Chapter VI: Introduction: I (4)

Seeing, as the _Orator_ does himself express it, _Nihil est homine libero dignius_; there is nothing more becoming and worthy of a _Gentleman_, no, not the Majesty of a{lxxx:3} _Consul_. In ancient and best Times, Men were not honour’d and esteem’d for the only Learned, who were great _Linguists_, profound _Criticks_, Reader and Devourers of Books: But such whose Studies consisted of the Discourses, Documents and Observations of their _Fore-Fathers_, ancient and venerable Persons; who, (as the excellent Author of the _Rites_ of the _Israelites_, _cap._ xv, &c. acquaints us,) were oblig’d to Instruct, and Inform their Children of the wonderful Things God had done for their Ancestors; together with the Precepts of the _Moral Law_, _Feasts_, and Religious Ceremonies: But taught them likewise all that concern’d _Agriculture_; joyn’d with Lessons of perpetual practice; in which they were, doubtless, exceedingly knowing; whilst during so many Ages, they employ’d themselves almost continually in it: And tho’ now adays this _noble Art_ be for the most part, left to be exercis’d amongst us, by People of grosser and unthinking Souls; yet there is no _Science_ whatever, which contains a vaster Compass of Knowledge, infinitely more useful and beneficial to Mankind, than the fruitless and empty Notions of the greatest part of _Speculatists_; counted to be the only _Eruditi_ and learned Men. An _Israelite_, who from _Tradition_ of his Fore-fathers, his own _Experience_, and some modern Reading, had inform’d himself of the _Religion_ and _Laws_ which were to regulate his Life; and knew how to procure Things necessary: Who perfectly understood the several qualities of the _Earth_, _Plants_, and _Places_ agreeable to each sort, and to cultivate, propagate, defend them from Accidents, and bring them to Maturity: That also was skill’d in the nature of _Cattel_, their Food, Diseases, Remedies, &c. which those who amongst us pass for the most learned and accomplish’d _Gentlemen_, and _Scholars_, are, for the most part, grosly ignorant of, look upon as _base_, _rustick_, and things below them: is (in this learned Author’s Opinion) infinitely more to be valued, than a Man brought up either in wrangling at the _Bar_; or the noisie, and ridiculous Disputes of our _Schools_, &c. To this Sense the learn’d _Modena_. And ’tis remarkable, that after all that wise _Solomon_ had said, that _All_ was _vanity and vexation of Spirit_ (among so many _particulars_ he reckons up,) he should be altogether _silent_, and say nothing concerning _Husbandry_; as, doubtless, considering it the most useful, innocent and laudable Employment of our Life, requiring those who cultivate the Ground to live in the Country, remote from _City_-Luxury, and the temptation to the Vices he condemns. It was indeed a plain Man{lxxxii:1} (a _Potter_ by _Trade_) but let no body despise him because a _Potter_ (_Agathocles_, and a _King_ was of that _Craft_) who in my Opinion has given us the true reason why _Husbandry_, and particularly _Planting_, is no more improved in this Age of ours; especially, where Persons are _Lords_ and Owners of much _Land_. The truth is, says he, when Men have acquired any considerable _Fortune_ by their _good Husbandry_, and _experience_ (forgetting that the greatest _Patriarchs_, _Princes_, their _Sons_ and _Daughters_, belonged to the _Plough_, and the _Flock_) they account it a _shame_ to breed up their _Children_ in the same Calling which they themselves were educated in, but presently design them _Gentlemen_: They must forsooth, have a _Coat_ of _Arms_, and live upon their _Estates_; So as by the time his _Sons_ Beard is grown, 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 _University_, whilst the rest must to _Cart_ and _Plow_ with the _Father_, &c. This is the _Cause_, says my _Author_, that our _Lands_ are so ill _Cultivated_ and neglected. 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 possess, 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 _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_; which, with the rest that are to follow, may (I hope) be in some degree serviceable to _him_ (who ere the happy _Person_ be) that shall oblige the _World_ with that compleat _Systeme_ of _Agriculture_, which as yet seems a _desideratum_, and wanting to its full 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 reproached, and complained of, as a defect in that _Age_ of _his_, concerning _Agriculture_ in general, and is applicable _here_, may attain its desired _Remedy_ and _Consummation_ in _This_ of _Ours_.

_Sola enim Res Rustica, quae sine dubitatione proxima, & quasi consanguinea Sapientiae est, tam discentibus eget, quam magistris: Adhuc enim Scholas Rhetorum, & Geometrarum, Musicorumque, vel quod magis mirandum est, contemptissimorum vitiorum officinas, gulosius condiendi cibos, & luxuriosius fercula struendi, capitumque & capillorum concinnatores, non solum esse audivi, sed & ipse vidi; Agricolationis neque Doctores qui se profiterentur, neque Discipulos cognovi._{lxxxiii:1} But this I leave for our _Peruk’d 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 _Fourth_ Edition coming _Abroad_ with innumerable _Improvements_, and _Advantages_ (so furnished, as I hope shall neither reproach the _Author_, or repent the _Reader_) it might not seem superfluous to have _premised_ any thing _here_ for the Encouragement of so becoming an _Industry_. There are divers _Learned_, and judicious _Men_ who have _preceded_ 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_, (especially, the most Industrious and Learned Mr. _Ray_) who have (boldly I dare affirm it) surpass’d _any_, if not all the _Foreigners_ 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 forbearing the _Repetition_, it should by any be imputed for a _defect_, though it were indeed none of my _design_: 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 of _Foreigners_, 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 particularly, in _Raising_, _Planting_, _Dressing_, and _Governing_, &c. or so sedulously made it their business, to _specifie_ the _Mechanical Uses_ of the _several kinds_, as I have done, which was hitherto a great _desideratum_, and in which the _Reader_ will likewise find some things altogether _New_ and _Instructive_; and both _Directions_ and _Encouragements_ for the Propagation of some _Foreign_ Curiosities of _Ornament_ and _Use_, which were hitherto neglected. If I have upon occasion presumed to say any thing concerning their _Medicinal_ properties, it has been _Modestly_ and Frugally, and with chief, if not only respect to the poor _Wood-man_, whom none I presume will envy, that living far from the _Physician_, he should in case of _Necessity_, consult the reverend _Druid_, his{lxxxv:1} _Oaks_ and his _Elm_, _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_, 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 pronounced concerning their _Rhapsodies_ (because I likewise honour their painful _Endeavours_, and am obliged 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 whilst 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 _Majesty’s 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 _Sacred Majesty_, and to the _World_, what _Advices_ 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 necessary and important.

And now since I mention’d the _Society_, give me leave (Worthy Reader) as a _Member_ of that _Body_, which has been the chief _Promoter_ of this ensuing _Work_, (and, as I stand oblig’d) to _vindicate_ that _Assembly_, and consequently, the _Honour_ of his _Majesty_ and the _Nation_, in a _Particular_ which concerns it, though (in appearance) a little forreign to the present _Subject_.

I will not say that _all_ which I have written in the several _Paragraphs_ of this _Treatise_, is _New_; but that there are very many _New_, and _useful_ things, and _Observations_ (without insisting on the _Methods_ only) not hitherto deliver’d by any _Author_, and so freely communicated, I hope will sufficiently appear: It is not therefore in behalf of any Particular which concerns _my self_, that I have been induced to enlarge this _Preface_; but, by taking this _Occasion_, to encounter the unsufferable _Boldness_, or _Ambition_ of some _Persons_ (as well _Strangers_, as others) _arrogating_ to themselves the being _Inventors_ of divers _New_ and useful _Experiments_, justly attributable to several _Members_ of the _Royal Society_.{lxxxvii:1}

So far has that _Assembly_ been from affecting _Glory_, that they seem rather to have declin’d their due; not as asham’d of so numerous and fair an _Off-spring_; but as abundantly satisfied, that after all the hard measure, and virulent _Reproaches_ they had sustain’d, for endeavouring by _united Attempts_, and at their own _Charges_, to improve _Real Philosophy_; they had from time to time, cultivated that _Province_ in so many _useful_ and profitable _Instances_, as are already _published_ to the _World_, and will be easily _asserted_ to their _Authors_ before all _equitable_ Judges.

This being the sole inducement of publishing this _Apology_; it may not perhaps seem unseasonable to _disabuse_ some (otherwise) _well-meaning_ People, who _led away_ and _perverted_ by the _Noise_ of a few _Ignorant_ and _Comical Buffoons_, (whose _Malevolence_, or _Impertinencies_ intitle them to nothing that is truly _Great_ and _Venerable_) are with an _Insolence_ suitable to their _Understanding_, still crying out, and asking, _What have the Society done?_

Now, as nothing less than _Miracles_ (and unless _God_ should every day _repeat_ them at the _Call_ of these _Extravagants_) will _convince_ some Persons, of the most _Rational_ and _Divine Truths_, (already so often and extraordinarily establish’d;) so, nor will any thing _satisfie_ these _unreasonable_ Men, but the production of the _Philosophers-stone_, and _Great-Elixir_; which yet were they _Possessors_ of, they would _consume_ upon their _Lux_ and _Vanity_.

It is not therefore to gratifie these _magnificent Fops_, whose _Talents_ reach but to the adjusting of their _Peruques_, courting a _Miss_, or at the farthest writing a smutty, or scurrilous _Libel_, (which they would have to pass for _genuine_ Wit) that I _concern_ my self in these _papers_; but, as well in _Honour_ of our _Royal Founder_, as the _Nation_, to _Assert_ what of other _Countries_ has been surreptitiously _Arrogated_, and by which, they not only value themselves _abroad_; but (prevailing on the Modesty of that Industrious _Assembly_) seek the _deference_ of _those_, who whilst it remains still _silent_, do not so clearly discern this glorious _Plumage_ to be purely _ascititious_, and not a _Feather_ of their own. --But still, _What have they done?_

Those who perfectly comprehend the _Scope_, and _End_ of that noble _Institution_; which is to _improve Natural Knowledge_, and inlarge the _Empire_ of _Operative Philosophy_; not by an _Abolition_ of the _Old_, but by the _Real Effects_ of the _Experimental_; _Collecting_, _Examining_, and _Improving_ their scatter’d _Phænomena_, to establish even the _Received Methods_ and _Principles_ of the _Schools_ (as far as were consistent with _Truth_, and _matter_ of _Fact_) thought it long enough, that the World had been _impos’d_ upon by that _Notional_, and _Formal_ way of delivering divers _Systems_ and _Bodies_ of _Philosophie_ (falsely so call’d) beyond which there was no more _Country_ to discover; which being brought to the _Test_ and _Tryal_, vapours all away in _Fume_, and empty _Sound_.

This _Structure_ then being thus _Ruinous_ and _Crazy_; ’tis obvious what they were to do; even the same which skilful _Architects_ do every day before us; by _pulling down_ the decay’d and sinking Wall to erect a _better_, and more _substantial_ in its place: They not only take down the _old_, reject the useless and decay’d; but sever such _Materials_ as are _solid_, and will serve again; bring _new-ones_ in, prepare and frame a _Model_ suitable to so _magnificent_ a _Design_: This _Solomon_ did in order to the _Building_ of the _Material Temple_; and _this_ is here to be pursued in the _Intellectual_: Nay, here was abundance of _Rubbish_ to be clear’d, that the _Area_ might be free; and then was the _Foundation_ to be deeply searched, the _Materials_ accurately _examined_, _squared_, and _adjusted_, before it could be laid: Nor was this the _Labour_ of a _Few_; less than a much longer time, more Cost and Encouragement than any which the _Society_ has yet met withal, could in reason be sufficient effectually to go through so chargeable a Work, and highly necessary.

A long time it was they had been surveying the _Decays_, of what was ready now to drop in pieces, whatever shew the out-side made with a noise of _Elements_ and _Qualities_, _Occult_ and _Evident_; abhorrence of _Vacuum_, _Sympathies_, _Antipathies_; _Substantial Forms_, and _Prime matter_ courting _Form_; _Epicycles_, _Ptolemæan Hypotheses_, magisterial _Definitions_, peremptory _Maximes_, _Speculative_, and _Positive Doctrines_, and _alti-sonant Phrases_, with a thousand other _precarious_ and unintelligible _Notions_, &c. all which they have been turning over, to see if they could find any thing of _sincere_ and _useful_ among this _Pedantick Rubbish_, but all in _vain_; here was nothing _material_, nothing of moment _Mathematical_, or _Mechanical_, and which had not been miserably _sophisticated_, on which to lay the stress; nothing in a manner whereby any farther _Progress_ could be made, for the _raising_ and _ennobling_ the _Dignity_ of _Mankind_ in the _Sublimest Operations_ of the _Rational Faculty_, by _clearing_ the _Obscurities_, and _healing_ the _Defects_ of most of the _Phisiological Hypotheses_, repugnant, as they hitherto seemed to be, to the _Principles_ of real _Knowledge_ and _Experience_.

Now although it neither were their _Hopes_, or in their prospect to _consummate_ a _Design_ requiring so _mighty Aids_, (inviron’d as they have been with these Prejudices) yet have they not at all _desisted_ from the _Enterprize_; but rather than so Noble and Illustrious an _Undertaking_ should not proceed for want of some generous and industrious _Spirits_ to promote the _Work_; they have _themselves_ submitted to those mean _Imployments_, of _digging_ in the very _Quarry_; yea even and of making _Brick_ where there was no _Straw_, but what they gleaned, and lay dispersed up and down: Nor did they think their Pains yet _ill bestow’d_, if through the assiduous _Labour_, and a _Train_ of continual _Experiments_, they might at last furnish, and leave solid and uncorrupt _Materials_ to a _succeeding_, and more _grateful Age_, for the _building up_ a _Body_ of _real_ and _substantial Philosophy_, which should never _succumb_ to _Time_, but with the _Ruines_ of _Nature_, and the _World_ it self.

In order to _this_, how many, and almost _innumerable_ have been their _Tryals_ and _Experiments_, through the large and ample Field both of _Art_ and _Nature_? We call our _Journals_, _Registers_, _Correspondence_, and _Transactions_, to witness; and may with modesty provoke all our _Systematical Methodists_, _Natural Histories_, and _Pretenders_ hitherto extant from the _beginning_ of _Letters_, to this _period_, to shew us so _ample_, so _worthy_ and so _useful_ a Collection. ’Tis a _Fatality_ and an _Injury_ to be deplored, that those who give us _hard words_, will not first vouchsafe _impartially_ to _examine_ these _particulars_; since all _Ingenuous Spirits_ could not but be abundantly _satisfied_, that this _Illustrious Assembly_ has not met so many _Years_ purely for _Speculation_ only; though I take even _that_ to be no ignoble _Culture_ of the _Mind_, or time mispent for Persons who have so few _Friends_, and slender _Obligations_, to those who should _Patronize_ and _Encourage_ them: But they have aimed at _greater things_, and _greater things_ produc’d, namely, by _Emancipating_, and freeing themselves from the _Tyranny_ of _Opinion_, _delusory_ and fallacious shews, to receive nothing upon _Trust_, but bring it to the _Lydian Touch_, make it pass the _Fire_, the _Anvil_ and the _File_, till it come forth perfectly _repurged_, and of consistence. They are not hasty in _concluding_ from a _single_, or _incompetent_ number of _Experiments_, to pronounce the _Ecstatic Heureca_, and offer _Hecatombs_; but, after the most diligent _Scrutiny_, and by degrees, and wary _Inductions_ _honestly_ and _faithfully_ made, to _record_ the _Truth_, and event of _Tryals_, and transmit them to _Posterity_. They resort not immediately to _general Propositions_, upon every _specious appearance_; but stay for _Light_, and Information from _Particulars_, and make Report _de Facto_, and as _Sense_ informs them. They reject no _Sect_ of _Philosophers_, no _Mechanic_ Helps, _except_ no _Persons_ of Men; but chearfully embracing _all_, cull out of _all_, and alone _retain_ what abides the _Test_; that from a plentiful and well furnish’d _Magazine_ of true _Experiments_, they may in time advance to solemn and established _Axiomes_, _General Rules_ and _Maximes_; and a _Structure_ may indeed lift up its head, such as may stand the shock of _Time_, and render a solid accompt of the _Phænomena_, and _Effects_ of _Nature_, the _Aspectable Works of God_, and their _Combinations_; so as by _Causes_ and _Effects_, _certain_ and _useful_ Consequences may be deduced. Therefore they do not fill their _Papers_ with _Transcripts_ out of _Rhapsodists_, _Mountebancs_, and Compilers of _Receipts_ and _Secrets_, to the loss of Oil and Labour; but as it were, _eviscerating_ Nature, disclosing the _Ressorts_, and Springs of _Motion_, have _collected_ innumerable _Experiments_, _Histories_ and _Discourses_; and brought in _Specimens_ for the Improvement of _Astronomy_, _Geography_, _Navigation_, _Optics_; all the Parts of _Agriculture_, the _Garden_ and the _Forest_; _Anatomy_ of _Plants_, and _Animals_; _Mines_ and _Ores_; _Measures_ and _Æquations_ of _Time_ by accurate _Pendulums_, and other Motions, _Hydro_- and _Hygrostatics_, divers _Engines_, Powers and _Automata_, with innumerable more _luciferous_ particulars, subservient to human life, of which Dr. _Glanvil_ has given an ample and ingenious _Accompt_ in his learned Essay: And _since_ in the _Posthumous_ Works of Dr. _Hooke_, lately publish’d by the most obliging Mr. _Waller_, already mention’d.

This is (_Reader_) what they have done; and they are but _part_ of the _Materials_ which the _Society_ have hitherto _amassed_, and prepared for this great and _Illustrious Work_; not to pass over an infinity of _solitary_, and loose _Experiments_ subsidiary to it, gathered at no small Pains and Cost: For so have they hitherto born the _Burden and Heat of the day alone_; _Sapping_ and _Mining_ to lay the _Foundation_ deep, and raise a _Superstructure_ to be one day perfected, by the joint _Endeavours_ of those who shall in a _kinder_ Age have little else to do, but the _putting_ and _cementing_ of the _Parts_ together, which to _collect_ and fit, have cost them so much Solicitude and Care. _Solomon_ indeed built the glorious _Temple_; but ’twas _David_ provided the _Materials_: Did Men in those days insolently ask, _What he had done_, in all the time of that tedious preparation? I beseech you what _Obligation_ has the _R. Society_ to render an _Accompt_ of their Proceedings to _any_ who are not of the _Body_, and that carry on the _Work_ at their own _expence_ amidst so many Contradictions? It is an _Evil Spirit_, and an _Evil Age_, which having sadly _debauch’d_ the _Minds_ of Men; seeks with Industry to blast and undermine all _Attempts_ and Endeavours that signifie to the Illustration of _Truth_, the discovery of _Impostors_, and shake their sandy Foundations.

_Those who come (_says the noble _Verulam__) to enquire after _Knowledge_, with a mind to _scorn_, shall be sure to find matter for their _Humor_; but none for their _Instruction_: _Would_ Men bring light of _Invention_, and not fire-brands of _Contradiction_, Knowledge would infinitely increase._ But these are the _Sanballats_ and _Horonites_ who disturb our Men upon the Wall{xciii:1}: But, _let us rise up and build_, and be no more discourag’d. ’Tis impossible to conceive, how so honest, and worthy a _Design_ should have found so few _Promoters_, and cold a welcome in a _Nation_ whose _Eyes_ are so wide open: We see how greedily the _French_, and other _Strangers_ embrace and cultivate the _Design_: What sumptuous _Buildings_, well furnish’d _Observatories_, ample _Appointments_, _Salaries_, and _Accommodations_, they have erected to carry on the Work; whilst we live _precariously_, and spin the _Web_ out of our own _Bowels_. Indeed we have had the Honour to be the _first_ who led the _way_, given the _Ferment_, which like a _Train_ has taken _Fire_, and warm’d the _Regions_ all about us. _This Glory, doubtless, shall none take from us_: But whilst they flourish so _abroad_, we want the _Spirit_ should diffuse it here at _home_, and give progress to so hopeful a _beginning_: But as we said, the _Enemy_ of _Mankind_ has done us this despite; it is his Interest to impeach (in any sort) what e’re opposes his _Dominion_; which is to lead, and settle Men in _Errors_ as well in _Arts_ and _Natural Knowledge_, as in _Religion_; and therefore would be glad, the World should still be _groping_ after _both_. ’Tis _he_ that sets the _Buffoons_, and empty _Sycophants_, to turn all that’s _Great_ and _Virtuous_ into _Raillery_ and Derision: ’Tis therefore to encounter _these_, that like those resolute _Builders_,{xciii:2} whilst we employ one hand in the Work, _we_, with the _other_ are oblig’d to hold our _Weapon_, till some bold, and _Gallant Genius_ deliver us, and raise the Siege. How gloriously would such a _Benefactor_ shine! What a _Constellation_ would he make! How great a _Name_ establish! For mine own part (_Religiously_ I _profess_ it) were I not a _Person_, who (whilst I stood expecting when others more worthy, and able than my self, should have snatch’d the Opportunity of _signalizing_ a Work worthy of _Immortality_) had long since given _Hostages_ to _Fortune_, and so put my self out of a Capacity of shewing my _Affection_ to a _Design_ so glorious; I would not only most chearfully have _contributed_ towards the freeing it from the _Straits_ it has so long struggl’d under; but _sacrific’d_ all my _Secular Interests_ in their Service: But, as I said, this is reserv’d for that Gallant _Hero_ (whoe’er it be) that truly weighing the noble and universal _Consequence_ of so high an _Enterprize_, shall at last free it of these _Reproaches_; and either set it above the reach of _Envy_, or convert it to _Emulation_. This were indeed to consult an honest _Fame_, and to _embalm_ the _Memory_ of a _Greater Name_ than any has yet appear’d amongst all the _Benefactors_ of the _Disputing Sects_: Let it suffice to affirm, that next the _Propagation_ of our most _Holy Faith_, and its _Appendants_, (nor can His _Majesty_ or the _Nation_ build their _Fame_ on a more _lasting_, a more _Glorious Monument_;) The Propagation of _Learning_, and _useful Arts_, having always surviv’d the _Triumphs_ of the proudest _Conquerors_, and Spillers of humane _Blood_;) _Princes_ have been more _Renown’d_ for their Civility to _Arts_ and _Letters_, than to all their _Sanguinary Victories_, subduing _Provinces_, and making those brutish _Desolations_ in the World, to feed a _salvage_ and vile _Ambition_. Witness you _Great Alexander_, and you the _Ptolemees_, _Cæsars_, _Charemain_, _Francis_ the First; the _Cosimo’s_, _Frederic’s_, _Alphonsus’s_, and the rest of _Learned Princes_: Since when all the _Pomp_ and Noise is ended; They are those _little things_ in _black_ (whom now in scorn they term _Philosophers_ and _Fopps_) to whom they must be oblig’d, for making their _Names_ outlast the _Pyramids_ whose _Founders_ are as unknown as the Heads of _Nile_; because they either deserv’d no _Memory_ for their _Vertues_, or had none to transmit them, or their _Actions_ to _Posterity_.

Is not our R. _Founder_ already _Panegyriz’d_ by all the _Universities_, _Academists_, _Learned Persons_, divers _Princes_ _Ambassadors_, and _Illustrious_ Men from _abroad_? Witness besides, the many accurate _Treatises_ and _Volumes_ of the most _curious_ and _useful_ Subjects, _Medicinal_, _Mathematical_, and _Mechanical_, dedicated to His _Majesty_ as _Founder_; to its _President_, and to the _Society_, by the greatest _Wits_, and most profoundly knowing of the _European_ World, celebrating their _Institution_ and _Proceedings_: Witness, the daily Submissions and solemn _Appeals_ of the most learned _Strangers_ to its _Suffrages_, as to the most able, candid and impartial _Judges_: Witness, the _Letters_, and _Correspondencies_ from most parts of the _habitable Earth_, _East_, and _West Indies_, and almost from _Pole to Pole_; besides what they have receiv’d from the very Mouths of divers _Professors_, _Publique Ministers_, great _Travellers_, _Noblemen_, and Persons of highest Quality; who have not only frequented the _Assembly_, but desir’d to be _Incorporated_ and _ascrib’d_ into their _Number_; so little has his _Majesty_, or the _Kingdom_ been diminish’d in their Reputation, by the _Royal Society_, to the reproach of our sordid _Adversaries_: Never had the _Republique_ of _Letters_ so learned and universal a _Correspondence_ as has been procur’d and promoted by this _Society_ alone; as not only the casual _Transactions_ of several Years (filled with _Instances_ of the most curious and useful _Observations_) make appear; but (as I said) the many _Nuncupatory Epistles_ to be seen in the Fronts of so many _learned Volumes_: There it is you will find CHARLES the II. plac’d among the _Heroes_ and _Demi-Gods_, for his _Patrociny_ and _Protection_: There you will see the numerous _Congratulations_ of the most learned _Foreigners_, celebrating the Happiness of their _Institution_; and that whilst other _Nations_ are still _benighted_ under the dusky _Cloud_, such a refulgent Beam should give day to this _blessed Isle_: And certainly, it is not to be supposed that _all_ these _Learned Persons_, of so many, and divers _Interests_, as well as _Countries_, should _speak_, and _write_ thus out of _Flattery_, much less of _Ignorance_; being Men of the most refin’d _Universal Knowledge_, as well as _Ingenuity_: But I should never _end_, were I to pursue this fruitful _Topic_. I have but one word more to add, to conciliate the _Favour_ and Esteem of our own _Universities_, to an _Assembly_ of _Gentlemen_, who _from them_ acknowledge to have derived all their _Abilities_ for these laudable Undertakings; and what above all is most _shining_ in them of most _Christian_, _Moral_, and otherwise conspicuous, as from the _Source_ and _Fountain_, to which on all occasions, they are not only ready to pay the _Tribute_ and _Obsequiousness_ of _humble Servants_, but of _Sons_, and dutiful _Alumni_. There is nothing verily which they more desire, than a fair and mutual _Correspondence_ between so near _Relations_, and that they may be perpetually _Flourishing_ and _Fruitful_ in bringing forth (as still they do) supplies to _Church_ and _State_ in all its great Capacities:{xcvi:1} Finally, that they would regard the _Royal Society_ as a _Colony_ of their own _planting_, and _augure_ it _Success_. And if in these _Labours_, and arduous _Attempts_, several _Inventions_ of present use and service to _Mankind_ (either detecting _Errors_, illustrating and asserting _Truths_, or propagating _Knowledge_ in _natural things_, and the visible _Works_ of _God_) have been discover’d, as they _envy_ not the _communicating_ them to the _World_; so should they be _wanting_ to the _Society_, and to the _Honour_ of divers _Learned_ and _Ingenious Persons_, (who are the _Soul_ and _Body_ of it) not to vindicate them from the ambitious _Plagiary_, the Insults of _Scoffers_ and injurious Men: Certainly, Persons of right _Noble_ and subacted _Principles_, that were _Lovers_ of their _Country_, should be otherwise affected; and rather strive to _encourage_, and promote Endeavours tending to so _generous_ a _Design_, than decry it; especially, when it costs them nothing but their _Civility_ to so many _obliging Persons_, though they should hitherto have entertain’d them but with some innocent _Diversions_. To conclude, we _envy_ none their _Dues_; nay we gratefully _acknowledge_ any _Light_ which we receive either from _Home_, or from _Abroad_: We _celebrate_ and _record_ their _Names_ amongst our _Benefactors_; recommend them to the _Publique_; and what we thus _freely give_, we hope as _freely_ to _receive_.

Thus have I endeavour’d to _Vindicate_ the _Royal Society_ from some _Aspersions_ and _Incroachments_ it hitherto has suffer’d; and shew’d under what _Weights_ and _Pressure_ this _Palm_ does still emerge: And if for all this I fall short of my _Attempt_, I shall yet have this satisfaction, That tho I derive no _Glory_ from my own _Abilities_ (sensible of my great _Defects_) I shall yet _deserve_ their _pardon_ for my _Zeal_ to its _Prosperity_.

_Epictetus_, κθ.

Φιλοσοφίας ἐπιθυμεῖς‧ παρασκευάζου αὐτόθεν, &c.

Wouldst thou be a _Philosopher_; Prepare thy self for _Scoffs_: What, you are setting up for a _Virtuoso_ now? Why so proud I pray? Well, be not thou proud for all this; But so persist in what seems _best_ and _laudable_; as if _God_ himself had plac’d thee there; and _remember_, that so long as thou _remain’st_ in that _State_ and _Resolution_, thy _Reproachers_ will in time _admire_ thee: But if once through _Inconstancy_ thou _give out_ & _flinch_, διπλοῦν προσλήψῃ καταγέλωτα, Thou _deservest_ to be doubly _laugh’d_ at.

Lord _Verulam_, Instaur. Scient.

Some Men (like _Lucian_ in _Religion_) seek by their _Wit_, to _traduce_ and _expose useful things_; because to arrive at them, they converse with _mean Experiments_: But those who _despise_ to be _employ’d_ in _ordinary_ and _common matters_, never arrive to _solid Perfection_ in _Experimental Knowledge_.

* * * * *

The changes and _Alterations_ in the several _Chapters_ and Parts throughout this _Discourse_, with the _Additions_ and _Improvements_, have often oblig’d me to alter the _Method_, and indeed to make it almost a _New Work_.

_J. Evelyn._

FOOTNOTES:

{lxxviii:1} See _Petrarch de Remed. utriusque fortunae L. 1. Dial. 57_.

{lxxix:1} _Vide & Curtium_, l. 7. &c.

{lxxx:1} _De R. R._

{lxxx:2} _In agris erant tunc Senatores._ Cic. _de_ Senect.

{lxxx:3} _Silvae sunt Consule dignae. See this of the _Poet_ Interpreted, _Scaliger l. 2. c. 1._ Poet. _P. Nennius, Sueton. Jul._ in Lipsium. _Tacit, iv. Annal. 27._ concerning the _Quæstor’s_ Office._

{lxxxii:1} _Palissy, le Moyen de devenir Riche._

{lxxxiii:1} _Praefat ad P. Silvinum_; which I earnestly recommend to the serious perusal of our _Gentry_. _Et mihi ad sapientis vitam proximè videtur accedere._ Cic. _de Senectute_.

{lxxxv:1} _Ne silvae quidem, horridiorque naturae facies medicinis carent, sacra illa parente rerum omnium, nusquam non remedia disponente homini ut Medicina, fieret etiam solitudo ipsa, &c. Hinc nata Medicina, &c. Haec sola naturae placuerat esse remedia parata vulgo, inventu facilia, ac sine impendio, ex quibus vivimus_, &c. Plin. l. 24. c. 1.

{lxxxvii:1} Consult _Hist. Roy. Soc._ and their _Registers_.

The Laws of _Motion_, and the Geometrical streightning of _Curve Lines_ were first found out by Sir _Christopher Wren_ and Mr. _Thomas Neile_.

The _equated isocrone Motion_ of the weight of a _Circular Pendulum_ in a _Paraboloid_, for the regulating of _Clocks_; and the improving _Pocket-Watches_ by _Springs_ applied to the _Ballance_, were first invented and demonstrated to this Society by Dr. _Hooke_; together with all those _New_ and useful _Instruments_, _Contrivances_ and _Experiments_, _Mathematical_ and _Physical_, publish’d in his _Posthumous Works_ by the most accomplish’d Mr. _Waller_, _Secretary_ to the _R. Society_. And since those the incomparably learned Sir _Isaac Newton_, now _President_ of the _Royal Society_; Mr. _Haly_, the Worthy _Professor_ of _Geometry_ in the _University_ of _Oxford_; Dr. _Grew_, and several more, whose Works and useful Inventions sufficiently celebrate their Merits: I did mention the _Barometer_, to which might be added the prodigious effects of the _Speculum Ustorium_, surpassing what the _French_ pretend to, as confidently, or rather _audaciously_, they do, and to other admirable Inventions, injuriously _arrogated_ by _Strangers_, tho’ due of right to _Englishmen_, and Members of this Society; but ’tis not the business of this Preface to enumerate all, tho’ ’twas necessary to touch on some Instances.

{xciii:1} Neh. 2. 19.

{xciii:2} Neh. 4. 17.

{xcvi:1} _Since this _Epistle_ was first written and publish’d the _University of Oxford_ have instituted, and erected a _Society_ for the promoting of _Natural_ and _Experimental Knowledge_, in consort with the _R. Society_, with which they keep a mutual Correspondence: This mention, for that some _Malevolents_ had so far endeavour’d to possess divers Members of the _University_; as if the _Society_ design’d nothing less than the undermining of that, and other illustrious _Academies_, and which indeed so far prevail’d, as to breed a real Jealousy for some considerable time: But as this was never in the Thoughts of the _Society_ (which had ever the _Universities_ in greatest Veneration) so the Innocency and Usefulness of its Institution has at length disabus’d them, vindicated their Proceedings, dissipated all Surmises, and, in fine, produced an ingenious, friendly and candid Union and Correspondence between them._

ADVERTISEMENT.

That I have frequently inserted divers _Historical_ and other Passages, _apposite_, agreeable to the _Subject_ (abstaining from a number more which I might have added) let it be _remember’d_ that I did not altogether compile this _Work_ for the sake of our ordinary _Rustics_, (meer _Foresters_ and _Wood-men_) but for the more _Ingenious_; the Benefit, and Diversion of _Gentlemen_, and Persons of _Quality_, who often refresh themselves in these agreeable _Toils_ of _Planting_, and the _Garden_: For the rest, I may perhaps in some places have made use of (here and there) a _Word_ not as yet so familiar to every _Reader_; but _none_, that I know of, which are not sufficiently _explained_ by the _Context_ and Discourse. That this may yet be no _prejudice_ to the _meaner Capacities_, let them _read_ for

_Ablaqueation_, laying bare the _Roots_.
_Amputation_, cutting quite off.
_Arborator_, Pruner, or one that has care of the _Trees_.
_Avenue_, the principal _Walk_ to the _Front_ of the _House_ or _Seat_.
_Bulbs_, round or _Onion-shap’d_ Roots.
_Calcine_, burn to Ashes.
_Compost_, Dung.
_Conservatory_, Green-house to keep _choice Plants_, &c. in.
_Contr’espaliere_, a Palisade or _Pole-hedge_.
_Coronary_ Garden, _Flower_-Garden.
_Culinary_, belonging to the _Kitchin_, _Roots_, _Salading_, &c.
_Culture_, Dressing.
_Decorticate_, to strip off the _Bark_.
_Emuscation_, cleansing it of the _Moss_.
_Esculent_, Roots, Salads, &c. fit to eat.
_Espalieres_, Wall-fruit Trees.
_Exotics_, outlandish, rare and choice.
_Fermentation_, working.
_Fibrous_, stringy.
_Frondation_, stripping of _Leaves_, and _Boughs_.
_Heterogeneous_, repugnant.
_Homogeneous_, agreeable.
_Hyemation_, protection in _Winter_.
_Ichnography_, Ground-plot.
_Inoculation_, budding.
_Insition_, Graffing.
_Insolation_, exposing to the _Sun_.
_Interlucation_, thinning and disbranching of a Wood.
_Irrigation_, Watering.
_Laboratory_, Still-house.
_Letation_, Dung.
_Lixivium_, Lee.
_Mural_, belonging to the Wall.
_Olitory_, _Acetary_, _Salads_, &c. belonging to the _Kitchin-Garden_.
_Palisade_, Pole-hedge.
_Parterre_, Flower-Garden, or _Knots_.
_Perennial_, continuing all the year.
_Quincunx_, Trees set like the _Cinque-point_ of a _Dy_.
_Rectifie_, re-distil.
_Seminary_, Nursery.
_Stercoration_, Dunging.
S. S. S. _Stratum super Stratum_, one bed, or layer upon another.
_Tonsile_, that which may be shorn, or clip’d.
_Topiary_-works, the _clipping_, _cutting_ and _forming_ of _Hedges_, &c.
into _Figures_ and Works.
_Vernal_, belonging to the _Spring_, &c. The rest are _obvious_.

BOOKS Published by the _AUTHOR_ of this _Discourse_

1. The _French Gard’ner_, III. _Edition_, _Twelves_, with Mr. _Rose_’s
Vineyard.

2. _Fumi-fugium_: Or, A _Prophetic Invective_ against the _Smoke_ of
_London_. _Quarto._

3. _Silva_: Or, A _Discourse of Forest-Trees_, &c. the IVth _Edition_,
very much _improv’d_. _Folio._

4. _Kalendarium Hortense_, both in _Folio_ and _Octavo_. The Xth
_Edition_, much _augmented_.

5. _Sculptura_: Or, The _History_ of _Chalcography_ and _Engraving_ in
_Copper_, the _Original_ and _Progress_ of that _Art_, &c. _Octavo._

6. The _Parallel_ of _Architecture_, being an Account of _Ten_ famous
_Architects_, with a _Discourse_ of the _Terms_, and a _Treatise_ of
_Statues_. _Folio._ 2d _Edition_.

7. The _Idea_ of the _Perfecting_ of _Painting_. _Octavo._

8. _Navigation_ and _Commerce_, their _Original_ and _Progress_.
_Octavo._

9. _Publick Employment_ and an _Active Life_, prefer’d to _Solitude_ and
its _Appanages_, &c. _Octavo._

10. _Terra_: Or, A _Philosophical_ Discourse of _Earth_, the IIId
_Edition_. _Folio_ and _Octavo_.

11. _Numismata_, a _Discourse_ of _Medals_; to which is added, A
_Digression_ concerning _Physiognomy_. _Folio._

12. _Acetaria_: Or, A Discourse of _Sallets_. 2d _Edition_.

* * * * *

_Naming_ the last Discourse (save one) I take this Opportunity to acquit my self of some _Omissions_ and _Mistakes_, left out in the _Errata_ of _Numismata_; but, upon discovery, immediately after, notify’d, and reform’d in the next _Philosophical Transactions_ of that Month.

Amico carissimo _Johanni Evelyno_,
Armigero,

e Societate Regali Londini, J. Beale, _S.P.D._ _In_ Silvam.

Fare age quid causae est quod tu _Silvestria_ pangis,
Inter _Silvanos_, capripedesque _Deos_?
Inter _Hamadryadas_ laetus, _Dryadasque_ pudicas,
Cum tua _Cyrrhæis_ sit _Chelys_ apta modis!
Scilicet hoc cecinit numerosus _Horatius_ olim,
_Scriptorum Silvam_ quod _Chorus Omnis amat_.
Est locus ille Sacer _Musis, & Apolline_ dignus,
Prima dedit summo _Templa_ sacranda _Jovi_.
Hinc quoque nunc Pontem _Pontus_ non respuit ingens,
Stringitur _Oceanus_, corripiturque Salum.
Hinc novus _Hesperiis_ emersit mundus in oris,{cii:1}
Effuditque auri flumina larga probi.
Hinc exundavit distento _Copia cornu_,
Qualem & _Amalthææ_ non habuere sinus.
_Silva_ 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 Sæcli Cultor_ memorande futuri,
Felix _Horticolam_ sic imitere Deum.

FOOTNOTES:

{cii:1} Gen. 1. _c._ 2.

Nobilissimo Viro _Johanni Evelyno_,
Regalis _Soc. Socio dignissimo_.

Ausus laudato qui quondam reddere versu,
Æternum & tentare melos, conamine magno
_Lucretî_ nomenque suum donaverat aevo:
Ille leves atomos audaci pangere musa
Aggreditur, variis & semina caeca figuris,
Naturaeque vias: non quæ Schola garrula jactat,
Non quae rixanti fert barbara turba _Lyaeo_:
Ingentes animi sensus, & pondera rerum,
Grandior expressit Genius, nec scripta minora
_Ev’linum_ decuisse solent.

Tuque per obscuros (victor _Boylæe_) recessus,
Naturae meditaris opus, qua luce colores{ciii:1}
Percipimus, quali magnus ferit organa motu
_Cartesius_, quali volitant primordia plexu
Ex atomis, _Gassende_, tuis; simulacraque rerum
Diffugiunt tacito vastum per inane meatu:
Mutato varios mentitur lana colores
Lumine; dum tales ardens habet ipse figuras
Purpura, Sidonioque aliae tinxere veneno:
Materiam assiduo variatam, ut _Protea_, motu
Concipis, hinc formae patuit nascentis origo,
Hinc hominum species, & vasti machina caeli:{ciii:2}
Ipse creare deus, solusque ostendere mundum
_Boylæus_ potuit, sed nunc favet aemula virtus,
(Magne _Eveline_) tibi, & generosos excitat ignes:
Pergite, _Scipiadæ duo_, qui vet mille _Marones_
Obruitis, longo & meriti lassatis honore.

Tu vero dilecte nimis! qui stemmate ab alto
Patricios deducis avos, cerasque parentum
_Wottonicæ_{civ:1} de stirpe domus; virtutibus aequas
Nunc generis monumenta tui, post taedia ponti
Innumerasque errore vias, quid _Sequana_ fallax,
Hostilis quae _Rhenus_ agit, quae _Tibris_, & _Ister_,
Nota tibi: triplici quid perfida _Roma_ corona
Gessit, & _Adriaca Venetus_ deliberat arce,
Qualiaque _Odrysias_ vexârunt prælia lunas.
Hic qui naturae interpres & sedulus artis
Cultor, qui mores hominum cognovit, & urbes:
Dum _Phœbo_ comes ire parat, mentemque capacem
Vidit uterque polus, nec _Grajum_ cana vetustas
Hunc latuit; veterum nunc prisca numismata regum
Eruit, & _Latias_ per mystica templa ruinas:
Æstimat ille forum, & vasti fundamina Circi,
Cumque ruinoso _Capitolia_ prisca theatro,
Et dominos colles altaeque palatia _Romæ_:
Regales notat inde domos, ut mole superba
Surgat apex, molles quae tecta imitantur _Ionas_,{civ:2}
Qualia _Romulea_, _Gothica_ quae marmora dextra,
Quicquid _Tuscus_ habet, mira panduntur ab arte.
O famae patriaeque sacer! vel diruta chartis
Vivet _Roma_ tuis; te vindice, laeta _Corinthus_
Stabit adhuc, magno nequiquam invisa _Metello_.

Nunc quoque _ruris_ opes dulcesque ante omnia curas
Pandis ovans; tristes maneat quae cura _Decembres_;
_Pleiades_ haec _Hyadesque_ jubent, haec laeta _Bootes_
Semina mandat humi, atque ardenti haec _Sirius_ agro
Cœpit ut aestiva segetes torrere favilla,
Hoc _Maii_ vernantis opus, dum florea serta
Invitant Dominas ruris, dum vere tepenti
Ridet ager, renovatque suos _Narcissus_ amores.

Haud aliter victrix divinam _Æneida_ vates
Lusit opus, simul & gracili modulatus avena,
Fata decent majora tuos, _Eveline_, triumphos,
Æternum renovatur honos, te nulla vetustas
Obruet, atque tua servanda volumina cedro
Durent, & meritam cingat tibi laurea frontem
Qui vitam _Silvis_ donasti & _Floribus ævum_.

R. Bohun.

FOOTNOTES:

{ciii:1} _Libro de coloribus._

{ciii:2} _De origine formarum._

{civ:1} _De Wotton in agro Surriensi._

{civ:2} _Consule librum Auctoris de Architectura._

ΕΙΣ ΤΗΝ ΤΟΥ ΠΑΤΡΟΣ ΔΕΝΔΡΟΛΟΓΙΑΝ.

Ὑμνήσω φρονίμοιο πατρὸς μελέεσσιν ἐπαίνους,
ὑμνήσω ἐπέεσσιν ἀριστεύοντα γεωργῶν·
οὐρανίην ταναῆς ἀρετὴν δρυὸς αὐτὸς ἔγραψεν,
καὶ ποταπῶν γενεὴν δένδρων κατὰ δάσκιον ὕλην.
ἀθανάτων κύδιστος ἔη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς,
ἔσχεν δὴ δένδροιο φίλαις πραπίδεσσιν ἐέλδωρ,
φύλλοις τ' ἀμβροσίοις θαλερᾶς δρυὸς ἐστεφάνωτο·
Ἀγγλιακῶν ὃς ἄριστος ἔη θεοείκελος ἀνήρ,
ἱστορίην δένδρων τέλεσεν φρεσὶ κυδαλίμοισι,
ὑλογενής κηπουρὸς ὑπείροχος, ὃς μέγ' ὄνειαρ
ἀνδράσιν ἐσσομένοις κατὰ γαίην πουλυβότειραν,
νηυσί τε ποντοπόροισι βαρυγδούποιο θαλάσσης.

_Jo. Evelyn_, Fil.

THE GARDEN.

_To _J. Evelyn,_ Esquire._

I never had any other Desire so strong, and so like to Covetousness as that one which I have had always, That I might be Master at last of a small House and large Garden, with very moderate Conveniencies joined to them, and there dedicate the remainder of my Life only to the Culture of them, and study of Nature,

And there (with no Design beyond my Wall) whole and entire to lie,
In no unactive Ease, and no unglorious Poverty;

Or as _Virgil_ has said, shorter and better for me, that I might there _Studiis florere ignobilis otî_ (though I could wish that he had rather said, _Nobilis otii_, when he spoke of his own:) But several accidents of my ill Fortune have disappointed me hitherto, and do still of that Felicity; for though I have made the first and hardest step to it, by abandoning all Ambitions and Hopes in this World, and by retiring from the noise of all Business and almost Company; yet I stick still in the Inn of a hired House and Garden, among Weeds and Rubbish; and without that pleasantest Work of Human Industry, the Improvement of something which we call (not very properly, but yet we call) our own. I am gone out from _Sodom_, but I am not yet arrived at my little _Zoar_: _O let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my Soul shall live._ I do not look back yet: but I have been forced to stop, and make too many halts. You may wonder, Sir, (for this seems a little too extravagant and Pindarical for _Prose_) what I mean by all this Preface; it is to let you know, That though I have mist, like a Chymist, my great End, yet I account my Affections and Endeavours well rewarded by something that I have met with by the bye; which is, that they have procur’d to me some part in your Kindness and esteem; and thereby the honour of having my Name so advantagiously recommended to Posterity, by the _Epistle_ you are pleased to prefix to the _most useful Book_ that has been written in that kind, and which is to last as long as Months and Years.

Among many other _Arts_ and _Excellencies_ which you enjoy, I am glad to find this Favourite of mine the most predominant, That you choose this for your Wife, though you have hundreds of other Arts for your Concubines; though you know them, and beget Sons upon them all, (to which you are rich enough to allow great Legacies) yet the issue of this seems to be design’d by you to the main of the Estate; you have taken most pleasure in it, and bestow’d most Charges upon its Education; and I doubt not to see that Book, which you are pleased to promise to the World, and of which you have given us a large earnest in your Calendar, as accomplish’d, as any thing can be expected from an _Extraordinary Application_, and no ordinary Expences, and a long Experience. I know no body that possesses more private Happiness than you do in your Garden; and yet no Man who makes his Happiness more publick, by a free communication of the Art and Knowledge of it to others. All that I my self am able yet to do, is only to recommend to Mankind the search of that Felicity, which you instruct them how to find and to enjoy.

1.

Happy art thou whom God does bless
With the full choice of thine own Happiness;
And happier yet, because thou’rt blest
With Prudence how to choose the best:
In Books and Gardens thou hast plac’d aright
(Things well which thou dost understand,
And both dost make with thy laborious hand)
Thy noble innocent delight:
And in thy virtuous Wife, where thou again dost meet
Both Pleasures more refin’d and sweet:
The fairest Garden in her Looks,
And in her Mind the wisest Books.
Oh! who would change these soft, yet solid Joys,
For empty Shows and senseless Noise;
And all which rank Ambition breeds,
Which seem such beauteous Flowers, and are such poisonous Weeds?

2.

When God did Man to his own Likeness make,
As much as Clay, though of the purest kind,
By the great Potters Art refin’d,
Could the Divine Impression take:
He thought it fit to place him, where
A kind of Heav’n too did appear,
As far as Earth could such a likeness bear:
That Man no Happiness might want,
Which Earth to her first Master could afford;
He did a Garden for him plant
By the quick hand of his Omnipotent Word.
As the chief Help and Joy of Humane Life,
He gave him the first Gift; first, ev’n before a Wife.

3.

For God, the universal Architect,
’T had been as easie to erect
A Louvre, or Escurial, or a Tower,
That might with Heav’n communication hold
As _Babel_ vainly thought to do of old:
He wanted not the skill or power,
In the World’s Fabrick those were shown,
And the Materials were all his own.
But well he knew what place would best agree
With Innocence, and with Felicity:
And we elsewhere still seek for them in vain,
If any part of either yet remain;
If any part of either we expect,
This may our judgement in the search direct;
God the first Garden made, and the first City, _Cain_.

4.

O blessed Shades! O gentle cool retreat
From all th’ immoderate Heat,
In which the frantick World does burn and sweat!
This does the Lion Star, Ambitions rage;
This Avarice, the Dog-Stars Thirst asswage;
Every where else their fatal Power we see,
They make and rule Man’s wretched Destiny:
They neither set, nor disappear,
But tyrannize o’er all the Year;
Whil’st we ne’er feel their Flame or Influence here.
The Birds that dance from Bough to Bough,
And sing above in every Tree,
Are not from Fears and Cares more free,
Than we who lie, or walk below,
And should by right be Singers too.
What Princes Quire of Musick can excel
That which within this Shade does dwell?
To which we nothing pay or give,
They like all other Poets live,
Without Reward, or Thanks for their obliging Pains;
’Tis well if they become not Prey:
The Whistling Winds add their less artful Strains,
And a grave Base the murmuring Fountains play;
Nature does all this Harmony bestow,
But to our Plants, Arts, Musick too,
The Pipe, Theorbo, and Guitar we owe;
The Lute it self, which once was Green and Mute:
When _Orpheus_ struck th’ inspired Lute,
The Trees danc’d round, and understood
By Sympathy the Voice of Wood.

5.

These are the Spells that to kind Sleep invite,
And nothing does within resistance make,
Which yet we moderately take;
Who wou’d not choose to be awake,
While he’s incompass’d round with such delight,
To th’ Ear, the Nose, the Touch, the Taste, and Sight?
When _Venus_ wou’d her dear _Ascanius_ keep
A Pris’ner in the downy Bands of Sleep,
She od’rous Herbs and Flowers beneath him spread
As the most soft and sweetest Bed;
Not her own Lap would more have charm’d his Head.
Who, that has Reason, and his Smell,
Would not among Roses and Jasmin dwell,
Rather than all his Spirits choak
With Exhalations of Dirt and Smoak?
And all th’ uncleanness which does drown
In pestilential Clouds a pop’lous Town?
The Earth it self breaths better Perfumes here,
Than all the Female Men or Women there,
Not without cause about them bear.

6.

When _Epicurus_ to the World had taught,
That Pleasure was the Chiefest Good,
(And was perhaps i’th’ right, if rightly understood)
His Life he to his Doctrine brought,
And in a Gardens Shade that Sovereign Pleasure sought.
Whoever a true Epicure would be,
May there find cheap and virtuous Luxury.
_Vitellius_ his Table, which did hold
As many Creatures as the Ark of old:
That Fiscal Table, to which every day
All Countries did a constant Tribute pay,
Could nothing more delicious afford,
Than Natures Liberality,
Helpt with a little Art and Industry,
Allows the meanest Gard’ners board.
The wanton Taste no Fish or Fowl can choose,
For which the Grape or Melon she would loose,
Though all th’ Inhabitants of Sea and Air
Be listed in the Gluttons Bill of Fare;
Yet still the Fruits of Earth we see
Plac’d the third Story high in all her Luxury.

7.

But with no Sense the Garden does comply;
None courts or flatters, as it does the Eye:
When the great _Hebrew_ King did almost strain
The wond’rous Treasures of his Wealth and Brain,
His Royal Southern Guest to entertain;
Though she on Silver Floors did tread,
With bright _Assyrian_ Carpets on them spread,
To hide the Metals Poverty:
Though she look’d up to Roofs of Gold,
And nought around her could behold
But Silk and rich Embroidery,
And _Babylonian_ Tapistry,
And wealthy _Hiram’s_ Princely Dy:
Though _Ophirs_ Starry Stones met every where her Eye;
Though she her self and her gay Host were drest
With all the shining Glories of the East;
When lavish Art her costly work had done,
The honour and the Prize of Bravery
Was by the Garden from the Palace won;
And every Rose and Lilly there did stand
Better attir’d by Natures hand:
The case thus judg’d against the King we see,
By one that would not be so Rich, though Wiser far than he.

8.