308 S Y L V A BOOK ii 



the lower parts next the ground broader (two foot 

 were sufficient foi the thickness of the tallest hedge) 

 than the tops, gradually, so as not much to exceed a 

 foot breadth at the upmost verge, (as architects 

 diminish walls of stone and brick from the foundation) 

 for they will else be apt to bend and swagg, especially 

 laden with Winter-snows or ice ; grow too thick, 

 heat, wither, and foul within, dry and sticky especially; 

 when it were more than time they were cut close to 

 earth, for a fresh and verdant Spring ; and this 

 method is to be practis'd in all hedges whatsoever. 



1 8. But would you yet improve the standard which 

 I celebrate, to greater and more speedy exaltation ? 

 Bud your laurel on the black-cherry stock to what 

 height you please : This I had from an ocular testi- 

 mony, who was more than somewhat doubtful of 

 such alliances ; though something like it in Palladius 

 speaks it not so impossible ; 



1 A cherry graft on laurel-stock does stain 

 The virgin fruit in a deep double grain. 



19. They are rais'd of the seeds or berries with 

 extraordinary facility, or propagated by layers, taleae^ 

 and cuttings, set about the latter end of August, or 

 earlier at St. James-tide, where-ever there is shade 

 and moisture. Besides that of the wood, the leaves 

 of this laurel boil'd in milk, impart a very grateful 

 tast of the almond ; and of the berry (or cherries 

 rather, of which poultrey generally feed on) is made 

 a wine, to some not unpleasant: I find little concern- 

 ing the uses of this tree ; of the wood are said to 



1 Inseritur lauro cerasus, partuque coacto 

 Tingit adoptivus Virginia ora pudor. 



