OF EARTH. 67 



unless it be very coarse and stony ; in which case, it should be well soiled, 

 and the pit you plant in, filled with rich mould, as far as the roots are 

 likely to extend before they reach the gravel, so as to make good spread ; 

 and this is to be renewed every third or fourth year ; and for this reason 

 it is profitable sometimes to bait steril grounds, by laying your composts 

 at reasonable intervals, thereby to tempt and allure the roots towards it, 

 and keep them from wandering, which they will be subject to do in search 

 of fresh nourishment : for to bear constantly well, and much, fruit-trees 

 must have frequent leetations. Nor are we to judge that what is excel- 

 lent ground for one sort of vegetable is so for another ; since that which 

 is perfectly good for corn, is not so for all fruit-trees ; and a slender straw 

 will be fed and brought up with a great deal less substance and virtue, 

 than what will serve to furnish the stem, bulk, and head of a fertile 

 and spreading tree. 



The vine (than which no plant more sensibly retains the different 

 qualities of earth, or whose juice is of more variety) rejoices in a light, 

 but vigorous mould, rather sandy, and inclining to dry, than either fat, 

 luxuriant, or moist. Lime, tempered with blood, exceedingly recreates 

 it, after the first heats are passed over. 



Fig-trees (though affected to dry grounds) are no lovers of stercoration ; 

 yet in some countries they apply olive-oil and pigeon-dung' to cause them 

 to bear early fruit ; but omitting the oil, if the dung be mingled with 

 lime and ashes, it is not to be reproved : this fruit thrives and ripens 

 even in the shade, and in our northern exposures in the rheridional parts 

 of England ; but much better in the south, and best of all in cases, and 

 under shelter in winter : an industry worth the pains for the most de- 

 licious fruit in nature, were it skilfully cultivated. 



Artichokes thrive exceedingly with sheep-dung, which, applied to 

 the roots, make them produce very great heads : in the island of Jersey 

 they use sea-wrack, to a wonderful improvement of that plant. 



' This composition is similar to the oil compost recommended in the Georgical 

 Essaysv 



3 0^ 



