24 S Y L V A BOOK i 



as nothing but the axe is able to prostrate them. 

 And there is good reason for it in my opinion, 

 whilst these concussions of the roots loosning the 

 mould, not only make room for their more easie 

 insinuations, but likewise open and prepare it to 

 receive and impart the better nourishment. It is in 

 another place I suggest that transplanted pines and 

 firrs, for want of their penetrating taproots, are 

 hardly consistent against these gusts after they are 

 grown high ; especially, where they are set close, 

 and in tufts, which betrays them to the greater 

 disadvantage : And therefore such trees do best in 

 walks, and at competent distances where they escape 

 tolerably well : Such therefore as we design for 

 woods of them, should be sow'd, and never remov'd. 

 In the mean time, many trees are also propagated by 

 cuttings and layers ; the ever-greens about Bartholo- 

 mewtide ; other trees within two or three months 

 after, when they will have all the sap to assist them; 

 every body knows the way to do it is by slitting the 

 branch a little way, when it is a little cut directly in, 

 and then to plunge it half a foot under good mould, 

 and leaving as much of its extremity above it, and if 

 it comply not well, to peg it down with an hook or 

 two, and so when you find it competently rooted, to 

 cut it off beneath, and plant it forth : Other expe- 

 dients there are by twisting the part, or baring it of 

 the rind ; and if it be out of reach of the ground, to 

 fasten a tub or basket of earth near the branch, fill'd 

 with a succulent mould, and kept as fresh as may be. 

 For cuttings, about the same season, take such as are 

 about the bigness of your thumb, setting them a foot 

 in the earth, and near as much out. If it be of soft 

 wood, as willows, poplar, alders, &c. you may take 



