Sylva, or A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in his majesties dominions [...].

4to: [14]-120-[4]-83-[1] pp. (soiled, dampst., browning).

Contemp. blind-st. and -ruled sheep, flat gilt-orn. spine (corners def., covers scratched, joints split, spine def.).

First edition by the English writer, landowner, gardener, courtier and minor government official John Evelyn (1620-1706) who is now best known as a diarist. He was a founding Fellow of the Royal Society. "Sylva" was the first book published after the granting of their Royal Charter as publishers in 1662. "A protest against the careless destruction of England’s forests to fuel the furnaces of the glass and iron industries. The work was influential in establishing a much-needed programme of reforestation that had a lasting effect on the British economy." (Garrison & Morton). The second part concerns fruit trees and cider. Engr. printer's mark on title. Title & text in red & black.
Ref. Garrison & Morton 145.51
Prov. John Stuart Coxon, secretary to the Duke of Wellington (arm. bookpl.).