vi PREFACE 
Therefore, the most expeditious, and obvious 
Method, would (doubtless) be by one of these 
two ways, Sowing, or Planting. But, first, it 
will be requisite to agree upon the Species; as 
what Trees are likely to be of greatest Use, and 
the fittest to be cultivated; and then, to con- 
sider of the Manner how it may best be effected. 
Truly, the waste, and destruction of our Woods, 
has been so universal, that I conceive nothing 
less then an universal Plantation of all the 
sorts of Trees will supply, and will encounter 
the defect; and therefore, I shall Aere adventure 
to speak something in general of them a//; 
though I chiefly insist upon the propagation of 
such only as seem to be the most wanting, and 
serviceable. . . . 
‘Ispeak only here as a plain Husband-man, 
and a simple Forester, out of the limits whereof 
I hope I have not unpardonably transgress’d.’ 
—John Evelyn’s Sylva; or, a Discourse of Forest 
Trees, and the Propagation ‘of Timber, 1664 (pp. 
I, 2, and 34). 
