The first book of architecture, by Andrea Palladio. Translated out of Italian: with an appendix touching doors and windows, by Dr Le Muet architect to the French King: translated out of French by G.R. Also rules and demonstrations, with several designs for the framing of any manner of roofs either above pitch or under pitch, whether square or bevel, never published before. With designes of floors of variety of small pieces of wood, lately made in the pallace of the Queen Mother, at Sommerset-House; a curiosity never practiced in England before.

CHAP. II. Of Timber.

TImber (as Vitruvius hath it, cap. 9. book 2.) ought to be fel∣led in Autumn, and through all the Winter: because then the Trees recover from the root that strength and soundnesse which in the Spring and Summer was dispersed into leaves and fruit; And you are to cut them in the wane of the Moon, be∣cause the moisture which is most apt to rot wood, is then con∣sumed: from whence there will not come the worm to hurt it. It should be cut but to the middle of the pith, and so left until it be dry, because by drops there will passe away that moisture which would cause putrefaction; Being cut, let it be laid in a place free from the extremities of Sun, Wind and Rain; and those ought chiefly to be kept dry, which are of spontaneous growth; and to the end that they may not cleave but dry equal∣ly, you are to daub them over with Cow-dung; it should not be drawn through the dew, but in the afternoon, nor to be wrought being very wet or too dry: because the one makes it apt to rot, the other hard to work; nor will it in lesse then three years be dry enough, to use in Plankes, Doores and Windows. It is convenient for those who are about to build, to inform them∣selves from men skilful in the nature of Timber, what Wood

is fit for such use, and what not. Vitruvius, in the Chapter above mentioned, gives good instructions; and so other learned men who have written thereof at large.