CHAP. IV . (LANGF-E3-H,29.3) OF INOCULATING . (LANGF-E3-H,29.4) Sect. 1 . (LANGF-E3-H,29.6) About a fortnight before or after Midsummer which is the best time , though it may be done from the beginning of May till August when you have pitch'd upon such stocks as are fit to be inoculated , choose out a strong and well liking branch , or shoot of that years growth upon a Tree that bears such kind of fruit as you would by this operation produce , (LANGF-E3-H,29.7) and about the middle , or lower end of it , for the top will be too tender fix upon a leaf , that hath a fresh and fair bud growing out betwixt it and the bark , (LANGF-E3-H,29.8) and about half an inch below , and above the bud , cut off the branch , (LANGF-E3-H,29.9) and so you will have a piece of it about an inch long remaining , with a bud and a leaf on ; (LANGF-E3-H,29.10) this you must cleave just through the midst , so as the bud may be directly in the middle of the one half ; (LANGF-E3-H,29.11) and then snip off a part of the leaf , or the whole leaving the stalk : (LANGF-E3-H,29.12) and holding it by the remainder , clap it to a smooth place on the stock ; (LANGF-E3-H,29.13) and with a Pen-knife score out , on each side of it , so much of the stock as it covers , or rather a little broader because when the bark on which the bud is , is taken off from its own wood and applyed to the stock , it will cover a wider space of the stock than it did before ; (LANGF-E3-H,30.14) after you have thus marked your stock , with-draw the Scion again , (LANGF-E3-H,30.15) & cut the bark through where you had marked it , (LANGF-E3-H,30.16) then cut the bark cross and straight , from the uppermost end of one score to the upper end of the other , (LANGF-E3-H,30.17) and cut the bark again cross and straight , from one score to the other , but not so low as the lower ends of the scores by a quarter of an inch , (LANGF-E3-H,30.18) then take the oblong square piece of bark , that is cut on every side quite off the Stock , (LANGF-E3-H,30.19) and raise up that part of the bark that remains betwixt the side scores , at the bottom of the work , from the wood , till you come to the lower ends of the side scores . (LANGF-E3-H,30.20) Take then a Goose-quill , cut in the fashion of an Apple Scoop , or Scraper , (LANGF-E3-H,30.21) and having with your Nail a little loosened the upper part of the bark that is on the Scion , thrust the quill betwixt the bark and the wood , holding it close to the wood , that it may separate them , (LANGF-E3-H,30.22) and take off with the bark a little wood or root of the bud over against it : (LANGF-E3-H,31.23) If you see a hole on the inside over against the bud , when you have taken the bark off , which is seldom cast it away , that little labour is lost , (LANGF-E3-H,31.24) and try another till you find it otherwise . (LANGF-E3-H,31.25) Then put in the lower end of that Bark or Scion betwixt the bark that was raised on the Stock and the Wood , (LANGF-E3-H,31.26) and so bind it on the Stock gently with Woollen-yarn , or narrow shreds of Linen-cloth , or gentle Stuff , or with Basses , or Bast , of which the Russia Mats are made , but so that the Scion may lie close to the wood of the stock that was made bare , (LANGF-E3-H,31.27) and have a special care that you hurt not the bud . (LANGF-E3-H,31.28) Sect. 2 . (LANGF-E3-H,31.29) There are some other ways of inoculating used , differing only in the manner of the cut both-2 in the bark of the Stock , and of the Scion . (LANGF-E3-H,31.30) And first , some proceeding in all other things as is before directed , cut the Bark out of the whole length of the side scores , (LANGF-E3-H,31.31) and apply the Scion to the disbarked place . (LANGF-E3-H,31.32) Secondly , Others cut one slit only , down the bark of the Stock , and another cross the top of it , like a great T : (LANGF-E3-H,31.33) when this is done , they prepare the Scion or bark as before directed , only cutting it sharp pointed at the lower end before they take the bud off its wood (LANGF-E3-H,32.34) then raise the bark of the Stock up on each side the slit , (LANGF-E3-H,32.35) and put in the Scion , beginning at the top and sliding it downward gently , (LANGF-E3-H,32.36) and so bind the bark gently upon it . (LANGF-E3-H,32.37) This is the common way used among Gardiners . (LANGF-E3-H,32.38) Thirdly , You may make the cross cut in the middle of the downright score on the Stock , (LANGF-E3-H,32.39) and lifting up the four corners of the bark , and making the Scion sharp at both ends , put it under the bark of the Stock at both ends , (LANGF-E3-H,32.40) and then bind it . (LANGF-E3-H,32.41) But in doing this there is danger of hurting the Scion . (LANGF-E3-H,32.42) Fourthly , Mr. Rea commends the making the cross cut at the lower end of the down right cut , and having opened the sides , put in the Scion upward , being made sharp at the upper end only . (LANGF-E3-H,32.43) Thus much to satisfie the curiosity of such as have a mind to make tryal of every way ; (LANGF-E3-H,32.44) but the first that I have described at large , I take to be the best . (LANGF-E3-H,32.45) CHAP. V . (LANGF-E3-H,33.48) OBSERVATIONS TOUCHING INOCULATING . (LANGF-E3-H,33.49) Sect. 1 . (LANGF-E3-H,33.51) Lest one bud fail , or any mischance break it , put two in every Stock , but not directly under one another , on the same side of the stock : (LANGF-E3-H,33.52) The branch or shoot , you cut one Scion off , may yield you several . (LANGF-E3-H,33.53) About a month after the inoculating , or sooner , if you perceive the bark swell where the binding is , cut off the binding . (LANGF-E3-H,33.54) If it grow it will fix to the Stock , keep its colour , (LANGF-E3-H,33.55) and that part of the leaf and stalk that was left will drop off , and the bud appear fair ; (LANGF-E3-H,33.56) then sometime before the next spring cut off the top of the stock a hands breadth above the place it was inoculated at , and all the side-branches , that grow any where upon the Stock ; (LANGF-E3-H,33.57) and at Spring the bud will put forth , (LANGF-E3-H,33.58) and if any other sprouts of buds appear on the stock , cut them off . (LANGF-E3-H,33.59) If the first inoculation fail , or the buds die , the stocks may be inoculated again next Summer ; (LANGF-E3-H,33.60) and of such as are inoculated timely in the year , it may be sometimes seen whether they grow or not , time enough to inoculate them again the same year . (LANGF-E3-H,34.61) Apricocks will have buds sooner ready than other fruit ; so that you may begin with them , and follow with other kinds . (LANGF-E3-H,34.62) Sect. 2 . (LANGF-E3-H,34.63) Stocks raised of Peach-stones are commonly big enough to be inoculated the second Summer , sometimes the first after they are set ; (LANGF-E3-H,34.64) when they , or any other Stocks are an inch and half in compass , or thereabouts , they are big enough to be inoculated . (LANGF-E3-H,34.65) Those you intend for Wall , or Dwarf-trees , are to be inoculated within a handful of the ground , and not Pruned at all till you remove them , (LANGF-E3-H,34.66) and then you will better see $what $'s {TEXT:what's} necessary to be cut off : (LANGF-E3-H,34.67) And these you may remove after one years growth , or two with more safety . (LANGF-E3-H,34.68) If you inoculate any Plums , Cherries , Pears or other Fruit , that you intend for an Orchard , or other place , for tall standards , you may do it higher on the stocks , and Prune these up in the Nursery , and let them grow there three or four years according as they grow in height before they be removed . (LANGF-E3-H,34.69) After Stocks that are inoculated have made one or two years growth , you must cut off the head of the stock , that remain'd above the bud at your first cutting it : (LANGF-E3-H,35.71) Cut it close to the new branch , that it may grow over the cut ; (LANGF-E3-H,35.72) let it be cut a little slope , and clay'd over , if you desire the branch should quickly cover it , (LANGF-E3-H,35.73) and the sooner it doth the better . (LANGF-E3-H,35.74) Sect. 3 . (LANGF-E3-H,35.75) Care must be had in choosing branches , or shoots , from which you are to have your buds , that are of strong growth , the Bark firm , and not spungy ; (LANGF-E3-H,35.76) suffer them to fade as little as may be , before you use them ; (LANGF-E3-H,35.77) and if the fruit you design to raise , be at such a distance that you $can $not {TEXT:cannot} have buds to inoculate the same day they are cut , put them in wet Moss , or Grass in a Box , (LANGF-E3-H,35.78) and so they will keep a day and a night very well . (LANGF-E3-H,35.79) Nectarines , Peaches , and Apricocks , are seldom raised otherwise than by inoculation ; (LANGF-E3-H,35.80) I knew an Apricock graffed in the cleft , as likely as might be to grow , (LANGF-E3-H,35.81) but failed ; (LANGF-E3-H,35.82) I have heard of one graffed in the bark that grew . (LANGF-E3-H,35.83) Cherries and Pears take very sure , being on young fresh stocks whose bark is not thick . (LANGF-E3-H,35.84) The bark of Scions taken from some Plums , is so tender and spungy , they will often miscarry when inoculated ; (LANGF-E3-H,36.86) from such one would choose rather to raise by Graffing ; (LANGF-E3-H,36.87) but most Plums will hit very well being inoculated . (LANGF-E3-H,36.88) Scions of Apples fails for the most part , their Bark being tender , and buds weak ; (LANGF-E3-H,36.89) but to preserve kind of a dying Apple-tree , that I could not well cut a Scion to Graff off , I have taken a hungry bud of the year foregoing , (LANGF-E3-H,36.90) and it hath taken , and grown very well . (LANGF-E3-H,36.91) Pears and Apples succeed very well and the latter best by taking a bud from a shoot of the year foregoing to inoculate with . (LANGF-E3-H,36.92) The skill in finding buds that are fit for it , which must be short and not likely to make buds for blossoms is the only difficulty . (LANGF-E3-H,36.93) There is a considerable advantage in it , (LANGF-E3-H,36.94) viz. Being done in May or the beginning of June , and part of the head of the stock cut off , the Bud of the {COM:sic} shoots the same year , (LANGF-E3-H,36.95) and becomes so strong , that it makes a far better growth the succeeding year , than otherwise it would have done ; (LANGF-E3-H,36.96) neither is such shoot liable to so many hurtful casualties , as a bud is before the ensuing spring . (LANGF-E3-H,36.97) And lastly , if it should miscarry as it seldom doth it will be perceived by Midsummer , (LANGF-E3-H,37.98) and the stock may be enoculated again the same year . (LANGF-E3-H,37.99) Sect. 4 . (LANGF-E3-H,37.100) Where inoculating succeeds well , it is to be prefer'd before Graffing . (LANGF-E3-H,37.101) 1 . (LANGF-E3-H,37.102) Because the stock will be big enough to inoculate sooner by two or three years , than to graff , (LANGF-E3-H,37.103) and your Plant groweth much faster , after the Nature is so altered , than it did before , (LANGF-E3-H,37.104) and will be sooner ready to Transplant , $than {TEXT:and} if it be suffered to grow two or three years longer , as it must be before it will be fit to be graffed . (LANGF-E3-H,37.105) 2 . (LANGF-E3-H,37.106) It makes a sounder Tree than one that is graffed , especially in the cleft ; because it covereth the Stock speedily and well . (LANGF-E3-H,37.107) 3 . (LANGF-E3-H,37.108) It hurts not the Stock so much as graffing ; (LANGF-E3-H,37.109) and if it chance to fail , it may be inoculated next year again , and sometimes the same year . (LANGF-E3-H,37.110) 4 . (LANGF-E3-H,37.111) $It $'s {TEXT:It's} more speedy , easie , and delightful than Graffing , (LANGF-E3-H,37.112) and may be practis'd by Gentlemen , who in June may lie on the ground and do it ; whereas they $can $not {TEXT:cannot} bear the cold without danger of $taking {TEXT:taing} hurt , in February , or March , which is the chief Graffing season . (LANGF-E3-H,37.113) Sect. 5 . (LANGF-E3-H,38.115) It is debated among Planters what time of the day is best for Inoculating : (LANGF-E3-H,38.116) I have heard an Ingenious person argue for the morning ; because there passeth up much more sap , or juice , in the day time , than in the night ; as was observed by him in piercing the Birch tree , and other Trees , to get the liquor , that distills out of them , for Physical uses ; (LANGF-E3-H,38.117) and consequently the bud inoculated in the morning , must be more likely to grow , having the whole days plenty of sap to invite it to unite with the Stock , than if it be inoculated late in the day , and so must be discouraged in its new habitation , by the niggardly provision of the nights Sap . (LANGF-E3-H,38.118) If you follow this advice , you had best wrap some broad leaves , or Fearn , about the stock , so as to shade the Scion from the scorching heat of the day following , to prevent its drying before the Stock hath undertaken the charge of preserving it . (LANGF-E3-H,38.119) But this work may be done in the middle of the day , if the heat be not violent , (LANGF-E3-H,38.120) and then you must as at all times you ought be very quick in the doing of it . (LANGF-E3-H,38.121) And for all that hath been said before , the afternoon may be as good a time as any ; because if the bud have less liquor afforded it in the night , then the coolness of that time makes it less thirsty ; (LANGF-E3-H,39.123) and as its thirst encreaseth by the heath of the next day , a more plentiful stream will be very seasonable to satisfie it . (LANGF-E3-H,39.124) CHAP. VI . (LANGF-E3-H,39.126) OF THE SEVERAL WAYS OF GRAFFING . (LANGF-E3-H,39.128) Sect. 1 . (LANGF-E3-H,39.130) As there are several ways as you have seen of inoculating , so are there of Graffing , as now I come to let you see ; (LANGF-E3-H,39.131) and the first I shall speak of is that which is called Slicing , or Packing , which I shall describe here at large , (LANGF-E3-H,39.132) and so it will serve in part , as a general direction for all . (LANGF-E3-H,39.133) Cut off the top of your Stock in some smooth straight place ; (LANGF-E3-H,39.134) if you do it with a Hand-saw , cut it smooth afterward with your Knife , leaving the top flat and even . (LANGF-E3-H,39.135) Then prepare your Scion or Graff , by cutting it on one side , from the joint , or seam , that is , at every years growth down slope-wise in the old wood , till $it $'s {TEXT:it's} cut quite off , that the slope may be about an inch long , or something more , observing its bent , that when the Scion is fixed to the Stock it may stand almost upright ; (LANGF-E3-H,40.137) give a cut then cross through the bark at the top of the slope , (LANGF-E3-H,40.138) and then cut a thin chip of the slope upward to the cross-cut , that there may be a shoulder to rest on the top of the Stock , (LANGF-E3-H,40.139) but cut not this shoulder too deep , (LANGF-E3-H,40.140) little more than through the bark will be enough , (LANGF-E3-H,40.141) and this will cause a little rising in the sloped part , which you must cut down , that the whole slope may be plain and smooth , without dints or risings , and lie even to the side of the Stock . (LANGF-E3-H,40.142) Cut then the top of the Scion off , close about a bud , about four inches above the shoulder if it be for a standard Tree , two buds above the clay being full enough ; (LANGF-E3-H,40.143) but for Dwarf , or Wall-trees , you may let the Scion be six inches long with several buds that they may shoot forth many branches , and spread from the very Stock . (LANGF-E3-H,40.144) The Scion or Graff thus prepared ; lay the cut part of the Scion on the West , or South-west side of the Stock , (LANGF-E3-H,41.146) and so measure and mark the breadth and length of it , (LANGF-E3-H,41.147) then cut away so much of the bark of the stock , as the cut part of the Scion may fit , drawing your Knife upward ; (LANGF-E3-H,41.148) but as the stock , is bigger , and the bark thicker than that on the Scion , so the chip must be longer , and broader , (LANGF-E3-H,41.149) or else the passage for the sap in the stock and Scion , which is chiefly betwixt the bark and the wood will not meet together as in the work you will easily see which should be aimed at . (LANGF-E3-H,41.150) Then lay the cut part of the Scion on the cut part of the Stock , (LANGF-E3-H,41.151) and bind it on with course Woollen-yarn , Basses , or the inward peeling of the Witch-tree ; (LANGF-E3-H,41.152) if you bind with such a material as will not be loose , or rotten by Midsummer , about that time give it a cut cross-wise with a Knife to set the Prisoners at liberty . (LANGF-E3-H,41.153) Have in readiness good Clay , free from Stones , mixt with long Hay , (LANGF-E3-H,41.154) and daub it about the Stock and Scion , a full inch above and below the head of the Stock , (LANGF-E3-H,41.155) work it up round the Scion till it be sharp at the top , that the rain water may run down it ; (LANGF-E3-H,42.156) and with a Knife or little trowel dipt in water smooth over the clay ; (LANGF-E3-H,42.157) in doing this be sure not to displace the Scion . (LANGF-E3-H,42.158) Thus you may Graff Pears , Plums , Cherries , and Apples , if it be before the bark of the Stock will part from the wood of them , (LANGF-E3-H,42.159) for when it will , the next way following is better . (LANGF-E3-H,42.160) CHAP. XII . (LANGF-E3-H,114.163) OF THE ANNOYANCES ABOUT FRUIT-TREES , AND OF SOME MISTAKES IN PLANTING AND ORDERING THEM . (LANGF-E3-H,114.164) Sect. 1 . (LANGF-E3-H,114.166) The nature of the soil is the chief cause of Moss and Canker , (LANGF-E3-H,114.167) and therefore without altering the one you can scarce prevent the other ; (LANGF-E3-H,114.168) However you may scrape or with a hair-cloth rub the moss off , after rain , or as some say burn it with a bottle of straw under the Tree . (LANGF-E3-H,114.169) All Canker , filth , and worms must be picked clean off , (LANGF-E3-H,114.170) and bind some clay well mixt with hay about the canker'd place : (LANGF-E3-H,114.171) If the Tree grow but poorly , which is for the most part caused by the ill temper of the soil , open the ground about , the roots , (LANGF-E3-H,114.172) and put in some manure proper to cure it . (LANGF-E3-H,114.173) Slitting the bark is an excellent additional help to most of the foresaid evils , (LANGF-E3-H,114.174) and also for bark-binding , some advice that the bark be cut according to the grain of it , as in Apple-trees , Pear-trees , &c. straight down ; in Cherries , &c. round about the Trees . (LANGF-E3-H,114.175) But I have found in the same land , some kinds of Fruit-trees very subject to some of these evils ; and others prosper very well ; (LANGF-E3-H,115.177) when once you discover this , because $it $'s {TEXT:it's} utterly in vain to make ground and trees , of different genius agree together you must make it your business by degrees , to change your Trees , till you have left none against which your soil beareth such an implacable hatred , and furnish it with such as will flourish , and be fruitful . (LANGF-E3-H,115.178) If any of your Trees are galled , by being bound to stakes , or by thorns , or otherwise , lay some clay upon the gall'd place (LANGF-E3-H,115.179) and wrap hay-bands about them . (LANGF-E3-H,115.180) Big Plants also , that upon their removal have had their tops cut off , are apt to die from the place they were cut off at , to the next sprig , or branch upon them ; (LANGF-E3-H,115.181) these dead parts ought to be cut off close to the next good twig or shoot , and covered with clay , as in graffing , that the head may be well grown over , by such twig or shoot , and the wet prevented of getting into the pith , to damage the Tree . (LANGF-E3-H,115.182) Sect. 2 . (LANGF-E3-H,115.183) Hares and Rabbets are very mischievous to Nurseries , and young Orchards , by peeling off the bark of the Plants : (LANGF-E3-H,115.184) If your fence be a wall , or close pale , or water , $there $'s {TEXT:there's} little danger of them ; (LANGF-E3-H,116.185) but because such fences about Orchards are rare , and no other can keep them out , some expedient must be made use of . (LANGF-E3-H,116.186) Some have used Hay-ropes , bound about the Tree , from the ground to a sufficient height ; (LANGF-E3-H,116.187) but this were endless in a Nursery , (LANGF-E3-H,116.188) it may be done in an Orchard ; (LANGF-E3-H,116.189) but there are other ways to be preferred before it . (LANGF-E3-H,116.190) Others therefore dawb the bodies of the trees over with Tar , which being used alone , endangers the life of very young Plants , and extreamly hardens the bark , and otherwise hurts them , which evil is prevented by mixing the Tar with any kind of Grease , and boiling them on a fire , so as both may incorporate , (LANGF-E3-H,116.191) then with a brush , or little broom , daub over the body of the Tree , as high as Hare or Rabbet can reach ; (LANGF-E3-H,116.192) and if this be done in November , it will preserve the Trees for that whole year , with that once doing , it being the winter time only that they will feed upon the bark . (LANGF-E3-H,116.193) Some use Grease alone , (LANGF-E3-H,116.194) and then it may require to be laid on twice in a Winter . (LANGF-E3-H,116.195) Some thin stuff out of a House of Office , or the thick tempered with Water , and brush'd on once in a Winter hath been often used with good success . (LANGF-E3-H,117.197) Or the White-wash which Plasterers white Houses with , done once a Year over the Trees with a Brush , preserves them from Hares , Rabbits , or Deer . (LANGF-E3-H,117.198) Sect. 3 . (LANGF-E3-H,117.199) If you find Pismires or Ants breed about , or near the roots of any of your Trees , cast away the Earth they lodge in , (LANGF-E3-H,117.200) and supply its place with some stiff clay ; (LANGF-E3-H,117.201) if they breed distant in several places , some direct to daub the Tree about with Tar , that their Feet may be taken in it ; (LANGF-E3-H,117.202) but you heard already $that $'s {TEXT:that's} prejudicial to young Trees ; (LANGF-E3-H,117.203) but if they pester you extreamly , and your Tree be young , you may bind a single list , or shread of Cloth about it , (LANGF-E3-H,117.204) and once a week when Buds and Blossoms are putting forth , for that is the chief time they prejudice them daub the Cloth over with Tar . (LANGF-E3-H,117.205) Sect. 4 . (LANGF-E3-H,117.206) Moles are to be kill'd , especially in Seed-plots and Nurseries ; (LANGF-E3-H,117.207) Spring-traps ; or Box-traps are best to destroy them , not easily describ'd , (LANGF-E3-H,117.208) but are now known almost generally . (LANGF-E3-H,117.209) I have heard that Water Rats will spoil a whole Nursery , getting through Moleholes ; and barking or eating the young Roots : (LANGF-E3-H,118.211) I found several Roots so served ; (LANGF-E3-H,118.212) and it being near a Fish-pond , I suspected it was done by them ; (LANGF-E3-H,118.213) but finding also a Snake in a hole among the Roots , I knew not whether that might not be the Enemy . (LANGF-E3-H,118.214) Efts {HELSINKI:Ests} , or as some call them Askers , are also said to be pernicious to Trees ; (LANGF-E3-H,118.215) but these three last accidents are so rare and inconsiderable , that $it $'s {TEXT:it's} needless to labour much about Remedies against them , only as men find them to destroy them . (LANGF-E3-H,118.216) Sect. 5 . (LANGF-E3-H,118.217) The greatest prejudice to fruit , is by blastings , frosts immediately succeeding rain , Caterpillars , or black Flies , that eat up buds , leaves , and blossoms : (LANGF-E3-H,118.218) $There $'s {TEXT:There's} one way used to help in all these cases , for Orchard-fruit ; (LANGF-E3-H,118.219) but I know not how it should be useful for any but the last two , for which I dare commend it . (LANGF-E3-H,118.220) And that is , that when in the Spring you perceive these Caterpillars , or Flies appear , make fires of something that will smoak , so near the Orchard , and in such places that the wind may carry the smoak as much through the Trees as may be . (LANGF-E3-H,118.221) A thing frequently used is Hempsheaves , as $it $'s {TEXT:it's} called being the stalk of the Hemp , when the tow is separated from it , (LANGF-E3-H,119.222) and $it $'s {TEXT:its} certainly very good ; (LANGF-E3-H,119.223) but bad Chaff ; wet straw , or moldy Hay , or any thing of that nature may serve turn . (LANGF-E3-H,119.224) Snails are pernicious to Wall-fruit , (LANGF-E3-H,119.225) therefore destroy as many of them as you can , when they are best to be discovered , which is early in the morning . (LANGF-E3-H,119.226) And to preserve your Wall-fruit from blasting winds and Frosts ; it will be necessary to cover them in the nights , and cold days by hanging before them Matts or Blankets : (LANGF-E3-H,119.227) some stick branches of broom before the blossoms and young tender fruit . (LANGF-E3-H,119.228) To preserve ripe fruit from birds , spread an old Net , before the Wall-fruit , or upon the Dwarf-trees . (LANGF-E3-H,119.229) Sect. 6 . (LANGF-E3-H,119.230) I have endeavour'd to direct the Reader by true Rules , which if observed , he would not fall into those vulgar Errors which are frequent in practice ; (LANGF-E3-H,119.231) but because for want of warning , some people may continue in them , thinking they have a further knowledge or better Judgment , I shall endeavour to refute those I have most taken notice off in use . (LANGF-E3-H,119.232) 1 . (LANGF-E3-H,120.234) Some set Trees too deep , (LANGF-E3-H,120.235) and plead for it , that otherwise the Tree may be in danger of dying , if the next Summer prove very hot : (LANGF-E3-H,120.236) But to prevent that hazard $it $'s {TEXT:it's} better to raise Earth about it , and cover it with Dung , Fearn , or Straw , and in the Summer with the Grass mowed from Grass-plots , and set it not too deep whereby the Tree may put forth its Roots in the upper Turf , which is generally the best Land in all Ground . (LANGF-E3-H,120.237) For in some Land a deep hole will draw in Water in the Winter , which standing under and about the Roots , may chill and starve them ; (LANGF-E3-H,120.238) other Lands in the bottom are Rocky , (LANGF-E3-H,120.239) have a Fox-bent , Cat-brain , or stiff Clay , and binding Gravel , unfit for Trees to root in , (LANGF-E3-H,120.240) and yet may have that depth of Earth above it , that some Fruit-trees being set light , may prosper reasonably well . (LANGF-E3-H,120.241) 2 . (LANGF-E3-H,120.242) Others for curiosity use graffing several kinds of Fruit on one Stock , which hath often this Evil , that the one kind being of swifter growth than the other overtops and keeps under its fellow . (LANGF-E3-H,120.243) But if a Man have a few Trees in a secure place , he may graff two or three sorts on one Head of choice Summer Fruit , whereof he is content with a little Fruit of each kind of eating only ; (LANGF-E3-H,121.244) and by pruning he may make them grow somewhat equal . (LANGF-E3-H,121.245) 3 . (LANGF-E3-H,121.246) Some out of curiosity instead of Clay when they graff Trees , cover the Heads of the Stocks with Lime mix'd with Hair ; others with Bees-wax or some such things compounded ; the first of which groweth so hard that the Stock $can $not {TEXT:cannot} grow to cover , nor the Scion enlarge it self as it would , (LANGF-E3-H,121.247) and the Lime kills often Stock and all , as will salt Clay , such as is used on Drinking-Vessels ; (LANGF-E3-H,121.248) the latter is either melted by the heat of the Sun in Summer , (LANGF-E3-H,121.249) and runs off the Stock , (LANGF-E3-H,121.250) and being thin , the heat of the Sun hardens the Sap which the Stock puts up to a Crust , that it groweth not to bark or wood , as it should do ; (LANGF-E3-H,121.251) and if it be compounded of so hard a substance that it melteth not , it hath the like effect as the Lime : So that upon tryal , there is nothing better than good Clay mix'd with long Hay ; and laid on somewhat thick , (LANGF-E3-H,121.252) for that keeps it from the heat of the Sun , as well as too much wet , (LANGF-E3-H,121.253) and with Hay it will keep on much longer than otherwise . (LANGF-E3-H,121.254) 4 . (LANGF-E3-H,122.256) Many neglect keeping the Heads of Stocks clay'd after the first time when they are graffed , (LANGF-E3-H,122.257) but $it $'s {TEXT:it's} very necessary to do it till the Stock be near covered , (LANGF-E3-H,122.258) for it hastens it in covering , whereby the Scions grow faster , and wet is prevented from the perishing the Stock . (LANGF-E3-H,122.259) 5 . (LANGF-E3-H,122.260) Another Evil is , when Men set well grown Trees , that they must cut off the Head where it may be an inch over ; (LANGF-E3-H,122.261) they consider not to cut it at a Branch , (LANGF-E3-H,122.262) and so the top often dieth a little at the Head ; whereas if they did cut it off a little sloap at a Branch or small Sprig , and put Clay thereon , as in graffing , that Branch would cover the top , and keep the Heart sound . (LANGF-E3-H,122.263) If you do it not at the setting of the Tree , then the Year after , when it hath put forth Branches , cut off the top sloap-wise , where it is alive , at the uppermost Branch you would preserve , (LANGF-E3-H,122.264) and then clay it : (LANGF-E3-H,122.265) You will find advantage in the growth of the top and soundness of the body of the Tree . (LANGF-E3-H,122.266) 6 . (LANGF-E3-H,122.267) In pruning big Branches of any Tree , do it in March , (LANGF-E3-H,122.268) and cut it not so close to the Body as to hurt it , nor yet so long that it be a Stump , (LANGF-E3-H,122.269) but leave it highest in the middle , (LANGF-E3-H,122.270) for then it will not have so deep a hole in its growing to cover , which otherwise $it $'s {TEXT:it's} apt to have , and to hold the wet . (LANGF-E3-H,123.271) This pruning can be no ways so well done as with such a broad Chissel as I have described . (LANGF-E3-H,123.272) 7 . (LANGF-E3-H,123.273) The first Summer after you have set a Tree , some let Shoots grow out near the Butt , and in several places on the Body , though so low that they never intend they shall continue . (LANGF-E3-H,123.274) These had best be cut off at the first springing out , that they rob not the top of Sap . (LANGF-E3-H,123.275) If you have any high Standards , such as are proper to be planted in Fields , or Forest Trees in Avenues , it will be necessary to have such another Chissel ; (LANGF-E3-H,123.276) but instead of an Iron handle let it be made with a Socket , which fix on a Staff about two or three yards long , (LANGF-E3-H,123.277) and let it have Edges likewise on the lower part on each side the Socket ; (LANGF-E3-H,123.278) with this you may , as you walk about your Trees , cut off such young Shoots as grow out of the hands reach , and yet such as you would not have continue , first cutting them upwards , and then with the other Edge cutting downwards the little Tippet left on the upper side , that it be smooth , and even to the Body . (LANGF-E3-H,124.279) 8 . (LANGF-E3-H,124.280) I have known some Country Gardiners in pruning Wall-Fruit-trees yearly cut off the young Shoots or Branches that grew side-ward , as well as outward , from the Elder-wood , and leave the Wall almost bare ; whereas $it $'s {TEXT:it's} those young Shoots chiefly that bear Fruit the Year following : (LANGF-E3-H,124.281) And therefore the better to inform the Reader in Pruning , it will be necessary to shew what Years Branches bear Fruit in each kind , or in the most common sort of Fruit-trees . (LANGF-E3-H,124.282) 1 . (LANGF-E3-H,124.283) Vines and Shrubs , as Gooseberries , Currans , &c. bear Fruit for the most part on the Branches they put forth the same Year , so that in pruning these you may cut off much of the Shoots of the foregoing Year , and old Wood , as you see occasion , (LANGF-E3-H,124.284) and there will be the more Sap to put forth fresh ones the Year after , provided you leave plenty of Buds for them to put forth at , and with this Caution , that such as grow very luxurious in Wood are not apt to bear , (LANGF-E3-H,124.285) and there the more you cut off , the more they will run into the same Evil . (LANGF-E3-H,124.286) 2 . (LANGF-E3-H,125.288) Stone Fruit-trees , generally bear on the Branches of the foregoing Year , (LANGF-E3-H,125.289) therefore leave a sufficient number of them . (LANGF-E3-H,125.290) 3 . (LANGF-E3-H,125.291) Apple and Pear-trees bear Fruit on the Branches that are of two years growth before the bearing year . (LANGF-E3-H,125.292) And thus you shall find it for the most part ; (LANGF-E3-H,125.293) and although Fruit may often in all these sorts seem to be on older Wood than I mention , yet if you search into it you will find where it seems so that it grows on some sort short Stalk put forth as near as can be judged as I have set it down . (LANGF-E3-H,125.294) You will therefore find it often necessary to practice the direction formerly given in this Book of taking off some of the old Wood of Trees , (LANGF-E3-H,125.295) CHAP. 8 . (LANGF-E3-H,125.297) Sect. 7 . (LANGF-E3-H,125.299) And when your Trees are young let them not fill the Wall so thick as many Trees are apt to do , (LANGF-E3-H,125.300) otherwise you will find many will not bear well young , (LANGF-E3-H,125.301) and when they grow bigger you must cut them thinner , which will be worse for the Tree . (LANGF-E3-H,125.302) Another Evil is common in suffering too much Fruit to grow upon Trees especially Wall-Trees wherefore if it be so , pluck off some where they stand in Clusters , (LANGF-E3-H,126.303) Green Apricocks will serve for Tarts . (LANGF-E3-H,126.304) These foregoing Observations may seem trivial and of small concern ; (LANGF-E3-H,126.305) but you will find a due observation of them will conduce much to the health and welfare of your Trees and Fruit . (LANGF-E3-H,126.306) CHAP. XIII . (LANGF-E3-H,126.308) SOME PARTICULAR RULES ABOUT SOME KINDS OF FRUIT-TREES BESIDES THE GENERAL RULES ALREADY MENTIONED . (LANGF-E3-H,126.309) Sect. 1 . (LANGF-E3-H,126.311) Grapes seldom or never ripen well in this Isle . without help of Art and Industry , to which purpose take these directions . (LANGF-E3-H,126.312) 1 . (LANGF-E3-H,126.313) To plant such as ripen soonest in the Year , that they may have as much of the summer heat at ripening time as may be . (LANGF-E3-H,126.314) 2 . (LANGF-E3-H,126.315) Let the Wall you plant them against be a full South , or but a little inclining to the East ; (LANGF-E3-H,126.316) or if you have a half-round , or corner in a Wall , or the back of a brick Chimney , make use of such places for them . (LANGF-E3-H,127.317) Vines will prosper well against a high Wall , (LANGF-E3-H,127.318) yet that is not altogether so necessary but that low Walls may serve turn , (LANGF-E3-H,127.319) and the higher may be reserved for such Fruit-trees as will not do well without them : (LANGF-E3-H,127.320) That of a Tarras-walk may do well for Vines , (LANGF-E3-H,127.321) and the Gravel-walk under the Wall will mightily encrease the heat about them . (LANGF-E3-H,127.322) If you plant any Trees against your Dwelling-house wall , there may be some narrow places between two Windows , or the like , where other Fruit-trees have not room to spread : (LANGF-E3-H,127.323) A Vine may grow up there , and above those narrow places enlarge it self where ever it meets with room . (LANGF-E3-H,127.324) You may also plant a Vine betwixt every fruit-tree that groweth against your hottest walls , and let it spread a little in the Summer time into the Fruit-trees on either side especially if the fruit of such Trees use to be early ripe , or that they bear little Fruit , or have not been so long set as to have covered the Wall . (LANGF-E3-H,127.325) And though such Vines $can $not {TEXT:cannot} extend themselves to that bigness , as those planted where they have more room ; yet by this means you will make advantage of such portions of your Wall , as otherwise you could have had little benefit from . (LANGF-E3-H,128.326) Sect. 2 . (LANGF-E3-H,128.327) The best ground for them is that which is rich and dry , inclinable to stony or gravel , so it bind not ; (LANGF-E3-H,128.328) the best Dung to fatten the Earth they grow in is Horse or Sheeps-dung : (LANGF-E3-H,128.329) Make bare the Roots in the beginning of Winter , (LANGF-E3-H,128.330) and throw in plenty of the same Dung most Winters . (LANGF-E3-H,128.331) The best way of propagating of them is , in November to lay a Branch of that Years growth into the Earth , under the old Tree , without cutting it off , (LANGF-E3-H,128.332) lay as many joynts or buds in the Earth {TEXT:Farth} as you can , leaving but one or two out ; (LANGF-E3-H,128.333) for it puts forth its roots chiefly at the joynts at a Years end , (LANGF-E3-H,128.334) or in the February come twelve month , cut it off from the old one , (LANGF-E3-H,128.335) and plant it where you design it should grow ; (LANGF-E3-H,128.336) lay it in the Earth in the same posture it lay in before , (LANGF-E3-H,128.337) and also lay some of the Buds of the new wood , that grew out since it was first laid down , that it may gain the more Roots , leaving out of the ground again not above one or two buds . (LANGF-E3-H,128.338) You may chance to have Suckers of an old Vine which will be sure to grow . (LANGF-E3-H,129.340) Or you may take Cuttings of Vine-branches of that Years growth , and set them in good warm loose Land , (LANGF-E3-H,129.341) and many will grow ; (LANGF-E3-H,129.342) if it be in the place you intend they shall always stand in , next year lay down a part of that which hath grown out , to root also , (LANGF-E3-H,129.343) or else upon removal lay in the new growth all but a bud or two , with that part which is already rooted : (LANGF-E3-H,129.344) If it have made but small growth the first year , lay part of the second years growth in the ground , (LANGF-E3-H,129.345) it will more advantage them by helping them to good roots , than the loss of a year or $two $'s {TEXT:two's} growth in the top will amount to . (LANGF-E3-H,129.346) If you have an old Vine , that beareth not well , lay down in February , or March some of the strongest branches of the foregoing year , that grow low in the mold under the old Tree , without cutting them off , leaving out of the ground a bud or two to grow , (LANGF-E3-H,129.347) and your wall will quickly be furnished with new , and fresh branches ; so that by degrees you may cut off many of the old branches of the Vine ; (LANGF-E3-H,129.348) for though one Vine may cover abundance of walling , yet three or four roots in that compass will strengthen it the more to bear . (LANGF-E3-H,130.349)