O F S I L K. 45 



branch from whence he would have the 

 roots produced. The theory upon which 

 lie builds his improvement is, that as the 

 branches of trees are produced generally at 

 acute angles from the item, and tend up- 

 ward 'y io the roots are produced at acute 

 angles, but in an oppofite diredion down- 

 ward. The ligature therefore of wire 

 checks the motion of the fap, and turns it 

 into that direction which is proper to pro- 

 duce roots ; and he feems to be convinced 

 of this theory by experiment. Perhaps 

 fmall pieces of lead or even tieings of cord, 

 may be found more proper for ligatures 

 than brafs wire, as they will give way 

 to the growth of the branch, and not 

 cut through the bark as the other appears 

 apt to do. 



The method here given for raifing mul- 

 berry trees from cuttings, may perhaps be 

 advantageoully apply'd to the producing 

 nurferies from many other trees, as well 

 as from the mulberry ; all that feems ne- 

 cefHiry for producing trees from cuttings, is, 

 that the part which is under ground fliould, 

 as foon as may be, put on the nature of a 

 root, fo as to feed the branches ; where- 

 fore 'the lefs any particular tree is apt to 



ftrike 



