IG2 



those we find in later authors. Chap. 3. is devoted to the 

 consideration of the use Water is to Plants, and of that which 

 is best for them. He is decidedly opposed to those who con- 

 sider water the sole food of plants. Rain water he considers 

 best for them. The plan of watering Trees, &c. with water 

 impregnated, with dungs, lately so ably advocated bjr Mr. 

 Knight, Switzer gives directions for performing without at all 

 considering it a new plan. We have observed it in much 

 older authors. Pigeon, sheep, and horse dungs, he considers 

 best for the purpose. Chap. 4. is consumed in considering the 

 influence of the Sun upon the earth, and relates to any thing 

 but Gardening." Chap. 5. is upon the influence air has over 

 Vegetation. He here seems to have again anticipated Mr. 

 Knight who in the Horticultural Transactions, has some ex- 

 perlmcnls to prove that the motion which the winds impart to 

 Plants assists their growth. Switzer speaking of the benefits 

 of the breezes, enumerates their " blowing open and extending 

 natures oflspring." He dwells much upon the dry air of March, 

 bcin injurious to new Plantations, and strictly enjoins water- 

 ing the roots, " more plantations miscarry on account of thig 

 neglect than by any cause whatever." Chap. 6. is devoted to 

 the processes of Vegetation, in the course of this he makes an 

 observation, little attended to now, but to which 1 bear de- 

 cisive testimony, that standards generally bear sooner and bet- 

 ter than dwarfs. — Of different plants regaining different soils, 

 manures, Szc. and hence deducting that water, Is not their 

 chief nourishment, he argues earnestly, and in a manner rarely 

 found in writers of his age, and on such subjects. Chap. 7. 

 is occupied by a consideration of Forest Trees, their culture 

 ^c. Its Section 1. contains the opinions of the ancient and, 

 more modern Poets, concerning the beauties of Groves and Um- 

 brageous situations ; if Switzer is not so melodious in his sen- 

 tences, they serve as vehicles for Rhapsodies, perhaps as full 

 of inspiration, and certainly as fervent as the warmest admirer 

 of Woodland scenes can compel his imagination to soar with; 



