PREFACE. As the author has, for many years, devoted a great proportion of his time to investigating a branch of Rural Science, hitherto much neglected, though equally connected with individual and the National Interest, he thinks himself entitled to that protection which it would be injustice to refuse,-namely, not to be inconsiderately classed with a description of writers, who send books into the world, much better calculated for sale than use. Presuming this to be granted, the reader is informed, in return, that if he expect the following sheets to be principally composed of Theories, or to furnish little more than his library can already afford, he will be equally disappointed. In this, however, the writer takes no credit; for, so far from highly apprecia b ating the value of what he could gather from books, a part of the merit of his own (if such it have,) is in demonstrating the absurdity, the inutility, and even the baneful tendency of much which they furnish, under the imposing name of INSTRUCTIONS. In one point of view, books have been useful; by giving an idea of what was known of the cultivation of Timber one or two centuries back; and thus exhibiting the lamentable imbecility of modern efforts to increase that knowledge. If trees were, indeed, cast by Nature, in a mould, which it would be fruitless, if not impious, to attempt to alter, as some authors have gravely asserted, then might we say to Improvement, "Here shall thy proud efforts "be stayed."The doctrine, however, betrays an extreme ignorance of the natural and accidental forms in which trees are every where found; as no link in the chain of nature appears more susceptible of improvement by Cultivation. Should, however, a doubt of this important fact remain, a glance at the Frontispiece, (the form of which tree has been improved by culture,) must effectually remove it. The leading object of this performance has been to ascertain how far the progress of nature could be traced with certainty; so as to furnish an unerring rule, for improving the form, increasing the weight, and preventing the defects of Timber Trees. If this point have, fortunately, been established, there cannot be any great failure in the subordinate ones; as they are (technically speaking) no other than the branches of the same tree. The Plates will, it is presumed, considerably facilitate the understanding of the subject.To the Engravers, the ingenious Messrs. BUTTERWORTHS of Leeds, the author feels considerable obligations, for their masterly execution of the subjects, supposed natural, and their very striking and correct delineation of suci. as are really so. In the execution of the work, the author has no other claims to superiority, than what have been afforded by industry, opportunity, and an uncommon degree of attachment to the subject, But simple means are not always the least ef fectual; and the country has much to regret, that no public proof has yet appeared, of similar means having been used by others. The doubts, which rest upon the minds of most men, both in regard to the propriety of cultivating Timber, and the methods to be employed, are the best proofs of the necessity for investigation. On a subject of such importance, the uncertainty of public opinion is equally detrimental and disgraceful. It is against such uncertainty that the present effort is principally directed. If the author have furnished materials or evidence sufficient to distinguish between truth and error, he has done his duty; and, whatever may be the event, as to the present generation, posterity will remember the effort with gratitude. THE FOREST PRUNER. THE present is an age of improvement : so says the concurrent testimony of every person of observation, who has attended to the recent and amazing advances in different sciences; such as Agriculture, Mechanics, Chemistry, &c. &c.-nor can we consider those objects without being struck with the astonishing powers of the human mind, when stimulated to pursue particular objects. The genius and enterprising spirit of the present period, aided by liberal patronage, have, in numerous instances, effected what, in times past, would have B |