60 THE GARDENS OF EPICURUS 



(especially where they are too hungry :) And is so 

 contagious, that it is propagated to new plants raised 

 from old trees that are infected, and spreads to new 

 ones that are planted near them, which makes me 

 imagine, that it lies in the root, and that the best cure 

 were by application there. But I have tried all soil 

 without effect, and can prescribe no other remedy, 

 than to prune your trees as close as you can, especially 

 the tainted wood, then to wash them very clean with 

 a wet brush, so as not to leave one shell upon them 

 that you can discern : And upon your oranges to pick 

 off every one that you can find, by turning every leaf, 

 as well as brushing clean the stocks and branches. 

 Without these cares and diligences, you had better 

 root up any trees that are infected, renew all the mold 

 in your borders or boxes, and plant new sound trees, 

 rather than suffer the disappointments and vexation of 

 your old ones. 



I may perhaps be allowed to know something of 

 this trade, since I have so long allowed myself to be 

 good for nothing else, which few men will do, or 

 enjoy their gardens, without often looking abroad to 

 see how other matters play, what motions in the state, 

 and what invitations they may hope for into other 

 scenes. 



