10 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 



Soon after publication of the Silva, which made its appearance in 

 1664, under the auspices of the Royal Society, the spirit for planting 

 increased to a high degree ; and there is reason to believe that many of 

 our ships which, in the last war, gave laws to the whole world, were 

 constructed from Oaks planted at that time. The present age must re- 

 flect upon this with gratitude ; and it is to be hoped that we shall be am- 

 bitious to receive from Posterity the same acknowledgments that we, at 

 this moment, pay to the memory of our virtuous Ancestors. 



A. HUNTER. 



YouK, August 1, 1776. 



