Preface.

t appears that our Institution was founded at Knaresborough Castle, in England, on the 29th of October, 1745, under the title of Royal Foresters, by which name it continued until, at a Grand Convention of delegates, held at Rochdale, in August, 1834, it was changed, and now is known as the Ancient Order of Foresters. Our institution was founded for the purpose of assisting each other at times when, but for the helping hand of our Brethren, woe might sojourn for a much longer period in our dwellings. For this and other ends we associate, we are bound by a solemn tie to act towards, and alleviate the sufferings of, each other as Brethren. To cheer and protect the unfortunate, to sympathise with and aid those whom accident or disease may overtake, and to dry those cheeks of the mourner, are among the leading objects of Forestry. To provide against the calamities just adverted to, is, though great, not the only benefit resulting from our Associated Brotherhood. Besides uniting to render less trying vicissitudes of human existence, we assemble to promote the social happiness of our Brethren, and relieve our minds from the pressure of care by temporary convivality.

A good Forester is a man who, jealous of his rights as a citizen, maintains them in a temperate, manly, and decorous manner. Knowing his duties, he performs them well, and pays a ready and willing obedience to his country's laws—neither cringing nor servile on the one hand, nor wild and facetious on the other. In his private character as a father, son, or husband, he fulfils all claims with scrupulous fidelity.

Benevolence and friendship are our objects—justice and morality our characteristics.