( i8 ) 



In this respect the Olive is the polypus of 

 vegetables. It is multiplied by all the modes 

 that are in use for the propagation of trees : 

 by sowing the seed , by layers , by slips , by 

 cuttings of the root , and by sprouts sepa- 

 rated from the trunk or from the roots of 

 the parent stock. The most obvious method , 

 that of forming nurseries from the seed, is 

 generally censured in books , and rejected in 

 practice ; the difficulty of obtaining the young 

 plants, and the length of time which must 

 elapse before they begin to reward the la- 

 bour of the husbandman, have discouraged 

 its adoption. But if these objections could be 

 obviated, it is doubtless the most eligible 

 practice : as the plants thus reared begin a 

 new life , they are more vigorous and of 

 longer duration than off-setts from an old 

 tree; they form also a perpendicular root, 

 which penetrates deeply, and secures them 

 from the danger of suffering by drought. 



In most of the experiments that have been 

 made of this method, the fruit has been sown 

 entire; and this is even enjoined, as a neces- 

 sary precaution. But, however it may seem 

 to be indicated by Nature , such is not her 



