132 S Y L V A BOOK in 



To produce succers, lay the roots bare, and slit 

 some of them here and there discreetly, and then 

 cover them. 



6. Layers, are to be bent down and couched in 

 rich mould, and if you find them stubborn, you may 

 slit a little in the bark and wood, but no deeper than 

 to make it ply, without wounding the tender heart : 

 Putting forth root is assisted by pricking the bark, 

 slitting, or binding a pack-thread about the part you 

 would have them spring from. 



The proper season is, from the early spring, or 

 mid-August, Gfc. and in all dry seasons to keep them 

 diligently watered. 



7. Slips, and cuttings (by which most trees may 

 be propagated) taken in moist ground, from August 

 to the end of April frequently moistned ; should be 

 separated at the burs, joints or knobs two or three 

 inches beneath them: Strip them of their leaves before 

 you bury them, leaving no side branches or little top : 

 Some slit the end where it is cut off ; at two years 

 end is the soonest they will be fit to take-up ; layers 

 much sooner. 



8. In transplanting, omit not the placing of your 

 trees towards their accustomed aspect : And if you 

 have leisure, make the holes the Autumn before, the 

 wider the better, three foot over, and two deep is 

 little enough if the ground be any thing stiff ; often 

 stirring and turning the mould, and mixing it with 

 better as you may find cause : This done, dig or plough 

 about them, and that as near their stems as you can 

 come, without hurting them, and therefore rather use 

 the spade for the first two or three years; and preserve 

 what you plant steady from the winds and annoyance 

 of cattle, &c. 



