OF EARTH. 



83 



sun has looked upon, resign and lose their tinctures, scorch and shrivel 

 up : here, therefore, let gardeners be cautious how they expose their 

 exotics and choicer case-plants, which many times having borne the win- 

 ter bravely in the conservatory, dwindle away, and are lost on the sud- 

 dcA, by being too suddenly placed in the eye of the sun in March, (or 

 later,) when they most of all require the protection of a thin hedge, or 

 canvas curtain, to break his scorching darts, as well as defend them from 

 our then too constant and rigorous Etesians^ Lastly, 



For the season, likewise, of this work, let it be towards the evening in 

 ho t and summer days, for the reason immediately assigned ; for the 

 moisture being in a short time drunk up, deserts the plant to the burning- 

 planet ; and hence it is that summer mists and meridian waterings are so 

 noxious ; and, therefore, the best expedient is, upon such exigencies, to 

 pour your refreshings rather all over the area on which your cases of 

 choice and rare shrubs are placed, and among the alleys and paths be- 

 tween your beds of flowers, for the raising artificial dews, (by which is 

 unfolded no common secret,) or water them per Unguium, and g uttathn, 

 than either with the pot or bucket : and after this manner, if at other 

 seasons they stand in need of heat and comfort of warmth, by strewing 

 sand or cinders on the same intervals, the reflection will recreate them 

 upon all emissions of the sun-beams. 



As for grosser plantations, and trees of old orchard fruits, moderation 

 in watering is also to be observed, and not to dash on such a quantity 

 near the stem and body ; but first with the spade to loosen the earth 

 about them, especially towards the extremities of the tenderest roots, 

 v/hich generally sprout at the ends of the most woody, whose mouths are 

 shut with tougher bark. These, therefore, may be cut sloping to quicken 

 them a little, and make them strike fresh fibres, especially if some rich 

 and tempting mould be seasonably apphed : for trees will (as Ave shewed) 

 with very little earth to cover them, take fast root (provided you esta- 

 blish them against impetuous winds, shocks, and accidents of force) and 

 thrive exceedingly with this refreshment. 



Some make pretty large holes with an iron crow, or (which is better) 

 a pointed stake, and pour the liquor in at those apertures ; but by this 



3 Q 2 



