XXVI 



To every reader, therefore, such a dedication will 

 appear peculiarly appropriate, as his Majesty is 

 the only prince in Europe who, to a correct taste 

 in the other fine arts, adds a perfect knowledge of 

 one that is truly indigenous and English. In a 

 former day, Lewis XIV., by the mere efforts of 

 physical force, drew about great trees in the vi- 

 cinity of Paris. In a happier age of arts as well 

 as institutions,* we may now hope to see a British 

 monarch, in the vicinity of Windsor, Give immediate 

 Effect to Wood on scientific principles, and thus 

 rival the great masters of design, in his creations 

 of real landscape. 



* Rara temporum felicitate. — Tacit. 



Allanton House, 

 10th October, 1828. 



