The timber-tree improved, or, The best practical methods of improving different lands, with proper timber...
The timber-tree improved, or, The best practical methods of improving different lands, with proper timber : and those fruit-trees whose woods make the most profitable returns to their owners, according to the newest inventions, by the plough, harrow, and other methods most approved of : in two parts was authored by William Ellis in two separate parts sometime between 1700 and 1758. Much like its title suggests, the book suggests ways to improve the health of timber and fruit trees as well as the quality of timber obtained from such trees.
Background
Historical Context
Author
Audience and Circulation
Provenance
This copy of the book was owned by Lord Edward Suffield, which is apparent from the bookplate. While there isn’t a clear date that notes when Penn acquired the book, it is reasonable to say that it was acquired sometime during or after Lord Edward Suffield’s lifetime (1781-1835). The bookplate inside the front cover matches up with Edward the 3rd Baron of Suffield’s coat of arms.
Physical Attributes
Substrate
The book's substrate is made primarily from wood pulp, similar to materials found in other books made around the same time period this book was published. The front cover of the book has detached from the rest of the book, likely due to age. The covers and spine contain wood pulp wrapped in some sort of leather material. Within the book, the pages have consistent horizontal lines, suggesting that the paper was most likely printed within a paper mill. The pages also have a consistent reddish-yellowish hue, which is most likely due to the natural aging of the book.
Marginalia
This copy of the book does not appear to have any markings in its pages, excluding the bookplate from the original owner and markings made by the library for cataloging purposes. This may suggest that the book was not heavily read before the book entered circulation within Penn Libraries, or that Lord Suffield or subsequent book owners were very careful not to leave behind any markings or marginalia within the book. The book also has no evidence of any stains or discolorations within its pages, further suggesting that it was not read a substantial amount before being donated to Penn Libraries.