The Principles of Forestnj, 
347 
dition, as there is evidence to prove that the true principles 
of forestry, so to speak, were not wanting in past ages. In 
fact, it is somewhat extraordinary how well acquainted some of 
the old writers were with both agriculture and arboriculture. 
Probably they lived somewhat in advance of their time. Hear 
what Thomas Tusser, gentleman, says in his " Five Hundred 
Points of Husbandry," written in the sixteenth century. 
For the month of January — 
" In lopping old Jocliatn, for fear of mishap, 
One bougli stay unlopped, to cherish the sap." 
For April — 
" Sell bark to the tanner, ere timber ye fell, 
Cut low by the ground, else do ye not well. 
In breaking save crooked for mill and for ships, 
And ever, in hewing, save carpenters' chips." 
For August — • 
" Hops had, the hop-poles that are likely preserve 
From breaking and rotting, again for to serve; 
And plant ye with alders, willows a plot, 
AVhen yearly, as needeth, mo poles may be got." 
These quaint verses show either a trained mind or a shrewd 
power of observation — a power, by the bye, which should be 
encouraged, and which is essential to the true elucidation of all 
cultural subjects. 
This course of study is absolutely necessary for those who 
would be foresters, to fit them for managing large areas of 
woodland, to ensure the full development of timber, upon which 
alone rests future success or failure. This course can be obtained 
by those who can pay for it and who can afford the time. The 
necessary machinery exists, the teachers exist — it only requires 
to impress upon landowners the necessity of this special qualifi- 
cation in their agents to set the matter rolling. Let them accept 
this, and let them require in all future appointments evidence 
of the possession of this knowledge, and intending agents will 
obtain it. 
No State aid — that is, financial aid — is needed for this class, 
as it may be taken for granted that both landowners and land- 
agents can afford to pay the necessary fees. If labouring wood- 
men must be taught, of which hereafter, then State aid becomes 
imperative. 
First it will be necessary to ask the following question : Is it 
essential to secure a perfect result that professors should have 
woods under their control for the purpose of teaching forestry ? 
If this is answered in the affirmative, then State aid must be 
