92 



A DISCOURSE 



BOOK II. growing sticky and dry, by reason of their frequent and unseasonable 

 cuttings, (the genius of the tree being to spend much in wood,) they 

 never succeed after the first six or seven years ; but are to be new 

 planted again, or abated to the very roots for a fresh shoot, which 

 is best, after which they soon furnish the places. In a word ; as to the 

 pruning of evergreen hedges, there is no small skill and address to be 

 used, in forming and trimming them for beauty and stability ; leave the 

 lower parts next the ground broader (two feet were sufficient for the 

 thickness of the tallest hedge) than the tops, gradually, so as not much 

 to exceed a foot breadth at the upmost verge, (as architects diminish 

 Avails of stone and brick from the foundation,) for they else will be apt 

 to bend and swag, (especially when laden with winter snows or ice,) 

 grow too thick, heat, wither, and foul within, diy and sticky especially ; 

 Avhen it were more than time they were cut close to the earth, for a 

 fresh and verdant spring ; and this method is to be practised in all 

 hedges whatsoever. 



But would you yet improve the standard, which I celebrate, to 

 greater and more speedy exaltation, bud your Laurel on the Black 

 Cherry stock, to what height you please : this I had from an ocular 



LAURo-cERASus LUSiTANicA MINOR. The Smaller Portugal Laurel i called in its native 

 country, azoureiro. 



The leaves of this shrub are shorter than those of the common Laurel, approaching 

 nearer to an oval form ; they are of the same consistence, and of a lucid green, -which mixing 

 with the red branches, make a beautiful appearance. The flowers are produced in long 

 loose spikes from the sides of the branches ; they are white, and shaped like those of the 

 common Laurel, appearing in June, and are succeeded by oval berries smaller than those 

 of the common Laurel ; they are first green, afterward red, and when ripe, are black, in- 

 closing a stone like the cherry. 



This kind may be propagated in the same way as the common Laurel, either by cuttings, 

 layers, or seeds. If the cuttings are planted at the same season, and in the same way as 

 has been directed for the common Laurel, they will take root very freely ; or if the young 

 branches are laid in the autumn, they will take root in one year, and may then be removed 

 into the nursery, where they may grow a year or two to get strength, and then be trans- 

 planted where they are to remain. 



This tree is much hardier than the common Laurel ; for in the severe frost of the year 

 1740, when great numbers of Laurels were entirely killed, and most of them lost their 

 leaves, this remained unhurt, and continued throughout the season in perfect verdure. 



