of as many kinds as there are kernels, or different kinds or mixtures of soils; in a general Character I would prefer the largest and fullest of all austere juices.

47. M. Lill of Mark-hill (aged about 90 years) ever observed this Rule, to graff no wild Pear-tree till he saw the fruit; if it proved large, juicy, and brisk, it failed not of good Liquor. But I see cause to say, that to graff a young tree with a riper graff, and known excellency, is a sure gain and hastens the return.

48. M. Speke (last high Sheriff of Somersetshire) shewed me in his Park some store of Crab-trees, of such huge Bulk, that in this fertile year he offered a wager, that they would yield one or two Hogsheads of Liquor each of them; yet were they small dry Crabs.

49. I have seen several sorts of Crabs (which are the natural Apple, or at worst but the Wild-Apple) which are as large as many sorts of Apples, and the Liquor winy.

50. I have disclaimed the Gust of Juniper-berries in Cider; I [Page] tried it only once for my self, and drank it before Christmas: possibly in more time the rellish had been subdued or improved, as of Hops in stale Beer, and of Rennet in good Parmasan. Neither was the Gust to me otherwise unpleasant than as Annise-seeds in Bread, rather strange than odious; and by custom made grateful, and it did hasten the clarification, and increase the briskness to an endless sparkling: thus it indulgeth the Lungs, and nothing more cheap; where Juniper grows a Girl may speedily fill her lap with the Berries.

If Barbados Ginger be good, cheaper, and a more pleasant preserver of Beer, it must probably be most kind for Cider: For first, of all the improvers that I could name, bruised Mustard was the best; and this Ginger hath the same quick, mordicant vigour, in a more noble and more Aromatique fragrancy. Secondly, Cider (as I oft complain) is of a sluggish and somewhat windy nature; and for some Moneths the best of it is chain'd up with a cold ligature, as we fancy the fire to be lock'd up in a cold Flint. This will relieve the prisoner. And thirdly, will assist the winy vigour for them that would use it instead of a sparkling VVine. Fourthly, 'Tis a good sign of much kindness, and great friendship: it will both enliven the ferment for speedier maturity, and also hold it out for more duration, both which offices it performs in Beer.

51. Cider being windy before maturity, some that must not wait the leisure of best Season do put sprigs of Rose-mary and Bays in the Vessel; the first good for the head, and not unpleasant; the second, an Antidote against Infections; but less pleasant till time hath incorporated the Tastes.

52. And why may we not make mention of all these Mixtures, as well as the Ancients of their Vinum Marrubii, Vinum Abrotonites, Absynthites, Hyssopites, Marathites, Thymites, Cydonites, Myrtites, Scillites, Violaceum, Sorbi, &c.

53. And, for mixtures, I think we may challenge the Ancients, in naming the Red-raspy; of which there is in this County a Lady that makes a Bonella, the best of Summer drinks. And more yet if we name the Clove-july-flower, or other July-flowers, a most grateful Cordial, as it is infused by a Lady in Staffordshire, of the Family of the Devereux's, and by some Ladies of this Country.

54. I could also give some account of Cherry-wine, and Wine of Plums; the last of which (in the best Essay that I have yet seen) is hardly worthy to be named: But, I conceive, and have ground for it, that some good Liquor and Spirits may be drawn from some sorts of them, and in quantity: And the vast store of Cherrys in some places, under a peny the pound, and of Plums that bend the Trees with their burdens, and their expedite growth makes it cheap enough, and as in the other, so in these, the large English or Dutch sharp Cherry, makes the Cherry-wine, and the full black, tawny Plum, as big as a Walnut (not the kind of Heart-Cherrys, nor the Plum which divides from the stone) make the Wine. Their cheapness should recommend them to more general use at Tables, when dryed like Prunellas (an easie art) and then wholesomer.

[Page]55. To return for Red-strake; 'tis a good drink as soon as well fermented, or within a Moneth, better after some Frosts, and when clarified; rich Wine, when it takes the colour of old Sack. In a good Cellar it improves in Hogsheads the second year; in Bottles and sandy Cellars keeps the Records of late revolutions and old Majoralties. Quaere the manner of laying them up in sand-houses.

56. I tried some Bottles all a Summer in the bottom of a Fountain; and I prefer that way where it may be had. And 'tis somewhat strange if the Land be neither dry for a sand-house, nor fountainous for this better expedient. When Cider is settl'd, and altogether, or almost clarifi'd, then to make it sprightful and winy, it should be drawn into well cork'd and well bound bottles, and kept some time in sand or water; the longer the better, if the kind be good. And Cider being preserved to due age, bottl'd (and kept in cool places, conservatories, and refrigerating springs) it does almost by time turn to Aqua-vitae; the Bottles smoak at the opening, and it catches flame speedily, and will burn like spirit of VVine, with a fiery taste; and it is a laudable way of trying the vigour of Cider by its promptness to burn, and take fire, and from the quantity of Aqua-vitae which it yields. Cider affords by way of Distillation, an incomparable and useful Spirit, and that in such plenty, as from four Quarts, a full Pint has been extracted.

57. I must not prescribe to other Palats, by asserting to what degree of Perfection good Cider may be raised, or to compare it with VVines: But when the late King (of blessed memory) came to Hereford in his distress, and such of the Gentry of VVorcestershire as were brought thither as Prisoners; both King, Nobility, and Gentry, did prefer it before the best VVines those parts afforded; and to my knowledge that Cider had no kind of Mixture. Generally all the Gentry of Herefordshire do abhor all mixtures.

Yet if any man have a desire to try conclusions, and by an harmless Art to convert Cider into Canary-wine; let the Cider be of the former year, Masculine and in full body, yet pleasant and well tasted: into such Cider put a spoonful, or so, of the spirit of Clary, it will have so much of the race of Canary, as may deceive some who pretend they have discerning Palats.

[Page]

Sir PAƲL NEIL's DISCOURSE OF CIDER.

My Lord,

IN obedience to the Commands of this Honourable Society, I have at length endeavoured to give this brief Account of that little which I know concerning the Ordering of Cider; and in that I shall propound to my self six things.

First, To shew that Cider made of the best Eating-apples must needs be once the best; (that is to say) the pleasantest Cider.

Secondly, That hitherto the general opinion hath been otherwise, and that the reason of that mistake was the not apprehending the true cause why the Pepin-cider, &c. did not retain its sweetness, when the Hard-apple-cider did.

Thirdly, What is the true cause that Pepin-cider, used in the ordinary me [...]hod, will not retain its sweetness.

Fourthly, How to cure that evil in Pepin cider.

Fifthly, A probable conjecture, how in some degree by the same Method to amend the Hard-apple-cider, and French-Wine.

Sixthly, That what is here propounded cannot chuse but be wholsome, and may be done to what degree every mans Palate shall wish.

Having now told your Lordship, what I will endeavour to do before I enter upon it, I must declare what I will not in the least pretend to do.

1. I do not pretend to any thing concerning the planting and graffing of Trees, &c.

Nor what Trees will soonest bear or last longest.

Nor what sorts of Trees are the best bearers, and may with least danger grow in Common fields.

Nor what sort of fruit will yield the greatest store of Cider.

Nor what Cider will keep the longest, and be the strongest, and wholesomest to drink constantly with meat.

[Page]The only thing I shall endeavour, being to prescribe a way to make a sort of Cider pleasant and quick of taste, and yet wholesom to drink, sometimes, and in a moderate proportion: For, if this be an Heresie, I must confess my self guilty; that I prefer Canary-wine, Verdea, the pleasantest Wines of Greece, and the High-country-wines before the harsh Sherries, Vin de Hermitage, and the Italian and Portugal rough Wines, or the best Graves-wines; not at all regarding that I am told, and do believe, that these harsh wines are more comfortable to the stomack, and a Surfeit of them less noxious, when taken; nor to be taken but with drinking greater quantities than can with safety be taken of those other pleasant Wines: I satisfying my self with this, that I like the pleasant Wines best; which yet are so wholesom, that a man may drink a moderate quantity of them without prejudice.

Nor shall I at all concern my self, whether this sort of Cider I pretend to is so vinous a liquor; and consequently will yield so much spirit upon Distillation, or so soon make the Country-man think himself a Lord, as the Hard-apple-cider will do: nor whether it will last so long; for it is no part of my design to perswade the World to lay by the making of Hard-apple-cider; but rather in a degree to shew how to improve that in point of pleasantness, and that by the making and rightly ordering of Cider of the best Eating-Apples; as Golden-pepins, Kentish-pepins, Pear-mains, &c. there may be made a more pleasant liquor for the time it will last, than can be produced from those Apples which I call Hard-Apples, that is to say, Red-strakes, Gennet-moyles, the Broms [...]ury-Crab, &c. which are so harsh that a Hog will hardly eat them.

Nor shall I at all meddle with the making of Perry, or of any mixed drink of the juyce of Apples and Pears; though possibly what I shall say for Cider may be aptly applied to Perry also.

For the first particular, I asserted that the best Apples would make the pleasantest, which in my sence is the best Cider; (and I account those the best Apples, whose juyce is the pleasantest at the time when first pressed, before fermentation) I shall need (besides the experience of the last ten years) only to say, that it is an undeniable thing in all Wines, that the pleasantest Grapes make the richest and pleasantest Wines; and that Cider is really but the Wine of Apples, and not only made by the same way of Compression; but left to it self hath the same way of Fermentation; and therefore must be liable to the same measures in the choice of the materials.

To my second Assertion, that this truth was not formerly owned, by reason that in Herefordshire, and those Countries where they abound both with Pepins and hard-apples of all sorts, they made Cider of both sorts, and used them alike; that is, that as soon as they ground and pressed the Apples and strained the Liquor, they put it into their Vessels and there let it lye till it had wrought, and afterwards was setled again and fined; as not thinking it wholesom to drink till it had thus (as they call it) purg'd it self, [Page] and this was the frequent use of most men in the more Southern and Western parts of England also. Now when Cider is thus used, it is no wonder that when they came to broach it, they for the most part found their Pepin-cider not so pleasant as their Moyle or Red strake-cider; but to them it seemed a wonder, because they did not know the reason of it (which shall be my next work to make out) for till they knew the reason of this [...]ffect, they had no cause but to think it was the nature of the several Apples that produced it; and consequently to prefer the Hard-Apple-cider, and to use the other Apples (which were good to eat raw) for the Table: which was an use not less necessary, and for which the hard-apples were totally improper.

To my third Assertion, which is, that in Herefordshire they knew not what was the true cause why their Pepin-cider (for by that name I shall generally call all sorts of Cider that is made of Apples good to eat raw) was not, as they used it, so good as the Cider made of hard-apples (for by that name, for brevities sake, I shall call the Cider of Moyle, Red-strake, and all other sorts of harsh Apples, not fit to eat raw.) First, I say, for all liquors that are Vinous, the cause that makes them sometimes harder or less pleasant to the taste, than they were at the first pressing, is the too much fermenting: If Wine or Cider by any accidental cause do ferment twice, it will be harder than if it had fermented but once; and if it ferment thrice, it is harder and worse than if it had fermented but twice: and so onward, the oftner it ferments and the longer it ferments, it still grows the harder. This being laid as a foundation, before we proceed further we must first consider what is the cause of fermentation in Wine, Cider, and all other Vinous Liquors. Which (in my poor opinion) is the gross part of the Liquor, which scapes in the straining of the Cider (for in making of Wine, I do not find that they use the curiosity of straining) and which is generally known by the name of the Lee of that (Wine or) Cider. And this Lee I shall, according to its thickness of parts, distinguish into the gross Lee, and the flying Lee.

Now, according to the old method of making and putting up of Cider, they took little care of putting up only the clear part of the Cider into their Vessels or Cask; but put them up thick and thin together, not at all regarding this separation; for experimentally they found that how thick soever they put it up, yet after it had throughly wrought or fermented and was setled again, it would still be clear; and perchance that which was put up the soonest after it was pressed and the thickest, would, when the fermentation was over, be the clearest, the briskest, and keep the longest. This made them confidently believe that it was not only not inconvenient to put it up quickly after the pressing, but in some degree necessary also to put it up soon after the pressing, so that it might have so much of the Lee mixed with it, that it might certainly, soon, and strongly put it into a fermentation, as the only means to make it wholsom, clean and brisk; and when it either [Page] did not (or that they had reason to doubt) that it would not work or ferment strongly enough, they have used to put in Mustard or some other thing of like nature to increase the fermentation.

Now that which in Cider of Pepins hath been a cause of greater fermentation than in Cider of Hard-Apples, being both used after the former method, is this, that the Pepins being a softer fruit are in the Mill bruised into smaller particles than the harder sorts of Apples; and consequently more of those small parts pass the strainer in the Pepin-Cider than in the Cider of Hard-apples, which causeth a stronger fermentation, and (according to my former principle) a greater loss of the native sweetness than in that of Hard-apple-cider; and not only so, but the Lee of the Hard-apple-cider being compounded of greater particles than the Lee of the Pepin-cider, every individual particle is in it self of a greater weight than the particles of the Lee of the Pepin-cider; and consequently less apt to rise upon small motions, which produceth this effect; that when the fermentation of the Hard-apple-cider is once over, unless the Vessel be stirred, it seldom falls to a second fermentation; but in Pepin-cider it is otherwise: For if the gross Lee be still remaining with the Cider, it needs not the motion of the Vessel to cause a new fermentation, but every motion of the Air by a change of weather from dry to moist will cause a new fermentation, and consequently make it work till it hath destroyed it self by losing its native sweetness. And this alone hath been the cause, why commonly when they broach their Pepin-cider they find it so unpleasant, that generally the Hard-apple-cider is preferred before it, although at first it was not so pleasant as the Pepin-cider. Yet after this mischief hath prevailed over the Pepin-cider, it is no wonder to find the Hard-apple-cider remaining not only the stronger, but even the more pleasant tasted. This to me seems satisfactory for the discovery of the cause, why in Herefordshire the Hard-apple-cider is preferred before the Pepin-cider. But perhaps it may by some be objected, that they have before the ten years, in which you pretend you found this to be the cause of spoiling the Pepin-cider, been in Herefordshire, and tasted the best Cider that Country did afford; and yet it was not like the Pepin-cider they had before then tasted in other parts. To this I do answer, at present, briefly, that by some mistake, or chance, the maker of this Pepin-cider, which proved good, had done that, or somewhat like that, which under the next Assertion I shall set down, as a Method to cure the inconveniences which happen to Pepin-cider, by the suffering it to ferment too often, or too strongly; but till that be explained it would be improper to shew more fully what these particular accidents might possibly be, which (without the intention of those persons which made the Cider) caused it to prove much better than their expectation, or indeed better than any could afterwards make: they possibly assigning the goodness of that Cider to somewhat that was not really the cause of that effect.

[Page]To justifie my fourth Assertion, and shew a Method how to cure the inconveniency which happens to Pepin-cider by the over-working, I must first take notice of some things which I have been often told concerning Wine, and which indeed gave me the light to know what was the cause which had made Pepin-cider that had wrought long, hard when it came to be clear again. The thing I mean, is, that in divers parts, and even in France they make three sorts of Wine out of one and the same Grapes; that is, they first take the juice of the Grapes without any more pressing than what comes from their own weight in the Vat, and the bruising they have in putting into Vessel, which causeth the ripest of those Grapes to break, and the juice without any pressing at all makes the pleasantest and most delicate Wine: And if the Grapes were red, then is this first Wine very pale. The second sort they press a little, which makes a redder Wine, but neither so pleasant as the first, nor so harsh as the last, which is made by the utmost pressing of the very skins of the Grapes, and is by much more harsh, and of deeper colour than either of the other two. Now I presume the cause of this (at least in part) to be, that in the first sort of Wine, which hath little of the substance, beside the very juice of the Grape, there is little Lee, and consequently little fermentation; and because it doth not work long, it loseth but little of the original sweetness it had: The second sort being a little more pressed hath somewhat more of the substance of the Grape added to the juice; and therefore having more of that part which causeth fermentation put with it, ferments more strongly, and is therefore, when it hath done working, less pleasant than the first sort, which wrought less. And for the same reason the third sort being most of all pressed, hath most of the substance of the Grape mingled with the Liquor, and worketh the longest: but at the end of the working when it settles and is clear, it is much more harsh than either of the two first sorts. The thought of this made me first apprehend that the substance of the Apple mingled with the juice, was the cause of fermentation, which is really nothing else but an endeavour of the Liquor to free it self from those Heterogeneous parts which are mingled with it: And where there is the greatest proportion of those dissimilar parts mingled with the Liquor, the endeavour of Nature must be the stronger, and take up more time to perfect the separation: which when finished leaves all the Liquor clear, and the gross parts settled to the bottom of the Vessel; which we call the Lee. Nor did this apprehension deceive me; for when I began (according to the Method which I shall hereafter set down) to separate a considerable part of the Lee from the Cider before it had fermented, I found it to retain a very great part of its original sweetness, more than it would have done if the Lee had not been taken away before the fermentation; and this not once, but constantly for seven years.

Now the Method which I used, was this: When the Cider was first strained, I put it into a great Vat, and there let it stand twenty four hours at least (sometimes more, if the Apples were more ripe [Page] than ordinary) and then at a tap before prepared in the Vessel three or four inches from the bottom I drew it into pails, and from thence filled the Hogshead (or lesser Vessel) and left the greatest part of the Lee behind; and during this time that the Cider stood in the Vat, I kept it as close covered with hair-clothes or sacks as I could; that so too much of the spirits might not evaporate.

Now possibly I might be asked why I did not, since I kept it so close in the Vat, put it at first into the Vessel? To which I answer, that had I put it at first into the Vessel, it would possibly (especially if the weather had chanced to prove wet and warm) have begun to ferment before that time had been expired; and then there would have been no possibility to have separated any part of the gross Lee, before the fermentation had been wholly finished; which keeping it only covered with these clothes was not in danger: For, though I kept it warm in some degree, yet some of the spirits had still liberty to evaporate; which had it been in the Hogshead with the Bung only open, they would not so freely have done; but in the first 24 hours it would have begun to ferment, and so my design had been fully lost: For those spirits if they had been too strongly reverberated into the Liquor, would have caused a fermentation before I could have taken away any part of the gross Lee. For the great mystery of the whole thing lies in this, to let so many of the spirits evaporate, that the liquor shall not ferment before the gross Lee be taken away; and yet to keep spirits enough to cause a fermentation when you would have it. For if you put it up as soon as it is strained, and do not let some of the spirits evaporate, and the gross Lee by its weight only to be separated without fermentation, it will ferment too much and lose its sweetness; and if none be left, it will not ferment at all; and then the Cider will be dead, flat and soure.

Then after it is put into the Vessel, and the Vessel fill'd all but a little (that is, about a Gallon or thereabout) I let it stand (the Bunghole being left only covered with a paper, to keep out any dust or filth that might fall in) for 24 hours more; in which time the grossest part of the Lee being formerly left in the Vat, it will not ferment, but you may draw it off by a Tap some two or three inches from the bottom of the Vessel, and in that second Vessel you may stop it up, and let it stand safely till it be fit to Bottle; and possibly that will be within a day or more: but of this time there is no certain measure to be given; there being so many things that will make it longer, or less while before it be fit to bottle. As for Example, If the Apples were over-ripe when you stamped them, or ground them in the Mill, it will be the longer before it will be clear enough to Bottle; or if the weather prove to be warmer or moister than ordinary: or that your Apples were of such kinds, as with the same force in the stamping or grinding they are broken into smaller particles than other Apples that were of harder kinds.

Now, for knowing when it is fit to Bottle, I know no certain Rule that can be given, but to broach the Vessel with a small Piercer, and in that hole fit a peg, and now and then (two or three times in a [Page] day) draw a little, and see what fineness it is of; for when it is bottled it must not be perfectly fine; for if it be so, it will not fret in the bottle, which gives it a fine quickness, and will make it mantle and sparkle in the glass, when you pour it out: And if it be too thick when it is bottled, then, when it hath stood some time in the bottles it will ferment so much that it may possibly either drive out the Corks, or break the bottles, or at least be of that sort (which some call Potgun-drink) that when you open the bottles it will fly about the house, and be so windy and cutting that it will be inconvenient to drink: For the right temper of Bottle-Cider is, that it mantle a little and sparkle when it is put out into the glass; but if it froth and fly, it was bottled too soon: Now the temper of the Cider is so nice, that it is very hard when you bottle it to foretell which of these two conditions it will have: but it is very easie within a few days after (that is to say, about a week, or so) to find its temper as to this point. For first, if it be bottled too soon; by this time it will begin to ferment in the Bottles, and in that case you must open the Bottles, and let them stand open two or three minutes, that that abundance of spirits may have Vent, which otherwise kept in would in a short time make it of that sort I called before Potgun-drink; but being let out, that danger will be avoided, and the Cider (without danger of breaking the bottles) will keep and ferment, but not too much. Now this is so easie a remedy, that I would advise all men rather to erre on the hand of bottling it too soon, than let it be too fine when they bottle it; for if so, it will not fret in the bottle at all; and consequently, want that briskness which is desirable.

Yet even in this case there is a Remedy, but such a one as I am always very careful to avoid, that so I may have nothing (how little soever) in the Cider but the juice of the Apple: But the remedy is, in case you be put to a necessity to use it, that you open every bottle after it hath been bottled about a week or so, and put into each bottle a little piece of white Sugar, about the bigness of a Nutmeg, and this will set it into a little fermentation, and give it that briskness which otherwise it would have wanted. But the other way being full as easie, and then nothing to be added but the juice of the Apple to be simply the substance of your Cider, I chuse to prefer the errour of being in danger to bottle the Cider too soon, rather than too late: Nay sometimes in the bottling of one and the same Hogshead (or other Vessel) of Cider, there may the first part of it be too fine; the second part well; and the last not fine enough: and this happens when it is broached first above the middle, and then below; and then when it begins to run low, tilted or raised at the further end, and so all drawn out. But to avoid this inconvenience, I commonly set the bottles in the order they were filled, and so we need not open all to see the condition of the Cider; but trying one at each end, and one in the middle, will serve the turn: And to prevent the inconveniency, broach not at all above the middle, nor too low; and when you have drawn all that will run at the Tap, you may be [Page] secure it is so far of the same temper with the first bottle. And then tilt the Vessel; but draw no more in three or four hours at the least after, and set them by themselves, that so, if you please, you may three or four days after pour them off into other bottles, and leave the gross behind: And by this means though you have a less number of bottles of Cider than you had, yet this will continue good, and neither be apt to fly, nor have a sediment in the bottle, which after the first glass is filled will render all the rest of the bottle thick and muddy.

By all this which I have said, I think it may be made out that those persons which I mentioned in the end of the last Paragraph, that sometimes had Pepin-cider better than ordinary, and indeed then they could make again, were beholding to chance for it; either that their Apples were not so full ripe at that as at other times, and so not bruised into so small parts; but the fermentation was ended in the Vessel, and the Lee being then gross setled before the Cider had fermented so long as to be hard.

Or else, by some Accident they had not put it so soon into the Vessel, but that in part it was setled before they put it up, and the grossest part of the Lee left out of the Vessel.

Or else, the Bung being left open some part of the spirits evaporated; and that made the fermentation the weaker, and to last the less time.

Or else, they put it up in such a season that the weather continued cold and frosty till the fermentation was quite over; and then it having wrought the less time, and with the less violence, it remained more pleasant and rich than otherwise it would have done.

Now for the time of making Pepin-cider, I chuse to do it in the beginning of November, after the Apples had been gathered and laid about three weeks or more in the loft, that so the Apples might have had a little time to sweat in the house before the Cider was made, but not too much; for if they be not full ripe before they be gathered, and not suffered to lye a while in the heap, the Cider will not be so pleasant; and if they be too ripe when they are gathered, or lye too long in the heap, it will be very difficult to separate the Cider from the gross Lee before the fermentation begins: and in that case it will work so long, that when it fines the Cider will be hard; for when the Apples are too mellow, they break into so small particles, that it will be long before the Lee settles by its weight only: and then the fermentation may begin before it be separated, and so destroy your intention of taking away the gross Lee. And if the Apples be not mellow enough, the Cider will not be so pleasant as it ought to be.

This being said for the time of making the Pepin-Cider, may (mutatis mutandis) serve for all other sorts of Summer-fruit; as the Kentish codling, Marigolds, Gilly-flowers, Summer-pearmains, Summer-pepins, Holland-pepins, Golden-pepins, and even Winter-pearmains. For though they must not be made at the same time of the year, yet they must be made at the time when each respective [Page] fruit is in the same condition that I before directed that the Winter-pepin should be. Nay, even in the making of that Cider, you are not tied to that time of the year to make your Cider; but as the condition of that particular year hath been, you may make your Cider one, two, three or four weeks later; but it will be very seldom that you shall need to begin to make Kentish-pepin-Cider before the beginning of November, even in the most Southern parts of England.

The next thing I shall mention, is, the ordering of your bottles after they are filled; for in that consists no small part of causing your Cider to be in a just condition to drink: For, if it does ferment too much in the bottle, it will not be so convenient to drink, neither for the taste, nor wholsomness; and if it ferment not at all, it will want that little fret which makes it grateful to most Palates. In order to this, you must observe, first, whether the Cider were bottled too early, or too late, or in the just time: If too early, and that it hath too much of the flying Lee in it, then you must keep it as cool as you can, that it may not work too much, and if so little that you doubt it will not work at all, or too little; you must by keeping it from the inconvenience of the external air, endeavour to hasten and increase the fermentation. And this I do, by setting it in sand to cool, and by covering the bottles very well with straw, when I would hasten or increase the fermentation.

And if I find the Cider to have been bottled in its just time, then I use neither, in ordinary weather; but content my self that it stands in a close and cool Cellar, either upon the ground, or upon shelves; saving in the time that I apprehend frost, I cover it with straw, which I take off as soon as the weather changeth; and consequently about the time that the cold East winds cease; which usually with us, is in the beginning of April; I set my bottles into sand up to the necks. And by this means I have kept Pepin-cider without change till September, and might have kept it longer, if my store had been greater: For by that time the heats were totally over, and consequently, the cause of the turn of Cider.

Having now declared what is (according to my opinion) to be done to preserve Cider, if not in it's original sweetness, yet to let it lose as little as is possible; I shall now fall upon my fifth Assertion, which is, that it is probable that somewhat like the former Method may in some degree mend Hard-Apple-cider, Perry, or a drink made of the mixtures of Apples and Pears; and not impossible that somewhat of the same nature may do good to French-wines also.

First, for French-wines, I think what I have in the beginning of this discourse declared, as the hint which first put me upon the conceit, that the over-fermenting of Cider was the cause that it lost of its original sweetness (viz. the making of three sorts of Wine, of one sort of Grapes) is a testimony that the first sort of Wine hath but little of the gross Lee, and consequently, ferments but little, nor loseth but little of the original sweetness; which [Page] makes it evident that the same thing will hold in Wine, which doth in Cider; but the great difficulty is (if I be rightly informed) that they use to let the Wine begin to ferment in the Vat before they put it into the Hogsheads or other Vessels; and thus they do, that the Husks and other Filth (which in the way they use, must necessarily be mingled with the Wine) may rise in a skum at the top, and so be taken off: Now if they please, as soon as it is pressed, to pass the Wine through a strainer, without expecting any such purgation, and then use the same Method formerly prescribed for Cider, I do not doubt but the gross part of the Lee of Wines, being thus taken away, there will yet be enough left to give it a fermentation in the bottles, or second vessel, where it shall be left to stand, in case you have not bottles enough to put up all the Wine from which you have thus taken away the gross Lee.

This Wine I know not whether it will last so long as the other used in the ordinary way, or not; but this I confidently believe, it will not be so harsh as the same would have been if it had been used in the ordinary way; and the pleasantness of Taste, which is not unwholsome, is the chief thing which I prefer both in Wine and Cider.

Now for the Hard-apple-Cider, that it will receive an improvement by this way of ordering, hath been long my opinion; but this year an accident happened, which made it evident that I was not mistaken in this conjecture. For there was a Gentleman of Herefordshire, this last Autumn, that by accident had not provided Cask enough for the Cider he had made; and having six or seven Hogsheads of Cider for which he had no Cask, he sent to Worcester, Glocester, and even to Bristol, to buy some, but all in vain; and when his servants returned, the Cider that wanted Cask had been some five days in the Vat uncovered; and the Gentleman being then dispatching a Barque for London with Cider, and having neer hand a conveniency of getting Glass-bottles, resolved to put some of it into bottles; did so, and filled seven or eight Hampers with the clearest of this Cider in the Vat, which had then never wrought, nor been put into any other Vessel but the Vat; the Barque in which his Cider came had a tedious passage; that is, it was at least seven weeks before it came to London, and in that time most of his Cider in Cask had wrought so much that it was much harder than it would have been if it had according to the ordinary way lain still in the Country, in the place where it was first made and put up, and consequently, wrought but once.

But the other, which was in Bottles, and escaped the breaking, that is, by accident, had less of the Lee in it than other bottles had, or was not so hard stopped, but either before there was force enough from the fermentation to break the bottle, or that the Cork gave way a little, and so the air got out; or that the Bottles were not originally well corked, was excellent good, beyond any Cider that I had tasted out of Herefordshire; so that from this Experience I dare confidently say, that the using Hard-apple-cider after the former Method, prescribed for Pepin-cider, will make it retain [Page] a considerable part of sweetness more than it can do after the Method used hitherto in Herefordshire. Nor do I doubt but my Method will in a degree have the same effect in Perry, and the drink (as yet without a name that I do know of) which is made of the Juice of Wardens, Pears, and Apples, by several persons, in several proportions; for the Reason being the same, I have no cause to doubt, but the effect will follow, as well in those Drinks, as in Cider and Wines.

I am now come to my last Assertion; that Cider thus used cannot be unwholesom, but may be done to what degree any mans Palate desires.

First, It cannot be unwholesome, upon the same measure that stummed Wine is so; for that unwholesomness is by leaving the cause of fermentation in the Wine, and not suffering it to produce its effect before the Wine be drank, and it ferments in mans body: and not only so, but sets other humours in the body into fermentation; and this prejudiceth their health that drink such Wines.

Now though Cider used in my method should not ferment at all, till it come into the bottle, and then but a little; yet the cause of fermentation being in a great degree taken away, the rest can do no considerable harm to those which drink it, being in it self but little, and having wrought in the bottle before men drink it; nor indeed do I think, nor ever find, that it did any inconvenience to my self, or any person that drank it when it was thus used.

Secondly, because the difference of mens palates and constitutions is very great; and that accordingly men like or dislike drink that hath more or less of the fret in it; and that the consequences in point of health are very different, in the method by me formerly prescribed: it is in your power to give the Cider just as much fret as you please, and no more; and that by several ways: for either you may bottle it sooner or later, as you please: or you may bottle it from two Taps in your Vessel, and that from the higher Tap will have less fret, and the lower more: or you may bottle your Cider all from one Tap, and open some of the bottles about a week after for a few minutes, and then stop them up again; and that which was thus stop'd will have the less fret: or, if your Cider be bottled all from one Tap, if you will (even without opening the bottles) you may make some difference, though not so considerable as either of the former ways, by keeping part of the bottles warmer, for the first two Months, than the rest; for that which is kept warmest will have the most fret.

[Page]

Sir PAƲL NEILE'S second Paper.

My Lord,

THe Paper which by the Command of the Royal Society I delivered in the last year, concerning the ordering of Cider, I have by this years experience found defective in one particular, of which I think fit by this to give you notice, which is thus: Whereas in the former Paper I mention, that after the Pepin-Cider hath stood 24 hours in the Vat, it might be drawn off into Pails, and so put into the Vessel; and that having stood a second 24 hours in that Vessel, it might be drawn into another Vessel, in which it might stand till it were fit to Bottle; for the particulars of all which proceeding I refer to the former Paper; and shall now only mention, That this last year we were fain to draw it off into several Vessels, not only as is there directed, twice, but most of our Cider five, and some six times; and not only so, but we were after all this fain to precipitate the Lee by some of those ways mention'd by Dr. Willis in the 7th Chap. of his Treatise De fermentatione. Now though this be more of trouble than the Method by me formerly mention'd; yet it doth not in the least destroy that Hypothesis which in the former Discourse I laid down, (viz.) That it was the leaving too much of the Lee with the Cider, which upon the change of air, set it into a new fermentation, and consequently made it lose the sweetness; for this change by the indisposition of the Lee to settle this year more than others, hath not hindred the goodness of the Cider; but that when it was at last mastered, and the Cider bottled in a fit temper, it was never more pleasant and quick than this year: but I find that this year our Cider of Summer-Apples is already turned sowre, although it be now but the first of January; and the last year it kept very well till the beginning of March; which makes me fear that our Pepin-Cider will not keep till this time twelve-moneth, as our Pepin-Cider of the last year doth till this day, and still retains its original pleasantness without the least turn towards sowreness.

And I am very confident, the difference of time and trouble, which this year we found in getting the Cider to fine and be in a condition to Bottle, was only the effect of a very bad and wet Summer, which made the Fruit not ripen kindly; and to make it yet worse, we had just at the time when we made our Cider, this year, extream wet and windy weather, which (added to the unkindliness of the Fruit) was the whole cause of this alteration: And however my Hypothesis as yet remains firm, for if by taking any part of the Lee from the Cider you can preserve it in its original sweetness, it is not at all material whether it be always to be done by twice drawing off from the Lee, or that it must sometimes [Page] be done with more trouble, and by oftner repeating the same Work, so that finally it be done, and by the same means, that is, by taking away part of the Lee, which otherwise would have caused too much fermentation; and consequently have made the Cider lose part of its original sweetness.

My Lord, I should not have presumed to have given you and the Society the trouble of perusing this Paper, but that, if possible, I would have you see, that what I think an errour in any opinion that I have held, I am willing to own; and yet I desire not that you should think my mistake greater than in Reality it is.

[Page]

OBSERVATIONS Concerning the Making, and Preserving OF CIDER: BY JOHN NEWBƲRGH Esq

1.

IF the Apples are made up immediately from the Tree, they are observ'd to yield more, but not so good Cider, as when hoarded the space of a Moneth or six weeks; and if they contract any unpleasing taste (as sometimes 'tis confess'd they do) it may be imputed to the Room they lie in, which if it hath any thing in it, of either too sweet or unsavoury smell, the Apples (as things most susceptible of impression) will be easily tainted thereby.

One of my acquaintance, when a child, hoarding Apples in a Box where Rose-Cakes and other sweets were their companions, found them of so unsavoury taste, and of so rank a relish deriv'd from the too near neighbour-hood of the Perfumes, that even a childish palate (which seldom mislikes any thing that looks like an Apple) could not dispense with it.

2.

It is therefore observ'd by prudent Fruiterers, to lay their Apples upon clean new made Reed, till they grind them for Cider, or otherwise make use of them. And if, notwithstanding this caution, they contract any rottenness before they come to the Cider-press, the damage will not be great, if care be had before the Apples be ground, to pick out the finnewed and the black-rotten; the rest, though somewhat of putrefaction hath pass'd upon them, will not render the Cider ill condition'd, either in respect of taste, or duration.

[Page]A Friend of mine having made provision of Apples for Cider, whereof so great a part were found rotten when the time of grinding them came, that they did, as 'twere wash the Room with their Juice, through which they were carried to the Wring, had Cider from them not only passable, but exceeding good; though not without previous use of the pre-mention'd Caution. I am also assured by a Neighbour of mine, That a Brother of his who is a great Cider-Merchant in Devonshire, is by frequent experience so well satisfied of the harmlesness of Rotten-Apples, that he makes no scruple of exchanging with any one that comes to his Cider-press, a Bushel of sound-Apples for the same measure of the other. Herein, I suppose, (if in other respects they be not prejudicial) he may be a gainer by the near compression of the tainted Fruit, which, as we speak in our Country Phrase, will go nearer together than the other. His advantage may be the greater, if the conceit which goes current with them be not a bottomless fancy, That a convenient quantity of rotten-Apples mixt with the sound, is greatly assistant to the work of fermentation, and notably helps to clarifie the Cider.

3.

It matters not much whether the Cider be forc'd to purge it self by working downwards in the Barrel, or upwards at the usual Vent, so there be matter sufficient left on the top for a thick skin or film, which will sometimes be drawn over it when it works, after the usual manner, as when 'tis presently stopt up with space left for fermentation, to be perform'd altogether within the Vessel.

The thick skin, or Leathern-coat, the Cider oftentimes contracts, as well after it hath purged it self after the usual manner, as otherwise, is held the surest preservation of its spirits, and the best security against other inconveniences incident to this, and other like vinous Liquors, of which the Devonshire Cider-Merchants are so sensible, that, beside the particular care they take, that matter be not wanting for the Contexture of this upper garment by stopping up the Vessel as soon as they have fill'd it; (with the allowance of a Gallon or two upon the score of Fermentation) they cast in Wheaten Bran, or Dust, to thicken the Coat, and render it more certainly Air-proof. And I think you will believe their care in this kind not impertinent, if you can believe a story which I have to tell of its marvellous efficacy: A near neighbour of mine assures me, that his Wife having this year filled a Barrel with Mead, being strong, it wrought so boistrously in the Vessel, that the good Woman casting her eye that way, accidentally, found it leaking at every chink, which ascribing to the strength of the Liquor, she thought immediately by giving it vent, to save both the Liquor and the Vessel, but in vain; both the Stopples being pulled out, the leakage still continued, and the Vessel not at all reliev'd, till casually at length [Page] putting in her finger at the top, she brake the premention'd film; which done, a good part of the Mead immediately flying out, left the residue in peace, and the leakage ceased. It may seem incredible that so thin a skin should be more coercive to a mutinous Liquor, than a Barrel with Oaken-Ribs, and stubborn Hoops: But I am so well assur'd of the veritableness of my Neighbours Relation, that I dare not question it: The reason of it let wiser men determine.

4.

If the Apples be abortive, having been (as it usually happens) shaken down before the time by a violent Wind, it is observ'd to be so indispensably necessary that they lie together in hoard, at least till the usual time of their maturity, that the Cider otherwise is seldom, or never found worth the drinking.

A Neighbour told me, That making a quantity of Cider with Wind-falls which he let ripen in the Hoard, near a month interceding between the time of their decussion, and that which Nature intended for their maturity; his Cider prov'd very good, when all his Neighbours who made up their untimely fruit assoon as it fell, had a crude, austere, indigested Liquor, not worth the name of Cider.

5.

No Liquor is observ'd to be more easily affected with the savour of the Vessel it is put into, than Cider; therefore singular care is taken by discreet Cider-Masters, That the Vessel be not only tasteless, but also well prepar'd for the Liquor they intend to fill it with. If it be a new Cask, they prepare it by scalding it with Water, wherein a good quantity of Apple-pomice hath been boil'd: if a tainted Cask, they have divers ways of cleansing it. Some boil an Ounce of Pepper in so much Water as will fill an Hogshead, which they let stand in a Vessel of that capacity two or three days, and then wash it with a convenient quantity of fresh Water scalding hot, which they say is an undoubted cure for the most dangerously infected Vessel. A Friend and Neighbour of mine herewith cured a Vessel of so extream ill savour, as it was thought it would little less than poyson any Liquor that was put into it. Others have a more easie, and perhaps no less effectual Remedy. They take two or three stones of quick-Lime, which in six or seven Gallons of Water they set on work in the Hogshead being close stopt, and tumbling it up and down till the commotion cease, it doth the feat. Of Vessels that have been formerly used, next to that which hath been already acquainted with Cider, a White-Wine, or Vinegar Cask is esteem'd the best; Claret or Sack not so good. A Barrel newly tenanted by small Beer suits better with Cider than a strong-Beer Vessel.

[Page]

6.

Half a peck of unground Wheat put to Cider that is harsh and eager, will renew its fermentation, and render it more mild and gentle. Sometimes it happens without the use of any such means to change with the season, and becomes of sharp and sour unexpectedly benigne and pleasant. Two or three Eggs whole put into an Hogshead of Cider that is become sharp and near of kin to Vinegar, sometimes rarely lenifies and gentilizes it. One pound of broad-figs slit, is said to dulcifie an Hogshead of such Cider.

A Neighbour Divine, of my acquaintance, assured me, That coming into a Parsonage-house in Devonshire, where he found eleven Hogsheads of Cider; being unwilling to sell what he never bought, he was three years in spending that store which the former Incumbent had left him; and it greatly amus'd him (as well it might, if he remember'd the old Proverb, He mends as sour Ale in Summer) to find the same Cider, which in Winter was almost as sharp as Vinegar, in the Summer become a potable and good-natur'd Liquor.

7.

A little quantity of Mustard will clear an Hogshead of muddy Cider. The same Virtue is ascribed to two or three rotten Apples put into it. Mustard made with Sack preserves boild Cider, and spirits it egregiously.

8.

Cider is found to ferment much better in mild and moist, than in cold and dry weather. Every ones Experience hath taught him so much in the late frosty season. If it had not wrought before, it was in vain to expect its working or clearing then, unless by some of the artificial means premention'd, which also could not be made use of in a more inconvenient time.

9.

The latter running of the Cider bottled immediately from the Wring, is by some esteem'd a pure, clear, small, well relisht Liquor; but so much undervalued by them who desire strong drinks more than wholesome, that they will not suffer it to incorporate with the first running.

In Devonshire where their Wrings are so hugely great, that an Hogshead or two runs out commonly before the Apples suffer any considerable pressure, they value this before the other, much [Page] after the rate which we set upon life-honey (that which in like sort drops freely out of the Combs) above that which renders not it self without compression. In Jersey they value it a Crown upon an Hogshead dearer than the other: (This I take from the Relation of one of my Neighbours, who sometimes lived in that Island, which for Apples and Cider is one of the most famous of all belonging to his Majesties Dominions) Yet even upon this, and their choicest Ciders, they commonly bestow a pail of water to every Hogshead, being so far (it seems) of Pindar's mind, that they fear not any prejudice to their most excellent Liquors by a dash of that most excellent Element: Insomuch that it goes for a common saying amongst them, That if any Cider can be found in their Island, which can be prov'd to have no mixture of Water, 'tis clearly forfeited. It seems they are strongly conceited, that this addition of the most useful Element, doth greatly meliorate their Cider, both in respect of Colour, Taste, and Clarity.

10.

The best Cider-fruit with us in this part of Dorsetshire (lying near Bred-port) next to Pepin and Pearmain, is a Bitter-sweet, or (as we vulgarly call them) Bitter-scale, of which for the first, the Cider unboil'd keeps well for one year; boiling it you may keep it two years or longer.

About seven years since I gave my self the Experience of Bitter-scale Cider both crude and boil'd. I call'd them both to account at twelve Months end. I then found the crude Cider seemingly as good, if not better, than the boiled. But, having stopt up the boil'd, I took it to task again about ten Months after. At which time, I found it so excessively strong, that five persons would hardly venture upon an ordinary Glass full of it. My friends would hardly believe but I had heightned it with some of my Chymical Spirits. The truth is, I do not remember that I ever drunk any Liquor, on this side Spirits, so highly strong, and spirituous; but wanting pleasantness answerable to its strength, I was not very fond of my Experiment. In which I boil'd away, as I remember, more than half.

11.

A Neighbour having a good Provent of pure-Lings (an Apple of choice account with us) making up a good part of them to Cider, expected rare Liquor, but it prov'd very mean and pitiful Cider, as generally we find that to be, which is made without mixture. We have few Apples with us, beside the Bitter-scale, which yield good Cider alone; next to it [Page] is a Deans-Apple, and the Peleasantine I think may be mention'd in the third place; neither of which need the Addition of other Apples to set off the Relish, as do the rest of our choicest Fruits. Pepins, Pearmains, and Gilliflours commixt, are said to make the best Cider in the world. In Jersey 'tis a general observation, as I hear, That the more of red any Apple hath in its rind, the more proper it is for this use. Paleface't-Apples they exclude as much as may be from their Cider-Vat. 'Tis with us an observation, That no sweet-Apple that hath a tough rind, is bad for Cider.

12.

If you boil your Cider, special care is to be had, That you put it into the furnace immediately from the Wring; otherwise, if it be let stand i [...] Vats or Vessels two or three days after the pressure, the best, and most spirituous part will ascend, and vapour away when the fire is put under it; and the longer the boiling continues, the less of goodness, or virtue will be left remaining in the Cider.

My Distillations sufficiently instruct me, That the same Liquor which (after fermentation hath pass'd upon it) yields a plentiful quantity of spirit, drawn off unfermented, yields nothing at all of spirit. And upon the same account it is undoubtedly certain, That Cider boil'd immediately from the Wring, hath its spirits comprest, and drawn into a narrower compass, which are for the most part wash'd and evaporated by late unseasonable boiling.

[Page]

CONCERNING CIDER,

By Doctor SMITH.

THE best time to grind the Apples is immediately from the Tree, so soon as they are throughly ripe: for, so they will yield the greater quantity of Liquor, the Cider will drink the better, and last longer than if the Apples were hoarded: For Cider made of hoarded Apples will always retain an unpleasing taste of the Apples, especially if they contract any rottenness.

The Cider that is ground in a Stone-case is generally accused to taste unpleasantly of the Rinds, Stems, and Kernels of the Apples; which it will not if ground in a Case of Wood, which doth not bruise them so much.

So soon as the Cider is made, put it into the Vessel (leaving it about the space of one Gallon empty) and presently stop it up very close: This way is observed to keep it longer, and to preserve its spirits better than the usual way of filling the Vessel quite full, and keeping it open till it hath done fermenting.

Cider put into a new Vessel will often taste of the Wood, if it be pierced early; but the same stopped up again, and reserved till the latter end of the year, will free it self of that taste.

If the Cider be sharp and thick it will recover it self again: But if sharp and clear, it will not.

About March (or when the Cider begins to sparkle in the glass) before it be too fine, is the best time to bottle it.

Cider will be much longer in clearing in a mild and moist, then in a cold and dry Winter.

To every Hogshead of Cider, designed for two years keeping, it is requisite to add (about March, the first year) a quart of Wheat unground.

The best Fruit (with us in Glocester-shire) for the first years Cider, are the Red-strake; the White and Red Must-apple, the sweet and sour Pepin, and the Harvey-apple.

Pearmains alone make but a small liquor, and hardly clearing of it self; but, mixed either with sweet or sour Pepins, it becomes very brisk and clear.

Must-apple-cider (though the first made) is always the last ripe; by reason that most of the pulp of the Apple passeth the strainer in pressing, and makes it exceeding thick.

The Cider of the Bromsbury-Crab, and Fox-whelp, is not fit for drinking, till the second year, but then very good.

The Cider of the Bromsbury-Crab yields a far greater proportion of spirits, in the distillation, than any of the others.

Crabs and Pears mixed make a very pleasing Liquor, and much sooner ripe than Pears alone.

[Page]

OF CIDER.

By Capt. SYLAS TAYLOR.

HErefordshire affords several sorts of Cider-apples, as the two sorts of Red strakes, the Gennet-moyle, the Summer-violet, or Fillet, and the Winter-fillet; with many other sorts which are used only to make Cider. Of which some use each sort simply; and others mix many sorts together. This County is very well stored with other sorts of Apples; as Pepins, Pearmains, &c. of which there is much Cider made, but not to be compared to the Cider drawn from the Cider-apples; among which the Red-strakes bear the Bell; a Fruit in it self scarce edible; yet the juice being pressed out is immediately pleasant in taste, without any thing of that restringency which it had when incorporated with the meat, or flesh of the Apple. It is many times three Months before it comes to its clearness, and six Months before it comes to a ripeness fit for drinking; yet I have tasted of it three years old, very pleasant, though dangerously strong. The colour of it, when fine, is of a sparkling yellow, like Canary, of a good full body, and oyly: The taste, like the Flavour or perfume of excellent Peaches, very grateful to the Palate and Stomach.

Gennet-moyles make a Cider of a smaller body than the former, yet very pleasant, and will last a year. It is a good eating pleasant sharp fruit, when ripe, and the best Tart-apple (as the Red-strake also) before its ripeness. The Tree grows with certain knotty extuberancies upon the branches and boughs; below which knot we cut off boughs the thickness of a mans wrist, and place the knot in the ground, which makes the root; and this is done to raise this fruit; but very rarely by graffing.

Of Fillets of both sorts (viz. Summer and Winter) I have made Cider of that proportionate taste and strength, that I have d [...]ceived several experienced Palates, with whom (simply) it hath passed for White-Wine; and dashing it with Red-Wine, it hath passed for Claret; and mingled with the Syrupe of Rasp'yes it makes an excellent womans wine: The fruit is not so good as the Gennet-moyle to eat: The Winter-fillet makes a lasting Cider, and the [Page] Summer-fillet an early Cider, but both very strong; and the Apples mixt together make a good Cider.

These Apples yield a liquor more grateful to my Palate (and so esteem'd of in Herefordshire by the greater Ciderists) than any made of Pepins and Pearmains, of which sorts we have very good in that Country; and those also both Summer and Winter of both sorts, and of which I have drank the Cider; but prefer the other.

Grounds separated only with a Hedge and Ditch, by reason of the difference of Soils have given a great alteration to the Cider, notwithstanding the Trees have been graffed with equal care, the same Graffs, and lastly, the same care taken in the making of the Cider. This as to the Red-strake; I have not observ'd the same niceness in any other fruit; for Gennet-moyles, and Fillets thrive very well over all Herefordshire. The Red-strake delights most in a fat soil: Hamlacy is a rich intermixt soil of Red-fat-clay and Sand; and Kings-capel a low hot sandy ground, both well defended from noxious Winds, and both very famous for the Red-strake-cider.

There is a Pear in Hereford and Worcester-shires, which is called Bareland-pear, which makes a very good Cider. I call it Cider (and not Perry) because it hath all the properties of Cider. I have drank of it from half a year old to two years old. It keeps it self without Roping (to which Perry is generally inclined) and from its taste: Dr. Beal, in his little Treatise called the Herefordshire-Orchard, calls it deservingly a Masculine Drink; because in taste not like the sweet luscious feminine juice of Pears. This Tree thrives very well in barren ground, and is a fruit (with the Red-strake) of which Swine will not eat; therefore fittest to be planted in Hedge-rows.

Red strakes and other Cider-apples when ripe (which you may know partly by the blackness of the Kernel's, and partly by the colour and smell of the fruit) ought to be gathered in Baskets or Bags, preserved from bruising, and laid up in heaps in the Orchard to sweat; covered every night from the dew: Or else, in a Barnfloor (or the like) with some Wheat or Rye-straw under them, being kept so long till you find, by their mellowing, they are fit for the Mill.

They that grind, or bruise their Apples presently upon their gathering, receive so much liquor from them, that between twenty or twenty two Bushels will make a Hogshead of Cider: but this Cider will neither keep so well, nor drink with such a fragrancy as is desired and endeavoured.

They that keep them a month or six weeks hoarded, allow about thirty bushels to the making of a Hogshead; but this hath also an inconvenience; in that the Cider becomes not fine, or fit for drinking, so conveniently as a mean betwixt these two will afford.

Keep them then about a fort-night in a hoard, and order them to be of such a cast by this Mellowing, that about twenty[Page]five Bushels may make a Hogshead, after which mellowing proceed thus.

1. Pick and clear your Apples from their stalks, leaves, moaziness, or any thing that tends toward rottenness or decay.

2. Lay them before the stone in the Cider-Mill, or else beat them small with Beaters (such as Paviers use to fix their pitching) in deep troughs of Wood or Stone, till they are fit for the Press.

3. Having laid clean wheat-straw in the bottom of your Press, lay a heap of bruised Apples upon it, and so with small handfuls or wisps of straw, which by twisting takes along with it the ends of the straw laid first in the bottom, proceed with the bruised Apples, and follow the heaps with your twisted straw, till it comes to the height of two foot, or two foot and a half; and so with some straw drawn in by twisting, and turned over the top of it (so that the bruised Apples are set as it were into a deep Chees-vat of straw, from which the Country people call it their Cider-Cheese) let the board fall upon it even and flat, and so engage the force of your skrew or Press so long as any Liquor will run from it. Instead of this Cheese others use baggs of Hair-cloth.

4. Take this Liquor thus forced by the Press, and strain it thorow a strainer of hair into a Vat, from whence straight (or that day) in pails carry it to the Cellar, tunning it up presently in such Vessels as you intend to preserve it in; for I cannot approve of a long evaporation of spirits, and then a disturbance after it settles.

5. Let your Vessels be very tight and clean wherein you put your Cider to settle: The best form is the Stund or Stand, which is set upon the lesser end, from the top tapering downwards; as suppose the head to be thirty inches diametre, let the the bottom be but eighteen or twenty inches in diametre; let the Tun-hole or Bung-hole be on the one side outwards, towards the top. The reason of the goodness of this form of Vessel is, because Cider (as all strong Liquors) after fermentation and working, contracts a cream or skin on the top of them, which in this form of Vessel is as it sinks contracted, and fortified by that contraction, and will draw fresh to the last drop; whereas in our ordinary Vessels, when drawn out about the half or middle, this skin dilates and breaks, and without a quick draught decays and dies.

6. Reserve a Pottle or Gallon of the Liquor to fill up the Vessel to the brim of the Bung-hole, as oft as the fermentation and working lessens the Liquor, till it hath done its work.

7. When it hath compleated its work, and that the Vessel is filled up to the bung-hole, stop it up close with well mix'd clay, and well tempered, with a handful of Bay-salt laid upon the top of the clay, to keep it moist, and renewed as oft as need shall require; for if the clay grows dry it gives vent to the spirits of the Liquor, by which it suffers decay.

[Page]I am against either the boyling of Cider, or the hanging of a bag of Spices in it, or the use of Ginger in drinking it; by which things people labour to correct that windiness which they fancy to be in it: I think Cider not windy; those that use to drink it are most free from windiness; perhaps the virtue of it is such, as that once ripened and mellowed, the drinking of it in such strength combates with that wind which lies insensibly latent in the body. The Cider made and sold here in London in Bottles may have that windiness with it as Bottle-beer hath, because they were never suffered to ferment: But those that have remarked the strength and vigour of its fermentation, what weighty things it will cast up from the bottom to the top, and with how many bubbles and bladders of wind it doth work, will believe that it clears it self by that operation of all such injurious qualities.

To preserve Cider in Bottles I recommend unto you my own Experience, which is, Not to bottle it up before fermentation; for that incorporates the windy quality, which otherwise would be ejected by that operation: This violent suppression of fermentation makes it windy in drinking, (though I confess brisk to the taste, and sprightly cutting to the Palate:) But after fermentation, the Cider resting two, three, or four Months, draw it, and bottle it up, and so lay it in a Repository of cool springing water, two or three foot, or more, deep; this keeps the spirits, and the best of the spirits of it together: This makes it drink quick and lively; it comes into the glass not pale or troubled, but bright yellow, with a speedy vanishing nittiness, (as the Vintners call it) which evaporates with a sparkling and whizzing noise; And than this I never tasted either Wine or Cider that pleased better: Insomuch that a Noble man tasting of a Bottle out of the water (himself a great Ciderist) protested the excellency of it, and made with much greater charges, at his own dwelling, a water Repository for his Cider, with good success.

[Page]

An ACCOUNT of Perry and Cider Out of GLOCESTER-SHIRE, Imparted by DANIEL COLLWALL Esq

ABout Taynton, Five Miles beyond Glocester, is a mixt sort of land, partly Clay, a Marle, and Crash, as they call it there, on all which sorts of land, there is much Fruit growing, both for the Table and for Cider: But it is Pears it most abounds in, of which the best sort, is that they name the Squash-Pear, which makes the best Perry in those Parts. These Trees grow to be very large, and exceeding fruitful, bearing a fair round Pear, red on the one side, and yellow on the other, when fully ripe: It oftentimes falls from the Tree, which commonly breaks it; but it is of a nature so harsh, that the Hogs will hardly eat them.

They usually plant the stocks first, and when of competent bigness (and tall enough to prevent Cattel) graff upon them: 'Tis observed, that where land is Plow'd and dress'd for Corn, the Trees thrive much better than in the Pasture-grounds, so as divers Orchards are yearly plow'd and sown with Corn, which for the most part, they suffer their Swine to eat upon the ground, without cutting; and such Plantations seldom or never fail of plentiful Crops, especially in the Rye-land, or light Grounds.

About Michaelmas is made the best Cider, and that of such Fruit as drops from the Trees, being perfectly mature; and if any are gathered sooner, they let them lye in the house 8 or 9 days for the better mellowing.

The best Mills to grind in, are those of Stone, which resembles a Mill stone set edge-ways, moved round the Trough by an Horse till the Fruit be bruised small enough for the Press: This done, then put it up into a Crib made with strong studds, and Oken or Haisel twigs about 3 foot high, and 2½ wide, which is placed on a Stone or Wooden Cheese-fat, a foot broader than the Crib, fitted to a round Trough for the Liquor to pass into the Cistern which is a large Vessel: When the Crib is filled with the foresaid ground Fruit, they put a Stone upon it, but first they fit a Circle of fresh straw about the Crib, to preserve the Must (which is the bruised Fruit) from straining through the Crib when they apply the Skrews, which being two in number, and of a good size, turn in a great beam, and so are wrung down upon [Page] the Crib, within which they place two wide and thick Cheese-fats, and several blocks upon the Fruit, to crush it down with the more force, by which means it is wrung so dry, as nothing can be had more out of it. A Crib will contain at once, as much ground Fruit, as will make above an Hogs-head of Cider, and there may be dispatched six or seven such Vessels in one day.

When the Pressing is finished, they take out the Fruit, and put it into a great Fat, pouring several Payls of Water to it, which being well impregn'd, is ground again sleightly in the Mill, to make an ordinary Cider for the servants; this they usually drink all the Year about.

When the best Liquor is [...]un'd up, they commonly leave the Bung-hole open, for nine or ten days, to ferment and purifie; for though in most places they adde straining to all this, yet some of the Husks and Ordure will remain in it. The Vessel after a day or two standing, is fill'd up, and still as the Cider wastes in working, they supplie it again, till no more filth rises; and then stop it up very accurately close, leaving only a small breathing hole to give it air for a Moneth after, and to prevent the bursting of the Vessel.

Note, That they sometimes put ⅔ Pears, and ⅓ of Apples.

The usual Names of Glocester-shire Cider-Fruit.

Red-streaks, growing chiefly in the Rye-Lands, sweet White-Musts, Red-Must, the Winter-Must, the Streak-Must, the Gennet-Moyl, the Woodcock-Apple, the Bromsgrove-Crab, the Great-white-Crab, the Heming, and divers other sorts, but these are the principal.

The Pears for Perry are,

The Red Squash-pear esteem'd the best, the John-pear, the Harpary Green-pear, the Drake-pear, the Green Squash-pear, the Mary-pear, the Lullam-pear: these are the chief.

[Page]

Another Account of CIDER from a Person of great Experience.

CIder-Apples for strength, and a long lasting Drink, is best made of the Fox-Whelp of the Forest of Deane, but which comes not to be drunk till two or three years old.

2. Bromsborrow-Crab the second year; In the Coast and Tract 'twixt Hereford and Ledbury.

3. Ʋnder-leaf, best at two years, a very plentiful bearer hath a Rhenish-wine flavour; the very best of all Ciders of this kind, hoarded a little within doors. The longer you would keep, the longer you must hoard your Fruit.

4. The Red-strake of Kings-Capel, and those parts, is in great variety: Some make Cider that is not of continuance, yet pleasant and good; others, that lasts long, inclining towards the Bromsborrow-Crab rather than a Red-strake.

5. A long pale Apple, called the Coleing, about Ludlow, an extraordinary bearer.

6. The Arier-Apple, a constant bearer, making a strong and lasting Cider; some [...]all them Richards, some Grang-apples; and indeed [...] [...]e so [...] Drink, that they are worthy to be reco [...] [...].

[...] [...]live [...] [...]nk [...]own about Ludlow, may, I conceive be ac [...] [...] the [...]int [...]-Cider Apples, of which 'tis the constant re [...] [...] an Hogs-head of the Fruit will yield an Hogs-head of [...]ider.

The Summer-Ciders are,

1. The Gennet-Moyl of one year: The best Baking-Apple that grows, and keeps long baked; but not so unbaked without growing mealy: it drys well in the Oven, and with little trouble. The Gennet-Moyl Cider, when the Fruit is well hoarded and mellow, will body, and keep better.

2. The Summer Red-strake, of a wonderful fragrant and Aromatique quality.

3. Sir Ed. Harley's little Apple, esteemed to make one of the richest Ciders in the World. Also, his,

4. Great Summer-Apple, resembling the Red-strake, juicy and Aromatique.

5. The White-Must, streaked Must, &c. great bearers, and their Cider early ripe.

6. Pearmains, have made excellent Cider, as good, if not superior to any other in some years; and though it be true, that every sort of Fruit makes better Drink some years than others; yet, for the most part, the goodness and perfection of Cider results from the lucky, or intelligent Gathering, or Hoarding of the Fruit, or from both; and this knowledge must be from Experience.

7. Generally, the Cider longest in fining, is strongest and best lasting, especially if the fruit have been well hoarded for some time.

8. Cider made of Green, and immature Fruit, will not fine kindly, and when it does, it abides not long good, but suddenly becomes [...]agre.

[Page]9. Cider kept in very cool Cellars, if made of ripe Fruit, renders it long in fining, and sometimes Cider by exposing abroad in the Sun, and kept Warm, hath sooner matur'd, and continu'd long good: But the best Drink is that which fines of it self, preserved in an indifferent temper.

10. All Cider suffers Fermentation when Trees are blossoming, though it be never so old; and Cider of very ripe Fruit, if Bottl'd in that season, will acquire a fragrancy of the Blossom.

11. New Cider, and all diluted and watred Ciders, are great Enemies to the Teeth, and cause violent pains in them, and Rheums in the Head.

12. One Rotten-Apple, of the same kind with the sound, corrupts a whole Vessel, and makes it Musty. But,

To Conclude this Treatise,

We will gratifie the Cider-Master with the Construction of a new kind of Press brought into the R. Society, by their Curator, the ingenious Mr. Hooke, and, if perfectly understood by him that shall imitate it, recommended not only for its extraordinary Dispatch, but for many other vertues of it, chiefly, the accurately grinding of the Pulp, and keeping the Husks from descending with the Liquor.

[figure]

[Page]

Explication of the Figures.

a The Axis, by which four Cylinders are to be mov'd, either by the force of Men, Horses, Wind, or Water, &c.

b. c. d Three of the 4 (visible) Cylinders, so placed, that those which are first to bruise the Apples, may stand at about half an Inch, or less distance from each other: Those that are to press out the juice may join as close, as they can well be made to move.

f. f The Trough, in which to receive the Liquor, running through certain holes made in the lower Plate there marked.

e. e The Hopper, made tapering towards the bottom, in which you fling the Apples, and supply them as they sink towards the Cylinders. Note, That such another Hopper is suppos'd to be also made, and fitted to this fore-part of the Press, but here omitted, that the prospect and description of the Cylinders may the better be laid open and demonstrated.

g. g. g The Spindles of each Cylinder.

h. h. i. i. k. k The Frame, consisting of two Plates, and two Pilasters, which hold the Cylinders together. Note, That the Cylinders must be made of excellent Oken Timber, or other hard Wood; the dimensions about 3 foot long, one foot and half diameter: The rest of the Frame for thickness, &c. of size and strength proportionable.

L L The Legs which support the Frame.

FIG. II.

Represents the Ichnography of the First.

FINIS.

Information about this book

Title statement

Sylva, or, A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesties dominions 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 Honourable 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 severall wayes of ordering it published by expresse order of the Royal Society : also Kalendarivm hortense, or, the Gard'ners almanac, directing what he is to do monthly throughout the year / by John Evelyn ...

Evelyn, John, 1620-1706.

Edition statement

1670

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2006-06 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A38811

ID [STC]

Wing E3517

ID [STC]

ESTC R586

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

12495910

ID [OCLC]

ocm 12495910

ID [VID]

62507

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A38811)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 62507)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 665:8)

Source

— Sylva, or, A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesties dominions 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 Honourable 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 severall wayes of ordering it published by expresse order of the Royal Society : also Kalendarivm hortense, or, the Gard'ners almanac, directing what he is to do monthly throughout the year / by John Evelyn ..., Evelyn, John, 1620-1706.. All which several treatises are in this second edition much enlarged and improved..

Extent

[47], 247 [i.e. 249]; [4], 67, 33 p. : ill.

Printed by Jo. Martyn and Ja. Allestry ...,. London :: 1670.. (Advertisement: prelim. p. [15].) (Indexes: prelim. p. [22]-[46].) (Pomona and Kalendarium hortense each has special t.p. and separate paging.) (Imperfect: Kalendarium hortense (33 p. at end) is lacking in filmed copy.) (Reproduction of original in Cambridge University Library.)

Creation

Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.

Editorial practices

EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.

EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).

The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.

Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.

Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.

Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.

The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.

Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).

Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site.