Objections and Discouragements Con­cerning Planting; answered.

BEfore I enter upon the work it selfe, it will be convenient in the first place, to Answer some maine Objections, to remove discouragements about this work of Planting Fruit-trees, that have kept off many from this profitable imploy­ment, and may still hinder them, unlesse remov'd. And then I will give some encouragements to it from Diuine, and Humane Arguments and Testimonies.

1. Ob.This is an Objection amongst many in the North parts: they say the Northern Countries are so cold, that Fruit-trees will not prosper nor beare fruits there.

Ans.To this I Answer: That although it be true that the Northern Countries lye in a [Page 7] more cold Climate then Worcestershire, Herefordshire and those Fruit Countries, yet I doubt not but that if they were as diligent in planting Fruit-trees in the North parts, as men are in these, they might have store of good fruits: so that some Cautions be observed in the nature of Trees. Its true: Cold Countries are not so fit for choice and tender fruits ▪ as warmer Climates; but there are diverse kinds of hardy fruits, both Apples, Pears Cherries, which yearely experience shewes endure cold, and come to perfection in cold springs, when many other kinds are spoy­led. Procure Grafts, or Young trees ready grafted of the best bearing kinds, such as are found by experience to beare well, even in cold springs. See pag. 53, 54, &c. Let such kinds therefore be sought for and Planted. Those good husbands in those parts, who are diligent in Planting Fruit-trees, have Fruits answerable.

Others say,2: Ob. that if they should plant Fruit-trees, and bestow much labour and cost about them, when they come to per­fection and bearing fruits they should be robd of all, or most, and the Trees would be spoiled, and who would Plant to be so serv'd.

To this I Answer:Ans. That if there were [Page 8] no remedy against this mischeife, it might indeed be a just discouragement: but this feare may be removed diverse waies.

And First: I advise, that having made a good fence about the Orchard, you keep therein a lusty Mastiffe or two; that will not be charmed in the night time, and the terrour of them will keep men from ad­venturing upon such an Occasion.

Secondly: some that have good Orc­hards watch their fruits. If a man keep 2, or 3, or more servants, they may watch in their turns, its no great matter, if you con­sider for what time only it is necessary, which is but from the time that fruits come to be worth getting, till they be ripe, and that's not long. And consider, it is in a pleasant season of the yeare, the paines and charge would be but little to the profit: we see men are vigilant & diligent much more then this would require upon far lesse advantages.

3. But there is a third means to keep Orchards from being rob'd, which I estee­me best of any other, it is this: I would have every man (that hath land) to plant some Fruit-trees for himselfe, that so they may not be theeves to their neighbours: and let those that have much fruit spare a part to the [...] that have but little, or none [Page 9] of their own, and be no niggards but liberall to their neighbours: And this bounty will bring a double blessing, first from God, to increase the fruits; secondly from men, not to diminish them.

But I heartily wish that such as make but a sport of robbing an Orchard,See the se­cond Book of his Confessi­ons. Chap. 4. would but consider the affliction and terrors of con­science that seised upon good St. Austen, for this very sin of robbing an Orchard, which he was guilty of before his Con­version: he confesseth it with much greife, and aggravates it with no lesse then ten circumstances, crying earnestly for mercy and pardon: Ecce Cor meum Deus meus, ecce Cor meum, quod miseratus es in imo abyssi. &c. When God lets loose the least sin to fight against a man, and but to shew it selfe in its proper shape, it will terrifie the stoutest heart: A wounded spirit who can beare?

But there is another Objection greater then the former:3. Ob. Men usually say, should we plant Fruit-trees it would be so long ere they come to perfection, and bearing fruits, that out hopes would faint before we could see profit of our labours, per­haps they would not beare fruits of Six­teen, or Twenty yeares growth.

I Answer first,Ans. that though the Objecti­on [Page 10] on were true, that trees Planted would be long ere they come to bearing fruits, perhaps 20 yeares or more, yet this should not discourage us; especially such as may have good hopes to enjoy the pro­fits and pleasures of them many yeares after, and then leave them to their Chil­dren and to posterity after them. But secondly, men are generally mistaken upon this Accompt, Fruit-trees rightly ordered, will not be so long ere they beare fruits as they suppose: I shall shew a way, that by Planting Fruit trees, and ordering of them as I give directions (by the blessing of a divine hand that still at­tends honest labours) we may receive Profits from them in halfe Twenty years yea in halfe that halfe, yea in lesse then in five yeares: sometimes the third, sometime [...] the second yeare, (of many kinds of fruit-trees) after Grafting: Experience prove [...] it, though we must know, the fruit cannot be much, while the trees are so small, o [...] particulars: yet a multitude of such tree will afford a multitude of fruits: A Cistern [...] of water is but a multitude of drops.

So then; that Fruit-trees may be plant­ed and come to bearing fruits in 5, 4, or 3 years, or sooner, the meanes is shew'd a large in the ensuing worke. So that I hope [Page 11] [...]his grand discouragement (which hath [...]o long and so generally kept men from his profitable work) will be remov'd.

Now (as I promis'd) I will lay down [...]ome Excitements, and Encouragements to [...]he worke of Planting fruit-trees.

Many large workes have been com­posed by Ancient Authors, for the Instru­ [...]tion of the husbandman in this his princi­ [...]all worke: And they have given this im­ployment many and great commendations and praises, and it is accounted by them the cheifest of all earthly imployments, because of the many Profits and Pleasures, that come by it.

And because it shall appeare what [...]pinion and esteeme they have had of this course of life, and with what Praises they have set it forth, I will give you the particular expressions of some of them in their owne words; And then give the [...]mme of what they have said to the plain husbandman,The praises of the An­cients and some late writers con­cerning the Husband­man scours of life in Planting Fruittrees. and others, that else could not understand them.

Agricultura quid sit.

MIHI videtur nihil aliud esse Agri­culturam quam inspectâ Plantae na­ [...]urâ & Coeli & terrae ei idoneum cultum ribuere, & (ut ita dicam) coelum cum [...]erra maritare, vel societatem perquirere [Page 12] Coeli & terrae ad Arbores: Sed quum Coelu [...] nullo modo queat flecti, oportet ut sedu [...] Agricola situs varietate utatur, ut C [...] facilè Planta associetur. Agricoloe ad dus­metas intendere debent, ad utilitatem, & [...] l [...]ptatem. Agricultura est Ars quae do [...] usuram cum terra facere. Inter omnia en [...] quae utilitatem simul & jucunditatem par­unt, ut ambiguum sit utilitatisue an amaen­tatis plus habeat. Variis fructibus delecte [...] non tempore uno sed diversis, alio renascen [...] alio decidente, ut unusquisque ex industriây cunditate te afficere sataget: Rami fructib [...] onerati pondere incurvantur, ac se iu [...] decumbenti offerunt.

O quam dulcissimum est fructus ex Arbor [...] bus quas sevisti, inseruisti, & coluisti, pr [...] priis manibus colligere, & Amicis, ag [...]ati [...] que jactabundus largiri. Est & alia Arboribus delectatio, Avium scilicet modi­latio, ac ex variorum multitudine dulcissin us efficitur concentus: Auresque cantib [...] demulcent suis,

Theophrastus Hortum juxta aedes colloc [...] vit, quem moriens testamento Philosophant [...] bus reliquit: Democritus Abderites pro [...] [Page 13] hortum Cellam habuit. Palemon Atheniensis [...]n hortis docebat. Laidis Cyrenei in hortis chola fuit, quos Attalus Rex aedificavit. Quid enim hoc opere innocentius vacantibus,August. & quid plenius magnâ consideratione pru­ [...]entibus;Reges & Imperatores sum mos que magistratus non puduit Hortensia colere: pro­pr [...]is mani­bus. quid majus mirabil [...]ùsque spectacu­ [...]um est, quam c [...]m positis seminibus, Plan [...]atis surculis, translatis Arbusculis, insitis [...]alleolis, tanquam interrogatur quaeque (vis [...]adicis & germinis) quid possit, quidve non [...]ossit, unde possit, unde non possit; cum rerum [...]atura humana ratio quodammodo loqui [...]otest, quid in ea valeat numerorum invi­ [...]bilis interiorque potentia: quid extrinsecus [...]dhibita diligentia, & in ipsa considerati­one perspicere: quia neque qui plantat est ali­quid, neque qui rigat, sed Deus qui dat in rementum. Mira est & inexplicabilis horti [...]ommoditas: nam si necessitatem considero, Agricutura tanto est humano generi emolu­ [...]ento; ut eâ carere nullo modo possis; si [...]tilitatem, inter primas non postrema, aut [...]uaenam illi poterit comparari: si voluptatem [...]ignitati commistam, ea est excellentia &c.

Much, more they speake in praise of [...]his worke, which here (for brevity sake) shall omit.

Now that the husbandman (and every [...]ue) may understand what has been said [...]y these Authors, and others, I will give more plainly the summe of all.

[Page 14]They define husbandry to be an Ar [...] teaching men lawfull usury with the earth [...] And that it seemes cheifly to be the searching, and finding out the nature Plants and Trees, and of the Heavens an [...] the Earth, and then to give unto Plan [...] fit place and ordering; according to the nature of the Soyle and Climate; And (a [...] they say) to marry and match together Heaven, and Earth, or to procure a soci­ety, and neere fellowship between heaven and earth, for the increase and benefit o [...] Trees and Plants: But seeing that the heavens can by no meanes be bowed, o [...] brought neerer to us, therefore it mu [...] be the skill, and diligence of the hu [...]bandman to place and set his Trees in such sort that the heavens may give their in­fluence and warmth, for encrease and refreshing of them. Husbandmen ough [...] to make Accompt of two harvests yearly the one of Profit the other of Pleasure for when a man hath done what is neces­sary for his life, and thence proceeds profit besides all that, great Pleasure springs from the Profit: and what greater pleasure can there be then that which is Accompanie [...] with Profit. Now of all estates of life the husbandman may chiefly challenge this t [...] himselfe, yea it is questionable whether [Page 15] the Profit or Pleasure of his life be the greater: God when he would make the life of man Pleasant unto him, he put him into an Orchard or Garden of delights, that he might labour therein with pleasure of mind: There a man is delighted with variety of Fruits of Trees, not in one sea, son only, but in diverse seasons of the yeare, some young and springing forth, while diverse other kinds are ready to fall with ripenesse. So that a man doth even busy himselfe with the choice of such varieties. The Boughs burthened with the weight of Fruits do bow to thee, and in a lowly manner offer their Fruits, as the Poet notes.

Oh how sweet and pleasant is the fruit of those Trees which a man hath Planted and ordered with his owne hand, to gather it, and largly and freely to bestow and distribute it among his kindred and friends.

Yea it is a delight to heare the pleasant tunes, and singing of Birds, which with their variety of notes, make a sweet har­mony and concent, and much please and [Page 16] allure the sence So the Poet,

Theophrastus planted an Orchard close to his dwelling house, which when he died, he left to students and lovers of Philosophy, and wisdome. Democritus had his Chamber neer to a garden. Many Philosophers have taught their schollers in Orchards and Gardens.

Augustine.What worke is more innocent then Planting of Fruit-trees, and what more full of high speculations to wise men then it is: What is more wonderfull to behold then (in sowing seeds, in planting sprigs, in removing young Trees, in graf [...]ing new shoots or grafts) as it were to aske and demand with a mans selfe, what, by the nature and virtue of the Roots and Bran­ches may be done, or what may not be done, for what reason it may be done, or not done (seeing the nature of things may after a sort be declared by reason) what of many things is of force, and effect, by an invisible and inward power, and nature, what diligence is outwardly to be used, &c. In which consideration and search, we may see and understand these things. Yet for all that, neither he that Plants is any thing, nor he that waters, but [Page 17] God that gives the encrease.

They accompt this course of life free from many mischeifes, and vexations, that neces [...]arily a [...]tend other affaires: great and many cares, and troubles are found in honours, and high places, but this course of life about Orchards and Gardens, is full of sweet rest, honest busi­nesse, and modest pleasures, which many famous & learned men have had recourse unto for refreshment after study, and other labours: It is full of honest profit and gaine, and brings and administers all ne­cessaries: here a man enjoyes pleasant quietnesse and tranquillity of mind, which is seldome attained by those that follow State Imployments: This is worthy the ex­ercise of wise men, of good men, of learn­ed men, of Kings and Emperours: they have taken great delight in the study and practice of these things: This course of life is far off from covetousnesse, & even tied and married to all Offices of love and friendship: This is a quiet & pleasant life, worthy to be preferred before all hono­urs & dignities: This culture of the ground, and planting and ordering of Fruit-trees, Occasions search and enquiry into many secrets profitable to men, which bring unto them ample satisfaction: yea the ex­cellency [Page 18] and worthinesse of Husbandry is surpassing, it excells all other Arts, and appeares as the Lady or Mistris, they as Servants attending her. Many of the Ancients have largely declared unto us the nature and use of Plants and Trees before all other living creatures. The profit of a Garden of Fruit-trees is wonder­full, and cannot well be declared. And if Antiquity can adde any noblenesse, and worth to a thing, what imployment then before this? what more ancient then the labour of the Husbandman. Husbandmen are called Honest and good men, because of their innocent and just life. Cicero esteem­de it best of all other labours, nothing more rich and profitable, nothing more delightfull, nothing more worthy a gen­erous spirit then it. In former times those that were honoured & carried in triumph, they were not honoured with Gold, Pearles, and other such pretious things, but with the Boughs and Branches of Trees: And in their Games and exercises, who so got the Prize were crowned with th [...] branches of certaine Trees, as the Oliv [...], Palme, &c. Such as got the Conquest and Victory of their enemies were crowned with the Lawrell which was to them a signe of Victory. And in their feasts they [Page 19] gave Crowns and Garlands of Leaves, and Branches of Trees, in token of mirth and pleasure. Besides, if this labour receive honour from the persons that have beene conversant in it, then it is a Kingly Art, and chiefest of all other;See the worthie Acts of Cyrus king of Persia. Ezra 1.1, 2, 3. &c. Cyrus King of Persia (who had all the Kindomes of the earth given to him) was diligent, and most exact in the handling of it: He plant­ed Orchards and Gardens of Fruit-tree. with his owne hand, which when Lysan­der saw, he admired to see the excellen [...] and singular order & disposition of them, saying, O Cyrus, right blessed shall all men call thee, because to thy dignity and Crowne thou hast joyned this care, and course of life.

Telephanes tilled the ground and planted Trees among his subjects. Elizeus Sparta­nus planted spacious and large Orchards, and used therein to Feast and Banquet with his children and friends, Kings, Em­perours, & highest powers were not ash­amed to perform the workes belonging to an Orchard with their own hands: Divers Emperours of Rome had Gardens of Fruit-trees, Of this See, Sir Rich Barkley of the felicity of man pag 162. and performed the workes therein with delight: Dioclesian Emperour of Rome after he had reigned twenty years, betooke himselfe to a private life, and [Page 20] Planted Orchards and Gardens with his owne hand, wherein he took such delight, that he could not be intreated to take upon him again the Government of the Empire: Solomon (the wisest of all Kings) had Orchards and Gardens of Fruit-trees, took pleasure in them, and spake of all Trees from the Cedar even to the Shrub.

Mascali sets out this Art with admirable praises, he saies, among all sciences, and goodly exercises for men, there is none do more refresh the spirits, nor cause more admiration in the effects of Nature, or is more profitable for mans life then is the skill of Planting and Grafting. Many great Lords and Noble Personages have left their Theaters and goodly exercises, and have given themselves to Plan [...]ing and Grafting, and such like imployments, and have commended nothing more then this imployment. The Senators, Dictators, and Consuls of the Romans have commended Planting and Grafting to be one of the flourishing labours in the world for the Commonwealth. Yea they did so much esteeme it, that they did hang Tables there▪ of in divers places, never thinking the time more aptly spent, then in Planting and Grafting. Many worthy & learned men, both ancient and of late daies, have writ­ten [Page 21] for their Country and Common­wealth of the fruitfull Art of Grafting and Planting.

M. Bolton saies, Vineyards, Orchards, Gardens, and such inclosed Plats, are (as it were) the Flowers, Starres, & Paradises of the Earth.

And the Lord Bacon (in his Essaies, pag. 266.) saies, Gardens are the purest of humane pleasures, the greatest refreshments of the spirits of man, without which Buildings and Pallaces are but grosse handy works.

THus have I shewed (briefly) what some of the Ancients, and some late Writers have said, and esteemed of Fruit-trees, and of the Husbandm [...]ns course of life, and imployments about them.

I will now say something more of the dignity and value of Fruit-trees, and of the Art of Planting from Divine & Humane Arguments and Testimonies, and after that I shall enter upon the work it selfe.

Though it be absurd for a man to commend himselfe, yet he may commend his Calling and profession: Paul would not boast of himselfe' yet faith he, Rom. 11.13. I magnifie mine Office. Suffer me there­fore (for Encouragement to all in the work,) to say something in praise of [Page 22] Fruit-trees, and of the employment about them, it being a worke so full of Profit and Pleasure in the life of man: The workes of God are laudable, and have a dignity upon them, and ought to be taken notice of, praised, and admired, not for themselves, but for the Author, that he through, & by them, may have the more praise Psalm. 111.3. His worke is worthy to be praised, and had in honour.

Arguments of the dignity of Fruit-trees, and Art of Planting.

1 Argument.ONE Divine Argument of the dig­nity, and value of Plants, Fruit-trees, and the Art of Planting may be this.

It was Adams imployment in his innocency to keepe and order the Garden of Fruit-trees, Gen. 2.15. And the Lord God put him in­to the Garden of Eden to dresse it, and to keep it.

God, who, is wisdome it selfe, saw that a Garden of Fruit-trees was the meetest place upon all the Earth, for Adam to dwell in, even in his state of perfection: And therein assigned him an imployment for his greater delight, and pleasure: so that this imployment, as it is ancient, so it is honourable.

De Gen. ad Lit: Li. 8, Augustin is of opinion, that this dressing [Page 23] of the Garden, was as well an exercise of the hand, as of the mind, not with toyle-somenesse & trouble, but with delight, and pleasure, Non erat laboris afflictio, sed exhileratio voluntatis, quum ea quae Deus creaverat, humani operis adjutorio, laetius, feraciusque provenirent, Creator ipse uberi­us laudaretur. That things created in the Garden, by his labour, might be made more fruitfull, and God thereby have the more glory.2 Argument.

The second Divine Argument is this.

Plants were the first animate bodies that God created: And fruits of Trees was the first food that was given to man, his food appoint­ed by God, even in his perfect Condition.

And God said▪ behold I have given you every hearb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the Earth, & every Tree in which is the fruit of a Tree yeelding seed, to you it shall be for meat, Gen. 1.29.

Another Divine Argument is from exam­ples in Scripture of Planting Fruit-trees, & of the use of Orchards and Gardens.

First.3 Argument. God (blessed for ever) planted an Orchard, Example. or Garden of Fruit-trees, Diodat. exp Sir W. Rawley Hist. part. 1. Ch. 3. Gen. 2.8. And the Lord God planted a Garden Eastward in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed.

[Page 24] Au de Civit Dei lib. 13. c. 24. God planted a Fruit-garden; That is, He caused a parcell of ground to bring forth Plants and Trees most exquisite and usefull for man, and enriched that place with more fruit-fulnesse and beauty, then any other part of the Earth, and called it EDEN, that is, a place of Pleasures.

Sir W Rawly 1. Book, 1. part, Chap. 9.And at this day, this Region of Eden (afterwards called Mesopotamia) is ex­ceeding fruitfull, being in the best Climate 35 degrees from the Equinoctiall, and 55. from the North-pole, in which Climate the most excellent fruits, Oyles. Graines, &c. are found.2 Example.

Secondly, we have for our example herein that good, & holy man, who found grace in the sight of God, when all the world (save a few with him) perish [...], Gen. 9.20. And Noah began to bee an husbandman, and he planted a Vineyard. Or as some conceive, he began to prune and dresse the plants that were set before the Flood, and to order them that they might yeeld their fruits.

3 Example.Thirdly, We have for our example here­in the friend of God, faithful Abraham, Gen. 21.33. And Abraham planted a Grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.

Of the fitnesse of these shades by [Page 25] Arbours, Seats, and close walks in Orchards for contemplation, and private exercises, I shall speak hereafter.

Fourthly,4 Example.King Vzziah delighted in this imployment, 2 Chro. 26.10. Vzziah had husbandmen and dressers of Vines in the Mountaines and in Carmell, for he loved husbandry.

This King raigned a long time in Ieru­salem over Iuda, fifty and two yeares.5 Example.

Fiftly, King Solomon, a great and wise King, Eccl 2.4. tooke pleasure herein, (and though we may not follow him in any immoderation, and excesse, yet the [...]e [...]s a lawfull, and warrantable use of these delights) Vers. 4.5. I made me great workes, I builded me houses, I planted me Vineyards, I made me gardens, and Orc­hards, and I planted in them Trees of all kind of fruits. 6 Example.

Sixtly, For the use of an Orchard and Garden, we have the example of the Mirror of Chastity, Virtuous Susanna. It was her custome to walke in a garden, as we see in the History vers. 7▪8. Susanna went into her husbands garden to walke, the [...]wo Elders saw her going in every day, and walking.

Seventhly,7 Example. The people of Israel (by a [...]peciall command from God) made use of [Page 26] Arbours and shady places, in their great Feasts: Nehem. 8.14.15. It was publishe [...] and proclaimed in all their cities, and i [...] Ierusalem, saying, Goe forth unto the Moun [...] and fetch Olive Branches, & Pine Branches and Mirtle Branches, and Branches of thick Trees, to make Boothes: So they mad [...] these Boothes upon the Roofs of their houses and in their Courts, and in the court of th [...] house of God, and in the streets; and the [...] sate under these Boothes, and there was ver [...] great gladnesse. 8 Example.

Eightly, For the use of an Orchard, [...] Garden, we have the example of our bles [...]sed Saviour whose custome it was to wa [...] in a Garden, Io [...]. 18.1. when Iesus ha [...] spoken these words he went over the Broo [...] Cedron, where was a Garden, into which [...] entred with his Disciples: We see he often came to this Garden, for Iudas observed i [...] was his custome to goe to it. v. 2. Iudas knew the place, for Iesus often times resorted thi [...]ther with his Disciples.

4 Argument.Another Divine Argument of the Dig [...]nity and value of Fruit-trees, and art [...] Planting, Hos. 12.10. I have used Similitudes by the Ministry of the Prophets. is from the frequent use of Sim [...] ­litudes betweene the Church of God an [...] Fruit-trees, and betweene our Saviour and Fruit-trees.

Fruit-trees beare the figure and resem­blance [Page 27] of many high and great Mysteries held forth to us in Parables, Tropes, and Allegories, which represent Morall, and Spirituall things, under the shape and figure of these Corporeall things.

One Similitude is betweene the Church and a Vineyard:1 Similitude Esay. 5.1, 2, My beloved had a Vineyard in a very fruitfull Hill vers: 2. And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choice Vine, &c: And he looked that it should bring forth grapes &c.

Secondly,2 Similitude the Prophet David useth the Similitude of a fruitfull tree to expresse the Condition of a Godly man. Psal: 1.3. He shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Waters, that bringeth forth his fruit in due season, his Leafe also shall not wither, and looke whatsoever he doth it shall prosper. So againe, Ier. 17.8. He shall be as a Tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her Roots by the River, and shall not see when Heate commeth, but her Leafe shall be greene, and shall not be carefull in the yeare of Drought, neither shall cease from yeelding fruit.

Another Similitude our Saviour useth to expresse the Condition of his Church drawne from the Vine. 3 Similitude Io. 15.1. I am the true Vine and my Father is the husbandman: [Page 28] every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away, and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. As the Branch cannot beare fruit of it selfe, except it abide in the Vine, no more can yee except yee abide in me. Vers. 4.

4 SimilitudeAnother Similitude is between Natur­all and Mysticall Grafting, Rom: 11.17. Concerning the calling of the Gentiles, and rejection of the Iewes for a time. If some of the Branches be broken off, and thou being a wild Olive tree wert grafted in amongst them, & with them partakest of the root and fatnesse of the Olive tree, Ver. 23. And they also if they abide not still in unbeliefe shall be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in againe, Vers. 24. For if thou wert cut out of the Olive tree, which is wild by nature, and wert grafted (contrary to nature) into a good Olive tree, how much more shall these, which bee the naturall branches, be grafted into their owne Olive tree?5 Similitude

Fiftly, The condition of the Church is figuratively, & by Allegories described by Solomon in his Songs, Chap. 4.12, 13. And amongst other figures and resemblances there us'd, one is taken from an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees. A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse. Thy Plants are an or­chard of Pomegranates, with pleasant fruits. [Page 29] Likewise Cant: 2:3: like the Apple-tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sonnes; I Sate downe vnder his shadow with great delight, & his fruit was sweet to my tast.

Sixtly,6 Similitude A Fruit-tree beares the figure and resemb [...]ance of our Saviour Christ in the description of Spirituall Paradise Revel. 22.2. In the midst of the street of it, and of either side of the River was there the tree of life, which bore twelve manner of fruits, and yeelded her fruits every month & the Leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the Nations. And againe Chap. 2.7. To him that overcommeth I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

Concerning Similitudes between Mate­riall and Mysticall Fruit-trees, see the Observations following in the second part.5 Aagumen [...]. Another Divine Argument may be this.

God hath threatned to withhold his blessing in these things, if we do not obey him, and hath in displeasure often depriv­ed men of the same for their disobedience, which proves them to be of value and worth: For when God is displeased with a people, or particular persons, and will shew it by some correction, that he may bring them to repentance, he doth it not [Page 30] by withholding, or taking from them some small matters, that they can easily spare without griefe or trouble, for that would worke no effect, but by withholding or depriving them of something that's preci­ous, and deare to them, the want or losse of which, will sad the heart: which course God hath observed with people, concern­ing these particular blessings. As appeares. 1. This was part of two of the ten Plagues, wherewith Aegypt was punished, Exod. 9.55. The haile brake every tree of the field. And as the Prophet David hath it, Psalm. 78.48 He destroyed their Vines with haile, and their Mulbery trees with frost: & Psalm: 105.33. He smote their Vines also, and Fig-trees: and Ex. 10.5. Locusts did eat all the trees which the haile had left.

2. Secondly, among the signes of Gods displeasure against Israell: this is one. Amo [...] 4.9. I have smitten your Fruit-trees, &c. yet have you not returned unto me, saith the Lord.

3. Thirdly: the Prophet calls to mourn­ing, Joel. 1.12. For, The Vine is dried up, the Fig-tree languisheth, the Pomegranate tree, the Palme tree also, and the Apple tree, even all the trees of the field are withered, be­cause joy is withered from among the sons of men.

[Page 31]4. Fourthly: God in displeasure for sin [...]ells them, Deut. 28.39.40. Thou shalt plant Vineyards and dresse them, but shalt neither drinke of the wine, nor gather the grapes, for the wormes shall eat them. Thou [...]halt have Olive trees throughout all thy [...]oasts, but shalt not anoint thy selfe with Oyle: For thine Olive shall cast her fruits. And God [...]ids Moses tell the people, if they would not obey, their land should not yeild their increase, neither should the trees of the land [...]eild their fruits. The like againe, Zeph. 1.13. Amos 5.11. Esay, 17, 10. Hosea [...].12.

Another Divine Argument may be this:6 Argument▪

God hath promised these things as blessings to such as obey him, and from time to time performed it: Not to be lookt upon as things of light, and triviall consequence, [...]ut to be considered as strong engage­ments to obedience. When God hath beene well pleased with a Nation, or particular persons he hath often shewed it (among other tokens of his love) by mul­ [...]iplying the fruits of their trees, encouraging them to plant Fruit-gardens, and promising his blessing thereon. As we see.

1. God (by his Prophet) encourages his people in Babylon to build, & to plant, [...]er. 29.5. Build ye houses▪ & dwell in them, [...]nd plant gardens and eat fruits of them.

[Page 32]2. And in the promise of their returne [...] this was one of the blessings God would bestow on them, Amos. 9.14. And I wil [...] bring againe the captivitie of my people Israell, and they shall build the wast citties and inhabite them, & they shall plant Vine­yards, and drink the wine thereof, they shal [...] also make gardens and eat the fruit of them.

3. Thirdly, When they came into Ca­naan that pleasant land, this is mentioned as one of the blessings, Neh. 9.25. They pos­sessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, Vineyards and Oliveyards, and fruit-trees in abundance.

4. And among the showers of blessing [...] (as the Prophet calls them) this is one, Ezek: 34.27. The tree of the field shall yeel [...] her fruit. And Ezek: 36.29. I will multiply the fruit of the Tree. The like of many other places, Mal. 3.10.11. Joel. 2.21.22. Levit: 26.3, 4. Esay 65.21, 22. Levit. 19.23. &c.

And thus much of the sixt Divine Ar­gument from the promises of God, and perfor­mance of them, in these things to his people.

7 Argument.Another Divine Argument of the Digni­tie and value of Fruit-trees, and the art of planting, is from two generall commands given by the Apostle Pavl, which though they mention not these things in explicite [Page 33] and plaine tearmes, yet they are com­mended to us by plaine and cleare implica­tion, and deduction ▪ for as out of generall promises we may draw, and deduct perti­culars, & make applications from them; so also from generall commands and directions.

The first Command is that of Paul in his Epistle to Titus Chap. 3. v. 14. Let ours also learne to maintaine good works for necessary uses, that they be not un­fruitfull: here's a generall Command, out of which one particular may be derived for the present purpose. The Apostle here, by Good workes, meane [...] good works as they are towards the maintenance of the Commonwealth, or a particular Family with necessary commodities and usefull things, as Honest Trades, and Imployments, as the Margint renders it.

Now it is clear, this work & imployment of Planting Fruit-trees, is a good worke for ne­cessary uses, seeing the life of man may by it be maintained with so many necessa [...]ies belonging to it: See Profits of an Orchard, [...].

This being so, the Apostle (the [...]) bids us learne to do it, as if he should say, get some skill in it, and be doing then uphold and maintaine it.

The second generall Command is that which the Apostle writes to the Philip­pians, [Page 34] Chap. 4.8. Whatsoever things are True: whatsoever things are Honest: what­soever things are Iust: whatsoever things are Pure: whatsoever things are Lovely: whatsoever things are of Good Report: if there be any Virtue, if there be any Praise, thinke on these things.

Now it is easy for a man to speake of many particular Imployments, which have upon them the Characters and Marks here mentioned: but of them all, I know not one (except Divine Imployments) that hath these Marks so clearely stampt upon it, as this Imployment of the husbandman in Planting Fruit-trees. This Imployment answers exactly to the Apostles Rule, as it were face answering face in the glasse: for what particular labour is more honest, more just more pure, more lovely, of better re­port? what h [...]th mo [...]e Virtue? what hath more Praise then it? [...]ee what hath been said in the Praise and good report of it, and the rest of the [...]r [...]perties, at large already mentioned, pag. 11, 12, 13, 14 &c.

Now this being so, then we ought to follow the Apostles Command: If there be any Virtue, if the [...]e be any Praise (saith he) think on these things. The words are very Em [...]ha [...]icall: whatsoever, and if there be any praise. His meaning is, whatsoever [Page 35] the work be, though mean in the eye of the world, yet, if there be but any one of these Characters and Marks upon it, it is worthy to be followed, then how much more when it has them All, and that so eminently, as that every eye sees them. Thinke on these things, saith he, first to search out what works and imployments are markt with these Characters: and then, think on such to like, chuse them, to set a­bout them, to follow them, & make such things our professions for the praise of God, and profit of men.

And so much for the seaventh Divine Argument. 8 Argum:

Another Divine Argument, is from Gods command for the preservation of fruit-trees: He layes a speciall charge upon men for their safety and preservation, as we see, Deut. 20.19.20. When thou shalt besiege a city a long time in making war against it. to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees there­of, by forcing an Axe against them, for thou mayest eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them downe, to further thee in the siege, for the tree of the field is mans life, Vers: 20. Only the trees which thou knowest that they be [...]ot trees for meat, thou shalt destroy, and cut [...]hem downe, and thou shalt build Bulwarks [...]gainst the city that maketh war with thee [Page 36] untill it be subdued. Although this Scrip­ture may be taken in an Allegoricall sence, as signifying to us Gods care of Mysticall Fruit-trees, his people: being Trees of righteousnesse of the Lords planting: yet the same may also be taken in a litterall sence, & as some Godly men conceive, is a positive binding Law even at this day.

We see God ingeminates, and repeats his charge to preserve the Fruit-trees, be­ing trees for food, and nourishment of mans life, they must not be destroyed, though it were on so great an occasion as to further the siege against their enemies. He leaves other trees, such as are not trees for meat, such as beare no fruits, to be cut down and de­stroyed, as they have use for them in the war, but they must not spoyle, nor meddle with the Fruit trees.

I have discovered these Divine Argu­ments of the dignity and value of Fruit-trees and the art of Planting, to stir up and en­courage men to so good a work, to [...] work of so great and many advantages to the Commonweale

1. Humane Argument.And because Humane Arguments, ar [...] likewise prevalent which men, observ [...] them also for further encouragement.

The first Humane Argument of the dign [...]ty and value of Fruittrees, and the ar [...] [Page 37] Planting is from Presidents, or Examples of wise and learned men, of great and good men in former ages, who have practised this Art.

Examples either in V [...]rtue or Vice, are powerfull with men, (especially Examples of great ones)

Its much easier to prevaile with people by Examples, then by Precepts or Rules. And if Examples of great ones, even in things evill, are so powerfull, as they are with most men, how much more then should they be prevalent in honest, and vertuous things: so that herein is a double inducement, the Example, and the Vertue: here is a twofold Argument concurrent and met in this imployment of planting fruit-trees: Presidents, and those of the highest; Philosophers, Kings, & Emperours. Secondly, Vertue, and that of the chiefest Nature that secular Imployments have in them.

So then observe some Examples record­ed by antient A [...]thors in this imployment of planting Fruit-trees.

Many famous and learned men (saith he) studious in Philosophy, have delighted in this [Page 38] course of life, and found therein abundance of pleasure, and contentment.

Si dignitas Agriculturae accedit ex iis qui eam tractaverint, Regalis Ars & digni­ssima erit. If the dignity and esteeme of this Art may be drawne from those who have beene conversant in it, then it is a Kingly Art, and chiefest of all others.

• Cyrus King of Persia.
• Philometrus King of Asia.
• Heronus King of Asia.
• Archelaus King of Asia.
• Attalus King of Asia.
• Evax and Avicen: Kings of Arabia.
• Solomon King of Israel
• Telaphanus.
• Antonius Pius.
• Elizeus.
• Numa.
• Sportanus.
• Alcinous,
• Mithridates the great.
• Alexander the great.
• Dioclesian, Emperour of Rome,
• And many others.

Kings, Princes, Roman Emperours and the highest powers on earth, have not disdained to performe the works of an Orchard with their owne hands, and taken delight therein.

Mascall saies: Many great Lords and Noble persona­ges, have left their Thea­ters, goodly exercises, and have given themselves to Planting and Grafting, & have accounted nothing of higher commendation. [Page 39] The second humane Argument of the dig­nity and val [...]e of Fruit-trees, and the art of planting, 2. Humane Argument. is from the praises of ancient and late Writers, and the suffrage, or general consent of all people.

Works and imployments that have the praise but of some persons only, we cannot conclude the worth and dignity thereof from such praises, because selfe and sinister ends may sway in the minds of such▪ but those imployments that have the praise of all, and where there is a concur [...]en [...]e, & consent of minds in all people in the praise thereof, (of the Good, as well as the bad ▪ of the Learned as well as the unlearned of the Wise, as well as the unwise) these proba­bly are good and vertuous.

Now this art and imployment of planting Fruit-trees, hath the joynt & unanimous consent, not onely of greatest persons of the world, but likewise of all persons in the world, ther's none hath ill will towards it, none hath any thing to say against it, but all without exception, give it their good word and speake in the praise of it.

If men doe but s [...]eake of it, they'l com­mend it, and say, its a goodly imployment, its both a pleasant and profitable worke, its good for a Commonwealth, it enriches whole Countries, to this purpose men of us [...]ally [Page 40] speake of it what ancient and late writers have said in the praise of it, may be seen, pag. 14, 15, 16. &c.

And for the second Humane Argument thus much,

The third Humane Argument of the dig­nity and value of Fruit-trees and the art of planting is, 3. Humane Argument. Argumentum ab utili, from the Profits that are receiv'd thereby.

Let us see then what Profits may be had from an Orchard or Garden of Fruit trees.

Profits arise from an Orchard many waies: one way is to mans Estate: and that in two respects: first, in respect of house keeping, and provision for his family all the yeare.

In house Keeping.Secondly in respect of sale.

Such as have good Orchards know by experience that they are very profitable for meat, and drink, all the yeare long, many good dishes they make of Fruits, & many wholsome & pleasant drinks, Sider, perry, Cherry Wines, &c. Which are not barely nourishing but have other speciall properties, they moderately coole and re­fresh the spirits in heate of Sommer; and besides they keep the body from grosse and superfluous humours, & carry downe the seed of diseases, which else would lodg and grow in the body, and at length [Page 41] spring out to the prejudice of health.

Of the healthfullnesse of thee Liquors, See the use of Fruits. pag. 100, &c.

Secondly,For Sale. Fruit trees are profitable to the Husbandman in respect of sale of the fruits, when a man has more then he can spend in his house; especially to such as live neare some great Towne or City, where they have [...]ent at pleasure. The poet saw the profits of an Orchard, when he said.

The Profits of an Orchard once come to good perfection (doth exceed the pro­fits of Corne (upon like quantity of ground) many times over. As hath been computed and set downe by those that (I suppose) well knew the value of both. And touching Profits to the Estate thus much.

Secondly,Profitable to the body. An Orchard or garden of Fruit-trees (and Imployments about the same) is profitable to the body, first in re­spect of health: secondly in respect of long life.

What is a greater earthly blessing then perfect health of body?In respect of Health. some have said vale­tudo [Page 40] est summum bonum: Health is the chief­est earthly good thing: what will not me [...] doe for health they will set body and mind and all on work for health: they will part with friends, house and lands, silver and gold, and all for health.

Now health is pre [...]erved: first, by mode­rate and seasonable exercise, in the Orchard, the labour that preserves health must not be too violent, it must be but ad ruborem, non ad sudorem, as some advise: to bring the body to a temperate and gentle heat, not to immoderate sweating.

Hist. Life and Death. p. 412. & 169.The Lord Bacon adviseth to exercise causing rather perspiration then sweating, and saies further, that an idle life doth manifestly make the flesh soft and dis [...]ipa­ble, but robust exercise, (so it be with­out overmuch sweating, and wearinesse) maketh it hard and compact, which ad­vanceth health.

Secondly, Health is preserved by fresh and wholsome Ayres, which in heat of som­mer is found in Arbours, Seats, and Walks in the garden of Fruit-trees. The aforesaid Author tells us the ayre in sommer is pre­datory and hurtfull through the heat of the sun, and therefore ought (as much as may be) to be excluded from the body. Now there is no fresh wholsome ayres, and [Page 41] coole shades to be found any where in som­mer season, better then these in the Or­chard, or garden of Fruit-trees so the Poet.

Green Canopies the shady trees us lend Gainst scorching sun, boughs thick, whilst they extend.

Thirdly, Health is preserved, by pleasant and wholsome Odours, and perfumes found in the Garden of Fruit-trees, all the spring & sommer, by digging the Earth, & from the Leaves and blossomes of Trees:

Lo: Ba: tells us,Hist. Life and Death p. 207. & 208. the vapours of fresh earth by digging, condense and refresh the spirits.

And that Leaves of trees falling towards the middle of Autumne, yeild a good refresh­ing to the spirits

But the most pleasant and wholsome Odours, are from the blossomes of all the Fruit-trees, which having in them a con­densing and cooling property are there­ [...]ore, not simply Healthfull, but are accun­ [...]ted Cordiall; chearing and refreshing the Heart and vitall spirits.

Now the spirits (as this Author obser­ [...]es) are the Masterworkmen in the body, [...]nd as the uppermost Wheele which turneth [...]bout the other wheeles in the body; and [Page 44] therefore whatsoever is Healthfull and re [...]freshing to the spirits, works (powerfully [...] good effects in the body: And that speed [...]ly & suddenly: as the Author saies, Vapour and Affections worke compendiously upon the spirits.

Hist. Life, and Death, p, 236.Of the Healthfulness of Odours see more at Large, in the tide Pleasure of the senses smelling in a Garden:

Fourthly: Health is preserved by who [...] some meats and drinks all the yeare from the Garden of Fruit-trees.

The spirits of the body in sommer stan [...] in need of cooling and condensing, an [...] what meats and drinks more proper fo [...] that purpose then dishes and drinks of th [...] fruits an Orchard. They are both Al [...] ­mentall and Physicall: they cure diseases and preserve health: discharging the bod [...] of the beginning, and seeds of many di­seases.

In respect of long life.Secondly: A Garden of Fruit-tree [...] profitable to the body in respect of Long life.

How much have men valued long life in all ages of the world, what strange courses have some taken to extend their life to a great length: some have liv'd is Caves and Rocks, and sequestred them­selves from society with men, and be [...] ­ken [Page 45] themselves to a strict Monasticall course, that they might stretch out their life, and be said to live.

Yea amongst Christians who though they desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ. Yet in some respects long life is to be accounted a blessing, and is set before us as an encouragement to obedience: as we see Deut. 32.47. The feare of the Lord is your life, Deu. 32.47 Prov. 10.27 Prov. 9.11. Ps. 91.16. & through this ye shall prolong your daies. And Prov. 3.1, 2. My sonne keep my Commandments for length of daies, and long life shall they add to thee: the like in many other places. Now I say: An Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees is profitable to the bo­dy for Long life: and that in severall re­spects.

All these four last mentioned means for Health, the same likewise condu [...]e and are profitable to long life: wherein lies an­other part of their excellency and worth:Hist L D, pag. 179, & 180. for as the Lord Bacon observes: some things are profitable for an healthfull, but are not good for long life, but all these conduce as well to long life, as to health: so that Moderate exercise. 2. Fresh Ayres. 3. Pleasant Odours. 4. Wholsome meats and drinks, (which are all had in an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees, are (also) all pro­fitable to long life.

[Page 44] Hist. L. D. pag. 183. & 414.The foresaid Author saies: The spirit are the master workmen of all the effects in the body, and therefore in the intention of long life ought to be first placed.

So then: whatsoever worketh upon the spirits for their refreshing and vigour. Is profitable to long life.

Hist. L. D. pag. 235.The operation upon the spirits, and their waxing fresh and vigorous, is the most ready and compendious way to Long life. Now an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees, and imployments therein, work upon the spirits for their refreshing two waies.

First by the Organs of the Body.

Secondly by the Affections of the mind. Touching the first, viz. The operation upon the spirits through the Organs of the body, see at large in the pleasure of the five senses. pag. 48, 49, &c.

Concerning the operation upon the spirits by the Affections of the mind, I shall here speak and mention only three Affecti­ons of the mind which work powerfully upon the spirits, conducing to long life.

Affecti­on Hope.One Affection of the Mind which works effectually upon the spirits for Long life is Hope.

Hist. L. D. pag. 224.The Lord Bacon saies, Hope is most be­neficiall of all the Affections and doth much to the prolongation of life, if it be not too [Page 45] often frustrated, but entertaineth the fancy with an expectation of good: therefore (saith he) they whi [...]h fix and propound to themselves something as the marke and scope of their life, and continually, and by degrees goe forward in the same, are for the most part long liv'd; & Hope is as a Leaf-joy which may be beaten out to a great extension, like gold.

Now the diligent Husbandman in this art of Planting Fruit-trees, has good and sure grounds for Hope, not only from ma­ny Promises in the word, but likewise sub­ordinate grounds from Reason and Expe­rience. This Hope is sown with the seeds of his fruits, and springs up with them, and so from yeare to yeare his Hope grows and increaseth with his Fruit-trees. He laies before him, and considers what great Profits and Pleasures are comming towards him, he sees by experience what a plentifull harvest of Profits and pleasures others receive from Orchards or Gardens of Fruit-trees, which are as fuel, or food to nourish and feed Hope, and hold it in strength and vigour; and when he begins to receive Profits and Pleasures from his Fruit-trees, these refresh Hope, and make it grow from strength to strength with his Fruit-trees: and thus from yeare to yeare [Page 48] Hope is continued and increased, and all this while the spirits are refreshed, and Hope is refreshed and are ke [...]t thereby vi­gorous and strong, and in a pleased tem­per and condition, and being the Master-workmen in the body, or first wheele (a [...] the Author saies) they work upon all the parts of the body, for Prolongation of life.

And so much concerning the operation upon the spirits by Hope.

Affe­ction, Ioy.Another Affection of the mind which in this imployment works upon the spirits for long-life, is joy.

Hist. L. D. pag. 221.The foresaid Author saies: That this Affection of Ioy works so powerfully on the spirits, that some great Ioyes comming sud­denly, and unexpectedly, do overmuch atte­nuate, and diffuse the spirits. But now theres no danger of the suddenness of Ioy in these things, whereby to raise and over much diffuse the spirits; for such things at cause Ioy in the imployment of planting Fruit-trees, are expected, and waited for, and Hope prepares the way for Ioy. Ioy is a cleare, shining, beautifull affection, and ri­ses some degrees higher then Hope: Ioy in the use of earthly things is lawfull in its season; theres a time to rejoyce, as well as a time to mourne: And there is a lawfull [Page 49] joy in harvest in gathering in the fruits of the Earth, Esay 9.3. It is commanded and allowed of God, Deut. 12.16. Thou shalt rejoyce before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. And a­gaine, Deut. 16.15. Because the Lord thy God shall blesse thee in all thy increase, and in all the works of thine hands there­fore thou shalt surely rejoyce. A Chri­stian may rejoyce in the Lord in the use of earthly blessings. And in this imploy­ment of Planting Fruit-trees there are many grounds and occasions of rejoy­cing: The joy of the Husbandman is not a flash and so away, but it is a setled and habituall joy, and is renewed from time to time: which is the very thing the aforesaid Author speaks of in giving instructions concerning Long life. This life (saies he) (as much as may be) is so to be ordered that it may have many renovations, Hist. L. D. p. 228. p. 232. p. 164. and the spirit by continuall conversing in the same actions may not wax dull. And againe One thing above all is gratefull to the spirits, that there be a con­tinuall progress to the more benigne: and no doubt (saith he) it furthereth Long life, to have all things from our youth to our elder age mend, and grow to the better.

Now this imployment of Planting Fruit-trees [Page 50] is above all humane arts, most suit­able to these Rules whereby this Affe­ction of joy is kept fresh and vigorous, which also keeps the spirits cheerfull and lively: for herein are many renova­tions, and a continual progresse to the more benigne, and things mending and growing to the better. Ioy is continually renewed from year to year, yea, in divers seasons of the yeare there are fresh and new joyes.

In the spring of the year joy springs a fresh in beholding the seeds and young grafts and plants spring forth vigorously and strongly. And the buds and blos­somes breathing forth pretious and pleasant Odours rejoyce and delight the in­ward and outward senses, promising a plentifull Harvest of fruits in Autume; and all the Sommer long joy is cherished, with cool fresh ayres, singing of Birds, sight of abundance of Fruits, burd'ning all the the Trees, delighting the Eye with their beautifull formes and colours; and in Au­tumne joy is renewed againe with a rich and plentifull Harvest of Fruits; and all the Winter long joy is nourished and fed with a free use of all the Fruits, and Wines, and Delicates made of them. So here's a succession of joys, one follow­ing on the neck of another, whereby [Page 51] the spirits are still kept in a cheerfull tem­per and condition, and work powerful­ly on the grosser parts of the body, condu­cing to Long-life.

Concerning the lawfulness of rejoy­cing in earthly blessings, with a Caution: See afterwards.

Another Affection of the Mind which (in this imployment) works powerfully up­on the spirits for Long life, Affecti­on, Admi­ration. Hist. L. D. pag. 225. is Admiration.

The Lord Bacon saies: Admi­ration and light Contemplation, are very powerfull to the Prolongation of lefe. This affection a­scends a step higher then the other two, for as joy rises higher then Hope, so Admi­ration higher then Ioy.

It is our duty to Admire God in his works, which is a step higher then simply to praise him. When we look upon the works of a skilfull Artificer, and com­mend it, it is for his credit; but when we admire and wonder at it, this is a higher commendation. The Holy Prophet would have us search out and wonder at the the works of God, Ps. 111, 2. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. Vers. 3. His work is honourable and glorious: and he calls us to this duty of Admiration, O come hither and behold the works of God [Page 52] how wonderful he is in his doings! Ps. 111.4. He hath so done his Marveilous works, that they ought to be had in remembrance.

Now in this Imployment of planting Fruit-trees, are many things to be seen, and understood to cause admiration, which works effectually upon the spirits for long-life.

Baptist: Port: speaking of the wonderful ef­fects of Grafting, Lib. de Cult. & In­sitione. Ch. 17. says, it is an ádmirable Art, and the chiefest part of the husbandman work.

Artem insitionis admirabilem esse ac toti­us Agriculturae nobilissimam partem, volup [...]tuosam, utilem, &c. When he considers tha [...] strange effects of Grafting, he falls a won­dering, O mira insitionis potestas! &c. And Mizaldus speaking of grafting, says, Insiti­onis ope artificiosâ, multa ad stuporem usqu [...] miranda fi [...]ri, many things may be done even to admiration.

Austin wonders at these things. Qui majus mirabilius (que) spectaculum est, quàm cu [...] positis seminibus, plantatis surculis, &c? [...] exiguo grano mirabilior, praestantior que vi [...] est &c. What more strange things are to [...] seen in Nature, then to be sowing seeds, set­ting and grafting young plants, and su [...] like works? In a small seed there is a wo [...]derful and admirable power and vertue.

[Page 53]Many strange things may be found in this imployment.

Will it not cause Admiration, to con­sider 1 that a huge and mighty body, (the biggest of all bodies whatsoever that have life) doth arise of a small kernel or seed, that that seed should contain in it (vertual­ly or potentially) a great Tree, with all the properties of it, and retain its nature exact­ly in every particular?

Will it not cause Admiration, to see 2 goodly, wholesome, and beautiful fruits, come forth of rough and crooked Trees? especially to observe the manner of their coming forth, the care that Nature takes to secure and preserve the seed of the Fruit, by covering it with the Buds, Blossomes, Skin and Substance of the Fruits, with the Core, Stones, or Shells, and also with the leaves of the Trees.

Will it not cause Admiration, to con­sider 3 that the nature and properties of a great Tree, are inclosed, and lye in every small twig, yea, in every bud of the Tree, even in the least Bud, yea, in the Root of that least Bud, (in some no bigger then a pins point) which Bud being set on a small plant (according to Art) will grow to a Tree, in all respects like to that whence it was taken?

[Page 54] 4 Will it not cause Admiration to con­sider how many severall substances are made of one simple substance? for of the Sap of Trees is made the Bark, Wood, Pith, Leaves, Buds, Blossomes, Stalks, Fruit and Seed.

5 Will it not cause Admiration to con­sider that Grafts and Buds set upon Wild stocks (such as naturally bring forth sower, harsh and noughty fruits) that though the Grafts and Buds be nouri­shed by that harsh and different sap, and receive all their substance and growth from it, that yet these Grafts, and Buds should retaine their own natures, and not be altered into the nature of the Stock whereon they grow, but have power to digest, change, and assimilate this harsh and sower sap, into their own sweet and pleasant natures, and bring forth fruits accordingly?

6 Will it not cause Admiration to see little small Plants of but two years old (and some but of one year, if grafted) to hang full of fruits and to be able to beare them forth to their naturall bignesse and goodnesse, and notwithstanding to make a large and sufficient growth the same yeare?

7 Will it not cause Admiration to see the [Page 55] busie and industrious bees to gather H [...]ny, evenfrom the flowers, or blossomes of bit­ter Almond-trees, and other flower [...] and Plants, that to our sense are bitter and un­pleasant?

Will it not cause Admiration to see very 8 many,L. B. Hist. L. D. pag. 85. and very great fruits hang upon one­ly one small and slender twig? A great Au­thor notes it for a strange thing, that all the nourishment which produceth (somtime.) such great fruits, should be forced to pass through so narrow necks, as the stalk of the Fruit.

But may it not be accounted a more strange thing, to see five or six, or more, fair and large fruits, to hang upon a slender twig, little bigger then the stalke of each particular fruit growing on it!

Will it not cause Admiration to see one 9 Tree hang full of different and several kinds of fruits, as an Apple-tree with all, or ma [...]y kinds of Apples, or a Cherry-tree, with [...]ll, or many kinds of Cherries? So of other kinds of trees: to see one tree hang full of fruits, different in their Forms, Colours, Leaves, and [...]lossomes, which may be done by Grafting, or Inoculating so many se­veral kinds of Buds, or Grafts upon one tree.

Will it not cause Admiration to stand 10 [Page 56] upon a Mount in the midst of a fair large Orchard in the spring time, and to be­hold round about a multitude of several sorts of Fruit-trees, full of beautiful Blos­somes, different in their shapes and colours, ravishing the sense with their sweet Odours, and within a while, turned into faire and goodly fruits of divers Colours and Kinds; the Fruit-trees gorgeously arrayed with green leaves, and various colour'd fruits, as with so many precious Iewels & Pearls.

And thus much touching the operation upon the spirits in order to Long-life, by these three affections, Hope, Ioy, Admiration.

Profita­ble to the mind.Thirdly, This▪ imployment of planting Fruit-trees, is profitable to the mind. First in respect of Knowledge. Secondly, in re­spect of Meditations.

In know­ledge.This work is profitable to the Mind, by storing it with variety of objects, and profita­ble notions, both natural, moral, and spiritual

How variously does Nature discover it self in Planting, Grafting, Budding, Blos­soming, and bearing Fruits. So that such as are studious in the search of the secrets of Nature, may observe the process and course thereof in manifold respects about these things.

And multitudes of Experiments may be drawn out for use and profit. If men will [Page 57] but joyn Contemplation and Action, Study and Practise together, they shall find (even in this one Volumn or Book of the Or­chard) many useful and fruitful Lessons, for temporal and spiritual advantage.

And as the imployment is profitable to the mind in respect of knowledge:In Me­ditation. so also in respect of Meditation, by occasion where­of the affections of the soul may (with the help of the spirit) be raised, and turned in­to a spiritual temper.

How fitly does the Garden of Fruit-trees offer unto us that most profitable and fruit­ful Meditation of our first fall, and original sin, whereof we were all guilty, in such a Place; even in an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees: in which Meditation our af­fections should work to lay our selves low in our own eyes, to abhor ourselves: and to exalt God, and abundantly to joy in the infinite and boundless mercy of God in Christ, in that he took pity on poor Man when he was fallen, and passed by the An­gels when they were fallen, (Creatures by creation more exce'lent then Man) and left them in an irrecoverable state of mi­sery. But in the same place, even as soon as we had sinned, promised us a Saviour, [Page 58] and when the fulness of time was come, sent him into the world. In consideration of these things, our Affection of Love to, joy in, and Admiration of God, should be inlarged and boundless. O the height and depth of the Mercy and Justice of God, towards the Angels Justice, but towards us Mercy. What can we render unto the Lord for this his infinite mercy? Now seeing he looks for nothing but Love and Praise, let us begin it here, that we may hold on to all eternity.

Profi­table to the name.Fourthly, Planting Fruit-trees, is profita­ble to the name of the Planter. Fruit-trees, are living, lasting monuments, and bear up, and perpetuate the Name of him that Plan­ted and Laboured about them, both while he lives, and in generations after. A late Author Lawson: a Planter of forty or fifty years experience; in his Book, pag. 47. says, that Apple-trees and Pear-trees (and some other kinds of Fruit-trees) on good Land, and duly ordered, will last 800 or 900 years.

What earthly thing is better then a good Name? Solomon tells us, Eccl. 7.1. A good name is better then precious oyntment: And again, Prov. 22.1. A good name is to be cho­sen before great riches, and loving favour is above silver, L. B. Nat. Hist. pag. 258. and above gold. One says, The best temper of minds desire a good name, and the lighter popularity and applause.

A good name is not onely to be desired, [Page 59] but to be highly prized, and to be reckoned the chief of earthly blessings, not only for the beauty of it, but for the permanency of it, it abides when friends, riches, life and all is lost. Now one way to gain and keep a good name, is by gifts and benefits: The worst temper of minds are won, and held by gifts and good turns: it's natural to all creatures, to love those that do them good; and who can so easily give so great, so many, and so ac­ceptable gifts, as the husbandman, that yearly nurseth up multitudes of fruit-trees, and hath store of pleasant fruits, wines, and delicates made of them? While he lives, he bestows young fruit-trees, fruits, and many acceptable gifts out of his Orchard, and be­ing dead, his Orchards, Gardens, and Fruit-trees, live & flourish, and occasion a remem­brance of his Name for many ages after him.

And secondly, as gifts and good turnes, gaine a good name, so also to be conversant and imployed about works for the Publick and general profit of a Commonweal: such works produce the same effect.

We know all labours and imployments, that bring both Profit and Pleasure, are ap­proved & praised of all, though the advan­tage be but to a private family, how much more when they are for a Commonweal?

And besides this Moral consideration, God [Page 60] hath promised the great blessing of a good name to them that are conversant in good imployments, Rom. 13.3. Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. Rom 2.10. Glory, honour, and peace, to e­very one that worketh good, upon the Jew first, and also on the Gentile.

So then, the work of Planting fruit-trees is profitable to the name of the Husband­man, both while he lives, and in Genera­tions after him.

Profitable to others.Fifthly, An Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees, and the employment about them in­profitable to others: First, in the present times; Secondly, in the time to come.

This profit to others, is by bestowing our fruits on friends and neighbours, and such as want. For though God require not to himself (as formerly) the first of all the fruit of all trees, year by year, Nehem. 10.35. Yet God requires year by year, when he be­stowes all upon us, that we should give [...] part to himself again; that is, to his poor members that want them.

This is the way to obtain a blessing upon all our labours. Deut. 15.10. Thou shalt sure­ly give unto him (that is, unto thy poor Bro­ther) & thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him, because that for this thing, the Lord thy God shall bless thee in al [...] [Page 61] thy works, and in all thou puttest thy hand unto.

A Gift to the Poor is a gainful gift, for by it a man becomes Creditor to his Creator, Prov. 19.17. He that giveth to the poor, len­deth to the Lord, and the Lord will recom­pence him. Eccles. 35.11. The Lord recom­penceth, & will give thee seven times as much.

Likewise, the fruits of an Orchard are profitable to others that buy them: the Buyer having good and profitable Commo­dities for his money, has profit thereby as well as the Seller.

Yea, this labour is profitable to others in time to come, Qui serunt Arbores, alteri seculo prosunt. After ages receive much pro­fit also: When our selves and others have received our full portion of profit, then Fruit-trees are left to children, and poste­rity to receive Profit many Generations after.

And thus much touching the Third hu­mane Argument, from the Profits that are received from a Garden of Fruit-trees.

The fourth humane Argument of the dig­nity and value of Fruit-trees and the Art of Planting, Hu­mane Ar­gument. is, Argumentum a voluptate, from the Pleasures that are receiv'd thereby. Pleasure is called, sal & condimentum vitae. The salt that seasons all things to us. In [Page 62] all that a man hath pleasure in, it is that which makes it acceptable. Pleasure (as one says) is the good of every thing, and a pattern of Heaven.

Now, we find pleasure in an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees, suitable to all the Sen­ses of the body. And here's a mixture of pleasures with profits: for divers objects of the senses, are both pleasant and profita­ble: this imployment is richly furnish'd with both.

And as I have shew'd some particulars wherein profit consi [...]s, so likewise I will shew some particulars wherein pleasure consists, in the use of a Garden of Fruit-trees.

Each sense hath its particular pleasure.

First for the sense of hearing.

Pleasure of the sense of hearing.It is a pleasure to the Ear to hear the sweet notes and tunes of singing Birds, whose com­pany a man shall be sure to have in an Or­chard, which is more pleasant there, then elsewhere, because of other concurrent pleasures there: a Consort of Musick is more pleasant them upon a single Instrument. The Poet took notice of this pleasure.

Melodious ditties, chirping Birds indite, Whose pleasant songs, our ravisht [...]ars invite

[Page 63]And besides, something more this sense may receive from an Orchard (though it have least share of pleasure therein of any of the senses) by hearing the slow motion of Boughs and Leaves, by soft and gentle Airs, sometimes (as it were) with a kind of singing or whistling noise, which will easily induce a sweet and pleasant sleep in summer time (if a man be dispos'd) in some close cool Arbour, or shady seat.

Secondly,Pleasure of the sense of Touch. the sense of Touch may have Pleasure in an Orchard from the cool fruits and leaves of Trees, smoothing and brush­ing the face therewith, which is refresh­ing and cooling in heat of Summer. But this sense receives Pleasure, chiefly by the shade of trees in sommer time. Cool refresh­ing Ayres are found in close Walks, Seats, and Arbours under and about the Trees, which keep off the burning heat of the Sun.

Yea, they do not simply keep off the heat of the Sun, but likewise much cool the ayre by its contact of these cool bodies, [Page 64] Trees, Fruits, and Leaves; coole fresh aires in heat of sommer are sought for, and are not onely pleasant, but exceeding profitable, and healthful to the body. Here Profit and Pleasure mee [...] and imbrace each other. And hereto agrees the L. Bacon, who says, Exclusion of aire is profitable to long life; Hist. L. D. pag. 241. for aire is pre­datory to long-life through the heat of the sun▪ and ought (as much as is possible) to be ex­cluded from the body. Now, what better place is there, to exclude the heat of the Sun from the body in sommer season, the [...] amongst the shady trees, Arbours and Walk in the Orchard?

L.B. Hist. L. D. p. Ca. 11. Pag. 425.It's laid for a ground, That condensing the spirits in their substance is available t [...] long-life, which (he tells us) is done most ef­fectually by cool aires. Refrigeration, or cool­ing of the body from without, is above al [...] things necessary to long-life.

So then, the pleasure this sense receive [...] from a Garden of Fruit-trees, is to be much esteem'd.

Pleasure of the sight. Nat. Hist. p. 225.Thirdly, The sense of sight, partakes o [...] Pleasure in an Orchard, in beholding the exact Order in Planting of the Trees, their decent forms, the well composed Allies, Walks, Seats, and Arbours therein: for Or­der and curious forms of things, much de­light [Page 65] the sight: of this, see L. Bacon at large.

Likewise, the sight is delighted with pleasant and delicate Colours of the Leaves, Blossomes, and Fruits, that shew themselves in great variety, curious Colours, especial­ly the Colour green, is accounted helpful to the sight.

And as foul and odious objects presen­ted to the sight, See L. B. Nat. Hist. pag. 199. cause dislike in the spirits, that they retire and shun such objects, so ê contrario verum, the contrary holds in delightful and pleasant objects of the sight,Nat. Hist. p. 224. the spirits thereby are delighted. He says, Objects of the sight, as comming into a faire Garden, or into a fair Room richly furnished, and the like, do delight and exhilerate the spirits much. The beautiful flowers of various colours, amongst the lovely Blooms of Trees and Plants, what a glorious shew will they make.

Is it not a pleasant sight to behold a mul­titude of Trees round about: in decent form and order, bespangled, and gorgeous­ly apparelled with green Leaves, Blooms, and goodly Fruits, as with a rich Robe of imbroidered work, or as hanging with some pretious and costly Jewels or Pearls; the Boughs laden and burdened, bowing down to you, and freely offering their ripe fruits, as a large satisfaction of all your la­bours?

Plea­sure of the smell.Fourthly, the sense of smell, may like­wise have its share of pleasure in a Garden of Fruit-trees. L. Bacon says, The sme [...] of new and pure earth,Hist. L. D. p 207. p. 208.excellently refreshet the spirits; he says, A certain great Lord who lived long, had every morning, imme­diately after sleep, a clod of fresh earth lai [...] [Page 67] under his nose, that he might take the smell thereof;Nat. Hist. Cent. 9. p. 210. and again, Good earth, newly▪ tur­ned up, hath a freshness and good sent. And that the leaves and branches of some Trees, are odorous and sweet. He says likewise,Nat. hist. Cent. 6. p. 136. That the leaves of Trees falling towards the middle of the Autumn, yield a good refreshing to the spirits. And that the Moss of some Apple [...]trees hath an excellent sent, and is used of Perfumers.

But chiefly, The pleasure this sense meets with, is from the sweet smelling blossomes of all the fruit-trees, which from the time of their breaking sorth, till their fall, breath out a most precious and pleasant odour; perfuming the Aire throughout all the Orchard.

The same Author observes,Nat. hist. Cent. 4. p. 102. That the most Delicate Smells, are from those Plants whose Leaves smell not, and amongst o­ther things, he mentions Blooms of Apple-trees.

And in another of his Experiments, Nat. hist. Cent. 9. p. 210. Hist. L. D. pag. 295. he sayes, That generally those smells are most grateful and pleasant, where the degree of heat is small: for those things do rather woe the sense then satiate it. And prefers cool smells before hot, for comforting of the heart.

Now, The Blooms of Apple-trees, Pear-trees, [Page 68] Cherry-trees, and such like, have small degrees of heat, and therefore the Odour is pleasant and wholsome.

And besides the pleasure of this perfu­med Aire, it is also very profitable, and healthful to the body. Here again, Profit and Pleasure meet together and imbrace. An Odores nutriunt, is a question amongst Philosophers: some hold sweet perfumes nourishing, doubtless they give a great re­freshing to the spirits, and whatsoever de­lights and cheers, the spirits is without controversie very advantagious to the health of the body; for the spirits are the chief workers in the body, from which proceed all, or most of the effects wrought in the body, good or bad, according to the temper of the spirits.

Sweet Perfumes work immediately upon the spirits for their refreshing, but meat and drink, by ambages and length of time: sweet and healthful Aires are special pre­servatives to health, and therefore much to be prised.

Is the Curative part of Physick so wor­thy and excellent, as the preservative part? Its better to stand fast, then to fall and rise again.

Now, a sweet perfumed, fresh▪ wholsome Aire (which is chiefly found in Gardens [Page 69] of Fruit-trees) is greatly available to that purpose, as well as pleasant to the sense.

Fifthly,Pleasure of the Taste. The Sense of Taste hath its plea­sure in an Orchard. This sense meets with pleasure at all times of the year, from the fruits of an Orchard. The pleasure of the other senses are to be had but at some sea­sons of the year onely. This sense hath pleasure from all sorts of ripe, and raw fruits, besides meats and drinks, and many dainties made of them. The ordinary food they afford all the year, and the more de­licate for Banque [...]s, are also good and healthful to the body, as well as pleasant to the taste. Here again, pleasure and profit meet and imbrace, so the Poet:

In the heat of Sommer, what place is fitter for the table, then some sweet, shady, cool Arbour in the Garden? And what meats better befitting that time of the year, then some dainty dishes made of the cool fruits [Page 70] of the Orchard? At which time cooling and refreshing the spirits from within and with out by cool Aires, and cool meats, is most advantagious for health and long life: for these are the chief means (at that season) to keep the spirits in a fine, plea­sant, equall temper; yea some fruits have higher vertues ascribed to them then barely to nourish, some Apples are ac­counted Cordials: Avicen sayes, That both the tart and pleasant Apples, Lib. 6. cap. 569. strengthen the heart, and to such as are troubled with hot infirmities, they are a singular help. Confortant Cor, proprie odorifera, dulcia, & acetosa, &c.

Hist. L. D. pag. 298. L. Bacon, reckons Pear-mains among cool Cordials.

So then, when fruits are not onely healthful, but also pleasant to the taste, there is a double worth in them.

Consider now what hath been said for the Pleasure of the Senses; And if it be so acceptable to have the pleasure, though but of one Sense, what will it be when there is a concurrence, and meeting of all together, which may be had in a Garden of Fruit-trees? so the Poet.

We see what a plentiful and joyful Har­vest of Profits and Pleasures may be yearly reaped from an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees.Profits.

Here's Profit of divers kinds.

First to a mans Estate: and that in two respects. First, in respect of housekeeping,1 with meats and drinks all the year.

Secondly, in respect of Sale, either the fruits in their kinds, or Cider, Perry, and Wines, made of them.

Secondly, Here's Profit to the body, and that in two respects. First, in respect of Health, by moderate exercise, fresh-Aires, pleasant Odours, and wholsome meats and drinks.

Secondly, in respect of Long-life, by ope­ration 2 upon the spirits, through the Organs of the body, the Eare, Touch, Smell, Sight, [Page 72] Taste, and through the Affections of the mind, Hope, Ioy, Admiration.

3 Thirdly, Here's profit to the Mind. And that in two respects; First, in respect of know­ledge, Natural, Moral, Spiritual; Second­ly, in respect of Affections.

4 Fourthly, Here's profit to the Name, and that in two respects; First, in this life, by Gifts and Benefits; Secondly, after death, by Fruit-trees as living Monuments.

5 Here's Profit to others, and that in two respects, First, to the Poor, and the Rich Friends, or Enemies, in the present times; Secondly, to posterity or future ages.

Pleasures.Here's likewise Pleasures of divers kinds.

1 First to the Ear, and that in two respects; First, by sweet tunes of Singing-birds; Se­condly, by gentle motion of Bo [...]ghes, and Leaves.

2 Secondly, Here's Pleasure to the Touch, and that in two respects; First, by cool fruits, boughs and leaves, Secondly, by cool fresh Aires.

3 Thirdly, Here's Pleasure to the Eye, and that in two respects; First, by exact and de­cent forms of Trees, Alleys, Walks, Seats, and Arbours; Secondly, by curious colours of the blossomes, leaves, and fruits.

4 Fourthly, Here's Pleasure to the smell, [Page 73] and that in two respects; First, from fresh Earth digged up; Secondly, from the leaves and bl [...]ssomes.

Fifthly, Here's Pleasure to the Taste, and 5 that in two respects; First, from ripe and raw fruits: Secondly, from dishes and drinks made of them.

Some employments, as they are profita­ble in one respect, yet they are unprofitable in another: yea, perhaps are full of hazard and danger, either to the state, body, mind, or name; but this imployment preserves, and is profitable to all these. Some im­ployments are pleasant to one sense, but not to another, perhaps unpleasant, and hurtful: but in this there's an Agreement and consent of Pleasures to all the senses.

And as there is a mutual consent and concurrence of all the profits among them­selves, and of all the pleasures among them­selves, so likewise there is a mutual con­sent and conca [...]enation of the Profits, with the Pleasures, one imbracing ano­ther, one supporting and upholding each other.

[Page 74]Here's Profit and Pleasure running along hand in hand, meetly matched together, being the most rich and beautiful King and Queen in all the world.

Thus having shew'd the great Praises that are given to this Art of Planting Fruit-trees, and some Divine and Humane Argu­ments of the dignity and value thereof, and likewise the profits and pleasures that are received from an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees, I think it meet to give a cauti­on concerning temporal profits & pleasures.

It's true; We have liberty to seek earthly Profits and Pleasures in our Cal­lings, and to rejoyce in them,A Caution in the use of Earthly things. but yet with care and circumspection, and with due re­gard to circumstances.

There is a Rejoycing in Earthly bles­sings which God allows to us, Deut. 26.11. Thou shalt rejoyce in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given thee. And Deut. 12.16. Thou shalt rejoyce before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hand unto: And again, Deut. 16.15. Be­cause the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy increase, and in all the works of thy hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoyce ▪ And when our ways please God, he sayes, Go, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy win [...] with a merry heart. Eccles. 9.7. Solomon [Page 75] says, Eccles. 5.18. Behold, that which I have seen, it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour he takes under the sun, all the dayes of his life, which God giveth him, for it is his portion: And Chap. 2.24. This I saw, That it was from the hand of God.

No doubt we may use these and other earthly blessings with Rejoycing: but all the danger is, lest we take too much liber­ty herein, and break beyond our bounds.

These Profits and Pleasures being multi­plied in the Garden of Fruit-trees, we had best beware of reaching after them too earnestly. Latet Anguis in Herba, A sub­tle Serpent lies hid among these pleasant flowers, and seeks to bite us by his temp­tations, who has as much (or more) malice and policy now, as formerly against our first Parents, whom he deceived in a Gar­den of Fruit-trees.

Men may become Idolaters ere they be aware, and so are many, even among Chri­stians: in worshipping profit and pleasure; letting up these two for their house-hold Gods. The Prophet tells us, Ezek. 14.3. Men set up their Idols in their hearts, and give that to them, which is due onely to God.

The diffe­rence be­tween using and enjoy­ing a thing. We may easily mistake between the use [Page 76] of earthly blessings, and the enjoyment o [...] them.

De Doctrinâ Christi. l. 1. Austin tells us, no earthly blessings are properly to be Enjoy'd, but used onely: Res aliae sunt, quibus fruendum est, aliae qui­bus utendum; illae quibus fruendum est, beat [...]nos faciunt, istis quibus utendum est, tenden­tes ad be atitudinem adjuvamur, & quasi ad­miniculamur, ut ad illas, quae nos beatos faci­unt, proveniamus. There are some thing (saith he) which are to be enjoyed, others t [...] b [...] used; those which we ought to enjoy, make us happy, such as we ought to use onely, are those whereby we are furthered, and are [...] succors, aids, and helps, to bring us to those things which may be enjoyed, & make us hapy.

He tells us, whom, and what we may enjoy, Fruendum est Patre, & Filio, & Spi­ritu Sancto. Beatum est ad tale bonum pro­venisse, quo amplius non potest. The Father▪ the Son, and blessed Spirit, are to be enjoyed▪ And its true blessedness to attain to that good which is the highest.

So then, God only is to be enjoyed, and the good things of this life only to be used, as helps and furtherances unto God▪ We had need therefore take heed of falling in love with earthly things: The foresaid Author tells us the danger of it.De Doct. Christ. l. 1. Si eis quibus uten­dum est frui voluerimus, impeditur cursu­noster, [Page 77] & aliquando etiam defiec [...]itur, ut ab his rebus quibus fruendum est, obtinendis vel retardemur, vel etiam revocemur inferiore a­more praepedir [...]: Et si amoenitutes itineris, & ipsa gestatio vehiculorum nos delectarent, conversi [...] ad fruendum his quibus uti debui­mus: nollemus citò viam finire, & perver­sâ suavitate implicati alien [...]remur à P [...]tria, cujus suavitas faceret beatos. That is, if we fall to enjoying of such things as we ought but onely to use, we are thereby hindered in our course, and many times even turn'd out of it. And as to the ob­taining of those things which we ought to enjoy (by the love of earthly things) we are call'd back from them, and much retarded, and stopt in our way to them. And if the Pleasures and Contentments of the journey and the carriage, by which we are conveyed, over-much please and delight us, then we turn to enjoying of those things which we ought but only to use, and therefore are unwilling to come to our journys end, and are intangled in cor­rupt delights, and brought thereby to be estranged from the Country, the sweetness and pleasure whereof, maketh blessed.

We see then, when God gives us bles­sings largely, and gives us leave to use them freely, we are in danger to forget him: [Page 78] We had need therefore to set a watch, o [...] guard upon our hearts, lest profit and plea­sure steal it, and keep it to themselves. But what a shame is it we should have fewes [...] thoughts of God, when he is most mind­ful of us. And that we should fall so much in love with the Token, that we forget him that sent it.

And now, having answered the doubts and discouragements that have hindered some from entring upon this part of the Hus­bandmans work, The Art of Planting Fruit-trees; and shew'd the great esteem that all men have of it, and the value and dignity thereof from Divine and Humane Arguments, what a rich confluence of pro­fits and pleasures, are (from time to time) brought unto us by it, with a Caution in the use of these things.

What remains, but that I also discover how we may obtain our desires herein by what means the work may be done, with most speed, and best effect? Which I shall now endeavour to do.

Of the Nursery.I shall first speak of a Nursery of young Plants, and shew the manner of sowing of Kernels, or Seeds of Fruits, and their [Page 79] preparation and ordering (by Grafting and Inoculating) for transplanting into Or­chards, Gardens, or Fields: (although some may plant an Orchard a more speedy way, to buy young trees ready grafted, or to plant stocks of divers years growth, and after they have grown a year or two, to graft them.)

I shall set down all these things as brief­ly as I can, so that withal, I make them plain to the intelligent Reader, laying down the most material, and essential things concerning this Art: For long and tedious discourses (about things that may be comprehended in few words, (as many use) they do often mislead men, so as it is not easie to see the most material things concerning their subject, or what they drive at; whereas, a brief and plain disco­very of them may better be comprehen­ded and remembred.

1. First then: Let there be a plot of ground (more or less) digged up about the time when Fruits are ripe, and let all the Grass, Weeds, Roots, Stones, &c. be clean picked out, and the ground cast into Beds about a yard broad, and spaces be­tween, about a foot in breadth, to pass be­tween them, to Sow, Set, Weed, &c. And then procure Kernels of Apples, Pears, Crabs, [Page 80] Cherry stones, But as for Apre­cott-stones it is best to keep them (in sand) till October, before we set them; because if they be set early, when the fruit is ripe, they commonly spring up before Winter, and then being very tender, the frost kills them: some Peach-stones, and other Plum-stones, will lie in the ground, until the spring come Twelvemonth, and then come up: therefore conclude not they will never spring up, though not the first year. Plum-stones, and the seeds of divers kinds of Fruits, and these may be set, and sowed, from the time that the Fruits are ripe, until the spring (except in frost) in this manner.

Having made the Beds level with a Rake, sprinkle the seeds upon them all o­ver, each kind by themselves, and set, or sow the stones by themselves, then take a spade, and turne in the seeds and stones a­bout a handful deep or less, and after rake them all over, and (that none may be left uncovered) sift some small mould with a Sive, or besprinkle it with a spade all over them, and so let them rest all Winter.

Preserve seeds from Mice.And carefully observe that Mice devour not the seeds in Winter, if you perceive it, set Traps, and lay Rats-bane to destroy them. Though you cannot see the Mice, yet if they have been there (as commonly they are) it may be perceived by divers small holes up and down the seed-beeds, where they have devoured the seeds, and some husks will lie above ground.

[Page 81]In the Spring and Sommer, let them be weeded, from time to time, clean, and if the weather be dry, let them be wa­tred now and then, and they will make a growth the same year, according to the strength and goodnesse of the ground wherein they grow. Plants comming of seeds or stones, are far better then Suckers from Roots of Trees, although such are good and useful for stocks also if they have good Roots.

In weeding the young Seed-plants, some will come up with the weeds; set them again almost to the top, then water them, and all the rest.

In Autumne, when they have done grow­ing, let them be transplanted into other Beds of ground prepared for that purpose, thus: Let the ground be digged, and cast into square Plots, or long Plots, as you will, and laid level with a Rake, then set the young Seed-plants therein in this manner. Having cast up the Borders handsomely on each side, stretch a Line from one side to the other, then take a Setting-stick (that is, a hard piece of wood about a yard long, with a handle at the top, and made sharp at the end, or pointed with Iron) and thrust it into the ground half a foot deep, (or according to the length of the Roots) [Page 82] close to the line and make holes all along, from one end of the line to the other, a­bout half a foot or more, as you will in distance: And having prepared the Seed-plants, by cutting of all the side Twigs, and the ends or bottome of the Roots, set them in order in the holes to the top of their Roots, and close the mould about them: Draw the biggest first, and set them by themselves, and the least by themselves. Then take up the line, and stretch it again about a foot from the other Plants, and make holes, and prune more Seed-plants, and set them as before.

Let not the Roots be too long; about a handful in length (or less) is sufficient; for if their Roots be long, and set deep, the Trees afterwards are taken up with more difficulty.

Then take up the line, and stretch it a­gain, a foot and half from the Plants last set, that there may be a convenient space of ground to pass between to weed the Plants, and to Graft and Inoculate them (being grown fit) And having made holes, and pruned the Plants, set them as be­fore.

And thus set the Nursery throughout, and many of these will be ready after one year to Inoculate, and after two years, or [Page 83] three, to Graft. Yea, many may be fit to Graft after the first year, and some fit to inoculate the first sommer.

Be sure to transplant all young Seed-plants, Remove all Seed-plants for by that means they get good Roots, which of themselves, thrust down one single Root, for the most part. And being grown two or three years after In­oculating or Grafting, they are fit to trans­plant, to make Orchards, or into Fields and Hedges, at a competent distance, as shall be shewed when I speak of setting Trees.

Thus men may in a few years, prepare multitudes of Young Trees for themselves and others, to give or sell as they please.

Some procure Crab-stocks from the woods, and set them to graft on, having grown a year or two; but these stocks are not so good as those that come of seed. We see by continual experience, many are deceived by them, though some may do well.

And further observe,Remove seed Plants after the Sommer. not only to re­move all Seed-plants, as before, but let it be done the next Autumne or Winter, let them have but one sommers growth from the seed, before they be removed to be prepared in the Nursery, unless they be very small; for there is advantage in it, a­bove those that grow where they are sown [Page 84] two or three years before removing: for these small Seed-plants are not only easily drawn up, and easily set againe, (with a small Setting-Instrument) but also (their Roots being but short) they taking Root, and spreading their Roots near the top of the ground they are easily taken up, and removed (after Grafting) having growen three or four,Besides, the top of the earth is the best soyle, as having the Sun and Raine all the year. or more years, whereas such as grow two or three years upon the Seed bed before removing, they thrust their Roots very deep in the earth, and are not onely hard to be drawn up, but likewise their Roots when set again, must of necessity (though a great part be cut off,) be thrust down very deep into the earth, and then such spread their Roots deep, for they thrust their young Roots from the lowest part, where the Root was cut off, and so they neither have so good nourishment from the earth (as spreading below the best soyle) nor are they so easi­ly to be transplanted when they are ready, as those other which are drawn the first year, and set very small as before.

This is very considerable, and therefore observe it: I underwent great inconve­niencies when I came to Remove some, before I found out this observation.

[Page 85]NOw for the manner of Inoculating and Grafting these Plants, being thus prepared, and grown fit.

First, concerning Grafting: The time of Grafting. wherein we must consider the time: February and March (usually with most) are the two cheif Months for Grafting, but we may be­gin sooner, and its best so to do, especially with Cherry and Plum grafts: If the wea­ther be open, without Frost in the begin­ing of Ianuary, or in December. Yea, I have grafted some (with good success) in No­vember, and sooner, but in the beginning of Ianuary we may begin, if Frost hinder not. And such as have multitudes to engraft must needs begin early, else they'l want time

Grafts of Cherry and Plum-trees, must be grafted soonest, because they bud soone [...]. And begin with them, ere they begin to Bud forth, and then with Pear-trees and Apple-trees.

Grafts of any kind may be gotten and kept many dayes, How to keep Graf [...]s. or many weeks, the one half in length, being covered with mould; bind not many together, for if so, those in the middle will dry, and be spoyled, in certaine dayes: but lay them thin in [Page 86] the mould; or they may be grafted im­mediately, so soon as they are gotten Graft none but those of one years growth, onely the last years sprout, the fairest and thickest are best: They may be carried many miles, being bound up close (from end to end) in a hay-band, or better in a Box of Mould, or their ends stuck in clay, and wrapped about that they bruis [...] not.

Instruments for graftingThat this work may the more effectual­ly be done, we must have fit Tools, and Instruments for that purpose: First, a good sharp knif, and strong, to cut off the top of stocks. A neat sharp saw, to cut off the head of some stocks which are grown too big for the knife: also a little Mallet and Wedg, to cleave the big stocks, a small Pen-knife, to cut the Grafts, (as I shall shew you anon) and keep it very sharp for this purpose onely: There must be likewise Clay prepared with horse-dung, well mixed together, as Morter, about two parts Clay. And Rushes, What flags are best. or strong, soft Flags, to bind together the Graft, and the Stock. With a small hand-basket to carry the Grafts in, with all the Instruments for the work.

Manner of the Work.Having these things in a readiness, the time being come, go to the Stocks that are ready (small or great) And those that are small (about the bigness of ones little fin­ger [Page 87] (which are of a competent bignesse, and we loose no time in making use of them) Graft them in this manner.

If they be Cherry-stocks, or Plum-stocks, to make Wall-trees of, graft them low, with­in half a foot (or less) of the ground, but if they be for Standards, then Graft them an ell, or yard and half high: if the stocks are of a convenient bigness of that height, else graft them lower, where they are of a competent bigness.

1. Cut off the top of the stock in some smooth,The first way of grafting, called, slic­sing or back­ing on. straight place, that may be an­swerable to the straightness of the Graft, when set on: Then prepare the Graft thus: observe which side is straightest at the bottom, or biggest end, that so it may fit the straight part of the stock when set on: Then cut one side only of the Graft, down aslope, about an inch long, or little more; either from the knot or seam, Which is a circle round about the graft di­stinguishing the last sommers growth from the former. (if the part below it be smooth, and straight) or else from a Bud or from any part: and cut through the Barke, at the top of the cut place, and make it like a shouldier, that it may rest just upon the top of the Stock, but cut not this shoulder too deep, (onely through the Bark or little more) but cut the graft thin at the bottome of the cut place, yet leave on all the Bark [Page 88] on the opposite side, make this cut smooth and even, from the top of it to the bot­tome, without dints or ridges, (which is of special concernment) that so it may be sure to joyn close to the Stock.

The Graft, being thus prepared, then go on to prepare the Stick further, lay the cut part of the Graft upon the straight side of the Stock: and measure just the length of the cut part of the Graft. And (with a knife) take away so much of the bark of the Stock, If it may be upon the West, or South-west side of the stock; be­cause if so, these winds (which are most dange­rous cannot so soon break off the grafts, as on the other side. I have lost many before I observed this course. but cut not any of the wood of the Stock, then lay the cut side of the Graft, upon the cut part of the Stock, and let the shoulder of the Graft, re [...]t directly upon the top of the Stock, so that the cut parts of both may joyne even and smooth all along, and so bind them together close, with some strong Rushes or Flaggs: then Clay them, lay on every side, and an inch above, and as much below, some of the Clay pre­pared as before, close it above, and below, and on every side, that no rain get in: and that's all needs to be done for that time.

This I account the best way of Grafting for divers Reasons:

1. First, [...]ecause in this way of Grafting we may make use of the Stocks divers years before they will be ready to graft in the Cleft: by this way of Grafting, the trees [Page 89] will be ready to bear, before they will be ready to graft the other way.

2. Secondly, This kind of grafting is less hurt, both to the stock and graft; for cleaving the stock is danger, and hurt to it, being cloven (as it must) in the middle to the very heart: whereas in this way of grafting, it remains whole and entire, save onely a small part of the Barke taken off.

And as for the Graft, in Cleft-grafting, it must be cut on both sides, to the heart, and made thin, but in slicing or packing on, it must be cut onely on one side, and so less hurtf [...]l to the Graft.

3. Thirdly, When stocks are cloven, if they be somewhat great, commonly the Rain and Aire gets into the cleft, and rots the middle of the stock, before the Graft can grow over to cover the head of it, which is not incident in this way of Graf­ting.

4. Fourthly, This way of Grafting is much more easie to do, and more sure to take and grow, then grafting in the cleft, for the graft & stock joyn more close and exactly, then can be in cleaving the stock.

5. As this way is easily done, and more sure, so also is it more speedily done, then any other kind of Grafting.

[Page 90] Second way of grafting, call'd whip-Grafting.Secondly, There is another way of Grafting small stocks, such as are but just as big as the Grafts you mean to set on. And those Stocks are prepared thus: The top being cut off over against a smooth straight place, as before; the Bark of it must not onely be cut, but also the Wood, quite through to the back side of it at the top, directly like as the Graft is cut (as was said) in length as much as the cut part of the Graft; the manner of cutting the Graft for this, is the same with the former [...] then lay the cut part of the Graft, upon the cut part of the Stock, and let the top of the Stock (even the very bark of the outside) be directly under the shoulder of the Graft, that so the cut parts both of Graft and Stock, may joyn, and answer one another from the top to the bottome, and so bind and clay them as before

Thirdly, There is another way of Graf­ting generally practised,Third way of Grafting though not so sure away as the two former, and yet a better way for great stocks, for none but small stocks are capable of the two former ways, it is thus: Those stocks that are large (three or four inches in compass) must be cloven, the tops being cut off in a straight smooth place, cut the roughness of the top smooth with a sharp knife, then knock [Page 91] in a strong knife or chissel, a very little be­side the pith, and if it be capable but of one graft, then be sure to cleave it on that side that is smooth and straight, if it be fit for two as it is, if it be about an Ell high, and a strong stock, then he careful to chuse both sides smooth, being cloven with the knife, and a wedg of Box, or other hard wood knockt in to keep it open, then pre­pare the Graft or Grafts you mean to put in, cut both sides of the Graft aslope down from the knot or seam, if it be straight, or else from a Bud, about an inch or little more, shoulder both sides of the Graft, as was said of one side, for the other sort of grafting, and make it thin at the bottome. Let the outside of the Graft be somewhat thicker then the inner-side, unless the stock be very big, if it be so great to pinch the Graft much, then make the inner-side of the Graft thicker, a very little, that so it may preserve the outside from being pin­ched too much.

And in setting in all Grafts into the cleft,A special Rule. observe this for a most special Rule, to joyne the inner-side of the bark of the Graft, to the inner-side of the bark of the stock, that the sap may more easily come out of the Stock into the Graft to feed it, for the main cur­rent of the sap, is between the bark and the wood.

[Page 92]Some take care to set the out-sides e­ven and smooth, but that is an error in pra­ctice; for we know the Bark of a big stock is much thicker then the Bark of a slender graft, and if the outsides be smooth and e­ven, the insides must needs be uneven.

But I say, to joyn the inner sides of both barks together, all along the cleft, is the principal thing in grafting of such big stocks

The Grafts being thus placed in the Stocks, and the wedg pulled out, then Clay them close on every side, an inch a­bove the top of the stock, to the bottome of the Cleft.

Choice of Grafts.In chusing Grafts, chuse not those that are very small, and slender, they common­ly fail; but take the fairest upon the tree, and especially those that are fullest of Buds.

Cut off the tops of Grafts.The tops of long Grafts, are to be cut, that they may spread the better: and of such as are but short; if there be blossom buds on the top, as it's commonly seen in Pearmains, and many other good bear­ing kinds.

Ioyn right kinds toge­ther in Grafting.Graft every Cyence into its own kind, as all kind of Apples together, and also on Crabstocks, (which is the wild Apple) Pear-grafts on wild Pear-stocks, and the like of other kinds: joyn not contrary or diffe­rent kinds, they never come to perfection: [Page 93] as Cherry-grafts, or Plum-grafts, or the like: Experience makes it manifest to be but lost labour, they'l grow (it may be) a year, or two, and then die.

And in choice of Grafts, Observe the best bearing trees. be sure to consi­der what Trees (of all kinds) are the best bearers, some kinds seldom miss, and some other kinds (though good fruits) seldom hit, and therefore take information from those persons, that know (by experience) the nature of the trees in this regard, and accordingly choose, or refuse grafts from them. Observe the like in choice of Vines.

Such Grafts as are bound (as is said of the two first wayes of Grafting) must be unbound after a certain time,Vnbinde Grafts. when they have well closed with the Stock: about Midsommer they will be fast enough upon the Stock, so that they may without dan­ger be unbound: but if they be not un­bound, the band sometimes girds and dints in too much, unless of some, where the band rots or breaks: and besides the winds (when the grafts are grown big and bushy) will indanger the breaking of divers of them, unless they be unbound, and also by some means supported, and strengthened in the grafted place, which may be done, by tying a small stick to them a little above, and as much below the place where it [Page 94] is engrafted; but before you thus bind the stick to strengthen the Graft, put a little clay round about the engrafted place (being unbound) it will cause the sap sooner to cover the head of the stock.

But if the Grafts be Grafted near unto the ground, or not above half a yard high, they will not be so much in danger of breaking by the winds especially such whose growth is most into one single shoot or two; and such as grow but upon small, or weak stocks: as to such, this labour (in tying the Graft, to strengthen it in the grafted place) may be spared: Those that are high stocks, and of strong growth, and shoot forth their Grafts vigorously, and in­to a great head of many branches, are most indanger of winds, especially the West­winds, (which are commonly strongest) for the first year, and more, a week or fortnight before and after Midsommer; be­ing they are yet tender, and not well clo­sed with the stock; so that these especial­ly must be taken care of in this regard, on­ly for the first year, after there's no dan­ger at all of breaking by the winds. Some kinds of Flags (wherewith we bind Grafts are so tough and strong, that they will not yield a jot, nor break with the growth and swelling of the Stock and Graft (as some [Page 95] other Bands do) and therefore there is the more need to look to such, to cut them, or unbind them, as before is said, else they cause dints or circles in the place where they bind, the barke swelling on both sides of the binding, and this makes the Graft more in danger of breaking, un­less unbound, and strengthened in that part, as before.

After Grafts have had their full growth the first year,Prune some young grafts they must be Pruned, such as need Pruning: as for wall Plants, it's no matter of how many Branches they spread, more the better: but for those that are Grafted low, and yet must be made standards, leave only one shoot, the strongest and biggest shoot, and cut off all the rest, and let not that straight shoot begin to spread, till it be an Ell long at least, ra­ther more, and then let the Branches spread, and enlarge themselves.

But herein observe, that unless these young Grafts put forth a strong and lusty shoot, do not prune off the side Branches, left the body of the plant be too small, and limber to bear his head; as is often seen in a Nursery where plants grow close, and neer together: if the body be very slen­der, then suffer some of the side twigs to grow until the body be of a sufficient strength to bear the top.

[Page 96]And from year to year, prune off those shoots and branches as are superfluous, and grow too near one another, and pre­serve onely such as are fit to make the Tree of a comely form. And if any spice up, and shoot too strongly upwards in the middle of the Tree onely, and spread not sufficiently (as is often seen in Peare trees, and some other trees) cut off from time to time those strong shoots in the middle, and still preserve the outmost branches, for all Fruit-trees, ought to spread as much as may be, so that the branches hang not too near the ground.

And so much concerning Grafting, and also pruning while they are young Plants.

I shall now speak of the other work whereby Fruit-trees are increased. Inocu­lating, or putting a small Bud into a Stock, which (as to the effects of it) is the same with Grafting, but differs much in the season, and in the manner of the work.

Inoculating Buds.The time for Inoculating Buds is about Midsommer, a fortnight before, and a fort­night after is the chief season, though some Plants (full of Sap) may be done after­wards with good success upon young frim stocks, even so long as the bark will rise. And take heed of beginning too soon with [Page 97] any Buds; before they have attained a sufficient strength and growth; some will not be fit to Inoculate until August, and so all▪ that Month upon some frim sappy stocks.

That this business may be done to good purpose, it must be considered whether the Buds we mean to get, are sufficiently grown or not, they must not be too young & tender: and we shall find that some kinds of Trees have buds ready sooner then o­thers. As the Aprecott especially, and those that shoot strongly. Let then the biggest and strongest shoots be cut from the Tree, that have grown since the spring to that time, and cut off the top of the shoot (all those Buds that are too small and tender) and also cut off the leaves of the other, about a quarter of an inch from the Bud, and by that part left, we hold the Bud, be­ing taken off the branch: but leave not on the whole leaf and stalk, as some do, for the aire (by means of the leaf) ex­tracts and draws out the sap of the Bud in a short time, and so spoils it.

Then go to the Plants you intend to Inoculate, Observe the kinds. which must be like (as to the general kinds) with the Buds that you in­tend to set on: as Aprecott-buds, and o­ther Plum-buds, on Plum-stocks that are [Page 98] wild stocks: the white Pearl-plum-stock is accounted the best to Inoculate Aprecott-buds on, or other choice Plums, it being a Plant full of sap: and in chusing Buds, or Grafts, be sure always to cut them from those kinds that (experience shews) are good bearing Trees, as well as good fruits.

Now in setting on the Bud, first make a cross cut upon some smooth place of the stock, (if it be for a wall-tree, then half a foot or a foot, or thereabouts from the ground) and from the middle of the cross cut, make another straight down, about an Inch long, only through the Bark, and with the end of a Pen-knife, raise up the Bark on both sides, as much as to let in the small Bud, then make hast to prepare the bud (for a man must be quick at this work, else the Aire, by sudden drying the Bud, and the cut-part of the stock will much hurt:) Cut the bark on both side the Bud, and about a quarter of an inch a­bove, and as much below the Bud, let that end which is to be downwards, be a little sharp, that it may more easily go down, between the Bark, and wood of the stock▪ and throw away the Bark on the opposite side of the Bud, then with a Quill, the one half cut away, or a Pen of steel (made this for the purpose, like the one half of [...] [Page 99] Goose-quil) take off the Bud and Bark, by putting it between the Bark and wood: and be sure there be the root of the Bud in it, if there be a little hole in the middle of the Bud within, then the root is not there, throw away that bud, such will not grow, but the Bud being well taken off, then hold it by the stalk of the leaf, as before was said, and put it carefully between the bark and the wood of the small Plant prepared as before, and let the top of the bud joyne close to the cross cut, in the upper end: then bind the bud with a soft Rush, or Flag that is strong, bind it close to the stock, e­specially in the middle where the Root of the bud lies, but not just upon the Bud.

After a certain time,Vnbind buds in due time. the Buds must be unbound, and some sooner then others; some stocks grow more in a week, then some others in a month.

Now, if this work be done early in the year, before Midsommer, upon young stocks very full of sap, these may be unbound a­bout twenty days after, or a General Rule may be this, when a stock is so grown, as that the band about the Bud does much straighten the Bud, which may be seen by the swelling of the Plant above and below the Buds, then the band must be cut and taken off. But those that are near the end [Page 100] of Iuly or after, will not need unbinding so soon. But take heed of making too much hast to unbind buds; there's less danger in suffering them to be long bound, then the contrary.

Now after unbinding, you may se [...] which Buds take hold of the stock▪ and which do not; those that are good, are fast upon the stock, and appear in their natural colours as when they were set on▪ those that do not hold, will have lost their colour, and (it may be) be withered and dried.

Cut off stocks above the Buds.Such as are good, meddle no more till the Spring, then cut off the stocks an inch or two above the Buds, so the Buds will spring out and grow according to the strength of the stocks. And in Autumne af­ter they may be transplanted, or if you please, such Buds may be transplanted the next Autumne after Inoculating, which is the surer way for growing. And when these Buds have grown one year or two, then cut off the stock close to the Buds, and they w [...]ll cover the head as Grafts.

How to carry Buds.If Buds be not ready at hand, but must be fetcht many Miles in that hot time, then s [...]ec [...]al care must be taken in the carriage of them. Thus, being cut from the Tree, cut off the tops of the Branches, and the [Page 101] leaves near the Buds as before, then bind them together, and wrap them in fresh leaves or grass to keep them cool, and they will keep good two or three dayes, but yet make all the hast that may be to Inocu­late them. Buds of App [...] trees, Pear, Cherry, or Plum▪ may be Inocula­ted as Apre­cots, and Peaches, if the shoots be strong and large.

Having Grafted or Inoculated stocks, make one Letter or two, or write the name of the Fruit at length upon the stock below the Graft or Bud (whereby to know the kind of the Fruit) and if any be sto [...]len, they may thereby be known,Mark the Stocks. being found again. It's done with the point of a Pen-knife, cutting through the Bark, the form of a Letter, or any other Figure or Cha­racter, whereby to know the kinds of fruits. And so much for Inoculating Buds of Fruit trees.

THe choice of right kinds of Grafts, Directions in the cho [...]ce of Grafts and Stocks. and Stocks, and the joyning of them together according to their natures, is so necessary, and some observations about them are so essential to the work of profi­table planting, that except they be known, and practised, men loose much of the pro­fit they might have, if rightly observed.

A few special directions in any Art, though consisting but of few lines, containing [...]he Principles, and essential parts, are better, [Page 102] and more to the advancement of the Art, then great Volumes upon the same Subject, when men (as many do) rove about upon unnecessary things, and strange fancies, without any solid grounds, beside the life of the business. If men miss the Princi­ples, and essentials of an Art, they discourse of it to little purpose.

So also in the practise: and therefore it has many times fallen out, that some men having laboured much, and spent much time and cost in Planting Fruit-trees, yet their labours have not succeeded well, be­cause there has been mistakes in some prin­cipal, and very material things; either the Trees have not grown well, or if prospe­red, and come to a large growth, yet they have not born Fruit well, or if growen; and born fruit, and store of fruit, yet if the fruit hath not been right good, and of the best, it hath been a great discourage­ment, not onely to themselves, but to o­thers who have seen it.

Now, among all Observations about this Art of Planting Fruit-trees, I know none of greater moment, or more essential to the profitable proceeding in it, then the choice of right kinds, and the joyning of Grafts, Buds, and Stocks fit for each other. I shall therefore mention some particulars of the [Page 103] Twelve kinds of Fruit-trees, which I have made choice to speak of, and shew which I account most profitable, and best to pro­pagate and increase, and how they fit seve­ral stocks when the Cyences are to be En­grafted, or buds Inoculated.

First,Of Apples Chuse the best bearing kinds. concerning Apples: In the choice of Apple-Grafts, we must consider not on­ly the goodness of the Fruit, but also, whe­ther the Trees be good bearing Trees natu­rally: whether such as have known them divers years, can say by experience, they bear well, but many look not after this so much, as what kind of fruit it is, in respect of goodness. And thence it comes to pass, that some men having store of faire, large Fruit-trees, they have but little fruit from them. Therefore let the generality of Fruit-trees (both in the Orchards and in the Fields) be of right kinds in respect of bear­ing, as well as in respect of goodness of the fruit; and then for variety, there may be some of other kinds of good and choice fruits, though they bear but few and sel­dome.

And for particular kinds of Apples, I commend the Sommer Pearmain, and the Winter Pearmain, not onely for special fruits, but also for good bearing kinds. So likewise the small spice Pippin, a good Ap­ple, [Page 104] and great bearer; The Harvey Apple is a very choice fruit, and the Trees bear well. The Queen Apple is a great bearing fruit, and good, so the Gilloflour. The Gol­den Pippin, a very spe­cial Apple, and great ba [...]er, great Russeting, Kerton Pip­pin, Holland Pippin, as some call it. Many other kinds might be named, that are spe­cial good fruits, & great bearing kinds, and some prefer one kind, and some another. But the great and general Rule in this, and all other kinds of fruits, is, to take Grafts from those Trees which are known by experi­ence to bear store of fruits, and good, and to multiply these as much as may be.

As for Stocks fit for Apple Grafts, I ac­count Crab-trees better then sweeter Ap­ple-trees to graft on, because they are usu­ally free from the Canker, and will become very large Trees, and will last longer then Stocks of sweeter Apple-trees, and will make fruits more strong, and hardy to en­dure Frosts, and cold weather in the spring: yet it is good to chuse stocks of some pleasant Apples, to graft some choice fruit upon; Because that the stock hath some small influence upon the fruits, to make them more delicate, if grafted upon a choice stock. Although notwithstanding the graft may be said to Governe, as is shew'd at large.

Of Pears.As for Pears, there are multitudes of kinds, as well as of Apples, some preferring [Page 105] one kind and some another, and one and the same fruit is called by several names, in several places. A late Author sayes, he is perswaded there are 400. or 500. se­veral kinds of Pears. Now therefore, it is a point of wisdom to chuse Grafts from the best bearing kinds, although (it may be) not so delicate to eat as some others. I know none but they are very useful and profitable.

The Windsor Pear is accounted one of the best with us, some kinds bear not well, but some others do, therefore observe the former Rule. The Sommer Burgamet is a choice fruit, and the Trees bear well; so also the Winter Burgamet.

But for a constant bearing kind.The Winter Boncriten is an excellent fruit, so the sommer, but bears not so well as the winter kind. I know none better then the Catherine Pear, both the Russet and the Red; but they must be quickly spent, for they are no lasting fruits.

The Greenfield Pear, is an excellent Pear, and a great bearer. There is a Pear they call a Choke-Pear, which is accounted a special kind for Perry, although the Pear to eat, is stark naught, and therefore men may adventure to plant the Trees in the fields and hedges, and need not fear stealing of the fruits. I advise (for that reason) to plant many of the Trees, on purpose [Page 106] to grind the fruits for Perry. Mr. Parkin­son says, the Perry of these Pears, is scarce discerned from Wine, neither by tast nor co­lour, after it hath been kept certain months.

The best kind of stocks to graft Pear-grafts upon, are such as come of the Seeds or Kernels of Pears. I know no difference among these, but all good to graft upon▪ And I utterly dislike grafting these Fruits upon White-thorne, or upon any kinde of stocks beside Pear-stocks. The fruits are naught (having a hard and stony core) if grafted upon a Thorne-tree.

Of CherriesThere are many kind of Cherries. The Flanders-cherry is most generally planted here in England, and is a great bearing fruit. Some of them (if planted against a south-wall) are almost as soon as the May-Cherry, they follow close after: The May-Cherries are tender, the Trees must be set in a warm place, upon some smooth south-wall, or morning sun, but the Flanders hear well in Orchards, and Fields at large.

The black Hart-Cherry, is a very special fruit, and a great bearing-fruit; and doubt­less exceeding proper to press for Wine, either to drink of it self, or to mix the juice with Cider to give it a colour, as Clarret-wine. It being of a deep red, & a small quan­tity of it, will colour a gallon of Cider or [Page 107] white-wine. There is a Cherry we call the great bearing cherry, of Mr. Millen. It may very well be called the great bearer, for the Trees seldome fail of great store of fruits, although in a cold, and sharp spring. It is something a tart fruit, of a very deep red, almost blackish, when full ripe. The juice is very proper to colour Cider, Perry, White-wine, or the like.

These kinds are not ripe so soon as they are red, as the Flanders are, but should grow 10 dayes, or a fortnight after, until they become a very deep red: These (be­ing somewhat late ere they be ripe) will hang upon the Trees until October, or after, especially if the Trees grow in the shade, and then they are rarities as much, or more then those in May: the White-cherry (the right kind) is a delicate fruit, there are many more kinds, I have above twen­ty several kinds of Cherries in my Garden.

The great bearing Cherry aforementio­ned, is most fit for cold Countries in the North-parts, and although it be not alto­gether so pleasant as some other Cherries, by reason of the tartness of the juice, yet let men know, that sharp Cherries are more wholsome then the sweet. And such as plant Trees of this kind, may have good store of Fruits, when others (it may be) want, who have none of these Trees.

[Page 108]Concerning Stocks fit for Cherry-trees, [...] account the Black-Cherry-stock the best to graft any kind of Cherry upon. Yet some hold the Red-Cherry-stock is best for May-Cherries. But the Black-Cherry-stocks are goodly straight Plants and full of Sap, and become greater Trees then the Red-Cherry-trees.

Of Plums.There are very many kinds of Plums, many more then of Cherries. I esteem the Mustle-Plum one of the best, being a faire large Purple-plush, and of an excel­lent rellish, and the Trees bear abundantly. The Damazeene also is an excellent fruit. The Violet, and Premorden Plum-trees, are very great bearing Trees, and the fruits pleasant and good. The Damasco-Plum, is a good Fruit, and the Trees bear well.

Many other kinds might be named, very good Plums; some approve of one kind, and some of another, but the driest plums which part from the stones, are accounted best.

Plum-Grafts must be grafted upon Plum-stocks, not upon Cherry-stocks, or any o­ther kind of stocks, that I know. The White Pear-plum-stocks are accounted the best and the Damson-stocks the worst, being dry stocks: so that Grafts can­not so well take, nor thrive upon them. [Page 109] Those stocks of Plums which have large leaves and full shoots, I account the best, as being fullest of sap.

Graft not Plum-grafts upon Cherry stocks, nor Cherries upon Plums, as some prescribe: different kinds will not agree together. Theyl grow (it may be) a year, or two, & then die.

Though Aprecocks are (in the general) accounted Plums, Of Apre­cocks. yet because of the ex­cellency of the fruit, they may be spoken of by themselves. I know but few kinds of them, but some I know to be far better bearers, some are larger then others, and some sooner ripe then others; all good fruits. There's one kind that is a very great bearer and a faire large fruit, observe then those Trees that usually bear well, and get Buds from them at the season to Inoculate, as is shew'd pag. 50. for these must be propaga­ted only by the bud, not by grafting. I ac­count the White-pear-plum-stocks the best to Inoculate Aprecock buds upon, although they may be done upon other Plum-stocks with good success, if they be good juicy stocks, able to give a large nourishment, for Aprecock-trees require much nourishment. I shall joyn the Nectrine with the Aprecock, although another kind of fruit. The best kind that I know is the Roman red Nectrine. But it is very hard to be propagated: as [Page 110] for Grafting, none take that way, and but few with Inoculating, which I conceive is the reason it is the dearest of all Plants with us. The Yellow and Green Nectrines, are much short of it in goodness.

The White Pear-Plum-stock (though ac­counted the best for any plum, yet I finde) is scarce good enough, for this fruit to be Inoculated upon it, though some do indiffe­rent well.

But I hold it best to Inoculate the Roman red Nectrine upon the Branch of an Apre­cock, which before hath been Inoculated upon a good Plum-stock, that it may give not only a larger, but a finer nourishment then ordinary Plum-stocks can do: upon these stocks they take and hold exceeding well, and also upon Peach-stocks.

Of PeachesOf Peaches there are divers kinds: I know by experience, the Nutmeg, and Newington Peaches, to be excellent tasted fruits, and very good bearers, especially the Nutmeg-Peach, which makes amends for the smallness of the fruit: but the Newington-Peach, is a very large and gal­lant fruit.

These require choice Plum-stocks to be Inoculated upon, as the White Pear-plum-stock, or else stocks comming of Peach-stones.

[Page 111]I know but one kind of Figs that come to ripeness with us in England. Of Figs. The great Blew fig, as large as a Catherine-Pear.

The Trees grow in divers Gardens in Oxford, and bear their fruits to perfect ripeness: The trees must be set against a South-wall, and be spread up with nailes, and Leathers; or if Planted upon warm land, and in a warm place, they will bear well on Standards.

These Trees are increased from the Root of the old Tree; draw up the small suckers, and plant them; These need nei­ther Inoculating, nor Grafting: also bend the boughs (that are lowest) down into the earth, and they'l take root, as Vines, which may be cut off, and transplanted.

Some Authors affirm that there have been Vine-yards in England in former times,Of Grapes. though they be all destroyed long since. Divers places retaine the name of Vine-yards still. At Bromwel-Abby in Nor­folke, and at Elie in Cambridg-shire, which afforded wine: what else is the meaning of these old Rimes?

[Page 112]Englished thus:

And doubtless men might Plant Vines with good success, to make good wine e­ven with us. There are many kinds of Vines, See more at large in the Table. but I know none so good, and fit for our Climate as the Parsley Vine, with the white and red muskcadine, we see by experience yearely these beare abundance of fruits unto perfection.Or Canada Grape. And whosoe­ver will plant Vines in England, I think he cannot meet with better kinds than these, both for bearing and goodness.

The Frantiniack Grape is of great Ac­count with many, and is a special fruit, where it comes to perfect ripeness, which it hardly does, except the Vine be set up­on the South-wall, where it may have much sun.

The Red, and white Muskcadine Grape [Page 113] are special fruits, and bear very well, and come to perfect ripeness, if the Vines grow upon the South-wall, or upon the East-wall, which is best next.

There is the Curran Grape, Cluster Grape, and many other kinds of good Grapes; and the fruits are better or worse, accor­ding to the place they grow in; If they have much sunne, and be well ordered, the fruit will be better and sooner ripe.

Vines are increased by laying down branches into the earth, in the winter, or spring, letting them grow still upon the Tree, until removing time the year after; and then they may be cut off, and the Roots taken up, and planted elsewhere: Also the Cuttings will grown laid in the ground in the winter, or spring, though they grow but weakly & slowly for a year, or two.

We have in these parts the English, Quinces: and the Portugal Quinces; the Portugal I e­steem as the better, both for bearing, and use; These are increased by suckers from the Roots of the trees; and the boughes also cut off, and cut in pieces a yard long, or more, or less, and layd in the ground, will grow (as Vines and Mulberry cut­tings) and bear the same fruits; These kind of trees are commonly long ere they bear fruits.

[Page 114]It is observed that Qince-trees bear much better in fat moist ground [...], than in dryer grounds, as is seen upon som Ditch sides, and ranck soyles about London

Of Mulber­ries.There are two kinds of Mulberry-trees with us in England, the Black, and the White. As for the White I never saw any of its fruit, they very seldome bear well with us. But the Black Mulberry-tree never failes of fruit after it is grown up. These trees are not increased by Grafting or In­oculating, but by Cuttings from the Bran­ches, or sides of the trees: Cut a bow off as big as a mans arme, and after cut it in small Truncheons, or pieces a yard long or less, lay these small and great, in the ground a foot deep, only the one end out of the ground a hands bredth or two, or there abouts in good fat ground some­what moist, and after a year, or two, di­divers young springs may be drawn from the Roots, and Planted at a fit distance, and the old Roots will yearly send out more, also the branches may be bowed down and layd in the earth, on one, or several sides, which will take root and multiply abudantly, and be fit to be trans­planted.

Of Medlers. Medlers may be grafted, (and they take well upon a White thorne, but I much ra­ther [Page 115] approve the Grafting or Inoculating of them upon Pear-stocks: and the fruit will be much better, and the trees much larger then upon White-thorne.

Walnut-trees are propagated from the Nuts, Of Walnuts. which may be set from the time of ripeness, until the spring, an inch deep or little more, and afterwards transplanted, and set at a very great distance, 24. or 30. yards asunder, for they are very large spreading trees.

But if they are planted on the North or East-sides for shelter, then set them nearer.

Be sure to chuse of the best Nuts to set, the fairest Nuts, and thinnest shells, and good bearers.

Thus much (briefly) concerning the best bearing Trees, and how they are propa­gated.

As for those Fruit-trees which bear but little or no fruits,Graft old trees, if bad bearers. by reason that Grafts and Buds were not chosen from good bearing kinds, wherewith they were engrafted, I advise (by all means) to Graft or Inoculate such again, though great, and old Trees, such whose boughs are as big as a mans hand wrist, or smaller, may be cut off, and grafted in the Cleft with a couple of good Grafts, of good bearing kinds; but such Branches as are very great, I should [Page 116] rather cut off a convenient height from the ground, slope-wise, that no wet may rest on the top, and then after a year or two, to graft the small shoots or branches that are put forth, or some of them; this is a better course then to graft such great Branches, for that moisture will get into the top, and rot the Branches, and per­haps the Body too, ere the grafts can co­ver such great heads.

Make Ar­bours of fruit trees.As concerning Arbors, Seats, &c. in Orchards and Gardens, I advise men to make them of Fruit-trees rather then of Privet, or other rambling stuffe, which yields no profit, but onely for shade. If you make them of Cherry-trees, Plum-trees, or the like, there will be the same advantage for shade, and all the Fruits superadded.

All that can be objected, is, that Fruit-trees are longer in growing up, then Privet, Virgin-Bower, or the like, whereof Arbors are commonly made. It is answered, Though Fruit trees are something longer▪ in covering an Arbor, then some other things, yet they make sufficient amends in their lasting and bearing fruits:

And besides, such Cherry-trees, and o­ther kinds, may be set about the Arbors, as will reach and cover even the first year.

[Page 117]I Shall now give some Rules concerning Transplanting young plants, Of Trans­planting Trees. after a years growth, or more, whether Inoculated or Grafted.

The time for this work (in general) is in Autumne, when Trees have done grow­ing, and that is divers weeks before the Leaves fall. Stay not (as the custome is) till November or after, before you Trans­plant, for the best time is about the latter end of September to begin; and so on, all the Winter.

It's a great advantage to remove plants betime, Early re­moving best. for such grow a while after in their Roots before Winter, and thereby not on­ly preserve themselves in Winter, but also make some preparation against the Spring; which those removed in Winter cannot do. Stay not therefore till the Leaves fall ere you remove, although they may be re­mov'd then with good success, but it is not so good at that time as before.

The ancient proverb is, If a growing Tree would have, Let him carry his green Leaves to his grave.

Yet notwithstanding,Trees may be trans­planted all the Winter. those that have many to Transplant, and cannot finish [Page 118] (or have no leasure) in this season which is best, they may go on, and be doing even all Winter, until the very Spring, unless Frost shut up the ground: And notwith­standing Frost or Snow all the while, if we can get into the ground, and find the mould mellow, so as that it will fall well between and about the Roots, it's then good re­moving Trees, although the best time is to be prefer'd.

The time of removing being come, and the place prepared for setting them again, then be careful in taking up the Plants, dig round about them, and take off the mould from their Roots, if it be a small plant, it may be drawn up easily, the mould being taken away; if it be great, and the Roots spread much, then they may be cut about half a yard from the body of the Plant, and the greater it is, the further off cut the Roots, and so draw it up: and break off all the leaves the first thing you do, if they be not then fallen off, for the Sun and Aire (by means of them) extract the sap of the branches.

The largest Plants not best.And here observe; That the Great Plants are not alwayes best to transplant out of Nurseries into Orchards, though most men are for the greatest, when they may chuse, and they think the bigger they [Page 119] are, the sooner they will make an Orchard: but herein they are much mistaken, for in removing great trees, there is great hazard, and many of them fail and die, and others grow very poorly, putting out only leaves the first year, or little more, though some few, in special good soyle) may do well.

I account young grafted Trees fit to re­move,Of what bigness to remove young Trees. when they are about two inches in compass in the body, and about a yard and half, or two yards high; those about this bigness, I judge to be better then such as are five or six inches (or more) in com­pass, with a proportionable height; because these cannot possibly be transplanted, but their Roots must be cut very much in the taking up, and then how can those Roots (so much cut) be able to nourish so great a body, with so many branches: whereas young trees, of a smaller size, (as before is mentioned) these may be removed even with all their Roots, (which are young and small) and may be spread in the earth every way, when set again, save onely the ends of the roots, must be a little cut, and these young and tender roots will sooner shoot forth in the earth then the greater sort, especially (also) because the body and branches are young and [...]ender; the bark being thin, does more easily extend [Page 120] and enlarg by the rising of the sap, then the bark of Elder Trees. For which causes, young trees (when removed) do not only grow surer, but they also make a larger growth at first planting, then the greater and elder Trees can do; and are thereore best.

Prune the Branches and Roots.But if it be so that such large trees must be set, then some of the Branches must be cut, and say not as many do, here's a fair tree already, why should we cut away any part of it? But they must be content to loose some of the branches, else they are in danger to loose all: for removing of great plants, is a great check to nature, and if a few roots cut short (as they must be when removed) be put to feed many and large branches, they'l have but slender and poor nourishment, not sufficient many times to preserve life, much less to make a large growth.

But if plants be of the lesser size, you need not cut the branches, except such as cross one another, or grow too nigh together, or run up two high without spreading: but cut off the ends of the roots of all, because if cut, many small fibra's or strings shoot out at the cut place, which draw nourishment for the plant, which without cutting would not.

Set not Plants too deep. Plants being thus prepared, the next thing is to set them again in the ground: take heed of setting below the good soyl.

[Page 121]The hole for the Plant being digged, set in the root prepared as before, and cast in the smallest and best mould next to the roots, and see that the small mould run be­tween all the roots; to that end, stir and shake the Plant, that there may not be any hollow place where the mould falls not, and with your hand draw up the upper­most roots and part them, that they may spread in the mould every way, and so fill it up.

The young trees being thus set into the ground,Lay rotten dung, horse­litter, or the like, about Trees newly set. and the holes fild up, it will be very advantagious to them to lay a Barrow­full of Rotten Muck, round about each of them, close to the body of the Plant, the fatness whereof will soke in among the roots, and make the soyle special good, whereby the Trees will thrive the better: Or else to lay (instead thereof) store of Weeds, Litter, Ferne, or the like, two or three handfulls thick, this will keep the roots warm all Winter, and moist and cool in the Sommer following, and makes the soyle fatter, and also preserves the Trees from weeds growing about them.

Trees thus ordered (by laying stuff about their roots) may be set very shallow, and thereby will be much advantaged, and prove better then such as are set deep, [Page 122] because in the top of the earth is the best mould, and also every shower of rain rea­ches the Roots and feeds them.

If the Plants are faire large Plants, in danger to be shaken by the winds, then knock down a stake close to every one, and tye the Plant to it with a hay [...]band, or some other soft band.

How to pre­pare trees for carriageIf young Trees are to be carried many Miles to be Planted, then (being taken up carefully) lay the Roots all one way, the smallest and tenderest in the middle of the bundle, and bind them close from the roots to their tops, with a soft band, and then stuffe the roots round about with straw, [...]ay, moss, or the like, afterwards bind the bundle all over, from the roots to the very top, with hay, or straw bands, or something else, to preserve them from brusing; and withal, wrap something a­bout the Roots, a thin Mat, or a piece of an old sack-cloth, or any thing that will preserve the Roots from the Wind, and Sun, and from brusing: And they may be carried many hundred Miles (if need be) in Winter, without hurt.

Distance of setting.As concerning distance in setting young Trees, I conceive 8. or 10. yards is little enough between Apple-trees and Pear-trees, in ordinary soyle, yet Pear-trees need not [Page 123] be planted so far asunder, as Apple-trees. And if men have ground enough to plant, and good soyle, I should rather prescribe to Plant them 14 or 16 yards asunder; for both Trees and Fruits have many great advantages, if planted a good distance one from another.

Such are freed from frettings and gal­lings,The 1 Ad­vantage. that happens to Trees that thrust, and croud one another, whereby not only the Buds, Blossomes, and Fruits, are rub'd and broken off, but also sometimes the Canker thereby breeds and destroys boughs, and branches. The 2 Ad­vantage.

Secondly, (when Trees are planted a fair distance asunder) the Sun refreshes e­very Tree, the Roots, Body, and Branches, with the Blossomes and Fruits, whereby Trees bring forth more fruits, and those fairer and better. The 3 Ad­vantage.

Thirdly, If Apple-trees and Pear-trees are planted at a large distance, much pro­fit may be made of the ground, under and about the Trees. Ye may plant Goose­berries, Rasberries, Currans, Strawberries, Roses, Flowers, and all sorts of Garden­stuffe, commodious as well for sale, as hous­keeping, which cannot be if Trees be plan­ted near together, as the custome is in most places, the ground being cold and shady [Page 124] by the Trees. Besides the Trees would have advantage by frequent digging and stirring the earth about their Roots from time to time in setting these things.

The 4 Ad­vantage.|Fourthly, When Trees have room to spread as before, they will grow very large and great, and the consequences of that will be, not only multitudes of Fruits, but also long lasting; and these two are no small advantages, besides all the former. And men are mistaken, when they say, The more Trees in an Orchard, the more Fruits; for one or two faire large Trees, which have room to spread, will bear more fruits then six or ten (it may be) of those that grow near together, and crow'd one another.

Let men but observe, a [...]d take notice of some Apple-trees that grow a great di­stance from other Trees, (and have room enough to spread both in the Roots and Branches) and they shall see that one of those Trees (being come to full growth) hath a larger head, and more boughs and branches, then (it may be) 4 or 6 or more of those which grow near together, al­though of the same age.

Yea, I advise if men have ground e­nough, to Plant Apple-trees 20 yards asun­der: Now Trees so planted, will not reach of a long time, if ever, therefore [Page 125] much profit may be made of Trees Plan­ted between, for many years, which may (when they begin to reach one another) be taken away, and disposed of for the best advantage to Plant abroad in the Fields.

It is a very great, and almost a general Errour, the Planting of Fruit-trees too near together, especially as to Apple-trees and Pear-trees, as for standard Cherry-trees, Plum-trees, and the like, they need not be planted half the distance I speak off, 5 or 6 yards in distance is usually enough, and 7 or 8 yards, if the ground be special good: for all Trees grow much larger in some soyles, then in other.

As concerning the distance of Wal trees, Distance of Wal-trees. they may be planted, 2, 3, 4, 6, or more yards asunder; More or less, according to the nature of the Trees and soyle.

For Aprecots, and some other kinds of Plums, grow much larger then some other Trees: some Aprecot-trees in good soyle will spread 7 or 8 yards wide, or more; whereas the May Cherry-tree, is but small, at biggest; (it may be) 2 yards wide, or scarce above 3.

It is the custome (of late);Cherry-hed­ges, and of Quodlings, Vines, &c. to make Cherry-hedges in Gardens and Orchards; and hedges of Quodlings, Nurs-gardens, Plums, Vines, and such like Trees, that [Page 126] may be kept (by cutting and plaishing one branch within another) from growing ve­ry large: These are usually made along the side of walks, or round about a Garden-plot ▪ and such a hedg is a very great Ornament to a Garden, being ordered and kept hand­somely: Now Trees set to this purpose, need the least distance of any other,Distance of Trees in a Cherryhedg a yard asunder, or an Ell, or more or less accor­ding to the bigness, and spreading of the young trees; for these should meet (or near it) the first year; which should be ordered thus.

How to set and order a Cherryhedg or of Quod­lings, &c.Stretch a line from one end to the o­ther, where the hedge is to be made, and set the Trees straight at the distance a­foresaid:

Afterwards, knock down a stake be­tween each Tree,Or its (in some re­spects) best to let the staking, and Poling of it alone until the spring. The stakes and Rods (if done then) will be fresh all Sommer. then having straight, long Rods, or Poles of Ash, or the like: tye a row of them along from one end to the other, (about a foot from the ground) fast to the stakes with Osiers, or such like; or else naile them, which is better; and another row of Rods a foot above them, and so a third (if need be) according to the height of the young Plants; having thus done, spread and tye the branches, and twigs of the Trees (in order) to the Poles, but not too hard, and draw, and [Page 127] fasten some of them down close to the ground, that so there may be blossomes and fruit from the bottome to the top, which will be a most beautiful sight to be­hold in Spring and Sommer: then after a few years, the Stakes and Poles may be ta­ken away, and the branches platted and woven one within another, from year to year, and the superfluous ones cut off.

Yet, notwithstanding what hath been said for a more then ordinary distance be­tween Apple-trees, Nearness best in some respects. and Pear-trees; this may be said for neerness of setting; That it is best for present profit; for if Apple-trees, Pear-trees, &c. be set 4 or 5 yards asunder, there will be room enough for them for divers years, perhaps it may be a dozen, 16 or 20 yea [...]s ere they meet, and all that time a man have the fruits of them, and then when they meet, he may (and it will be best to) cut down each other: or (if they be not too great) to remove them to some other place. These Trees are the best to be set at large in Pastures and other Field lands: taken up with large Roots and disbranched; and set with 3 or 4 stakes about them, that Cattle rub not upon them. And although they be for nothing but the fire, yet for that they will be more worth then they cost at first, [Page 128] and all the fruits they have born to that time, are superadded; as for standard Cherry-trees, 4 or 5 yards distance is con­venient.

As for those who have but small quan­tities of ground to plant, it will be most pro­fitable to plant near together, as may con­veniently be, not onely for the advantage of the quantity of fruit of each other tree, which may afterwards be taken away; but also, that they may have variety of fruits, even in a small compass of ground. But those that have room enough, I say (as before) let the Trees be Planted at a large distance one from another, for the Reasons alledged, pag. 65.

Order in setting treesConcerning Order in setting Trees, though it be not essential to a good Or­chard, yet if men stand upon it, they may measure out a square plot of ground (more or less) by a line, and then measure the distance that must be between every tree; according to the kinds that are to be plan­ted, and according to the goodness, or na­ture of the soyle as hath been said. And having measured exactly the square plot, and the distance of the Trees, set a stake or pole in the place where every tree must stand, and dig the soile round about it, a foot deep, and three foot broad, then set [Page 129] the four corners first, then fill up the square plot; on all the four sides with plants, or­dered as before, and so go on to fill up all the other places in the Plot, exactly by the line, or by the eye, if there be four or five persons to assist in the work. And by this means the Trees will stand in Rowes e­very way. This square once planted, though but small at first, may be enlarged every way as the ground permits, or else the Orchard may be drawn out in length, and yet the Trees stand in a right line e­very way by this means; and if the Trees are set at a great distance, one may be planted in the midst, at equal distance from each one in the Qnincunx.

In setting all sorts of Trees,A special Rule in transplan­ting. consider what soyle they come out of, whether a fat and forced soyle, (as divers of the Nur­series about London) or some ordinary na­tural soyle. If they come out of very good ground, then procure as good or better, if it may be had, (though but a little) to lay next to their roots when they are set again.

Weeds, Dung, and such like, laid on a heap, will become good mould in a short time, but such heaps lying together divers years, are then special mould for the roots of young Trees at their first setting.

[Page 130]This should alwayes be observed, To plant Trees in as good or better soyle, being removed, as that out of which they were ta­ken. For every thing in nature, advan­ced to the better, it is grateful and bene­ficial to it, but if it be carried to the worse, it is a check and repulse to nature; and such a one as that, if it be in any great de­gree, it either much weakens it, or quite destroys it. Therefore chuse Trees out of poor soiles, but if they must be had out of rich soiles, then be sure to procure some (more or less) of as good, or better then that out of which they are removed, to lay to their Roots, when set again.

For want of observing this course, many hundreds of good plants have been lost from time to time. The ordering of young Plants, the first and second year of planting, has an influence upon them many years, which if neglected then, the labour and diligence of many years after, cannot countervaile it; the ordering of Cattle while they are young, either makes or marrs them; so of Trees, and other things in some proportion; but after they have well taken Root the first and second year, they will then grow in ordinary soiles, the great danger is at first planting.

Wall-trees.Concerning Wall-trees: the Aprecot, [Page 131] Peach, Nectarine, Vine-tree, &c. these and such choice fruits, must be planted upon a South-wal, if it may be: The best next that, I account the East-wall, and the West not so good, on the North-wall, fruits will be late ripe; thence they may be got when others are gone. So that its best to plant the North-wall, not onely to have fruits thence late ripe, but also for the beauty, and comeliness of the Garden, all the walls being covered with fruit-trees.

These trees being set, (as before is said) they must be plaisht, or spread upon the Wall, being young, (and so from year to year as they grow greater) with Nails and Leathers. And as they grow larger, cut not the utmost sides or top branches, un­til they be spread as large as they should spread; and be sure to lead the main and biggest branches along the sides of the wall both wayes, and suffer them not to rise straight up, as naturally they will, but correct nature by art; be sure to furnish the bottom of the wall first.

Wall-trees must be pruned from year to year,Prune Wall-trees. first in Sommer, secondly in Winter. About the end of Iune, or middle of Iuly, the Aprecot-trees (especially) will have put out many large shoots, some of which must be cut off, and others spread up to [Page 132] the wall, where there is room for them. Tye up as many as you can conveniently with Leathers and Nails, and cut the rest off, which will not so well spread to the Wall; and spread the branches as that the fruits (which by that time will be growen towards their bigness) may have the Sun to refresh and ripen them,In Sommer. but yet pluck not off the leaves as some do, for if a hot time come after, the Sun may even spoile the Fruits.

In Winter.Secondly, So soon as the leaves are fal­len off, the branches that cross one ano­ther, or are not well placed, must be recti­fied; or any of the great boughs which are growen old, and have but few small branches upon them, may be cut off, which must not be cut off in Sommer time, lest that too great and sudden obstruction of Sap, kill the whole Tree. But the cutting of the small branches in Sommer, is some small check and stop to the Sap, and hin­ders the excessive rising of it at that time, which else would spend it self in large su­perfluous branches, and so rob the fruits.

This Winter Pruning, is chiefly for the well-ordering of the branches that could not be well placed (by reason of the fruits and leaves) in Sommer-time, and for the cut­ting off of great branches, when need is.

[Page 133]It is a great errour amongst some, who suffer all the young and large shoots to grow as much as they will, all Sommer without cutting,Errour in Pruning. and then in Winter they usually cut all, or most of them quite off from the trees, and preserve only the old stumps, or biggest branches of the Trees, and by this means in the middle part of the Tree, and near the Root, there are few, or no young branches to be seen: Whereas they should preserve all the young branches to spread up against the Wall, until it be full of small boughs. And then some young shoots eve­ry year, may be cut off as before.

And in cutting away branches,Observati­on in Pru­ning. be sure to take those away that grow the straight­est out, and will not so easily be bowed to the wall as the other: And preserve bran­ches as low, and as near the ground as may be, and cause them to bend, and grow strait along the sides of the wall both ways; and suffer not the biggest branches to rise straight upward, (as commonly most do) but naile them downwards, to furnish the bottome of the Wall.

As for great Trees in the Orchards, Pruning old standard-trees. Fields, Hedges, &c. they must be Pruned from year to year, as need is, in October, No­vember, or afterwards observe to cut off the superfluous branches, such as [Page 134] cross one another, and such as grow too close, so as the Sun cannot well come a­bout the bearing branches: Leave no dead Twigs or Branches, and scrape off the Moss that is upon the Body and great Branches.

Ordering the Roots of old Trees. Opening the Roots once in two or three years is profitable to some Trees, especi­ally such as grow upon dry and barren grounds. In November (or there abouts) take away the Earth round about the Roots, a yard broad or more, and so leave the Roots bare and open all Winter; that the Rain, Snow, beams of the Sun, &c. may refresh the bottome Roots, and make the ground be [...]ter: At Spring fill up the holes again with some good fresh mould, or rot­ten muck, to feed and refresh the Trees. In blossoming and knitting time water the Trees, (especially those on dry ground) this makes them hold their Fruit the better.

So also of Lees of Wine, the washing of strong Bear-barrels, Blood of Cattle, dead Dogs, Carrion, or the like, laid, or put to the Roots of Trees, when opened (as be­fore) is found very profitable unto fruit-bearing, and exceedingly revives old de­caying Trees.

And it is very necessary (in order to the thriving, and well bearing of Fruit-trees) [Page 135] that they have some good fresh mould or soyle laid to their Roots once in three or four years, except they grow in special good ground: for great and large Trees, do suck and draw the fertility of the ground exceedingly: such great and vast bodies cannot be nourished to thrive well, with a little; therefore help them as they have need: it may be perceived when they have need by the poorness of their shoots and fruits.

As opening them, and putting in soyle is good; so also take a Bar of Iron (in Winter time) and make many holes among their Roots, and poure in Beasts blood, wash­ings of Beer vessels, Fat-water, or the like: These very much refresh the Trees.

But in case the soyle about the Roots be over fat and fertil, Abate the over-fatness of soyle. this may hinder bearing, for it will cause Trees to shoot forth great large shoots, and to send forth broad leaves, and but little fruit: if so, then take away some of the fertil soyle, and put in instead, sand or cole-ashes, or any stuff that is bar­ren, that it may dry up, and abate some of the too full feeding that the Trees had, and so cause fruitfulness. Though meat and drink be never so good and wholesome, yet excess hurts, the body.

And further observe: That Mowing of [Page 136] grounds yearly,Pasturing Orchards, better then Mowing. where Fruit-trees grow, is exceeding prejudicial to Trees (unless the soyle be very fertile). But pasturing of Orchards and Grounds where Fruit-trees grow, is observed to be of great advantage to their prospering, and bearing fruits. When Cattle are suffered to lie and Pasture under and about the Trees, they much benefit the Roots by their warmth in sit­ting, and by their soyle, which soaks down among the Roots, and is a great refreshing to them, as hath been found by clear Experience.

Therefore permit Cattle (if it may be convenient) to lie and Pasture, under and among Fruit-trees, (after they are grown strong, and out of their reach) save o [...]ely at those seasons when Fruits are ripe, be­cause rubbing against the Tre [...]s, would shake down the Fruits, and spoile them. And it were better they did not rub a­gainst the Trees at any time, for in that respect they may do hurt, therefore set stakes or posts about the Trees for the Cat­tle to rub against, whereby the Trees may be preserved.

Concerning Transplanting, Pruning, and ordering the Roots of Trees, thus much. See further, Errors in Practise.

Diseases Incident to Fruit-trees.

FRuit-trees are subject to divers Di­seases Baptist. Port. sayes,De cultu & insit. l c. 35. Affliguntur Plantae omnes, veluti Animalia, diversis mor­bis. All Trees or Plants are afflicted with divers Diseases as sensible creatures. And therefore we should apply our selves to cure them, not for pity to the Trees (as the indulgent compassionate Manichees) but for our own profit.

I shall (at present) mention only four di­seases that sometimes happen to Fruit-trees. Mossiness, Bark-bound, Canker, and Worms.

Concerning Mossiness of Fruit-trees, the way to cure that (and other diseases) is to take away the Cause, Mossiness. sublatâ causâ, tollitur effectus. if the Spring be stopt, the streams cannot runne. Some to cure this, onely scrape off the Moss, not endeavouring to take away the Cause, so that in few years they are as bad again; that's but like endeavours for cure of the Tooth­ach, or Gout, or the like, with some out­ward applications, which, although they may give some ease for a while, yet they strike not at the Root, they remove not the [Page 138] Cause, and therefore they returne again. So that it must be considered what the Cause of Mossiness is, sometimes it is caused by over coldness of the ground, as in wate­rish and clay grounds, likewise by Barren­ness of the soyle.

If it be Coldness through moysture, then use all means to lay it dryer, by trenching the ground: or if it be clay ground, then bring in some warmer soyles to mix with it, as Sand, Ashes, Sheeps-dung, Pigeons, or Hens-dung, or the like: If the soyle be too barren, then help it by mixture of good soyles round about the Roots.

But withal, take away the Moss that is already upon the Trees, in this manner; after Raine, rub it off with a Hair-cloth; else scrape it off with a piece of hard wood in the form of a knife.

Bark-boundAnother is the Bark-bound disease: This exceedingly hinders the growth of Trees: it makes them live lingringly and poorly: This happens, when there is but a dull, and slow passage up of sap, and in small quantity, either by reason of barrenness of soyle, or want of due culture to the Branches, therefore if the soyle be barren, it must be mended, and likewise some of the branches cut off, and the rest scored down all along to the Root, through the [Page 139] [...]ark, on each side, with some cross cuts and [...]icks in the bark: let this be done in the [...]pring time, and the Sap will arise more [...]lentifully.

Another disease is the Canker, Canker. natural [...]o some, but accidentally hapening to o­thers by bruises, &c. This hurts many, [...]nd spoils some. To cure it, cut it out, if [...] be upon the body, or great boughs of [...]rees, and wash the place with Cow-dung [...]nd Urine mixt; and then cover the place with clay mixed with Horse-dung, and [...]ut off the small branches that are dead, out withal, endeavour to stop the foun­ [...]aine, and cause of it, (being a sharp and vi­ [...]ulent sap) by laying Cole ashes, or ashes of [...]urnt-wood, Nettles, Ferne, and such like vegetables, to the roots; but if the Trees grow upon gravel ground, they'l hardly be cured without altering the soile in a great measure.

Some Trees are hurt with small worms that breed between the bark and the wood;Worms. which cause the Bark (in that part) to rise [...]nd swell sometimes: this being perceiv­ed, the worms must be cut out, and the place washed with Urin and Cow-dung.

Secondly,Mischiefs incident to fruits. concerning Mischiefs inci­dent to Fruits: by Caterpillers, Ants, Ear­wigs, Snails, Wasps, Birds, and cold, and [...]trong Winds.

[Page 140] CaterpillersIn the Spring-time, Caterpillers breed (and devour many buds, blossomes, and young fruits, especially in a dry season:) of the Dew and Leaves (as one says) when the East-wind blow's much,L. Bac. nat. hist. p. 148. which causeth that moist and slimy matter to vivifie. They breed also (as is observed) of the Spawn of Butterflies. Now, how to destroy them. I know no better way then to pluck off those leaves which have the Cobwebs made upon them, (in which they breed) and tread them under foot, for one of them contains multitudes.

And for those that escape, being upon the Trees, some smoake them with straw or such like, which makes them fall off. They may be destroyed also by squirting water up into the Trees among the boughs, which washeth them off.

Ants.Secondly, Ants and Pismires hurt fruits, multitudes creep up into some Trees, and eat the fruits. Therefore seek out their hils where they breed and lie, and poure in scalding water among them till they be destroyed.

Yea, sometimes they be under, or near the roots of Trees, and do very great hurt, and almost kill some Trees, these must be dig'd out, and destroyed by hot water, or some other way.

[Page 141]Also, anoint the bottom of the Trees near the Root with Tar round about, that so these little Thieves may be taken Pri­soners by sticking in it.

Thirdly,Earwigs. Fruits (growing ripe) are sometimes eaten with Ear-wigs. One way to destroy them, is by setting Oxe-hoofs, Canes, or any hollow thing near the Roots of the Trees, and among the Boughs, upon the ends of sticks, and they'l creep in, and lie there, then take off these hoofs quickly, and shake them into a boule of water, or crush them with your foot upon the ground.

These Creatures do most mischiefe to Wall-trees, Snailes. especially upon old walls. Pick them off betime in the morning, and de­stroy them. But if you keep the wall well pointed with lime, that they have no har­bour there, and the Roots clean from weeds you'l not be much troubled with them.

To keep them from some choice Trees and Fruits, strew ashes round about.

Another mischief incident to fruit, is by Wasps and Hornets sometimes;Wasps. some find out their nests, and are so bold as to de­stroy them there by scalding water, or some other way. Another way to de­stroy them, is by hanging Earthen Pots [Page 142] half full of water in Trees, dawbed in the innerside with hony, & they will leave the fruits, and fall to the honey, and having suckt of it, they fall into the water and perish. This way destroyes multitudes.

Birds. Birds also spoile buds and fruits: the Bulfinch and Lennet, in the Winter time and Spring, eat up multitudes of buds of Cherry-trees, Aprecot-trees, and Plum-trees, which are prepared for blossoms and fruits, and being ripe, they peck and eat many: you may destroy them, by setting Lime-twigs (with baits) in the Trees, and kill some with a Cross-bow, and hang them in the Trees. And Clack-Mills may be set in divers places in the Orchard, which will affright them: also bruise Ratsba [...] very small, and mix it with Oatmeal, and lay it in small percells in divers places, and the birds eating of it will die. This is a sure way to kill many.

Winds.But the greatest mischief incident to fruits, is by cold winds: and Frosts in the Spring time, and by strong winds in Sommer and Autumne: which shake off the fruits: against the hurt of cold winds, and frost Wall-trees may be covered for a certaine time while they are knitting (being ex­ceeding tender) and great standard Trees may be smoaked in knitting time, setting [Page 143] on fire some moist straw, (or any thing that will make a smoak) under and among the Trees.

Likewise, Plant such Trees as will grow high upon the North or East, that may be a good shelter continually against these cold winds, which is the best course: the Orchard must be defended (if it be possi­ble) with some high Trees on the North, East, and West sides, or so planted, that they may have houses, hills, or something or other, to break off these winds from the Fruit-trees.

So much concerning Diseases and Mis­chiefs, incident to Fruit-trees, and Fruits: with their Cures and Remedies.

First concerning the use of Apples.

Of Apples.When Apples are ready, they may be disposed of divers ways, some for Cider, others for sale, others for daily dishes to the Table, ordered many ways.

Apples best for Cider.Some prefer one sort, as best for Cider, and some another: In Herefordshire, and some other parts, the Redstreak is general­ly prefer'd for Cider, before Pippins, Pearmains, or any other kinds: yet some others, prefer Pippins, Pearmains, Gilli-flower-Apples, as best for Cider, as having in them a more Cordial juice then other Apples: And some differ from these, and [Page 145] say the Apples known by the name of Elliots, make the best Cider, and call it the Sack of Cider: Others cry up the Stoken Apple, as best of all for Cider.

I shall not stand to dispute which is best for Cider;Increase the best kinds for Cider. but seeing they are all so good, as that an Argument is raised, which are best for Cider? My advice therefore is, that men propagate, and increase great store of Trees of all these kinds, and o­ther sorts of Fruits, which (by experi­ence) are found to be good for Cider: And then every man may take where he likes, and please his Palate, with that that suits best with it.

But without doubt, the Red [...]treak (which is a kind of Wilding, and some­what hard and briske) and generally all hard Apples and Wildings, which have a lively, pert, brisk juice, (so that they come not too near the degree of stark Crabs) All these kinds, I say, make excellent Ci­der, which experience shews, and con­firms from year to year.

Cider made of hard, Some Cider sooner ready then other kinds, harsh fruits, is not so soon ready for drinking, as that of som­mer fruits, and those more pleasant: That made a Table-fruit, being earliest ripe, is ready to drink, even so soon as its well set­led and cleared; but that of hard Apples, [Page 146] not till Sommer following, and will con­tinue good for two or three years, or lon­ger: and if well kept in good vessels, well stopt, and in a good cool Celler, will som­what improve in keeping.

How to make Cider and Perry.Now, for the making of these Liquors of Cider and Perry, I shall onely mention it briefly, for their sakes that know it not; Some have Cider-Mills on purpose, wherein they grind the Apples, as Tanners do their Bark, and then bring them to the Press; others Pownd them in Troughs, till they be small; it comes all to one: The Liquor being strained out, carry it to the Vessels prepared for that purpose, and tunne it up: The Vessel being full, let it rest certain days, till the Barme begin to fall, then put in a handful of Bay-salt (this makes it draw fresh, even to the bottome) so stop it up very close with a Cork, yet leave a little Venthole in the top near the Tunhole, with a peg in it, and once in a day or two, give vent there, while it fer­ments, and works strongly, lest it break the Vessel: afterwards stop up the Ven­hole very close also.

Or else lay [...]ravel upon and round about the Tunhole.Then mix Clay and Bay-salt together, and lay it upon, and round about the Tun­hole, that so no Aire may get in, nor Spi­rits of the Liquor get out; make the Clay [Page 147] hollow in the midst, and lay on it some Bay-salt, this keeps it moist all Sommer, o­therwise it may chap, and let in Aire, to the prejudice of the Liquor; the close stopping of Vessels, is of great advantage to the Cider.

When Cider is well cleared,Of botling of Cider. towards the Spring, (and so afterwards) some may be Botled, if we would improve it to the utmost: Stone-bottles, or Glas-bottles, both are good, into each bottle, put a quantity, (more or less, as each one pleaseth) of white lump sugar, which I prefer before Lofe-sugar, it being sophisticated with Lime, Allome, and other things) then fill the bottle with the Liquor, yet not alto­gether full, but let be the space of an inch or two between the Liquor and the Cork: then Cork it well; let not the Cork be too little, so as to go in easily; but take a full Cork, that must be knockt in about half way: for the well Corking of Bottles, (though the direction may seem trivial) is of great concernment to the goodness of the Liquor.

The liquor being thus well Botled,How to keep bottels of Cider. may be kept in several places, either in Gravel or Sand, in a Celler up to the neck, and some may be sunk down into water, in some secure, convenient place; or other­wise [Page 148] wise to keep them cool, and exclude the Aire, especially in the heat of Sommer. And in this season, let the Corks be bound down close with a Packthred, else some of them will be thrown out by the liquor, especially if they be carried abroad, or laid in a Chamber where the Aire is warm.

Many things more might be said con­cerning the ordering of Cider, according to several mens opinions and experiences: these things (briefly mentioned) are plain and practical, and comprehend many o­ther particulars.

Of the healthful­ness of Ci­der. Cider that is made of good Fruits, and well ordered, is the most wholesome drink, and so it is accounted by Learned and Iu­dicious Physitians, they do much magni­fie Syrupum de Pomis, the juice of Apples. See London Dispensatory: composed by a whole Colledg of Physitians, pag. 38.

Julius Pal­marius lib. de morbis. pag. 248.A Famous Physitian in his time, gives it this Commendation; Pomaceum e succo Malorum dulci. m [...] quae maturitatatem con­sequuta sunt, satis defaecatum, maturum, te­nue, subflavum melancholicis adeò salubre el [...], & omne Potionis genus bonitate vincat: That is, Cider of pleasant Apples, which are full Ripe, being well setled, cleared, and fer­mented, is the most wholesome drink for me­lancholick [Page 149] persons; and excels all other Li­quors in goodness.

And the Cider of Pippins, and Pear­mains is most commended by some, as con­taining in them more of the Balsamum of nature, then other Apples; Et humidum radicale oleosum, spiritus vitalis vigore im­pregnatum: preserving the radical moi­sture, and vital spirits of the body, which does singularly preserve health, Ad extre­mum usque senium, to very old Age.

Secondly, As Learned Physitians do ap­prove of it, for the most wholesome drink; so also experience speaks, and proves the same, not only of many persons, but even of many Generations, in Hereford shire, Worcester-shire, and other Fruit Countries, where it hath been, and is of continual use.

Thirdly, And besides the Opinion and Iudgment of Physitians herein, and conti­nual experience in the use of it for many years; this also is a convincing Argument thereof.

God hath been pleased in his Wisdom, Bounty, and Goodness to mankind, to create, and give such Commodities in every Coun­try and Nation as are most useful, and best for the Inhabitants of each particular Cly­mate: for instance, in Spain, Italy, and [Page 150] those hot Countries, they have Oringes Lemmons, and Pome-Citrons, which have in them the most cool refreshing juice, and liquor of any Fruits, which are most neces­sary, for the cooling and refreshing the Blood, Spirits, and Bodies of the Inhabi­bitants.

And in the Northerne cold Countries, God hath given them great store of Coles and Wood, for Fuel, which is not in so great plenty in hotter Countries: So also for Fruit-trees; some parts of Worcester-shire, Gloucester-shire, &c. The ground does naturally bring forth Fruit-trees; (be­sides the labour and diligence of men in Planting) the soyle is naturally fit to re­ceive, cherish, & increase all sorts of Apple-trees, Pear-trees, &c. which bring forth abundance of Fruits, whereof to make this wholsome and best drink, Cider and Perry. And England affords the greatest store of Apples, and the best of any other Coun­try; which is an Argument (I say) of the profitableness, and healthfulness of this Li­quor, for the Inhabitants of these Climates.

So then, if health and long life, be in e­steem with men, they must needs also va­lue this means thereof; the seasonable and moderate use of Cider; and consequently Fruit-trees, and the works and labours [Page 151] about them, as conducing to those great and desirable ends.

Before you gather Apples to keep,How to keep Apples. let them be ripe, which may be known by the colour, and by the seed; cut some of them, and if the seed be turned brown, or some­what black, such may be gathered; gather them in a dry day, pull them one by one, and put them into Baskets lined with Woollen cloath, that they br [...]ise not. Car­ry them into a loft, or upper Chamber, and lay them on Mats or Boards, not on Plaister or Clay floors, they will be moist. Lay them thin, not on heaps as some do; let the windows and holes be open, espe­cially upon the North-side, in dry dayes, that the Aire and Winds may dry up their superfluous moysture. Lay every kind by themselves, and pick out all the leaves, and such as rot, from time to time. Turne them sometimes, and in Frost, cover them with Mats, Straw, or the like.

If Apples offend any through wind,Hist. stirp. l. 3. p. 777. eat with them Ginger, or other hot Spices, or Carroway-seeds, Fennel-seeds, or the like. So Dodonaeus: Quorum malignitas vel aro­matis, vel aliis corrigi potest.

Apples are prepared for the Table, all the year long, many wayes, (I shall not need to speak of particulars) and [Page 152] are pleasant and healthful to the body▪

Dodon. hist. l. 3. pag. ibid. Dulcia poma minus frigida sunt ac humi­da, alimentum conferunt amplius quam cae­tera poma. He sayes, pleasant Apples are less cold and moist, and afford more nou­rishment then others.

Concerning their Physical Vse.

Dealiment. facul l. 2. p. 20▪ Galen ascribes heat to some kind of Apples, he speaks of their Physical proper­tie, in relaxing the belly, and sayes, the acid & acrid perform this: but with some difference. Haec cum calefactione, Illa au­tem cum refrigeratione. The Acrid do it with heat, the other with cold. Sweet Apples relax the belly more then other kinds. A good Author says, every sweet thing detergeth and relaxeth; and there­fore Pears (which are generally more sweet then Apples) loosen the body more then Apples.

D. Alim facult. l. 2. L. 2. c. 569. Apples also help Concoction. So Galen, Post cibum, statim, dare ipsa, &c. taken af­ter meat. Nonnunquam autem cum pane, ad ventriculum & stomachum roborandum, eaten with bread, they strengthen the stomack. So Avicen: confortant debilita­tem stomachi.

Galen says, pleasant Apples are profi­table [Page 153] in hot diseases.In Com. pr. l. Dioscor. Saepe in morbis af­ferunt praesidium: So Matth: Pomum co­ctivum non solum sanis competit, sed etiam agris: He says they are Cordial to per­sons in hot diseases: Calidis cordis affecti­bus succurrunt. Being rosted, and eaten with [...]osewater and Sugar: and that the pleasanter kinds are helpful against Melan­choly, and are good against the Plurisie, if roasted and eaten Glycyrrhizae succo, & sac­charo, [...]irifice juvant. With juice of Li­quorice and Sugar, morning and evening, two hours before meat, they wonderfully help.

Observe one special Physical propertie more of Apples, set down by a Learned and Experienced Author. These be his words.

The pulp of rosted Apples, Ger. Herh. pag. 1270. four or five (if Pomewaters) mixed in a wine quart of faire water, laboured together, and drunk at night last, within an hour, doth in one night cure those that piss by drops, with great anguish and dolour; the Strangury, and all other diseases, proceeding of the difficulty of mak­ing water, but in twice taking, it never fail­eth in any: also the running of the Reines: which I have often proved, and gained there­by both Crownes and Credit. So the Author.

[Page 154] Of Pears.Concerning Pears: Lib. 2. de aliment. [...]a p. 20. Gallen sayes▪ they have like properties with Apples and what is said of Apples, if we attribute the same to Pears, there needs nothing anew to be said of them. Quae de Mali [...] diximus, si ad Pira transtuleris, nihil erit quod nos de ipsis novum dicere oportet.

Lib. 2. ch. 548. Avicen says, Sedant Choleram, they mitigate Choler. Hist. stirp. 3. Dodonaeus com­mends them above Apples, for their nou­rishing propertie: Alimenta Pira omnia, amplius & copiosius, quam Mala conferunt.

So Lib. 2. Ch. 548. Avicen; Humor eorum plurimus, & laudabilior est humore pomorum.

Pears make an excellent Wine, being well ordered. A late Author sayes, we might have Wine of Pears, and other of our Fruits, not inferior to French Wines. And another tells us,Ma. Rust. that a famous Physi­tian of his time was not content to equal them with Wine of Grapes, but preferred them before it in every thing. Crabs, or Wildings, mixt with Pears, make an ex­cellent Liquor, better then Pears alone.

I need not tell Herefordshire, and Wor­cestershire men, the good properties of Per­ry and Cider; they know by experience it is both Alimental and Physical; that it is not only for health, but also for long-life; and that Wines made of the best kind of [Page 155] Apples and Pears, is a special Cordial, hearing and reviving the spirits, making [...]he heart glad, as Wine of Grapes.

And it has been observ'd, that those who drink Cider and Perry daily, or fre­quently, as their common drink, are gene­rally healthy persons, and long-lived.

And that it will begger a Physitian, to live where Cider and Perry are of ge­neral use.

Quinces are special fruits,Of Quinces. and of mani­fold uses, not only for daily nourishment, but also for Physical respects, either of themselves, or mixed with other Fruits. Matthiolus commends them both for meat and medicine, boyled with hony.Com. in lib. Dioscor p. 201. Ex melle tantum & Cotoneorum carne confecta, tam ad cibi quàm medicamenti commodum.

So Rovilius: And that many dainties for Banquets are prepared of them:Hist. plant. lib 3. pag. 290. Mul­ta ex Cydoniis malis parata ex iis sectis & & diutius in aqua elixis donec tabescant, &c.

There are divers wayes of making Marmalade of Quinces, which is known to be a good Cordial, strengthening the Stomack and Heart, both of the sick and sound.

Gallen says, being made with hony, it will last seven years,De [...]liment. sacul. lib. 2. pag. 20. and loose none of [Page 156] its properties, diu duret, si quis ipsum c [...] ­melle cocium asservare velit, post annos se [...] ­tem invenimus nihil in qualitate imm [...] ­tatum.

Hist. stirp. lib. 3. pag. 784. Dodonaeus sayes, they bind strongly o [...] their own nature, and stay Vomiting Valde astringunt, ventriculum roborant, vi­mitum sedant.

Quinces may be kept good a year, or (as some have said) two years, thus, put them in a Barrel, cover them with penny Ale, and once in 10 or 12 dayes draw it off, but stir not the Quinces, then put in fresh Ale again from time to time, this is account­ed far better then usual Pickle. Others keep them thus, boyle the Parings and Cores of Quinces, with Salt and Ginger, and in this Pickle they will keep divers Months. A late Author sayes, there's no Fruit in this Land of so manifold use as Quinces.

Of Cherries De Nat. stirp. c. 64. lib. 1. Cherries are a healthful and pleasant Fruit: Ruelius says, Cerasa bonum succum creant, they breed good humours in the body; so another, Bonum sanguinem ge­nerant.

Dodonaeus, accounts the tart and sharp Cherries best; Inter Cerasa optima sunt acidula.

[Page 157]There is a pleasant and refreshing Wine, made of Cherries, in Coun­tries where they have great store,I have heard it from a Gentleman of very good credit, that he drank Cher­ry Wine of above a Twelve-month old, which was ve­ry good Wine; whereas it was thought it would not have lasted half so long: The Morello Cherry, and other deep coloured plea­sant Cherries, will make a special good Wine; the Liquor of it self, or mixed with Cider. both in their Liquor onely, and the same mixed with Grapes. Vvis maturis admiscentur, & deinde vinum ex his paratur gustatu gratis­simum: Doubtless Cherry-wine in Sommer, is a pleasant and healthful Liquor, more proper for that Season then hot Wines.

Cherries boyled in brothes and drinks, give a pleasant relish, and are good for hot and feverish bodies. And in Countries where there is great store, their custome is (as is credibly reported) to eat their Breakfasts of Bread, Butter, and Cherries.

The School or Vniversity of Salern, gives them great commendations, and tells us, divers commodities they afford:

Another says, they increase and com­fort the Liver, and that the tart and sharp close the mouth of the stomack, and make the better and speedier digestion.

Com. in l. 1. Dioscor p. 198. Matthiolus says, Omnia refrigerant, rob [...] ­rant, & tibi appetentiam exitant, ideoqu [...] febricitantibus, ac sitientibus, facile conce [...] duntur à medicis Germanis.

All Cherries do cool, strengthen, and stir up appetite to meat, and therefore they are (as is Recorded) readily allow­ed by the Germane Physitians, to such as have feverish, hot, and thirsty diseases; other Authours say the like, which for brevities sake I omit.

Of Plums. Com in l. 1. Dios. p. 216 Matthiolus sayes, Prunabilem dejiciunt, preinde ea utiliter medici ad febres, aliosque biliosos affectus reddant. Plums cast out Cholerick humours, and are good in fe­vers, and other Cholerick and hot Di­seases.

[Page 159]A late Author sayes, out of Damsons, and other sweet Plums, may be made a drink not inferiour to some good Wines, and abundance of Aquavitae.

Schol. Sal. sayes:

Many good dishes for the Table, and delicates for Banquets, are made of Plums with hony and sugar, to use all the year, and profitable both for the sick and healthful.

Gallen accounts Aprecocks, Of Apre­cocks. De Facult. Ali­men. l. 2. p. 20. better then Peaches; Non in ventriculo, ut illa, cor­rumpuntur: because they are not so soon corrupted in the stomack. Avicen sayes, Infusio siccorum confert fo [...]bribus acutis. The infusion of dried Aprecocks, is profitable in sharp feavers. Can. l. 2. c. 146. Matt. tells us, that the Oyle of the stones, is very profitable to anoint the heat, and swelling of Vlcers and Sores, and pains in the Ears. And that the Oyle mix­ed with Wine, and drunk, drives stones and gravel out of the bladder and kidneys: and helps the Collick.

They are ordered many wayes, and [Page 160] all pleasant to the body,Of Peaches. L. p. 80.&c. and healthful.

Dioscor sayes, Persica mala stomacho uti­lia sunt, alvum quoque bonum praestant. Peaches are good for the Stomack,L. 2. 571. Nat. Hist. p. 15. and keep the belly soluble: so Avicen, Matu­ra sunt bona stomacho.

L. 15. [...]. 12. & l. 23. c. 7. Lonicerus sayes, Persica mala in ardenti­bus faebribus sumi possunt. Peaches may be eaten in barning fevers.

Pliny commends Peaches as much as any fruit, even for the sick, with Wine or Vine­ger; Poma Persica innocua expeti aegris, utilioraque, cum vino aut aceto, &c.

Peaches eaten moderately, (for so we are to use all Fruits) are no doubt profi­table to cool and loosen the belly, especi­ally for hot constitutions; but withal take the advice of ‘Schol. Sal. Persica cum musto, vobis datur ordine justo;’ Take a cup of Wine, or strong drink with them.

Of Mulber­ries.Some make a drink of Wine of Mul­berries, as Albert. Magnus tells us▪ De mo­ris fit potus, De veget, & Plant. qui Morētum vocetur. A spoon­ful or two of this, will colour a quart of White Wine or Cider. Ruel says, Succus siccato pomo expressus, multum obsoniorum sapori confert, & miram gratiam commen­dat: [Page 161] the juice of Mulberries, De nat. stirp. c. 102. p. 265. prest out and dried, and put into meats, gives them a very pleasant taste and relish. The Iuice of Mulberries is known by experience to be a good remedy for a sore mouth or throat, such as are perfectly ripe, relax the belly, but the unripe (especially dried) are said to bind exeedingly, and therefore are gi­ven to such as have Lasks and Fluxes. Do­doneus sayes, they stir up a languishing ap­petite, especially in hot bodies, appetenti­am calore languentem excitant.

So Avicen: Cant. l. 2. c. 498. Appetitum cibi faciunt. They are used by Apothecaries [...]or many other purposes.

Figs are said to nourish much,Of Figs. Nat. Hist. l. 3. p. 800. Com in l. pr. Dios. p. 230. and to breed store of blood. Dodonaeus prefers them above other Fruits, in res [...]ect they nourish very much: Alimentum amplius quam caeteri praebent: So Mat. Ficus & [...]uae inter fructus autumnales principatum obtinent.

We have a sort of blew Figs that come to perfect ripeness in England, which are eaten (being newly gathered) with Pep­per, Salt, and Bread, and may be dried to last all the year. And (doubtless) nourish exceedingly: Some make excellent Tarts of them.

Lonicerus sayes: Na [...]ram confortant. [Page 166] Dioscor, commends them as profitable to those who have lost their colour by long sickness.

Li. 23. c 7. Figs, according to Pliny, are restora­tive, and the best thing that they can eat, who are brought low by languishing sick­ness, and on the mending hand: they help (as another sayes) an old continual Cough, (being boyled with Hysop, and drunk) also Obstructions, and other faults of the Lungs. Schol. Salern ▪ commends them for divers things:

Of Medlers. Hist. stirp. l. 3. p. 789. Condiuntur hi cum saccharo; aut mello (as Dodonaeus) quo modo apparati ori ac palato grati sunt. Ordered with hony or sugar, they are acceptable and pleasant to the tast, they fortifie digestion, and pre­serve the humours from putrefaction. They stay vomitings and looseness of th [...] stomack or bel [...] Valentius astringunt, De l. facul. l. 2. p. 21. [Page 167] proinde ventri fluenti cibus est utilissimus: as Gallen: Another says, Mespilorum os­sicula in pulverem contrita calculos è renibus valenter pellunt. The kernels bruised to dust, and drunk in liquor (especially where Parsly roots have been steeped) do migh­tily drive out stones and gravel from the Kidneys.

A late Author says, Medlers are singular good for Women with Child, seeing they strengthen the stomack and stay the loose­ness thereof.

Another sayes, They are very effe­ctual for Women with Child against a­bortion.

A late Author says,Of Walnuts. the profit of Wall­nuts is infinite: They are usually eaten af­ter meals to close up the stomack, and help digestion. And according to Avicen, Recentes sunt meliores stomacho. Can. l. 2. c. 501. Bread or Bisket may be m [...]de of the meal being dri­ed. The young Nuts pealed, are preser­ved, and Candied for Banqueting-stuff; and being ripe, the Kernels may be crust­ed over with Sugar, and kept long.

Avicen sayes,Can. l. 2. c. 501. Iuglans ficubus, & Rutâ medicina omnibus venenis: Wallnuts, with Figs and Rue, is a preservative against all Poison.

[Page 164] Schol. Sal. Reckons Wallnuts for one of the six things that resist poyson.

Plin. nat. hist. l. 23. c. 18. Mithridates the great: his preservative was (as is recorded) Two Wallnuts, two Figs, Twenty leaves of Rue, and a grain of Salt stamped together: which taken no poyson that day could hurt him.

Green Wallnuts about Midsommer, di­stilled and drunk with Vinegar, are accoun­ted a certain preservative against the Pe­stilence.

The milk of the Kernels (as Almond-milk) doth cool and refresh the Appetite of the languishing sick body.

So much for the Alimental, and Physi­cal use of Fruits.

Errors Discovered.

HAving shewed some profitable Instru­ctions in this Art of Planting Fruit-trees, I think it convenient likewise to dis­cover some Errors that I find both in the Theory and Practise of it, that men may take heed of them.

Let not men think that Ancient and Learned Authors have discovered all Truths: or that all they have said is Truth: they are but men and have their Errors: August de civ. Dei. l. 19. Humanum est errare; quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus, as one says, Non est pro magno habendum quid homines sense­rint, sed quae sit rei veritas. It's not any great matter what men have thought, but what is the Truth of the matter. Quid ad nos, qui potius de rebus ipsis judicare debe­mus? What is it to us what men say, who ought rather to judge of the things that are spoken? Oporvet edoctum judicare: as L. Bacon says.Adv. of Learn l. 1. p. 45. Men that are taught, must not resign up their Reason to their Tea­chers, but judge of what's said.

Some great and Learned Authors have asserted very weak things, and altogether untrue. L. Bacon sayes concerning them, That the Writings of speculative men upon [Page 162] active matter, seems to be men of experience, but as dreams and dotage. Indeed they go about to build Castles in the Aire, (as the Proverb is) for as a building cannot be set up without a foundation, so neither can ef­fests be produced without causes: Nullus effectus datur sine causa. They tell us of many great and desirable things, but when they come to discover the causes and means, whereby they must be effected, these are (many of them) weak and child­ish, and which (I suppose) proceeded from them upon their first apprehensions, with­out washing them in the scale of Reason, Adv. Learn. l. 1. p. 145. or trying of them by the Touchstone of Ex­perience. And as the L. Bac. sayes, Those high and vaporous Imaginations, instead of a laborious and sober enquiry of truth, do be­get hopes ond beliefs in themselves, of strange and impossible shapes.

Nat. Hist. p. 165.And elsewhere he says, The Causes and Axioms of some ancient and modern writers, are so full of imagination, and so infected with old receiued Theories, as they are mear Inquinatious, (or defilements) of experi­ence.

Advan. Lear. l. 1. p. 32.And these he ranks amongst the discre­dits of Learning, he says, Many things have been rashly (or with little choice or judge­ment) received, and registred, as appears in [Page 163] the writings of divers Authors, which are e­very where fraught with forged and fabulous reports, and those not only uncertain, and un­tried, but notoriously untrue, to the great de­rogation of Natural Phylosophy, with grave and sober men.

I shall therefore discover some of these Errors, as they concern this Art of Plant­ing Fruit-trees, that inexperienced persons may not be deceived by them.

And afterwards shew some Errors in the practice of this Art, that they may be a­voided.

I shall divide the Errors in the Theorie (or contemplative part) of this Art, into three sorts.

The first sort are, Instructions hurtful and 1 dangerous.

The second are, Instructions for effecting 2 of some things impossible to be done by the means prescribed: and others impossible to be effected by any means.

The third sort are, Assigning wrong cau­ses 3 to Effects.

For the first.

A late Author, giving Instructions for 1 Grafting, says, Graft the next Spring after remove.

This, I say, is a dangerous Instruction, because Stocks removed, have so great a [Page 168] wound and repulse by removing only, that they cannot so well bear another so soon after so great, as Grafting would be, if in, the cleft: Therefore let stocks removed, grow a year or two before Grafting; Rea­son and Experience is clear enough in this.

2 Secondly, Theophrastus giving instructi­ons for Planting, sayes, Nullâ radiculorum parte detractâ, stultum est enim amittere ra­dices quas habemus, ut acquiramus novas. Take away none of the Roots, for it is a foolish thing to loose those Roots we have, that we may get new.

This is a hurtful and dangerous Instruction, for except some of the small strings, and roots be cut away, if there be many, and all the ends of the great ones, they will not put forth new Roots, as they will if cut: and multitude of Roots hinder the mould from closing on every side of every Root, as it ought to do, therefore some must be cut away, and the ends of all that are left; Experience proves this suf­ficiently.

3 Thirdly, Columella giving instructions for choice of Grafts, Columel. lib. de Ar­botibus. cap. 29. this is one, surculi sint bisulci. Let Grafts be double or forked. So Ruelius.

This is a dangerous and hurtful instructi­on, because forked, or double or treble [Page 169] Grafts, most of them die, and those that live, grow poorly, not a fift or sixt part (it may be) so much as single and short grafts.

Fourthly, Bapt. Port. giving Instructions 4 for choice of Grafts, says, we must take sur­culos pregnantes & turgentes: Grafts full and swelling with Sap. This is a bad instru­tion: for Grafts should be taken before they swell with Sap, for it is a repulse to Nature to cut them after sap stirs in them: neither will such take hold on the stock so soon as those which are indigent, and needy of sap: therefore let Grafts be cut from the Tree, before sap stir in them.

Another says When Grafts put forth, take 5 away the Clay, for Clay rather keeps moisture then drought, save a little in the hole.

This is a hurtful Instruction; for sap will not cover the head of the stock, nor close up the clefts on both sides so soon without Clay, as with it: Clay is as a salve to a wound, which heals it up, and it rather keeps out moysture, then otherwise, if well closed; and also preserves from dry Winds, Sun, and other annoyances; therefore keep on the Clay a year or two, till the head of the Stock be covered, and the Cleft healed up.

Another says, When the Grafts have well 6 put forth, underprop them, else wrap them [Page 174] one within another, and tye them with wood amongst, for fear winds break them.

This is a very hurtful and dangerous in­struction, for all these wayes do fret, and gall the bark, and (it may be) breed the Canker: And besides, it hinders the young grafts that they cannot spread into an hand­some form: this course brings a certaine mischief to prevent an uncertain: winds hurt but few, except they be very top-heavy; if so, then cut some of the bran­ches till they be grown stronger below, able to bear the Top.

7 Some Authors counsil us to cast glew in­to the place of Grafting, to glew together the two substances, or sprinkle Sugar, Cinamon, or sweet liquor, that the fruits may retain the taste. This is a hurtful instruction, because liquor (or any other substance) put between the stock and the graft, do hinder (if not spoyle) the joyning of stock and graft, but if this might be done without hurt, either to stock or graft, yet would it be no way effectual for the End proposed. Of this further, see pag. 84. &c.

8 A late Author say [...], Plant not against a wall, because a Tree cannot be so long lived, nor grow to the bigness it else would do.

This is a hurtful Instruction, because ma­ny kinds of Fruit-trees, as the Aprecock, [Page 175] Peach, Nectarine, and divers other Trees, will bear little or no fruit, except they be planted against a wall: And though it be granted, that Trees planted against a Wall, will not be so large as if planted from the Wall: Yet I suppose it's better to have a few small trees, that bear store of great fruits; then store of great Trees, that bear but a few small fruits.

Columella, giving Instructions for remo­ving 9 Plants,L. 1. de Ar. p. 490 says, Mala aestiva, Cydonia, sor­be pruna, post mediam hyemem usque in Idus Febr. serito: Pyros Autumno, ante bruman [...] serito: Plant the Sommer Apple, Quince, service-tree, and Plum-tree, after Winter, in February, but Pear-trees before Win­ter.

This is a hurtful instruction, as to the first part: for Trees should be planted in Autumne, as has beene said, and there is the same Reason why the Sommer Apple-tree, and the rest, should be planted before Winter, as is for Pear-trees. See at large, pag. 60, &c.

One adviseth thus: Let the Orchard be seated on some Hill-top, rather then on plain 10 grounds, for they have better Aire, and better prospects, and also contain a greater number of Trees then plain grounds.

This is no good Instruction: for Orchards [Page 172] on low and plain grounds, have many ad­vantages of those on high grounds, for the soyle of plaine and low grounds, is com­monly more fertil then hill tops. Second­ly, low grounds are more safe from Winds then hills, by reason of other Trees plan­ted to secure the Orchard, and by hills, houses or other shelters; hill tops can have no defence. As for prospects on hill tops, men do not plant Orchards for Prospects, but for Fruits.

And as for good Aire, I suppose there is better Aire (especially at some seasons) in the Orchard on plain grounds, then on hills; for in Blooming time, winds would deprive us of the sweet Aire on hill tops, but on plain grounds the Aire is more calme, and the perfume of the blossomes stays with­in the Walls, as within a perfumed Cham­ber.

11 Another Author says, Set the stones of the Pear-plum a foot deep in cold ground.

This is a hurtful and dangerous Instru­ction. For stones of any Fruits in any ground, put a foot deep, are rather buri­ed then set, for a man shall ne'er see more of them. But set stones of any Fruits, not above two inches deep, rather some­thing less.

12 One giving Instructions for Inoculating: [Page 173] sayes, Take off the bark just upon some bud knob, and set the other bark thereon.

This is a hurtful Instruction; for if the Bud to be Inoculated be set upon another Bud of the Stock, then the Inoculated bud cannot possibly close, unless the Root of it be out, and if the root be out, it's spoyled that way: The Author that talks thus, had never any experience in the Art of In­oculating. For buds must be set upon the smoothest part of the Stock; that they may be sure to close.

Another sayes, Set Apple-trees Twenty 13 foot asunder.

This is a very hurtful and dangerous In­struction, and the practise of it hinders men of Multitudes of Fruits: We see that in many Orchards, Trees are planted too near together, it may be 4 or 5 or but 6 yards asunder, which is too near together: I conceive 8 or 10 yards, or there abouts little enough for the distance of Apple-trees in ordinary soyle: but if very good ground, 14 or 16 yards or more, if men have room enough; for we see by expe­rience that upon good ground, and well-or­dered, they will touch one another at a greater distance: And that a few Apple-trees having room to spread, will bear more Fruits then 5 times so many, being crouded [Page 170] one upon another, where they have no room to spread. And besides, those fruits they bear cannot come to perfection, nei­ther in bigness nor ripeness, for want of the Sun, which cannot come about them, when the Trees are planted so near toge­ther, as the Author speaks of. Of this, see more largely; with divers Resons, pag. 65.

14 Another Author says, Cut away all the idle shoots of the last year, in your Aprecot and Cherry-trees to make your fruit the fairer.

This is a very hurtful Instruction; for the last years shoots are not idle shoots, for many of them bear the next year after or the second year without fail: some ig­norantly practise according to this instru­ction, which is a great hurt to Trees.

Thus much for the first sort of Errours; Instructions hurtful and dangerous.

The second sort are, Instructions for ef­fecting of things impossible to be done by the means prescribed; and others impossible to be done by any means There is a Book, call'd The Country mans Recre­ation, or, the Art of Plan­ting; which is full of these sam­oies. Prin­ted in the year 1640..

Didymus tells us how we may mix di­vers kinds of Fruits, and therefore make one new kind: Accipienda sunt duo diversi ge­neris [Page 171] sarmenta, eaque scindenda per medi­um &c. The instruction is too large to shew it verbatim; this is the summe. Two grafts of divers kinds must be cut through the midst, and the two halves bound together, which must be set in the earth, and watered till they bud forth.

Another to the like purpose. Bind the Grafts of a Peach-tree and of a Nut-tree to­gether, and the Fruit will be half Peaches, and half Nuts; and again he says, Bind the Grafts of a white Fig-tree and a black toge­ther, and plant them, and the Figs thereof will have the flesh on the one side white, the other black.

If men can but make the Swan and the Raven breed together, they may have a strange kind of Fowl; a black Swan it may be, which may as soon be done, as to make these Fruits mix.

These and the like instructions, are ri­diculous, fit to be passed over with a Jest, but if men require a serious answer, it is given (truly) by Sir Fr. Bacon, in his Nat. Hist. besides clear experience confirms it. He says,Cent. 5. p. 119, 120. Such grafts will put forth their se­veral Fruits without any commixture in the [Page 176] fruit. Cent. 5. p. 119, 120. No doubt they will, if it be possi­ble for two half grafts (so used) to grow. We see by continual experience, a small Bud of a Graft (no bigger then a grain of Wheat) will keep it's own nature against a fair large stock of another kind, being▪ in­oculated upon it.

Lib. cept▪ veget. c. 1.Secondly, Another of this kind is laid down by Albert. Mag. he sayes, Laetamen est unum eorum quae praecipue Plantam muta­tur à sylvestritate in domesticationem. Ma­nure (or good soyle) is one of those things which changes wild plants, into a mild and pleasant nature. This cannot be done by any means. Different kinds of Fruits, as they will not mix one with another, by the means newly mentioned: so neither will they change into another kind. Lord Bacon tells us, It is the seed (of any kind of creature) and the nature of it, that locketh and boundeth in the creature, that it doth not expatiate, or change from one kind to another. The seed of every Fruit retaineth strictly, the nature of the Fruit of which it came, which will not be changed by any means.

Another of the second sort of Errors is this.

De Natura & viribus Ar. Fol. 7. Lonicerus gives an Instruction for pro­curing fruits with an excellent Aromatique [Page 177] and spicy taste: it is this, Arborem ad me­dullam usque scindito, & ligni parte exectâ, aromata quae volueris inserito, &c. he says, Cut a Tree to the pith, and part of the wood being cut out, put in such sweet spices as you think good, then dawb the whole with clay, af­ter lay the branches of the young plant in the earth, that by its moysture and fatness, the branches may unite, then bind together the young twigs that spring from them, so that there may be made one fruit or branch of di­vers, and the fruits coming thereof, retaine the taste of the spices.

Another, whose Book (he says) is pub­lished by Authority, gives this Instruction.

To have coloured Apples, with what colour you shall think good: Ye shall bore a slope with an Auger in the biggest part of the body of the Tree unto the midst thereof, and then look what colour ye will have them of, first ye shall take water, and mingle your colour therewith, then stop it up again with a Pin: and wax it round about.

Ye may mingle with the said colour what spice ye list to make them tast thereafter: Thus ye may change the tast or colour of any Apples.

Another says, To have Peaches of savor like Musk; In grafting, put into the Cleft a grain of Musk: and to have the taste like Roses, put into the Cleft dried leaves of sweet Roses.

[Page 178]Another late Author, says With a Chi­sel cut up the bark of a Tree round about, and anoynt the bark within with Powder of Cloves, or Nutmegs, then set it on againe, and stop it close with wax round about, and within thrice bearing, it shall bring a fair Muscadel Fruit which ye may Graft, and they shall be all after Muscadel fruits.

This Author sayes further, To have all stone fruits taste as ye shall think good, lay the stones to soak in such liquor as ye would have them taste of.

Divers Amongst many other Authours who speak of these things; See the Coun­try Farme, pag. 360, 361, 392, 363, 364, &c. where there are very many odd conceits; about changing the nature of fruits in shape colour, taste, &c. To mix Nuts, Plums, and Almonds, Peaches and Q [...]inces: And to have fruits without stones See pag 365. of the Coun­try-Farme. others speak to the like purpose.

These are strange fancies, meerly imaginary things; neither Reason nor Experi­ence, dictate any such. They are not onely invalid, or of no power at all to effect what they propose, but are also hurtful and dangerous to the Trees and Grafts; but if they might be done with­out danger, yet are they not able to work any such effects as are promised; For it is not possible such small pro­portions as they speak of, should com­municate and transferre their vertues, [Page 179] through all the parts of the huge and vast bodies of Trees, and to multitudes of Fruits, much less that they should do this for many years, and least of all, that the Grafts (cut from these Trees) should re­taine these vertues, being set on other stocks.

May it reasonably be said, That a Mess of sweet and pleasant meat, nay, onely a b [...]t of such meat given to a Child of tender years, the same will retaine the vertues, and strength of such meat all his life time; yea, will transfer the vertues of it to his children after him; when every one knows the strength and vertue of the best meat and drink (though taken in great quantity) is soon over and spent, and that it is a con­tinued daily supply, that does uphold and maintaine the body in good state and con­dition.

We have no reason to believe that the vertues and strength of any dainty dish will contiue so long with us, as Eliah's Morsel of Meat did with him, which yet was but forty days, and that was a Mirac [...] too: how much less reason have we to think it will last many years.

Is there not I say, as much reason for this as the other. Admit it were possible that a small quantity of sweet spices should [Page 180] transfuse, and communicate its properties to all the parts of a Tree, yet it would not continue long in it, but it must be a con­tinued, and daily supply of such sweet things as must work that effect, if possibly such a thing may be by any means. Creatures retain those properties that are fixed, and radicated in them by nature, according to their innate and intrinsical form, but easily and quickly cast off such as are adventiti­ous and accidental, as these things are.

Another of the second sort of Errors, is this.

Nat. Hist. fol. 6. Lonicerus gives an Instruction to procure coloured fruits: Ramo Cerasi (sive alterius Arboris) scisso ad medullam, Lazurium a­liumve colorem inserito, sic eundem fructus resert; that is, Put into the bough of a Cher­ry tree (or any other Tree) cut to the pith, the Azure-stone, (which is partly green, and partly blew) or any other colour, which are means to colour the fruits of such trees.

P [...]uelius says, Non desunt qui sub Arbores Rosas serunt, sic rubra Poma dari promit­tunt. Some set Roses under fruit-trees, and say by that means the Trees will bring forth Red fruits. So Democritus, Si voles ru­brum habere, obtinebis, Rosis purpureis sub abore See also the Country farm, p. 365 that we may have Red fruits, we must set red Rose trees under other Trees, or near them. consitis.

[Page 181]The same instruction is given by a late English Author.

Another says, to have coloured Peaches, we should colour the kernels within the stones, and the fruits will be of the same colour.

The same Authour sayes, To have Red Apples, put the Grafs into Pikes-blood.

We see their prescriptions for rare co­loured fruits; which are as far off from Truth or Reason, as the former concern­ing fruits of an aromatique or spicy taste, for the things are not onely dangerous (some of them if tried, but if it were not so, yet are weak, and invalid towards the work­ing of any such effects. Because colour is an accident, cleaving to some substance, and as the substance is dissolved, and con­verted into another body, it looseth its accidents which it had before, as colour, shape, &c. as a piece of cloth, wood, or the like, being burned, rotten, or otherwise dissolved, does loose its colour, or other ac­cidents that it had before its change. And coloured Meats, eaten and turned into flesh, blood, and spirits, loose their colours, taste, &c. We well know, that if we drink Red Wine, or liquor of any other colour, or what coloured meats soever we eat, the [...], and the substance [Page 182] changed, the tasts and colours, are also changed, even to contraries. So the juyce of the earth, if it be white, black, brown, or any other colour, yet when it is drawn by Roots, for instance, Carrots, then it is turned into a Yellow, or Reddish colour, or if drawn by Turneps, it is then converted into a white colour, though it were quite contrary before.

So also of Liquors, (or other things of delicate colours) being converted into the substance of Trees, Fruits, and Leaves, they loose their former colours, though never so glorious and beautiful. And if great quantities of coloured liquors, or other substances, cannot produce coloured fruits, how much more impossible is it that a drop or two, of any coloured thing, should do it, or only colouring kernels (as he speaks of) which could not become Trees of ma­ny years after. It's clear, that Fruits con­vert the substances they draw into their own natures, and receive thereby little or no alteration, unless by a constant and con­tinual supply from year to year; and then so small and inconsiderable (as to these things of taste and colour) that it is not to be regarded. Indeed, when a Tree grows continually in a wet foggy place (or the like continued cause) the fruits may be [Page 183] tainted therewith; but a small quantity thereof, a few drops or spoonfuls, (the ver­tue whereof is suddenly gone) cannot do it.

Concerning [...]etting Rose-trees under o­ther Trees, to produce coloured fruits, it is one of the most ridiculous conceits that I have read, what is it that should work the effect: may it be imagined that the Trees can see the Red Roses, Gen. 30.20. as Iacobs sheep did the Rods in the water, and so bring forth fruits according to the same colour; can any man apprehend so much as a colour, or shadow of a Reason for it?

Another of the second sort of Errors is this.

Affricanus gives an instruction to pro­cure 5 Walnuts without husks: So the Countrey-farm, p. 362 Nuces nudas & sine putaminibus edent Iuglandes, &c. Walnut-trees (he says) do bring sorth ba [...]e Nuts without husks, if the husk and shell be broken, and the kernel taken out without hurt, and wrapped in wool, or fresh Vine-leaves, that the kernels may be preserved from Ants, or other things, and then set in the earth again.

Florentine affirms the like of Almonds, if ashes be sprinkled in the holes where they [Page 184] are set. So another late Author, not on­ly of Walnuts and Almonds, but of all other shell fruits.

Were it not a wonderful sight, to see Walnuts, and all Nuts, to grow without husks, we know the Nuts of themselves have no stalk, and how then should they grow upon the Tree without husks to in­close them. What is it that should work this strange effect? Is it because the ker­nels are put into the ground without shels, and for that the Tree springs from the kernels onely? Do not all Trees spring from the kernels onely, though set with their shells? the husk and shell contribute nothing at all towards the Tree, they o­pen for the kernel to spring out, and then rot themselves.

Another of this second sort is this.

6 A late Author gives Instructions about early fruits, and late; and change of fruits by Grafting; he sayes, If you graft a late fruit upon an early Stock, the fruit will be early; and if you graft an early fruit upon a late stock, the fruit will be late. As if (saith he) you graft Apples on Mulberry trees, See Country farm, p. 363 you shall have fruit all sommer, even till Novem­ber. And that if you graft a Plumtree on [Page 185] the Nut-tree, the husk will be like the Nut-husk, but within it will be a Plum. Or if you graft a Plum (or any other fruit) on the Fig-tree, the fruit will grow without Blos­soming.

These things cannot be; for first, con­trary kinds will not grow together, as the Plum-tree, and Fig-tree, or Plum-tree, and Nut-tree; but if different sorts would a­gree, and grow together, yet these effects would not be, because Grafts do alwayes rule, and keep their own natures, or alter very little. L. B. in his Nat. Hist. sayes painly;Pag. 100. these are imaginations and untrue, because (saith he) the Cions overrule the stock quite. So again, pag. 97. which expe­rience confirms.

Another of the second sort of Errors is this.

Democritus (as one affirms) gives an In­struction for procuring fruits with Inscrip­tions, and ingravings upon them, in any fi­gure or shape.

To this purpose: Open the shell of an Almond, and write upon the kernel what you will, and wrap it in paper, and set it in Clay mingled with Swines dung.

A late Author sayes, Steep the stones of Peaches two or three dayes, and then open [Page 186] them, and with a brass Pen write on the rinde of the kernels, after put them again into the stones, and wrap them about with paper, or parchment, and plant them, and the fruit will be written and engraven.

Is not this an odd conceit, that writing upon the The Authors of the Country farm, affirm that write what you will on the eylet of the Fig-tree which you mean to Graft, and the Figs growing thereof, wil contain the said writing p. 363. of the third Book. kernel, should produce fruits written or engraven? A man (no doubt) with as good success may ingrave, or write upon the shell or huske of an Almond, or o­ther fruit, as upon the kernel; or if he will upon the paper or parchment, in which it is inwrapt: for the Rind of the Kernel contributes nothing to the Tree or Fruit, but opens (as the Husk or shell) to let out the inner part of the kernel, the vegetative vertue, or internal form.

But if a man desires to have fruits with Inscriptions and Engravings, he must take another course, prescribed by a Learned L. Bacon Nat. Hist. p. 128. Author (upon better grounds) which is, by writing upon the fruits with a needle or bodkin, when the fruits are young, and as they grow bigger, so the Letters will grow more large and graphical.

Concerning the second sort of Errors thus much.

It were easie to mention many more as idle as these, but I shall not trouble my [Page 187] self, nor the Reader with them at present: onely I say in the general, let men take [...]eed of such things asserted by Authours, [...] have neither Reason nor Experience to uphold them, lest they spend their money, labour, and time about them, and instead of profits and pleasures, find discourage­ments and trouble,

The third sort of Errors are, Assigning wrong causes to effects.

One of these Errors is this, some have conceived,Lib. 5. c. 8. de veget, & Plant. that Grafting is the cause of early bearing of fruits, and doth much bet­ter all fruit. Albert. Mag. says, it's better, Propter digestionem Succi in nodo factam: because of the digestion of the sap in the knot.

So also Cressentius: De Nat. Plant. Li. 2. pag. 87. and addes, Et iste nodus facit diversitatem omnem, quae est in Malis, & Pyris, & caeteris fructibus: The knot (which is between the Graft and the Stock) makes all the difference which is found in Pears, Apples, and other fruits: Bapt. Port. likewi [...]e ascribes all to grafting: Li. de Cult. & Insit. Nat. Hist. p. 97. He says, Trees coming of seed, Longa est expectatio ad fructuum productionem: Insi­tio vero in aliquibus eodem Anno producit. Trees coming of seed, are long ere they [Page 188] bear fruit, but being Grafted, some kind bear in a year or two. So also Columell Lib. de Arbor. pag. 490. Lo. Bac. wanted some experience in this point, who sayes There is no doubt, but that Grafting (for the most part) doth meliorate fruit: and again, Grafting doth generally advance, and melio­rate fruits above that which they would be, if they were set of kernels or stones. The cause (saith he) is manifest, for that the nourish­ment is better prepared in the stock then in the crude earth.

I say herein these Authors assign a wrong Cause to an effest; for simply grafting con­tributes nothing at all to the early bearing of Fruit, nor to its goodness. But the Cause is in the Nature of the Grafts: if they be Grafts cut from bearing Trees, and of good kinds, they bear good fruits in a year or two; but if they be Grafts from young unbearing Trees, coming of seed, such Grafts will not bear the sooner for Grafting; it is not simply Grafting, I say, nor the knot (as the Authors speak of) that makes Trees bear one year, one day the sooner: for if so, then grafts from young unbearing trees, coming of seed, grafted in the same manner, and upon as good stocks as other grafts from old bearing Trees, they would bear Fruits the one sort as soon as the [Page 189] other, but it is otherwise: so that the Cause lies not simply in Grafting, but in the Nature of the Grafts.

Neither doth Grafting make Fruits (at [...]ll) the better, otherwise then as you chose grafts of a good kind, for we know Grafts rule, and keep their own Natures: onely with some small advantage from the stock, [...]f special stocks, or prejudice if a very bad stock. And the Cause is not well assign'd by the Author, who says, It is for that the nou­rishment is better prepared in the stock, then in the crude earth: for we know the bran­ches of an ungrafted tree, receive sap not im­mediately from the crude Earth, but from a stock or body, as well as the branches of the Grafted-tree: the stock of the Grafted-tree, is a wild stock, and of the same Nature, as is the stock or body of the ungrafted-tree: they are both alike, and the concoction and nourishment in both, is alike, and the Cause being a like, why is not the effect alike. It's plaine, this is not the Cause; but the Cause is in the Graft, Nat. Hist. p. 109. and p. 115. not in the stock, though the nourishment be never so well concocted in the stock: and the Fruit is not made better or worse, simply by Grafting: The Authour asserts this Truth plainely elsewhere: The Graft (saith he) over­ruleth [Page 190] the Stock: and again, the graft will govern; that is, they keep the Nature and properties of the Trees from which they were gotten.

Another of the third sort of Errors, is this.

Of this, see also Mason Rustique, or the Country Farme, where the same is as­serted, pag. 362.A late Author sayes: the Cause why Trees bear not fruit in a few years after Grafting, is, because they were grafted in the old of the Moon: for (saith he) so many dayes as the Moou is old when you Graft, so many years will the graft be ere it bear fruit.

The Cause is here mistaken; for the Moon hath no such influence upon fruit-trees, as to withhold their fruits in this manner: Men (we see by experience) graft in all seasons of the Moon, and find no such difference in the bearing of the Trees: The chief Causes of unfruitfulness of Trees, are, when they are not fit for the Country where they are planted.

Secondly, When the Grafts are chosen from young, wild, unbearing Trees; or such as naturally bear little or seldome.

Thirdly, Repletion, or overmuch nourish­ment.

Fourthly, Coldness or overmoistness of the ground.

Fifthly, Frosts or cold winds in the spring.

Thirdly. Another of the third sort of Errors, is this.

Many conceive that Sap in Trees doth descend from the Branches, to the Roots, which causeth several effects; as falling of the leaves, goodness of the Roots of divers Plants for use, &c. but the Cause of these Effects is mista­ken, for Sap in Trees never descends, but al­ways ascends: And leaves of Trees fall in Au­tumne, not because Sap descends from them ▪ but because Sap ascends not to them, suffici­ent to nourish, or feed them any longer.

And if Roots are best in Autumne, that is not Caused by descent of Sap, but for that the Body and Branches of a Tree in Au­tumne, draw but a small quantity of Sap from the Roots, and the Roots even then, draw sap from the Earth, and increase up­on it, and are well stored with sap after the branches have done increasing: and there the sap rests chiefly at that season.

Some who hold descending of Sap, may (perhaps) confirme their Opinion from small springs of the Roots of Plants when they are removed in Autumne. It's true, The Roots of Plants set in the beginning of September (or about that time) do spring forth a little at the cut ends of the Roots, [Page 192] before Winter, not because Sap descend [...] from the Branches to them, for though all the Branches are cut off before setting, (as sometimes they are) yet the Roots will spring then, because some degree of heat, (proportionable to that purpose) is, at that season, in the top of the earth, by reason of the immediate foregoing Sommer, so that Plants set while this heat lasteth, they will germinate, & spring forth in their roots before Winter: (the husbandman knows in this season it is best to sow his Wheat and Rye:) And also because the Sun (as yet) hath an influence sufficient to make seeds, and Plants to spring forth, which towards December it hath not, being then too remote from us, so that it is not descending of Sap that causeth these effects.

Nat. hist. p. 111. & 94.The learned Lord Bacon did not well consider this point, who supposed a de­scention of Sap in Autumne, speaking con­cerning setting a Bough in the ground prepared by disbarking for that purpose, sayes, The Cause why it will soon after be a faire Tree, may be this, the baring of the Barke keepeth the Sap from descending to­wards Winter: here's a wrong Cause assign­ed to an effect, for it is not the supposed keeping up of the Sap (by that means he speaks of) that Causeth such a Bough to [Page 193] grow the better, but the cause is, for that such a bough by disbarking, hath got some small Roots or strings, (or at least, some roughness or knobs capable of Roots) in the passage up of the Sap, whereby (being set) it will become a Tree in certaine years.

This Opinion of descention of Sap in Trees, Woodmen and others are gene­rally of this opinion, as having re­ceived it from their fore fathers for an un­question­able thing. is an old Error of many years stan­ding, and is radicated in the minds of most men: yea, many using it as a similitude to illustrate some spiritual matter, as if it were a real and undoubted truth, whereas it is but a weak and groundless conceit, and contrary both to reason and experience, ta­ken up by men from hand to hand, with­out consideration, or weighing of it with reason and judgment. I will therefore lay it open more plainly, and demonstrate and prove the Truth concerning the motion of Sap in Trees.

The first Argument against descention of Sap.

Sap in Trees always moves upwards, and it is contrary to the Law and course of Nature for sap to descend: Natura nil agit frustra, Nature does nothing in vain. Now it were a vain work in Nature to cause sap [Page 194] to ascend up in the branches, to descend again to the Roots; the Roots send Sap to the Branches, and not the Branches to the Roots. When it once comes into the Branches, it is converted into Wood, Bark, Leaves, Fruits, &c. Whence is all that great Bulk and Body which we see a Tree arise to in a few years; if Sap should descend one while, as it ascends another, it would follow, that as a Tree increaseth by ascen­sion of Sap, so it would descrease by its descen­sion.

This may be more clear if we consider the cause why Sap in trees stirs and ascends, and also why it riseth not after such a time to make any growth. When the Sun in the Spring of the year by degrees drawes nearer to us, then Sap in Trees begins (by its heat and influence) to move, to swell, and open the Buds, and to cause the bran­ches to shoot forth, which increase by it all the Summer: and as the Sun (by de­grees) draws nearer, and grows hotter, so the Sap (by degrees) increaseth, and ri­seth more plentifully, and when the Sun is nearest, then Trees are fullest of Sap.

Now observe, as by the vicinity and nearness of the Sun (which is by degrees) the sap is increased by degrees, so likewise by the Sunnes remoteness and absence, [Page 195] (which is also by degrees) in his going back again; the Sap is also diminished by degrees, that is, ascending less and less in quantity, until the Sun be gone so far from us, and the heat and influence of it be so weak, that it works not to cause sap to rise up, whereby the branches may increase any longer, and then the Branches and Buds of Trees are all at a stand, and grow no more until the next Spring. And at that time the leaves loose their beauty, and fall off, because Sap riseth not up suffi­cient to feed them any longer, but onely so much as to preserve life in the Tree.

The second Argument. There is no cause to produce such an effect.

I would fain know (of those who hold descention of Sap) what should cause it to descend, for, Nullus effectus datur sine causa: there can be no effect without a cause; they cannot say that as heat causeth it to ascend, so cold causeth it to descend: Cold never causeth sap to stir, but to stand or move slowly. Cold is of a condensing nature, and does constipate, and fix rare & fluid bodies; if cold should cause sap to descend, then as the cold increaseth, sap would descend more & more in quantity; as on the contrary, [Page 196] as heat increaseth in the Spring and Som­mer, the sap in Trees also increaseth in quantity; and if so, what would become of the Trees? But if sap of its own na­ture would descend, yet there is none in the Branches at that season of the year, that they can spare, but all that has ascended in the Sommer, is converted into the sub­stance of the Tree, its Leaves, and Fruits.

Concerning that Objection that is made against this, and brought as an Ar­gument that sap descends, viz. That if we disbarke a bough or branch when sap is up, an inch round about, and lay, and keep up mould about the disbarked place, there will be small Roots in the upper part of the place so disbarked, which (say they) are caused by the descension of Sap out of the bough to that part.

To this I Answer, That such Roots are not made by any descension of Sap, but by the ascension of Sap; for sap ascends up into such a bough, notwithstanding the disbarked part, through the pith and pores of the wood, though in smaller quantity then it would do if the bark were on. This is plain, because such a bough does grow and shoot forth, and bear fruit after dis­barking, which could not be, but by the rising up of Sap. Now I say, sap in its ri­sing [Page 197] up, some part of it is pendulous about that place, and does somewhat hang or rest at the upper part of the disbarked place, in the very edge of the bark; having recourse to this Sap has recourse to this part especially, be­cause it is wounded: as blood and humours in the body, flie to the part that is cut or hurt, to succour it, and so do abound there. This is so by the Law of Nature, as well in Trees, as other Creatures. wound­ed part, in greater quantity then to any other part, and so by reason of the Earth, and moisture about it, breaks forth into some small Roots in some kinds of Trees, or into some roughness, and small knubs like Roots, but this cannot be caused by descension of Sap, if any were: for such as hold descension of Sap, pretend not to it until Autu [...]e, or about the end of Sep­tember; Now these Roots are made long before that time, in Upon Midsommer day I have taken off the earth, and looked upon the place disbarked, and Roots were come out well nigh an inch long. Sommer, by the ri­sing up of Sap, as was said, (especially if the bough be disbarked in May.) Can the effect be before the Cause? can Roots be made in Sommer, by Sap that de­scends in Autumne? if any such thing were; so that this Argument for descension of Sap, is of no weight, but is weak and childish.

The third Argument against descension, and also Circulation of Sap: It is contrary to its Nature.

As concerning Circulation of sap in Som­mer, which some also hold; I apprehend no more ground for that, then for descen­sion in Autumne? For as there is no cause to work such an effect, so neither is it na­tural to sap to have such a motion of it self. For, sap riseth in Plants [...]n some sort like a thin airy vapour from some moist substance partly caused by the heat of the Sun:Deut. 33.14. Preti­ous fruits brought forth by the Sun. the Sun is the efficient cause of the rising up of Sap, though also (and principally) the ve­getative spirit (excited by th [...] [...]un) carries it up, and disperseth it to all the parts for nourishment and growth:) Now, we know there is no descending of Vapors, in the same manner as they ascended. Vapors come not down again to the Earth, until they be condensed, and thickned into Rain, Snow, Hail, &c. When they are become a ponderous and weighty substance, then they naturally tend downwards, not whil'st they are a leight airy substance: so is it concer­ning Sap in Trees, it ascends (partly by at­traction of the Sun, and partly by the Na­tive spirit) as a thin airy substance, subtile, [Page 199] light spirituous, as well through the pores of the wood, as between the bark and the wood, where it rises more plentifully, and is more condensed. Now, while it is thus light and vaporous, it can neither descend nor Circulate, for every leight body, (as flame, aire, smoak, vapors, &c. ascends up­wards, (omne leve sursum) and cannot de­scend or fall downwards, no more then an heavy thing (as such) can rise or ascend up­wards by its own natural motion. Indeed when sap is turned into wood, leaves, buds, blossomes and fruits, these things have some ponderosity or we [...]ght in them, and so natu­rally discend, Omne grave deorsum, As aire and vapors, being condensed, and become water in the Clouds, do naturally fall down­wards; but whatsoever is a thin, aerious, light body, ascends upwards, and cannot (as such) neither descend nor See Mr. Grbr. Plats hidden treasure, p. 78. wher [...] he asserts, That all Trees, Plants, and Fruits, are made of Vapors con­densed. circulate, and such a substance is Sap in Trees.

Fourthly, The Appetite of the Spirit in all Vegetables is upwards.

There is an innate spirit in Trees and all Vegetables, 4 Argument against de­scention & Ci [...]culation of Sap. (which some call the Soul of Plants) yea, in all bodies animate and in­animate; this Sir Fran. Bacon hath abun­dantly set forth: This Spirit (as he [Page 200] shews) is (as it were) a compound of flame and aire, is of a flammeous and aerious Na­ture. Now, this being the Vehicle or means of conveyance of the Sap unto all the parts of the Tree, (every Twig and bud of it) its appetite is upwards, because it is a light body, and all light things natu­rally ascend upwards, Nat. Hist. p. 26.1 6. & Hist. of L. & d. p. 387. as was said, and not downwards, unless it be to observe a Law in Nature in avoiding a Vacuum at any time. The greater quantity of Spirit there is in any creature, the leighter it is, either ani­mate, or inanimate, especially if it be the lively spirit. If it be said this spirit in Trees exerts it self downwards in the Roots, as well as upwards, it is true, so much▪ and so farre as is necessary to make a foundation to sup­port the body and branches, and to draw nourishment for feeding & increase there­of, which it doth but only in a subserviency to the body and branches, and though the Roots spread wide, yet depth is but little to the height of a Tree; the Roots spread, and run as near the superficies and top of the Earth, as may be, as having still an appetite upwards, as near the Sun as may be; and all the sap and moisture which this spirit car­ries upwards, (which is by far the greatest part) it never carries down again; being against its nature to descend, as it is a leight body.

The Fifth Argument.

And further as another Argument from Experience, and that which is obvious to our very sence; we see, and know, that when we bend down a bough of a Tree upon a wall, towards the ground, to cause it to grow and spread as near the bottome of the wall as may be, we find (I say) how poorly such boughs do grow, shooting forth but a very little, and sometimes a part dies, and some­times all; and this shews its against the Na­ture of Sap to descend or circulate; for o­therwise why are not such boughs (so ben­ded downwards) as plentifully fed with sap as those that grow straight up, or straight out, and not so much bowed as the other: so it is in plasht hedges, if boughs be laid too low, they die, or grow poorly; but we see the Sap presses upwards, with vi­gor and violence; the boughs and bran­ches that grow upwards, shoot forth strongly, and are full fed, but such as bow down low, are almost starved: so that its plain, its as much against the nature of Sap to descend, or to circulate, as it is for water to ascend; which yet we know by Art, may be made to ascend in Pipes, from below, as high as the fountaine or spring, [Page 202] but no higher; for its natural motion is to descend; so sap, though its natural motion be upwards, yet by Art, (being ascended up into a branch) it may be somewhat forced downwards, and yet very hardly, slowly, and weakly, although to the nou­rishment & keeping life in any of its parts, or branches so bowed down, which plainly shews how much against its nature this motion of descension, or that of Circulati­on is.

The Sixth Argument against descention of Sap.

And lastly, to prove this more fully and clearly by a plain undeniable Argument. If there be a continual ascension of Sap in Trees, then there is no descention, but there is a continual ascension, therefore no descen­sion.

To prove the Minor Proposition: That there is a continual ascension of sap in Trees ▪

The Sun and Aire continually draw sap and moisture out of Trees and other Vege­tables, Nat. Hist. & Hist. of L. and D. as the Lord Bacon and others con­clude, and as may be made appear by rea­son and experience: We know, if Bran­ches and Twigs of Trees, being cut off, and laid aside in the Sun and Aire but a [Page 203] few dayes, they will be contracted and wrinckled; the aire draws out the Sap and moisture, and such having no supply of sap from the Root, they quickly wi­ther. Now, know also, that the sun and aire have the same operation upon the li­ [...]ing Branches and Twigs; drawing sap and moisture continually out of them likewise, but they are not contracted and wrinkled as the other, because there is a continual supply of Sap from the Root, as well in Winter as in Sommer, which keeps them in their full dimensions without wrinkling or contracting.

Further observe, to prove this. If we remove Plants in September, or about that time, (the pretended season of descention of Sap) and let them lie out of the earth a day or two, we shall find, that the Sun and Aire will (in that short time) have rockt and drawn out sap and moisture from the branches, so that they will be appa­rently shrunk and contracted. (I have seen some branches so much wrinkled, that I questioned whether they were dead or a­live.) But after the Plants have been set certain days, so much sap will be ascended, [...]u will again have filled up the wrinkled or contracted bark, so that it is evident and apparent hereby, that some small quantity [Page 204] of sap hath (even then) ascended into the branches since their setting; and if so, th [...] it's clear there's no decension of sap: for c [...] any thing move contrary ways at one lime. And if we graft in November and December as I have done with good success (the very dead time of Winter) the grafts have some small supply of sap even then, else the Sun and Aire would spoyle them, by daily suc­king out their moisture, were there not supply of Sap from the Root, sufficient t [...] keep them alive until the spring. It's mani­fest then from what hath been said, that s [...] in Trees ascends as well in Autumn and Win­ter, as in Sommer, so much as to preserve life in Trees, by supplying what is extract [...] by the Sun and Aire: so that upon this also it may be concluded there is no descention of sap; unless men will hold that a thin [...] may move several ways, upwards and down­wards, at one and the same time, which i [...] a contradiction, and impossible in nature.

Thus much concerning the three sorts of Errors in the Theory of this Art.

First, Instructions hurtful and dangerous.

Secondly, Instructions for effecting some­things impossible to be effected by the mean prescribed, and others impossible to be effected by any means.

Thirdly, Assigning wrong Causes to effects [Page 205] will now discover some Errors that I find in the practise of this Art of Planting Fruit-trees, that they may be avoided.

One Error in Practise, is this.

Planting Trees too near together:Planting Trees too near toge­ther. This is a great and general Error, many think the more Trees they have, the more fruit: but a few having room enough to spread, will bear more fruits then many crouded [...]e upon another, as the custome is, and fruits will also be better when the Sunne may come round about the Trees. I ac­count 8 or 10 yards a competent distance for Apple-trees and Pear-trees upon ordi­nary soyle, but if the ground be special good, then give them the more room; for standard Cherry trees, Plum-trees, and such like, 5 or 6 yards is a convenient distance.

Another Error is this.

Many Plant Fruit trees unfit for the Coun­try where they Plant them:Planting Trees unfit for the Country. Their care is chiefly to chuse grafts of the best kinds, and fair Plants to look upon, not considering so much, whether such kinds will prosper, [Page 206] and bear fruits well in those Clymates, and places where they plant them. And hence it is often, that many who have faire and goodly fruit-trees, have very little fruit from them. It is an excellent rule to chuse those kinds of fruits, which we (or others) find by many years experience, to be good bearing Trees in those parts nearest to us [...] although the fruits be not altogether so good as some others.

This is another Error.

Chusing the greatest Trees.Many men when they procure Fruit-trees to plant an Orchard, they (most commonly) desire the greatest and fairest Plants, hoping such will be Trees the soon­est; whereas great Trees many of them die, and others live very poorly, but small Plants removed, live generally, and thrive more in two or three years, then great ones in six or seven; for removing great Trees is a very great check to nature, such as many times its not able to recover.

Another Error in practise is this.

Setting trees with­out disbran [...] ­ing.Men generally leave too many branches on the Trees they Plant, and will by no means have Branches cut off, whereas for want of [Page 207] disbranching Trees, they loose branches, body, roots, and all. If they will Plant great Trees, they must disbranch them, small ones need not, or very little.

Another is this.

For the most part men neglect to Plant their young Trees in as good or better soyle, Planting Trees in worse mould. then that from which they are removed. They fetch them from Nurseries about London, (which are generally of very (fer­til soyle) and plant them (it may be) in or­dinary or poor soyle, and thence it is that many of them die, or grow weakly: Whereas they ought to lay special soyle (the best they can get) next to the Roots, which having taken hold, and being well rooted in the ground, they will by de­grees, thrust their roots, and grow well in that which is worse.

Another is this.

Some in Grafting,Setting Grafts and stock smoth on the out-side. take care to set the Graft and Stock even and smooth on the out­side, not considering that the bark of the stocks are (for the most part) thicker then the bark of the grafts. Whereas they ought to take special care to set the inner­sides [Page 208] of the Barks together, (which is the chiefest Rule in Grafting) because there is the chief current of the Sap.

Another Error is this.

Grafting long, or for­ked Grafts. Grafting long or forked Grafts: com­monly, the longer grafts are, the less they grow; and the shorter they are cut, the longer they grow in a year. As for fork­ed Grafts, either they take not, or else grow but poorly.

Another is this.

Suffering Fruit-trees to grow like Timber trees.Many let their Fruit-trees grow straight up very high, before they spread into boughs, and they are rather like Timber-trees for building, then Fruit-trees for bearing Fruits.

Whereas they ought to cut off the Top while the Plant is young, about an Ell, or a yard and half from the ground, that so the Plant may spread and enlarge it self: and one Tree well ordered in this respect for spreading, will have as many small boughs (and consequently will bear as much fruit) as three or four (it may be) of such Trees as runne spiring up a great height without spreading.

Another Error is this.

Some give too much nourishment to some Fruit-trees, Giving too much nou­rishment to fruit-trees. Letting some fat water (it may be) run to the Roots, or lie too near them, or else by powring, or laying some fertil substance to their Roots, when there is (sometimes) more need to deprive them of their too fat feeding, which causeth them to luxuriate, and spend their strength in great and large shoots, and broad leaves and blossomes, and leave off bearing fruits: Nourishment to Fruit-trees ought to be moderate, as to other creatures.

Another Error in practise, is this.

Many in pruning Aprecot-trees, Pruning off too many shoots from Wal-trees. and o­ther Wall-trees, they prune off most of the fresh young branches of the last years shoot, and preserve the old and big branches, suf­fering them to run up a great part of the wall without, or with very few small twigs or branches. Whereas they should still from year to year, preserve the small shoots, nailing them up to the wall yearly, (all or most) from the lowest part of the Tree to the top, and leave no part of the wall void of branches; and cause the [Page 210] branches to spread along the sides of the wall both ways, and not suffer them to run upwards too much.

Another Error amongst some, is this.

Grafting seed Plants before re­moving.They Graft young Plants that came of seed, in the place where they were sowed, (be­fore they have been removed, whereby they would get good Roots.) And hence it follows, That such thrust down a single Root, or two (commonly) into Clay, Gra­vel or moist ground, &c. which root or roots, draw bad nourishment below the good soyle, and thereby hurt the Trees and Fruits, and in case any of them be re­moved afterwards (being grafted) they want good Roots, for that they were never removed, being young, to get good Roots. See how to order them, pag. 83.

Another is this.

Not Pru­ning the Roots of Plants.Some also when they Transplant young Trees, they usuall set them with all their Roots, whereas the Roots of all Trees Transplanted, ought to be pruned. See how pag. 83.

Another Error is this.

Many break off all the Buds upon the stocks that are engrafted,Breaking off Buds be­fore Grafts grow. before the grafts put forth, which endangers both Stock and Graft. For Buds upon the stocks should be let alone, all or most, until the Grafts have put forth, and be able to draw up sap, and then break off all the buds below the Grafts, that they may have all the sap.

Another Error in practise is this.

Many when they Graft great Trees (which are unfruitful,Grafting great bodies of Trees. or bear bad fruits) they graft upon their bodies round about, between the bark and the wood. Now Trees thus grafted, will not of many years, (and some never) cover the head in the grafted place, but water gets in and rots the Tree, whereas its much better to graft the small branches, or if those be too high, then to cut off the body two yards high slopewise, and to cut it smooth, that no rain or wet may rest on the head, and the next year after to graft the small shoots, which will in a few years be a large head again.

What Situation is best for an Orchard.

Concerning the Site, or Situation of an Orchard, or Garden of Fruit-trees; the best and fittest situation is upon a ground some­what shelving or declining upon the South-East Sun; for as the South-side is the warmest and hottest, so also it is obser­ved by Experience, that the Morning or East Sun, is better then the West Sun: it does cherish and ripen fruits sooner then the Afternoon Sun, though that be good also: And if the ground somewhat shelve, or hang towards the South-East, it has an advantage of level or plain ground (though that be good too:) for the Sun-beames are more direct, and so more strong upon such a ground, then upon a level: such a ground is fitted to the Aspect of the Sun: which is, Coelum cum terra maritare, vel societatem perquirere coeli & terre ad arbo­res: Bapt. Port. Li. 1. p. 16. To Marry Heaven and Earth together, or to obtain a mutual Society of Heaven and Earth for the benefit of Fruit-trees.

What Soyle is best for an Orchard.

As for the soyle of an Orchard, the best is a deep sound land, either a black, or [Page 214] brown mould, if with a mixture of sand so much the better: In such ground, so ly­ing as before, Fruit-trees will attain to a very great bigness, and consequently will last much longer then the same kinds of Trees, upon a shallow gravelly ground; or upon a clay, cold, or wet ground. Fruit-trees where they grow upon a warm ground, and upon the South-East Sunne, as the Trees grow great, and live-long, so also the fruit is greater and better, and much more in quantity, then upon poor, gravel, wet, cold, or clay grounds.

Howsoever, men that have not the best, must be content to Plant upon what they have, and endeavour to amend it as they can:

Cold and moist ground.

Grounds that are overmoist and cold, must be not onely trenched in several places, to draw the water into the Trenches from the Roots of the Trees; but also it will be convenient to mix sand, ashes, or such like hot and dry soyls with such ground: if these or some such means be not used, the Roots of the Trees (upon this kind of ground) will be chil'd, and lie cold, and cause the Trees to be Mossy, and the fruit to be more spongy and waterish; not so good tasted [Page 215] Fruit, as if the Trees grew upon warmer and dryer ground.

Hot and dry grounds.

Fruit-trees upon hot, dry, sandy, shallow grounds, have need of some current of wa­ter now and then, to runne over such grounds, if it be possible to have it so; or else paines must be taken to bring water some other way: water out of Pools, or Ponds, that runs from dunghills, is special good for this purpose, which does not only moisten, but makes the ground fertil also.

Cold Clay grounds.

If the Land whereon Fruit-trees are, or shall be planted, be Clay grounds, a shallow crust of indifferent good soyle (it may be) on the top, and Clay, barren soyle under­neath (as is often seen) then there is need of some Composts of contrary natures to be mixt among, with this stiff, cold, barren ground; as Sand, Ashes of all kinds, a con­venient quantity of Lime, Cbalk, or any thing that is of an hot and opening nature: Yea, and let men do what they can to mend this kind of land, yet the Trees will still be mossy, and but small Trees, in comparison [Page 216] of the same kind of Trees, upon good, sound, deep, fertil soyle.

Stony gravel ground.

As for gravel grounds, they are as bad as any, in some respects; for a tree cannot root to any great bigness in such grounds; and if muck, and other soyles, be laid to the Trees, the Gravel will eat it up, and turn it into its own nature in certain years. But if the ground be but somewhat stony, with a mixture of Mould between and a­mong the stones, the fruit-trees will root indifferent well in such grounds; all that can well be done, is to dig up, and loosen the stones as much as may be, and to pick out some of the biggest, and cast in some good soyles in their sted.

Low bottome grounds.

Land that lies below, towards the bot­tome of the Hill, or near a River, which sometimes over-flowes; This generally is exceeding good for fruit-trees; it hath many advantages of some other grounds; for it not only keeps and retains what rain and moisture falls upon it from the Clouds, but also moisture descends from the higher [Page 217] grounds to these, and withal, if the River overflow, it adds much to the fatness of the ground: But yet this is to be considered, That land may have overmuch moisture (as before is observed) That is, when it stands, and rests all the year long in, and upon the ground, as some wall springs, and boggy low grounds, where the superfluity of water cannot descend from it to any other place, but where much water comes, and rests for a certaine time only; and then the su­perfluity runnes off, and leaves onely the strength & fatness of the water behind, there the land is good and fertil: and fruit-trees will grow large there, and the fruit great.

Concerning shelters or defences for Or­chards and Gardens.

ALthough it be not absolutely neces­sary that fruit-trees be sheltred, or de­fended from the cold North, East and West winds, yet it will be very convenient and profitable so to do, as much as may be; for we know, and see by yearly experience, how dangerous the East, or North [...]east winds (e­specially) are in the spring time, as in bligh­ting and spoyling of blossomes, fruits, and [Page 218] sometimes the very boughs, branches, and the Trees themselves.

And the West winds are commonly strong towards Autumne, and throw down abun­dance of Fruits, when ripe, or near ripe, wherein is losse: so that if the Or­chard be planted where it may have Hills, Houses, or such like, to burrow, or shelter it from the North, East, and West-winds, it will be a special advantage to it.

Walnut-trees good shelters for Orchards.

But if there be no such shelters, it will be very profitable to Plant Walnut-trees, (or some other kinds of Trees that natu­rally grow great and high (upon these three sides of the Orchard. The Walnut-tree is profitable very many ways, not only as to shade and shelter, but also the wood is of manifold use, and much dearer then Oak, Ash, Elm, or such like: the Fruit The fruit is accounted a special remedy against Poyson and Pestilence: Avicen says, Lib. 2. Can. C. 501. Iuglans ficubus & R [...]ta Medicina omni­bus venenis. Walnuts with Figs and R [...]e, is a medi­cine against all poyson. is use­ful and profitable, both green and ripe; so the leaves, bark, juice, &c. in many Physical re­spects. Mr. Parkinson sayes, the profit of Walnut-trees is infinite.

It is a good encourage­ment to Plant these trees also, [Page 219] because (as they are so many wayes pro­profitable, so also) they endure exceeding long, and will prosper well almost in any kind of soyle, or in any Country: this was observed long since, Bap. Port. says, in for­mer times, it was accounted an excellent, and singular Fruit-tree: Iuglandes egre­giam existimarent. L. 2. de Arb. Nat. Pag. 248. And Cressentius gives a good encouragement to Plant this tree: H [...]c arbor nullum recusat aerem, neque genus terr [...]; (he says) This Tree refuseth no kind of aire nor earth.

Now, seeing it prospers well in all pla­ces, and is so many ways profitable above many other kinds of Trees, and so fit and proper for the sheltring of the Orchard, in regard of the exceeding great height and bigness that these Trees attain, and the long time that they last, let there be (therefore) many of them planted with­out the Orchard to shelter it, as before is said, so many as may be convenient for that purpose.

Set many of the best thin-sheld Nuts in the Nursery, when they are fully ripe, and preserve them there three or four years, until they be a competent bigness to re­move for this purpose: if they be set with the green husk on, it is so much the bet­ter to preserve them from worms, &c.

Quantity of grounds for an Orchard.

Having considered of, and found out fit place for an Orchard, in respect of th [...] lying of the ground, soyle, and shelters for it the next thing is to designe the Quantity And herein let not men be niggards to themselves▪ their posterity, and the Common [...] weal, in allotting a small quantity, Whe [...] they may take much: For the Fruit trees will yield (after certain years) many time [...] more profit, then the Corne or Grass of so much land: Especially if converted into Cider and Perry. Of the Profits of Fruit-trees; see Mr. Blith, his Improver Improved, pag. 262, 263, &c. Where he shews Land may be improved, by Planting 8 or 10 times the value, and more.

Such as begin soonest will have most profit.

And they that begin, and first set on this work of planting large Orchards, and fruit-trees in the fields and hedges, will have not onely the speediest, but the greatest profit: because now, as yet, there are but few, or no great Orchards in some Countries; and while so great a commodity is in the hands of a few men, it will be exceeding advantagious [Page 221] [...] them; but when it is more common, [...]e advantage will be less. Therefore, if [...]en be but willing to make 20 l. worth [...]0 l. or 50 l; or to make 100 l. a year, [...]orth 2, or 3, or more, this is the way, [...]ith little labour and charge.

Great Profits, with little Cost or Pains.

What work is of so much profit, with so [...]tle cost and pains? Corn and Cattle must have renewed charges and labours every [...]ear: But as for planting Fruit-trees, there [...]he charge is at the first, and little or no­ [...]hing ever after, and the profit still increas­ [...]ng more and more for many years.

Fruit-trees have an advantage, and ex­cellency above other Commodities, which (for the most part) are best at first, and worse and worse, till nothing worth: (As Meat, Drink, Apparel, &c.) but Fruit trees increase in worth and goodness; are least and worst at first, and of the mending and in­creasing hand for many Years or Ages.

Orchard and Garden on the South-side.

In Planting the Orchard let it be on the South-side the house, rather then on any other side; the house will be a shelter to it [Page 222] from the North; and beside, into the South is the sweetest and most pleasan [...] prospect, and much the better for the Or [...]chard: And if it may be (as in some pla­ces it may) plant Fruit-trees round abou [...] the house.

Build the House in the midst of the Orchard.

Men that are to build the house, as wel [...] as to plant the Orchard, were best to build the house in the midst of the Orchard▪ and so they may live in a sweet, perfumed, wholsome Aire, all their days, which will not be a little conducing to health and long life; besides all the pleasure and delight superadded.

Sweet fresh Aire, conduceth to health and long life, more then diet, as an Au­thour of great esteem affirmeth. How healthful it is to live in a sweet fresh Aire; not onely learned and judicious men tell us, but also Experience. Of this, see Lord Bac. Hist. L. D. pag. 207.208. Nat. hist. Cent. 6. pag. 210. Cent. 6. pag. 136. Nat. hist. Cent. 4. pag. 102. and divers o­ther places: so also a whole Colledge of Physitians: See Scho. Sal. pag. 51.

Many stocks of Bees may be kept in a great Orchard.

Now, besides all the profit and plea­sure that may be made of an Orchard in an ordinary way, by Cider, Perry, sale of the fruits, and use of them all the year in the house: there may be another profit made of them, by the labour of the industrious Bees, which may be kept in or about the Orchard, which will gather store of Hony all the blossoming time from the fruit-trees, and the more, and sooner, because they (In such a place) need not labour far for Honey, as having it near hand: I have read of an eminent Bee-master, who yearly, set many stocks of Bees by, or in a great Field of Pease and Beans in blooming-time, out of which the Bees did store, and fill their Hives with Hony in a very short time, as having it so near at hand; the like they will do in an Orchard, or Garden of Fruit-trees, having great store of provision ready at hand in an Orchard. Also, unto all this provision for Bees, Ciccamore-trees may be planted, on the North, East, and West of the Orchard; and Sallies, Withies, &c. which bear Palms early: all these yield abun­dance of provision for Bees: Now, the [Page 224] nearer they have their hony and wax, the earlier and oftner they will swarm.

Plant Fruit-trees in the Fields and Hedges.

As much profit may be made of Fruit-trees in Orchards and Gardens, so also by planting Fruit-trees in the f [...]elds and hedges of inclosed grounds: multitudes of Fruit-trees may be planted abroad in the fields and hedges, whereof great profit may be made, and yet without any considerable hindrance in any other respect, either of Corne, Hay, or Pasture; so that men may have a double or treble profit (or more) by this means, to what otherwise they have; after one Harvest is over, they may have a second, and that as great, or great­er then the first; perhaps twice or thrice as good: That this may be, it is to be considered what Trees are fittest to be plan­ted there, and in what manner.

Observe right kinds.

As to the kinds of Trees fit for flelds and hedges; it will be best, especially now at first (until there be more store of fruits) to plant the courser and harder kinds of fruits, that so people may not be eager of them to steal them.

The courser fruits very profitable.

There are many kinds of Fruits very course and hard at first gathering, which yet are exceeding useful and profitable, e­specially for Cider and Perry; some wild hard Peares, (as Mr. Parkinson observes) though no one will touch them to eat, yet they will make exceeding good Perry, scarce to be discerned from Wine, when it hath lien divers years, and is throughly ripened; and so of divers kinds of wild hard Apples.

Let such therefore be planted in the hedges, on purpose for Cider and Perry.

Plant high Trees in Fields.

And as the kinds are to be thus obser­ved, so also the substance and bigness of them: such Trees should be larger then ordinary, two yards high, or more at first planting, that so they may spread high, out of the reach of Cattle, and may not be troublesome to workmen about Hay and Corn in sommer time.

Defend them from spoyle.

Such being Planted, must have two or three stakes set about each of them; to pre­serve them from the rubbing of the Cattle, and other annoyances; or else must have a small hedge of Thorns round about them, for some years at the first planting.

Manner of Planting in the Fields.

Fruit-trees in the fields, should be Plan­ted a large distance asunder, not onely be­cause this course will take up multitudes; but also (and chiefly) in regard they may not overmuch shade the Land whereon they are Planted, so as to prejudice Hay and Corne, Pasture, or other profits to be made thereof; so that these Trees should be planted 30 or 40 yards in distance, e­specially those in the middle of the fields, and also in Roes or Ranks throughout, that so the Plough may continue a straight fur­row all along, from one end to the other; as we see in Herefordshire, Kent, and other Fruit [...]Countries; and Trees so planted (as we see by experience) will grow exceeding large, as great as three or four, or more of those that grow near together in Or­chards.

Shade and droppings, no considerable prejudice.

If it be objected; That Fruit-trees so planted, will spoyle much Corne and Grass under and about them, by their droppings and shade: It is answered, that it hath been observed, that good Corn hath grown very near the roots of such Trees, almost as good as any where in the field, where no Trees are: and grass as much, or more under Trees, as where none are, although (perhaps) not altogether so sweet. Mr. Blith doth affirm it plainly, that fruit-trees regularly planted, do advantage the ground, even in respect of grass: See pag. 262. of the Improver Improved. And al­though it were granted, that neither Grass nor Corn would (at all) grow under fruit-trees; yet how weak an objection is this, when the profits by the Trees may be an hundred, or perhaps two hundred fold, to what can be expected (rationally) upon such a quantity of Land (as they shade) in Corn or Grass.

Profit of Fruit-trees by Cider and Perry.

Multitudes of Fruit-trees planted in Or­chards and Gardens, and in the Fields, and [Page 228] bringing forth much fruit, the next thing is to make use of them to the best advan­tage; which is by Cider and Perry; espe­cially by Cider. Men may not onely store themselves for their own use in their Fa­milies, all the year, but also much for sale: they may sell the fruits to those who con­vert them into Cider for advantage.

Cider more healthy then other Liquors.

Cider is more conducing to health and long-life, then Beer and Ale, (though these are also good Liquors, especially for some persons) for Cider is a clear Liquor with­out dregs, and doth not onely not leave any dregs in the body of its own substance, but it hath a property to cleanse the body, and open obstructions carry down super­fluities and hurtful humours in the body, which other Liquors and Meats have in­gendred and left in the body, which are as the Seeds of many distempers and diseases.

Long Experience, proves the healthful­ness of Cider.

That it is very much conducing to health and long-life, (besides the Judgement of learned Physitians) Experience doth fully prove it in those places where it is much [Page 229] used: The story of a Rich Landlord, who would never let leases for lives to any that were Cider drinkers, is somewhat to the purpose: he concluded such were like to live too long, so was not willing to med­dle with them upon such terms.

Mason Rust. says, that a famous Physitian in his time, was not content to equal Cider and Perry, with Wine of Grapes, but pre­ferred them before it in every things.

In Normandy, Legacy of Husbandry pag. 19. there is abundance of Cider and Perry, where they esteem of it equal to Wine.

Windiness of Cider, only at first▪

As to the windiness that some finde in drinking this Liquor, that is found to be only at first, until the body be used to it, after a time that ceaseth▪ An Authour of good credit sayes, that Beer and Ale have the like operation to those who have not been accustomed to them, which after­wards ceaseth: we know Tobacco will make a man dizze, and somewhat di­stempered at the first taking, to one who hath not been used to it, but af­terwards no such thing: so also in re­spect of Cider.

Cider of some Apples is Cordial.

But especially it will be less windy, and much more pleasant, healthful, and cordial, if it be made of the best kinds of Fruits: Physitians ascribe some degree of heat to some Apples, Galen. de Aliment. facul. l. 2. pag. 20. In Com pr. Li. Dioscor. as Pearmains, and some kinds of Pippins. Matth. says, they are Cordial to persons in hot diseases: Calidis cordis af­fectibus succurrunt.

Pearmains, Pippins, Moyles, Redstreaks, best for Cider.

Therefore, let the greatest number of Fruit-trees, not only in the Orchards, but also in the Fields, be of Pearmains, Pippins, Gennet-moyles, Redstreaks, and such kinds as are known by much experience, to be s [...]ecial good for Cider, and then the hedges and outmost bounds, may be of some cour­ser and harder kinds, which also will make good Cider. Cider of the best Fruits, is not only healthful, but very cordial, is found to refresh the heart, and exhilerate and chear the spirits, is special good against Melancholly distempers, against the stone, and straight passage of the water, carrying down gravel, and clearing obstructions in [Page 231] the body: it cleanses the stomack, and pro­cures a good appetite to meat, and makes a good digestion; which is fundamental to health and long-life.

Apprehensions of Good, makes men seek after it.

Were men but acquainted with the benefits and advantages of this Liquor, they would labour more for it: But we know, bonum non desideratur, nisi cognitum: Men can never desire a thing, unless first they know it, or have some apprehensions of the good of it.

Health and long-life.

Health, and long-life, are two of the greatest earthly blessings that all the world looks after; and what will they not do, or give, for the attaining of them?

As Naaman [...] servant said to his Master, so it may be said here, if they should be required to do some great matter, for the attainment of health and long-life, would they not do it? Yea certainly, me thinks then they should not neglect such easie tearms as are here proposed, when once they know them. Now it is concluded, [Page 232] That exercise in the work of planting fruit-trees, with moderate use of Cider and Perry, are the most effectual Natural means for these ends. See at large pag. 40, 41, &c.

Riches and Profits.

But besides, many other profits and ad­vantages come by this labour in Planting fruit-tree, in sale of the fruit- [...]rees, cider, Per­ry, and other commodities in the Orchard all the year long; so that why may not this Art be called the Philosophers-stone, which, though it turn not common Mettals into Gold, The Philo­sophers stone yet it turns Trees and Fruits, yea, earth and dung into gold and silver in a cer­taine time? Many men have laboured ma­ny years, and spent much gold and silver in seeking the Philosophers-stone, that so they might have gold enough, but all to little purpose. I think they were best to make use of this, till they find out a better; this will help to bear charges in the seeking of it.

But though this Art be not the Philoso­phers-stone, yet it hath the properties of it, or some like it, if not above it; for is it not more to turn wood, earth, (and the like) into gold, than to turn Brass, Tin, and such mettals into gold, which have some likeness to it already?

Let Landlords and Tennants agree to Plant.

So then, Let men that have Lands, or any considerable Estate in them, be perswa­ded to improve them for their own and others advantage; and herein Landlords might greatly benefit themselves, their heirs, and successors, if they would encourage their If Landlords Covenant with their Tenants in their Lea­ses, to plant Trees, their livings will thereby be much im­proved in certaine years. Tenants to plant fruit Trees and other Trees upon their Lands, by assuring them, that so doing, they should enjoy the same so long, or have such other recompence, as might be a sufficient encouragement to them to labour there about; but when Tenants fear, and suspect that the more they labour herein, and improve their Livings by such means, the sooner they shall remove out of it, they have little reason to stirre a foot to­wards such a work.