THE

EDITOR’S PREFACE.

The TERRA was written by Mr. Evelyn, at the request of theRoyal Society , about twelve years after the publication of the SILVA;And as every thing that came from his pen received distinguishedmarks of public approbation, he had the satisfaction to see it undergoseveral imprefsions during his lifetime, to each of which he addedsomething. From the extreme veneration that I entertain for the

memory of so worthy and good a citizen, I have here attempted arepublication of that celebrated work; and I would fain flattermyself that it will be found free from the inaccuracies with which theother Editions abound. The occasional Notes are introduced witha design to give the Reader a more extensive view of the subject, whichhas received much improvement since the days of our most excellentAuthor. It was my intention to have added this Discourse to my firstEdition of the Silva; but, when that was ready for the prefs, I hadmade but little progrefs in the examination of this ; and indeed it wasthen uncertain whether I should ever complete it, as such works arewith me an amusement and not a study.

A HUNTER,

York, Jan. 1. 1786,