52 OF THE CUXTIT-ATlOtf SECT. IV. 



indeed quite small ones) they are best put in by a 

 small spade or trowel. In the former method,, the 

 roots are frequently distorted, so as to receive a 

 check, if not to occasion a failure, when so put out 

 towards winter ; but in the latter way the roots lie 

 free and easy, and presently establish themselves in 

 health and strength : There is more in this than 

 gardeners in general allow of. Let ground designed 

 to be planted, be dug a day or two before wanted. 



Watering is a thing of some importance in culti- 

 vation, though not so much as many make it. It is- 

 a moot point, whether more harm than good is not 

 on the whole, done by it, when it is thought generally 

 necessary in a dry season. In a large garden, it is- 

 an Herculean labour to water every thing, and so- 

 the temptation generally prevails either wholly to- 

 neglect it, or to do it irregularly or defectively. To 

 water nothing is too much on the dry side : but there 

 is such a thing as watering too much, which spoils 

 the flavour, and makes esculents less wholesome. 



But watering will assuredly benefit some things - T 

 as (sparingly) new planted trees, flowers and vege- 

 tables. Watering is of use to settle the earth about 

 the roots of plants removed, for it is by a close 

 union, (as it were) of the earth with them, that they 

 prosper. The watering of new planted things may 

 be to be repeated, but it should not be done very 

 often, as it is then apt to sicken, and rot the young 

 roots : When they are believed to have got hold ot* 

 the ground, desist from watering; but when any 

 plant is towards flowering then moisture is more, 

 necessary, 



Shading of new planted things, particularly flowers, 

 is of much benefit, and that in proportion as the sea- 

 son is sunny. So that the imitating a cloud by a shade, 

 w evidently proper, and frequently necessary to the, 



