the notes;-had they been large, he should have thought it right to print them separate, to accommodate former purchasers; and should they ever become so, he means to pursue that course. For the present, his leisure is almost exclusively devoted to the reprinting of The Profitable Planter, with large additions-which has been long promised, but much longer called for; and delayed, principally on account of the present work. If to furnish a book, no otherwise valuable than to sell, had bee nthe height of the author's ambition, that might have been easily gratified long ago: but not such is the fact; he feels his Reputation and Interest equally concerned to produce what will be also extensively useful. Under these impressions it is probable, that at some future period, he may give his ideas upon the Principles and Practice of Ornamental or Landscape gardening. At present, however, he has no leisure to do justice to his own ideas; nor, in deed, does the present moment seem the most favourable, as two authors, great, at least in pretensions, have lately volunteered their services, as teachers of this delightful science; and some time must elapse, before the public can be properly apprised of their real merits. If. it should prove that, instead of ascertaining and fixing the Principles of the Art, they have merely talked about them; and that they have left the Practice, not only unimproved but untouched, then the public, sensible of such deficiencies, may be supposed duly to appreciate more substantial instructions. Alike unknown to the Society of Arts and their secretary, the author thinks himself honoured in being enabled to publish the annexed documents. SIR, Society of Arts, &c. Adelphi, The Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, have directed me to return you their thanks, for the present of your valuable and useful publication, called the FOREST PRUner I have read it with great pleasure, and think it will be productive of very considerable advantages to all persons, who follow your instructions. Your treatise is carefully deposited in the Society's Library, and has met with much attention. I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, Mr. William Pontey, CHARLES TAYLOR, Sec. Huddersfield, Yorkshire. Extract from the Preface to the 24th Vol. of the Transactions of the Society of Arts, &c. page 8, published in Feb. 1807. Mr. "The mischief and damage arising to plantations in general, from a bad system of pruning, or neglect, induced the late public-spirited Duke of Bedford to direct a series of experiments to be made, at his expence, by W. Pontey, of Huddersfield, on his extensive plantations in the neighbourhood of Woburn. Pontey has shewn great industry and judgment in his selection of specimens, and in the clear detail relative to pruning Forest Trees, which he has communicated in a publication, entitled the Forest Pruner, presented by him to the Society.". "This system has been pursued by Mr. Salmon, agent to the present Duke of Bedford, under his Grace's auspices, and confirmed by his certificate, as noticed in the present volume. We are happy to add, it is continuing with spirit under his Grace's particular protection and attention." TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF BEDFORD. MY LORD, HOWEVER patronage may be made to serve unworthy purposes, it has frequently been beneficial, both to authors and the public, by stamping a consequence and currency upon what is, in itself, useful.-Had a doubt been entertained whether Rural Science required such an addition as the present performance, so far from your Grace's patronage being requested, the book itself would not have appeared. How much the example and influence of your illustrious Brother and Predecessor added to the improvement of almost every branch of Rural Economy, the faithful pen of History will record;-nor will it be forgotten, that the improvement of Timber was an object of his solicitude.-To have been deputed, by him, to superintend that object, will always be consider ed, by myself, as the highest honour, and next to it, that of being continued by your Grace in the same appointment. The example of a Character which will ever be dear to this kingdom and mankind, the situation of your own Timber trees,-your stake in the country, with the allowed distinction of being the hereditary Patron of Rural Science, all seem to claim, from your Grace, a steady perseverance in the honourable and beneficial path of improvement; as it must not only have a tendency to check the present increasing scarcity, but to shew what improvement Timber is capable of generally;-and, more particularly, the real properties of that unjustly degraded part of it-ENGLISH-GROWN FIRS. I am, my Lord, Your Grace's Most obedient humble servant, WILLIAM PONTEY. Huddersfield, Dec. 16, 1805. |