Thus, Gentlemen, and as all Poets chuse the most Worthy to patronize
their Works, I humbly offer ye the following Poem, and that you may
still continue as ye now are; that your Trees may ever flourish, your
_Green-houses_ be secure, nor your _young Plants_ be ever nipt in the
_Bud_, and that you may ever _stand_ against all _Cracks_, Storms,
Tempests, and _Eruptions_,

_Is the hearty Wishes of Your's_,

BOTANICUS.




THE Natural HISTORY OF THE TREE of LIFE.


The Tree of which I fain would sing,
If the kind Muse her Aid would bring,
Is _Arbor Vitae_; but in brief,
By vulgar Men call'd--_Tree of Life_.

First for Description then, 'tis such
As needs must captivate you much.
In Stem most streight, of lovely Size,
With Head elate this Plant doth rise;
First bare--when it doth further shoot,
_A Tuft of Moss_ keeps warm the Root:
No _Lapland_ Muff has such a Fur,
No Skin so soft has any Cur;