THE CULTURE OF PLANTS 



ing-string to make its edges circular and handsome, 

 or, if you will to make it like a geometrical squair, 

 then straight lines from side to side of a thicket will 

 make up the bulks, that the whole will appear as 

 walks and bordures two wayes. Lay new horse- 

 manure, and litter or ferns above the bulk, so as it 

 touche not the stem, covered with a little earth to 

 keep it from drying : the rains will wash in its sub- 

 stance, and refresh the roots. Besides, it keeps out 

 summer droughts and winter frosts. 



The first year at least go through, now and then, 

 and tread them right after winds. I am not for 

 staking trees, but for training them so as they may 

 not need it, except you drive three stakes about 

 each tree at the outside of the bulk ; then the double 

 straw-roaps tyed from its body to all three stakes 

 will secure it : and if you fasten cross-sticks, briers 

 and thorns, this shall be a fence about each tree. 

 Rub off buds that offer to break f oorth near the 

 root, or any place where you would not have them ; 

 but still leave some here and there on the side to 

 stop the sap from running too much in head ; keep 

 them clean of suckers and weeds, by hawing in sum- 

 mer, and delving, and loosening the mould about 

 them in spring and autumn, i.e. at the two equi- 



105 



