332 SYLVA BOOK ii 



oyl, has prov'd very effectual : It was experimented 

 in a wall-nut-table, where it destroy 'd millions of 

 worms immediately, and is to be practis'd for tables, 

 tubes, mathematical-instruments, boxes, bed-steads, 

 chairs, rarities, &c. Oyl of wall-nuts will doubtless 

 do the same, is sweeter, and a better varnish ; but 

 above all, is commended oyl of cedar, or that of 

 juniper ; whilst oyl of spike does the cure as effectual 

 as any. 



But after all these sweeping plagues and destruct- 

 ions inflicted on trees, (braving all humane remedies) 

 such frosts as not many years 1 since hap'ned, left such 

 marks of their deadly effects, not sparing the good- 

 liest and most flourishing trees, timber, and other of 

 the stoutest kind ; as some ages will hardly repair : 

 Nay, 'twas observ'd, that the oak in particular (counted 

 the most valiant and sturdy of the whole forest) was 

 more prejudic'd with this excessive cold, and the 

 drowth of the year ensuing, than any of the most 

 nice and tender constitution : Always here excepting 

 (as to a universal strages) the hurricane of Sept. 1703, 

 which begins the epocha of the calamities, which 

 have since follow'd, not only by the late tempest 

 about August 2 last, but by that surprizing blast, ac- 

 company'd doubtless with a fiery spirit, which smote 

 the most flourishing foresters and fruit trees, burning 

 their buds and leaves to dust and powder, not sparing 

 the very fruit. This being done in a moment, must 

 be look'd upon as a plague not to be prevented : In 

 the mean time, that the malignity proceed no farther, 

 it may be advisable to cut, and top the summities of 

 such tender mural trees, rare shrubs, &?c. as have 



1 1683. 

 * 1705- 



