104 



A DISCOURSE 



BOOK I. wool is also very noxious to them, till being well grown and fixed (which 

 '^"'^^'^^ by seven years will be to some competent degree) they shall be able 

 to withstand all accidental invasions but the ax ; for I am now come 

 to their pruning and cutting, in which work the seasons are of main 

 importance. 



13. Therefore, if you would propagate trees for timber, cut not off their 

 heads at all, nor be too busy with lopping ; but if you desire shade and 

 fuel, or bearing of mast alone, lop off their tops, sear, and unthriving 

 branches only. If you intend an outright felling, expect till November; 

 for this premature cutting down of trees before the sap is perfectly at rest, 

 will be to your exceeding prejudice, by reason of the worm, which will 

 certainly breed in timber which is felled before that period ; but in case 

 you cut only for the chimney, you need not be so punctual as to the 

 time ; yet, for the benefit of what you let stand, observe the moon's 

 increase, if you please. The reason of these differences is, because this 

 is the best season for the growth of the tree which you do not fell, the 

 other for the durableness of the timber which you do ; now, that which 

 is to be burnt is not so material for lasting, as the growth of the 

 tree is considerable for the timber *, but of these particulars more at large 

 in chap. iii. book iii. 



14. The very stump of an Oak, especially that part which is dry and 

 above ground, being well grubbed, is many times worth the pains and 

 charge for sundry rare and hard works ; and, where timber is dear, 

 I could name some who, abandoning this to workmen for their pains 

 only, when they perceived the great advantage, repented of their bargain, 

 and undertaking it themselves were gainers above half ; I wish only, for 

 the expedition of this knotty work, some effectual engine were devised, 

 such as I have been told a worthy personage of this nation made use 

 of, by which he was able, with one man, to perform more than with 

 twelve oxen ; and surely there might be much done by fastening of iron 

 hooks and fangs about one root to extract another, the hook chained 

 to some portable screw or winch * ; I say such an invention might effect 



* This wish is truly accomplished in the Eradicator invented hy the Hon. Capt. 

 Bentinck, and constructed by Mr. Cole, Engine-maker, in London. The deatli of the 

 ingenious inventor, at the time when the drawings were nearly completed, has deprived this 

 work of one of its most useful oniaments. 



