OF FOREST-TREES. 



61 



plants, and this is practicable in Elms especiall}'', and all such trees as CHAP. II. 

 are apt of themselves to put forth suckers ; but of this more upon occa- ^"^""^r^^ 

 sion hereafter. And now to prevent censure on this tedious and prolix 

 introduction, I cannot but look on it as the basis and foundation of all 

 the structure rising from this v^^ork and endeavour of mine ; since from 

 station, sowing, and continual culture and care, proceed all we really 

 enjoy in the world. Every thing must have birth and beginning ; and 

 afterwards by diligence and prudent care, formed and brought to shape 

 and perfection. Nor is it enough to cast seeds into the ground, and 

 leave them there, as the Ostrich does her eggs in the Lybian sands, 



from the other part of the brancli ; and to keep it at a distance, a small chip, or such like 

 thing, may be inserted near the top of the slit, to keep it open. The mould must now be 

 applied ; and after heading the layer down to within one eye or more of the ground, the 

 business is done ; in all layering, watering must be applied in summer to keep the ground 

 moist, if dry weather should happen. The ground must always be kept clean from weeds ; 

 and there are few trees, if layered in this manner in the autumn, and with this manage- 

 ment, which will not be ready for taking up the autumn following. Layering on different 

 plants may be performed at all times of the year ; though in general, the best season for 

 it is in the autumn : nevertheless it may be done successfully for the most part in the 

 winter or spring ; and such plants as are found not to take readily by being layered at 

 that season, should be layered in June or July, while they are tender, and performing their 

 summer's shoot; but as the shoots will then be soft and herbaceous, they must not be too 

 much watered, for that will cause them to rot ; therefore it will be a better method to 

 cover the surface over the layers with moss, which will prevent the soil from drying too 

 fast, so that a little water, now and then, will be sufficient. A large share of the vege- 

 table creation may be multiplied by planting only their slips or cuttings in the earth, 

 and affording them management suitable to their respective natures. Some trees grow so 

 readily this way, that it is the only method practised to raise any desired number of plants. 

 The Willow, the Alder, the Poplar, &c. in all their varieties, are instances of the larger 

 kinds ; whilst Sage, Rosemary, the Rue-plant, and Southernwood, are some instances of 

 the lower ligneous plants, that are, with the utmost facility, multiplied by slips. These 

 will grow if planted at any time of the year ; but such as will not prove so obsequious to 

 your discipline, you must indulge in the season they require to be set in ; the autumn for 

 some, the spring for others ; the early part of the summer for one plant, and the latter 

 end of it for another ; all which various circumstances will be particularly described under 

 the article of the respective trees. 



P It is commonly reported that the female Ostrich deposits her eggs in the sand, and 

 covering them up, leaves them to be hatched by the heat of the climate, and then permits 

 the young to shift for themselves. Very little, however, of this history is true ; no 

 bird has a stronger affection for her young than the Ostrich, and none watches her eggs 



