SECT. IV. OF A GARDEN. 53 



life of the plant, as neglecting this busines has fre- 

 quently proved, as a little water in a cloudy time 

 does plants much good, so when shaded, water. 



Strawberries and Cauliflowers should generally be 

 watered in a dry season ; strawberries more parti- 

 cularly when in bloom, in order to set the fruit; and 

 the cauliflowers, ,when they shew fruit, in order to 

 swell the head : In a light soil this ought unremit- 

 tingly to be done. In very dry weather, asparagus 

 seedlings, early turnips, carrots, radishes, and small- 

 sallads will need an evening watering. Slips, cut- 

 tings, and layers of any kind will need some water. 

 Pots of flowers must have it frequently, and the 

 smaller the oftener. 



Water to the bottom and extent of the roots, as 

 much as may be. The wetting only the surface of 

 the ground is of little use, and of some certain harm, 

 as it binds and cracks the earth, and so excludes the 

 benefit of showers, dews, air and sun, from entering 

 the soil, and benefitting the roots as they otherwise 

 would do. Wetting the surface of the ground, 

 (however) in a summer's evening, as it makes a cool 

 atmosphere, a dew is formed, which pervades the 

 leaves, and helps to fill their exhausted vessels. 



Watering the roots of wall-trees, (if dry weather) 

 when the fruit is setting, is by some thought neces- 

 sary. The best way to do this effectually, is to 

 make a few holes at some distance from the tree 

 with a smooth sharp pointed stake, the better to let 

 the water down; but this may wound the roots, and 

 should only be practised in a light soil, and very 

 dry season. To young trees only it can however be 

 of use, for the roots of old ones run far and wide : 

 and it is the small fibres of these distant roots, on 

 which the tree chiefly depends for food. Vines 

 should have no water till they are off blossom, 

 (July) and the fruit as big as laj-ge pins heads ; and 



