20 



rest trees convinces us, that he had no 

 experience in that branch. — His obser- 

 vations, however, upon the state of the 

 Woods, and Timber Trees, at that time, 

 were, no doubt, just, and unfortunately 

 apply but too closely to what they are 



now. Two hundred years is a long, 



very long period. They are past; and, 

 in all that time, no improvement has been 

 made in the Woodman's art ! The fact is 

 incontrovertible, let the disgrace rest 

 where it may. 



It should seem, that from the year 

 1662, when Evelyn wrote his " Silva," 

 to 1776, when Dr. Hunter republished it, 

 with notes, nothing had appeared upon 

 pruning, which attracted any considera- 

 ble degree of public attention : for had it 

 been so, the latter would scarcely have 

 suffered such an important part of the 

 subject to pass over without any note 

 "whatever. 



