xlviii 



PEEFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



realise, with nature's materials, according to the fancy of his 

 employer. If no adverse accident occm' to obstruct this design, 

 I trust that, by the first week of January next, the planters 

 may be ready to proceed on their arboricultural adventure, of 

 which due notice will of course be given in a public manner. 



Meanwhile his Majesty has been graciously pleased to 

 grant permission that this edition of the work shall be dedicated 

 to him. It is true, that it was originally intended for " the 

 climate of Scotland;" but as the laws of nature, and such 

 systems as are deduced from them, are the same in all countries 

 and in all climates, it is probable that it may now be consider- 

 ed as an English book. 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 indi- 

 genous and Enghsh. In a former day, Louis XIV., by the 

 mere efibrts of physical force, drew about great trees in the 

 vicinity of Paris. In a happier age of arts, as well as insti- 

 tutions,* 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. 



* Rard temponm felicitate. — Tacitus. 



Allanton House, 

 mil October, 1828. 



