b2 OF THE CULTIVATION SECT. IV. 



fharp pointed (lake, the better to let the water down ; 

 but this may wound the roots, and mould only be prac- 

 ticed in a light foil, and very dry fcafon. To young 

 trees only it can however be of ufe, for the roots of 

 old ones run far and wide ; and it is the fmall fibres of 

 thefe distant roots, on which the tree chiefly depends for 

 food. Vines mould have no water till they are off 

 bloffom, (July) and the fruit as big as large pins heads ; 

 and then if the feafon be Very hot and dry, watering the 

 roots twice a week will help the fruit to fwell. 



An engine to water the leaves of vines, and all other 

 wall trees in a fummer evening, refrelhes them much, 

 and helps to rid the trees and wall of infecis and filth. 

 Late in the fummer, when the nights begin to get cold, 

 it is time to leave off all watering, except things in pits, 

 and frames^ which mould have it then only in the morn- 

 ing. As watering is apt to make ground hide-bound 

 and unfightly, let the Jurface be occafionally ffirred 

 and raked, which will make future waterings enter the 

 ground the better : when the ground is hard on the 

 top, the water runs away from its proper place, and 

 half the labour is loft. Many things are impatient of 

 being kept wet about the fhanks, and therefore water- 

 ing (hould be generally at a little diftance. 



The quality of water ufed for refreflung plants is a 

 material thing, and it is very various in its nature, ac- 

 cording to the peculiar earths and mineral fubiiances, 

 that it palTes through. Rain water is by far the beft, 

 as appears by the verdure and vivacity it gives : It is 

 nourifhing, as being lull ot vegetable food. 



River water is next in fitnefs, and pond water fol- 

 lows. Well w r ater is of leaft account, though local 

 circumflances occafion its ufe the moll. So that in 

 forming a judgment concerning watering, it is not 

 (imply to be confidered, whether plants Jhould be wa- 

 tered ; but whether with well water, and that too from 

 a pump. Pump water, if ufed direclly (to fay nothing 

 gt it's hardnefs) ii fo cold in fummer, that the roots 



feel 



