THE OAK. 



17 



which well deserve to be imitated, by all such landed 

 proprietors as may be actuated by a laudable am- 

 bition to make their private possessions a source of 

 public ornament and of national wealth. And that 

 appeals may not be wanting to self-love, as well as 

 to considerations of the welfare of posterity, let us 

 hear what is said on the subject by Evelyn, whose 

 own green and prosperous old-age verified the truth 

 of his remarks : " And now, lastly, to encourage those 

 to plant that have opportunity, and those who inno- 

 cently and with reluctance are forced to cut down, 

 and endeavour to supply the waste with their utmost 

 industry. It is observed that such planters are 

 often blessed with health and old-age. Of their 

 extraordinary longevity we have given abundant in- 

 stances in this discourse ; and it seems to be so 

 universally remarked, that as Paulus Venetus, that 

 great traveller, reports, the Tartarian astrologers 

 affirm nothing contributes more to men's long lives 

 than the planting of many trees. Hmc Scripsi 

 OcTAGENARius ; and shall, if God protract my 

 years, and continue my health, be continually plant- 

 ing, till it shall please him to trans])lant me into 

 those glorious regions above, the celestial Paradise, 

 planted with perennial groves and trees, bearing 

 immortal fruit ; for such is the tree of life, which 

 they who do his commandments have right to." 

 Sylva, p. 645. 



Having thus far dwelt on the Oak in its vigour 



B 



