1 82 SYLVA BOOK in 



do in their dogs, and horses, for races, and hunting ; 

 neither of which recreations is comparable to that of 

 planting, either for virtue or pleasure, were things 

 justly consider'd according to their true estimation : 

 Not that I am of so morose an humour, that I re- 

 prove any of these noble and manly diversions, season- 

 ably us'd ; but because I would court the industry 

 of great and opulent persons, to profitable and per- 

 manent delights : For, suppose that ambition were 

 chang'd into a laudable emulation, who should best, 

 and with most artifice, raise a plantation of trees, that 

 should have all the proper ornaments and perfections 

 their nature is susceptible of, by their direction and 

 encouragement ; such as ./Elian sums up, lib. 3. c. 14. 

 eirycvac ol icXaSot, KCU 17 Kojurj TroAXi), &c. kind and gentle 

 limbs, plenty of large leaves, an ample and fair body, 

 profound, or spreading roots, strong against impetuous 

 winds (for so I affect to read it) extensive and vener- 

 able shade, and the like : Methinks there were as 

 much a subject of glory as could be fancied of the 

 kind ; and comparable, I durst pronounce, preferable 

 to any of their recreations ; and how goodly an orna- 

 ment to their demesnes and dwellings, let their own 

 eyes be the judges. 



17. One encouragement more I would reinforce 

 from an history I have read of a certain frugal, and 

 most industrious Italian nobleman, who, after his lady 

 was brought to bed of a daughter, (considering that 

 wood and timber was a revenue coming on whilst 

 the owners were asleep) commanded his servants 

 immediately to plant in his lands (which were ample) 

 oaks, ashes, and other profitable and marketable trees, 

 to the number of an hundred thousand; as undoubtedly 

 calculating, that each of those trees might be worth 



