OF EARTH. 



59 



the finer, and what if reduced to powder, sprinkled for the garden, or 

 otherwise working it in at a soaking wet (not stormy) season ; but leave 

 it covered with it for some time, if the rain descend in too great excess. 



The next is sheep-dung, which is of a middle temper between that 

 and pigeons' ; profitable in cold grounds, and to impregnate liquors, of 

 choice use in the garden. 



The dung of swine is esteemed the coldest and least acrimonious, 

 (though some there be who contradict it,) and, therefore, to be applied 

 to burning lands ; but always so early interred, as never to appear above 

 ground, where it is apt to produce weeds in abundance, from the greedy 

 devouring of what that animal eats. 



This, though not so proper for the garden, (and the most stinking,) is 

 said yet to edulcorate and sweeten fruit so sensibly, as to convert the bit- 

 terest almond into sweet, and, therefore, recommended, above all others, 

 for experiments of change and alteration : some qualify it with bran, or 

 chaff well consumed, greatly comfortable to fruit-trees, but especially 

 the hairs and bristles buried about the roots of pear-trees. 



Pigeons' dung, and that of poultry, (especially of aquatic fowls, which 

 is too fiery,) being full of volatile salts, is hot and burning, and, there- 

 fore, most applicable to the coldest ground. There is nothing more 

 effectual to revive the weak and languishing roots of fruit-trees than 

 this laid early to them ; but first be sure they pass their mordicant and 

 piercing spirits, and be discreetly mixed : be this, therefore, observed as 

 a constant rule, That the hotter composts be early and thinly spread, 

 e contra, the colder. 



Very efficacious is this dung to keep frosts out of the earth, and, there- 

 fore, of great use to cover the mould in cases of exotic and tender plants ; 

 but if the heat be not well qualified, the very steam will kill them in a 

 moment ; therefore, let a full winter pass over this Igetation for most uses. 

 The best way of preparing it, is to reduce it into powder, and mingle it 

 with the mould, and to water with its infusion, which alone does won- 

 ders ; or, if it has been well exposed and abated, you may use it at the 

 spring without addition ; but if you desire something that is exquisite. 



