i 5 8 ON THE FOLIATION, &c. 
and ripens ; and continue thefe obfervations 
for many years, there can be no doubt, but 
that we might find fome rule, from which we 
might conclude at what time grains, and cu- 
linary plants, according to the nature of each 
foil, ought to be fown , nor fhould we be at a 
lofs to guefs at the approach of winter ; nor be 
ignorant whether we ought to make our au- 
tumn-fowing later or earlier. Laftly, the gar- 
dener would have a more fure prophet to con- 
fult } whereas now he guides himfelf by no- 
thing but very fallacious conjeclyres. 
§. 9. 
This is all which i think fit to produce upon 
this copious fubjedt, and i hope the candid 
reader will not be furprifed, that i am fo Ihort 
upon it, as it has hitherto not been handled ; 
and is far from being hitherto perfectly un- 
derftood. It is much above my power to go 
to the bottom of this affair, but by touching 
upon it in a furnmary way i mean to excite 
men of greater ability, who may treat it in 
the manner it deferves, 
■ / ■ ■ - 
O F 
