Sylva; Or, A Discourse of Forest Trees. Vol. 1 (of 2)Evelyn, John
History
Sylva; Or, A Discourse of Forest Trees. Vol. 1 (of 2)
Evelyn, John
Forests and forestry -- Early works to 1800; Gardening -- Early works to 1800; Trees -- Early works to 1800
in the Fronts of so many _learned Volumes_: There it is you will find
CHARLES the II. plac’d among the _Heroes_ and _Demi-Gods_, for his
_Patrociny_ and _Protection_: There you will see the numerous
_Congratulations_ of the most learned _Foreigners_, celebrating the
Happiness of their _Institution_; and that whilst other _Nations_ are
still _benighted_ under the dusky _Cloud_, such a refulgent Beam should
give day to this _blessed Isle_: And certainly, it is not to be supposed
that _all_ these _Learned Persons_, of so many, and divers _Interests_,
as well as _Countries_, should _speak_, and _write_ thus out of
_Flattery_, much less of _Ignorance_; being Men of the most refin’d
_Universal Knowledge_, as well as _Ingenuity_: But I should never _end_,
were I to pursue this fruitful _Topic_. I have but one word more to add,
to conciliate the _Favour_ and Esteem of our own _Universities_, to an
_Assembly_ of _Gentlemen_, who _from them_ acknowledge to have derived
all their _Abilities_ for these laudable Undertakings; and what above
all is most _shining_ in them of most _Christian_, _Moral_, and
otherwise conspicuous, as from the _Source_ and _Fountain_, to which on
all occasions, they are not only ready to pay the _Tribute_ and
_Obsequiousness_ of _humble Servants_, but of _Sons_, and dutiful
_Alumni_. There is nothing verily which they more desire, than a fair
and mutual _Correspondence_ between so near _Relations_, and that they
may be perpetually _Flourishing_ and _Fruitful_ in bringing forth (as
still they do) supplies to _Church_ and _State_ in all its great
Capacities:{xcvi:1} Finally, that they would regard the _Royal Society_
as a _Colony_ of their own _planting_, and _augure_ it _Success_. And if
in these _Labours_, and arduous _Attempts_, several _Inventions_ of
present use and service to _Mankind_ (either detecting _Errors_,
illustrating and asserting _Truths_, or propagating _Knowledge_ in
_natural things_, and the visible _Works_ of _God_) have been
discover’d, as they _envy_ not the _communicating_ them to the _World_;
so should they be _wanting_ to the _Society_, and to the _Honour_ of
divers _Learned_ and _Ingenious Persons_, (who are the _Soul_ and _Body_
of it) not to vindicate them from the ambitious _Plagiary_, the Insults
of _Scoffers_ and injurious Men: Certainly, Persons of right _Noble_ and
subacted _Principles_, that were _Lovers_ of their _Country_, should be
otherwise affected; and rather strive to _encourage_, and promote
Endeavours tending to so _generous_ a _Design_, than decry it;
especially, when it costs them nothing but their _Civility_ to so many
_obliging Persons_, though they should hitherto have entertain’d them
but with some innocent _Diversions_. To conclude, we _envy_ none their
_Dues_; nay we gratefully _acknowledge_ any _Light_ which we receive
either from _Home_, or from _Abroad_: We _celebrate_ and _record_ their
_Names_ amongst our _Benefactors_; recommend them to the _Publique_; and
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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