228 LITERATURE OF SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURE. 



These dates sufficiently prove the zeal which had heen awakened 

 in arhoricultural matters, and the interest which planters in this 

 country were evincing in the matter. The avidity with which, during 

 the latter part of the eighteenth and the early part of the nineteenth 

 century, arboriculturists ransacked foreign climes for new and rare 

 species of hardy timber trees was fairly appeased, but only so to burst 

 out afresh in new channels, with fresh longings and aspirations after 

 new acquisitions. 



About this time appeared Loudon's great work, the " Arboretum 

 et Fruticetum Eritannicum," one of the most stupendous under- 

 takings in book history which has ever been achieved. This un- 

 paralleled testimony to indomitable perseverance and application 

 which has ever been published, either in ancient or modern times, 

 first appeared in 1838, and in a few years ran through several edi- 

 tions. It originally came out in numbers ; and as all. the trees which 

 were figured in its pages were drawn from nature, they were pub- 

 lished as they could be obtained, blanks being left for those of which 

 good specimens could not be found. This doubtless led to some 

 confusion, and inaccuracies in the plates arose from different names 

 being given to the same plant, and only one tree was thus sometimes 

 found to fill two spaces. In later editions this was rectified. The 'Ar- 

 boretum Eritannicum " amply fulfilled the intentions and professions 

 of its illustrious author, and may be briefly styled or described as an 

 accurate and full record of all the trees and shrubs of Great Britain, 

 whether these were indigenous or foreign; it correctly defines their 

 hardihood, and suitability of constitution in that respect to the 

 climate and situation of soil and otherwise ; they are described in the 

 most popular manner, and yet are scientifically treated at the same 

 time, so that the systematic botanist, no less than the mere amateur 

 in tree knowledge, can peruse Loudon's work with pleasure and satis- 

 faction. The propagation, culture, and management of each species 

 are carefully given, and the uses of the various trees or shrubs, 

 whether in commerce or as useful for ornament or shelter, minutely 

 described. The genus and species are delineated according to the 

 Xatural Orders; and one of the not least interesting divisions of this 

 great work is the very complete historical and geographical vidimus 

 given of the trees and shrubs throughout the temperate climates of 

 the world, as known at the time the author wrote. This most com- 

 prehensive work, in itself a living monument to the patience, in- 

 dustry, and accuracy of an eminent botanist, occupies no less than 

 eight thick octavo volumes — four of letterpress, illustrated by upwards 



