constant in others, where it is discarded. It 

 has |also been ascribed to injudicious prim- 

 ing ; but it is witnessed alike in olive-yards 

 pruned in the most opposite modes , and in 

 those that are unconscious of the knife. The 

 little fruit that is borne in the year of repose 

 is also of an inferior quality. Some other ex- 

 planation must therefore be sought, and a 

 satisfactory one is indicated by Pliny, in the 

 continuance of the fruit upon the branches 

 after its maturity : Hcerendo, enim , ultra 

 suum tempus , absumunt venientibus ali men- 

 turn. This cause, which is generally admitted 

 by vegetable physiologists in France , has 

 been developed by Olivier in a Memoir pre- 

 sented to the Economical Society of Paris. 

 Evergreen trees , and among them the Olive, 

 put forth the young shoots that are to bloom 

 the succeeding year, not in the spring, like 

 trees with deciduous leaves , but at the close 

 of summer ; and the buds are prepared dur- 

 ing the autumn and the beginning of winter. 

 If, then, the tree is overladen with fruit, 

 ihis second growth is prevented, and the 

 hopes of the following season are precluded; 

 or if the fruit is left too long upon the bran- 



