depiction of a handshake between two arms emerging from clouds Profits. Pleasures. A Treatise of FRVIT-TREES Showing the manner of Grafting, Setting, Pruning, and Ordering of them in all respects: According to divers new and easy Rules of experience; gathered in the space of Twenty years. Whereby the value of Lands may be much improved, in a short time, by small cost, and little labour. Also discovering some dangerous Errors, both in the Theory and Practice of the Art of Planting Fruit-trees. With the alimental and Physical use of fruits. Together with The Spiritual use of an Orchard: Held forth in divers Similitudes between Natural & Spiritual Fruit-trees: according to Scripture & Experience. By RAMIRES: AUSTEN. Practiser in the Art of Planting birds-eye view of a well-ordered garden, with trees laid out geometrically around a central flower area; there are figures at work and at leisure; in the corners are representations of gardening tools and implements A Garden enclosed is my sister my Spouse: Thy Plants are an Orchard of Pomegranates, with pleasant fruits: Cant: 4: 12: 13 I: Goddard sculp: Oxford printed for Tho: Robinson 1653. To the Worshipful SAMVEL HARTLIB Esquire My much Honoured Friend. I Am not unmindful (worthy Sir) under what engagement you stand upon mine account, to the Public; In the late Treatise of improvement of Lands, by our deceased friend Mr Blithe, which you were pleased so freely to undertake for me; And which was renewed again, in the Design for Plenty. According to my duty therefore, I have endeavoured to answer your (and others) expectation, in this my ensuing Discourse of Fruit-trees. It is agreed on all hands, That this work of Planting Fruit-trees (through the blessing of God) is of vast Profit, where it is diligently, and skilfully undertaken. Mr Blithe in his Book, discovers the great Improvement of Lands; some to a Five fold, some to a Ten, and some to a Twenty fold value: And the highest way there mentioned, is by Planting Fruit trees: As may be seen at large, Pag. 262, 263. etc. of his Worke. And in your Legacy of Husbandry, it is accounted a great deficiency in England, that we have no more Fruit-trees Planted, which would be a chief means to enrich this Commonwealth, in many respects; And in particular, with such a Commodity as that we should not need to bestow our moneys for French Wines, or the like having Liquors, (Cider, Perry, Cherry-wines, etc.) as good, or better, made of our own fruits: As it is there observed. If men would Plant Fruit-trees, not only in Gardens, but also in many of their Fields and Hedges; This course (after some years) might save the expense of many Thousand Quarters of Malt, yearly, in the Nation. And many Thousand Loads of Wood, and other Fuel, in making Malt, and as much (it may be) in Brewing Beer. And many thousand Acres sowed yearly with Barley, might be sowed with Bread-corne, or turned into Pasture-grounds, by reason of the abundance of those most healthful Liquors, Cider and Perry that might be yearly made, Besides great store of Wood, would be got for Fuel, by the Prune of the Fruit-trees, and Old Trees past bearing, with special Wood for Joiner's, and many other purposes. This likewise might be one chief way (among others) for employing and setting on work, very many Poor People, The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness. Prov. 21.5. (in Enclosing, and preparing Grounds for Planting, and many other Works) (according to the late consultations of the Parliament) whereby they might maintain themselves, and profit others, in stead of burdening of them. Yea: hereby would accrue to the Poor (and the whole Nation) many great advantages, in several respects: First, a Freedom, and deliverance of multitudes from Idleness, Beggary, Shame, and consequently, Theft, Murder, and (at last) the Gallows. Secondly, Positive advantages; Meat, Drink, Clothing, Riches, and Profits, to themselves and others. If the higher powers (whom God hath set up to design, and labour for the welfare, and prosperity of his People) would please to make a Law, (there being Laws of a thousand times less consequence) for the Enclosure and Plantation, of some of the Wast, and Common Grounds, Whereof there are many Thousand Acres in this Nation, (such as are most fit for Improvement, according as is largely, and with wisdom and judgement, set forth in the late Treatise entitled, Bread for the Poor; And in another Treatise, entitled A Design for Plenty:) there would (by the blessing of God on our Labours) be Bread indeed for the Poor, and Wine too; Yea, Riches, and Lands of Inheritance, to those who are not now worth a Groat. For in divisions, and enclosures of Waste, and Common Grounds, (by Persons apppointed for that purpose,) why should not the Poor have their share, and proportion, as well as their rich Neighbours, and that to them, and their heirs for ever; yea, let the Poor be first provided for. Are not these the times of the Gospel prophesied of Esay 49.19, 20. When the Wast and desolate places shall be inhabited; The people of God being multiplied (as in these our days they are, more than in former times) they now say to Authority, as vers. 20. The place is too straight for us, give place to us that we may dwell. Many of the Waste and Common Grounds (being enclosed) might be improved unto fare greater advantages, than now they are (both as to the Lords of the Wastes, and others claiming interest in them) for the increase of Cattles, both in Number and greatness; our breed of Horses might then be fit for War, whereas now the Commons starve and spoil them, as to such service: And all sorts of Corn, Fruits of Trees, Timber, Fuel, Hemp, Flax, and many other Profits, might be multiplied, whereby the Nation would abound with all outward necessaries for itself, and the overplus to transport to other parts, for the enriching & strengthening of this Nation, still more and more; in stead of sending out our moneys and Commodities for supplies from them. And hereby this Nation might become able (under the hand of God) to support itself, and help to uphold others also, who are friends to us, and be a terror to all those that contend with us. An eminent person once said of this Nation, that it is a very Garden of delights, and a Well that cannot be exhausted: What then would it be, did it abound with goodly Fruit-trees, and other Profits, where now are barren Wastes: Might it not then be called another Canaan, flowing with Milk and honey, of which it is recorded, that there were Fruit-trees in abundance. Nehem. 9.25. The more obstructions we have from Foreign parts, the more need we have to labour diligently for all necessary, and useful things, within our own Nation, that we may be able to subsist without the help of others: so that this work of Planting Fruit-trees, for improvement of Lands, is fit to be carried on as well, (if not much rather) in these times of War, as in times of Peace. Upon all which Accounts it is my humble desire, That you (Sir) who have laboured, and done so much already for the Public, would still be pleased to be assistant, and instrumental for the promoting and setting on foot, the Work of Planting Fruit-trees in this Nation, more than in former times: According as is set forth in your Legacy of Husbandry; The Design for Plenty; and other of your Published Treatises, tending to general Profit, and the great encouragements in this work which I have (from time to time) received from you: for all which I shall be still ready (thankfully) to acknowledge myself Your very much engaged Servant RAMIRES: AUSTEN. To the Reader. THere are extant many Treatises and Histories of Trees and Plants, showing us, the Kind's, Forms, Natures, and Virtues of them: some likewise teach us the manner of Propagation of Fruit-trees, their Sowing, Grafting, Setting, Preservation, and Ordering: But most of these Authors speak in an unknown Tongue to the plain English Husbandman, (whose encouragement and direction, I shall herein much endeavour) Only some few small pieces have been offered to him which he may understand, but very much defective in many necessary, and principal parts of the Art of Planting Fruit-trees: And not only so, but likewise (some of them) are full of dangerous and hurtful instructions, and things notoriously untrue, as shall particularly appear in the ensuing discourse. See pag. 78. So that a plain, sound, Experimental work upon this subject, hath been much wanting in this Nation. The Art of Planting Fruit-trees is (among Ancient Authors) called Husbandry, being it is one part of the Husbandman's work: Quid sit Agricultura. vid. pag. 6: though in many parts of this Nation Husbandmen have little skill in it, their labour being chiefly Tillage of the ground for Corne. But this is a part of the Husbandman's work as well as that, yea: and the chiefest, and worthiest part: Adam in time of his Innocency was employed in this part of Husbandry about Fruit-trees, as is showed pag. 12. But when he had sinned, he was put away from this work to till the ground, a lower and inferior labour. Gen 3.23. The Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden, to till the Ground. We see likewise the Scripture calls it Husbandry, Noah is called an Husbandman when he planted a Vineyard Gen. 9.20. God (blessed for ever) is called an Husbandman, for that he pruneth, purgeth, and ordereth his Mystical Vine-tree the Church, joh. 15.1. So that I shall keep the phrase throughout the Worke. I have seen (I suppose) the best Works, both of Ancient, and Late Writers upon this Subject, and have learned from them what I could, for accomplishment of this Art, and have observed the practice, & experiments of many from time to time, concerning it, and have improved them to my own advantage. And likewise I have set myself to the Practice of this work for the space of Twenty years, and more: endeavouring to find out things of use and profit, by Practice and Experience, that I might speak upon better and surer grounds, than some others who have written upon this Subject, for Experience guides, and informs Reason in many things, in which (without Experience) it would often err. Some who have taught this Art of Planting Fruit-trees, have been in it (I conceive) only Contemplative men, having little, or no Experience in it: so that in many things they have erred, and that grossly, as shall appear in due place. L. Ba. Advanc. Lear. A Learned Author says, The writings of speculative men upon active matter (for the most part) 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. Study, and Practise (by degrees) frame new Arts, and add to the old: Virg. Geor Per varios usus Meditando extunderet Artes: paulatim. Experience is called the Perfecter of Arts, and the most sure, and best teacher in any Art, Contemplation and Action are the two Legs whereon Arts run steadyly and strongly, and the one without the other, can but hop, or go lamely: They are the two Eyes wherewith men see natures secrets clearly, but the one alone discerns but dimly: And hence it follows that some who were only contemplators of nature without experience, and would needs adventure to write, & give instructions touching the Practic part of this Art of Planting Fruit-trees, have in many things (as the aforesaid Author says) presented us with smoke instead of the lucide flames of light: They have indeed shown us a comely and beautiful body, painted according to Art, but yet liveless and without a spirit, And have offered us shells and husks instead of kernels. But now, speculation and Action, are as Soul and Body united, which labouring together, work out both Profit and Pleasure: many advantages to ourselves and others. When Speculation and practice, Art and Nature, are matched together, they are pregnant and fruitful, but the one alone, wanting a meet helper, what fruits can it bring forth: Experience (as a Philosopher says) is the Root of Art: and it may well be so called, from whence springs a numerous multitude of new Experiments: for from one Root, or single Experiment, (though perhaps a poor and mean one in itself) if throughly weighed with Reason and judgement, may arise many rich and rare inventions: And it's most true, which the Lord Bacon says to this purpose: As through a small hole, or cranny, a man may see great Objects, so through small and contemptible instances, men may see great Axioms, singular secrets of nature. Men will labour hard, and a long time in some labours full of hazard and danger, and perhaps unjust too, and all for a little profit: but here, in this employment, men may with a little labour, in a short time, without hazard or danger, and that justly, obtain great, and many profits, and those with Pleasures superadded. Works, and labours, which have in them but a vain, and unprofitable pleasure, are approved but only of some sensual persons, And such labours as have but only Profit, and do not ease the pains with some Pleasantness in them, are yet harsh, and disliked of many, but such as yield both Profit and Pleasure, are universally liked & allowed of all, according to the Poet. Omne tulit punctum, qui miscuit utile dulci. Either of these is the better, because of the other joined with it, when they run along, hand in hand, the Profit is the more, because of the Pleasure, and the Pleasure is more, because of the Profit. Now therefore: That men may obtain yearly a plentiful harvest of Profits and Pleasures, I have endeavoured to remove whatsoever might hinder, and have laid down some Arguments of encouragement to set upon, and prosecute the means to obtain them, discovering the best way I can find out, how they may be gotten with most speed, and kept with most security. If any man think the Divine, and Humane Arguments (preceding the work) to be needless, because generally men know, that Planting Friut-trees is a very profitable work, none doubt it. I Answer, Some know it by experience many others do not. And although men are convinced of the profitableness of the work, yet there is need of some quickening Motives to it; And I know none more pervalent than those taken from Profits, and Pleasures; considered in so great and so many respects: especially if we take in the Spiritual part, unto which the Arguments may be as properly referred, as to the Natural. Or if any account the Arguments too large, conceiving the Porch to be too big for the House. It is Answered: such a Judgement arises from a mistake, for the whole Work (following the Arguments considered together, both the Natural, and Spiritual part, is but one entire Treatise, as in the Title-Page is expressed: And besides; the work (as yet) is not finished, There is (it may be) as much behind, which in time I hope will be perfited. Accept of what is made ready at present, which as it may be profitable to some in respect of Encouragments and Directions in the practice of the Work, so also I desire it may be a means to stir up others to do some thing in the like kind for Public Profit. There are many good wits exercised about Toys, and Trifles: some men bestow excessive Time, cost, and Labour, about mere shadows, and well deserve Marshals Motto, Turpis est difficiles habere nugas. Et stultus labor est ineptiarum. L. 2. Epig. 86. While they might in the mean time, by the study and practise of this art, (in searching out many hidden secrets of nature and experiments) much advantage themselves, and many others, both in respect of temporals, and spirituals. An ancient Author says, Not he that knoweth many things, but he that knoweth things Fruitful is Wise. This Art is a full store-House, out of which may be brought both Meat, Drink, and Money, it is a rich Mine, without bounds or bottom, out of which we may dig Profits and Pleasures great, and many, and worthy the study, and labour of the most wise and Learned. The good of this Employment, both in the Theoric, and Practic part, spreads itself over all places in the World, to all persons in the world, from the Cradle to the Grave, from the beginning of the World, to the end of it; so that no work can be more universally good than this. Now therefore seeing there is so much profit, and advantage to be received from this employment of Planting Fruit-trees both in Temporal, and Spiritual respects, Let us set about it, and labour in it, either with Body or mind, or both, That thereby the Glory of God, and Public Profit (together with our own advantages) may be promoted. The blessing of God go a long with us, and give the increase in all our labours, and prosper the works of our hands. This is my Advice to men, and Prayer to God. Who am Thine in the best Services RA: AUSTEN. The Analysis. PRofits of Planting Fruit-trees in Corn, and Pasture grounds, the best way of improvement of Lands. p. 1. Objections concerning Planting Answered 1. Coldness of the Country. p. 4. 2. Robbing Fruit-trees. p. 4. 3. Long expectation of Fruits. p. 5. The praises of Fruit-trees and Art of Planting. 1. From Ancient Authors p. 6, 7. etc. 2. From Modern Authors p. 6, 7. etc. Eight divine Arguments of the dignity, and value of Fruit-trees, and Art of Planting. 1. Argument; Adam's employment in Innocency. pag. 12. 2. Argument; Fruits were the first food given to man. p. 12, 3. Argument from examples. p. 12, 13. etc. 1. God blessed for ever. 2. Noah. 3. Abraham. 4. King Uzziah. 5. King Solomon. 6. Susanna. 7. The Jews. 8. Our Saviour Christ. 4. Argument from Similitudes. p. 14, 15. etc. 1. Esay 5.1, 2. My beloved had a Vineyard in a fruitful hill. 2. Psal. 1.2. Like a tree planted by the Rivers of Waters. etc. 3. joh. 15.1. I am the true Vine, and my Father is the Husbandman. 4. Rom. 11.17. If some of the Branches were broken off. etc. 5. Cant. 4.12, 13. A Garden enclosed is my Sister my Spouse. 6. Rev. 22.2. There was the tree of life. Fifth Divine Argument from Gods withholding them in displeasure. p. 16. Instances 1. Exod. 9.25. Hail broke every tree of the Field: etc. 2. Amos 4.9. I have smitten your fruit-trees: etc. 3. joel. 1.12. The Vine is dried up, the figtree languisheth: etc. 4. Deut. 28.39. Thou shalt plant but shalt neither drink of the Wine nor gather the Grapes. sixth Divine Argument from Gods promising, and giving them in Mercy. p. 16, 17. Instances 1. jer. 29.5. Plant Gardens and eat the Fruit of them. 2. Amos 9.4. They shall plant Gardens, and eat the fruits of them. 3. Neh. 9.25. They took strong City's Vineyards & Olive-yards & Fruit-trees in abundance. 4. Ezek. 34.27. And the Tree of the field shall yield her fruit, etc. Seaventh Divine Argum. from two commands 1. Tit. 3.4. Let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses. p. 17. 2. Phil. 4.8. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are lovely, of good report, etc. pag. 18. Eight Divine Argument from God's special Charge to preserve fruit-trees above all other Trees Deut. 20.19. Thou shalt not destroy the Trees, being Trees for Meat, for the Tree of the Field is man's life. pag: 19 Four Humane Arguments of the dignity of Fruit-trees and Planting from the 1. Precedents of the greatest Persons pag. 20. Cyrus' King of Persia. Philometrus Kings of Asia. Heronius Kings of Asia. Archelaus King of Asia. Attalus King of Asia. Evax King of Arabia. Avicen King of Arabia. Telaphanus. Antonius Pius. Elizeus. Numa. Sportanus. Alcinous. Mithridates the Great. Alexander the Great. Solomon King of Israel. And many others. 2. Praises of All People. pag. 21. See Instances of many. p. 6, 7, 8. etc. The Third humane Argument from Profits. 1. To the Estate 1. In respect of House-keeping 1. In Meats. pag. 21. 2. In Drinks. pag. 21. 2. In respect of Sale 1 Fruits in their kinds 22 2. Wines made of them 22 2. To the Body 1. In respect of health 1. By moderate exercises. p. 22. 2. Fresh Airs. p. 23. 3. Pleasant Odours. p. 23. 4. Wholesome meats. p: 24. 2. In respect of long life. 1. By operation upon the spirits through the Organs of the Body. Ear p. 35. 36, 27 etc. Touch p. 35. 36, 27 etc. Smell p. 35. 36, 27 etc. Sight p. 35. 36, 27 etc. Taste p. 35. 36, 27 etc. 2. Through the Affections of the Mind Hope pag. 25. Joy p. 26. Admiration. p. 27, 28. etc. 3. To the Mind 1. In respect of knowledge Natural p. 32. Moral p. 32. Spiritual p. 32. 2. In respect of Affections. 32. 4. To the Name 1. In this life, by Gifts and Benefits. p. 33. 2. After death, by Fruit-trees as living Monuments. 5. To others 1. To the Poor Friends or Enemies. 34. 2. To the Rich Friends or Enemies. 34. The Fourth Humane Argument from pleasures. 1. To the Ear 1. By sweet tunes of singing Birds. p. 35. 2. By gentle motion of boughs, & leaves. 35 2. To the Touch 1. By cool fruits boughs and leaves. 36. 2. By cool fresh Airs. p. 36. 3. To the Eye 1. By decent forms of Trees, Allies, walks, Seats, and Arbours. p: 36. 2. By curious colours of Blossoms, Leaves, and Fruits. p. 36. 4. To the Smell 1. By fresh Earth digged up. p. 37. 2. From Blossoms, and Leaves. p. 38. 5. To the Taste 1. From ripe and raw Fruits. p. 38. 2. From Dishes and Drinks made of them. p. 39 A Caution in the use of Earthly blessings No Earthly thing to be enjoyed properly, but used only. p. 41. Difference between using, and enjoying of a thing. pag. 42. The Nursery in it consider 1. Sowing 1. Seeds of Fruits 2. Stones of Fruits 1. The time. p. 44. 2. The manner. p. 44. 2. Weeding and Watering the young Plants. p. 45. 3. Transplanting them in Autumn. p. 45. 4. Inoculating, or Engrafting them. p. 46. In Grafting observe: 1. Time of Grafting 1. General time: the Spring: p: 46. 2. More special, in respect of different kinds: p. 46. 2. Instruments for the Work: p. 46. 3. Manner of the Work three ways 1. Of small Stocks. p. 53. 2. Of great Stocks. p. 53. 3. A middle sort of Stocks. p. 53. 4. Choice of Grafts 1. As they fit several Stocks. p. 53. 2. In respect of good hearing kinds: see particulars: p: 53, 54, 55. etc. In Inoculating observe 1. The time: pag. 50. 2. The Buds 1. In respect of growth. p. 50. 2. In respect of kinds. p. 50. 3. The Stocks 1. The small, and young: p: 51. 2. Those full of sap: p: 51. 4. Unbinding the Buds: some sooner some later. p: 51. In Transplanting observe: 1. The time: Early removing best: p. 60. 2. Pruning 1. The Roots of Plants: p: 61. 2. The Branches of Plants: p: 61. 3. Manner of setting 1. Standards 2. Wall-trees In respect of 1. Deepness. 61 2. Distance. 62 3. Order. 63. In Pruning cut 1. Wall-trees 1. In Summer. p. 64. 2. In Winter. p. 65. 2. Standards 1. All dead Boughs. p. 65. 2. All superfluous living boughs. p. 65. Order the Roots 1. In opening them. p. 65. 2. In laying fit soils to them. p. 66. Diseases incident to Fruit-trees 1. mossiness 2. Barke-bound 3. Canker 1. Causes p. 67, 68 2. Cures p. 67, 68 Mischiefs incident to Fruits: by 1. Caterpillars Remedies thereof. p. 68, 69. 2. Aunt's Remedies thereof. p. 68, 69. 3. Earwigs Remedies thereof. p. 68, 69. 4. Snails Remedies thereof. p. 68, 69. 5. Wasps Remedies thereof. p. 68, 69. 6. Birds Remedies thereof. p. 68, 69. 7. Wind's Remedies thereof. p. 68, 69. The use of fruits 1. The alimental 2. The Physical Use of 1. Apples. p: 70. 2. Pears. p. 72. 3. Quinces, p 73. 4. Cherries. p. 73. 5. Plums. p. 74. 6. Aprecotts. p: 75. 7. Peaches. p. 75. 8. Mulberries. p. 75. 9 Figgs. p. 79. 10. Grapes. p: 57 11. Meddlers. p. 76. 12. Wallnutts. p. 77. Errors discovered in the 1. Theory 2. Practise Of the Art of Planting. p. 78. In the Theory are three sorts. 1. Instructions hurtful and dangerous. 1. To Graft the first Spring. p. 79. 2. Not to prune Roots. p. 79. 3. To use Triple Grafts: p. 80. 4. To use Grafts swelling: p. 80. 5. To remove the Clay: p. 80. 6. To underprop Grafts. p: 80. 7. To mix things in Grafting: p: 80. 8. Not to plant against a Wall. p: 8. 9 To Plant on Hills. p. 81. 10. To set Stones a foot deep. p: 82. 11. To set Budds on knobbs of Stocks. p. 82. 12. To set Appletrees 20 foot asunder. p. 82. 13. To remove in Winter. p. 81, 12. 2. Instructions for effecting things impossible to be effected by the means prescribed; & other things impossible to be effected by any means. 1. To mix divers kinds of Fruits. p: 83. 2. To change the species of Fruits. p. 83. 3. To make Fruits have good Tastes. p. 84. 4. To make Fruits have good Colours. p: 85. 5. To have Nuts without Husks. p. 87. 6. To have Early and Late Fruits p. 87. 7. To have Fruits with Inscriptions on them. p. 88 3. Assigning wrong causes to effects. 1. That Grafting causeth early bearing, and maketh Fruits better. p. 88 2. That Grafting in the Old of the Moon causeth barrenness many years. p. 90. 3. That Sap descendeth from the Branches to the Roots & worketh several effects. 90 Errors in Practice of the Art of Planting are. 1. Transplanting Trees in Winter. p. 94. 2. Planting Trees too near together. p. 94. 3. Planting Trees unfit for the Country. p: 95. 4. Choosing the greatest Plants. p. 95. 5. Setting Trees without disbranching: p. 95. 6. Planting Trees in worse mould: p: 95. 7. Setting the Graft and Stock smooth on the out side: p: 95. 8. Grafting long, or forked Grafts. p. 96. 9 Suffering Fruit trees grow like Timber-trees. p. 96. 10. Giving too much nourishment to Fruit-trees. p: 96. 11. Nursing up Quince-trees without Grafting, or Inoculating. p. 96. 12. Pruning off too many shoots from Wall-trees. p. 96. 13. Not Pruning the Roots of Plants: p. 97. 14. Breaking off Budds before Grafts grow. p. 97. 15. Grafting Seed Plants before removing. p. 97. A Table showing the Principal things Contained in the Natural part of the ensuing Worke. HOW to prepare Ground for a Nursery, and to sow, and set Seeds, Stones, Kernels etc. pag. 44. Preserve Seeds from Mice, and weed them pa. 44. Remove the biggest Seed-plants by themselves, and the least by themselves p. 45. Small Plants grow surer, and faster than great Plants. p. ib. January: the best Month to graft, Cherry, and Plum grafts p. 46. Grafts may be kept in mould many weeks p. 46. Necessary Instruments for grafting. p. 46. Several ways of graftings; that of Packing on is most sure, and easy, less hurt to the graftes; and stocks, then in the cleft. p. 47. To join the inner sides of the stock, and graft, is a special Rule in grafting. p. 48. The thickest grafts are (for the most part the best p. 49. Choose grafts from the best hearing Trees. p. 49. Unbind grafts in due season, and strengthen the grafted place. p. 49. Prune off all side branches of grafts that are for standards; & preserve only one strait shoot. p. 40. Time to Inoculate is about Midsummer, yet some Buds sooner than others p 50. Inoculate Buds in to fit stocks. p. 51. Unbind buds in due time, 52. To transplant stocks inoculated, ere the Buds spring forth, is the surest way for growing. p. 52. The leaves of the buds to be inoculated, must be cut off immediately. p. 52. Mark stocks inoculated to know the kinds. p. 52. To choose right kinds of grafts, and Buds, and to set them on fit stocks is (above all things) most necessary in this Art p. 53. Crabstocks special good (if not the best) to graft any Apple grafts upon. p. 54. Peare-stocks are best for Peare-grafts. p. 55. Juice of the black hart, and great bearing Cherry; special good to make Cherry Wine, or to colour Cider to make it as Claret wine. p. 55. The driest Plumms, (as the Mussle, Damazeene etc.) are the best. p. 56. The white Peare-Plum stock, a special kind to graft, or Inoculate upon. p. 56. Mix not Plums with Cherries in grafting: they hold not long. p. 56. Aprecot-Trees are propagated by the bud only, not by grafting. p. 56. Inoculate buds from the best bearing Trees, and upon stocks full of Sap. p. 57 Nutmeg peach, one of the best especially in respect of bearing. p. 57 The great Blue Figg comes to perfect ripeness with us, if set against a South wall p. 57 Vineyards formerly in England. p. 58. The Parsley Vine, and White Mukadine, bear store of good fruits with us. p. 58. Portugal Quince the best kind p. 59 Black Mulberry Trees, bear abundanly. p. 59 Choose the fairest Walnuts, of thinnest shells, and good bearers; to set. p. 59 Graft old Trees if bad bearers, or bad fruits. p, 59, Arbours of Fruit-trees, better than of Privet etc. p. 60. Begin to Transplant betime; divers advantages by it. p. 60. Break off the leaves of Plants when taken up. p. 61. Cut the ends of all the Roots smooth, before setting p. 61. Set not below the soil, yet deeper on dry ground then on moist p. 51. In setting Trees observe a fit distance, see the advantages thereby. p. 52. Put some good mould next the Roots of Plants in setting. 63. Ordering Plants the first year of setting, is of special concernment. p. 63. Suffer not the main branches of wal-trees to rise upwards, but spread them on the sides of the wall. p. 64. Wall-trees must be Pruned and Ordered both in Summer and in Winter. p. 94. Error in pruning Waltrees; Cutting off too many shoots. 65. Prune oldtrees about October, or November. p. 65. Bare old trees at the roots about October, and lay some good soils to them. p. 66. Piggions' dung, Hens' dung, Blood of Cattle, or the like, is special good to cause Trees to bear well. p. 66. Mowing of Orchards is exceeding hurtful to fruit-trees, but suffering Cattles to lie among them is very profitable. p. 66. Moss on Fruit-trees, caused by coldness and barrenness of the ground. p. 67. Cut off the Branches of Trees Barkbound. p. 67. Cut out the Canker of Fruit-trees. p. 68 Destroy Caterpillars in breeding p. 68 Preserve the Fruits from Aunts, Erewiggs, Snails, Wasps, Birds, and winds as much as may be. 69. Cider made of Fruits newly gathered, and also when they are mellow, how to make it. p. 70. Preserve Cider from Air p. 70. Cider boiled with Spices is very Cordial. p. 70. Colour Cider with the Juice of Mulberries, great bearing Cherry etc. p. 70. Cider in Bottles, sunk into a well, will keep good many years. p. 71. How to keep Apples. p. 71. Apples help concoction. p. 71. They are profitable in hot diseases, and against melancholy, the pleurisy etc. p. 72. Apples are singular good to cure the Strangury, and other diseases proceeding of the difficulty of making water, see how ordered. p. 72. Pears are more nourishing then Apples. p. 72. A wine of pears, not inferior to French wines. p. 72. Cider, and Perry, Cordial Liquors, profitable for health and long life. p. 73. Quinces, Cordial fruits and of manifold uses. p. 73. How to keep Quinces a year or two. p. 73. Cherries breed good blood in the body. The sharp are best. p. 73. A pleasant refreshing wine made of Cherries, more fit for Summer then hot wines p. 74. Cherries boiled in broths, and drinks, good for hot, and feverish bodies. p. 74. Kernels of Cherry stones break the bladder-stone. p. 74. Cherries strengthen and stir up appetite to meat. p. 74. Plums cast out choleric humours, and are good in hot diseases. p. 74. The infusion of dried Aprecots, is profitable in sharp favours. p. 75. Peaches cool, and keep the belly soluble, eat them (as all other fruits) moderately, and drink a Cup of wine after. p. 75. Wine of Mulberries: a small Quantity of Juice will colour White-wine, Cider, Perry &c: and makes a pleasant sauce. p. 74. Juice of Mulberries, good against a sore mouth, or throat, they stir up a languishing appetite. p. 76. Figgs nourish much, and breed store of blood are accounted restorative, they help an old Cough (boiled with Isop) many other purposes p. 76. Meddlers fortify digestion, stay vomiting and looseness of the belly kernels (with parslely roots &c.) mightly drive out stones, and gravel from the kidneys. p. 77. Walnuts help digestion, with other things they resist poison, green Walnuts distilled, preserve against the Pestilence. p. 77. Errors discovered concerning the Art of Planting: first in the writings of some: secondly in the practice of others, see the particulars. p. 79, 80, 81, 82. etc. Planting of Fruit-Trees, The best way of Improvement of Lands. THE Profits of Orchards and Gardens, are very well known to many in this Nation, so that the things I hold forth to men, are not doubtful, and questionable whether advantages will arise or Noah, when they have bestowed their time, and labours about them, but Profits are as certain (by the blessing of God) if men labour in them, as a harvest of Corn in Autumn, when the husbandman hath ploughed, and sowed, in the spring or other season. Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloustershire, Kent, and many other parts in this Nation, can sufficiently evidence the Profits of Orchards, and fruit-trees in the fieilds, and hedges: And those good Commonwealths-men, who have written of the Improvement of lands, have all agreed, that this is the highest way of improvement of any other. Mr Blithe in his Book entitled, The Improver improved, (a work doubtless of singular use,) hath asserted, That Planting Fruit-trees at such a distance as they cannot reach, when they have attained largest growth, they do advantage the Land, even in respect of Grass, (although the common prejudice against Fruit-trees in fields is, that they spoil Grass) as that some Land not being worth above 10, or 13 4d. an Acre, the Grass (by planting Fruit trees regularly upon it) was afterwards worth 30, or 40, or 50 an Acre, And the Fruits upon the Trees may yield some 3, some 5, Or some 6 or 8 an Acre; See Pag. 262. of his Book. And that in Kent, Essex, Surrey, Middlesex, and those parts, some Land that was not worth above 6 or 8 the Acre, was by Nurseries of young Trees, planting, and ordering of them, in certain years brought to be worth 20 an Acre, and some 40 or more. And further, he affirmeth, that some Orchards in those parts are worth to graze Forty, or fifty shillings or 3 an Acre, and are so let to Tenants: And the fruits of those Trees seldom yield so little, as Double or triple the worth of the Grass, many times five or six fold, or more, see Pag. 263. of his Book. It may (perhaps) be objected: That Fruit-trees so planted make grass (under, and about them) sour, that it is not so pleasant, and good for Cattle, as some other, where no Trees are. It is Answered: Although it be not so pleasant altogether, as that where there's no shade of trees, yet other advantages do more than make amends. It's observed that such Grass is earlier in the spring then upon other grounds, and that such grounds bear more, when it's cut for hay, or if pastured it keeps more Cattle, than Lands of like quantity not so planted: And besides, in a hot and dry summer, there's grass under, and about Trees, when it's burnt up in other grounds. My advice is therefore (all these Profits and advantages considered) that men set themselves diligently to this work of Planting Fruit-trees, for improvement of their Lands and Estates. Not only, that they plant good Orchards and Gardens, but also that they Plant round about their fields, and in their Corn, Pasture, and hay grounds, the fruit-trees at a large distance one from another 20 yards asunder, and that they suffer no branches to spread, within two yards from the ground, that so they may be out of the reach of Cattle, and may not be troublesome to workmen in ploughing, sowing, reaping, and other works. If the Plants are fair strait ones, of two yards high, or thereabouts, & fenced about to preserve them from Cattle at the first, (with some stakes or the like) they will in a few years preserve themselves, and will need but little labour about them afterwards as long as they live. And hereby men may reap every year two harvests, (from one, and the same piece of land) the one of Corn, the other of fruits of trees, and the latter (when trees are grown large,) (probably) will be the greater. And in this respect this way of improvement of Lands, is much better than other ways of profit; because in getting Corn, or raising profits by any other ways of improvement, men must of necessity, bestow much money, time, and pains about them, every year, which eats up a great part of their profits, but in Planting fruit-trees, the worst is at first, after a few years, they yield great profits, with little cost and labour. So that as was said fruit-trees in a few years, with small cost, and labour; will double, and triple, the value of Lands, and after many years, the advance of Profit will be manifold. Ob. But it may be Objected, That if all should plant, than such great profits could not be made, every man would have of his own. Ans. I answer: that if all should plant fruit-trees that may conveniently plant; yet would there be multitudes every where to buy for all that. For consider, in a great City, or town, what a number of people there are, who have no Lands at all, not so much as a piece of ground belonging to their house, and many others but very small quantities, these will be buyers of the husbandman's fruits, and the wines that he makes of them. And let us say what we will, or can, there's many that have Lands which they might Plant, and improve to an exceeding great value, who will yet be idle, and slothful, and object with Solomon's sluggard there's a Lion in the way, something, or other that hinders: yet these men when they see fruits, will be as eager for them as any others, and therefore willbe very good Chapmen, to buy the Fruits of the diligent husbandman. Objections and Discouragements Concerning Planting Answered. BEfore I enter upon the work itself, it will be convenient to Answer some main Objections, to remove discouragements about this work of Planting Fruit-trees that have kept off many from this profitable employment, & may still hinder them unless removed. And then I will give some encouragements to it from Divine, and Humane Arguments and Testimonies. Ob. 1 This is an Objection amongst many in the Northern parts: they say the Northern Countries are so cold, that Fruit-trees will not prosper, nor bear fruits there. Ans. To this I Answer: That although it be true that the Northern Countries lie in a more cold Climate than Worcestershire Herefordshire and those fruit Countries, yet I doubt not but that if they were as diligent in planting Fruit-trees in the North parts, as men are in these, they might have store of good fruits: so that some Cautions be observed in the nature of the Trees: It's true: Cold Countries are not so fit for choice and tender fruits, as warmer Climates, but there are divers kinds of hardy fruits, both Apples, Pears, Cherries, which yearly experience shows endure cold, and come to perfection, in cold springs when many other kinds are spoilt. Let such kinds therefore be sought for and Planted: And besides: those good husbands in those parts, who are diligent in Planting fruit-trees, have fruits answerable. Ob. 2 Others say, that if they should plant fruit-trees, and bestow much labour and cost about them, when they come to perfection and bearing fruits they should be robbed of all, or most, and the Trees would be spoilt, & who would Plant to be so served. Ans. To this I Answer: That if there were no remedy, against this mischief, it might indeed be a just discouragement: but this fear may be removed divers ways. And I advise, having made a good fence about the Orchard, keep therein a lusty Mastiff or two; that will not be charmed in the night time, and the terror of them would keep most from adventuring upon such an Occasion, Secondly: some that have good Orchards watch their fruits. If a man keep 2, or 3, or more servants, they may watch in their turns, it's no great matter, if you consider for what time only it is necessary, which is but from the time that fruits come to be worth getting, till they be ripe: and that's not long: And consider: it is in a pleasant season of the year, the pains and charge would be but little to the profit: we see men are vigilant and diligent much more than this would require upon far less advantages. 3. But there is a third means to keep Orchards from being robbed, which I esteem best of any other, It is this: I would have every man (that hath land) to plant some fruit-trees for himself, that so they may not be thiefs to their neighbours: and let those that have much fruit; spare a part to them that have but little, or none of their own, and be no niggards but liberal to their neighbours: And this bounty will bring a double blessing, first from God to increase the fruits; secondly from men not to diminish them. But I heartily wish that such as make but a sport of robbing an Orchard, would but consider the affliction, and terrors of conscience that seized upon good Austen, See the second Book of his Confessions. Chap 4. for this very sin of robbing an Orchard, which he was guilty of before his conversion: he confesseth it with much grief, and aggravates it with no less than ten circumstances, crying earnestly for mercy and pardon: Ecce Cor meum Deus meus, ecce Cor meum, quod miseratus es in imo abyssi. etc. When God let's lose the least sin to fight against a man and but to show itself in its proper shape, it will terrify the stoutest heart: A wounded spirit who can bear? Ob. 3 But there is another Objection greater than the former: Men usually say, should we plant Fruit-trees it would be so long ere they come to perfection, and bearing fruits, that our hopes would faint, before we could see profit of our labours, perhaps they would not bear fruits of Sixteen or Twenty year's growth. Ans. I Answer, that though the Objection were true, that trees Planted would be long ere they come to bearing fruits, perhaps 20 years or more, yet this should not discourage us: especially such as may have good hopes to enjoy the profits, and pleasures of them many years after, and then leave them to their Children and to posterity after them. But men are generally mistaken upon this Account, Fruit trees rightly ordered, will not be so long ere they bear fruits as they suppose: I shall show a way that by Planting Fruit-trees, and ordering of them as I give directions (By the blessing of a divine hand that still attends honest labours) we may receive Profit and Pleasure from them in half Twenty years, yea in half that half, yea in less than in five years: sometimes the third, sometimes the second year, (of many kinds of fruit-trees) after Grafting: Experience proves it, though we must know, the fruit cannot be much, while the trees are so small, of particulars: yet a multitude of such trees will afford a multitude of fruits: A Cistern of water is but a multitude of drops. So then; that Fruit-trees may be planted and come to bearing fruits in 5, 4, or 3, years, or sooner, the means is showed at large in the ensuing work. So that I hope this grand discouragement (which hath so long and so generally kept men from this profitable work) will be removed. Now (as I promised) I will lay down some Excitements, and Encouragements to the work of Planting fruit-trees. Many large works have been composed by Ancient Authors for the Instruction of the husbandman in this his principal work: And they have given this employment many and great commendations and praises, and it is accounted by them the chiefest of all earthly employments, because of the many Profits and Pleasures that come by it. And because it shall appear what Opinion and esteem they have had of this course of life, and with what Praises they have set it forth, I will give you the particular expressions of some of them in their own words; And then give the sum of what they have said to the plain husbandman, and others, that else could not understand them. The Praises of the Ancients concerning the Husbandman's course of life in Planting Fruit-trees. Agricultura quid sit, MIHI videtur nihil aliud esse Agriculturam quam inspectâ Plantae naturâ & Coeli & terrae eiidoneum cultum tribuere, & (ut ita dicam) coelum cum terra maritare, vel societatem perquirere Coeli & terrae ad Arbores: Sed quum Coelum nullo modo queat flecti, oportet ut sedulus Agricola sitûs varietate utatur, ut Coelo facilè Planta associetur. Agricolae ad duas metas intendere debent, ad utilitatem, & voluptatem. Agricultura est Ars quae docet usuram cum terra facere. Inter omnia enim quae utilitatem simul & jucunditatem pariunt, ut ambiguum sit utilitatisne an amaenitatis plus habeat. Variis fructibus delecteris, non tempore uno, sed diversis alio renascente, alio decidente, ut unusquisque ex industriâ jucunditate te afficere sataget: Rami fructibus onerati pondere incurvantur, ac se infra decumbenti offerunt. Asspice curvatos Pomorum pondere ramos: sua quod peperit vix ferat Arbor onus. O quam dulcissimum est fructus ex Arboribus quas sevisti, inseruisti, & coluisti, propriis manibus colligere, & Amicis, agnatisque jactabundus largiri. Est & alia in Arboribus delectatio, Avium scilicet modulatio, ac ex variorum multitudine dulcissimus efficitur concentus: Auresque cantibus demulcent suis: Aves canoros garrulae fundunt sonos: Et semper Aures cantibus mulcent suis. Theophrastus' Hortum juxta aedes collocavit, quem moriens testamento Philosophantibus reliquit: Democritus Abderites prope hortum Cellam habuit. Palemon Atheniensis in hortis docebat Laidis Cyrenei in hortis schola fuit, August. quos Attalus Rex aedificavit. Quid enim hoc opere innocentibus vacantibus, & quid plenius magna consideratione prudentibus; quid majus mirabiliusque spectaculum est, quam cum positis seminibus, Reges & Imperatores summosque Magistratus non puduit Hortensia colere: propriis manibus. Plantatis surculis, translatis Arbusculis, insitis malleolis, tanquam interrogatur quaeque (vis radicis & germinis) quid possit, quidve non possit, unde possit, unde non possit; cum rerum natura humana ratio quodammodo lòqui potest quid in ea valeat numerorum invisibilis interiorque potentia: quid extrinsecùs adhibita diligentia, & in ipsa consideratione perspicere: quia neque qui plantat est aliquid neque qui rigat, sed Deus qui dat incrementum. Mira est & inexplicabilis horti commoditas: nam si necessitatem considero Agriculturae tanto est humano generi emolumento; ut eá career nullo modo possis; si utilitatem, inter primas non postrema, aut quaenam illi poterit comparari: si voluptatem dignitati commistam, ea est excellentia etc. Much more they speak in praise of this work, which here (for brevity sake) I shall omit. Now that the husbandman (and every one) may understand what has been said by these Authors, and others, I will give more plainly the sum of all. They define husbandry to be an Art teaching men lawful usury with the earth, And that it seems chiefly to be the searching, and finding out the nature of Plants and Trees, and of the Heavens and the Earth, and then to give unto Plants fit place and ordering; according to the nature of the Soil and Climate; And, (as they say) to marry and match together Heaven, and earth, or to procure a society, and near fellowship between heaven and earth, for the increase and benefit of Trees and Plants: But seeing that the heavens can by no means be bowed, or brought nearer to us, therefore it must be the skill, and diligence of the husbandman to place and set his Trees in such sort that the heavens may give their influence and warmth, for increase and refreshing of them: Husbandmen ought to make Account of two harvests yearly, the one of Profit the other of Pleasure, for when a man hath done what is necessary for his life, and thence proceeds profit; besides all that, great Pleasure springs from that Profit: and what greater pleasure can there be then that which is Accompanied with Profit. Now of all estates of life the husbandman may chiefly challenge this to himself, yea it is questionable whether the Profit or Pleasure of his life be the greater: God when he would make the life of man Pleasant unto him, he put him into an Orchard or Garden of delights, that he might labour therein with pleasure of mind: There a man is delighted with variety of Fruits of Trees, not in one season only, but in divers seasons of the year, some young and springing forth while divers other kinds are ready to fall with ripeness. So that a man doth even busy himself with the choice of such varieties. The Boughs burdened with the weight of Fruits, do bow to thee, and in a lowly manner offer their Fruits as the Poet notes. Behold the bending Boughs, with store of Fruits they tear. And what they have brought forth, (for weight) they scarce can bear. Oh how sweet and pleasant is the fruit of those Trees which a man hath Planted and ordered with his own hand, to gather it, and largely, and freely to bestow, and distribute it among his kindred and friends. Yea it is a delight to hear the pleasant tunes, and singing of Birds which with their variety of notes, make a sweet harmony and consent, and much please and allure the sense: So the Poet, Melodious Ditties chirping Birds indite. Whose pleasant songs, our ravished ears invite. Theophrastus' planted an Orchard close to his dwelling house, which when he died he left to students and lovers of Philosophy and wisdom, Democritus, had his Chamber near to a garden. Many Philosophers have taught their scholars in Orchards and Gardens. What work is more innocent than Planting of Fruit-trees, Augustine, and what more full of high speculations to wise men than it is: What is more wonderful to behold then (in sowing seeds, in planting sprigs, in removing young Trees, in grafting new shoots or grafts) as it were to ask and demand with a man's self what by the nature and virtue of the Roots and branches may be done, or what may not be done, for what reason it may be done, or not done (seeing the nature of things may after a sort be declared by reason) what of many things is of force, and effect, by an invisible and inward power, and nature, what diligence is outwardly to be used, etc. In which consideration and search, we may see and understand these things. Yet for all that, neither he that Plants is any thing, nor he that waters, but God that gives the increase. They account this course of life free from many mischiefs, and and vexations, that necessarily attend other affairs: great and many cares, and troubles are found in honours, and high places, but this course of life, about Orchards and Gardens, is full of sweet rest, honest business, and modest pleasures, which many famous and learned men have had recourse unto for refreshment after study and other labours: It is full of honest profit and gain, and brings and administers all necessaries, here a man enjoys pleasant quietness and tranquillity of mind, which is seldom attained by those that follow State-Imployments: This is worthy the exercise of wise men, of good men, of learned men, of Kings and Emperors: they have taken great delight in the study and practise of these things: This course of life is fare off from covetousness, and even tied and married to all Offices of love, and friendship: This is a quiet and pleasant life, worthy to be preferred before all honours and dignities: This culture of the ground, and planting and ordering of Fruit-trees, Occasions search and inquiry into many secrets profitable to men, which brings unto them ample satisfaction yea the excellency and worthiness of Husbandry is surpassing, it excels all other Arts, and appears as the Lady or Mistress, they as Servants attending her. Many of the Ancients have largely declared to us the nature, and use of Plants and Trees before all other living creatures. The profit of a Garden of Fruit-trees is wonderful, and cannot well be declared. And if Antiquity can add any nobleness and worth to a thing, what employment then before this, what more ancient than the labour of the Husbandman, Husbandmen are called Honest and good men, because of their innocent and just life. Cicero esteemed it best of all other labours, nothing more rich and profitable, nothing more delightful, nothing more worthy a generous spirit than it: In former times those that were honoured and carried in triumph, they were not honoured with Gold, Pearls, or other such precious things, but with the Boughs and Branches of Trees. And in their Games and exercises, who so got the Prize were crowned with Branches of certain Trees, as the Olive, Palm, etc. Such as got the Conquest and victory of their enemies were crowned with the Laurel, which was to them a sign of Victory. And in their feasts they gave Crowns and Garlands of Leaves, and Branches of trees in token of mirth and pleasure: Besides, if this labour receive honour from the persons that have been conversant in it, than it is a kingly Art, See the worthy Acts of Cyrus' King of Persia. Ezra 1.1.2.3. etc. and chiefest of all other, Cyrus' King of Persia (who had all the Kingdoms of the earth given to him) was diligent and most exact in the handling of it: He planted Orchards & Gardens of Fruittrees with his own hand; which when Lysander saw, he admired to see the excellent and singular order, and disposition of them: saying, O Cyrus, right blessed shall all men call thee, because to thy dignity, and Crown thou hast joined this care, and course of life. Telephanes tilled the ground and planted Trees among his subjects Elizeus Spartanus planted spacious and large Orchards, and used therein to feast and Banquet with his children and friends. Kings, Emperors, and highest powers were not ashamed to perform the works belonging to an Orchard with their own hands: Divers Emperors of Rome had Gardens of Fruit-trees, and performed the works therein with delight: Of this, See Sir Rich: Barkley of the felicity of man. pag. 162. Dioclesian Emperor of Rome after he had reigned Twenty years, betook himself to a private life and Planted Orchards and Gardens with his own hand, wherein he took such delight that he could not be entreated to take upon him again the Government of the Empire: Solomon (the wisest of all Kings) had Orchards and Gardens of Fruit-trees, and took pleasure in them, and spoke of all Trees from the Cedar even to the Shrub. Mascall sets out this Art with admirable praises, he says among all sciences, and goodly exercises for men, there is none do more refresh the spirits, nor cause more admiration in the effects of Nature, or is more profitable for man's life then is the skill of Planting and Grafting. Many great Lords and Noble Personages have left their theatres, and goodly exercises, and have given themselves to Planting and Grafting, and such like employments, and have commended nothing more than this employment. The Senators, Dictator's, and Consuls of the Romans have commended Planting and Grafting to be one of the most flourishing labours in the world for the Common wealth. Yea they did so much esteem it, that they did hang Tables thereof in divers places, never thinking the time more aptly spent then in Planting and Grafting. Many worthy and learned men both ancient and of late days have written for their Country and Commonwealth of the fruitful Art of Grafting and Planting. M. Bolton says, Vineyards, Orchards, Gardens, & such enclosed Plaits, are (as it were) the Flowers, Stars, & Paradises of the Earth. And the Lord Bacon (in his Essays pag. 266.) says Gardens are the purest of humane pleasures, the greatest refreshments of the spirits of man: without which Buildings and Palaces are but gross handiworks. Thus have I shown (briefly) what some of the Ancients, and some late writers have said, and esteemed of Fruit-trees, and of the Husbandman's course of life, and employments about them. I will now say something more of the dignity and value of Fruit-trees, and of the Art of Planting from Divine and humane Arguments and Testimonies, and after that I shall enter upon the work itself. Though it be absurd for a man to commend himself, yet he may commend his Calling, and profession: Paul would not boast of himself, yet saith he Rom: 11.13. I magnify mine Office. Suffer me therefore (for Encouragement to all in the work,) to say something in praise of Fruit-trees, and of the employment about them, it being a work so full of Profits and Pleasures in the life of man: The works of God are laudable, & have a Dignity upon them, & aught to be taken notice of, praised, & admired, not for themselves, but for the Author, that he through, & by them, may have the more praise. Psal. 111.3. His work is worthy to be praised, and had in honour. Arguments of the dignity of Fruit-trees and Art of Planting. Argument: 1 ONE Divine Argument of the dignity, and value of Plants, Fruit-trees, and the Art of Planting may be this. It was Adam's employment in his innocency to keep, and order the Garden of Fruit-trees, Gen. 2.15. And the Lord God put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it, and to keep it. God, who is wisdom itself, saw that a Garden of Fruit-trees was the meetest place upon all the Earth, for Adam to dwell in, even in his state of perfection: And therein assigned him an employment for his greater delight, and pleasure: so that this employment, as it is ancient, so it is honourable. De Gen. ad Lit: Li. 8. Augustin is of opinion, that this dressing of the Garden, was as well an exercise of the hand, as of the mind, not with toylesomenesse & trouble, but with delight, & pleasure. Non erat laboris afflictio, sed exhileratio voluntatis, quum ea quae Deus creaverat, humani operis adjutorio, Laetius, feraciusque provenirent, unde Creator ipse uberius laudaretur. That things created in the Garden, by his labour, might be made more fruitful, and God thereby have the more glory. The second Divine Argument is this. Argument: 2 Plants were the first animate bodies that God created: And fruits of Trees were the first food that was given to man, and for aught we read, the only food he then had. 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 yielding seed, to you it shall be for meat, Gen. 1.29. Argument: 3 Another Divine Argument is from examples in Scripture of Planting Fruit-trees, and of the use of Orchards and Gardens. Example. Diodat. exp. Sir W. Rawley hist. part. 1 Changed 3 Aug. de Civit. Dei l. 13. c. 24 First: God (blessed for ever) planted an Orchard, or Garden of Fruit-trees, Gen. 2 8. And the Lord God planted a garden Eastward in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had form. God planted a fruit garden; That is, as good Authors agree, Hecaused a parcel of ground to bring forth Plants and Trees most exquisite and useful for man, and enriched that place with more fruitfulness and beauty, than any other part of the Earth, and called it EDEN, that is, a place of Pleasures. And at this day, Sir W. Rawley 1. Book, 1. part Ch. 9 this Region of Eden (afterwards called Mesopotamia) is exceeding fruitful, being in the best Climate 35 degrees from the Equinoctial, and 55. from the North-pole, in which Climate the most excellent fruits, Oils, Grains, etc. are found. Example. 2 Secondly, we have for our Example herein that good, and holy man who found grace in the sight of God, when all the world (save a few with him) perished Gen. 9.20. And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a Vineyard, Or as some conceive, he began to prune and dress the plants that were set before the Flood, and to order them that they might yield their fruits. Example. 3 Thirdly, We have for our example herein the friend of God, faithful Abraham Gen. 21.33. And Abraham planted a Grave in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God. Of the fitness of these shades by Arbours, Seats, & close walks, in Orchards for contemplation, and private exercises, I shall speak hereafter. Example. 4 Fourthly, King Vzziah delighted in this employment 2. Chro. 26.10. Vzziah had husbandmen and dressers of Vines in the Mountains and in Carmell, for he loved husbandry. This King reigned a long time in jerusalem over juda, fifty and two years. Example. 5 Fiftly, King Solomon a great, and wise King Eccl. 2.4. took pleasure herein, (and though we may not follow him in any immoderation, and excess, yet there is a lawful, and warrantable use of these delights Vers. 4.5. I made me great works, I builded me houses, I planted me Vineyards, I made me gardens, and Orchards, and I planted in them Trees of all kind of fruits. Example. 6 Sixtly, For the use of an Orchard and Garden, we have the example of the Mirror of Chastity, Virtuous Susanna. It was her custom to work in a garden, as we see in the History vers. 7.8. Susanna went into her husband's garden to walk, the two Elders saw her going in every day, and walking. Example. 7 Seaventhly, The people of Israel (by a special command from God) made use of Arbours and shady places, in their great Feasts: Nehem. 8: 14.15. It was published and proclaimed in all their cities, and in Jerusalem saying, Go forth unto the Mount and fetch Olive Branches and Pine Branches and Myrtle branches, and Branches of thick-Trees, to make Booths, So they made these Booths upon the Roofs of their houses, and in their Courts, and in the Court of the house of God, and in the streets; and they sat under these Booths and there was very great gladness. Example. 8 Eightly, For the use of an Orchard, or Garden, we have the example of our blessed Saviour, whose custom it was to walk in a Garden, Jo. 18. 1. When Jesus had spoken these words he went over the Brook Cedron where was a Garden; into which he entered with his disciples, we see he often came to this Garden, for Judas observed it was his custom to go to it. v. 2. Judas knew the place, for Jesus often times resorted thither with his disciples. Argument: 4 Another Divine Argument of the Dignity, and value of Fruit-trees, and art of Planting, is from the frequent use of Similitudes between the Church of God and Fruit-trees, and between our Saviour and Fruit-trees. Fruit-trees bear the figure and resemblance of many high and great Mysteries held forth to us in Parables, Tropes, Allegories, which represent Moral, and Spiritual things. under the shape & figure of these corporeal things. Similitude 1 One Similitude is between the Church and a Vineyard: Esay. 5.1.2. My beloved had a Vineyard in a very fruitful Hill. verse. 2. And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof and planted it with the choice Vine &c: And he looked that it should bring forth grapes &c. Similitude 2 Secondly, the Prophet David useth the Similitude of a fruitful tree to express the Condition of a Godly man. Psal: 1.3. He shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Waters, that bringeth forth his fruit in due season, his Leaf also shall not whither and look whatsoever he doth it shall prosper. So again Jer: 17.8. He shall be as a Tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her Roots by the River, and shall not see when Heat cometh, but her Leaf shall be green, and shall not be careful in the year of Drought neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Similitude 3 Another Similitude our Saviour useth to express the Condition of his Church drawn from the Vine. Jo. 15.1. I am the true Vine and my Father is the husbandman: every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away, and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit, as the Branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the Vine, no more can ye except ye abide in me, Verse 4. Similitude. 4 Another Similitude is between Natural and Mystical Grafting, Rom: 11.17. Concerning the calling of the Gentiles, and rejection of the Jews for a time. If some of the Branches be broken off, and thou being a wild Olive tree were grafted in amongst them, & with them partakest of the root and fatness of the Olive tree, Ver. 23. And they also if they abide not still in unbelief shall be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again, Vers. 24. For if thou wert cut out of the Olive tree, which is wild by nature, and wert grafted (contrary to nature) into a good Olive tree, how much more shall these which be the natural branches be grafted into their own Olive tree. Similitude. 5 Fiftly, The condition of the Church is figuratively & by Allegories described by Solomon in his Songs, Chap. 4 12.13. And amongst other figures and resemblances there used, one is taken from an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees. A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse. Thy Plants are an orchard of Pomegranates, with pleasant fruits. And again, the Church compares Christ to a fruit-tree, Ch. 2.3. Like the Appletree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons: I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. Similitude. 6 Sixtly, A Fruit-tree bears the figure and resemblance of our Saviour Christ in the description of Spiritual Paradise Revel. 22 2. In the midst of the street of it, and of either side of the River was there the tree of life, which bore twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruits every month, and the Leaves of the Tree were for the healing of the Nations. And again Chap. 2.7. To him that overcommeth I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. Concerning Similitudes between Material and Mystical Fruits, see the Observations. Argument: 5 Another Divine Argument may be this. God hath threatened to withhold his blessing in these things, if we do not obey him, and hath in displeasure often deprived men of the same for their disobedience, which proves them to be of value and worth: for when God is displeased with a people, or particular persons, and will show it by some correction, that he may bring them to repentance, he doth it not by withholding, or taking from them some small matters, that they can easily spare without grief or trouble, for that would work no effect, but by withholding or depriving them of something that's precious, and dear to them, the want, or loss of which, will sad the heart: which course God hath observed with people, concerning these particular blessings. As appears. 1 This was part of two of the ten Plagues, wherewith Egypt was punished, Exod. 9.55. The hail broke every tree of the field. And as the Prophet David hath it, Ps 78.48. He destroyed their Vines with hail, and their Mulberry trees with frost: and Psal: 105.33. He smote their Vines also, and Figtrees: and Ex: 10. 5. Locusts did eat all the Fruit of the trees which the hail had left. 2 Secondly, Among the signs of God's displeasure against Israel: this is one, Amos, 4 9 I have smitten your Fruit-trees, etc. yet have you not returned unto me, saith the Lord. 3 Thirdly: The Prophet calls to mourning, Joel, 1.12. For, The Vine is dried up, the Figtree languisheth, the Pomegranate tree, the Palm tree also, and the Apple tree, even all the trees of the field are withered, because joy is withered from among the sons of men. 4 Fourthly: God in displeasure for sin tells them, Deut. 28.39 4. Thou shalt plant Vineyards and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes for the worms shall eat them. Thou shalt have Olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but shalt not anoint thyself with Oil: for thine Olive shall cast her fruit: And God bids Moses tell the people, if they would not obey, their land should not yield their increase, neither should the trees of the land yield their fruits. The like again, Zeph, 1.13. Amos 5.11. Esay, 17, 10. Hosea, 2.12. Argument: 6 Another Divine Argument may be this. God hath promised these things as blessings to such as obey him, & from time to time performed it: Not to be looked upon as things of light, and trivial consequence, but to be considered as strong engagements to obedience. When God hath been well pleased with a Nation, or particular persons he hath often showed it (among other tokens of his love) by multiplying the fruits of their trees, encouraging them to plant Fruit-gardens, and promising his blessing thereon. As we see. 1 God (by his Prophet) encourages his people in Babylon to build, and to plant, Jer: 29.5. Build ye houses, and dwell in them, and plant gardens and eat the fruits of them. 2 And in the promise of their return, this was one of the blessings God would bestow on them, Amos, 9.14. And I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them, and they shall plant Vineyards, and drink the wine thereof, they shall also make gardens and eat the fruit of them. 3 Thirdly, When they came into Canaan that pleasant land, this is mentioned as one of the blessings, Neh: 9.25. They possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, Vineyards and Oliveyards, and fruit-trees in abundance. 4 And among the showers of blessings (as the Prophet calls them) this is one, Ezek: 34.27. The tree of the field shall yield her fruit. And Ezek: 36.29. I will multiply the fruit of the Tree. The like of many other places, Mal: 3.10.11. Joel. 2.21.22. Levit: 26.3.4. Esay 65.21.22. Levit. 19.23. etc. And thus much of the sixth Divine Argument from the promises of God, and performance of them, in these things to his people. Argument: 7 Another Divine Argument of the Dignity and value of Fruit-trees, and the art of planting, is from two general commands given by the Apostle Paul, which though they mention not these things in explicit and plain terms, yet they are commended to us by plain and clear implication, and deduction: for as out of general promises we may draw, and deduct particulars, and make applications from them; So also from general commands and directions. The first Command is that of Paul in his Epistle to Titus Ch. 3.14. Let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful: here's a general Command, out of which one particular may be derived for the present purpose. The Apostle here, by Good works, means good works as they are towards the maintenance of the Commonwealth, or a particular Family with necessary commodities and useful things, as Honest Trades, and employments, as the Margin renders it. Now it is clear, this work and employment of Planting Fruit-trees, is a good work for necessary uses, seeing the life of man may by it be maintained with so many necessaries belonging to it: See Profits of an Orchard, This being so, the Apostle (then) bids us learn to do it, as if he should say, get some skill in it, and be doing, then uphold & maintain it. The second general Command is that which the Apostle writes to the Philippians, Chap. 4 8. Whatsoever things are True: whatsoever things are Honest: whatsoever things are Just: whatsoever things are Pure: whatsoever things are Lovely: whatsoever things are of Good Report: if there be any Virtue, if there be any Praise, think on these things. Now it is easily for a man to speak of many particular Employments, which have upon them the Characters and Marks here mentioned: but of all of them, I know not one (except Divine Employments) that hath these Marks so clearly stamped upon it, as this Employment of the husbandman in Planting Fruit-trees. This employment answers exactly to the Apostles Rule, as it were face answering face in the glass: for what particular labour is more honest, more just, more pure: more lovely: of better Report: what hath more Virtue, what hath more Praise than it: See what hath been said in the Praise and good report of it, and the rest of the Properties, at large: already mentioned. Now this being so, than we ought to follow the Apostles Command: If there be any Virtue, if there be any Praise (saith he) think on these things. The words are very Emphatical: whatsoever, and if there be any praise. His meaning is, whatsoever the work be, though mean in the eye of the world, yet, if there be but any one of these Characters and Marks upon it, it is worthy to be followed, then how much more when it has them All, & that so eminently, as that every eye sees them. Think on these things, saith he, first, to search out what works and employments are marked with these Characters: and then, think on such to like, and choose them, to set about them, to follow them, and make such things our professions for the praise of God, and profit of men. And so much for the seaventh Divine Argument. Argument: 8 Another divine Argument, is from God's command for the preservation of fruit-trees: He lays a special charge upon men for their safety and preservation, as we see, Deut: 20.19 20. When thou shalt besiege a city, long time in making war against it, to take it, thou shalt not destroy the trees thereof, by forcing an Axe against them, for thou mayst eat of them, and thou shalt not cut them down, to further thee in the siege, for the tree of the field is man's life, Vers: 20. Only the trees which thou knowest that they be not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy, and cut them down, and thou shalt build Bulwarks against the city that maketh war with thee until it be subdued. Although this Scripture may be taken in an Allegorical sense, as signifying to us God's care of Mystical Fruit-trees, his people: being Trees of righteousness of the Lords planting: yet the same may also be taken in a literal sense, and as some godly men conceive, is a positive binding Law even at this day. We see God ingeminates, & repeats his charge to preserve the Fruit-trees, being trees for food, and nourishment of man's life, they must not be destroyed, though it were on so great an occasion as to further the siege against their enemies. He leaves other trees, such as are not trees for meat, such as bear no fruits, to be cut down and destroyed, as they have use for them in the war, but they must not spoil, nor meddle with the Fruit-trees. I have discovered these Divine Arguments of the dignity, and value of fruit-trees, and the art of planting, to stir up, & encourage men to so good a work, to a work of so great, and many advantages to the Commonwealth. And because Humane Arguments, are likewise prevalent with men, observe them also for further encouragement. The first Humane Argument 1. Humane Argument. of the dignity and value of Fruit-trees, and the art of planting is from Precedents, or Examples of wise and learned men, of great and good men in former ages, who have practised this Art. Examples either in Virtue or Vice, are powerful with men, (especially Examples of great ones) Brevius iter per exempla, quàm per praecepta. It's much easier to prevail with people by Examples, then by Precepts, or Rules. And if Examples of great ones, even in things evil, are so powerful, as they are with most men, how much more than should they be prevalent in honest, & virtuous things: so that herein is a double inducement, the Example, and the Virtue: here is a twofold Argument concurrent and met in this employment of planting fruit-trees: Precedents, and those of the highest; Philosophers, Kings, and Emperors. Secondly, Virtue, & that of the chiefest Nature that secular Employments have in them. So then observe some Examples recorded by ancient Authors in this employment of planting Fruit-trees. Pog. Florent. Plures excellentis doctrinae viri, & Philosophandi study, etc. Many famous and learned men (saith he) studious in Philosophy, have delighted in this course of life, and found therein abundance of pleasure, and contentment. Joan. Bap. Port. Si dignitas Agriculturae accedit ex iis qui eam tractaverint Regalis Ars & dignissima erit. If the dignity and esteem of this Art may be drawn from those who have been conversant in it, than it is a Kingly Art, and chiefest of all others Reges & Imperatores summosque Magistratus, etc. Cyrus' King of Persia. Philometrus King of Asia. Heronus King of Asia. Archelaus King of Asia. Attalus King of Asia. Evax and Avicen: Kings of Arabia. Solomon King of Israel Telaphanus. Antonius Pius. Elizeus. Numa. Sportanus. Alcinous. Mithridates the great. Alexander the great. Dioclesian, Emperor of Rome, And many others. Kings, Princes, Roman Emperors and the highest powers on earth, have not disdained to perform the works of an Orchard with their own hands, and taken delight therein. Mascall says: Many great Lords and Noble personages, have left their theatres, and goodly exercises, and have given themselves to Planting and Grafting, and have accounted nothing of higher commendation. The second Humane Argument 2. Humane Argument. of the dignity & value of Fruit-trees and the art of planting, is from the praises of ancient and late writers, and the suffrage, or general consent of all people. Works & employments that have the praise but of some persons only, we cannot conclude the worth and dignity thereof from such praises, because self and sinister ends may sway in the minds of such: but those employments that have the Praise of all, and where there is a concurrence, and consent of minds in all people in the praise thereof, (of the Good, as well as the bad, of the Learned as well as the unlearned, of the Wise, as well as the unwise) these probably are good and virtuous. Now this art and employment of planting Fruit-trees, hath the joint and unanimous consent, not only of the greatest persons of the world, but likewise of all persons in the world, there's none hath ill will towards it, none hath any thing to say against it, but all, without ecception, give it their good word and speak in the praise of it. If men do but speak of it, they'll commend it, and say, it's a goodly employment, it's both a pleasant and profitable work, its good for a Commonwealth, it enriches whole Countries, to this purpose men usually speak of it: what ancient and late writers have said in the praise of it may be seen, pag. 8, 9, 10, etc. And for the second Humane Argument thus much. The third Humane Argument 3. Humane Argument. of the dignity and value of Fruit trees and the art of planting is Argumentum ab utili, from the Profits that are received thereby. Let us see then what Profits may be had from an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees. Profits arise from an Orchard many ways: 1. In the Family. one way is to a man's Estate: and that in two respects: first, in respect of house-keeping, and provision for his family all the year. e Secondly in respect of sale. Such as have good Orchards know by experience that they are very profitable for meat, and drink all the yeare-long, many good dishes they make of Fruits, and many wholesome and pleasant drinks, Cider, Perry, Cherry-Wines, etc. which are not barely nourishing but have other special properties, they moderately cool and refresh the spirits in heat of Summer; and besides they keep the body from gross and superfluous humours, and carry down the seeds of diseases, which else would lodge and grow in the body, and at length spring out to the prejudice of health. Of the healthfulness of these Liquors, See the use of Fruits. 2. For Sale. Secondly, Fruit-trees are profitable to the Husbandman in respect of sale of the fruits, when a man has more than he can spend in his house, especially to such as live near some great Town or City, where they have vent at pleasure. The Poet saw the Profits of an Orchard when he said Non illi deerat, quod pauperis exigit usus, Interdum locuples à paupere multa petebat. The Orchard doth with fruit the poor supply, With which he doth the wealthy gratify. The Profits of an Orchard once come to good perfection (doth exceed the profits of Corn (upon like quantity of ground) many times over. As hath been computed and set down by those that (I suppose) well knew the value of both. And touching Profits to the Estate thus much. 2. Profitable to the body. Secondly, An Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees, and Employments about the same, is profitable to the body, first in respect of health: secondly in respect of long life. 1. In respect of Health. What is a greater earthly blessing then perfect health of body, some have said valetudo est summum bonum: Health is the chiefest earthly good thing: what will not men do for health: they will set body and mind & all on work for health: they will part with friends, house and lands, silver and gold, and all for health. Now health is preserved: first, by moderate and seasonable exercise, in the Orchard the labour that preserves health must not be too violent, Hist. Life and death p. 412. & 269. it must be but ad ruborem, non adsudorem, as some advice: to bring the body to a temperate and gentle heat, not to immoderate sweeting. The Lord Bacon adviseth to exercise causing rather perspiration then sweeting, and says further, that an idle life doth manifestly make the flesh soft and dissipable, but robust exercise, so it be without overmuch sweeting, and weariness) maketh it hard and compact, which advanceth health. Secondly, Health is preserved by fresh & wholesome Airs which in heat of summer is found in Arbours, Seats, and Walks in the garden of Fruit-trees. The aforesaid Author tells us the air in summer is predatory and hurtful through the heat of the sun, and therefore ought (as much as may be) to be excluded from the body. Now there is no fresh wholesome airs, and cool shades to be found any where in summer season, better than these in the Orchard, or garden of Fruit-trees so the Poet Opaca prebent arbores umbracula, Prohibentque densis fervidum solem comis. Green Canopies the shady trees us lend 'Gainst scorching sun, boughs thick, whilst they extend. Thirdly, Health is preserved, by pleasant and wholesome Odours, and perfumes found in the Garden of Fruit-trees, all the spring and summer, by digging the Earth, and from the Leaves and blossoms of Trees: Lo: Basilius: tells us, the vapours of fresh earth by digging, condense and refresh the spirits. Hist Life, and Death pag. 207 & 208. And that Leaves of trees falling towards the middle of Autumn, yield a good refreshing to the spirits. But the most pleasant and wholesome Odours, are from the blossoms of all the Fruit-trees, which having in them a condensing and cooling property are therefore, not simply Healthful, but are accounted Cordial; cheering and refreshing the Heart and vital spirits. Now the spirits (as this Author observes) are the Master-workemen in the body, Hist. Life, and Death, pag. 183. & 410. and as the uppermost Wheel which turneth about the other wheels in the body, and therefore whatsoever is Healthful and refreshing to the spirits, works (powerfully) good effects in the body: And that speedily and suddenly: as the Author says Vapours and Affections work compendiously upon the spirits. Hist. Life, and Death. pag. 236. Of the Healthfullnesse of Odours see more at Large, in the title Pleasure of the sense of smell in a Garden: Fourthly: Health is preserved by wholesome meats and drinks all the year from the Garden of Fruit-trees. The spirits of the body in summer stand in need of cooling & condensing, & what meats and drinks more proper for that purpose then dishes and drinks of the fruits of an Orchard. They are both alimental and Physical: they cure diseases and preserve health: discharging the body of the beginnings, and seeds of many diseases. 2. In respect of long life. Secondly: A Garden of Fruit-trees is profitable to the body in respect of Long life. How much have men valued long life, in all ages of the world, what strange courses have some taken to extend their life to a great length: some have lived in Caves and Rocks, and sequestered themselves from society with men, and betaken themselves to a strict Monastical course, that they might stretch out their life, and be said to live. Yea amongst Christians who though they desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ. Yet in some respects long life is to be accounted a blessing, and is set before us as an encouragement to obedience: as we see Deut. 32.47. The fear of the Lord is your life, Prov. 10.27. Prov, 9, 11, Ps, 91, 16. and through this ye shall prolong your days. And Prov. 3.1.2. My son keep my Commandments for length of days, and long life shall they add to thee: the like in many other places. Now I say: An Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees is profitable to the body for Long life: and that in several respects. All these four last mentioned means for Health, the same likewise conduce and are profitable to long life: wherein lies another part of their excellency and worth: for as the Lord Bacon observes: Hist L D. pag. 179. & 180. some things are profitable for an healthful life, but are not good for long life, but all these conduce as well to long life, as to health: so that Moderate exercise, 2, fresh Airs. 3, pleasant Odours. 4. Wholesome meats and drinks, (which are all had in an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees, are (also) all profitable to long life. Hist. L. D. pag. 183. & 414. The foresaid Author says: The spirits are the master workmen of all the effects in the body, and therefore in the intention of long life ought to be first placed. So then: whatsoever worketh upon the spirits for their refreshing, and vigour, is profitable to long life. The operation upon the spirits, and their waxing fresh and vigorous, is the most ready, and compendious way to Long life. Hist. L.D. pag. 235. Now an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees, and employments therein, work upon the spirits for their refreshing two ways, First by the Organs of the Body. Secondly, by the Affections of the Mind. Touching the first, The operation upon the spirits through the Organs of the body, see at large in the pleasure of the five senses. Concerning the operation upon the spirits by the Affections of the mind, I shall here speak, and mention only three Affections of the mind which work powerfully upon the spirits, conducing to long life. One Affection of the Mind which works effectually upon the spirits for Long life is Hope. 1. Affection Hope. Hist. L.D. pag. 224. The Lord Bacon says Hope is most beneficial of all the Affections, and doth much to the Prolongation of life: if it be not too often frustrated, but entertaineth the fancy with an expectation of good, therefore (saith he) they which fix and propound to themselves something as the mark, and scope of their life, and continually, and by degrees, go forward in the same, are for the most part long lived, & Hope is as a Leafe-joy which may be beaten out to a great extension like gold. Now the diligent Husbandman in this art of planting Fruit-trees, has good and sure grounds for Hope, not only from many Promises in the word, but likewise subordinate grounds from Reason and Experience. This Hope is sown with the seeds of his Fruits, and springs up with them, and so from year to year his Hope grows and increaseth with his Fruit-trees: He says before him, and considers what great Profits and Pleasures are coming towards him, he sees by experience, what a plentiful harvest of Profits and Pleasures others receive from Orchards and Gardens of Fruit-trees, which are as fuel, or food to nourish and feed Hope, and hold it in strength and vigour, and when he gins to receive Profits and Pleasures from his Fruit-trees, these refresh Hope, and make it grow from strength to strength with his Fruit-trees, and thus from year to year Hope is continued and increased, and all this while the spirits are refreshed, as Hope is refreshed, and are kept thereby vigorous and strong, and in a pleased temper and condition, and being the Master-workmen in the body, or first wheel (as the Author says) they work upon all the parts of the body, for Prolongation of life. And so much concerning the operation upon the spirits by Hope. 2. Affection. joy.. Another Affection of the mind which in this employment works upon the spirits for long-life is Joy. The foresaid Author says: That this Affection of joy works so powerfully on the spirits, Hist L. D. pag. 221. that some great joys coming suddenly, & unexpectedly, do overmuch attenuate, and diffuse the spirits. But now there's no danger of the suddenness of joy in these things, whereby to raise and overmuch diffuse the spirits, for such things as cause joy in the employment of planting Fruit trees, are expected and waited for, and Hope prepares the way for joy.. joy is a clear shining beautiful affection, and rises some degrees higher than Hope: joy in the use of earthly things is lawful in its season there's a time to rejoice, as well as a time to mourn, And there is a lawful joy in harvest, in gathering in the fruits of the Earth, Esay 9.3. It is commanded and allowed of God: Deut. 12.16. Thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. And again, Deut. 16.15. Because the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice. A Christian may rejoice in the Lord, in the use of earthly blessings. And in this employment of Planting Fruit-trees there are many grounds and occasions of rejoicing: The joy of the Husbandman is not a flash and so away, but it is a settled and habitual joy: and is renewed from time to time, which is the very thing the aforesaid Author speaks of, in giving instructions concerning Long-life. This life (says he) (as much as may be) is so to be ordered that it may have many renovations, Hist. L.D. pag. 228. and the spirit by continual conversing in the same actions, may not wax dull. Pag. 232 And again. One thing above all is grateful to the spirits, that there be a continual progress to the more benign, and no doubt (saith he) it furthereth Long life, Pag. 164. to have all things from our youth to our elder age, mend, and grow to the better. Now this employment of Planting Fruit-trees is above all humane arts, most suitable to these Rules: whereby this Affection of joy is kept fresh and vigorous, which also keeps the spirits cheerful and lively: for herein are many renovations, and a continual progress to the more benign, and things mending and growing to the better. joy is continually renewed from year to year, yea, in divers seasons of the year, there are fresh and new joys. In the spring of the year joy springs afresh in beholding the seeds, and young Grafts and Plants spring forth vigorously and strongly. And the buds and blossoms breathing forth precious & pleasant Odours, rejoice and delight the inward and outward senses, promising a plentiful Harvest of Fruits in Autumn, and all the Summer long joy is cherished, with cool fresh airs, singing of Birds, sight of abundance of Fruits, burd'ning all the Trees, delighting the Eye with their beautiful forms & colours, & in Autumn joy is renewed again with a rich and plentiful Harvest of Fruits. And all the Winter long joy is nourished and fed with a free use of all the Fruits, & Wines, & Delicates made of them. So here's a succession of joys, one following on the neck of another, whereby the spirits are still kept in a cheerful temper, and condition, and so work powerfully on the grosser parts of the body conducing to Long-life. Concerning the lawfulness of rejoicing in earthly blessings, with a Caution: See afterwards. Another Affection of the Mind which (in this employment) works powerfully upon the spirits for Long life is admiration. 3. Affection Admiration. Hist. L. D. pag. 225. The Lord Bacon says: Admiration and light Contemplation, are very powerful to the Prolongation of life. This affection ascends a step higher than the other two, for as joy rises higher than Hope, so Admiration higher than joy. It is our duty to Admire God in his works, which is a step higher them simply to praise him: when we look upon the works of a skilful Artificer and commend it, it is for his credit, but when we admire, and wonder at it; this is a higher commendation. The holy Prophet would have us search out, & wonder at the works of God, Ps. 111.2. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein, Ver: 3. his work is honourable and glorious, and he calls us to this duty of admiration: O come hither and behold the works of God, how wonderful he is in his do! Ps: 111.4. He hath so done his Marvellous works that they ought to be had in remembrance. Now in this Employment of planting Fruit-trees, are many things to be seen, and understood to cause admiration, which works effectually upon the spirits for Long-life. Baptist: Port. speaking of the wonderful effects of Grafting, says, Lib. de Cult. & Insitione. Ch. 17 it is an admirable Art, and the chiefest part of the husbandman's work. Artem infitionis admirabilem esse ac totius Agriculturae nobilissimam partem, voluptuosam, utilem, etc. When he considers the strange effects of Grafting, he falls a wondering, O mira insitionis potestas, etc. And Mizaldus speaking of grafting, says, Insitionis ope artificiosa, multa ad stuporem usque miranda fieri: many things may be done even to admiration. Austin wonders at these things. Quid majus mirabiliúsque spectaculum est, quam cum positis seminibus, plantatis surculis etc. In exiguo grano mirabilior, praestantiorque vis est &c. What more strange things are to be seen in Nature, then in sowing seeds, setting, & grafting young plants, and such like works. In a small seed there is a wonderful and admirable power and virtue, Many strange things may be found in this employment. Will it not cause admiration to consider that a huge and mighty body, (the biggest of all bodies whatsoever that have life) does arise of a small kernel or seed, that that seed should contain in it (virtually, or potentially) a great Tree, with all the properties of it, and retain its nature exactly in every particular. Will it not cause Admiration to see goodly, wholesome, and beautiful fruits, come forth of rough, and crooked Trees, especially to observe the manner of their coming forth, the care that nature takes to secure and preserve the seed of the Fruit, with the Buds, Blossoms, Skin, & substance of the fruits, with the Core, Stones, or shells, and also with the leaves of the Trees. Will it not cause Admiration, to consider that the nature, and properties of a great tree, are enclosed, and lie in every small twig, yea, in every Bud of the tree, even in the least Bud, yea in the Root of that least Bud, which Bud being set on a small Plant (according to Art) will grow to a Tree in all respects like to that whence it was taken. Will it not cause Admiration to consider how many several substances are made of one simple substance for of the Sap of Trees is made the Bark, Wood, Pith, Leaves, Buds, Blossoms, Stalk, Fruit, and Seed. Will it not cause Admiration to consider that Grafts or Buds, set upon Wild stocks, such as naturally bring forth sour, harsh, and naughty fruits. And though the Grafts and Buds, be nourished by that harsh and different sap, and receive all their substance, and growth from it, that yet these Grafts, and Buds should retain their own natures, and not be altered into the nature of the stock whereon they grow, but have power to digest, change, and assimilate this harsh, and sour sap into their own sweet & pleasant natures, and bring forth fruits accordingly. Will it not cause Admiration to see little small Plants (of but two years old) and some but of one year, if grafted) to hang full of fruits, and to be able to bear them forth to their natural bigness, and goodness, and notwithstanding make a large and sufficient growth the same year. Will it not cause Admiration to see the busy and industrious Bees to gather Honey even from the flowers, or blossoms of bitter Almond-trees, and other flowers and Plants that to our sense, are bitter, and unpleasant. Will it not cause Admiration to see very many, and very great fruits hang upon only one small and slender twig. L.B. Hist. L.D. pag. 85. A great Author notes it for a strange thing, that all the nourishment which produceth (sometimes) such great fruits, should be forced to pass through so narrow necks, as the stalk of the Fruit. But may it not be accounted a more strange thing to see five or six, or more, fair and large fruits to hang upon a slender twig little bigger than the stalk of each particular fruit growing on it. Will it not cause Admiration to see one Tree hang full of different, and several kinds of fruits, as an Appletree withal, or many kinds of Apples or a Cherry tree, with all or many kinds of Cherries so of other kinds of trees. To see one tree hang full of fruits different in their Forms, Colours, leaves, & Blossoms, which may be done by Grafting, or Inoculating, so many several kinds of Buds, or Grafts upon one tree. Will it not cause Admiration to stand upon a Mount in the midst of a fair large Orchard in the spring time, and to behold round about a multitude of several sorts of Fruit-trees, full of beautiful Blossoms, different in their shapes and colours, ravishing the sense with their sweet Odours, and within a while, turned into fair and goodly fruits of divers Colours and Kind's, the fruit-trees gorgeously arrayed with green leaves, and various coloured fruits, and with so many precious Jewels, and Pearls. And thus much touching the operation upon the spirits in order to Long-life, by these three Affections, Hope, joy, Admiration. Thirdly: This employment of planting Fruit-trees is profitable to the mind. 3. Profitable to the mind. First in respect of Knowledge. Secondly in respect of Affections. 1. In knowledge. This work is profitable to the Mind by storing it with variety of Objects, and profitable Notions both Natural, Moral, and Spiritual. How variously does Nature discover itself in planting, grafting, budding, blossoming, and bearing Fruits. So that such as are studious in the search of the secrets of Nature, may observe the process, and course thereof in manifold respects about these things. And multitudes of Experiments may be drawn out for use and profit. If men will but join Contemplation, and Action, Study and Practise together, they shall find (even in this one Volume or book of the Orchard) many useful and fruitful Lessons, for temporal and spiritual advantage. See the observations. 2. In affections. And as the employment is profitable to the mind in respect of Knowledge: so also in respect of Affections, by offering many fold Divine Meditations, by occasion whereof the affections of the soul may (with the help of the spirit) be raised and turned into a spiritual temper. How fitly does the Garden of Fruit-trees offer unto us that most profitable and fruitful Meditation of our first fall and original sin, whereof we were all guilty in such a Place; even in an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees: in which Meditation our affections should work to lay ourselves low in our own eyes, to abhor ourselves: and to exalt God, and abundantly to joy in the infinite and boundless mercy of God in Christ, in that he took pity on poor Man, when he was fallen, but passed by the Angels when they were fall'n, (Creatures by creation more excellent than Man) and left them in an irrecoverable state of misery. But in the same place, even so soon as we had sinned, promised us a Saviour, and when the fullness of time was come, sent him into the world. In consideration of these things, our Affections of Love to joy in, and Admiration of God should be enlarged, and boundless. O the height & depth of the Mercy and Justice of God, towards the Angel's justice, but towards us Mercy. What can we render unto the Lord for this his infinite mercy? Now seeing he looks for nothing but Love & Praise, let us begin it here, that we may hold on to all eternity. Fourthly: Planting fruit-trees is profitable to the Name 4. Profitable to the name. of the Planter. Fruit-trees are living, lasting monuments, & bear up, & perpetuate the Name of him that planted, & laboured about them both while he lives, and in generations after. A late Author says, that Apple trees and Peartrees (and some other kinds of Fruit-trees) on good land, and duly ordered, will last 800 or 900 years. What earthly thing is better than a good Name. Solomon tells us Eccl: 7.1. A good name is better than precious ointment: and again, Prov: 22.1. A good name is to be chosen before great riches, and loving favour is above silver, and above gold: One says, L. B Nat. Hist. pag 258. The best temper of minds desire a good name, and the lighter, popularity, and applause. A good name is not only to be desired, but to be highly prised, and to be reckoned the chief of earthly blessings, not only for the beauty of it, but also for the permanency of it, it abides when friends, riches, life and all is lost. One way to gain, and keep a good name is by Gifts and Benefits: the worst temper of minds are won, and held by Gifts and good turns, it's natural to all creatures to love those that do them good. Now who can so easily give so great, so many, and so acceptable gifts as the husbandman that yearly nurseth up multitudes of Fruit-trees, and hath store of pleasant fruits, wines, and delicates made of them. While he lives he bestows young fruit-trees, fruits, and many acceptable gifts out of his Orchard, and being dead, his Orchards, Gardens, and Fruit-trees live, and flourish, and occasion a remembrance of his Name, for many ages after him. And secondly, as Gifts and good turns, gain a good name, so also to be conversant and employed about works for the Public and general profit of a Commonwealth: such works produce the same effect. We know, all labours and employments that bring both Profit and Pleasure, are approved and praised of all, though the advantage be but to a private family, how much more when they are for a Commonwealth. And besides this Moral Consideration, God hath promised the great blessing of a good name to them that are conversant in good employments, Rom: 13.3. Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same, Rom: 2.10. Glory, honour, and peace, to every one that worketh good, upon the Jew first, and also on the Gentile. So then, the work of Planting Fruit-trees is profitable to the name of the Husbandman both while he lives, and in Generations after him. Fiftly, An Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees & the employment about them is profitable to others: 5 Profitable to others. First in the present times: Secondly in time to come. This profit to others is by bestowing our fruits on friends, and neighbours, and such as want. For though God require not to himself (as formerly) the first of all the fruits of all trees, year by year, Nehem. 10.35. Yet God requires year by year, when he bestows all upon us, that we should give a part to himself again, that is, to his poor members, that want them. This is the way to obtain a blessing upon all our labours. Deut. 15.10. Thou shalt surely give unto him (that is unto thy poor brother) and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him, because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee, in all thy works, and in all thou puttest thy hand unto. A Gift to the Poor is a gainful Gift, for by it a man becomes Creditor to his Creator. Prov: 19.17. He that giveth to the poor dareth to the Lord, and the Lord will recompense him. Eccle: 35.11. The Lord recompenseth, and will give thee seaventimes as much. Likewise the fruits of an Orchard are profitable to others that buy the fruits, the Buyer having good and profitable Commodities for his money, has profit thereby, as well as the seller. Yea, This labour is profitable to others in time to come, Qui serunt Arbores alteri seculo prosunt. After ages receive much profit: also When ourselves and others, have received our full portion of profit than fruit-trees are left to Children, and posterity to receive Profit many Generations after. And this much touching the Third Humane Argument, from the Profits that are received from a Garden of Fruit-trees. The fourth Humane Argument 4. Humane Argument. of the Dignity and value of Fruit-trees and the Art of Planting is Argumentum à voluptate, from the Pleasures that are received thereby. Pleasure is called sal & condimentum vitae. The salt that seasons all things to us. In all that a man has pleasure in it, is that which makes it acceptable. Pleasure (as one says) is the Good of every thing, and a pattern of Heaven. Now, we find pleasure in an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees suitable to all the Senses of the body. And here's a mixture of pleasures with profits: for divers objects of the senses are both pleasant and profitable: this employment is richly furnished with both. And as I have showed some particulars wherein profit consists: so likewise I will show some particulars wherein pleasure consists in the use of a Garden of Fruit-trees. Each sense hath its particular pleasure. First for the sense of hearing. It is a pleasure to the Ear to hear the sweet notes and tunes of singing Birds, 1. Pleasure of the sense of Hearing. whose company a man shall be sure to have in an Orchard, which is more pleasant there, then elsewhere, because of other concurrent pleasures there, a Consort of Music is more pleasant then upon a single Instrument. The Poet took notice of this pleasure, Aves Canoros garrulae fundunt sonos, Et semper Aures cantibus mulcent suis. Melodious ditties chirping Birds indite, Whose pleasant songs, our ravished ears invite. And besides, something more this sense may receive from an Orchard (though it have least share of pleasure therein of any of the senses) by hearing the slow motion of Boughs and Leaves. by soft and gentle airs, sometimes (as it were) with a kind of singing or whistling noise, which will easily induce a sweet & pleasant sleep in summer time (if a man be disposed) in some close cool Arbour, or shady seat. Secondly the sense of Touch may have Pleasure 2 Pleasure of the sense of Touch. in an Orchard from the cool fruits, and leaves of Trees, smoothing and brushing the face therewith, which is refreshing and cooling in heat of Summer. But this sense receaves Pleasure chief by the shade of Trees in summer time. Cool refreshing Airs are found in close Walks, Seats, and Arbours under and about the Trees, which keep off the burning heat of the sun. Yea, they do not simply keep off the heat of the sun, but likewise much cool the air by its contact of these cool bodies, Trees, Fruits, & leaves; cool fresh airs in heat of summer are sought for, & are not only Pleasant but exceeding profitable, and healthful to the body. Hist L.D. pag. 241. Here Profit and Pleasure meet and embrace each other. And hereto agrees the L. Bacon, who says, exclusion of air is profitable to Long-life: for air is predatory to long-life through the heat of the sun, and aught (as much, as is possible) to be excluded from the body. Now what better place is there, to exclude the heat of the sun from the body in summer season, then amongst the shady trees, Arbours and Walks in the Orchard? L.B. Hist. L, D. pag. Ca 11 Pag. 425. It's laid for a ground, That condensing the spirits in their substance is available to long-life, which (he tells us) is done most effectually by cool airs. Refrigeration or cooling of the body from without is above all things necessary to long-life. So then; the Pleasure this sense receives from a Garden of Fruit-trees is to be much esteemed. Thirdly. The sense of sight, partakes of Pleasure 3. Pleasure of the sight. in an Orchard, in beholding the exact Order in Planting of the Trees, their decent forms, the well composed Allies, Walks, Seats, and Arbours therein: Nat. hist. p. 2 24 for order and curious forms of things much delight the sight: of this see L. Bacon at large. Likewise, the sight is delighted with pleasant and delicate Colours of the Leaves, Blossoms, and Fruits, that show themselves in great variety, Curious Colours, especially the Colour green is accounted helpful to the sight. Fons, speculum, Gramen, Oculis sunt alleviamen: Green grass, clear glass, and fountains pure Refresh Eyesight, long to endure. Here again Profit and Pleasure meet. And as foul and odious objects presented to the sight, cause a dislike in the spirits, that they retire and shun such objects, See L. B. Nat. hist. pag. 199. so ê contrario verum, the contrary holds in delightful and pleasant objects of the sight, the spirits thereby are delighted. He says, Nas. hist. p. 224 Objects of the sight, as coming into a fair Garden, or into a fair room, richly furnished, and the like, do delight and exhilarate the spirits much. The beautiful flowers of various colours, amongst the lovely Blooms of trees, and Plants, what a glorious show will they make. Flores nitescunt, discolore gramine, Pinguntque terras gemmeis honoribus. Gay flowers waven with discoloured grass, With rich embroidered Robes the earth compass. Is it not a pleasant sight to behold a multitude of Trees round about, in decent form and order, bespangled, and gorgeously apparelled with green Leaves, Blooms, and goodly Fruits, as with a rich Robe of embroidered work, or as hanging with some precious and costly Jewels, or Pearls, the Boughs laden, and burdened bowing down to you, and freely offering their ripe fruits, as a large satisfaction of all your labours. Aspice curvatos pomorum pondere ramos, sua, quod peperit, vix ferat Arbor onus. Ovid. The laden boughs with weight of Apples crack, And Trees to bear their burdens strength do jack. Fourthly, the sense of smell, 4. Pleasure of the smell. Hist. L. D p. 207 p. 208. may likewise have its share of pleasure in a Garden of Fruit-trees. L. Bacon says, the smell of new and pure earth, excellently refresheth the spirits, he says, a certain great Lord, who lived long, had every morning, immediately after sleep, a clod of fresh earth laid under his nose, Nat hist. Cent. 9 pag. 210. that he might take the smell thereof, and again, Good earth newly turned up, hath a freshness and good sent. And that the Leaves and branches of some trees are odorate and sweet. He says likewise, Nat. hist. Cent. 6 pag. 136. that the Leaves of Trees falling towards the middle of Autumn, yield a good refreshing to the spirits. And that the Moss of some Appletrees hath an excellent sent, and is used of Perfumers. But chief The Pleasure this sense meets with is from the sweet smelling blossoms of all the fruit-trees, which from the time of their breaking forth, till their fall, breath out a most precious and pleasant odor: perfuming the air throughout all the Orchard. Nat. hist. Cent. 4 pag 102. The same Author observes: That the most Delicate Smells are from those Plants whose Leaves smell not, and amongst other things he mentions Blooms of Appletrees. Nat. hist Cent. 9 pag. 210. Hist. L.D. pag. 295. And in another of his Experiments, he says, that generally those smells are most grateful and pleasant, where the degree of heat is small, for those things do rather woo the sense, then satiate it. And prefers cool smells before hot for comforting of the heart. Now: The Blooms of Appletrees, Peartrees, Cherry-trees, & such like, have small degrees of heat, and therefore the Odour is pleasant and wholesome. And besides the pleasure of this perfumed air, it is also very profitable, and healthful to the body. Here again, Profit and pleasure, meet and embrace. An Odores nutriunt, is a question amongst Philosophers, some hold sweet perfumes nourishing, doubtless they give a great refreshing to the spirits, and whatsoever delights, and cheers the spirits is without controversy, very advantageous to the health of the body, for the spirits are the chief workers in the body, from which proceed all, or most of the effects wrought in the body, good or bad, according to the temper of the spirits. Sweet perfumes work immediately upon the spirits for their refreshing, but meat and drink, by ambages and length of time: sweet and healthful Airs are special preservatives to health, and therefore much to be prised. Is the Curative part of Physic so worthy, and excellent, as the preservative part? It's better to stand fast, then to fall and rise again. Now, a sweet perfumed, fresh, wholesome Air (which is chief found in Gardens of Fruit-trees) is greatly available to that purpose, as well as pleasant to the sense. 5 Pleasure of the Taste. Fiftly: the Sense of Taste has its pleasure in an Orchard. This sense meets with pleasure at all times of the year, from the fruits of an Orchard. The pleasure of the other senses are to be had, but at some seasons of the year only. This sense has pleasure from all sorts of ripe, and raw fruits, besides meats, and drinks & many dainties made of them. The ordinary food they afford all the year, and the more delicate for Banquets, are also good and healthful to the body, as well as pleasant to the taste. Here again, pleasure and profit meet and embrace, so the Poet: Hortus salubreis praebet corpori cibos, Oblectat Hortus, avocat, pascit, tenet. The garden to the body, giveth sound and healthful meats, The Garden pleases most, draws, holds, & feeds with delicates, In the heat of summer, what place is fit for the table, than some sweet shady cool Arbeur in the Garden. And what meats better befitting that time of the year, than some dainty dishes made of the cool fruits of the Orchard. At which time cooling and refreshing the spirits from within, and without by cool Airs, & cool meats and drinks, is most advantageous for health and long-life: for these are the chief means (at that season) to keep the spirits in a fine pleasant equal temper, yea some fruits have higher virtues ascribed to them then barely to nourish, some Apples are accounted Cordials: Avicen says, Lib. 6. Ca 569 that both the tart & pleasant Apples strengthen the heart, and to such as are troubled with hot infirmities, they are a singular help. Confortant Cor, proprie odorifera, dulcia, & acetosa, etc. L. Bacon reckons Peare-maines among cool Cordials. So then: Hist. L.D. pag. 298. when Fruits are not only healthful but also pleasant to the taste, there is a double worth in them. Consider now what has been said for the Pleasure of the Senses; And if it be so acceptable to have the pleasure, though but of one sense, what will it be when there is a concurrence and meeting of all together, which may be had in a Garden of Fruit-trees: so the Poet. Non desit Hortis, & voluptas maxima, Multisque commixta modis jucunditas, Tribuit colenti multiforme gaudium. There wants not in Gardens great pleasure to the mind, And outward senses many mixed pleasures find, They yield unto the Artist Joys of divers kind. Profits. We see what a plentiful and joyful Harvest of Profits and Pleasures may be yearly reaped from an Orchard or Garden of Fruit trees. Here's Profit of divers kinds. First to a man's Estate: and that in two respects. First, in respect of housekeeping, with meats, and drinks all the year. Secondly, in respect of Sale, either the fruits in their kinds, or Cider, Perry, and wines, made of them. Secondly, Here's Profit to the body, and that in two respects. First in respect of Health, by moderate excercise, fresh-Aires, pleasant Odours, and wholesome Meats, and drinks. Secondly, in respect of Long life, by operation upon the spirits through the Organs of the body, the Ear, Touch, Smell, Sight, Taste, and through the Affections of the mind, Hope, Joy, Admiration. Thirdly, Here's Profit to the Mind. And that in two respects, First in respect of knowledge, Natural, Moral, Spiritual, Secondly, in respect of Affections. Fourthly, Here's Profit to the Name, and that in two respects, first in this life, by Gifts, and benefits, Secondly after death by Fruit-trees as living Monuments. Here's Profit to others, and that in two respects, first to the poor, friends, or enemies, in the present times; secondly, to posterity, or future ages. Here's likewise Pleasures Pleasures. of divers kinds. First to the Ear, and that in two respects, first, by sweet tunes of singing birds: secondly, by gentle motion of Boughs, and leaves. Secondly, Here's Pleasure to the Touch, and that in two respects, first, by cool fruits, Boughs, and Leaves: secondly, by cool fresh Airs. Thirdly, Here's Pleasure to the Eye, and that in two respects, first, by exact, and decent forms of Trees, Alleys, Walks, Seats, and Arbours: secondly, by curious colours of the blossoms, Leaves, and fruits. Here's Pleasure to the smell, and that in two respects: first, from fresh Earth digged up: secondly, from the Leaves, and Blossoms. Fiftly, Here's Pleasure to the Taste, and that in two respects: first from ripe, and raw fruits. Secondly, from dishes and drinks made of them. Some employments as they are Profitable in one respect, yet they are unprofitable in another: yea perhaps are full of hazard and danger: either to the state, body, mind, or name, but this employment preserves, and is profitable to all these. Some employments are pleasant to one sense, but not to another, perhaps unpleasant, and hurtful: but in this there's an Agreement and consent of Pleasures to all the senses. And as there is a mutual consent and concurrence of all the Profits among themselves, and of all the Pleasures among themselves, so likewise there is a mutual consent and concatenation of the Profits with the Pleasures one embracing another, one supporting, and upholding each other. Five ways of Profit, each of them in two respects. And five ways of Pleasure, each of them in two respects. Here's Profit and Pleasure running along hand in hand, meetly matched together, being the most rich and beautiful King and Queen in all the world. Thus having showed the great Praises that are given to this Art of Planting Fruit-trees, and some Divine and Humane Arguments of the Dignity and value thereof and likewise the Profits & Pleasures that are received from an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees, I think it meet to give a Caution concerning temporal Profits and Pleasures. It's true; A Caution in the use of Earthly things. We have liberty to seek earthly Profits and Pleasures in our Callings and to rejoice in them, but yet with care, and circumspection: and with due regard to Circumstances. There is a Rejoicing in Earthly blessings which God allows to us. Deut: 26.11. Thou shalt Rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given thee. And Deut: 12.16. Thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God in all that thou puttest thine hand unto: and again Deut: 16 15. Because the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy increase, and in all the works of thy hands, therefore thou shalt surely Rejoice: And when our ways please God he says: Go, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart Eccl: 9.7. Solomon says Eccl: 5.18. Behold: that which I have seen, it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun, all the days of his life, which God giveth him, for it is his portion: and Chap. 2.24. This I saw, That it was from the hand of God. No doubt we may use these, and other earthly blessings with Rejoicing: but all the danger is, lest we take too much liberty herein, and break beyond our bounds. These Profits and Pleasures, being multiplied in the Garden of Fruit-trees, we had best beware of reaching after them too earnestly: Latet Anguis in Herba, A subtle serpent lies hid among these pleasant flowers, and seeks to by't us by his temptations, who has as much or more malice, and policy now, as formerly against our first Parents, whom he deceived in a Garden of Fruit-trees. Men may become Idolaters ere they be ware, and so are many, even among Christians: in worshipping Profit, and Pleasure, Setting up these two for their household Gods. The Prophet tells us, Ezek: 14.3. Men set up their Idols in their heart, and give that to them which is due only to God. The difference between using & enjoying a thing De doctrinâ Christi lib. 1. We may easily mistake between the use of earthly blessings, and the enjoyment of them. Austin tells us, no earthly blessings are properly to be Enjoyed but used only: Res aliae sunt, quibus fruendum est, aliae quibus utendum, illae, quibus fruendum est, beatos nos faciunt, istis quibus utendum est, tendentes ad beatitudinem adjuvamur, & quasi adminiculamur, ut ad illas, quae nos beatos faciunt, proveniamus. There are some things (saith he) which are to be enjoyed, others to be used; those which we ought to enjoy make us happy, such as we ought to use only, are those whereby we are furthered, and are as succours, aids and helps, to bring us to those things which may be enjoyed and make us happy. He tells us then, whom, and what we may enjoy, Fruendum est Patre, & filio, & Spiritu Sancto. Beatum est ad tale bonum provenisse, quo amplius non potest. The Father, the Son, and blessed spirit are to be enjoyed. And its true blessedness to attain to that good, which is the highest. So then: God only is to be enjoyed, and the good things of this life only to be used, as helps and furtherances unto God. We had need therefore take heed of falling in love with Earthly things: The foresaid Author tells us the danger of it. De doct. Christ. lib. 1. Si eye quibus utendum est frui voluerimus, impeditur cursus noster, & aliquando etiam deflectitur, ut ab his rebus, quibus fruendum est, obtinendis vel retardemur, vel etiam revocemur inferiore amore praepediti: Et si amoenitates itineris, & ipsa gestatio vehiculorum nos delectarent, conversi ad fruendun his quibus uti debuimus nollemus citò vian finire, & perversâ suavitate implicati alienaremur à Patria cujus suavitas faceret beatos. That is: If we fall to enjoying of such things as we ought but only to use, we are thereby hindered in our course, and many times even turned out of it. And as to the obtaining of those things which we ought to enjoy (by the love of earthly things) we are called back from them, and much retarded, and stopped in our way to them. And if the Pleasures and Contentments of the journey and the carriage, by which we are conveyed over much please and delight us, than we turn to Enjoying of those things which we ought but only to use, and therefore are unwilling to come to our journey's end, and are entangled in corrupt delights, and brought thereby to be estranged from the Country, the sweetness and pleasure whereof maketh blessed. We see then, when God gives us blessings largely, and gives us leave to use them freely, we are in danger to forget him: We had need therefore to set a watch, or guard upon our hearts, least Profits and Pleasures steal it, and keep it to themselves. But what a shame is it we should have fewest thoughts of God, when he is most mindful of us. And that we should fall so much in love with the Token, that we forget Him that sent it. And now: having answered the doubts and discouragements that have hindered some from entering upon this part of the Husbandman's work; The Art of Planting Fruit-trees, and showed the great esteem that all men have of it, and the value, and dignity thereof from Divine and Humane Arguments, what a rich confluence of Profits and Pleasures are (from time to time) brought unto us by it, with a Caution in the use of these things. What remains, but that I also discover how we may obtain our desires herein, by what means the work may be done, with most speed, and best effect. I shall first speak of a Nursery of young Plants, Of the Nursery. and show the manner of sowing of Kernels, or Seeds of Fruits and their preparation and ordering (by grafting and Inoculating (for transplanting into Orchards, Gardens, or Fields: (although some may plant an Orchard a more speedy way, to buy young trees ready grafted, or to plant stocks of divers year's growth, and after they have grown a year or two, to graft them.) I shall set down all these things as briefly as I can, so that withal I make them plain to the intelligent Reader, laying down the most material, and essential things concerning this Art (For long and tedious discourses about things that may be comprehended in few words, (as many use) they do often misled men, so as it is not easy to see the most material things concerning their subject, or what they drive at, whereas a brief, and plain discovery of them may better be comprehended, and remembered. 1. First then: Let there be a Plot of ground (more or less) digged up about the time when Fruits are ripe, and let all the Grass, Weeds, Roots, Stones, etc. be clean picked out, & the ground cast into Beds about a yard broad, and spaces between about a foot in breadth, to pass between them, to sow, set, weed, etc. And then procure Kernels of Apples, Pears, Crabs, Cherry stones, Plum stones, and the seeds of divers kinds of Fruits, and these may be set, and sowed, from the time that the fruits are ripe, until the spring (except in frost) in this manner. How to sow, and set, seeds, stones, kernels etc. Having made the Beds level with a Rake, sprinkle the seeds upon them, all over, each kind by themselves, and set, or sow the stones by themselves, then take a spade, and turn in the seeds, & stones about a handful deep, and after rake them all over, and (that none may be left uncovered) sift some small mould with a Sieve, all over them: and so let them rest all winter. And carefully observe that Mice devour not the seeds in Winter, if you perceive it, set Traps, and lay Rat's bane to destroy them. In the Spring or Summer, let them be weeded from time to time, clean, and if the weather be dry, let them be watered now, and then, & they will make a growth the same year according to the strength, & goodness of the ground wherein they grow. Plants coming of seeds or stones, are far better than Suckers from Roots of Trees, although such are good and useful for stocks also. Draw Plants of Seeds. In Autumn when they have done growing, let the biggest of them be transplanted into other Beds of ground prepared for that purpose, thus: Let the ground be digged, and cast into square Plots, or long Plots, as you will, and said level with a Rake, than set the young seed Plants therein in this manner. Having cast up the Borders handsomely on each side, stretch a Line from one side to the other: then take a Setting-stick (that is, a hard piece of wood about a yard long, with a handle at the top, and made sharp at the end, or pointed with iron) and thrust it into the ground half a foot, or a foot deep, (according to the length of the Roots) close to the line, and make holes all along from one end of the line to the other, about half a foot, or more, as you will: And having prepared the seed Plants, by cutting off all the side twigs, and the ends or bottom of the Roots, set them in order in the holes to the top of their Roots, and close the mould about them: Draw the biggest first, and set them by themselves, & the least by themselves. Then take up the line, and stretch it again, about a foot from the other Plants, and make holes, and prune more seed Plants, and set them as before. Then take up the line, and stretch it again, a foot and half from the Plants last set, that there may be a convenient space of ground to pass between to weed the Plants, and to Graft and Inoculate them (being grown fit.) And having made holes, and pruned the Plants, set them as before. And thus set the Nursery throughout, and many of these will be ready after one year to Inoculate, and after two years or three, to Graft. Now for those that were left upon the Beds where the Seeds were sown, the largest being drawn as before, Rmove all seed Plants. they may grow there a year longer, and then be transplanted, or else may be removed at the same time; be sure to transplant all young seed-Plants, for by that means they get good Roots, which of themselves thrust down one single Root, for the most part. And being grown a year, or two after Inoculating, or Grafting, they are fit to transplant, to make Orchards, or into Fields, & Hedges, at a competent distance, as shall be showed when I speak of setting Trees. Thus men may in a few years prepare multitudes of Young Trees for themselves and others, to give, or sell as they please. It is good likewise to procure Crab-stocks from the woods and waste grounds, which being grown a year or two, may be grafted, and either grow where they were first set, being fit places, or transplanted elsewhere. The smaller these or any other Plants are when they are removed, the better they grow: Small Plants grow surest. so that it is a great Error in men to choose the greatest yong-trees to transplant into their Gardens. It's true: the greater they be the better, were they to grow still in the place without removing, but the removing of great Plants is more dangerous to them then to small Plants: Experience proves this sufficiently to the loss of many a good Plant. Now for the manner of Inoculating and Grafting these Plants, being thus prepared, The time of Grafting. and grown fit. First concerning Grafting: wherein we must consider the time: February and March (usually with most) are the too chief Months for Grafting, but we may begin sooner, and its best so to do, especially with Cherry, and Plum-Grafts: If the weather be open, without frost, in the beginning of January, or in December. Yea I have grafted some (with good success) in November, and sooner, but in the beginning of January we may begin, if frost hinder not. And such as have multitudes to engraft must needs begin early, else they'll want time. Grafts of Cherry and Plum-trees must be grafted soon, because they bud soon. And be sure to begin with them, ere they begin to Bud forth, and then with Peartrees and Appletrees. How to keep Grafts. Grafts of any kind may be gotten and kept many days, or many weeks, the cut ends, or the one half in length, being covered with mould, or they may be Grafted immediately, so soon as they are gotten; Graft none but those of one years' growth, only the last years sprout, the fairest, & thickest are best, They may be carried many miles, being bound up close (from end to end) in a hay band, or better in a Box of Mould, or their ends stuck in clay. Instruments for Grafting. That this work may the more effectually be done, we must have fit Tools, and Instruments for that purpose: First a good sharp-knife, and strong, to cut off the top of the stocks. A neat sharp-saw, to cut off the head of some stocks which are grown too big for the knife: also a little Mallet and wedg to cleave the big stocks, a small Penknife, to cut the Grafts, (as I shall show anon) and keep it very sharp for this purpose only; There must be likewise Clay prepared with hors-dung, well mixed together, as Mortar, as much of the one, as of the other, and Rushes, or strong, soft Flags to bind together the Graft, and the Stock. With a small hand-basket to carry the Grafts in, with all the Instruments for the work. Manner of the work. Having these things in a readiness, the time being come, go to the Stocks that are ready (small or great) And those that are small (about the bigness of ones little finger (which are of a competent bigness, & we lose no time in making use of them) Graft them in this manner. If they be Cherry-Stocks, or Plum-Stocks to make wall-trees of, graft them low, within half a foot, or less of the ground, but if they be for Standards, then Graft them an Ell, or yard and half high: thus. Cut off the top of the stock in some smooth, strait place, The first way of Grafting, called slicsing or Backing on. that may be answerable to the straightness of the Graft, when set on; Then prepare the Graft thus: observe which side is straightest at the bottom, or biggest end, that so it may fit the strait part of the stock when set on: Then cut one side only of the Graft, down a slope, about an inch, and a half long; either from the knot, or seam, if the part below it be smooth, and strait, or else from a Bud, and cut through the Bark, at the top of the cut-place, and make it like a shoulder, that it may rest just upon the top of the Stock, but cut not this shoulder too deep, (only through the Bark, or little more,) but cut the Graft thin at the bottom of the cut place, yet leave on all the Bark on the opposite side, make this cut smooth, and even from the top of it to the bottom, without dints, or ridges, (which is of special concernment) that so it may be sure to join close to the Stock. The Graft, being thus prepared, then go on to prepare the Stock further, lay the cut part of the Graft upon the strait side of the Stock, and measure just the length of the cut part of the Graft, And (with a knife) take away so much of the Bark of the Stock, but cut not any of the wood of the Stock, then lay the cutside of the Graft, upon the cut part of the Stock, and let the shoulder of the Graft rest directly upon the top of the Stock, so that the cut-parts of both may join even, and smooth, all along, and so bind them together close, with some strong Rushes or Flags, than Clay them, lay on every side, & an inch above, and as much below, some of the Clay prepared as before, close it above, & below, & on every side, & that's all that needs to be done for that time. Let not Grafts be too long; Four, or five, or six Buds, above the stock, is enough, the top may be cut off, if the Graft be long: this I account the best way of Grafting, for divers Reasons. Secondly there is another way of Grafting small Stocks, 2. Way of Grafting. such as are but just as big as the Grafts, you mean to set on. And those Stocks, are prepared thus: the top being cut off over against a smooth strait place, as before, the Bark of it must not only be cut, but also the Wood, quite through to the back side of it at the top, directly like as the Graft is cut (as was said) in length as much as the cut part of the Graft, the manner of cutting the graft for this, is the same with the former; then lay the cut part of the Graft upon the cut part of the Stock, and let the top of the Stock (even the very bark of the outside) be directly under the shoulder of the Graft, that so the cut parts both of Graft, and Stock, may join, & answer one another, from the top to the bottom, and so bind and Clay them as before. Thirdly: there is another way of Grafting Third way of Grafting. generally practised, though not so sure a way as the two former: and yet a better way for great stocks, for none but small stocks are capable of the two former ways, it is thus: Those Stocks that are large (three or four inches in compass) must be cloven, the tops being cut off in a strait smooth place, cut the roughness of the top smooth with a sharp knife, then knock in a strong knife or chisel, a very little beside the pith, and if it be capable but of one graft, then be sure to cleave it on that side that is smooth and strait, if it be fit for two, then be careful to choose both sides smooth, being cloven with the knife, and a wedge of Box, or other hard wood knocked in, to keep it open (than prepare the Graft, or Grafts) you mean to put in, cut both sides of the Graft a slope down from the knot or seam, or else from a Bud, about an inch, or little more, shoulder both sides of the Graft, as was said of one side, for the other sort of grafting, and make it thin at the bottom. Let the outside of the Graft be somewhat thicker than the inner side, unless the stock be very big, if it be so great as to pinch the Graft much, then make the inner side of the Graft thicker, that so it may preserve the outside from being pinched too much. And in setting in all Grafts into the cloven, observe this for a most special Rule, A special Rule. to join the inner side of the bark of the Graft, to the inner side of the bark of the stock, that the sap may more easily come out of the Stock into the Graft to feed it, for the main current of the sap is between the bark and the wood. And regard not the custom of many Grafters, in setting the outsides even and smooth, not considering the insides, their success is according to their skill, for the most part. We know the Bark of a big stock is much thicker than the bark of a slender graft, & if the outsides be smooth, and even, the insides must needs be uneven. But I say, to join the inner sides of both barks together, all along the cloven, is the Principal thing in Grafting of such big stocks. The Grafts being thus placed in the Stocks, and the wedg pulled out, then Clay them close on every side, an inch above the top of the stock, to the bottom of the Cleft. In choosing Grafts, choose not those that are very small, Choice of Grafts. and slender, they commonly fail; but take the fairest upon the tree, and especially those that are fullest of Buds. Graft every Cyence into its own kind: as all kind of Apples together, and also on Crabstocks (which is the wild Apple) Pear-grafts, on wild Pear-stocks, & the like of other kinds: join not contrary, or different kinds, they never come to perfection: as Cherry grafts on Plum-stocks, or the like. Experience makes it manifest to be but lost labour, they'll grow (it may be) a year, or two, and then die. And in choice of Grafts, Observe the best bearing-trees. be sure to consider what Trees (of all kinds) are the best bearers, some kinds seldom miss, and some other kinds (though good fruits) seldom hit, and therefore, take information from those persons, that know (by experience) the nature of the Trees in this regard, and accordingly chose, or refuse, Grafts from them. Observe the like in choice of Vines: The Parsley Vine of all other is best for these parts. Such Grafts as are bound (as is said of the two first ways of Grafting) must be unbound after a certain time, Unbind Grafts: when they have well closed with the Stock: about Midsummer (or before) they will be fast enough upon the Stock, so that they may without danger, be unbound: but if they be not unbound the band hinders their growth: and besides the winds (when the grafts are grown big, & bushy) will break divers of them unless they be unbound, and also by some means supported, and strengthened in the grafted place, which may be done, by tying a small stick to them, a little above, and as much below the place, where it is engrafted; but before you thus bind the stick to strengthen the Graft, put a little Clay round about the engrafted place (being unbound) it will cause the sap sooner to cover the head of the stock. After Grafts have had their full growth the first year, Prune young Grafts. they must be Pruned, such as need Pruning: As for wall Plants its no matter of how many Branches they spread, more the better: but for those that are Grafted low, and yet must be made standards, leave only one shoot, the strongest and biggest shoot, and cut off all the rest, and let not that strait shoot begin to spread, till it be an Ell long at least, rather more, and then let the Branches spread, and enlarge themselves. And from year to year, prune off those shoots, and branches as are superfluous and grow too near one another, and preserve only such as are fit to make the Tree of a comely form. And if any spire up, and shoot too strongly upwards in the middle of the Tree only, and spread not sufficiently (as is often seen in Peartrees and some other trees) cut off from time to time, those strong shoots in the middle, and still preserve the outmost branches, for all fruit-trees ought to spread as much as may be, so that the branches hang not too near the ground. And so much concerning Grafting, and also Pruning while they are young Plants. I shall now speak of the other work whereby Fruit-trees are increased. Inoculating, or putting a small Bud into a stock, which (as to the effects of it) is the same with Grafting, but differs much in the season, and in the manner of the work. The time for Inoculating Buds Inoculating Buds. is about Midsummer, a fortnight before, & a fortnight after is the chief season: though. Some Plants (full of sap) may be done afterwards with good success. That this business may be done to good purpose, it must be considered whether the Buds which we mean to get, are sufficiently grown or not, they must not be too young and tender: and we shall find that some kinds of Trees have Buds ready sooner than others. As the Aprecott especially, and those that shoot strongly. Let then the biggest and strongest shoots be cut from the Tree, that have grown since the spring, to that time, and cut off the top of the shoot, (all these Buds that are too small and tender and also cut off the Leaves of the other about a quarter of an inch from the Bud, and by that part left, we hold the Bud, being taken off the Branch: but leave not on the whole leaf and stalk, as some do, for the air (by means of the leaf) extracts and draws out the sap of the Bud in a short time, and so spoils it. Observe the kinds. Then go to the Plants you intent to Inoculate which must be like (as to the general kinds) with the Buds that you intent to set on: as Aprecot Buds, and other Plum-Buds on Plumstocks that are wild stocks: the White Pear plum stock is accounted the best to inoculate Aprecot buds on, or other choice Plums, it being a Plant full of sap: and in choosing Buds, or Grafts, be sure always to cut them from those kinds that experience shows are good bearing Trees. Now in setting on the Bud, first make a cross cut upon some smooth place of the stock, (if it be for a wall-tree, then half a foot, or thereabouts from the ground) & from the middle of the cross cut, make another strait down, about an Inch long, or something less, only through the Bark, and with the end of a Penknife, raise up the bark on both sides, as much as to let in the small Bud, then make haste to prepare the bud (for a man must be quick at this work, else the Air, by sudden drying the Bud, and the cut part of the stock will much hurt:) Cut the bark on both sides the Bud, and about a quarter of an inch above, and as much below the bud, and let that end which is to be downwards be a little sharp, that it may more easily go down, between the Bark, and wood of the stock, and throw away the bark on the opposite side, then with a Quill the one half cut away, or a Pen of steel, (made thin for the purpose) take off the Bud and bark, and be sure there be the root of the Bud in it, if there be a little hole in the middle of the bud within, than the root is not there, throw away that bud, such will not grow, but the Bud being well taken off, then hold it by the stalk of the leaf, as before was said, and put it carefully between the bark and the wood of the small Plant, prepared as before, and let the top of the bud join close to the cross cut, then bind the bud with a soft Rush, that is strong, bind it close to the stock, especially in the middle (where the Root of the bud lies) and so let it rest. After a certain time the Buds must be unbound, Unbind buds in due time. and some sooner than others; some stocks grow more in a week than some others in a month. Now if this work be done early in the year before Midsummer, upon young stocks very full of sap, these may be unbound about 14. or 15. days after, or a General Rule may be this, when a stock is so grown as that the band about the Bud, does much straighten the Bud, which may be seen by the swelling of the Plant above and below the Bud, than the band must be cut and taken off. But those that are done near the end of July or after, will not need unbinding so soon. Now after unbinding you may see which Buds take hold of the stock, and which do not, those that are good, are fast upon the stock, and appear in their natural colours as when they were set on, those that do not hold, will have lost their colour, and (it may be) withered and dried. Such as are good, meddle no more with them till the Spring, then cut off the stocks an inch or two above the Buds, Cut off stocks above the Buds. so the Buds will spring out and grow according to the strength of the stocks. And in Autumn after they may be transplanted, or if you please such Buds may be transplanted the next Autumn after inoculating, which is the surer way for growing. And when these Buds have grown one year, then cut off the stock close to the buds, and they will cover the head as Grafts. How to carry Buds. If Buds be not ready at hand but must be fetched many miles in that hot time, then special care must be taken in the carriage of them. Thus: Being cut from the Tree, cut off the tops of the Branches, and the leaves near the Buds as before, then bind them together, and wrap them in fresh Leaves or Grasse to keep them cool, and they will keep good two or three days, but yet make all the haste that may be to inoculate them. Mark the Stocks. Having Grafted or Inoculated Stocks: make one Letter or two upon the stock below the Graft or Bud (whereby to know the kind of the Fruit) and if any be stolen they may thereby be known, being found again. It's done with the point of a Penknife, cutting through the bark, the form of a Letter, or any other figure, whereby to know the kinds of fruits. And so much for Inoculating Buds of Fruit-trees. Directions in the choice of Grafts and Stocks. The choice of right kinds of Grafts, and Stocks, and the joining of them together according to their natures, is so necessary, and some observations about them are so essential to the work of profitable planting, that except they be known, and practised, men lose much of the profit they might have, if rightly observed. A few special directions in any Art, though consisting but of few lines, containing the Principles and essential parts, are better, and more to the advancement of the Art, then great Volumes upon the same subject when men (as many do) rove about upon unnecessary things, and strange fancies without any solid grounds, beside the life of the business. If men miss the Principles and essentials of an Art, they discourse of it to little purpose. So also in the practice: and therefore it has many times fallen out that some men having laboured much & spent much time, & cost, in Planting Fruit-trees, yet their labours have not succeeded well, because there has been mistakes in some principal, and very material things; either the Trees have not grown well, or if prospered, and come to a large growth, yet they have not borne Fruit well, which hath been a great discouragement, not only to themselves, but to others who have seen it. Now among all Observations about this Art of Planting Fruit-trees, I know none of greater moment, or more essential to the profitable proceeding in it, than the Choice of right kinds, and the joining of Grafts, Buds, and Stocks fit for each other. I shall therefore mention some particulars of the Twelve kinds of Fruit-trees which I have made choice to speak of, and show which I account most profitable, and best to propagate and increase, and how they fit several stocks when the Cyences are to be Engrafted. First concerning Apples: Of Apples. In the choice of Apple Grafts we must consider not only the goodness of the Fruit, but also, whether the Trees be good bearing Trees naturally: whether such as have known them divers years, can say by experience they bear well, but many look not after this so much as what kind of fruit it is, In respect of goodness. And thence it comes to pass, that some men having store of fair, large Fruit-trees, they have but little fruit from them. Therefore let the generality of Fruit-trees (both in the Orchards and in the Fields) be of right kinds in respect of bearing, as well as in respect of goodness of the fruit, and then for variety, there may be some of other kinds of good and choice fruits though they bear but few, and seldom. And for particular kinds of Apples I commend the Sommer-Pearemaine, and the Winter Pearemaine, not only for special fruits, but also for good bearing kinds. So likewise the small Pippin, a good Apple, and a great bearer. The Harvey Apple is a very choice fruit, and the trees bear well. The Queen Apple is a great bearing fruit, and good: So the Gillofloure. Many other kinds might be named, that are special good fruits, and great bearing kinds, and some persons prefer one kind, and some another. But the great and general Rule in this, and all other kinds of Fruits, is, to take Grafts from those Trees which are known by experience to bear store of fruits, and good, and to multiply these as much as may be. As for Stocks fit for Apple Grafts, I account Crabtrees, better then sweeter Appletrees to Graft on, because they are usually free from the Canker, and will become very large Trees, and I conceive will last longer than Stocks of sweeter Appletrees, and will make fruits more strong, and hardy to endure frosts, and cold weather in the spring time: yet it is good to choose stocks of some pleasant Apples, to graft some choice fruit upon. Because that the stock has some small influence upon the fruits to make them more delicate, if grafted upon a choice stock. Although notwithstanding the graft may be said to Govern, as is showed at large. 2 Of Pears. As for Pears there are multituds of kinds, as well as of Apples, some preferring one kind and some another, and one and the same fruit is called by several names, in several places. A late Author says he is persuaded there are 400. or 500 several kinds of Pears. Now therefore; it is a point of wisdom to choose Grafts from the best bearing kinds, although (it may be) not so delicate to eat as some others. I know none but they are very useful, and profitable. The Windsor Pear is accounted one of the best with us, some kinds bear not well, but some others do, therefore observe the former Rule. The summer Burgamet is a choice fruit, and the Trees bear well. But for a costant bearing kind. I know none better than the Catherine pear, but they must be quickly spent, for they are no lasting fruits: a man having great store, may make excellent Perry of them. For they have a pleasant juice. The Greenefield Pear is an excellent Pear, and will last indifferent well, and is a great bearer. There is a Pear they call a choke-pear, which is accounted a special kind, for Perry, although the Pear to eat, is stark naught, and therefore men may adventure to plant the Trees in the fields and hedges, and need not fear stealing of the fruits. I advise (for that reason) to plant many of the Trees, on purpose to grind the fruits for Perry. M. Parkinson says the Perry of these pears is scarce discerned from wine, neither by taste nor colour, after it hath been kept certain Months. The best kind of stocks to graft Peare-grafts upon, are such as come of the Seeds or Kernels of Pears. I know no difference amongst these, but all good to graft upon. And I utterly dislike grafting these fruits upon White thorn, or upon any kind of stocks beside Peare-stocks. The fruits are naught (having a hard and stony core) if grafted upon a Thornetree. There are many kinds of Cherries, 3 Of Cherries. The Flanders-Cherry is most generally planted here in England, and is a great bearing fruit. there are two sorts of them, the Early, and the late Flanders; the early is almost as soon as the May-Cherry, it follows close after, and then the late Flanders-Cherry upon that. The May-Cherries are tender, the Trees must be set in a warm place, upon some south wall, or morning sun, but the Flanders both kinds bear well in Orchards, and fields at large, both kinds are very good, and good bearers. The black hart Cherry is a very special fruit, and a great bearing fruit; and doubtless exceeding proper to press for wine, either to drink of itself, or to mix the juice with Cider to give it a colour, as Claret-wine. it being of a deep red, and a small quantity of it, will colour a gallon of Cider or white-wine. There is a Cherry we call the great bearing cherry, of M. Millen. It may very well be called the great bearer, for the Trees seldom fail of great store of fruits, although in a cold, and sharp spring. It is something a tart fruit, of a very deep red, almost blackish, when full ripe. The juice is very proper to colour Cider, Perry, White-wine, or the like. This kind of fruit is most fit for cold Countries in the North-parts, and although it be not altogether so pleasant as some other Cherries, by reason of the tartness of the juice, yet let men know that sharp Cherries are accounted more wholesome than the sweet. And such as plant Trees of this kind may have good store of Fruits, when others (it may be) want, who have none of these Trees. Concerning Stocks fit for Cherry-trees, I account the black Cherry stock the best, to graft any kind of Cherry upon. Yet some say the red Cherry-stock is best for May-Cherries. But the black Cherry stocks are goodly strait Plants and full of sap, and become greater Trees than the red Cherry-trees. 4 Of Plums. There are very many kinds of Plums, many more than of Cherries. I esteem the Mussel Plum one of the best, being a fair large black plum, and of an excellent relish, and the Trees bear abundantly. The Violet, and Premorden plum-trees, are very great bearing trees, and the fruits pleasant, and good. The Damasco-Plum is a good fruit, and the trees bear well. Many other kinds might be named, very good plums; some approve of one kind, and some of another, but the driest plums which part from the stones, are accounted best. Plum Grafts must be grafted, or inoculated upon Plum-stocks, not upon cherry stocks, or any other kind of stocks, that I know. The White Peare-plum stocks are accounted the best, and the Damson stocks the worst, as being dry stocks: so that Grafts cannot take, nor thrive upon them. Those stocks of plums which have large leaves, and full shoots, I account the best. Graft not Plum grafts upon cherry stocks, nor cherries upon Plums, as some prescribe: different kinds will not agree together. 5 Of Aprecocks Though Aprecocks are (in the general) accounted Plums, yet because of the excellency of the fruit they may be spoken of by themselves. I know but few kinds of them, but some I know to be far better bearers, some are larger than others, and some sooner ripe than others. All good fruits. there's one kind that is a very great bearer, and a fair large fruit, observe then those Trees that usually bear well, and get Buds from them at the season to Inoculate, as is showed p. 50. for these must be propagated only by the Bud, not by grafting. I account the White Peare-plum stocks the best to Inoculate Aprecock Buds upon, although they may be done upon other Plum-stocks with good success, if they be good juicy stocks, able to give large nourishment, for Aprecock trees require much nourishment. I shall join the Nectrine with the Aprecock although another kind of fruit. The best kind that I know is the Roman red Nectrine. But it is very hard to be propagated: as for Grafting, none take that way, and but few with inoculating, which I concieve is the reason it is the dearest of all Plants with us. The yellow, and green Nectrines are much short of it in goodness. The White Peare-plum stock, (though accounted the best for any plum, yet I find) is scarce good enough for this fruit to be inoculated upon it, though some do indifferent well. But I hold it best to inoculate the Roman red Nectrine upon the Branch of an Aprecock which before hath been Inoculated upon a good Plum-stock, that it may give not only a larger, but a finer nourishment then ordinary Plum-stocks can do. Of Peaches 6 Of Peaches. there are divers kinds: I know by experience the Nutmeg, and Newington Peaches to be excellent tasted fruits, and very good bearers, especially the Nutmeg Peach, which makes amends for the smallness of the fruit: but the Newington Peach is a very large, and gallant fruit. These require choice Plum-stocks to be inoculated upon, as the White Pear plum stock, or else stocks coming of Peach stones. I know but one kind of Figs 7 Of Figs. that come to ripeness with us in England. The great Blew-fig, as large as a Catherine Pear. The trees grow in divers Gardens in Oxford, and bear their fruits to perfect ripeness, it ordered as they should be. The trees must be set against a South wall, and be spread up with nails, and Leathers. These trees are increased from the Root of the old tree; draw up the small suckers, and plant them, or the cuttings of it will grow, as of a Vine tree. These need neither inoculating, nor Grafting. Some Authors affirm that there have been Vine-yards in England in former times, though they be all destroyed long since. 8 Of Grapes. Divers places retain the name of Vine-yards still. At Bromwell Abbey in Norfolk: and at Elie in Cambridg-shiere: what else is the meaning of these old Rhymes. Quatuor sunt Eliae; Lanterna, Capella, Mariae: Et Molendinum, nec non dans Vinea vinum. Englished thus: Four things of Elie Town much spoken are, The Leaden Lantern, Mary's Chapel rare, The mighty Milhill in the Minster field, And fruitful Vineyards which sweet wine do yield. And doubtless men might Plant Vines with good success, to make good wine even with us. There are many kinds of Vines, but I know none so good, and fit for our Climate as the Parsley Vine, we see by experience yearly it bears abundance of fruits, unto perfection. And whosoever would plant Vines in England, I think he cannot meet with a better kind than the Parsley Vine, both for bearing, and goodness. The Fox Grape is a fair large Fruit, and a very great bearer, though not of so much esteem as divers others. The Red and White Muskadine Grape, is an excellent fruit, and if the Vines grow upon a South wall, and be well ordered, they bear store of good fruits. I know but two sorts of Quinces, 9 Of Quinces. the English and Portugal Quince. The Portugal Quince, I esteem as the better, both for bearing, and use. These are increased from the Roots of old trees, Suckers must be drawn up, and set in the Nursery, or in other convenient places, which being grown up, must be Grafted with some grafts from old bearing trees, but the custom is (for the most part) to nurse them up without grafting, and so ordered they are long ere they come to bear fruit. Therefore I advise to Graft, or Inoculate them, with Grafts or Buds from old bearing Trees. There are two kinds of Mulberrie-trees 10 Of Mulberries. with us in England, the Black, and the White. As for the White I never saw any of its fruit, they very seldone bear any with us. But the Black Mulberry-tree never fails of fruit after it is grown up. These Trees are not increased by Grafting, or Inoculating, but by Cuttings from the Branches, or sides of the Trees: Cut a Bough off, as big as a man's arm, and after cut it in small Truncheons, or pieces a yard long or more, lay these in the ground a foot deep, only the one end out of the ground a hand breadth or two, or thereabouts, and keep the earth moist with some good fat water from a standing Pool, or Dunghill, and clean from weeds, and the first or second year usually these pieces spring up with several shoots, all which may be cut off with some small Roots, and Planted at a fit distance, and the old Root will yearly send out more, which may either be cut off as before, or else bowed down, and laid in the earth, on one, or several sides, which will take root and multiply abundantly, and in a few years be fit to be transplanted. These kinds of Fruits are of least esteem with us, 11. Of Meddlers. yet some like them well being ripe, and almost rotten. The Trees are increased by Suckers from the Roots, and need not Grafting, nor Inoculating, but if the Fruit be small, then get some Buds or Grafts from those Trees which bear large Fruits and Inoculate or Graft upon small Plants, or upon the small Boughs of great Trees. According to directions given. Walnut-trees are propagated from the Nuts, 12. Of Walnuts. which may be set from the time of ripeness, until the spring, an Inch deep or little more, and afterwards transplanted, and set at a very great distance 24: or 30 yards asunder: for they are very large spreading Trees. Be sure to choose of the best Nuts to set, the fairest nuts, and thinnest shells, and good bearers. Thus much (briefly) concerning the best bearing Trees, and how they are propagated. As for those Fruit-trees which bear but little, or no fruits, Graft old Trees, if bad bearers. by reason that Grafts and Buds were not chosen from good bearing kinds, wherewith they were engrafted, I advise (by all means) to Graft, or Inoculate such again, though great, and old Trees, such whose boughs are as big as a man's hand-wrist, or smaller, may be cut off, and grafted in the Cleft, with a couple of good Grafts, of good bearing kinds; but such Branches, as are very great, I should rather cut off a convenient height from the ground, a slope-wise, that no wet may rest upon the top, and then after a year, or two, to graft the small Shoots or Branches that are put forth, or some of them; this is a better course, then to graft such great Branches, for that moisture will get into the top, and rot the Branches, and perhaps the Body too, ere the Grafts can cover such great heads. As concerning Arbours, Seats, etc. in Orchards and Gardens, I advise men to make them of Fruit-trees, Make Arbours of fruit-trees. rather than of Privet, or other rambling stuff, which yields no profit, but only for shade. If you make them of Cherry trees, Plum-trees, or the like, there will be the same advantage for shade, and all the Fruits superadded. All that can be objected is, that Fruit-trees are longer in growing up, then Privet, Virgin-Bower, or the like, whereof Arbours are commonly made. It is answered. Though Fruit-trees are something longer in covering an Arbour, than some other things, yet they make sufficient amends in their lasting and bearing fruits. Of Transplanting Trees. I shall now give some Rules concerning Transplanting young plants, after a years growth, or more, whether Inoculated or Grafted. The time for this work (in general) is in Autumn, when trees have done growing, and that is divers weeks before the Leaves fall. Stay not (as the custom is) till November, or after, before you transplant, for the best time is about the later end of September, but because some trees are ready for Transplanting sooner than others, observe this Rule. Immediately after Plants have done growing, its best to transplant them. And when they have done growing may be seen by the top, or end of the Plant, the top of the Branches will be closed, or shut up, and no more small Leaves will appear, as in those that have not done growing. Early Removing best. It's a great advantage to remove plants be time, for such grow a while after in their Roots before winter, and thereby not only preserve themselves in winter, but also make some preparation against the Spring: which those removed in winter cannot do Stay not therefore till the Leaves fall ere you remove, although they may be removed then with good success, but it is not so good at that time as before. The time of removing being come, and the place prepared for setting them again, then be careful in taking up the plants, dig round about them, and take off the mould from their Roots, if it be a small plant it may be drawn up easily, the mould being taken away, if it be great, and the Roots spread much, than they may be cut about half a yard from the body of the Plant, and the greater it is, the further off cut the Roots: and so draw it up: and break off all the Leaves the first thing you do, for the Sun and Aire (by means of them) extract the sap of the branches. The next work is to prune the Roots and branches, Prune the roots. as they need. All the ends of the Roots must be cut smooth, and most of the small strings, or fibras cut away, that so the mould may close to every side of those that are left, and new strings may put forth at the cut place: and leave not all the Roots (as the custom of some is) it much hinders the growth, the mould cannot possibly be made to close about all of them being many, as it may about a few. Likewise if the Plant be of 3 or 4 year's growth or more, Prune the Branches. some of the Branches must be cut, & say not as many do, here's a fair tree already, why should we cut away any part of it? but they must be content to lose some of the Branches, else they are in danger to lose all: for removing of great Plants, is a great check to nature, and if a few Roots cut short (as they must be when removed) be put to feed many and large Branches, they'll have but slender and poor nourishment, not sufficient many times to preserve life, much less to make a large growth. But if Plants are very small (of a year or two year's growth) you need not cut the Branches, except such as cross one another or grow too nigh together, but cut off the ends of the Roots of all, because if cut, many small strings or fibras shoot out at the cut place, which draw nourishment for the Plant, which without cutting would not. Plants being thus prepared, Set not plants too deep. the next thing is to set them again in the ground. If the soil be dry they must be set so much the deeper, yet take heed of setting below the good soil. In low and moist grounds set not so deep, as in that which is dry. The hole for the Plant being digged, set in the Root prepared as before, and cast in the smallest, and best mould next to the Roots, and see that the small mould run between all the Roots, to that end, stir and shake the Plant, that there may not be any hollow place where the mould falls not, and being filled up, water the Plant that the mould thereby may settle close about all the Roots, and so let it rest. If the Plants are fair large Plants, in danger to be shaken by the winds, then knock down a stake close to every one, and tie the Plant to it with a hay-Band, or some other soft Band. Distance of setting. As concerning distance in setting young trees I conceive Ten yards is little enough between Appletrees, and Peartrees, in ordinary soil. And if men have ground enough to plant, and good soil, I should rather prescribe to Plant them 16, or 20 yards asunder for both Trees and fruits have many great advantages, if planted a good distance one from another. (As for Wall-trees they may be planted 5 or 6 yards asunder.) The 1 Advantage. Such are freed from frettings, & gallings, that happens to Trees that brush, and crowd one upon another, whereby not only the Buds, Blossoms, and Fruits, are rubbed and broken off, but also sometimes the Canker thereby breeds and destroys boughs, and Branches. The 2 Advantage. Secondly (when Trees are planted a fair distance asunder) the sun refreshes every Tree, the Roots, body, and branches, with the Blossoms, and Fruits, where by Trees bring forth more fruits, and those fairer and better. The 3 Advantage. Thirdly. If Appletrees and Peartrees are planted 16. or 20. yards asunder, much profit may be made of the ground, under & about the Trees. Ye may plant Gooseberries, Raspberries, Currants, Strawberries, Roses, Flowers, and all sorts of Garden stuff, commodious as well for sale, as house keeping, which cannot be if Trees be planted near together, as the custom is in most places, the ground being cold and shady by the Trees. Besides the trees would have advantage by frequent digging & stirring the earth about their Roots from time to time in setting these things. The 4 Advantage. Fourthly. When Trees have room to spread as before, they will grow very large and great, and the consequences of that will be, not only multitudes of Fruits, but also long lasting; and these two are no small advantages, besides all the former. And men are mistaken when they say, the more Trees in an Orchard the more fruits, for one or two fair large trees, which have room to spread, will bear more fruits than six or ten (it may be) of those that grow near together, and crowd one another. It is a very great, and almost a general Error, the Planting of Fruit-trees too near together, especially as to Appletrees, and Pear-trees; as for Cherry-trees, plum-trees and the like, they need not be planted half the distance I speak of, 5 or 6 yards in distance is usually enough, and 8 yards, if the ground be special good: for all trees grow much larger in some soils, then in others. Concerning Order in setting Trees, Order in setting Trees. though it be not essential to a good Orchard, yet if men stand upon it, they may measure out a square plot of ground (more or less) by a line, and then measure the distance that must be between every tree, according to the kinds that are to be planted, and according to the goodness, or nature of the soil as hath been said. And having measured exactly the square plot, and the distance of the Trees, than set the four corners first, then fill up the square plot, on all the four sides, with plants, ordered as before, and so go on to fill up all the other places in the Plot, exactly by Line, or by eye, if there be four or five persons to assist in the work. And by this means the Trees will stand in Rows every way. This square once planted, though but small at first, may be enlarged every way, as the ground permits, or else the Orchard may be drawn out in length, and yet the Trees stand in a right Line every way by this means. A special rule in transplanting. In setting all sorts of Trees consider what soil they came out of, whether a fat, and forced soil (as divers of the Nurseries about London) or some ordinary natural soil. If they came out of very good ground, then procure as good or better, if it may be had, though but a little: to lay next to their Roots when they are set again. This should always be observed. To Plant Trees in as good or better soil being removed, as that out of which they were taken. For every thing in nature advanced to the better, it is grateful, and beneficial to it, but if it be carried to the worse, it is a check, and repulse to nature, and such a one, as that if it be in any great degree, it either much weakens it, or quite destroys it. Therefore choose Trees out of natural soils, and the worse, the better for the Trees, but if they must be had out of rich soils, then be sure to procure some (more or less) of as good, or better then that out of which they are removed, to lay to their Roots, when set again. For want of observing this course, many hundred of good plants have been lost from time to time. The well ordering of young Plants the first and second year of planting, has an influence upon them many years, which if neglected then, the labour, and diligence of many years after; cannot countervail it, the ordering of Cattles while they are young, either makes or mars them, so of Trees, and other things in some proportion; after they have well taken Root the first and Second year, they will then grow in ordinary soils, the great danger is at first planting. Concerning Wall-trees: Wall-trees. the Aprecot, Peach, Nectarine, Vine-tree etc. these and such choice fruit-trees, must be planted upon a South-wall, if it may be; The best next that I account the East-wall, and the West not so good, the North-wall is nothing worth, as having no advantage by the sun as the other. These trees being set (as before is said) they must be plaisht, or spread upon the Wall, being young, (and so from year to year as they grow greater) with Nails, and Lethers. And as they grow larger, cut only some of the superfluous Branches, and twiggs in the middle part, but cut not the utmost sides or top Branches, until they be spread as large as they should spread and be sure to lead the main, and biggest Branches, along the sides of the wall, both ways, and suffer them not to rise strait up as naturally they will, but correct nature by art. Prune Wall-trees. Wall-trees being grown as large as they may be permitted, must be Pruned from year to year; first in Summer, secondly in Winter. About the end of June, or middle of July the Aprecot-trees (especially) will have put out many large shoots, 1 in Summer, some of which must be cut off, and others spread up to the wall, where there is room for them, Tie up as many as you can conveniently with Lethers, and Nails; and cut the rest off, that will not so well spread to the Wall, then with a pair of shears, or hook, or sharp pruning knife, cut all the forepart of the Trees even, and smooth, as may be, and so cut, and spread the branches as that the fruits, (which by that time will be grown towards their bigness) may have the sun to refresh, and ripen them. 2 In Winter. Secondly towards the beginning of October, (or so soon as the Leaves are fallen off) the branches that cross one another or are not well placed, may be rectified; or any of the great boughs, which are grown old, and have but few small branches upon them may be cut off, which must not be cut off in Summer time, lest that too great, and sudden obstruction of sap, kill the whole tree. But the cutting of the small Branches in Summer, is some small check, and stop to the sap, and hinders the excessive rising of it at that time, which else would spend itself in large superfluous branches, and so rob the fruits: And besides, as that cutting conduceth to the fairness, and early ripening of the fruits, so also it causeth multitudes of Branches, and Buds for blossoms the next Spring, but this winter Pruning is chief for the well ordering of the branches that could not be well placed (by reason of the Fruits & Leaves in Sommer-time) and for the cutting off of greater Branches, when need is. It is a great error amongst some, who suffer all the young, Error in Pruning. & large Shoots to grow as much as they will, all Summer without cutting, and then in Winter they usually cut all or most of them quite off from the trees, and preserve only the old stumps, or biggest Branches of the trees, and by this means in the middle part of the Tree, and near the Root, there are few, or no young Branches, to be seen: Whereas they should preserve the young Branches to spread up against the wall, until it be full of small Boughs. And then some young Shoots (every year) may be cut off in Summer, as before. And in cutting away Branches, be sure to take those away that grow the straightest out, and will not so easily be bowed to the Wall, as the other: And preserve branches as low, and as near the ground as may be, and cause them to bend, and grow strait along the sides of the Wall both ways; and suffer not the biggest Branches to rise strait upward, as (commonly most do,) but nail them downwards. As for great Trees in the Orchards, Fields, Hedges, Pruning old standard-trees. etc. they must be Pruned from year to year, as need is, in October, November, or thereabouts: observe to cut off the superfluous Branches, such as cross one another, and such as grow too close, so as the Sun cannot well come about the bearing Branches: Leave no dead Twigs or Branches; and scrape off the Moss that is upon the Body, and great Branches. Opening the Roots is profitable to some Trees, Ordering the Roots of old Trees. especially such as grow upon dry, and barren grounds. In October (or there abouts) take away the Earth round about the Roots, a yard broad, or more, and so leave the Roots bare, and open all Winter; that the Rain, Snow, beams of the Sun, etc. may refresh the bottom Roots, and make the ground better: At Spring fill up the holes again. Also to lay Pigeons dung, Hen's dung, Sheep's dung, to the roots (or the like stuff, that is very hot, and fertile,) will much help the Trees, and make them bear store of fruits; Vines, or other Fruit-trees. So also of Lees of Wine, the washing of strong Beere-Barrels, Blood of Cattle, dead Dogs, Carrion, or the like, laid, or put to the Roots of Trees, when opened (as before) is found very profitable unto fruitbearing. But in case the soil about the Roots be over fat, and fertile, it may hinder bearing, for it will cause Trees to shoot forth great large shoots, and to send forth broad Leaves, and but little fruit: if so, then take away some of the fertile soil, and put in, instead, sand, or coal ashes, or any stuff that is barren, that it may dry up, and abate some of the too full feeding that the Trees had, and so cause fruitfulness. Though Meat and Drink be never so good, & wholesome, yet excess hurts the body. And further observe: That Mowing of Grounds yearly, where Fruit-trees grow, is exceeding prejudicial to Trees in respect of bearing (unless the soil be exceeding fertile) But pasturing of Orchards, and Grounds where Fruit-trees grow, is observed to be of great advantage to their prospering, and bearing Fruits. When Cattle are suffered to lie, and pasture under, & about the Trees, they much benefit the Roots, by their warmth in sitting, and by their soil, which soaks down among the Roots, and is a great refreshing to them, as hath been found by clear Experience. Therefore permit Cattle (if it may be convenient) to lie, & pasture, under & among Fruit-trees (after they are grown strong, & out of their reach) save only at those seasons when Fruits are ripe, because rubbing against the Trees would shake down the fruits, and spoil them. And it were better they did not rub against the Trees at any time, for in that respect they may do hurt, therefore set Stakes or Posts about the Trees for the Cattle to rub against, whereby the Trees may be preserved. And concerning Transplanting, Pruning, and Ordering the Roots of Trees, thus much. See further, Errors in Practice. Diseases incident to Fruit-Trees. FRuit-trees are subject to divers Diseases. Baptist. Port. says, De cultu & insit. l. c. 35. Affliguntur Plantae omnes, veluti Animalia, diversis morbis. All Trees or Plants are afflicted with divers Diseases as sensible creatures. And therefore we should apply ourselves to Cure them, not for pity to the Trees (as the indulgent compassionate Manichees) but for our own profit. I shall (at present) mention only three Diseases that sometimes happen to Fruit-trees. mossiness, Bark-bound, and Canker. Concerning mossiness of Fruit-trees, the way to cure that (and other Diseases) is to take away the Cause, sublatâ causâ, 1 mossiness. tollitur effectus. If the spring be stopped, the streams cannot run. Some to cure this, only scrape off the Moss, not endeavouring to take away the Cause, so that in a few years they are as bad again, that's but like endeavours for cure of the Toothache, or Gout, or the like, with some outward applications (which though they may give some ease for a while, yet they strike not at the root, they remove not the Cause, and therefore they return again. So that it must be considered what the Cause of mossiness is, sometimes it is caused by over coldness of the ground, as in waterish, and clay grounds, likewise by Barrenness of the soil. If it be Coldness through moisture, then use all means to lay it dryer, by trenching the ground: or if it be Clay-ground, then bring in some warmer soils to mix with it, as Sand, Ashes, Sheeps-dung, Pigeons, or Hens-dung, or the like: If the soil be too barren, then help it by mixtures of good soils, round about the Roots. But withal take away the Moss that is already upon the trees, in this manner; after Rain rub it off with a Haircloth: else scrape it off with a piece of hard wood in the form of a knife. Another is the Barke-bound disease: 2 Bark-bound. This exceedingly hinders the growth of trees: it makes them live lingeringly and poorly: This happens when there is but a dull, and slow passage up of sap, and in small quantity, either by reason of barrenness of soil or want of due culture, to the Branches, therefore if the soil be barren it must be mended, and likewise some of the Branches cut off, and the rest scored down all along to the Root, through the bark, on each side, with some cross cuts, and nicks in the bark: let this be done in the spring time, & the sap will arise more plentifully. Another disease is the Canker, 3 Canker. natural to some, but accidentally happening to others by bruises etc. This hurts many, and spoils some. To cure it, cut it out, if it be upon the body, or great Boughs of trees, & then cover the place with clay mixed with horse-dung and cut off the small Branches that are dead, but withal endeavour to stop the fountain, and cause of it, (being a sharp and virulent sap) by laying Cole Ashes, or ashes of wood, Nettles, Ferne, and such like vegetables to the Roots, but if the Trees grow upon gravel ground they'll hardly be cured, without altering the soil in a great measure. Secondly, concerning Mischiefs incident to Fruits: 2 Mischiefs incident to fruits. by Caterpillars, Aunts, Erewigs, Snails, Wasps, Birds; and cold, and strong Winds. In the spring time Caterpillars 1 Caterpillars breed (and devour many buds, blossoms, and young fruits, especially in a dry season:) of the Dew and Leaves (as one says) when the East Winds blow much, which causeth that moist and slimy matter to vivify. L. Bac nat. hist. pag. 182. They breed also (as is observed) of the Spawn of Butterflies. Now how to to destroy them. I know no better way then to pluck off those leaves which have the Cobwebs made upon them, (in which they breed) and tread them under foot, for one of them contains multitudes. And for those that escape, being upon the Trees, some smoke them with straw or such like, which makes them fall off. They may be destroyed also by squirting water up into the Trees among the Boughs, which washeth them off. Secondly, Aunts 2 Ants. and Pismires, hurt Fruits, multitudes creep up into some Trees, and eat the Fruits. Therefore seek out their hills where they breed, and lie, and power in scalding water, amongst them till they be destroyed. Or else anoint the bottom of the Trees near the Root with Tar round about, that so these little thiefs may be taken Prisoners by sticking in it. Thirdly, Fruits (growing ripe) are sometimes eaten with Erewigs. 3 Erewigs. One way to destroy them is by setting Ox hooves, Canes or any hollow thing near the Roots of the Trees, and among the Boughs, upon the ends of sticks, and they'll creep in, and lie there, then take off these hooves quickly, and shake them into a bowl of water, or crush them with your foot upon the ground. These Creatures do most mischief to Wall-trees, 4 Snails. especially upon old walls. Pick them off betime in the morning & destroy them. But if you keep the wall well pointed with lime, that they have no harbour there, and the Roots clean from weeds you'll not be much troubled with them. Another mischief incident to fruit, 5 Wasps. is by Wasps and Hornets sometimes, some find out their nests, & are so bold as to destroy them there, by scalding water, or some other way. Another way to destroy them is by hanging Earthen Pots half full of water in Trees, daubed in the innerside with honey, and they will leave the fruits and fall to the honey, and having sucked of it, they fall into the water, and perish. This way destroys multitudes. Birds also spoil Buds and fruits: 6 Birds. the Bulfinch and Jennet in the Winter time and Spring eat up multitudes of Buds of Cherrie-trees, and Plum-trees, which are prepared for blossoms and fruits, being ripe they peck and eat many: You may destroy them by setting lime-twigs (with baits) in the Trees, & kill some with a Piece or Crossbow, and hang them in the Trees? Also Clack-Mills may be set in divers places in the Orchard which will affright them. But the greatest mischief incident to fruits is by cold winds: and Frosts in the spring time, & by strong winds in summer, 7 Winds. & Autumn: which shake off the Fruits: against the hurt of cold winds, & frosts, wall-trees may be covered, for a certain time while they are knitting (being exceeding tender) and great standard trees may be smoked in knitting time, setting on fire some moist straw, (or any thing that will make a smoke) under, and among the Trees. Also against strong winds, the Orchard must be defended (if it be possible) with some high Trees, on the North, East, and West, sides, or so planted that they may have houses, hills, or something, or other, to break off these winds, from the Fruit-trees. So much concerning Diseases, and Mischiefs, incident to Fruit-trees, and fruits: with their Cures, and Remedies. The alimental and Physical use of Fruits. Fruit-trees being Planted, and duly Ordered to fruitbearing, then comes the joyful Harvest, the End of all our Labours: And then we make use of all the Fruits for our greatest Profit, and because some have ways to order fruits for advantage, which others know not of, I think good to say something concerning the use of fruits, in respect both of their alimental, and Physical Use. First concerning the use of Apples. Of Apples. When Apples are ready they may be Disposed of Divers ways, some for Cider, others for Sale, others for daily Dishes to the Table. Cider is usually made of such Apples as are moist summer fruits, some are fit to make Cider so soon as they are gathered, others may lie a certain time to mellow, as they use in some places, whereof most excellent Cider is made if the Apples are taken when they are just ready, and fit to eat, being the crude, or raw spirit is then digested. How to make Cider. The Apples being ripe, gather them, & being clean picked from Stalks and leaves, grind them in the Mill, or pound them small in Trows of wood, or stone, then strain them, & ton up the Liquor, immediately, & let it not stand as some do, it looseth spirits: And having filled a Vessel great, or small, take Clay, and lay it round about the Tun hole, not to stop it up, but make it hollow round about, to contain so much Cider, as that (when it hath done working) the Vessel may yet be full, put in a small quantity of Mustard, to make it work the better, and when it hath done working then stop it up presently, very close, and it will keep better than if the Vessel were not full. In drawing of it, give it no more Air than needs must. If you hang divers kinds of Spices (bruised) in the middle of the Vessel, in a thin Linen Bag, they give the Liquor an excellent relish: put it not in, till the Cider have done working. If you boil Cider (with spices) newly strained, such will be cordial; you may colour it with juice of Mulberries or Rasberies, or of the Great-bearing-Cherry, and make it like Claret-wine. How to keep Cider. Cider may be kept perfect good many years if (being settled) it be drawn out into Bottles, and well stopped with Corks and hard wax melted thereon, and bound down with a Packthread, & then sunk down into a Well or Poole, or buried in the ground, or sand laid in a Cellar. Before you gather Apples to keep, let them be ripe, How to keep Apples. which may be known by the colour, and by the seed, cut some of them, and if the seed be turned brown, or somewhat black, such may be gathered; gather them in a dry day, pull them one by one, and put them into Baskets lined with woollen cloth, that they bruise not. Carry them into a Loft or upper Chamber, and lay them on Mats or Boards, not on Plaster, or Clay Flowers. Lay them thin, not on heaps, as some do, let the windows, and holes on the South side be all shut up, but open especially upon the North side, in dry days, that the air, and winds may dry up their superfluous moisture. Lay every kind by themselves, and pick out all the Leaves, and such as rot, from time to time. Turn them sometimes, and in Frost cover them with Mats, Straw, or the like. If Apples offend any through wind, eat with them Ginger, or other Hot spices, or Carroway seeds, Fennel seeds, or the like. Hist: stirp. l. 3. pag. 777. So Dodonaeus: Quorum malignitas vel aromatis, vel aliis corrigi potest. Apples are prepared for the Table, all the year long many ways (I shall not need to speak of particulars) and are pleasant and healthful to the body. Dulcia poma minus frigida sunt, Dod on hist. & l. 3. p. ibid. ac humida alimentum conferunt amplius quam caetera poma. He says, Pleasant Apples are less cold and moist, and afford more nourishment than others. Concerning their Physical use. De Aliment. facul. l. 2. p. 20. Galen ascribes heat to some kind of Apples, he speaks of their Physical property in relaxing the belly, & says the acid & acrid perform this: but with some difference. Haec cum calefactione, Illa autem cum refrigeratione. The Acrid do it with heat, the other with cold. Sweet Apples relax the belly more than other kinds. A good Author says, every sweet thing detergeth & relaxeth And therefore Pears (which are generally more sweet than Apples) loosen the body more than Apples. Apples also help Concoction. So Galen, D Alim. facult. l. 2. post cibum statim dare ipsa, etc. taken after meat. Nonnunquam autem cum pane, ad ventriculum & stomachum roborandum eaten with bread they strengthen the stomach. So Avicen: confortant debilitatem stomachi. L. 2. c. 569 Galen says pleasant Apples are profitable in hot diseases. Saepe in morbis afferunt praesidium: So Matth: Pomum coctivum non solum sanis competit, sed etiam aegris: He says they are Cordial to persons in hot diseases: Calidis cordis affectibus succurrunt. Being roasted, In Com. pr. l. Dioscor. and eaten with Rosewater and Sugar; and that the pleasanter kinds are helpful against Melancholy, & are good against the Pleurisy, if roasted and eaten Glycyrrhizae succo, & saccharo, mirifice juvant. With juice of Liquorice, and sugar, morning and evening two hours before meat, they wonderfully help. Observe one special Physical property more of Apples, set down by a Learned and experienced Author. These be his words. Ger. Herb. pag. 1270. The pulp of roasted Apples four, or five (if Pomewaters) mixed in a wine, Quart of fair water, laboured together, and drunk at night last, within an hour, doth in one night cure those that piss by drops, with great anguish, and dolour, the strangury, and all other diseases, proceeding of the difficulty of making water, but in twice taking, it never faileth in any: also the running of the Reins: which I have often proved, and gained thereby both Crowns, and credit. So the Author. Of Pears. Concerning Pears: a Lib. 2. de A liment. fa. p. 20. Galen says they have like properties with Apples, and what is said of Apples, if we attribute the same to Pears, there needs nothing anew to be said of them, Quae de Malis diximus, si ad Pira transtuleris, nihil erit quod nos de ipsis novum dicere oportet. Avicen says: b Lib. 2. ch. 548. sedant Choleram, they mitigate Choler. c Hist. stirp. 3. Dodonaeus commends them above Apples, for their nourishing property: Alimenta Pira omnia amplius & copiosius quam Mala conferunt. So * Li. 2. Ch. 548. Avicen: Humour eorum plurimus, & laudabilior est, humour pomorum. Pears make an excellent Wine being well ordered. A late Author says we might have wine of Pears and other of our Fruits, Ma. Rust. not inferior to French Wines. And another tells us, that a famous Physician of his time was not content to equal them with Wine of Grapes, but preferred them before it in every thing. I need not tell Herefordshire, and Worcestershire men, the good properties of Perry & Cider, they know by experience it is both alimental and Physical, that it is profitable not only for Health, but also for long life, and that Wines made of the best kind of Apple, and Pears, is a special Cordial, cheering and reviving the spirits, making the heart glad, as wine of Grapes. And it has been observed that those who drink Cider and Perry daily, or frequently, as their common drink, are generally healthy persons, and long-lived. And that it will beggar a Physician to live where Cider, and Perry, are of general use. Quinces are special fruits, and of manifold use, Of Quinces. not only for daily nourishment, but also for Physical respects, either of themselves, or mixed with other fruits. Matthiolus commends them both for meat, and medicine, boiled with honey. Com: in lib. 1 Dioscor: pag. 201. Ex melle tantum & Cotoneorum carne confecta, tam ad cibi quàm medicamenti commodum. So Rovilius: Hist: plant: lib. 3. pag. 290. And that many dainties for Banquets are prepared of them: Multa ex Cydoniis malis parata ex iis sectis & diutius in aqua elixis donec tabescant etc. There are divers ways of making Marmalade of Quinces, which is known to be a good Cordial. strengthening the Stomach, and Heart, both of the sick, and sound. Galen says being made with Honey it will last seven years, De Aliment. facul: lib. 2. pag. 20. and lose none of its properties, diu duret, si quis ipsum cum melle coctum asservare velit, post annos septem invenimus nihil in qualitate immutatum. Dodonaeus says: they bind strongly, of their own nature; Hist: stirp: lib. 3. pap. 784. and stay vomiting. Valde astringunt, ventriculum roborant, vomitum sedant. Quinces may be kept good a year or (as some have said) two years, thus: put them in a Barrel, cover them with Penny Ale, and once in 10 or 12 days draw it off, but stir not the Quinces, then put in fresh Ale again, from time to time, this is accounted far better than usual Pickle. Others keep them thus: Boil the parings and Cores of Qinces with salt and Ginger, and in this pickle they'll keep divers Months, A late Author says there's no fruit in this Land of so manifold use as Quinces. Cherries are a healthful and pleasant fruit, Of Cherries. De Nat. stirp ch. 64. lib. 1. Ruelius says Cerasa bonum succum creant, they breed good humours in the body; so another: bonum sanguinem generant. Dodoneus accounts the tart, and sharp Cherries best, Inter Cerasa optima sunt acidula. There is a pleasant and refreshing wine, made of Cherries, in Countries where they have great store, both of their Liquour only: and the same mixed with Grapes. Wis maturis admiscentur, & deinde vinum ex his paratur gustatu gratissimum: Doubtless Cherry wine in summer is a pleasant and healthful liquor, more proper for that season then hot wines. Cherries boiled in broths, and drinks, give a pleasant relish, and are good for hot, and feverish bodies. And in Countries where there are great store their custom is to eat their breakfasts of Bread, butter, and Cherries. The School or University of Salerne, gives them great commendations, and tells us divers commodities they afford: Cerasa si comedas tibi confert grandia dona, Expurgant Stomachum, nucleus lapidem tibi tollit, Et de carne suâ sanguis eritque bonus. By eating Cherries great good doth arise, To such as use them, for the learned wise Say, that they purge the Stomach, and beside The broken stones and kernels have been tried, To break the bladder-stone, breed wholesome blood, To fat and feed the body they be good. Another says, they increase and comfort the Liver, and that the tart and sharp close the mouth of the stomach, and make the better and speedier digestion. Com: in l. 1. Dioscor. pag. 198. Matthiolus says: Omnia refrigerant, roborant, & tibi appetentiam excitant, ideoque febricitantibus, ac sitientibus facile conceduntur à medicis Germanis. All Cherries do cool, strengthen and stir up appetite to meat, and therefore they are readily allowed by the German Physicians to such as have feverish, hot, and thirsty diseases; other Authors say the like which for brevity's sake I omit. Of Plums. Matthiolus says, Pruna bilem dejiciunt, proinde ea utiliter, medici ad febres, aliosque biliosos affectus reddant. Plums cast out choleric humours, Com: in l. 1. Dios. p. 216. and are good in fevers, and other choleric and hot diseases. A late Author says, out of damsons and other sweet Plums, may be made a drink not inferior to some good wines, and abundance of Aquavitae. Scholar Sal. says: Infrigidant, laxant, multum prosunt tibi Pruna: Plums cool, and lose the belly very kindly: No way offensive, but to health are friendly. Many good dishes for the Table, and delicates for Banquets, are made of Plums, with honey, and sugar, to use all the year, and profitable both for the sick and healthful. Galen accounts Aprecocks, better than Peaches, Of Aprecocks De Facult. Ali men. l. 2. p. 20. Non in ventriculo, ut illa corrumpuntur: because they are not so soon corrupted in the stomach. Avicen says, Infusio siccorum confert foebribus acutis: The infusion of dried Aprecocks, Can. l: 2. c. 146. is profitable in sharp fevers. Matt. tells us, that the Oil of the Stones, is very profitable to anoint the heat, and swelling of Ulcers, and Sores, and Pains in the Ears. And that the oil mixed with wine, and drunk, drives stones and gravel out of the bladder and kidneys; and helps the colic. They are ordered many ways and all pleasant to the Body, Of Peaches: L pag, 80. &: and healthful. Dioscor. says, Persica mala stomacho utilia sunt, alvum quoque bonum praestant. Peaches are good for the stomach, L. 2. ● 571: Nat hist. p. 15. and keep the belly soluble: so Avicen: Matura sunt bona stomacho. Lonicerus says, Persica mala in ardentibus faebribus sumi possunt. Peaches may be eaten in burning fevers. L 15. c. 12. & l: 23. c. 7. Pliny commends Peaches as much as any fruit even for the sick, with wine or Vinegar, Poma Persica innocua expeti aegris, utilioraque cum vino aut aceto, &c: Peaches eaten moderately (for so we are to use all fruits) are no doubt profitable to cool and loosen the belly, especially for hot constitutions, but with all take the advice of scho: Sal: Persica cum musto, vobis datur ordine iusto: take a cup of wine, or strong drink with them. Some make a drink or wine of Mulberries as Albert: Of Mulberries. De veget, & Plant. c. 26. p. 157. De nat. stirp. c. 102. p 265. Magnus tells us: De Moris fit potus, qui Moretum vocetur. A spoonful or 2: of this will colour a quart of white wine or Cider. Ruel: says, succus siccato pomo expressus, multum obsoniorum sapori confert, & miram gratiam commendat: the juice of Mulberries, pressed out, and dried, & put into meats, gives them a very pleasant taste & relish. The Juice of Mulberries is known by experience to be a good remedy for a sore mouth, or throat, such as are perfectly ripe relax the belly, but the unripe (especially dried) are said to bind exceedingly, and therefore are given to such as have Lasks, and Flixes. Dodonaeus says they stir up a languishing appetite, especially in hot bodies, appetentiam calore languentem excitant. Can. l. 2 c. 498. So Avicen: appetitum cibi faciunt. They are used by Apothecaries for many other purposes. Of Figgs. Nat. hist. l. 3. p. 800. Com. in l. pr. Dios. p. 230. Figgs are said to nourish much, and to breed store of blood. Dodonaeus prefers them above other Fruits in respect they nourish very much: Alimenti amplius quam caeteri praebent: So Mat. Ficus & uvae inter fructus autumnales principatum obtinent. We have a sort of Figgs that come to perfect ripeness in England, which are eaten (being newly gathered) with Pepper, Salt, and Bread, and may be dried to last all the year. And (doubtless) nourish exceedingly. Lonicerus says: Naturam confortant. Dioscor: commends them as profitable to those who have lost their colour by long sickness. Li. 23. c. 7. Figgs according to Pliny are restorative, and the best thing that they can eat, who are brought low by languishing sickness and on the mending hand, they help (as another says) an old continual Cough (being boiled with Hyssop and drunk) also Obstructions, and other faults of the Lungs. Scho: Salern: commends them for divers things: Scroba, tumour, Glandes', Ficus cataplasmata cedit. Junge papaver ei, confracta foris tenet ossa. King's Evil, Swell, Kernels, Figgs by a plaster cure: Add Poppy to it, Then broken bones it sets them sure. Of Meddlers. Hist. stirp. l. 3. p. 789. Condiuntur hi cum saccaro, aut melle (as Dodonaeus) quo modo apparati ori, ac palato grati sunt. Ordered with honey, or sugar they are acceptable and pleasant to the taste, they fortify digestion, and preserve the humours from putrefaction. They stay vomitings and looseness of the stomach or belly. De Al. facul. l. 2. p. 21. Valentius astringunt, proinde ventri fluenti cibus est utilissimus: as Galen: Another says: Mespilorum ossicula in pulverem contrita calculos è renibus valenter pellunt. The kernels bruised to dust, and drunk in liquor (especially where Parsley roots have been steeped) do mightily drive out stones, and gravel from the Kidneys. A late Author says Meddlers are singular good for women with child, seeing they strengthen the stomach, and stay the looseness thereof. Another says, they are very effectual for women with child against abortion. A late Author says the profit of Wallnuts Of Wallnuts. is infinite: They are usually eaten after meals to close up the stomach, and help digestion. And according to Avicen, recentes sunt meliores stomacho. Bread or Biscuit may be made of the meal being dried. Can. l. 2. c. 501. The young nuts peeled are preserved, and candid for Banqueting stuff: and being ripe the Kernels may be crusted over with sugar, and kept long. Avicen says: Juglans ficubus, Can. l. 2. c. 501. & Rutâ medicina omnibus venenis: walnuts, with Figs, and Rue, is a preservative against all poison. Schol: Sal: reckons walnuts for one of the six things that resist poison. Allia, Nux, Ruta, Pyra, Raphanus cum Theriaca: Haec sunt Antidotum contra mortale venenum. Garlic, Rue, Pears, Radish, Treacle, and Nuts: Take these, and then no deadly poison hurts. Mithridates the great: Plin: nat. hist. l. 23. c. 18. his preservative was (as is recorded) Two walnuts, two Figs, 20 leaves of Rue, and a grain of Salt stamped together: which taken, no poison that day could hurt him. Green Walnuts about Midsummer distilled and drunk with vinegar, are accounted a certain preservative against the Pestilence. The milk of the Kernels (as Almond milk) doth cool and refresh the appetite of the languishing sick body. So much for the alimental, and Physical use of Fruits. Errors Discovered. HAving showed some profitable Instructions in this Art of planting Fruit-trees, I think it convenient likewise to discover some Errors that I find both in the Theory, and Practise of it, that men may take heed of them. Let not men think that Ancient and Learned Authors have discovered all Truths: or that all they have said is truth: they are but men and have their Errors: Humanum est errare: quandoque bonus dormitat Homaerus, as one says, Non est pro magno habendum quid homines senserint, Agust. de civ. Dei, l. 19 sed quae sit rei veritas. It's not any great matter what men have thought, but what is the truth of the matter. Quid ad nos qui potius de rebus ipsis judicare debemus? What is it to us what men say, who ought rather to judge of the things that are spoken. Adu. of Learn. l. 1. p. 45. Oportet edoctum judicare: as L. Bac. says. Men that are taught must not resign up their Reason to their Teachers, but judge of what's said. Some great and Learned Authors have asserted very weak things, and altogether untrue. L. Bac. says concerning them, That the writings of speculative men upon active matter, seems to men of experience, but as dreams and dotage. Indeed they go about to build Castles in the Air (as the Proverb is) for as a building cannot be set up without a foundation, so neither can effects be produced without Causes: Nullus effectus datur sine causa. They tell us of many great and desirable things, but when they come to discover the Causes, and means whereby they must be effected, these are (many of them) weak and childish: and which (I suppose) proceeded from them upon their first apprehensions without weighing them in the Scale of Reason, Adu. Learn. p. 154. or trying of them by the Touchstone of Experience. And as the L. Bac. says These high and vaporous Imaginations, instead of a laborious, and sober enquiry of truth, do beget hopes, and beliefs in themselves, of strange and impossible shapes. Nat: hist: p. 165. And elsewhere he says. The Causes and Axioms of some ancient, and modern writers, are so full of Imagination, and so infected with old received Theories, as they are mere Inquinations, (or defilements) of experience. And these he ranks amongst the discredits of Learning, he says: Advanc. Lear. l. 1. p. 32. Many things have been rashly (and with little choice or judgement) received, and registered, as appears in the writings of divers Authors, which are every where fraught with forged and fabulous reports, and those not only uncertain, and untried, but notoriously untrue, to the great derogation of Natural Philosophy, with grave and sober men. I shall therefore discover some of these Errors (according to my apprehensions) as they concern this Art of Planting. Fruit-trees, that inexperienced persons may not be deceived by them. And afterwards show some Errors in the Practice of this Art, that they may be avoided. I shall divide the Errors in the Theory (or contemplative part) of this Art, into three sorts. The first sort are, Instructions hurtful and dangerous. The second are, Instructions for effecting of some things impossible to be done by the means prescribed: and others impossible to be effected by any means. The third sort are: Assigning wrong Causes to Effects. For the first. A late Author giving Instructions for Grafting, says: Graft the next Spring after remove. This I say is a dangerous Instruction, because Stocks removed have so great a wound and repulse by removing only, that they cannot well bear another so soon after, so great as Grafting would be: Therefore let stocks removed grow a year, or two before Grafting, Reason, and Experience is clear enough in this. Secondly Theophrastus giving instructions for Planting, says: Take away none of the Roots for it is a foolish thing to lose those roots we have, that we may get new. This is a hurtful and dangerous Instruction, for except many of the small strings, and roots be cut away, and all the ends of the great ones, they will not put forth new Roots, as they will if cut, and multitude of roots hinder the mould from closing on every side of every Root, as it ought to do, therefore some must be cut away, and the ends of all that are left; Experience prove this sufficiently. Thirdly: Columella giving instructions for choice of Grafts, this is one, Columel. lib. de Arboribus cap. 26. surculi sint bisulci. Let Grafts be double, or forked. So Ruelius. This is a dangerous and hurtful instruction, because forked, or double or triple Grafts, most of them die, and those that live grow poorly, not a fifth, or sixth part (it may be) so much as single and short Grafts. Fourthly: Bapt. Port. giving Instructions for choice of Grafts, says, we must take surculos pregnantes & turgentes: Grafts full & swelling with sap. This is a bad Instruction: For Grafts should be taken before they swell with sap, for it is a repulse to Nature to cut them after sap stirs in them: neither will such take hold on the stock so soon as those which are indigent, and needy of sap: therefore let Grafts be cut from the Tree, before sap stir in them. Another says. When Grafts put forth, take away the Clay: for Clay rather keeps moisture then drought, save a little in the hole. This is a hurtful Instruction: for sap will not cover the head of the stock, nor close up the clefts on both sides so soon without Clay, as with it, Clay is as salve to a wound, which heals it up: & it rather keeps out moisture, than otherwise, if well closed, and also preserves from dry winds, sun, & other annoyances, therefore keep on the Clay a year or two, till the head of the stock be covered and the cloven healed up. Another says: When the Grafts have well put forth, underprop them, else wrap them one within another, and tie them with wood amongst, for fear winds break them. This is a very hurtful and dangerous Instruction, for all these ways do fret, & gall, the bark and (it may be) breed the Canker, And besides, it hinders the young grafts that they cannot spread into an handsome form: this course brings a certain mischief to prevent an uncertain: winds hurt but few, except they be very top-heavy, if so; then cut some of the branches till they be grown stronger below, able to bear the Top. Some Author's counsel, us to cast Glue into the place of Grafting, to glue together the two substances, or sprinkle Sugar, Cinnamon, or sweet liquor, that the fruits may retain the taste. This is a hurtful Instruction because liquors (or any other substance put between the stock, and the Graft, do hinder, (if not spoil) the joining of stock and Graft, but if this might be done without hurt either to stock, or Graft, yet would it be no way effectual for the End proposed. A late Author says: Plant not against a wall, because a Tree cannot be so long lived nor grow to the bigness it else would do. This is a hurtful Instruction, because many kinds of fruittrees, As the Aprecock Peach, Nectarine and divers other trees, will bear little, or no fruit, except they be planted against a wall: And though it be granted, that Trees planted against a Wall will not be so large as if planted from the Wall, Yet I suppose its better to have, a few small trees, that bear store of great fruits; then store of great Trees, that bear but a few small fruits. Columella giving Instructions for removing Plants says. Mala aestiva, Cydonia, sorba, pruna, L. 1. de Are pa: 490. post mediam hyemem usque in Idus Febr: serito: Pyros Autumno, aute brumam serito: Plant the Summer Apple, Quince, Service-tree, and Plum-tree, after winter, in february: but Peartrees before winter. This is a hurtful instruction, as to the first part: for Trees should be planted in Autumn, as has been said, and there is the same Reason why the Summer Appletree, and the rest, should be planted before winter, as is for Pear-trees, see at large: pag. 60, etc. One adviseth thus: Let the Orchard be seated on some hill top, rather than on plain grounds, for they have better Air, and better prospects, and also contain a greater number of trees then plain grounds. This is no good Instruction: for Orchards on low and plain grounds have many advantages of those on high grounds, for the soil of plain, and low grounds is commonly more fertile than hill tops. Secondly, low grounds are more safe from Winds than hills, by reason of other trees planted to secure the Orchard, and by hills, houses or other shelters: hill tops can have no defence. As for prospects on hill tops, men do not plant Orchards for prospects, but for Fruits. And as for good Air, I suppose there is better Air (especially at some seasons) in the Orchard on plain grounds, then on hills, for in Blooming time, winds would deprive us of the sweet air on hill tops, but on plain grounds the air is more calm, And the perfume of the Blossoms stays within the Walls, as within a perfumed Chamber. Another Author says: Set the stones of the Peareplum a foot deep in cold ground. This is a hurtful and dangerous Instruction. For stones of any Fruits in any ground, put a foot deep, are rather buried then set, for a man should ne'er see more of them. But set stones of any fruits not above two inches deep, rather some thing less. One giving Instructions for Inoculating: says, Take off the bark just upon some Bud, or knob, and set the other Bark thereon. This is a hurtful Instruction: for if the Bud to be inoculated be set upon another Bud of the stock, than the Inoculated bud cannot possibly close, unless the root of it be out, and if the root be out it's spoiled that way: The Author that talks thus had never any experience in the Art of Inoculating. For Buds must be set upon the smoothest part of the stock, that they may be sure to close. Another says: Set Appletrees Twenty foot asunder. This is a very hurtful and dangerous Instruction, and the practice of it hinders men of multitudes of Fruits, We see that in most Orchards, Trees are planted too near together, it may be six or seven yards asunder, which is too near together: I conceive 10. or 12 yards or there abouts, little enough for the distance of Appletrees in ordinary soil: but in very good ground 16. or 18. yards or more, for we see by experience that upon good ground and well ordered they will go near to touch one another at 10: or 12: yards, or a greater distance: And that a few Appletrees having room enough to spread will bear more fruits, than five times so many, being crowded one upon another, where they have not room to spread. And besides, those fruits they bear cannot come to perfection, neither in bigness, nor ripeness, for want of the sun which cannot come about them when the Trees are planted so near together, as the Author speaks of. A late Author says: If you do remove Cherry-trees, ye ought to remove them in November, and januarie. This is a hurtful Instruction: For Cherry-trees and other kinds of trees, aught to be removed about the end of September or sooner, very many especially Cherry-trees may (with most advantage) be removed in August: And this is a General Rule for removing them, and all other Trees whatsoever so soon as they have done growing in the Branches, they may be removed. And some have done growing at the beginning of August, or sooner, others, a Month, or Five weeks after, others not of two Months after: but the sooner they are removed after they have done growing in the branches the more advantage they get against the spring, by growing a while after in the Roots before winter. Thus much for the first sort of Errors: Instructions hurtful and dangerous. The second sort are, Instructions for effecting of things impossible to be done by the means prescribed, and others impossible to be done by any means. Didymus tells us how we may mix divers kinds of fruits, and thereof make one new kind: Accipienda sunt duo diversi generis sarmenta, eaque scindenda per medium, etc. The Instruction is too large to show it verbatim: this is the sum. Two Grafts of divers kinds must be cut through the midst, and the two halves bound together, which must be set in the earth, & watered till they bud forth. Another to the like purpose, Bind the Grafts of a Peach-tree, and of a Nut-tree together, and the fruit will be half Peaches and half Nuts: And again he says: Bind the Grafts of a white Figtree, and a black together, and plant them, and the Figs thereof will have the flesh on the one side white, the other black. Rara avis in terris nigroque similima Cygno. If men can but make the Swan and the Raven breed together, they may have a strange kind of Fowl, a black Swan it may be, which may as soon be done, as to make these fruits mix. These, and the like Instructions are ridiculous, fit to be passed over with a Jest, but if men require a serious answer, it is given (truly) by Sir Fr. Bacon, in his Nat: Hist: He says, Cent. 5. pag. 119. 100 Such Grafts will put forth their several Fruits without any commixture in the fruit. No doubt they will, if it be possible for two half grafts (so used) to grow, we see by continual experience a small Bud of a Graft (no bigger than a grain of wheat) will keep it's own nature against a fair large stock, of another kind. Secondly, Another of this kind is laid down by Albert. Madge: he says: Lib. sepa. veget cap. 1 Laetamen est unum eorum quae praecipue Plantam mutatur à sylvestritate in domesticationem. Manure (or good soil) is one of those things which changes wild plants, into a mild & pleasant nature. This cannot be done by any means. Different kinds of fruits, as they will not mix one with another, by the means newly mentioned: so neither will they change into another kind. Lord Bacon tells us: It is the seed (of any kind of Creature) and the nature of it, that locketh and boundeth in the Creature that it doth not expatiate, or change from one kind to another. The seed of every fruit retaineth strictly, the nature of the fruit of which it came which will not be changed by any means. Another of the second sort of Errors is this: De Natura & viribus Ar: Fo: 7. Lonicerus gives an Instruction for procuring fruits with an excellent Aromatic and spicy taste: it is this: Arborem ad medullam usque scindito, & ligni parte execta, aromata quae volueris inserito &c he says: Cut a Tree to the pith, and part of the wood being cut out, put in such sweet spices as You think good, then daub the hole with Clay, after lay the branches of the young plant in the Earth, that by its moisture and fatness the Branches may unite, then bind together the young twigs that spring from them so that there may be made one fruit or branch of divers, and the fruits coming thereof retain the taste of the spices. Another whose Book (he says) is published by authority gives this Instruction: To have coloured Apples, with what colour ye shall think good: Ye shall boar a slope with an Auger, in the biggest part of the body of the Tree unto the midst thereof, and then look what colour ye will have them of, first ye shall take water, and mingle your colour therewith, then stop it up again, with a Pin: and wax it round about. Ye may mingle with the said colour what spice ye list, to make them taste thereafter: Thus ye may change the Taste, or colour of any Apple. Another says: To have Peaches of savour like Musk; In Grafting put into the Cleft a Grain of musk: and to have the Taste like Roses, put into the cloven dried Leaves of sweet Roses. Another late Author says: with a Chysell cut up the bark of a Tree round about, and anoint the bark within with powder of Cloves, or Nutmegs, than set it on again, and stop it, close which wax round about, and within thrice bearing it shall bring a fair Muscadel fruit which ye may Graft and they shall be all after, Muscadel fruits: This Author says further. To have all stone fruit taste as ye shall think good, lay the stones to soak in such liquor as ye would have them taste of. Divers others speak to the like purpose. These are strange fancies, merely imaginary things: neither Reason nor Experience dictate any such. They are not only invalid, or of no power at all, to effect what they propose, but are also Hurtful and dangerous to the Trees, and Grafts; But if they might be done without danger, yet are they not able to work any such effects as are promised, For it is not possible such small proportions as they speak of, should communicate and transfer their virtues through all the parts of the huge and vast bodies of trees, and to multitudes of Fruits, much less that they should do this for many years, and least of all that the Grafts (cut from these Trees) should retain these virtues, being set on other stocks. May it reasonably be said, That a Mess of sweet and pleasant meat, nay only a Bit of such meat given to a Child of tender years, the same will retain the virtues, and strength of such meat, all his life time, yea will transfer the virtues of it to his children after him; when every one knows the strength and virtue of the best meat or drink (though taken in great quantity) is soon over, and spent, and that it is a continued daily supply, that does uphold and maintain the body in good state and condition. We have no reason to believe that the virtues and strength of any dainty dish will continue so long with us, as Elia's Morsel of meat did with him, which yet was but forty days, and that was a Miracle too: how much less reason have we to think it will last many years. Is there not I say as much reason for this as the other. Admit it were possible that a small quantity of sweet spices should transfuse & communicate its properties to all the parts of a tree, yet it would not continue long in it, but it must be a continued, and daily supply of such sweet things, as must work that effect, if possibly such a thing may be, by any means. Creatures retain those properties that are fixed, and radicated in them by nature, according to their innate and intrinsical form, but easily, and quickly cast off such as are adventitious and accidental, as these things are. Another of the second sort of Errors, is this, Nat hist fol 6. Lonicerus gives an Instruction to produce coloured fruits: Ramo Cerasi (sive alterius Arboris) scisso ad medullam, Lazurium aliumve colorem inserito, sic eundem fructus refert. that is, put into the bough of a Cherrytree (or any other tree) cut to the pith, the Azure stone (which is partly green and partly blue) or any other colour which are means to colour the fruits of such trees. De nat. stirp. c. 96. Ruelius says, Non desunt qui sub Arbores Rosas serant, sic rubra Poma dari promittunt. Some set Roses under fruit-trees, and say by that means the trees will bring forth red fruits. So Democritus: Si voles rubrum habere: obtinebis, Rosis purpureis sub arbore consitis. The same instruction is given by a late English Author. Another says, to have coloured Peaches, we should colour the kernels within the stones, and the fruits will be of the same colour. The same Author says, to have Red Apples, put the Grafts into Pikes blood. We see here their prescriptions for rare coloured fruits, which are as fare off from truth or Reason, as the former concerning fruits of an aromatic or spicy taste, for the things are not only dangerous if tried, but if it were not so, yet are weak, and invalid towards the working of any such effects. Because colour is an accident, cleaving to some substance and as the substance is dissolved, and converted into another body, than it looseth its accidents, which it had before, as colour, shape, &c as a piece of cloth, wood, or the like, being burned, rotten or otherwise dissolved, does lose its colour, or other accidents, that it had before its change. And coloured Meats, eaten and turned into flesh, blood, & spirits, lose their colours, taste, etc. So the juice of the earth, if it be white, black brown, or any other colour, yet when it is drawn by Roots, for instance: Carrots, than it is turned into a Yellow, or Reddish colour, or if drawn by Turnup's, it is then converted into a white colour, though it were a quite contrary before. So also of Liquors, (or other things of delicate colours) being converted into the substance of Trees, Fruits, and Leaves, they lose their former colours, though never so glorious, and beautiful. And if great quantities of coloured liquors, or other substances cannot produce coloured fruits, how much more impossible is it that a drop, or two, of any coloured thing should do it, or only colouring the kernels (as he speaks of:) which could not become trees of many years after. It's clear, that fruits convert the substances they draw into their own natures, and receive little or no alteration, unless by a constant, and continual supply from year to year. Concerning setting Rosetrees under other Trees, to produce coloured fruits, it is one of the most ridiculous conceits that I have read, what is it that should work the effect: may it be imagined that the Trees can see the Red-Roses as jacob's sheep did the Rods in the water, Gen. 30.37. and so bring forth fruits according to the same colour, can any man apprehend so much as a colour, or shadow of a Reason for it? Another of the second sort of Errors is this: Affricanus gives an Instruction to procure Walnuts without husks: Nuces nudas & sine putaminibus edent Juglandes' &c: Walnut tres (he says) do bring forth bare nuts without husks, if the husk and shell be broken, and the kernel taken out without hurt, and wrapped in wool, or fresh Vine leaves, that the kernels may be preserved from Aunts, or other things, and then set in the earth again. Florentine affirms the like of Almonds, if ashes be sprinkled in the holes where they are set. So another late Author: not only of Wal-nuts and Almonds, but of all other shell fruits. Were it not a wonderful sight to see walnuts and all Nuts, to grow without husks, we know the Nuts of themselves have no stalks, and how then should they grow upon the Tree without husks to enclose them. What is it that should work this strange effect: is it because the kernels are put into the ground without shells, and for that the tree springs from the kernels only; Do not all Trees spring from the kernels only, though set with their shells, the husk and shell, contribute nothing at all towards the Tree, they open for the kernel to spring out, and then rot themselves. Another of this second sort is this: A late Author gives Instructions about early fruits, and late: and change of fruits by Grafting he says: If you graft a late fruit on an early stock, the fruit will be early, and if you Graft an Early fruit upon a late stock, the fruit will be late. As if saith he) you graft Apples, on Mulbery-trees, you shall have fruit all summer, even till November. And that if you graft a Plum-tree, on the Nut-tree, the husk will be like the Nut-huske, but within it will be a Plume. Or if you graft a Plum (or any other fruit) on the Figtree, the fruit will grow without Blossoming. These things cannot be; for contrary kinds will not grow together, as the Plum tree and Figtree, or Plum-tree, and Nut-tree, but if different sorts would agree, and grow together yet these effects would not be, because Grafts do always rule, & keep their own natures, pag. 100 or alter very little. L. Bac: in his Nat. hist. says plainly: these are imaginations & untrue, because (saith he) the Cions overrule the stock quite. So again pag. 97. which Experience confirms. Another of the second sort of Errors is this: Democritus (as one affirms) gives an Instruction for procuring fruits with Inscriptions, and engravings upon them, in any figure or shape. To this purpose: Open the shell of an Almond, and write upon the kernel what you will, and wrap it in paper, and set it in Clay mingled with swine's dung. A late Author says, Steep the stones of Peaches two or three days and then open them, and with a brass pen write on the rind of the kernels after put them again into the stones, and wrap them about with paper, or parchment, and plant them, and the fruit will be written, and engraven. Is not this an odd conceit: that writing upon the kernel, should produce fruits written or engraven. A man (no doubt) with as good success may engrave, or write upon the shell or husk of an Almond, or other fruit, as upon the kernel, or if he will upon the paper or parchment, in which it is enwrapped: for the Rind of the Kernel contributes nothing to the tree or fruit, but opens (as the Husk or shell) to let out the inner part of the kernel. But if a man desires to have fruits with inscriptions and engravings, he must take another course prescribed by a Learned Author, Lo: Bacon, Nat. Hist. pag. 128. (upon better grounds) which is, by writing upon the fruits with a needle or bodkin, when the fruits are young, and as they grow bigger, so the Letters will grow more large and graphical. Concerning the second sort of Errors thus much, it were easy to mention many more as idle as these, but I shall not trouble myself, nor the Reader with them at present: only I say in the general, let men take heed of such things asserted by Authors, as have neither Reason nor Experience to uphold them, lest they spend their money, labour and time about them, and instead of profits and pleasures, find discouragements, and trouble. The third sort of Errors are, Assigning wrong causes to effects. One Error is this, some have conceived, that Grafting is the cause of early bearing of fruits, and doth much better all fruit. Albert: Lib. 5. Cap 8. de veget. & Plant. Mag: says, it's better, propter digestionem Succi in nodo factam: because of the digestion of the sap in the knot. So also Cressentius: and adds: De Nat: Plant. Lib. 2. pag. 87. & iste nodus facit diversitatem omnem, quae est in Malis, & Pyris, & caeteris fructibus: The knot, (which is between the Graft and the Stock) makes all the difference which is found in Pears, Apples, and other fruits: Lib de Cult. & Insit. Bapt. Port. likewise ascribes all to Grafting: He says, Trees coming of seed, Longa est expectatio ad fructuum productionem: Insitio vero in aliquibus eodem Anno producit. Trees coming of seed, are long ere they bear fruit, but being Grafted, some kinds bear in a year or two. So also Columella Lib. de Arbour. pag. 490. Nat. Hist. pag 97. Lo. Ba. wanted some experience in this point, who says, There is no doubt, but that Grafting (for the most part) doth meliorate fruit: and again, Grafting doth Generally advance, and meliorate fruits above that which they would be, if they were set of kernels, or stones. The Cause (saith he) is manifest, for that the nourishment is better prepared in the stock then in the crude earth. I say herein these Authors assign a wrong Cause to an effect: for simply Grafting contributes nothing at all to the early bearing of Fruit, nor to its goodness. But the Cause is In the Nature of the Grafts: if they be Grafts cut from bearing trees, and of good kinds, they bear fruits in a year or two, but if they be Grafts from young unbearing trees coming of seed, such Grafts will not bear the sooner for Grafting, it is not simply grafting, I say, nor the knot (as the Authors speak of) that makes trees bear one year, one day, the sooner, for if so, then grafts from young unbearing trees, coming of seed, grafted in the same manner, and upon as good stocks, as other grafts from old bearing trees, they would bear fruits the one sort as soon as the other: but it is otherwise: so that the Cause lies not simply in grafting, but in the Nature of the grafts: Neither does Grafting make fruits (at all) the better, otherwise then as you choose grafts of a good kind, for we know Grafts rule, and keep their own Natures. And the Cause is not well assigned by the Author who says: it is for that the nourishment is better prepared in the stock, then in the crude earth: for we know the Branches of an ungrafted tree, receive sap not immediately from the crude Earth, but from a stock or body, as well as the branches of the Grafted tree: the stock of the Grafted tree, is a wild stock, and of the same nature, as is the stock, or body, of the ungrafted tree: they are both alike, and the concoction and nourishment in both, is alike, & the Cause being alike, why is not the effect alike. It's plain: this is not the Cause but the Cause is in the Graft not in the stock, Nat hist. pag. 109. and p. 115. though the nourishment be never so well concocted in the stock: and the fruit is not made better, or worse, simply by grafting: The Author asserts this truth plainly elsewhere: the graft (saith he) overruleth the Stock: and again: the Grafts will govern: that is: they keep the Nature and properties of the trees from with they were gotten: Another of the third sort of Errors, is this. A late Author says: the Cause why trees bear not fruit in a few years after grafting is, because they were grafted in the old of the Moon: for (saith he) so many days as the Moon is old when you graft, so many years will the Graft be ere it bear fruit. The Cause is here mistaken: for the Moon hath no such influence upon fruit-trees, as to withhold their fruits in this manner: men (we see by experience) grafted in all seasons of the Moon, and find no such difference in the bearing of the trees: The chief Causes of unfruitfulness of trees, are when they are not fit for the Country where they are planted. Secondly: when the Grafts are chosen from young unbearing Trees: thirdly. Repletion, or overmuch nourishment: Fourthly: Coldness, or overmoistnesse of the ground: Fifthly: frosts, or cold winds in the Spring. Thirdly: Another of the third sort of Errors is this. Many conceive that sap in Trees doth descend from the Branches to the Roots, which causeth several effects; as falling of the Leaves, goodness of the Roots of divers Plants for use &c: but the Cause of these Effects is mistaken, for Sap in Trees never descends, but always ascends, And Leaves of Trees fall in Autumn, not because sap descends from them, but because Sap ascends not to them sufficient to nourish, or feed them any longer. And if Rootes are best in Autumn, that is not Caused by descent of Sap, but for that the Body, and Branches of a Tree in Autumn, draw but a small quantity of Sap from the Roots, and the Roots even then draw sap for the Earth, and increase upon it, and are well stored with sap after the Branches have done increasing: and there the sap rests chiefly, at that season. Some who hold descending of sap may (perhaps) confirm their Opinion from small springs of the Roots of Plants when they are removed in Autumn. It's true: The Roots of Plants set in the beginning of September (or about that time) do spring forth a little at the cut ends of the Roots, before winter, not because Sap descends from the Branches to them, for though all the Branches are cut off before setting, (as sometimes they are,) yet the Roots will spring then, because some degree of heat (proportionable to that purpose) is, at that season, in the top of the earth by reason of the immediate foregoing summer, so that Plants set while this heat lasteth, they will germinate, and spring forth in their Roots before winter: (the husbandman knows in this season, it is best to sow his Wheat and Rye:) And also because the Sun (as yet) hath an influence sufficient to make seeds, and Roots of Plants to spring forth, which towards December it hath not, being then too remote from us, so that it is not descending of Sap that Causeth these effects. The learned Lord Bacon did not well consider this point, who supposed a descension of sap in Autumn, Nat: hist. p. 111. and 94. speaking concerning setting a Bough in the ground prepared by disbarking for that purpose, says, the Cause why it will soon after be a fair Tree, may be this, the bearing of the Bark keepeth the sap from descending towards winter: here's a wrong Cause assigned to an effect, for it is not the supposed keeping up of the Sap (by that means he speaks of) that Causeth such a Bough to grow the better, but the cause is for that such a Bough, by disbarking, hath got some small Roots, or strings, (or at least some roughness or knobs capable of Roots,) in the passage up of the sap, whereby (being set) it will become a Tree in certain years. This Opinion of descension of sap in Trees is an old Error, of many years standing, and is radicated in the Minds of most men, many using it as a Similitude to illustrate some spiritual thing, as if it were a real, and undoubted truth, whereas it is but a weak, and groundless conceit, and contrary to Reason and experience. I will therefore lay it open more plainly and prove, and demonstrate the Truth concerning the motion of sap in Trees. Sap in trees always moves upwards, and it is contrary to the Law, and course of nature for sap to descend, Natura nil agit frustra, nature does nothing in vain: Now it were a vain work in Nature to cause Sap to ascend, up into the Branches, to descend again to the roots, the Roots send sap to the Branches, and not the Branches to the Roots, when it once comes into the Branches, it is converted into Wood, Bark, Leaves, Fruits, &c, Whence is all that great Bulk, and body, which we see a Tree arise to in a few years; if sap should descend one while, as it ascends another, it would follow, that as a Tree increaseth by ascension of sap, so it would decrease by its descension. This may be more clear if we consider the Cause why sap in Trees stirs, & ascends, & also why it riseth not after such a time to make any growth. When the sun in the spring of the year by degrees draws nearer to us, than sap in Trees gins (by its heat, and influence) to move, to swell, and open the Buds, and to cause the Branches to shoot forth, which increase by it all the summer: and as the sun (by degrees) draws nearer, and grows hotter, so the sap (by degrees) increaseth, and riseth more plentifully, and when the sun is nearest, than Trees are fullest of sap, Now observe: As by the vicinity, and nearness of the sun (which is by degrees) the sap is increased by degrees, so likewise, by the sun's remoteness, and absence (which is also by degrees) in his going back again, the sap is also diminished by degrees, that is; ascending less and less in quantity, until the sun be gone so fare from us, and the heat, and influence of it be so weak, that it works not to cause sap to rise up whereby the branches may increase any longer, and then the Branches, and Buds of Trees are all at a stand, and grow no more, until the next spring. And at that time the Leaves lose their beauty, and fall off, because sap riseth not up to them sufficient to feed them any longer, but only so much as to preserve life in the Tree I would feign know (of those who hold descension of sap) what should cause it descend, for, Nullus effectus datur sine causa: there can be no effect without a cause, they cannot say that as heat causeth it ascend, so cold causeth it descend. Cold never causeth sap to stir, but to stand, or move slowly. Cold is of a condensing nature, and does constipate, and fix, rare and fluid bodies: but if sap of its own nature would descend, yet there is none in the Branches at that season of the year, that they can spare, but all that has ascended in the summer is converted into the substance of the Tree, its Leaves, and fruits. And further: To prove this more fully, and clearly, by a plain undeniable Argument. If there be a continual ascension of sap, than there is no descension, but there is a continual ascension, therefore no descension. To prove the Minor Proposition: That there is a continual ascension of sap in Trees. The Sun and Air continually draw sap, and moisture out out of Trees, and other Vegetables, as the Lord Bacon and others conclude, and as may be made appear by Reason and Experience: We know, if Branches and Twigs of Trees, being cut off, and laid aside in the sun, and air but for a few days, they will be contracted, and wrinkled, the air draws out the sap and moisture, and such having no supply of sap from the Root, they quickly whither. Now know also; that the sun, and air have the same operation upon the living Branches and twigs; drawing sap, and moisture out of them likewise, but they are not contracted and wrinkled as the other, because there is a continual supply of sap from the Root, aswell in winter, as in summer: which keeps them in their full dimensions without wrinkling, or contracting. Further observe: to prove this. If we remove Plants in September, or about that time (the pretended season of descension of sap) and let them lie out of the earth a day or two, we shall find, that the sun and air will (in that short time) have sucked, and drawn out sap and moisture from the Branches, so that they will be apparently shrunk, and contracted. (I have seen some Branches so much wrinkled, that I questioned whether they were dead, or alive.) But after the Plants have been set certain days, so much sap will be ascended as will again have filled up the wrinkled, or contracted bark, so that it is evident and apparent hereby, that some small quantity of sap hath ascended into the branches since their setting, and if so, than its clear there's no descension of sap, can any thing move contrary ways at one time? And if we graft in November and December (the very dead time of winter) the grafts have some small supply of sap even then, else the sun and air would spoil them, by daily sucking out their moisture, were there not a supply of sap from the Root, sufficient to keep them alive until the spring. It's manifest then from what hath been said, that sap in Trees ascends as well in Autumn, and Winter, as in Summer, so much as to preserve life in Trees, by supplying what is extracted by the Sun and Air: so that it may be concluded there is no descension of sap; unless men will hold that a thing may move several ways, upwards and downwards, at one and the same time, which is a contradiction, and impossible in nature. Thus much concerning the three sorts of Errors in the Theory of this Art. First: Instructions hurtful, and dangerous. Secondly: Instructions for effecting some things impossible to be effected by the means prescribed, and others impossible to be effected by any means. Thirdly: Assigning wrong Causes to effects. I will now discover some Errors that I find in the practice of this Art of Planting Fruit-trees, that they may be avoided. ONE Error in Practice is this: Many remove their Trees in winter, 1 Removing trees in winter. or near the spring, whereas they ought to remove them in September, or thereabouts. Many Plants are ready to remove in the beginning of August, and before, which if done, such have a great advantage of those removed in winter or near the spring, for trees removed betimes in the year, grow in their Roots before winter, and so make a fair preparation against the spring: And this is a General Rule, for Transplanting all trees. To remove so soon as they have done growing in the branches, which may be known by the top, or ends of the branches, if the tops be closed and shut up, they may be removed without danger, though it be in August, or before, which is no small advantage to them. See pag. 60. 2 Planting trees too near together. Another Error in Practice, is Planting trees too near together: This is a great and general Error, many think, the more Trees they have, the more fruit: but a few having room enough to spread will bear more fruits than many, crowded one upon another as the custom is, and fruits will also be better when the sun may come round about the trees. I account 10 or 12 yards a competent distance for Appletrees and Peartrees, upon ordinary soil, but if the ground be special good, then give them the more room: for Cherry-trees, Plum-trees and such like, 7 or 8 yards is a convenient distance. 3 Planting trees unfit for the Country. Another Error is this: Many Plant Fruit-trees unfit for the Country where they plant them, Their care is chief to choose Grafts of the best kinds and fair Plants to look upon, not considering so much, whether such kinds will prosper, and bear fruits well in those Climates, and places where they plant them. And hence it is often, that many who have fair and goodly fruit trees, have very little fruit from them. It is an excellent Rule to choose those kinds of fruits, which we (or others) find by many year's experience, to be good bearing trees, in those parts nearest to us: although the fruits be not altogether so good as some others. 4 Choosing the greatest plants. This is another Error: Many men when they procure Fruit-trees to plant an Orchard, they (most commonly) desire the greatest and fairest Plants. Hoping such will be trees the soon: Whereas great Plants many of them die, and others live very poorly, but small Plants removed live generally, and thrive more in 2 or 3 years, then great ones in 6 or 7: for removing great plants is a very great check to nature, such as many times it's not able to recover. 5 Setting trees without disbranching. Another Error in practice is this: Men generally leave too many branches on the Trees they plant, and will by no means have the Branches cut off, unless a few it may be, whereas for want of disbranching plants, they lose branches, body, roots, and all. If they will plant great plants, they must disbranch them, small ones need not. 6 Planting trees in worse mould. Another is this: For the most part men neglect to plant their young trees, in as good or better soil, then that from which they are removed. They fetch them from Nurseries about London (which are generally of very fertile soil) & plant them (it may be) in ordinary, or poor soil, and thence it is that many of them die, or grow weakly: Whereas they ought to lay special soil (the best they can get) next to the Roots which having taken hold, & being well rooted in the ground, they will by degrees, thrust their roots, and grow well in that which is worse. 7 Setting grafted and stock smooth on the outside. Another is this: Some in grafting take care to set the Graft and stock even and smooth on the outside, not considering that the bark of the stocks are (for the most part) thicker then the bark of the grafts. Whereas they ought to take special care to set the inner sides of the barks together, (which is the chiefest Rule in Grafting) because there is the chief current of the sap. 8 Grafting long, or forked grafts. Another Error is this: Grafting long, or forked Grafts: commonly the longer Grafts are, the less they grow, and the shorter they are cut, the longer they grow in a year. 9 Suffering fruit-trees to grow like Timber trees Another is this: Many let their Fruit-trees grow strait up very high, before they spread into boughs, and they are rather like Timber trees for building, than Fruit-trees, for bearing Fruits: Whereas they ought to cut off the Top while the Plant is young, about an Ell, or a Yard and half from the ground, that so the Plant may spread, and enlarge itself, and one Tree well ordered in this respect for spreading, will have as many small boughs (and consequently will bear as much fruit) as three or four (it may be) of such Trees as run spiring up a great height without spreading. 10 Giving too much nourishment to fruit-trees. Another Error is this: some give too much nourishment to fruit-trees Letting some fat water (it may be) run to the Roots or lie too near them, or else by pouring, or laying some fertile substance to their roots, when there is (sometimes) more need to deprive them of their too fat feeding, which causeth them to luxuriate, and spend their strength in great and large shoots, and broad leaves, and blossoms, and leave off bearing fruits: Nourishment to Fruit-trees ought to be moderate, as to other Creatures. 11 Nursing up Quincetrees of seed. Most men nurse up Quince-trees of seed, or slips from the roots, and seldom or never Inoculate or Graft them, as they do other trees, whereby they lose their fruits many years, which they might gain by Grafting or Inoculating of them. And when (after a long time) they do bear: yet their fruits are not so good (if the trees come of seed) at their first bearing, as grafts would bring being cut from old bearing Trees. 12 Pruning off too many shoots from Wall-trees. Another Error in practice, is this. Many in pruning Aprecot-Trees and other Wall-trees, they prune off most of the fresh young Branches of the last years shoot, and preserve the old and big branches, suffering them to run up a great part of the wall, without small twigs, or branches. Whereas they should still from year to year, preserve the small shoots, nailing them up to the wall yearly (all or most) from the lowest part of the Tree, to the top, and leave no part of the wall void of branches, and cause the branches to spread along the sides of the wall both ways, and not suffer them to run upwards too much. 13 Grafting seed Plants before removing. Another Error amongst some is this. They graft young Plants that came of seed, in the place where they were sowed, (before they have been removed, whereby they would get good Roots) And hence it follows. That such thrust down a single Root, or two (commonly) into Clay, Gravel, or moist ground, etc. which root or roots, draw bad nourishment, and thereby hurt the Trees and Fruits, and in case any of them be removed afterwards (being grafted) they want good Roots, for that they were never removed (being young) to get good Roots. 14 Not pruning the roots of Plants. See how to order them, pag. 45. Some also when they transplant young Trees they usually set them with all their Roots, whereas the Roots of all Trees transplanted, aught to be pruned: See how: pag. 61. 15 Breaking off Buds before Grafts grow. Another Error is this: Many break off all the Buds upon the stocks that are engrafted, before the Grafts put forth, which endangers both Stock & Graft. For Buds upon the stocks should be let alone, all, or most, until the Grafts have put forth & be able to draw up sap, and then break off all the Buds below the Grafts, that they may have all the sap. Concerning Errors in practice thus much. And so I have done (at present) with all the particular Mysteries concerning the Ordering of Fruit-trees, and Fruits. Hereafter I may communicate more, as God (who instructeth the Husbandman to discretion, Esay 28.24, 25, 26. & teacheth him) shall discover them to me. None shall ever (in this life) know all the secrets of Nature in this Art or any other, but yet (by means of time, and diligence) we are still finding out new Experiments. THE