CHAP, ix S Y L V A 105 



for which the fruit is a specifique and a notable 

 signature ; although I deny not, but the scent of the 

 fallen leaves, when they begin to be damp'd with 

 lying, may emit somewhat a heady steam, which to 

 some has prov'd noxious ; but not whilst they were 

 fresh, and lively upon the trees. How would such 

 publick plantations improve the glory and wealth of 

 a nation ! But where shall we find the spirits among 

 our countreymen ? Yes, I will adventure to instance 

 in those plantations of Sir Richard Stidolph, upon 

 the downs near Lether-head in Surrey ; Sir Robert 

 Clayton at Morden near Godstone (once belonging 

 to Sir John Evelyn) and so about Cassaulton, where 

 many thousands of these trees do celebrate the industry 

 of the owners, and will certainly reward it with infi- 

 nite improvement, as I am assured they do in part 

 already, and that very considerably ; besides the 

 ornament which they afford to those pleasant tracts, 

 for some miles in circumference. There was lately 

 (and for ought I know is yet) an avenue of four 

 leagues in length, and 50 paces breadth, planted with 

 young oaklings, as strait as a line, from the city of 

 Utrecht to Amersfort, affording a most goodly pros- 

 pect ; which minds me of what Sorbiere tells in a 

 sceptical discourse to Monsieur de M artel, speaking 

 of the readiness of the people in Holland to furnish 

 and maintain whatsoever may conduce to the publick 

 ornament, as well as convenience ; that their plant- 

 ations of these and the like trees, even in their very 

 roads and common highways, are better preserv'd 

 and entertain 'd (as I my self have likewise been often 

 an eye-witness) than those about the houses and 

 gardens of pleasure belonging to the nobles and gentry 

 of most other countries : And in effect it is a most 



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