CHAP, vii SYLVA 329 



counted a fruitful tree which yields its product every 

 second or third year, as the oak and most forresters 

 do ; no more may we conclude that any tree or vege- 

 table are destitute of seeds, because we see them not so 

 perspicuously with our naked eyes, by reason of their 

 exility, as with the nicest examination of the micro- 

 scope. 



22. Another touch at the winds ; for though they 

 cannot properly be said to be infirmities of trees ; yet 

 they are amongst the principal causes that render 

 trees infirm. I know no surer protection against 

 them, than (as we said) to shelter and stake them whilst 

 they are young, till they have well establish 'd roots ; 

 and with this caution, that in case any goodly trees 

 (which you would desire especially to preserve and 

 redress) chance to be prostrated by some impetuous 

 and extraordinary storm ; you be not over-hasty to 

 carry him away, or despair of him ; (nor is it of any 

 ominous concern at all, but the contrary) fausti ominis^ 

 as Pliny says ; and gives many illustrious instances : 

 And as to other strange and unusual events following 

 the accidental subversion of trees ; concerning omens ; 

 and that some are portentous, others fortunate, of 

 which see l Pierius, speaking of a garden of the Duke 

 of Tuscany, belonging to a palace of his at Rome, a 

 little before the death of Pope Leo ; and before this, 

 about the time of our country-man, Pope Adrian the 

 IVth. First then, let me perswade you to pole him 

 close, and so let him lie some time ; for by this means, 

 many vast trees have rais'd themselves by the vigour 

 only of the remaining roots, without any other assist- 

 ance ; so as people have pronounc'd it miraculous, as 

 I could tell you by several instances, besides what 



1 Hierog. 1. 50. 



