xii THE EDITOR’S PREFACE,

Soon after the publication of the Silva, which made its appearance m1664 , under the auspices of the Royal Society , the spirit for plantingincreased to a high degree; and there is reason to believe that many ofour ships which, in the last war, gave laws to the whole world, wereconstructed from Oaks planted at that time. The present age muft re-flet upon this with gratitude; and it is to be hoped that we Ihall be anKbitious to receive from Posterity the same acknowledgments that we, at,this moment, pay to the memory of our virtuous Ancestors.

A. HUNTER,

Tore, August i, 1776.