332 



ON THE CULTURE 



which continues a considerable time. It perhaps 

 may be so nauseous to the insects in question, as 

 to destroy them \ or, at least, to cause them to 

 abandon the place, and escape through crevices 

 into the open air, where, in all probability, they 

 soon perish. 



From the two last observations, there does not 



moisture in rainy weather. The bud, and the fine capillary 

 vessels adjoining it, being surcharged with moisture in a wet 

 evening, when the frost comes at night it freezes the moisture 

 in the vessels, and causes it to expand, which, by tearing the 

 vessels asunder, brings on a decay of the parts. Now the soap- 

 suds seem to - leave a glossy kind of coat or covering on the 

 branches, and the oily particles contained in the suds, by pene- 

 trating them, prevent their being overcharged with moisture. 



But here it may seem strange that oil should act this friendly 

 part, when it is well known to be so highly pernicious to plants 

 in general. That it is so, in its genuine state, is proved by 

 daily experience. The general and received opinion of 'wool' 

 being poisonous to plants, is from no other cause than from 

 the oil contained in it. 



But notwithstanding that oil has this pernicious effect on 

 plants, when in its original and genuine state, still, when made 

 miscible, perhaps nothing is more nourishing and friendly to 

 them. This brings me to consider soap-suds as a manure to 

 the borders ; for it is evident that, by the rains and dews, the 

 principal of it does terminate there at last ; and this important 

 consideration alone is sufficient to recommend the practice. 



It may seem unnecessary to observe, that soap-suds contain 

 a larger portion of oily particles, after a common washing, than 

 in the original state. 



I shall conclude this digressional note with observing, that 

 soap-suds keep trees clear of moss, and render the bark clear 

 and healthy. x 



