176 



in a late stage of growth is calculated to promote early maturity, which 

 constitutes tho most essential art in gardening for the market; because 

 the earliest crops are always the most profitable. It is moreover a ne- 

 cessary practice in climates where the seasons for gardening are short — 

 as without such practice, many kinds of vegetables could not possibly 

 be matured in due season for gathering before Winter. 



I would here take the opportunity of proving this last position, by 

 reminding the reader that the effects of deep planting, the Peach tree 

 for instance, is discoverable soon after the error is committed, by its 

 fruit ripening prematurely, and this is often the case for a year or two 

 prior to its final decease, and should operate as a salutary lesson against 

 planting perennial plants and trees too deep. 



In conclusion of this article, which is intended as an appendage to my 

 works on gardening, I would urge gardeners and cultivators to consult 

 the operations of Nature in all their rural pursuits ; and with a view to 

 aid them, I subjoin the following rules, which are further illustrated 

 under the different heads : 



1. In transplanting fruit trees, let the collar, or that part from which 

 emanate the main roots, be near the surface, A medium-sized tree may 

 be planted an inch deeper than it was in the nursery bed ; and the largest 

 should not exceed two or three inches, see pages 311, 319, 337 and 367 

 of the Young Gardener's Assistant, eighth edition. 



2. In the cultivation of such plants as are transplanted, or grown in 

 hills or clusters, as Indian Corn, &c. keep the earth loose but level around 

 them in their early stages of growth, by frequent hoeing, ploughing, or 

 cultivating; and to promote early maturity, throw a moderate portion 

 of earth about the roots and stems at the last or final dressing. 



3. In the sowing of seeds, remember that in unity thehe is strength, 

 and that from the germinative parts of a seed being weak and diminutive, 

 it cannot be expected to perforate through the soil, solitary and alone. 

 To insure a fair chance, plant yonr seeds moderately thick, and thin out 

 the surplus plants while young. In planting seeds in drills, which is the 

 most eligible plan, the size of the seed and strength of its germ should 

 be considered ; large seeds, producing vigorous roots, require deeper 

 planting than diminutive seeds, producing delicate roots & slender stalks. 



4 In the choice of compost for exotic or greenhouse plants, imitate 

 the native soil of each pecidiar species as nearly a- possible, by a judi. 

 cious mixture oi maiden earth, loam sand, leaf, swamp and rock mould, 

 decomposed manures, and such other composts as are recommended 

 undi r the different heads. Remember, that although strong manure is 

 essential to the growth of some plants, it is poisonous to others. Pursuf, 

 then, a mldiu m course. From your soil not being too stiff or too light, 

 too rich or too poor, too cool or too warm, too close or too porous, if. 

 not po-itively salutary and congenial to all, it must render the situation 

 of each endurable. I again repeat, that temperance in the use of 

 aliment, is as essential to the welfare of the vegetable family, as it is to 

 the health, happiness, and longevity of mankind. 



New-York, March 4, 1810. " T. BRIDGEMAN. 



O" Since this address has been in press, I have ?een another artie'e 

 in the Poughkcepsic Eagle, dated February 29, 1840, wherein our 

 modest and patriotic discoverer gratuitously pronounces his knowledge 

 as superior to that of " all Botanical and Agricultural known Writers .'" 

 A^ I have anticipated the merits of this second valuable discovery 

 in my books, I have nothing more to sav than to remind the reader, that 

 this uncalled for attack on the brethren of my fraternity, fully justifies 

 not merely thepublication, but the most general circulation of these my 

 ^un.arydi.do.ure, D _ M-^y 



