88 CONVENIENCE OF GRAFTING. 



manners were not likely to amend by mere provo- 

 cation, I determined to alter by mode of warfare; 

 and so, grabbing up my trees, I gathered them into 

 one place, that one mode of defence might serve 

 for all, and sent, by a herring cart, for a long web 

 of decayed net, which cost only ten shillings, and 

 has lasted nearly as many years. Thus, paying 

 the enemy the same kind of compliment that Agri- 

 cola did the aborigines of the north, I have found 

 the defensive system entirely successful. 



When you have gathered your cherries at the 

 full maturity of their rich and dubious hue between 

 red and black, the same net may be transformed 

 to your plums. But whether the enemy takes 

 himself off on being foiled, or is compelled to raise 

 the siege for want of provision, or finds easier 

 prey in other fields, I have not been attentive to 

 ascertain ; but certain it is, that for the above small 

 cost you may be free from any material damage 

 by this swarthy and moorish race. As to the 

 small matter of currants, it remains to give else- 

 where a method of having plenty in spite of all 

 that the birds can do. 



A white rasp, or a red or white currant, may 

 be planted in the vacant spaces between your young 

 trees. As the fruit of these will be early, and of 

 superior quality, it is always something to add to 

 the benefit of your wall, and to give it a more 

 clothed appearance. But should you find pleasure 

 in grafting, you may, at no expence, raise on these 

 vacant spaces a few young trees of superior value ; 



