CHAP, in S YL V A 41 



the 1 tap-root, which is that down-right, and stubby 

 part of the roots (which all trees rais'd of seeds do 

 universally produce) and quickning some of the rest 

 with a sharp knife (but sparing the fibrous, which 

 are the main suckers and mouths of all trees) spread 

 them in the foss or pit which hath been prepar'd to 

 receive them. I say, in the foss, unless you will 

 rather trench the whole field, which is incompara- 

 bly the best ; and infinitely to be preferr'd before 

 narrow pits and holes (as the manner is) in case you 

 plant any number considerable, the earth being 

 hereby made loose, easier and penetrable for the roots, 

 about which you are to cast that mould, which (in 

 opening of the trench) you took from the surface, 

 and purposely laid apart ; because it is sweet, mellow, 

 and better impregnated : But in this work, be cir- 

 cumspect never to inter your stem deeper than you 

 found it standing ; for profound burying very fre- 

 quently destroys a tree, though an error seldom 

 observed : If therefore the roots be sufficiently cover- 

 ed to keep the body steady and erect, it is enough ; 

 and the not minding of this trifling circumstance, 

 does very much deceive our ordinary wood-men, as 

 well as gardiners ; for most roots covet the air (though 

 that of the Quercus urbano least of any) ; for like the 

 Escu/us 



1 How much to heaven her towring head ascends, 

 So much towards hell her piercing root extends. 



1 Which yet some, upon good experience will not allow in transplanting 

 young Oaks ; affirming the taking them up without any abatement, or the least 

 wound, does exceedingly advance the growth of this tree above such as are 

 depriv'd of it. 



1 Q u * quantum vertice ad auras 



/Ethereas, tantum radice in Tartara tendit. 



Geo. 1. 2. 



