Observations upon some part of Sir FRANCIS Bacon's natural HISTORY as it concerns, Fruit-trees, Fruits, and Flowers: especially the Fifth, Sixth, and seventh CENTURIES, Improving the Experiments mentioned, to the best Advantage.  
By RA: AUSTEN Practiser in the Art of Planting.  Gen: 2.8. 
And the Lord God planted a Garden Eastward in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed.  
And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food.  Gen: 1.29. 
And God said: behold I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the Earth: and every Tree, in which is the fruit of a tree bearing seed, to you it shall be for meat.  
OXFORD, Printed by Hen: Hall, for Thomas Robinson. 1658.   

To the honourable Robert Boyle Esq. son to the Lord Boyle Earl of Co●ke●  
Honoured SIR,  
THE Prophet David tells us, the works of the Lord are wonderful, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein: and he hath laid some of the secrets of Nature so deep, that no human understanding can fathom, or find them out: Yet nevertheless he gives wisdom unto man (who is studious thereabout) to discover multitudes of rare, and excellent things, for the use and comfort of mankind, that God in all things may be glorified.  
Every man hath a talon, (or more) given him, to improve, for the honour of him that gave it, and the advantage of himself, and others: and not to hide it, or lay it up in a Napkin, as very many slothful persons do, to their shame, and destruction: Especially of those who have the greatest portions, and Revenues in this world: and therefore think there's no need (nor reason) they should labour, either with body or mind: 
* Directions for walking with God; pag. 49.  But Mr Boulton (now in heaven) hath left a Lesson behind him for such to learn, He is (saith he) a cursed drone, a child of idleness, and sloth, the very tennis Ball of Temptation, most unworthy of the blessings, and benefits of human society, who doth not one way or other, cooperate, and contribute to the common good, with his best endeavours, in some honest particular calling, or course of life. It brings true honour to be instrumental for the honour of God, and good of others: we may take his word for it, who hath said, Them that honour me I will honour, but those that despise me, shall be lightly esteemed. All men desire a good name, which is no way attainable, but by obedience according to the Scriptures: the truest worth, and Nobility, is to be borne from above, to have Relations in Heaven, all earthly honour is but a shadow to it.  
Now I wish (for their good) such persons would look upon you, (worthy Sir) and set you as an Example, and pattern before them, of Learning, and studiousness, in all profitable knowledge, your diligent search, and indagation into the noble Art of chemistry, (as it relates to Vegetables, and Animals) having already produced many excellent effects, and been profitable unto many; your study also of other parts of Philosophy I doubt not but ●ill (in due time) b●ing forth special fruits; And tha● in par●icular about Fermentation, (and other wa●es of pr●paration) of liquours, more especially that of Cider, which you are now in hand with. It is well known, how acceptable, and profitable it is, and hath been, for many generations past, for the health of our bodies, abov● many (if not any) other kinds of liquours, known to us; Now in case it may be advanc●d, and made much better, by Fermentation, (as there is no doubt but it may) than it will be of more special and general use, than ever yet it hath been, if unto all this be added, vi●. to make it of those fruits w●ich are known by Experience to be the best for that purpose: The Learned, and incomparable Author Sr Francis Bacon hath left unto men such Rules, and helps in all kinds of Learning, that th●y will be much wanting to themselves, if Arts, and Sciences improve not, very much above what they have been in former ages; And as the foresaid worthy Author was eminently seen in all Arts and Sciences, so his delight was especially (as is recorded of him) in Vegetable Philosophy, which was as it were, his darling delight, having left unto us much upon Record in his natural H●story; some part whereof referring to F●uit-trees, Fruits, and Flowers, I have, (by encouragement from himself) endeavoured to improve unto public profit, according to what understanding, and experience I have therein: (I think it would not be in vain, if others who are seen, and experienced in other parts of the said History, would do the like) And seeing I perceive (since you have been pleased to honour me with your acquaintance) that your Genius is towards things of this nature, to promote them, in order to the Common good, and that I have encouragements in my labours thereabout, (both as to the Theory, and Practise) I humbly, present these following Observations into your hands, and am (for all your favours)  
(honoured Sir) your obliged servant RA: AUSTEN.   

To the Reader.  
COncerning my undertaking this ensuing work, I give this Account: It may (perhaps) by some be thought too bold an attemp in me, to examine the writings, and to recede (in any thing) from the judgement of so Eminent, and worthy an Author; To which I Answer: For what I have here done, I doubt not, but if the author himself were now living, he would approve of it: But more particularly, let it be considered that those things which I have to do with herein, are directly within the compass of my Calling, and course of life: about which I am daily conversant: And the Author hath given to myself, and others, sufficient encouragement in this: Having said (in his Advancement of Learning) That the writings of speculative men upon active matter, seems to men of Experience, to be but as dreams, and dotage: And that it were to be wished, (as that which would make Learning indeed solid, and fruitful) that active men would, or could become writers: Men that have Experience in things, are like to see in the Mysteries, and secrets of them, more, and further than such as have only Notions, and apprehensions of them without action, and practice, It is concluded, and laid for a ground: That, peritis credendum in sua Arte: Men are to give credit to Artists in their own faculty, And f●rther observe: That many of the ensuing particulars, are but only Queries, set down by the Author, wherein not having Experience, he desired further light from it: which I have ende●voured herein to resolve; And wherein I have perceived a manifest mistake● I have (for the truth's sake, and profit of men) discovered it. I hope, without any reflection upon the worthy, and Learn●d Author, who I verily believe, would have encouraged any Experienced man, in the like undertaking: not seeking himself, (as he 
* In his Epistle to his natural ●istory.  professeth) but the Truth, in these things, for the good of future Generatio●s.  
Let it be observed also, That the Experiments set down by the Author in his natural History, are of two sorts, as himself saith: Experimenta Fructifera, & Experimenta Lucifera: Experiments of Light, and Discovery, (such as serve for the illumination of the unde●standing, for the finding out, and discovering of natural things in their Cau●es, and ●ff●cts, that so A●ioms may be framed more soundly, and solidly) And also Experiments of use, and Profit, in the lives of men.  
Now the Observations upon these Experiments tend also to the s●me ends. I have endeavoured to improve them for most advantage, and therefore have so much enlarged, especially upon many of them, and where I have been more brief, and the thing required further Di●covery, I have referred to it, in my Treatise of Fruit-trees, where it is spoken to more fully.  
And that there may be a brief view of what is contained in the ens●ing Experiments, and Observations● I have set down the chief particulars, in the Table following, which I recommend to thy use, for thy profit,  
RA: Austen.   

Good Reader.  
THE Author of this piece has always thought fit (I disclaim any worth in me that may deserve it) to give me leave some time before every impression to make a judgement of what in this nature he has published.  
But now bearing Reverence to the greatness and Honour of the Person (without controversy for that constellation of Learning and Nobility in him none of the least credits of our Nation) with whom he is now seen, was desirous, that I should not only tell him (which at other times served the t●rne) but thee, and the World, my thoughts concerning this his adventure. Which are, that no man ought to judge him presumptuous in this particular, I take him to be such who has more mind to communicate to the World (for public profit) what he has found by trial certain, than to make a book● and indeed am Witn●sse myself to the truth of most of his Experiments, the subjects of which no man dares call too low for the p●n, that Remembers the Author whose writing fi●st gave occasion to th●se Animadversions.  
The Nature of things, C●use● of their generation, and of all appearing effect, in them, is confessed to be a dark theme, and for aught I know, many questions thereabouts are not likely to be concluded, especially to the conviction of gainsayers, till Anaxagoras, Epicurus, Aristotle rise again: A little time by God's providence I have been continued in the World, some small pittance of which has been laid out in that search: I dare not say that I have been ascertained of the adequate, and true causes, with their manner in Causation of any of those Vulg●r appearances which are in all men's Eyes, after the best state that I can make in this subject, Fortasse non, if opposed, may put me to a blanck● nor am I confident of any man's wisdom that concludes affirmatively more than this. That such an effect may proceed in such a manner from su●h a Cause: Sometimes in many opinions we have no probable causes assigned, but when many probable, than 'tis hard●st of all to prove which is true● This I sp●ak to tak● off the ●xceptions of such who are otherwise persuaded than our Author d●clares himself, when the qu●stion is concerning c●uses, as in the 481. Exp●riment: My Lord Bacon seems to maintain Anaxag●ras his opinion, concerning the way of generation, and augmentation per {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman}, Mr Austen A●istotles, I'll not be bound that in a severe judgement the M●ster of our schools shall have the sentence on his side: Yet we find few better Instances (th●n Mr Austen brings) to explain how out of one Nature (if ind●ed there ●e but one) in the j●yce drawn through the Roots to serve several grafts upon the same stock several natures may be made. Others may likely be ●ffended at his refusal to attribute many effects to the descension of Sap, which who ever d●es, I give him leave to blame me too; For I have long beli●ved the opinion of descension of Sap in Trees, a vulg●r Error, and h●ve always encourag●d him to publish his argum●nts to the contrary. There may be others ready to stumble at other things, but if it be in Matters wherein we are so much in the da●k●, by my consent for all mistakes we will interchangeably beg, and give pardon: his arguments to me are all ●sp●cially commendable in this, that they smell more of the garden than Library see pag. 100, 101, &c. of his Treatise of Fruit-trees.  
If therefore my judgement must be made, I can't but commend him heartily, and his ex●mple to all, exercised in any like ways, and doubt not but that it would be mightily to the advantage of knowledge in natural P●ilosophy, if even all to the Low●st of mechanics would communicate the m●steries of their Arts. Interest ind●ed hinders most, and ●o 'tis like ●o do; from maki●g any thing Valuable common. But 'tis heroical and N●ble Charity when there's nothing but self-interest hindering, to d●ny that for the public good: I believe the Author exp●cts to himself no a●tributes of so high Qualities. I wish he may always have his du● a● l●ast from  
(Good Reader) His and Thine to serve thee R. SHARROCK L. B. novi Coll: Soc:   

Observations upon some part of Sir FRAN: Bacon's natural HISTORY the V. CENTURY.  
We will now inquire of Plants, or Vegetables, And we shall do it with diligence. They are the principal part of the third day's work: They are the first Producat, which is the word of Animation; for the other words are but the words of Essence: And they are of excellent, and general use, for food, Medicine, and a number of mechanical Arts.  

Experiments in Consort touching the Acceleration of Germination.  
THere were sown in a Bed, 
Experiment. 401.  turnip-seed, wheat, cucumber-seed, and Pease: The Bed we call a Hot-bed: Horse-dung (such as will heat when laid together) laid a foot high, supported on the sides, and mould laid thereon two or three fingers deep. The turnip-seed and wheat, came up half an inch above ground, within two days after; the rest the third day: This is a noble Experiment, for without this they would have been four times as long in coming up. It may be tried also with Cherries, Strawberries, and other Fruits, which are dearest when they come early.  

Obse●vation.  Though a Hot-bed conduce much to the speedy springing up of Seeds, Stones, Roots &c. yet the end cannot be attained hereby: (they will not come to ripen●sse earlier th●n others for profit) unless there be a continuance, and concurrence of Causes, from fi●st to last, all alon●, without intermission: For the hasty, and sudden springing up of seed upon a Hot-b●d, is but a forcing of N●ture, for a little while, and serves to excite for the present, while the heat continues in it; but what shall carry on the springing, and growth of these things to pe●fection, when the heat of the Hot-bed is over: surely as the Cause of springing and growth becomes weaker, and weaker, until it cease altogether, so also will the ●ff●ct of that heat, that is, the growth of the Plants.  

Expe●iment. 402.  Steeping of wheat in fat waters, and other liquours, is a rich Exp●riment for profit, if the goodn●sse of the Crop answer the earliness of the coming up &c.  

Observation.  S●eeping of Seed●, Kernell●, Stones &c. is chiefly to excite the spi●it of the kernel, or seed, and to make them the sooner, and more easily to open, and spring up out of the E●rth; which some kinds have much need of: As Aprecots, Almonds, and other thick, hard stones.  
As for wheat, and such like seeds, sleeping will excite the spirits, and open the grosser parts, and hasten their springing up; But I conceive the vigour, and virtue (gotten by such steeping) will be soon gone, it will not be lasting, as the natural properties of the seed; Whatsoever is natural, in seeds, Plants &c. doth continue, and cannot fall off, or be lost; but that which is but accidental, and from Art, is but of short continuance, and soon over; (like the virtue of a Cup of wine, or a meal's meat, to our bodies) so that the end will not be attained, unless the same help be ●enewed, and often repe●ted, by wat●ing of such steeped seeds● with the same liquours, from time to time ●ntill they come to pe●fection.  
Strawberries watered now, 
Experiment. 403.  and then (as once in three days) with water wherein hath been steeped Sheeps-dung, or Pigeons-dung, will prevent, and come early.  
This is a good Experiment, 
Observation.  and profitable to make the B●rries earlier, and fairer, so it be seasonably, and moderately done● I conceive the morning is best, before the sun be hot; but water them not too often, nor too much, lest it make the ground too rank, and fat, which is not good for strawberries; it makes them commonly run into great leaves and strings, and to bear Fruits less.  
Dung, or chalk, or Blood, applied in substance, 
Experiment. 404.  (seasonably) to the Roots of Trees, doth s●t them forwards &c.  
Too great a quantity of these things, 
Observation.  will hurt, especially young Trees; as the best meats, and drinks immoderately, and unseasonably taken, hurt men: Blood, or Flesh, or the like, applied to the Roots of old Vines, or other Fruit-trees being decaying, or old, will refresh them greatly: Let this be done before winter, or in winter time, that the virtue thereof may soak into the Roots, and the earth about them, before the spring: And also that it may not be noisome, or offensive, in spring, or summer after: dig up the earth, and bare the Roots, as much as may be, and power in the Blood, or lay the Dung, Flesh, or any fat substance to the Roots, afterwards cover it with the mould, all over: Otherwise take a bar of Iron, and make many holes, among, and about the Roots of old Trees (especially where the ground i● bad) and power in Blood of Beasts, fat water, or such like; this will much refresh the Trees.  
Fruit-trees upon a South, 
Experiment. 405.  or southeast Wall, will bring forth their Fruits early.  
It is true● that the southwall is best, 
Observation.  and the southeast next● to plant choice trees upon, to come early; the reason why the West-wall is not so good as the East, for early budding, and ripening of fruits, I conceive is mainly, because there is usually more rain, and moisture, and greater and more winds out of the West, in spring and summer, than out of the East, which do much coo●e the trees and fr●its, and so retard. Also May-Cherry-trees, or other kinds which n●●urally bud, and bring fruits early, being plan●ed (as is here said) against the back of a Chimney where fire is much kept, the same will bud, and bear ve●y early in the year, especially if the wall be of Brick, and but a thin wall.  

Experiment. 406.  Digging, and loosening the earth about the Roots of trees accelerate germination.  

Observation.  This culture is undoubtedly a benefit to Trees, as to their increase, and growth: they will thrive the faster her●by; but I conceive not as to their early budding; for all trees bud forth before they draw one jot of S●p out of the earth: there is sap, existing in the buds and branches all the winter, which is excit●d by the sun's drawing near in the spring time, and breaketh forth into blossom, and leaf.  

Experiment. 407.  A Dama●ke Rose tree in water budded in the space of ten days in a Chamber.  

Observation.  I conceive this acceleration was not for that it was set in water, but because the air was somewhat warmer in the house, than out of doors at that season, it being in October; it would have done a● much if it had been set in earth: And as for the difference betwixt this, and that with the horse-dung mixed; it may be that Rose tree in water only had the better, and more Roots, which would certainly cause budding sooner.  

Experiment. 408.  A dutch Flower that had a bulbous root, was put under water; and within seven days sprouted &c.  

Observation.  I have tried several Flowers with bulbous Roots, and other kinds of Roots, in water, in the house, in autumn, which kept fresh, and seemed to come on somewhat for a while, but afterwards flaged, and faded; I know no advantage that may be had hereby at that season, for the air (in a while) grows chill, and cool, even within doors.  

Experiment. 409.  Radish &c. in a Month.  
Pease, Radish &c. are hastened in the spring, 
Observat●on.  and summer, and their returns quick, chiefly because ●hey are sowed, and set in a warm place, upon g●ound sloping upon the southeast sun; with some special shelters from the North, and cold winds.  
For Nourishment, 
Experiment. 411.  water is almost all in all, therefore it is a comfortable Experiment for good drinkers.  
Simply water affords but a feeble, 
Observation.  and weak nourishment, crude, and cold: and therefore we see that in low, watr●sh grounds, fruit-trees come on poorly, being full of moss, by reason of the cold nourishment: and that in drier, deep, fat soils, Fruit-trees are three or four times bigger, and longer lived th●n those in waterish grounds: Neither is this a comfortable Experiment for good drinkers; for Experience shows us, such as live most upon good liquours (eating but little) are more unsound, unheal●hy peopl●, and shorter lived, than those who drink less, and feed upon solid meats.  
Housing of Plants will accelera●● germination. 
Experiment. 412.   
Certainly it will; 
Observation.  if the Plants be ordered with d●scretion, to be seasonably set out in the sun, and rain, in the warmest seasons, and time of the day, (removing the Box of earth in, and out, as occasion is) or otherwise Housing may spoil them, and cause the branches, and twigs to contract, and become dry; for as the air within doors is warmer than that without, so al●o it is drier, and does exhaust and dry the Plants more, therefore they have need sometimes of the moist air without.   

Experiments touching the putting back, or Retardation of germination.  
TO make Roses come late. First, cut them after bearing. 
Experiment. 413.   
This may be a means as to some rosetrees, 
Observation.  that is, such as are old: I have known some of long standing, perhaps a dozen, sixteen, or twenty years of age, and some of seven, or eight yea●es, (cut newly after bearing) have borne Roses again, a sec●nd time, late in the year, being cut the next full moon, after they have done bearing; but there is a kind I have (amongst many other k●nds) which naturally bears a second time, although the tree be but small and young; besides the Rose called the Monthly Rose.  

Experiment. 414.  Secondly, Pulling off the buds of the Roses that first spring forth.  

Ob●ervation.  I have tried this second way, which succeeded not, it may be, because the trees were young; but one affirmed he plucked off some Buds in the spring, and the tree bore Roses in November.  

Experiment. 415.  Thirdly, Cutting top boughs in the spring.  

Observation.  This hath b●en tried also, but was ineffectual, but the trial was upon young trees; as for the Report that follows in this Experim●nt of scions perishing, if the old top boughs be cut off● it is otherw●se, for it is a common Experiment to cut off all the boughs of a tree, and to graft them, and the Grafts will not only not perish, but grow the better therefore; as having all the s●p to themselves, which naturally riseth (the sun also drawing it up) without the help of any top bough left, as continual Experience sh●wes.  

Experiment. 416.  Fourthly, Laying the Roots bare about the end of December.  

Observation.  M●ny hundred● of trees are thus bared, yet I find no difference at all in the late budding, or bearing of such trees, from others.  

Experim●nt. 417.  Fifthly, Removing the tree some Months before it buddeth.  

Observation.  This hath been done, but the Trees being removed so unseasonably (too late) they grew poorly, so the end was not attained.  

Experiment. 4●8.  Sixthly, Grafting Roses in May.  

Observation.  I know an ingenious Ge●tleman that tried this Experiment● Inoculating Buds in the spring, which budded for Roses at the same time that others (of the same kind) did; which buds being cut off they bore Roses afterwards, the same year, when others were gone.  
Seaventhly, 
Experiment. 419.  Girding the body of the tree with some Packthread.  
This will not do it neither, 
Observation.  we see commonly that grafts tied straight with strong flags, and some branches of wall-trees nailed straight to the wall, so that I have seen the bark dinted in with the straightness of the leather, yet for all that sap riseth plentifully, through the place so girded, up into the branch.  
Eightly, 
Experiment. 420.  Planting them in the shade.  
I have known rosetrees in a shady place, 
Observation.  which have not bore at all, it's a tree that loves the sun. So that I suppose this Experiment will not hold: I have tried it in one or too, and it succeeds not.   

Experiments touching the Melioration of Fruits, Trees, and Plants.  
AN heap of Flint, or stone laid about the bottom of a Tree upon the fi●st Planting, mak●s it prosper much. 
Experiment. 421.   
Stones laid to the Roots of Fruit-trees, 
Observation.  when newly set, is a good Experiment in some grounds, but not in all: its true, stones so laid, keep the root of the Tree somewhat more moist, and warm, and steady, that winds shake it not, and so are profitable, but there is danger (in some grounds) le●t they harbor●Ants, or Pismires, about the Tree Root, under the stones, which I have seen, to the hurt, and destruction of divers young trees. But it is a s●fer, and better way to lay a good quantity of rotten dung, or litter, straw &c. round about the Roots of new set Trees, upon the top of the mould, this keeps them warm in winter, and cool and moist in summer, and steady, and the moisture, and fatness of the muck soaks down to the Roots, and refreshes the tree very much: or for want thereof, lay a heap of weeds round about the new set t●ee Root●, and so all the next summer after; these things are special advantages to new set t●ees.  

Experiment. 423.  A Tr●e at fi●st setting should not be shaken, but a●ter a years ro●ti●g th●n s●aking is good.  

Observation.  When y●ung Trees are first planted, it's very convenient to set a st●ke to each of them, and tie them together with a hay band, or some ●o●t band, that winds shake them not: and this not for a year only, but divers years, until the young trees be we●l rooted in the earth, and also be grown strong, that the winds ●ow not their bodie●, and cause them to grow crooked, which fault I have seen in very many trees.  

Experiment. 4●4.  Cutting away suckers, and side boughs, make trees grow high.  

Obs●●vation.  All suckers must be cut away from the Roots of Trees; And as for side branches, those may be cut as men are minded to have their Trees to spread nearer, or high●r from the ground: but cu● not the side branches too soon, b●fore the body be grown stro●g enough to bear the head, else it will be top heavy, and g●ow crooked.  

Experiment. 4●●.  To have many new Roots of Fruit-trees, lay the Branches in the g●ound &c.  

Observation.  The branch●s of all kinds of trees will not take root thus, Thi● way of P●opagation is only for some kinds, As Mulberries, Fig●, Vine●, Q●o●li●gs, Nurs-gardens, and some other kinds of T●ee●, whose branc●●s are sof●, and porous. As for Aprecots, P●aches, and such like, they will not take root thus: I have tried, but not one root could be got, neither will they take w●●h graft●ng, I have tried many. The way to propagate these kind●, is by Inocula●ing bu●s upon young stocks, full of ●ap.  

Experiment. 4●7.  From May to July you may take off the bark of any bough &c. and set it, and it will grow to be a fair tree in one year, the cause may be for that the bearing from the bark keepeth the sap from descending towards winter.  
It is true, 
Observation.  that the boughs of some kinds of trees will take root in this manner as is here expressed; that is, such kinds as will take root with laying down in the ground, mentioned in the last Experiment; which being cut off and set, may grow to be a f●ire tree in certain years, not in one year (as is said) for the Roots (got in this manner) are but small, and very disproportionable to the bough, so that it can come on but very poorly, and slowly, for divers years: As for the bearing from the bark, which is supposed to keep sap from descending towards Winter; I say, the sap is as far from descending when the bark is on, as when 'tis off; there's no such thing in nature as descension of sap in any trees whatsoever.  
This worthy author took this upon trust, according to the general opinion of men, for had he but stayed a little to consider it, he would have found it groundless, and a mere conceit; For all the sap that asscends into the body and bran●hes of a tree, is changed into wood, bark, buds, blossoms, leaves, and fruits, it is turned into that body and substance which we see above ground, and none at all descends at any time; for there is no Cause, and therefore no such effect: sap is continually asscending all the year long, more, or less, either for the growth of the tree, or for the conservation of it in life, and in all its dimension●: for there is a continual extraction of sap out of the body, boughs, and branches, by the sun, and air, as this Au●hour elsewhere asserts, and which Experience proves. Now if there were at any time, a descension also, what then would become of the tree, it would q●ickly wither, be cont●acted, and shrink apparently: whosoever is unsatisfied with what is here said against descension of sap in trees, may see (hereof) more largely many Arguments against it in my Treatise of Fruit-trees● pag. 100.101.102. &c.  
If Trees bear not, bore a hole through the heart of the tree, 
Experiment. 428.  and it will bear.  
Perhaps this course may do some good in letting out superfluous sap, 
Observation.  if too much repletion be the cause: But there are divers other Causes of barrenness of Fruit-trees: As too deep setting, the Roots running down into gravel, Clay, water &c. which must have answerable remedies. And sometimes it is in the nature of the trees: that all the culture in the world used to the Roots, and body will not help, without engrafting the branches with Grafts of some good bearing kinds, which is the best way I know to have store of good fruits, (and speedily too) from barren trees.  

Experiment. 429.  To make Trees bear, cleave the chief Roots, and put in a small pebble.  

Observation.  This may be profitable not only for that the root may be bark-bound, as well as the body, and branches (which must be scored down, and cut to the wood) but also it will cause the Roots to shoot forth many young small Roots at the place opened, which will afford more vigour, life, and sap to the branches, and so make the tree stronger, and more in heart, and able to bring forth more, and fairer fruits.  

Experiment. 430.  Trees against a southwall have more of the heat of the sun, than when they grow round.  

Observation.  Aprecots, Peaches, and such like cold fruits will scarce ripen but against a southwall: they have need both of the direct, and reflex beams of the sun: And if it were more practised to set some other choice kinds of fruits upon a southwall (as the great Burgaim●t, summer Boncriteu, green-field pear, and other special kinds) this would advantage them greatly, not only in bigness, but also in their early ripening, and goodness of taste; thus, one, or a few, would be worth many ordinary ones.  

Experiment. 431.  Some pull off the leaves from wall-trees, that the sun may come the better upon the boughs and fruit.  

Observation.  This may hasten ripening, but I conceive it hinders the bigness of the fruits, the sun ripening them before they have attained their natural greatness: in case it prove then very hot weather: so that if leaves be pulled off, it should not be till fruits are at biggest.  
The lowness of the bough, 
Experiment. ●32.  maketh the fruit greater; and to ripen b●tter, &c. Graft a tree low, and maintain only the lower bough●.  
Low trees, 
Observation.  and the lower boughs of high trees, have their fruit ripe somewhat sooner than the higher, because they have some benefit by the reflection of the sun from the Earth, as well as from the wall; (if they grow against a wall,) but that the fruits are greater on lower, then on higher boughs, I perceive not; I am sure I have seen sometimes fair fruit on the higher boughs, and but small on the lower, in case the branches of a wall-tree have been permitted to grow straight upwards, without bowing down along the wall, as most commonly they be, and the reason is plain because the most, and greatest quantity of sap presseth upwards, and leaveth the side branches indigent of sap, whereby they grow poorly, and some even die for want of sap: now according to the quantity of sap in branches, so are the fruits, smaller, or greater. It is true indeed, many little, and low trees, if they be vigorous, and shoot well, bear very large fruits, it may be larger than high trees of the same kinds: but this is not because low, but because they are more lively, and vigorous than the other. And if we should graft a Tree low, and maintain only the low●r branches, by continually cutting off the higher, this would much enfeeble the tree, by deg●ees by obstructing of the s●p, and the fruit would be accordingly. But the b●st way to order a wall-tree that shoots upwards strongly, is to bow those strong branches along the wall both ways, and then there will be as large fruits on the lower, as on the higher boughs, and sooner ripe.  
To have fruit in greater plenty the way is, 
Experiment. 433.  to graft not only upon young st●cks, but upon divers boughs of an old tree &c.  
It is an excellent Experiment to graft the boughs of an old tree, 
Observation.  (that is a bad bearer, or bears bad fruits) with grafts of some special good bearing kinds, for this will have large branches and bear fruits, even in a year or two: so that it is a very unwise course of many who (when some of their trees bear not as they would have them) cut them down, and set young ones in their room, which cannot possibly attain the bigness of the former, in many years.  

Experim●nt. 434.  Digging yearly about the Roots of Trees is a great means both to the acc●leration, and melioration of fruits &c.  

Observation.  Old trees that grow in stiff, cold clay grounds have most need to be dug about yearly, that thereby the ground may be more open, and mellow; but for young trees of few years standing, (especially if in sandy● mell●w grounds) these have little, or no need at all of digging about: To dig about Roses, and such like, which g●ow nee●e the top of the ground● I conceive it is needless, for this w●rk is chi●fly to open the earth about old fruit-trees (whose Roo●s are grown great, and deep,) that the Rain●, Snow, and sun in win●er, may reach the bottom Roots.  

Exp●●im●nt. 435.  A Fruit-tree almost blown up by the Roots, and set up again, the n●xt year bore exceedingly: losing the earth, comforteth any Tree.  

Obse●vation.  I was (not long since) at the raising up of a couple of fair App●e-trees blown down, the one Rooted, and bore well afterwards: the other died. Though digging about the Roots sometimes be good, yet overmuch digging, and loosening the earth about the Roots of trees, will cause many to be blown down by great winds, which will not fasten again to abide a strong wind, in many years, if ever.  

Expe●iment. 436.  To revive an old tree, the digging of it about the Roots, and applying new mould to the Roots, is the way, and change of mould to the better, is pr●fitable.  

Observation.  D●gg●ng (as hath been said) with caution, is good, and change of m●uld, if to the better, is also very advantageous to f●ui●-●rees, in case the soil be barren, but if it be very fat, as some is, (especially some pa●ticular places by acc●dent) than mould that is more sterile, and hung●y, will do better; fo●overmuch re●l●tion, and fertility may hinder fruitfulness; and cause the ●ap to run most into long shoots, and broad leaves.  

Experiment. 439.  The sh●fting of ground, is a means to better the Tree, and fruit: and all things do prosper b●st, when they are advanced to the better. And a Nu●sery ought to be in a more barren ground, than the places whither they are transplanted.  
It is true: 
Observation.  change of soils sometimes is very good, if to the better: but its true also, that if trees grow in over rank soil, then worse will be better; that is, will help more towards fruitfulness: as a course, and mean fare is better for a fat man, than the more delicious. Without controversy, young trees out of barren Nurseries come on faster when transplanted, than out of fat soils; but in case the Nursery be fat soil, than some other as good, must be laid to their Roots when set again.  
Hacking of Trees doth great good to Trees. 
Experiment. 440.   
After eight or ten years' growth, 
Observation.  cutting, or scoring, o● hacking the bark of trees with a knife, is profitable; but while they a●e young, the bark is but thin, and tender, and enlargeth well enough without this cutting, unless some that through barrenness of soil (or other cause) are bark● bound.  
Shade to some plants conduceth to make them large, 
Experiment. 441.  and prosperous, more than sun, As in strawberries, and bays &c.  
It is true, 
Observation.  bays and laurel prospereth better in the Shade then in the sun, being Hot Plants, but Strawberries do better, partly in the shade, and partly in the sun; then in shade only: as ●mong Bushes, and other plants: I have observed those in the shade, to bear little, or nothing: when others of the same kind, and growth, somewhat in the sun, bore very much.  
Pulling off many blossoms from a fruit-tree, doth make the fruit fairer: 
Experiment. 427.  and if some blossoms be not pulled off the fi●st time a tree bloometh, it will blossom itself to death.  
Commonly the fewer blossoms upon a tree, 
Observation.  the fairer will the fruit be, because (as the author says) of the plenty of sap: And indeed in case a tree newly planted, blossom very much, and the root be but weak (which may be perceived by the weakness of the buds) than its best to pull off most, if not all the blossoms: but many I have known (the first years planting,) take root so strongly, (being in good mo●ld,) as that they blossom, and shoot forth, and bear fair fruits the same year.  

Experiment. 450.  It w●re good to try what would be the ●ff●ct, if all the blossoms were pulled from a Fruit-tree, for two years together.  

Observation.  Fruit-trees that bear but every other year they (for the most p●rt) bear that year very plentifully; and the exc●ssive expense of sap ●hat year (its like) makes the tree more feeble the next: but if blossoms be pulled ●ff a year or two together: I suppose the sap would go mo●e into the shoots, and ma●e them larger than if it bore fruits; and the issue a● to bearing more, or better f●uits, would be nothing worth.  

Experiment. 452.  There is no doubt but that Grafting (for the most part) doth m●liorate fruit; The cause is manifest, for that the nourishment is better prepared in the stock, then in the crude earth.  

Obse●vation.  Grafting doth not at all meliorate the fruit, simply in it self: for a ●ice will not be the better for Grafting, unless the grafts be taken from a good tree. If the tree from which grafts are cut, be no better than the tree which is grafted, then grafting will not a jot mend the fruit; which it would, if grafting were any thing towards the bettering of the fruit. The cause why Grafted trees bear better fruits, then wild ungraf●ed trees, is not because they are grafted, but because the graf●s are good, the tree from which the grafts are cut, is of a good kind, and nature, and every ●wig, graft, and bud, hath the nature of the whole tree in it, perfectly; the properties of the tree are in all, and every part, as the soul in the body, which is tota in toto, & tota in qualibet pa●te; and the grafts retain the nature, and properties being grafted upon wild stocks, and bring forth fruits accordingly: and that's the cause that grafting doth meliorate the fruit, and not because the nourishment is better prepared in the stock, then in the crude earth, for the branches of an ungrafted tree do no more receive nourishment from the crude earth, than the branches of a grafted tree: but the s●p, and nourishment, passeth up a body, or stock to the branches, in the one, as well as in the other.  
And as i● i● true that the Peach and Melocot●ne do bear good fr●its coming up of stone●, (which is not always so neither, only here and there one) so it is true also that they bear as good fruits of the bud, being Inoculated.  
It hath been received, 
Experiment. 453.  that a smaller pear grafted upon a stock that beareth a greater pear, will become great &c.  
It is true (as the author thinks) that this will not succeed; 
Observation.  because the Grafts do govern, they always bring forth fruit answerable to their own natures and kinds, else it were to little purpose to get Grafts from such, or such a good Tree, to have more of the kind. Yet it is true also that the stock hath some influence upon the Graft, so as to make the fruit better, or worse, according to the nature of the stock, in some small degree: As if we graft upon a stock that naturally bears a sour, harsh fruit, the fruit of the graft will not be altogether so pleasant as if it were grafted upon a stock that bears naturally a sweet, and pleasant fruit: and hence it is that pears grafted upon Quince-stocks, will be more delicate, then upon Peare-stocks; The Quince-stock gives an excellent taste to it, but these trees upon Quinces will never attain to any great bigness, for all Quince-trees are but small in comparison of peartrees, and where the stock can be but small, the graft cannot be great, yet (as I have seen it) somewhat bigger than the stock: As for a pear upon a thorn (which this author speaks of) it cannot be good, it makes it a harsh, hard pear, at the core, if it thrive and bear, but most commonly they die in two, or three years: we know its natural fruit, (Hawes) have stones in them: But for the Apple upon the Crab, that's natural, the Crab being a wild apple, and very proper to graft all sorts of Apples upon, in regard of the soundness of the stock, its long lasting, and aptness to take with grafts, and also when set in the ground; although its true, it makes the fruit somewhat more tart, than the same fruit upon sweet apple-stocks.  
As concerning grafting Apples on Coleworts, the kernels of which if set, will be a Colewort, if the thing be true, than it confirms what hath been asserted, that the seed of fruits when sown, bring forth a bastard fruit, which partakes as well of the stock, as of the graft: Although it be true, that the seeds of some Apples, and pears, may bring forth very good fruit, and the stones of some Peaches, may bring forth the same fruits, or near as good: the cause, of this (I suppose) is, for that the stocks whereon these fruits were grafted or Inoculated, were good kinds of themselves; and if so, no marvel though the seeds bring forth good fruits without Grafting, or Inoculating: and I verily believe that P●aches, (of which it is taken for granted (by some) that these come the same again of stones) if they were Inoculated on harsh, sour stocks, and the stones of the fruit set, they would not bring forth the ●ame, but it would manifestly taste of the stock, as well as of the bud Inoculated: as we see generally other kinds of stones, and seeds do; yea, and upon the Experience of some others, Peach-stones have brought forth a paltry, naughty fruit, many of them, though some good: As concerning the grafting of an Apple scions upon a Sallow, Poplar, Alder, elm, or Horse plum; it is in vain to try, for trial hath been made upon stoc●s nearer in kind than these, and it would not come to perfection, it will grow a year, or two (it may be) and then decay, and die.  

Experiment. 452.  Flowers R●moved wax greater, because the nourishment is more easily come by in the loose earth: It may be that often regrafting of the same scions may lik●wise make fruit greater.  

Observation.  To r●move Flowers (small young Roots) into good fresh earth, w●ll improve them in growth, and bigness: especially if withal some of the side-slips, (and also of the buds which the root shoots up for ●lowers) be cut off● and some half a dozen, or half a score of the buds, or shoots be left to grow upon the Root; the root than will be able to give plentiful nourishment to them, whereby they will become much larger, then if all the spindle buds were su●lered to grow.  
But as for often regrafting the same graft in order to make a large fruit; this will not do it, for we see it is constantly done from year to year; for what else is the cutting of g●●f●s from young trees (it may be of two, or three, or but of one years' growth) and grafting them again upon their sto●ks: and repeating this ●or many yea●es together; and yet we know the grafts hold thei● own natural properties from one year to another. And though there be (as has been said) some small alteratio● according to the kind of the stock while it grows upon it, yet that alteration is lost, and falls off, when the graft is e●grafted ●pon another stock, and the graft retains its own natural properties only: with some small addition of the nature of the stock on which it (at present) grows.  
It maketh figs better● 
Experiment. 455.  if a figtree when it beginneth to put forth leaves, have his top cut off.  
If the figtree be very old, 
Observation.  cutting off the top may be profitable; for that such cutting (as in all other trees) maketh the sap shoot forth into branches more vigorously, than otherwise it would; by which lively rising of sap, the whole tree, and the fruit upon it, fares the better: but if the tops of young-trees be cut off, (figtrees or other) there will shoot forth (in the room thereof) such huge strong shoots, that the main stream of sap will run that way, which great shoots will be for a year, or two (it may be) unfruitful.  
It is reported, that Mulberries will be fairer, 
Experiment. 456.  and the Trees more fruitful, if you bo●e the trunk of the tree thorough, in several places, and put in wedges of h●t Trees, as mastic, juniper &c.  
As for the black Mulberry-tree, 
Observation.  I suppose it needs not these things to make it fruitful, for I never knew any of them fail of store of fruits every year; bu●white Mulberry-trees (with us) have need enough of all helps that may be.  
It is reported that trees will grow greater, and bear better fruit, 
Experiment. 457.  if you put salt, or Lees of wine, or blood to the Roo●e.  
Concerning Lees of wine, washings of strong bear, 
Observation.  or Ale vessels, blood flesh, or the like; it is certain these are helpful to Fruit-tree●, both as to their growth, and bearing; if seasonably● and moderately used; especially to old Trees. I account it best to be applied to the Roots of trees in the beginning of winter, that the v●rtue may soak into the Roots, and earth about them before the spring.  
Terebration of trees, as it makes them prosper better, 
Experiment. 463.  so also it is found that it maketh fruit sweeter● and better, by causing the coursest juice to sweat out, and the rest is better digested.  
Terebration (or boring holes into the bodies, 
Observation.  ●nd great Roots) of fruit●trees with a wimble, or Awger, is most ne●dfull, as I judge, for great trees which grow upon fat land, and have too rank nourishment, and may be unfruitful, and bear over wat●ish fruit for that cause; that may help to let out some of the raw, supers●●ous sap● and juice as an ●ssue in a man's body: but scoring, or cutting the bark of yo●●ger trees under Twenty years may be better for them, and this to be done chiefly in the spring time.  

Experiment. 464.  As terebration doth meliorate fruit, so doth letting of Plants blood; as Pricking Vi●es or other Trees, after they be of some growth. It is reported that by this Artifice, bitter Almonds have been tu●ned into sweet.  

Observation.  This must needs have the like e●●ect (in some proportion as those particulars before mentioned, of boring with wimbles, (or the like) and scoring the bark, with a kni●e in the sp●●ng time.  

Expe●iment. 4●5.  The ancients for the Dulcorating of fruit, do c●mmend swine's du●g, above all other dung; which may b● for the moisture of that b●●st.  

Observation.  I have s●ene divers fair Fruit-trees q●ite sp●yld● and deaded● by ove●much swine's dung, the swine lying amongst them, and continually leaving their ex●rements, by degrees the Trees withered, and died: but I doubt not bu● that a moderate quanti●y of ●wines dung, mixed with mould, and la●d to the Roots of trees, will be good for them● and it may be in order to the sweetening of the fruit.  

Experiment. 467.  As Grafting doth generally advance, and meliorate f●uits; so (no doubt) even in grafting, the choice of the stock doth much: they commend much the grafting of pears, or Apples upon a Quince.  

Ob●ervation.  Grafting, (simply as grafting) doth not advance or meliorate fruits; as i● showed elsewhere at large; But grafted trees bear better fruits, 
See pag. 18. Trea●●●e of Fruit-trees. pag. 98.  and sooner, then ungrafted trees, because grafts are usually taken from good bearing trees, and of the best kinds, and grafts (retaining the Nature of the trees from which they are cut,) do bring ●orth the same fruits; so also do Buds, (though they be much smaller than grafts) when Inoculated upon wild stocks.  
As concerning the choice of stocks in grafting, in order to the advancement of fruits; it is certain, the goodness of the stocks in respect of nature, and kind, is very considerable: The sweeter, and better the stock is, the better will the fruit be, that is engrafted thereon; Though it be true, that grafts govern, and bring forth the same fruits, according to their own kinds, yet the stock hath some considerable influence upon the fruit of the graft, and thence it is, that pears upon a Quince (as the author speaks of) are better, than the ●ame kind upon a wild pear stock: (as Experience shows) because a Quince is a more excellent fruit, than a wild pear, so the nourishment of the stock●, is answerable.  
It is set down as tried, that a mixture of Brane, and swine's dung, 
Experiment. 468.  or chaff, and Swines-dung, rotten, is a great nourisher, and comforter to a Fruit-tree.  
There is no doubt but swine's dung, or any other dung, 
Observation.  with other Composts laid together till they be rotten, will nourish and comfort fruit-trees, and better when they are throughly rotten, & turned to mould, than before, because new dung may be too hot.  
It is delivered by some, that if one take the bough of a low tree, 
Experiment. 470.  newly budded, and draw it gently into an earthen Pot perforated at the bottom to let in the Plant, and then cover the Pot with earth, it will yield a very large fruit within ground; the like will be effected by an empty pot, with some few pertusions made in the Pot, hanged in the Tree.  
Concerning the first of these ways, 
Observation.  I suppose the fruit growing upon the bough so bowed down into a Pot, will not be so large, as the fruit upon the other boughs; because we see by Experience it is against the nature of sap to run vigorously, (or in any great plenty) into boughe● bended downwards so near the earth, as this must needs be, for sap presseth upwards in greatest plenty; and consequently those fruits will be greatest which have most sap. I mean such as are of one kind, upon one tree.  
And concerning the second m●anes by the perforated Pot, hanged in the tree, that is more likely to work the effect, as to the greatness of fruit, not so much (I suppose) because of the pertusions, or holes in the Pot, as by the shade that the fruit has by the Pot: for although fruit that grows in the sunn●, be much better, and more pleasant than that which grows in the shade, (as being better co●cocted,) yet that in the shade (of the same kind) is commonly the g●eater, but more flat, dull, and inconcoct: as we see in Apr●cots, Cherries &c. unde●●he leaves.  

Experiment. 471.  All trees in high and sandy grounds, are to be s●t d●ep, and in watery ground● more sh●llow: And all tr●es when th●y be remov●d (●specially Fruit-tr●●s) care ought to be taken that the sides of the Trees be coasted (North, and South) as they stood before.  

Observation.  It is true, that trees on higher grounds are to be set somewhat d●●per, then in moist grounds; yet bewa●e of setting below the good scyl●, 
See h●re●f Treatise of Fruit-t●ees. pag. 63.64.  in any ground● As for coasting of trees, that is, (seti●g the same side to the South when tran●planted as was before) the Rule is good, but not necessary: for many thousands are transplan●ed w●●h g●od success not observing which side grew No●th or South: howsoever some reasons Might be showed why 'tis best to observe it, if it may conveniently be done.  

Experiment. 472.  F●uit-trees, set upon a wall against the sun, between ●lb●wes or But●eress●s of stone, ripen m●re, then upon a plain wall.  

Ob●ervation.  Fruit-trees soset, have their fruits ripe sooner than tho●e upon a plain wall no: so much because they are d●fended better from winds, but chi●●l● because the● have a double, or ●reble d●gree of heat to w●at those upon a plain wall have, the he●te being penned in by the E●b●wes, or Bu●ter●sses of the wall, and so r●●l●cts the stronger upon the fruits and trees, there is a double reflection of heat upon such.  

Exp●●im●nt. 475.  Grafting Elms, (or other unfruitful trees) will make their Leaves larg●r: as in Fruit-trees the Graft maketh the greater fruit.  

Ob●e●vation  Grafting, barely considered as Grafting, will not do this, it will neither make Leaves, nor Fruits fairer: but as stocks are chosen for the purpose: for though it be true (as hath been elsewhere said) that Grafts govern, 
S●e pag. 18.  and overrule the stocks, bringing forth the same leaves, and fruits when grafted, as before; according to their own Natures; yet it is true also, that the stocks have some small influence upon them, in making the fruits better or worse in taste, and bign●sse: and so of the leaves in fairness, according to the goodness or badness of the stocks: yet notwithstanding Graf●s, and Buds inoculated may be said to rule, and bring forth the same fruits, else it were in vain to Graft.  
barrenness of trees cometh of their overgrowing with moss, 
Experiment. 476.  or their being Hide bound; or planting too d●●pe; or by issuing of the sap too much into the Leaves. 
barrenness of Trees.   
There are several Causes of the barrenn●sse of trees. 
Observation.  I conceive mossiness, as mossiness, is not the cause of barrenn●ss●; but the Causes of mossiness are the Cau●es of barrenness, which are coldness, overmoistness, and barrenness of the soil, where the trees grow: Therefore such soils must be amended. See how, Treatise of Fruit-trees, pag. 114.  
Also barrenness is often, by reason of the excessive sap, and moisture of trees, which is m●nifest by their strong, and vigorou● shoots, branches, and broad green leaves; as in many young, full-fed trees, for while nature is vigorous, and active, spending itself that w●y, in the excessive growth of the Tree; it is then weak and feeble in bearing of fruits. Now as to some kinds of trees, it is not best (for some time) to go about to remove the Cause, that is, as to standard appletrees, peartrees, and other kinds, which g●ow in the O●chards and fields at large: but let them alone, let them go on in ●heir large, and vigorous growthes for certain years, though they bear b●t little, (provided that we know they a●e naturally of good bearing kinds, otherwise it is in vain to wai●e for store of fruits from such trees:) After that such trees have grown exceedingly some years, and attained a fair large growth, they will then by degrees, grow less in the branches, and fall to bearing of fruits: But in case the trees are Wall-trees, and shoo●e excessively, and bear not, than it will be best to take away the Cause as much as we can; that is, 

First, abate their overfull, and rank nou●ishment, by putting in sand, gravel, Buck-ashes, or any thing that is barren, instead of the ●at soil.  
Secondly, also cut off, and part, one or two of the biggest Roots, from the body, that so it may have less nourishment, and that left will turn to fruits.  
Thirdly, Bend downwards the branches, and fasten them to the wall with their tops as low as may be, this obstructs, and restrains the excessive ●●sing of sap, which rising moder●tely, turns to frui●●: But if the Trees are Naturally bad bearers (if barren upon that account) then there is no remedy for such, but grafting them ag●in, with Grafts taken from some good bearing kinds, which are known by yearly experience to bear fruits well.    

Experiments 477, 478, 479.  It hath be●ne set down by one of the Ancients that two twigs of several Fruit-trees flatted on the sides, and bound together, and set, th●y will come up in one stock. And that Vines of red, and white grapes slatted, and bound tog●ther, will bear Grapes of several colours, upon one branch; 
Compound●ng of Fruits.  Al●o the shoots of divers seeds, will incorporate; And that young trees of several kinds set contiguous, will incorporate.  
These, and such like, are prescribed in order to the compounding of Fruits.  

Observation.  Concerning compounding, or mixing of divers kinds of fruits, whereof to make one new kind, these things before mentioned, (and many such like) have been prescribed by Ancient authors, which are of the number of those things 
(a) N●t. Hist. p●g. 16●.  Sr Francis Bacon accounts mere imaginations, and conceits without any ground, or light f●om Experi●nce.  
He says 
(b) Advan●. L●a●. ●. 1. p. 32.  (elsewhere) That many things have been rashly, (and with little ch●ice or judgement) receiv●d and registered, as app●ares in the writings of divers authors, which a●e eve●y where fra●ght, and forged with fabulous reports, and those not only uncerta●●e, and untry●d, but notoriously untrue, to the great derogation of natural Philosophy with grave and sober men.  
As for those things before mentioned, they can never effect what is promised, to produce compound fruits. For we see by continual Experienc●, that Grafts, and Buds (though never so small) set up●n st●cks of different kinds, do hold their own, and k●epe their kinds; and so it would be if two long shoots were united, or three, or many: if it were possible to make them incorporate, and become one body, yet they would retain every one their own nature, and bring forth each its own kind of fruit, without commixture.  
If any man desire to be set on work about these things, he may have p●escriptions eno●gh out of a certain Book entitled, the Country farm, pag. 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, &c. For more full satisfaction about which, and all of that nature, see my Treatise of Fruit-trees, pag. 91, 92, 93, &c. where these things are spoken to largely.  
But if the thing be possible in Nature, to mix and compound fruits, the likeliest way that I apprehend is this, (which I h●ve upon trial, but is not yet come to an issue) viz: To graft one fruit upon another, many times over, every year a d●fferent kind● (so that we keep still to those kinds that will grow together) As first to gra●t a Crab tree, near the ground, with some good kind of Apple graft, and the next year to graft that ag●ine a handful or two above where the first was grafted, and the next year to graft that second graft, and the fourth year to graft that third graft, a handful or two, above where it was grafted, and thus every year to set graft upon graft for divers years together, this (probably) may make some alteration, and commixture in the top branch and its fruit, although it be true that every graft keep● his own nature, yet so as that it receives some small alteration from the sto●k (as hath been said:) Now the sap arising and passing th●ough so many kinds of stocks (as before) up into the top branches, this (if any thing) I conceive will have an influence into the fruit of the last graft to cause some comm●xture (more o● less) in the fruit; the sap passing through so many kinds of stocks.  
Thus as of many kinds of Apples, together, so also of pears among themselves, and of Cherries, and Plums, among themselves, but as for mixing contrary kinds, Apples, pears, Cherries, Plum● &c. all together, as some prescribe, there is no hope, nor possibility of any advantage thereby.  
All Plants that draw much nourishment from the earth, 
Experiments 480, 481, etc  and exhaust it, hurt all things that grow by them, as Ash-trees, Coleworts &c. 
Sympathy, & Antipathy of Plants.  And where Plants of several natures (which draw several juices) are set together, there the nearness doth good, As Rue by a figtree, garlic by a Rose-tree &c.  

Observation.  It is true indeed, That all Trees, and Plants that draw much nourishment from the earth, are no good neighbours to any thing that grows near them, because such make the earth barren, in which plants must needs grow poorly: But that several kinds of Plants, draw several kinds of juices, out of one, and the same soil, I much question: as that bitter plants (Rue, Wormwood, and the like) draw the bitter juice of the earth, and the sweeter kinds as (Roses, Flowers, &c.) draw the sweeter juice. For can it be imagined that there are so many kinds of juices in the earth, as there are several kinds of Trees, and Plants, so that every one should draw only its proper, and peculiar nourishment? May it not upon better grounds be said, that many Trees and Plants growing near together in a piece of ground, though they draw all of them one and the same juice, yet they convert, & assimilate the same, every one into its own specific nature. We see that in a little Garden, where there are (it may be) divers hundreds (or thousands) of distinct Plants, Trees, Flowers, Herbs, and Simples, they growing all upon one, and the same soil, do convert the juice, and fatness of it into their several natures: by the same Law in Nature as several kinds of Grafts upon one Tree, drawing one and the same Sap, do turn that one kind of nourishment, into their several natures, whereby they bring forth (as we see by experience) distinct, and several kinds of Fruits, made of the same single juice, or sap of the Tree whereon they all grow: this they would do if there were all or many kinds of Apples grafted upon one great crabtree, and so of peartrees, Cherry-trees, and the like, upon their own kinds: though multitudes of distinct kinds of grafts, draw one and the same sap, yet every one changes it into its own nature; and why should it not be so also with several plants drawing one and the same juice out of the earth?  
So that I cannot conceive that those things mentioned, (or the like) if tried, would succeed to the purpose: viz That Rue, set by a figtree, will make the Figs taste sweeter; or garlic set by rosetrees, will make Roses smell sweeter; or sorrel set by Rasps, will make the Rasps sweeter, and the like: because several, or contrary kinds of Plants, meet not with several kinds of juices in the same soil, (sh●ll we think there are hundreds, or thousands of several juices in one Garden) though they draw the same juice they convert it, and assimilate it into their several natures, accord●ng to the inna●e, and intrins●call Forme●hat every one hath, as was said before of several kinds of grafts upon one tree.  
The altering of the Sent, 
Experiment. 499.  Colour, or taste of Fruit, by infusing, mixing or letting into the Bark, or Root● of the tree, Herb, or Flower, any coloured, ar●maticall, or medicinal substance; are but Fancies: All alteration of vegetables, 
Making Herbs, and Fruits Medicinable.  in those qu●lities must be by somewhat that is apt to go into the nourishment of the Plant.  
Divers authors (in their Books of planting Fruit-trees) have given several directions for the altering of the Sent, 
Observations.  Colour, and taste, of Fruits; but none of them from any well grounded Experience. Many particulars are mentioned, and set down at large: (with reasons, and Experience against them; that men may not be deceived by them, and lose their t●me, cost, and labour about such Fancies) See pag. 91, 92. &c. of the Treatise of Fruit-trees.  
But as this author sa●es well, The l●keliest way to make herbs, and fruits Medicinable, and to give them a good relish is the often watering of the Tree, or Plant with that substance, which we desire they should pert●ke of, for this is certain, (and we see it by manifest experience) that Plants, and fruits of Trees, do somewhat taste, and partake of the nature, and virtues of that kind of nourishment which they continually draw. As if Trees grow upon a low, m●ist, waterish ground, the fruits will be more spongy, and waterish, than the same kinds of fruits, where the trees g●ow upon a dry, sandy, soil: So if Cabbages, turnips, Carr●ts, and such like, grow in a rank soil, full of Fil●h, and Dung, they have a virtue, and relish accordingly, not half so swee●e, and pleasant, as the same kinds growing upon pure mo●ld, or sweet sandy soil: so here, If men think it worth the while, if they judge it will answer their labour, cost, and time, to water Fruit-trees, herbs, plants, and flowers, with aromatical, and medicinal substances: Infusions of cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Mace, and such like spices, to give a pleasant relish, or (for physical respects) with Hell●bore, Opium, Scammony &c. If they can afford to give them enough from time to time, of these things, (wa●ring their Roots abundantly therewith) why then its probable such Plants will somewhat pert●ke of their virtues: but as for slitting of their Roots, or perforating the body of the Tree, and infusing the medicine, or ste●ping the s●ede, or kernel, in s●me liquour wherein the m●dicine is infus●d, these I account a● good as nothing; not only for that the virtues cannot be commun●ca●ed, or trans●used by this means, but also because, though they we●e carried to all the par●s of tree●, and plants, yet su●h, small quantities would be indiscernable, the effect would be as nothing at all.    

The VI. CENTURY.  

Experiments 501. &c. Cu●iosi●●●s about 〈◊〉, and P●ants.  IT is a curiosity to have several fruits upon one tree: some early, and s●m● late, ripe fruits all s●mm●r. This is done by Grafting several ●ruits upon one tree: But I conceive the diversity of fruits must be such as w●ll graf● upon the same stock, not contrary kinds.  

Observation.  It is true, (as the author says) that several fruits may be graf●ed, or Inoculated upon one tree, some early, and some late; but yet (as he also observes) they must be of such as will take, and grow together, as many ●inds of Appl●s, upon one tree, so of pears, and of Ch●rries among thems●lves, and the l●ke: And it is not true which some authors have written, that Cherries, and Plums, figs, Nuts, Peaches, and such like, will grow together upon one tree.  
Yet a Book, entitled the Country farm (composed by some Doctors of physic, and other inexperienced men) is full of such odd conceits, pag. 360, 361, &c.  

Experiment. 502.  It is a curi●sity to have fruits of divers shapes, and figures● This is easily performed by moulding them when the fruit is young, with moulds of earth or wood, ●f several shapes on the inner side, as it is in mould works of Liquid thing●● let the moulds be made partible in the middle, that they may be opened.  

Experiment. 503.  Also Trees, or Fruits may be with Inscriptions, and engravings upon them, by writing with a N●edle, or Bodkin, or Knife, when the Trees, and Fruits are young, and as they grow greater, so the Letters, or figures will be more plain.  
If men be not content with the natural form of Fruits, 
Observation.  they may (if they have so much leisure to sp●re) put them into moulds as is said, to make them of an artificial form; As for Inscriptions, figures● and shapes upon Fruit trees, that is (as the author says) performed by scoring through the Ba●ke with the point of a knife, in the spring, or summer, what Letters● or Words, or Figures a man pleaseth, which as the tree grows, will become more plain, and discernible, and that for many years after: I use to make a Letter, or two, or three, or more upon all young trees that I graft, whereby to know the several kinds of Fruits, (or if any be stolen and found again, they may thereby be known) And I have perceived the Letters plainly Nine, or Ten years after, or more.  
But as for the prescriptions of some authors about these things they are vain, and ridiculous: who direct to write upon the kernell● of seeds, that we sow, and set, and upon the Buds that we inoculate what letters, or shape we please, and the fruits coming thereof, will have the sam● upon them, See hereof Treatise of Fruit-trees pag. 97.  
You may have Trees apparelled with Flowers, 
Experiment. 504.  or herbs, by boring holes in the bodies of them, and putting into them good mould, and setting slips, or ●owing seeds therein, those Roots of a more Ligneous nature, will perhaps inco●porate with the tree itself.  
This is a Curiosity indeed, 
Observation.  which may be done (as the author says) by m●king h●les in Trees, and putting in good mould; care must be taken to make them slopeways, with the bottom downwards; that so both mould, and moisture may keep in them, about the Roots of things that are set. But yet I should be loath to spoil a good tree thus, for it must needs make it rot, and perish in a certain time: howsoever, for one, or two of indifferent kinds, it may ra●her be admitted, for satis●action in this Curiosity.  
Beauty in Flowers is their pre-eminence, 
Experiment. 506.  It is observed, that gillyflowers, Violets, &c. that are coloured, if they be negl●cted, and not watered, nor n●w moulded, nor tra●splanted, will turn white: And its probable, that the white with much cultur●, may turn colour●d.  

Observation.  I doubt not but that the Flowers aforementioned, and diver● o●her ●inds, will not only l●o●e the beauty of their colours, if they be not sometimes removed into new, and b●tter mould, but also that they will in time change from double, to single; or else be much ●mal●r, than they will be in fr●sh● strong mould. Therefore, every o●her year, at least, let the mou●d be cha●ged, more or less: lay about all their Roots, some good, fresh, bla●k mould● And that we may have every ye●re new, young Roots, and t●at the best kinds ma● be i●creased, the slips must be laid in s●mmer; as I shall here show how, though it be a co●mon thing, and well known amongst many, yet ●or the sake of those tha●●now it not, and desire it. I shall brie●ly speak of it.  
About the beginning of July, (and for six, or seven wee●es afterwards) s●ips may be laid thus. Observe the fairest, and bigg●st slips upon the Roots, and with a sharp Kni●e, cut half way through the sl●p, on the out side, near to the bottom, just from a joint, and cut the sl●p upwards, through the middle of it, about half an inch, (or little more) in leng●h; then with a small hook stick f●sten the cut part down into the mould, yet so as that the slip be not bro●en, or parted from the Roo●e wherein it grows: so do to the rest of the sl●ps upon the same root, or to as many as you please: having so done, then mould them all up, with f●esh mould, that is, cover all the c●t parts on every side with mould, than water them, and press the mould close about them, and so let them rest.  
Afterwards, in a Month, or five weeks' t●ese slips (so laid) will have taken root, (especially if their mould have been watered now and then) than they may be c●t off from the old Root, and ●aken up, and so set again in fr●sh, good mould, prepared in the Garden plat for that purpose: Or else they may be let alone until the spring after, and then set: these young, vigorous Roots, set in good mould, and watered (now, and then) with ●at water, will have large ●lowers: especially if in June we break off, most of their buds, and suffer only some few six, or eight, or ten flowers upon a Root, these the Root will easily maintain, and each of them will have the more nourishment, than when they are suffered to spindle up as many as nat●re will, such must needs be smaller flowers, the Root being overburdened.  
The Clove-Gilly-Flower, is of all other the best, for use, it is well known how useful they are to make Syrups, which a●e very cordial: they are good for salads, prepared with sugar, to use all the year long: and have the best smell of any other; therefore increase these, as much as may be, not only of slips (for sl●ps of these will grow without laying● better than o● other kind of ●lowers) but lay many of them also for more certain●y.  
And among these prefer those which are largest, and of the deepest colour, and those that are without horns (as they call them) they also are increased of seed, as other kinds●  
I have been the larger upon this particular, (and somewhat digressed from the Experiment, which chiefly concerned c●lour) because hereupon mainly depends the goodn●sse, and flourishing of a Garden, as to these k●nds of flowers; for if we know not the best way to propagate flowers, nor to plant, and order them being prepa●ed, the Garden will be but poor.  
Whites are more inodorate (for the most part) than flowers of the same kind Coloured: 
Experiment. 570.  we find also that blossoms of trees that are white, are commo●ly inodorate, As Cherries, pears, Plum●. Whereas those of Apples, Crabs, Almonds, and Peaches, are blush●, and smell sweet.  
I conceive this Experiment was not throughly we●ghed, 
Ob●ervation.  and tried: for to my Observation white Flowers, have (generally) as much smell, as those Coloured: to i●stance in the white Rose, the ordinary k●●d, and the White Musk Rose, I suppose they have as much smell (especially the Musk Ro●e) as Red Roses, or Provosts, or Velvet, or Ma●ble, and some other coloured kinds yea and more too: And as for some white flowers, as the white lily, and some other kinds, their smell is more full● and rank than many Red, or other colo●red flowers: And for blossoms of Trees, some that are white, smell as much, as some that are Red, or coloured, for what smell hath the double blossom peach-flower, or the Nectrin, or any kind of Peach blossoms, which are all coloured excellentl●) more than the blossoms of peartree, Ch●rry, or Plum-tree, which a●e said to be inodorate: So that I conceive there ●ust be ●ome othe●Cause found out, why some Flowers, and B●●●s●m●s ●m●ll n●t, (or smell not so much as some others) then th●t whic● is assigned; viz: the thinn●sse, or sc●ntn●sse of that substanc● w●ich m●keth the Flower is not the Cause wh● some Flowers and blos●●m●s ●m●ll not, so much as others: the same is the Cause why some Flowers, and fruits are bigger than others, and of a better taste than o●hers; which proceeds (undo●b●edly) from the speci●ique, or d●stinct intrinsical form, of each particular Plant, which the God of nat●re hath fixed in it as a Law, which nature never violates, but keeps in all kinds of Creatures.  

Experiments 5●8. & 5●9.  Contrariwise in Berries the White is commonly more delicate, and sweet in taste, than the Coloured; as we see in white-grapes, white-Ra●ps, white strawberries, Currants &c. the Cause is, for that the C●loured are more juyced, and courser juyced, and therefore not so well, and ●qually concocted.  
But in Fruits the White commonly is meaner, as in Plums, The white ha●vest Plum is a base Plum, the mussel, Damaze●ne, and other black Plums, are of the best &c.  

Observation.  This proves what was last said to be true, viz. that it is the speci●icall form of every Plant, that causeth the difference of tastes in Fruits, and smell in Flowers. For we see by experie●ce that ●ome white kinds of Flowers, Fruits, Berries &c. are sweeter, and better in smell, and taste, than some others of Coloured kinds: and that likewise some o●her coloured kinds of Flowers, Fruits, and Berries, a●●sw●et●r, and better than some white k●nds: so that it is a hard matter to find out the particular Cause, and give a distinct rea●●n, of the differences of particulars, though men may venture a● it.  

Ex●er●ment. 510.  Gilly-●l●wer seed of one kind, being sewen, will c●me up of several Colours: The Cau●e is (no doubt) that in earth though it be contiguous, and in one bed, there are several juices; and ●s the seed doth casually meet with them, so it cometh forth.  

Observation.  It is true, that gilly-flowerseed of one kind sown, will bring up several kinds: some double, and some single: but I much doubt whether it be, for that the seed me●ts with several juices in one bed of earth: for can it be imagined that two, or three very small seeds, that lie as close together as can be, in the earth, should draw several juices, from the very self same mould, so as to cause them to vary in the colour of the flowers? May it not rather be said, it is from a Law in Nature, which God of his general bounty to us, hath put into it; though we stand not in absolute necessity of them, yet in that he gives us such variety, and ch●i●e? But for men to find out, and show a particular Cause in Nature, of this variety, will be as hard to do, as to show a Cause why several kinds of Grafts, upon one tree, 
See Exper. 481.  drawing one and the self same sap, do yet bri●g forth different Fruits; other then to say, they keep their several Natures, and so convert the same sap into several kinds of Fruits. And why may not the same be said of several seeds, and Roots, in one Bed, drawing the same juice of the Earth?  
Concerning sowing of Gilly flower seed, I advise those that sow it: first, to gather it from the fairest, and best Clove-Gilly-flower, and that i● be full ripe, ere it be g●thered, which is, when it is turned black● Also seed may be g●thered from other double flowers, some commend especially the London white, others, a flower called the old man's head● and say the greatest varieties c●me from these; some are for one, and some for another, but so it is, that most will be single flowers from the best seed: but doubtless there is much in the ground in which the seed is sown; if it be poor soil, they are more like to be more single, then if the ground be special rich mould; for (as was said) barren ground, as it makes flower●small, so sometimes in it, they turn from double to single, so it may be said as to the seed when sown.  
It is a Curiosity to have Flowers double, 
Experiment. 513.  which is effected by often Removing them into new earth, as on the contrary part double flowers, by neglecting, and not removing, prove single. And the way to do it speedily, is to sow, or set seeds, or slips of flowers, and as soon as they c●m● up to remove them into new ground, that is good. Inquire also wh●ther Inoculating of Flowers (as Stock-Gilly-flowers, Roses, Musk-Roses &c.) doth not make them double.  

Observation.  For the first part of ●his Experiment, to make Flowers double, or fairer, it is a good Rule, as the author hath set down, especially if withal we observe the directions given in the Observation to the 50●Experim●nt, in breaking off some of the Buds, and St●ms, and letting some few grow, to be flowers.  
Concerning Inoculating of Flowers (Stock Gilly flowers, or any other kind) I know no such thing, and believe it is but a fancy, for having heard of it, I have considered of the matter, and cannot find, nor apprehend what it is that should be Inoculated; there are no buds, nor any thing like a bud, to be taken off for that purpose: And I have spoken with divers who have had skill in flowers; and they have said they have heard of such a thing, but have never seen any thing thereof in Experience.  
There are ●hree other ways sufficient for the propagation of flowers, which are, by seed, by Slips, and by Layers, but by Laying is by far the best, as is showed at large, in the Observation to the 506. Experiment. But as for Inoculating Roses, (Musk R●se, and all other kinds) that is very commo●, and sure; yet as to the intent of the author, viz. (to make them double) it succeeds not: and he himself hath given the Reason, truly, upon another occ●sion: That is, all Buds, and Grafts, Rule, and keep their own Natures, and so change not, neither as to the making Ros●s more double● or better than they were before, nor as to the bettering of any F●uit: as hath been showed heretofore.  

Experiment. 541.  The m●king of Fruits without Core, or Stone, is likewise a Curiosity; If a scions, or shoot, have the Pith finely taken forth, (and not altog●ther, but some of it left, the better to save the life, it will bear a fruit with little, or no Core, or Stone. The like is said to be of dividing a Quick tree down to the ground, and taking out the Pu●, a●d then binding it up again.  

Observation.  These prescriptions for making F●uits without Core, or stone, I canno● think are from this worthy author, but they are such as are set down by others, which I have seen: And they are as weak, and groundless conceits as many other things asserted by them, about chang●ing the species of Fruits: and making them of an aromatic, and pleasant taste, and altering the Colour of Fruits, and such like co●ceits: the variety of which (I suppose) hath been sufficiently laid open in a late Treatise of Fruit-trees: see there Errors discovered pag. 91 92. &c. For, let this thing be a little considered, and it will appear to any man that has but half an eye, to be vain: suppose a shoot, or Graft (as is here said) be cloven, and all, or most of the pith taken out, and ad●it such a one be Grafted, (or any way set in the ground, so as to take root) and grow● yet we know all the Bark and Buds, are as they were before; the taking out of the Pith makes no alteration at all, more, or less; we know, in all the Buds that are Inoculated not only all the Pi●h, but also all the wood is cast away; and no●hing made use of but only the Buds, and Bark of any young shoot; and yet we see by continual Experience what the effect i●; that these Buds bring for●h the same Fruits, as the trees from which they were taken.  
And if a 
* Some old fruit trees are holl●w, all along their bodies, having no Pith at all, which bring forth fruits with no less Core, or Stone for that.  young tree were divided, and the Pith taken out, from the top to the root (as is said) there is less Reason, (if less can be) that that should work this eff●ct; because all the side twigs, (if it have any) would have pith st●ll, And if it have none, or if the Pith were taken out of all; yet we know the increase of the Tree, must be still from the Buds; which have the same nature in them, as Grafts, or Buds Inoculated.  
It is very probable, that any sour fruit, 
Experiment. 515.  grafted upon a stock that beareth a sweeter fruit, may both make the fruit sweeter, and more void of the harsh matter of the kernels, or seeds.  
It is Reported, that not only taking out the Pith, 
Experiment. 516.  but the stopping of the juy●e of the Pith, from rising in the midst, and turning it to rise o● the outside, will make the fruit, withou● core or stone.  
The Rule is general; that whatsoever will make a wild Tree, 
Experiment. 517.  a Gard●n tree, will make a Garden tree to have less Core, or stone.  
It is true, 
Observation.  that a sour fruit grafted upon a stock of a sweeter kind, will make the fruit somewhat sweeter; yet so as that the Graft still governs, (as this author elsewhere hath said) and as Experience proves; B●t the fruits will have k●rn●lls, and seeds, as before.  
As for taking out the Pith, 
Of this See Exper. 514.  or stopping the juice of the Pith, it is all one, as to this intention.  
Concerning the general Rule in the 517 Experiment I know nothing that will make a Wild tree, a Garden tree, but grafting it with good kinds of grafts; And I am sure grafting will not make any fruit to have less Core, or stone.  

Experiment. 518.  Plants for want of Culture degenerate to be baser in the same kind; and sometim●s to change into another kind.  

1. By standing long unremoved.  

Degenerating of Plants.  2. By drought, and dryness of the Earth.  
3. By the barrenness of the earth, removing Plants into worse mould, or forbearing to renew, and help the ground with dung, or fresh mould.   

Observation.  It hath been 
(a) Exper. 506.  said, That Violets, and some other Flowers, will change from double to single, or change in colour, when the mould wherein they grow, becomes barren, and hartl●sse, through neglect; which is the same in substance with all the three particulars mentioned in the Experiment. Therefore there is need of some fresh mould from year to year, for the preserving of Flowers in their perfection. See hereof at large, Experiment 506. and 510.  

Experiment. 519.  Whatsoever Fruit useth to be set upon a root, or slip, if it be sown, will d●generate: And most of those Fruits that use to be Grafted, if th●y be set of kernels, or stones, degenerate. It is true, that Peaches do better upon stones set, then upon Grafting: And the Rule of exception should seem to be this; That whatsoever Plant requireth much moisture, prospereth better upon the stone, or kernel, then upon the Graft; For the stock though it giveth a finer nourishment, yet it giveth a scanter than the Earth at large.  

Observation.  The reason why Fruits that come of seed, or stones, do degenerate (for the most part) and become worse than the Fruits out of which the seed was taken, I conceive to be this; Fruits that come of seed, or stones, do partake both of the Graft, and of the stock of that tree from which they were taken; so that although the graft was of a special good, and choice kind, yet the stock whereon it was engrafted being a Crabtree, (or some other wild kind of Fruit-tree) the seed participates of both Graft, and stock, and so brings forth a mongrel fruit, between them both: For although Grafts govern, (as hath been said) and may be said to bring forth the same kinds, yet so as that the stock hath some influence into the Fruits, according to the goodn●sse, or badness of the stock.  
But now: In case the Tree from which seeds, or stones are taken, be an ungrafted tree, one that came of seed itself, than I doubt not but that the seed of that Tree, will bring forth the very same kinds again, without any alteration.  
As to that the author says concerning Peaches; that they come better of stones then grafting; I suppose there is a mistake in this: for although it be true, that some Peaches will come good of seed; yet doubtless not better, then by Inoculating, (they take not with Grafting) for we see by constant Experience, that Peach Buds set upon good stocks, will bring forth the very sam●, as the trees from which they were cut; if the rest of their culture, and ordering be the same, or as good.  
And as for some that have come of stones, I have observed they have been none of the best: many that have come of stones have been stark nought; though some have been good.  
And why Peaches, or any other kind of fruit, should be thought to come better of stones, or s●eds, then by Grafting, or Inoculating, I apprehend not any reason: as for that which is given; That the stock giveth a scanter nourishment, than the earth at large; let it be considered: The Twigs and Branches of a Peach tree, (or any other tree that came of seed, or stones) they receive sap, and nourishment from a stem, or body, and root, as w●ll as if the Tree were engrafted; the twigs, and branches of an engrafted tree, have as free and full nourishment, (without any obstruction) as the branches of a●ungrafted tree; the branches of a grafted tree, have no finer nourishment, no●scanter, than the branches of an ungrafted tr●●: for we know, the root, and Body of a Graf●ed tree, and of an ungrafted tree, are alike: and the earth is as free, to the one, as to the other.  
It is reported● 
Experiment. 534.  That a good strong Canvas, spread over a tree, grafted low, soon after it putteth forth, will dwarf it, and make it spread: 
Procerity, and lowness of trees.  The Cause is plain, for that all things grow, as they find room.  

Observation.  It is true (as is said) That Cloth sometimes spread over a tree grafted low, (and suffered to lie on for a time) will cause it to spread much; And that this may be improved for our use, and benefit, this may be done: To plant some few Cherry trees, Plum trees, or other kinds, grafted low, and caused to spread much, and kept from rising up, by this means, keep the earth bare, clean from weeds, grass, or any thing growing under, or about them: such trees (if they be good kinds) will bear much and fairer fruits, then high trees: the reflection of heat from the earth, will be almost as strong, as from a wall. And the fruits may be kept long, growing upon the Trees; even till after September, or October. For if a Cloth be sometimes, in hot weather, spread over them, and moistened, it will keep the fruits from ripening too soon: (yet shade them not too much, lest they come not to full ripeness) Afterwards, the fruits being ripe, some old Canvas haircloth, (or such like) may be spread over them, to preserve the fruits from Birds, and may be so kept long; (look that snails eat them not) Or else a Net may be spread over such trees, to preserve the Fruits: I have known fair Cherries upon Trees towards the middle of October. I conceive the great bearing Cherry, or other late ripe, tart Cherries, to be the best to keep long, in this manner: such are more hardy than other kinds; Cherries very late, are as great Rarities, as those that are early.  

Experiment. 535.  Trees are generally set of Roots, or kernels; but if you set them of slips (as the Mulberry &c.) they will grow, and those (as is reported) will be dwarf trees; the Cause is, for that the slip draweth nourishment more weakly, then either a root, or kernel.  

Observation.  Mulberry-tree slips, and some other kinds of trees that will grow of slips, may be made dwarf trees, if we will order them accordingly, that is; if we suffer all the side branches to grow: or such slips (taking root) may be made high trees, in time, if we cut off all the side branches, and preserve only the middle, straight shoot. But indeed at first, for certain years, they must needs be dwarf trees, until they can rise higher, which in time they will do, if they take root well, and the ground be good.  

Experiment. 544.  In Clay grounds, all Fruit-trees grow full of moss, both upon body, and boughs: which is caused partly by the coldness of the ground, whereby the Plants nourish less: And partly by the toughness of the earth, whereby the sap is shut in &c.  
We see by Experience, that trees growing upon cold, 
Observation.  and moist grounds, or Clay, grav●ll, barr●n grounds, do generally breed Moss●, which is caused, (as the author s●ies) by the coldness and scantn●sse of the nour●shment: And therefore there is need (besides the scraping off of the moss) to lay the Roots of Fruit-trees as dry as may be in such moist grounds, by tre●ching, or otherwise, and also to bring in some soils to make the g●ound b●tter, and warmer, as much as may be.  
It is to be noted● that (commonly) trees that ripen their fruits latest, 
Experiment. 578.  do blossom soonest.  
S●me Fruit-trees indeed which bring forth their fruits to perfect●on, 
Observation.  and ripeness, late in the year, do blossom early; as having need of the heat of the sun to ripen them, all the summer: But some other kinds blossom early, and ripen the●r Fruits also ea●ly; As May Cherry trees, the Premorden●plum, also the Mirabilon plum-tree blossoms exceeding early, and the tree brings forth his Fruit early. I have got ripe plums from this tree about the beginning of July, which is early for Plums.  
There be fruits, 
Experiment. 579.  (but rar●ly,) that come twice a year, As some pears, strawberries &c. Roses bear twice, but it is not wit●out cutting.  
The Windsor peartree does blossom and bear fruits twice in the year●, some years: 
Observation.  but the second bearing I cou●d never see worth the ga●hering, for they are poor, small, hard fruits, not worth any thing.  
I have seen Cherries twice in the year upon one and the same tree, An early Flanders, which I set upon a very warm southwall, bore ripe Cherries about the twenteth of May, And the same tree bore a couple of ripe Cherries afterwards, the one about the sixth of Octob●r, the other a fortnight after.  
Strawberries ordinarily bear twice a y●are, though but few the second time. As for rosetrees, some damask Roses, and some Provosts bear a second time, the same year, though but few, if cut soon after the first bearing in the full moon. But besides, there is a Rose-tree, called the Monthly Ro●e, which bears Roses until the coldness of the winter stop it, about November.  
Nothing procureth the lasting of Tr●es, 
Experiment. 586.  Bushes, and He●bs, so much as oft●n cutting, For every cutting causeth a Renovation of the juice of the Plant, that is neither go●th so far, nor riseth so faintly, as when the plant is not cut.  
This is to be considered in cutting of trees, 
Observation.  else instead of making them last longer, we shorten their lives. That i●, that we so cut them that the wet, and moisture get not into their bodies, which in certain years will ●ot, and spoil them: as we see in many pollard trees, which are hollow all along their bodies: And many Fruit-trees, having had their heads cut off, when they were great Trees, and grafted again; we see the wet, and moisture gets in at the top, before the Grafts can cover the head, and rots the tree, which can never grow great after, nor last long, but rot●, and decays in few ye●res. Whereas Trees that are sound, Fruit-trees, and all other kinds, must needs last much longer: yet as to cutting of side branches, and all supe●fluous branches. (which are not great) that conduceth to the lasting of Trees, as giving the more plentiful, and vig●rous nourishment to those that are left, and to the whole body.   

The VII. CENTURY.  

Experiment. 624.  QVinces, or Apples if you will keep them long, drown them in Honey, but because Honey (perhaps) will give them a taste overlushious, it were good to make trial in powder of sugar, or in ●yrrup of wine only boiled to height.  

Observation.  As for keeping of Apples, keeping them in honey, or sugar, would be too costly: some Pippins, and John Apples, will (of themselves) last till new come again: its good then to get such kinds, that we may have for use all the year long● without charge in keeping.  
And for keeping Quinces, they are kept long in pickle, made of the Pa●ings, and Cores● of those that are used for Marmalade, well boiled in water, with Salt, and Ginger. Or a better way (as some account) is to ●eepe them in small Ale, a penny a Gallon, and to draw i● off, once in ten, or twelve da●es, and put in f●esh; thus it's said they will last two years.  

Experiment. 627.  Take Grapes, and hang them in an empty V●ss●ll, well stopped, and s●t the V●ss●ll, not in a Cellar, but in some dry place, and its said th●y will last lo●g.  

Observation.  Grapes will keep for some short time, in this manner, as hath been said: but when cold moist air towards winter comes on, they will begin to mould, and ●ot; I have kept some in glass, as close stop● with Cork●, and wax, as I could, supposing the exclusion of air, had been best, but though they were good certain weeks, yet afterwards they began to perish: I account it better to hang the Bunches in a kitchen, or some warm room, where fire is much kept, that so some of their supe●fl●ous moisture may be a little dried up; I have kept them thus many weeks. For though the air be much shut out from them in any V●ss●ll, yet that A●re that is shut in with them and their own natural moisture, will cause putrefaction; therefore there is need of some degree of warmth, with dryn●sse: Cut off some of the wood with the Bunches, and cover them with Paper from dust, and hang them up.  
Also a Vine Branch full of ripe Grapes, may be drawn in at a window, and Nailed up, upon the w●ll or ●eeling, letting the br●nch grow still to the Vine, thus they will keep long.  
The juices of Fruits are either watery, or oily: 
Experiment. 633.  I reckon amongst the watery, all the fruits out of which drink is expressed, as the Grape, the Apple, the pear, the Cherry, the Pome-granate &c. And th●re are some others which though they be not in use for drink, yet they appear to be of the same nature, As Plums, Mulberries, Services, Rasps &c. And for those juices that are so fleshy as they cannot make drink by expression (yet perhaps they may make drink by mixture of water. And some of the watery juices, after they have gathered spirit, will burn●, and inflame, as wine.  
Concerning the juices of Apples, 
Observation.  pears, and Cherries, these are well known, and much in use, and esteem: the two former with us in England, and all of them in other parts; And we might have wine of Cherries, as plentiful in England, as it is beyond-sea, if men would but plant store of Cherry trees, of the best kinds, such as are fittest for this purpose: As the Morello-Cherry, the Charoone, the Black-hart, and other k●nds which have a pleasant taste, the j●yce of which is of a deep red colour: These would make a delicate wine, especially for summer time; And which will last also all the year; as I have heard it credibly spoken, by a worthy gentleman, who drank good Cherry wine, of a Twelve month old.  
A● for Cider, and Perry, these liquours (especially Cider) begin to be better known to us, in some parts where they have scarce been heretofore: And doubtless when men are better acquainted with them, and know their good properties, and virtues, in reference to Health, and Long●life, they will be more diligent in planting Fruit-trees, such as are best, and fittest for this purpose. As the Pear●-maine, Pippin, G●nnet-Moyle, Redstreake, and such like; whi●h make Cider better than French-winds.  
Concerning the manner of making Cider, and Perry, with the k●eping, and o●dering of it, I have spoken at large in my Treati●e ●f Fruit-trees: See, the use of Fruits pag. 77.  

Se●Mr H●rtlibs Leg●cy of ●●●bandry pag. ●●  A● for Plums, it is affirmed, that there may be made an excellent wine out of them, and also Aquavitae, of those that are sweet, fat Plum●, as mussel plums, Damson● &c. And though the juice be too thi●k of itself for that purpose, yet water, Cider, or some other liquour, may be mixed therewi●h, which being put up into the Ves●ell; some Honey, yeast, (or the like) must be mixed, to cause it to wo●ke.  

Ex●eriment. 634.  It hath been noted, that m●st Trees, (and specially those that bear Mast) are ●●ui●full but once in two yea●es. The Cause (no doubt) is the expense of s●p; For many Orchard Trees, well cul●ured, will be●re divers y●ares together.  

Observation.  Some Fruit-trees bear store of fruits but once in two years; and I conceive it to be as natural so to do, as to bear such, or such a k●●d of Fruit. And others are observed to bear store of F●uits e●●●y year, constantly; unless (perhaps) in some extreme blast●●g spring, which spoils (in a manner) all: But for many ye●●es t●gether, eve●y yea●e, s●me are known to bear Frui●s exceeding full in the same ground, and with the same culture, as those that bear but each other year: so that we see the expense of sa●, in the ●●aring year, is not the only Cause that Trees bea●e not the next year ●●ter; fo● some that expend as much sap, do yet bear the next year after, as full as before: So then, let care be taken, to ●h●se Graf●s from those trees that we see by Experience are the best, and m●st const●n● bearers; and b●st fruits.  

Ex●erim●nt. ●37.  The g●●at●r part of T●ees bear most, and best, on the lower boughs; but some bear b●st on the t●p b●ughes. Those that bear b●st below, are ●u●h as shade doth more good to, then hurt: for g●n●rally all fruits bea●e b●st l●west, b●cau●e the sap tireth not, having but a short way; and the●efore in F●uits spread upon walls, the low●st are the greatest.  

Ob●ervation.  To my Observation, appletrees, pear trees, Cherry-trees &c. that are good bearers, they bear all over alike. And generally all Fruit●t●ees in these par●s, h●ve need enough of the sun, and bear better in the ●unne, then in the sh●d●; But indeed as to Wall-t●ees, most commonly we see most fruits upon the lower boughs, and 
* The●●f●re o●serve the ●ir●c●ions given in the Tr●a●ise ●f Fruit trees, p. 70. in causing the b●āches to spread along the wall both ways which causeth f●uit bearing.  side●boughes, And the reason I apprehend to be this: Not the tiring of the sap, in its going to the top branches; for the sap is too vigorous, and too plentiful, in the top boughs, and thence it is we always see the fairest, and greatest shoots towards the top of all w●ll-trees, and commonly of all other trees. But the cause why the lower boughs, and side branches, have usually more fruit, than the top branches, I conceive to be for that the sap naturally presseth upwards, in greatest plenty, and runneth forth into shoots, and branches: N●w nat●re being so intent, and vigorously active in one work (viz. increase of the tree in those branches) it doth not put forth itself, at the same time, in that other effect of bearing fruit upon the same branches. But now, as to the lower boughs, and side-branches, there na●ure is at work, but in a r●misse, and weaker d●gree, as to the increase of the branches, such grow but little, because the sap is somewhat obstructed, and curbed by bowing the branches downwards, and so does attend to the other work also, viz. the bearing of Fruits.  
And the truth of this is made more evident, if we consider the same thing in all young trees: We know young appletrees, peartrees, and the like, when, and while they grow, and increase exceedingly in all the parts, shooting forth great, large, strong shoots, and branches, they bear but littl● fruit, or none at all: But after certain years, when they grow not so much, when they shout l●ss●, than they fall to bearing fruits more abundantly  
There be Trees that bear● best when th●y begin to be old; 
Experiment. 638.  As Almonds, pears, Vines, and all trees that give Mast. The Cause is, for that all trees that bear Mast, have an oily Fruit: and young trees have a more watery juice and less concocted. But the most part of Trees: Amongst which are Apples, Plums &c. bear● best when they are young.  
Pear●-trees, appletrees, Plum● and Cherry trees, 
Observation.  if they be good ●earing kinds naturally, after they are three, or four years' grow●h (and some sooner) do all bear store of fruits, until they be extreme old, and in a decaying, dying condi●ion; And there●ore in planting of Fruit-trees, be sure to procure those kinds that are known by Experience to be good bearers, and good fruits, and such will bear well, both when they are young, and when they are old, until extreme age.  
Were I to plant an Orchard, or Garden of Fruit-trees, and might have Trees at hand, freely, for nothing, of indifferent, common kinds, a●d but ind●fferent beare●s, I would ra●her ch●●e to fetch ●hose tha● are choice kinds, and special bearers one hundred or two hundred miles (if they could not be had nearer) and there pay dear for them too, besides all other Charges, then take those at hand, for when men plant Fruit-●r●es, It is not for a f●w ye●●es, but fo●sev●rall generations: therefore take special care to have the b●st kinds, for bearing, and for R●lish, or taste: that is the foundation of the work, the principal thing in planting.  
Now when fruit-trees are grown to extreme old age, and therefore be●re but little, this m●y be done; which will make them (as it were) young again, for certain years, and to bear exc●eding much fruit year●ly: That is, Cut off their Head●, or big bough●s, not straight over, but a slope, that so rain, and moisture may not rest ●pon the top, to rot it: These great boughs will (the next summer) put forth many young shoots; which may be Inoculated the same summer, or Grafted the spring after, with special bearing kinds: And these old Bodies h●ving young heads (which draw sap vigorously) will be much refreshed thereby: and such trees will bear store of fruits many years after.  

Experiment. ●53.  the Ro●ts of Trees do (some of them) put down●-wards, deep into the ground; As the oak, Pine, Fi●re & c● some spread more towards the surface of the earth; As the Ash, cypress-tree, Olive &c. The Ca●se of this l●●●r may be, for that such Trees as lov● the sun do not willi●gly d●scend far into the Earth.  

Observation.  It is true, The Roots of Oak● Trees, and some other kinds, shoot d●wne deeper into the Earth, than Ash-trees, and some other ●●ees: May not the R●ason be (why some put their Roots de●per than others) b●c●●se those Trees have gr●ater, and larger bodies, than others: a●d Nature lays the foundation answerable to what is to be set upon it: Now O●kes being the greatest Trees, Nature is wise enough (acco●ding to a Law God ha●h put into it) to make the root or foundation Answerable: O●he●wise I conceive, the Roots of all trees would be as near the top of the groun● as may be, as loving the sun, as having an absolute need of it in order to their growth; And I am persuaded, that the appetite of the spirit, in all ●●ees whatsoever, (one as well as another) is upwards, and not downwards, and never exerts itself down●-wards, but upon necessity: and in order, or in subordination, to the growth of the body of the tree, above ground.  

Experiment. 654.  It hath been Observed, that a Branch of a Tree, being unbarked some space at the bo●tome, and so set into the ground, even of such trees as if the bark were set on, they would not grow, yet contrariwise we see that a Tree ●ared round in the body, above gr●und, will die: The cause may be, for that the unbarkt part draweth the nourishment best, but the bark continueth it only.  
It is true●some branches that are unbarked at the bottom, 
Observation.  and set in the ground will grow: of some kinds of appletrees; As the Quodling, Nursgarden, Moyse, and some other kinds, that have soft barks● Not because, (not I suppose the sooner) for that the branch is unbarked, for such will grow of cutting●, or slips, though they be not at all unbarked, And those that be unbarked and grow, it is not the unbarked par● that draweth nourish ne●t best, nor th●t draweth it at all; but the Roots put forth from the bark, even at the very edge of the cut part, and also some break out of the Bark where it is not cut, As we see in those branches of Trees from which we get Roots while they grow upon the tree, by disb●●king of them, an inch round, and tying mould about: See how, at large, Treatis● of Fruit-trees. p. 136.  
The grafting of Vines upon Vines (as I take it) is not now in use; 
Experiment. 668.  the Ancients had it, and that th●ee ways: The first was insition, which is the ordinary manner of grafting. The second was Terebra●ion through the middle of the stocke● and putting in the scions there. And the third was, p●ring of two Vines, that grow together, to the marrow, and binding them close.  
I have tried several ways, to graft Vines: 
Observation.  by cleving, or insition, (as the Author calls it) and also by pari●g two Vines, the stock, and Graft, on two sides, which is my usual, and best way of grafting other Fruit-trees, but neither took effect: so that I am persuaded those Fruit-trees that are so easily propagated by other means, as by laying down the Branches, into the earth, and by cuttings, that these will not take with Grafting, or Inoculating as Vines, Mulberries &c. I have tried many Experiments about Mu●berries, both for grafting, and Inoculating, ●pon several kinds of stock●, and yet none succeeded: but Mulberries are increased by laying down the Branches, and by cutting, as Vines are: so that I conceive this grafting, mentioned by some Ancient Authors, is but a conceit of theirs, 
See the Observation upon the 477. Experim●  (a grafting in the brain) instead of a real Exp●riment, like multitudes of other things recorded by some who (its probable by what they say) had no experimental knowledge, in the things they spoke.  
As for Ma●uration of fruits, 
Experiment. 316.  it is effected by heat, motion, attract●on; and by a rudiment of putrefaction, for the inception of putrefaction, hath in it a maturation.  
Concerning the maturation or speedy ripe●ing or concocting of 
Observation.  Fruits, all kinds of heat (as the Author says) hasteneth it faster, or slower, according to the degree of heat: As we see by Experience, Apples, or pears laid upon a heap together (being newly gathered) they m●llow, and rip●n faster than if they lay single, at distance one f●om another. Al●o Apples covered in Lime, hay● straw, &c. will be m●ll●w, in a short time; But the most speedy way to ripen hard fruits, and to abate the gross tartness of them, is the common Experiment by a gentle heat before the fire, or in an Oven after bread is drawn.  
So we see (as the A●thor obse●ves) If fruits are eat with Wasps, Hornets, Bird● &c. some part of them, the rest sweeten, and rip●n sooner, putrefaction beg●nning, and hastening by reason of solution of continuity, in that part.  

Experiment. 343.  We see that beer or Wine in Bottles close stopped lasts long: And that Fruits closed in Wax k●epe fresh: And lik●wise bodies put in honey and Flower, keep more fresh.  

Observation.  It is true, th●t liquours when they are well settled in the V●ss●ll, (after a certain time) and after drawn ou● into B●ttles, and stopped very close with Cork, and set in a C●ll●r, or buried in sand, such will be much more fresh, and quick th●● th●●●me liquour in a gre●t vessel, especially if any part of it be drawn off: And therefore this is a good way to keep Cider, Perry, White-wine, or the like, and that for a long time ●ogether.  
As for Fruits closed in wax, or put in honey. I find that even Cherries (which are more subject to corruption ●hen many other k●nds of fruits) will keep fresh, many weeks together, more than they will do of themselves in the open air: exclusion of air preserve● them for a time, but yet putre●ac●ion at length will work within, because of the superfluous moisture, which h●d need of drying up. I have tried Fruits in Hon●y, (Aprecots, Plums, Cherries) and they held good two, or three months: a●terwards pu●re●action began.  

Experiment. 378.  A Bottle of beer buried four foot d●epe in the ground, became more liv●ly better tasted, and clear●r, than it was● and a Bottle of Wine in like manner: A Bottle of vinegar so buried came forth more lively, and more ●doriferous, smelling almost like a Vi●l●t after a Month, burial all the three came forth● as fresh and lively, if not better than before.  

Observation.  This is certain, That beer, Ale, Cider, and Wine, when well settled and cleared in the vessel, and drawn off into Bottles, and well stopped with Cork, and wax; will continue fr●sh, and good, much longer then in the vessel: If the Bottles are buried in sand, (as was said before) or buried a yard, or more in the ground: The reason I conceive is, for that as no air can possibly penetrate so deep, and through the Bottle, to the liquour, nor can the spirits of the liquour (in the least) get out: so neither can the liquour suffer any prejudice by alteration of the air from heat to cold, as it does in vessels above ground.  
trial hath been made, with earthen Bottles, well stopped, 
Experiment● 385.  hanged in a well of Twenty fathom deep, at the least, and some of the Bottles have been let down into the water, some others have hanged above, w●th●in about a fathom of the water: Wine, and beer in these Bottles have kept better, then in a Cell●r, but those above water were apparently the best.  
The Cause why beer, wine, Cider or the like, 
Observation.  will keep better thus, and in Earth, sand &c. (as before) then in V●ssells, or Bottles above ground, I apprehen● (as was said) for that the air is excluded, and the spirits shut in: also the air above ground is subject to variation● some●imes more hot, and sometimes more cold: which som●what stirs, and affects the spirits of the liquour in the Vess●ll, whe●●by they become weaker.  
I have heard i● repor●ed for a truth, That Bottles of Wine, (or some other liquour) were found in a deep draw-well, which had been many years f●●d up, and afterwards opened, and cle●sed again for use: and the liquour was found to be very fresh, and good, notwithstanding it had l●en there many year: whereby it is manifest, th●t this way of keeping liquours, will preserve it good a long time.   

The IX. CENTURY.  
WE have partly touched before, 
Experiment. 854.  the means of producing fruits without Cores, or stones: And this we add further, that the Cause must be abundance of moisture, for that the Core, and stone, are made of a dry sap● And we see that it is possible to mak● a Tr●e put forth o●ly in blossom without fruit, as in Cherries with double flowers: much more in fruit, without stone or Cores.  
This hath been spoken to sufficiently before, 
Observation.  See Experiment 514. It is neither the taking out of the Pi●h, as is there prescribed; nor the abundance of moisture, as here, that will work this effect: some Trees have a great deal too much moisture, and yet the fruits of such have nevertheless cores, or stones.  
As for the cherrytree that puts forth Bloss●ms without Fruits: that is not made to do so by any man's Art, or Skill: but it is natural: I know the kind well, it is as natural for it to bear double blossoms, without Fruit, as for any other Tree to bear such, or such a kind of fruit.  

Exp●riment. 856.  Trees set upon the back● of Chimneys, do ripen fruits sooner: Vines that have been drawn in at the window of a Kitchen, have sent forth Grapes ripe a mo●th (at l●ast) before others.  

Observation.  Thi● is certain (as the Author saie●● such a kind of heat, as is upon the back of Chimneys, where fire is continually, or most commonly kept, will much hasten the ripening of fruits. I have seen a thin Brick wall whe●e fire hath been kept on the one side; and Fruit-trees have been plan●●d on the other side: which have brought forth ripe f●uits very early: much sooner than the same ●inds without such artificial heat.  
But (as I remember) such trees die, soon after bearing, they last but one year: being so much forced with heat, it destroys nature.  
And Branches of Vines being drawn in at the window of a Kitchen, or room where fire is kept: the fruits will be ripe sooner than those without doors: but let it not be too near the fire, lest it wither, or over much dry the branch.  
THE END.   

I desire the Reader to amend these faults escaped in Printing.  
PAg. 2. line 1●● for forming● read forcing of nature. p. 30. l. 6. put a full point after the w●●d Flower. p. 30. ●. 7. for is, read with. p. 32. l. the last, for vari●ty, ●ead 〈◊〉. p. 40. l. the fir●t, for winds, read wines.   

A Table showing the principal things contained in the ensuing Experiments, and Observations.  
ACceleration of Germination, by s●wing seed upon a hot-bed 
pag. 1.  Steeping of seeds, kernels, stones, &c. in liquours before sowing, to make them spring up the sooner 
p. 2.  watering of Strawberries, to hasten their ripening 
p● 3.  Blood, and other things applied to the Roots of trees, helps towards th●iving of the Trees, and bearing of Fruits, moderately, and seasonably observed p. 3. Fruits upon the south, and East sun, ripen soonest 
p. 3.  Digging about the Roots of some Trees, is profitable 
p. 4.  rosetrees bud forth in the house p. 4. Flowers with bulbous Roots, grow a time in water p. 4. Pease, Radish &c. Early 
p 4.  Water nec●ssary to fruit-trees but not overmuch 
p. 5.  Plants housed seas●●ably, bud soonest p. 5. To make Roses come late, several means p. 5, 6, 7. Stones, weeds, muck &c. laid about the Roots of new set trees, makes them prosper b●tter 
p. 7.  keep Trees st●dy, at first se●ting p 8. Cut away suckers, and side branches, as need is p. 8. Branches of some Trees laid in the ground, take root p● 8. How to take ●ff the boughs of some trees with Roots 
p. 8.  No descension of sap in Trees, divers Arguments against it. 
p. 9  How to make barren Trees fruitful p. 9, 10. Trees against a southwall bear fruits ripe soonest 10. Pull not off leaves too so●ne 
p. 10.  Fruits on low boughs, ripe soon●st p. 11. Graft trees that bear not, or bear not good fruits, with Grafts of good bearing kinds 
p. 11.  Digging ●bout the Roots of trees, profitable to some p. 12. Opening the Roots of old trees, and putting in good mould, is nec●ssary in barren ground p. 12. Tra●splant trees from bad ground, to better 
p. 12.  Cu●ting, or scoring the bark of trees● sometimes profitable 
p. 13.  Shade good for some trees p 13. Pull off Blossoms in some Cases 
p. 13, 14.  Grafting helpeth not trees, exc●pt the Grafts are of good kinds 
p. 14.  G●afts do govern, yet partake somewhat of the stock 
p. 14, 15.  Fruit-trees of some kernels, bear good fruits p. 15, 16. Remove Flowers into fresh ●arth p. 16. Regrafting the same Graft mak●s not fruits greater p 16. Cut not off the ●ops of young figtrees p. 17. black Mulberry-trees great bearers p. 17. Lees of Wine● Blood &c. good especially to old trees p. 17. Terebration of trees, good for some trees 
17.  Pricking, or scoring some trees, profitable p. 18. swine's dung, good for trees, if moderately used p. 18. Simply grafting doth not meliorat● fruits p. 18. choose the b●st Grafts, and Stocks 
p. 18.  Rot●en dung, b●st for trees p. 19 Fruit growing in Pots 
p. 19  Set not any Trees below the soil p. 20. Fruits upon warm walls ripen soonest p. 20. Graft upon the b●st sto●k● 
p. 20.  The Causes of Barrenn●sse of Trees 21 Of Compounding fruits, making of s●ve●all kinds, one n●w kind 22. Sym●athy● and Antipathy of Plant 
23.  several kinds drawing ●he ●●me ●uyce, or sap, convert it into their own● nature's p. 24 Of making herbs, and Fruits Medicinable 
p. 25.  Curiosities about F●uits, and Plants p. 26. Fruits of several shapes 
26.  Fruits, and trees wi●h insc●iptions● or ingravings upon them 
p. 26.  Set Letters on Fruit-trees, to know the kinds p. 27. Trees appa●elled with flowers p. ●7. R●move Flowers into fr●sh mould 
p. 27, 28.  Lay flowers to multiply them, see how 
p● 28.  Cl●ve-Gilly● Flowers, the most u●●full p. 29. White colours, more inodorate p 29● White fruits c●mmonly b●st 
p. 30.  D●ff●●●nt co●ours fr●m one kind of seed● 
p. 30.  Ga●her s●●d● fr●m the best flowers p. 31. How to have flowers fair, and double p. 31. Roses multiplied by Inoculating 
p. 32.  Fruits without Core, or st●ne p. 32. Grafts upon the sweetest stocks, bear the sweet●st fruits p. 33. Degenerating of Pla●ts 
p. 34.  Some flowers degenerate, and change, through barrenness of the soil 
34.  seed of some fruits d●generate, see the Cause 
p. 34.  P●aches come not better of stones, then Grafting 
p. 35.  dwarf trees bear great fruits, and many 
p. 35, 36.  Help barren s●yles, and such as are too most, lay them drier 
p. 36, 37.  Some trees bear twice a y●are p. 37. Cutting fruit-trees conduceth to their lasting in some cases p. 37. How to keep fruits long 
p. 38.  Wine of Ch●rri●s, and other fruits p. 39 Cider, and Perry, conduce to health and long life p. 39 An excellent drink made of Plums 
p. 40.  Plant the best be●ring tr●es p. 40. Most fruits commonly on the low●st bough●s, the Caus●p. 40. Co●d b●aring kinds bear betime, and continue long p. 41. Get the best kinds upon any rates 
p. 41.  Graft again o●d trees if bad fruits, or bad bearers p. 41. Some trees grow de●per then o●h●rs, the Cause p 42. Some trees take Root of slips 
p 42.  Vines take not with Graf●ing. Lay the branches in the Earth 
p 43.  H●●te hasteneth Maturation of F●uits 
p. 43.  How to keep Cid●r, (and other liquours) long 
p. 44.  Bottles of liquour in sand, earth &c. 
p. 44.  Fruits cannot be made wi●hout Cores, or stones 
p. 45.  artificial heat may h●lp to ripen fruits ●ooner 
p. 46.