ar_, in which let me be permitted to say, There is sufficient for
_Instruction_, and more than is extant in any _Collection_ whatsoever
(_absit verbo invidia_) in this way and upon this _Subject_; abstracting
things _Practicable_, of solid _use_ and _material_, from the
_Ostentation_ and Impertinences of divers _Writers_; who receiving all
that came to hand on trust, to swell their monstrous _Volumes_, have
hitherto impos'd upon the credulous _World_, without _conscience_ or
_honesty_. I will not exasperate the _Adorers_ of our ancient and late
_Naturalists_, by repeating of what our _Verulam_ has justly pronounced
concerning their _Rhapsodies_ (because I likewise honour their painful
_Endeavours_, and am obliged to them for much of that I know,) nor will I
(with some) reproach _Pliny_, _Porta_, _Cardan_, _Mizaldus_, _Cursius_,
and many others of great _Names_ (whose _Writings_ I have diligently
consulted) for the _Knowledge_ they have imparted to me on this Occasion;
but I must deplore the time which is (for the most part) so miserably lost
in pursuit of their _Speculations_, where they treat upon this _Argument_:
But the _World_ is now advis'd, and (blessed be _God_) infinitely redeem'd
from that base and servile submission of our noblest _Faculties_ to their
blind _Traditions_. This you will be apt to say, is a haughty _Period_;
but whilst I affirm it of the _Past_, it _justifies_, and does _honour_
to the _Present_ Industry of our _Age_, and of which there cannot be a
_greater_ and more emulous _Instance_, than the _Passion_ of His _Majesty_
to encourage his _Subjects_, and of the _Royal Society_, (His _Majesty's
Foundation_) who receive and promote His _Dictates_, in all that is
laudable and truly _emolumental_ of this Nature.

It is not therefore that I here presume to instruct _Him_ in the
management of that great and august _Enterprise_ of resolving to _Plant_
and repair His ample _Forests_, and other _Magazines_ of _Timber_, for
the benefit of His _Royal Navy_, and the glory of His _Kingdoms_; but to
present to His _Sacred Majesty_, and to the _World_, what _Advices_ I
have received from _others_, observed my self, and most industriously
_collected_ from a studious Propensity to serve as one of the least
_Intelligences_ in the ampler _Orb_ of our _Illustrious Society_, and in
a _Work_ so necessary and important.

And now since I mention'd the _Society_, give me leave (Worthy Reader)
as a _Member_ of that _Body_