A design FOR plenty, By an universal Planting of FRVIT-TREES: tendered by some wellwishers to the public.  GEN. 1.20. 
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed which is upon the face of the earth and every Tree in the which is the fruit of a Tree yielding seed, to you it shall be for meat.  
LONDON, Printed for Richard Wodenothe in Leaden-hall street, over against Leaden-hall.   

To the READER.  
Courteous and Ingenuous Reader,  
IN the publication of this small Treatise; it is just that every one should have his due.  
First, God's goodness is to be praised, who having endued man with knowledge above the beasts of the field, and put all things under his feet, 
Esa. 28.26, 27, 28.  he doth in a more special manner (as the Prophet saith) instruct the Husbandman to discretion, and doth teach him how to order his affairs for the best advantage of human Societies.  
Secondly, his Providence is to be acknowledged in bringing things to light, which without his good hand would have been lost and lain in darkness, as this Discourse would have been, if he had not stirred up some favourable Instruments to preserve it, and bring it unto my hand to be published for the Common good.  
Thirdly, the Instruments whom he hath employed both to bring forth this birth into the World, and to preserve it after it was brought forth, deserve some commendation. He that was made instrumental to bring it forth into the World, is not yet known unto me: for although I have endeavoured by a diligent search to find out his name, yet I have not been able to compass the matter: only this I have been told, that the Author of this design was an aged Minister of the Gospel, who for the space of many years had for his own recreation, and that he might be serviceable also to others experimented this part of Husbandry which at last he resolved by this Treatise to make public, but was by death prevented; the place of his abode being said to be Loving-land near Yarmouth. He who did preserve it from being lost, and gave it to a friend of mine, is the Honourable colonel John Barkstead, the present Lieutenant of the Tower, a Gentleman whom I know not, but such as know him do give him this Character, that he is of a very public and ingenuous Spirit; in his Military Relations, exceeding active and circumspect; zealous for Justice and good Order, to repress the licentiousness of the times; and one who being capable of public thoughts and generous cares, is willing freely to communicate and impart the same to all that can reap any benefit thereby. As for myself, I claim nothing but the contentment to be the Publisher thereof, that I may be instrumental to advance the comforts of many thereby, and so help forward the Authors honest design; and I am the more willing to divulge this brief Tract upon this Subject, because it will serve as a forerunner to a larger Volume of Fruit-trees, which an experienced friend of mine, Mr. Ralph Austin hath in a readiness to put forth at Oxford. Such as have perused Mr. Blithe's Improver improved (a Book worth the reading by all that apply themselves to Husbandry) in the second Part, Chapter 43. towards the latter end, will meet with a promise made concerning this Treatise of Master Austin's, which now he is putting to the press, as by his own Letter written in November last 1652 he doth inform me: therefore I intend in this Preface and by this Treatise, as by a small taste of so good a matter, both to raise thine appetite and quicken thy desire to see that larger Work, and to stay thy stomach a little till it come forth, in hope, that when God shall have furnished this Wise and Noble Nation with all these and many other means of Plenty we shall then be all inclined to beat out swords into ploughshares, and our spears into pruning-hooks, 
See another discourse lately published by a worthy and special friend of mine, called, Bread for the Poor, & Advancement of the English Nation, promised by Enclosure of the Wast●s and Common Ground of England.  and that by a happy Union of England and Scotland, and the peaceable settlement of the affections of all people under the present Government, we shall live as Brethren, and study by the ways of Common Industry to strengthen the hands of those that bear Rule over us, and are set for our defence; whose burden, although it be extraordinary great, yet by the good hand of God upon us, it will be greatly eased and lessened, when all hands shall suffer themselves to be set a work, and the earth yield her increase. For certainly the present constitution of the Nation (if we become not so fatally and more than brutishly miserable, as to study continually one another's ruin) is not in so weak and dangerous a condition, as it was in Queen Elizabeth's days when she came first to the Crown. For then as Bishop Carleton describes it, the state of affairs was far otherwise then now it is, 
Chap. 1. pag: 3.  as appears by his own words in his Book (called a thankful Remembrance of God's Mercy) where he writes as followeth.  
She [Queen Elizabeth] did not serve God in vain. For it is a thing to be wondered at, that the land being 
* That is, when she came first to the Crown.  then without strength, without Forces, without soldiers, yea, without Armour; all things necessary should be so suddenly furnished. She had provided Armour at Antwerp, but King Philip caused that to be stayed. Yet was she not discouraged, but laid out much money upon Armour though she found the Treasury but poor. She procured Armour and Weapons out of Germany. She caused many great Guns to be cast of brass and Iron. And God's providence and favour appeared in her protection. For new mines of brass were found at Keswike, that had long been neglected. From whence there was not only sufficient matter to supply her wants, but abundance thereof to be transported to other countries. The stone called Lapis Calaminaris, whose use is needful for working in brass, was also at the same time first found in England. There was provision made at home also for the making of gunpowder. Which was done first here by her commandment: For before, it was bought and imported.  
Berwick before her time, was weak and had but 500 soldiers: She fortified the town, made the new inner wall and increased the number of soldiers and their stipends, that provision might be made for the training up of experienced soldiers and martial men. She provided a Navy, the best furnished that ever England saw. Neither needed she to do as her Father & ancestors were wont to do, when they wanted Ships, to send for Ships and hire them from Hamburg, Lubeck, Dantisk, Genua and Venice; for she had them ready at home to serve her. Yea all the good towns upon the Sea-coast, beholding this incredible alacrity and forwardness in their Prince, strived also to imitate the same, and therefore with great cheerfulness and readiness built Ships for war. So that in a short time, the Queen's Ships and those of the subjects joined together, rose to such a number, that they were able to employ twenty thousand men in sea-fight at once. The Noblemen, the Gentlemen and Yeomen, did all strive to answer so noble a resolution of their Prince. And therefore great store of Armour and Weapons were everywhere provided. And brave spirits were bred and enabled to service, whereby they became an help and Ornament to their country; so that Queen Elizabeth was quickly grown so strong, that all her Adversaries were not able to hurt her. And was not this a great work of God, that so weak a Woman should be able to defend herself against so many, so potent enemies? Yea, and not only to match them, but to master them? This was God's doing, &c.  
This Remembrance of her condition, and of God's wonderful preservation of this Nation at that time, should not only encourage us to hope still in his mercy, whereof we have as great experience hitherto as ever she had, but also direct us to the performance of the duties fitting us for the continuance of such mercies towards us. For as then all the neighbours of this Nation were either open enemies or uncertain friends, so it now may fall out again in this juncture of time, that we shall find none abroad cordially to appear for us; but if we be found faithful to one another at home in minding the interest of the Gospel, in seeking Peace and Truth, in settling Judgement, in repressing the enormous scandals which are broken forth, and in advancing all manner of industry, we may expect the same success which that blessed Queen had, and a greater Harvest of spiritual and temporal Blessings then ever yet this Nation hath received. Which that We may live to see, I shall not cease to pray, and in praying with the best and utmost of my endeavours to approve myself,  
Thine and the public's most faithful Servant, SAMUEL HARTLIB.   

A design FOR plenty.  
AS Plenty ofttimes is the producer of Pride, Pride the root of Envy, Envy the mother of Contention, Contention the spring of War: so is War the cause of Poverty and Poverty brings forth Famine, and where Famine rageth must needs follow inevitable destruction. It is greatly to be wished, and as a blessing from God to be desired; that all men would as wisely, and conscionably eschew and shun the Climax, and ways to destruction as they seem warily and carefully to fly destruction itself, when it presseth upon them. But (Alas) such is the wickedness and blindness of man's heart, that he is desperately set on to follow that way, which will at last wind him into most certain destruction: And so be, that men may attain their own private interest and end, they never consider the ultimate and woeful end and conclusion of their ways and actions.  

Quicquid agas, prudenter agas; & respice finem.  But he that's wise, his practics so intends,  
That he may level Actions to their ends.  
The consideration of which thing (as it too sadly may be appliable unto this Nation, and the Inhabitants thereof, by reason of this late intestine, and unnatural War) hath moved us, to prepare what cataplasm we can against the inevitable Malady, which a long & continued war threateneth (if not already beginneth) to bring upon us, that is to say; A general Famine and want of all necessary things for the support and sustentation of life: the which we may also fear the rather, by reason of the unseasonable weather for seedtime and Harvest, with the unspeakable mortality of cattle in many places, which hath declared, and evidenced no small displeasure of God against us, and threateneth us with most certain famine: besides the want of trade, traffic, and employment both by land and by sea; together with the daily losses by sea, and expenses of provisions by land, are no mean ingredients in this threatened, & approaching misery. What more may be observed, also from the discouragements of men in their husbandry, and making improvement for plenty (as not knowing either for whom they labour, or who they are that may reap their labours, or what themselves shall enjoy) may strongly imprint a fear of famine. Now as in a time of famine it were too unchristianlike to hide ourselves from our own flesh, and to deny relief (as God lendeth us) to such as want it: so were it too selfish for any not to labour to prevent famine; and to hide themselves, and their advice (which God hath granted them) from a public Good: It being counted no less sin by God, 
Ezeck. 16.49.  Not to strengthen the hands of the needy, than not to fill their hands with benefits, and supplies.  
For which cause we have thought it our duty to present an Assay of Plenty, which we call (A design or Project for Plenty) yet not a project of any private advantage to us; but of public good and plenty unto this Nation; if so be it may be enlivened and nourished by Authority and Law: 
Cambden. Brit. As in Glocest, and Worcest, shires, &c. In Kent about Feversham, where by the industry and example of Richard Harris Fruterer to K. Hen. the eighth 30 Towns are planted to their inestimable benefit.  Otherwise we shall but term it (The embryo of Plenty, and the untimely Birth of good Desires) which had it come to perfection, might have yielded both pleasure and profit to many. And such a Project also it is, as is not without experience both in our own, and other Nations; nor yet without good Reasons to speak for it; whereof we shall desire to make all rational men partakers. For 
With men of Reason, Reasons will take place,  
But nought can get from fools but base disgrace.   
Moreover, when we Consider (besides the necessity, as aforesaid) the accommodation this Nation affordeth for such a design, the Possibility and Facility to effect it: And yet the sluggishness of most in our Nation, who perhaps would be glad to have plenty in their families: Yet care not to take pains, or to be at any cost to effect it.  
Like to the Cat, who fish would gladly eat, 
Catus vult piscem, sed non vult tangere lympham.   
But yet her foot in water will not wet.  
We are encouraged the rather to make our Demonstration thereof, adding therewithal our Reasons, and answering such Objections as may possible lie against it.  
First therefore, we do conceive that it will make much for the benefit and public relief of this whole Nation. And for the prevention of famine in time to come (through the blessing of God) if there were a Law made, and put in force by Authority for a general and universal Plantation of such wholesome fruit (according to proportion) as might be for the relief of the poor, the benefit of the rich, and the delight of all.  
The fruits we conceive most wholesome, beneficial and suitable for our Climate, are the Apple, pear, Walnut and Quince.  
The Proportion to be ordained; that every five pounds per annum of plantable land, as well field as enclosure, being in private occupation, (except Cities, Towns incorporate, and such Towns where the rents are raised only of the houses without lands) shall plant and preserve 20 fruit-trees of Apple, pear, Walnut, or Quince: and 10 li. per annum, 40; and 15 li. per annum, 60; and 20 li. per annum, 80 trees; and so in proportion.  
That there may be a certain limited time set, that the aforesaid proportion according to every man's occupation, may be perfected, with a penalty to be inflicted for the neglect; and that every year may be proportioned in order to the whole with a penalty likewise.  
That in every Town there may be ordained two Officers (called Fruterers or Woodwards, or such like name) specially to be chosen every year, and authorized, to see the said proportions to be planted and carefully preserved. And to have power to levy the penalties upon the defaulters; and to employ the same to some public use.  
That the High Constables in every hundred do take account of the said two Officers in every Town belonging to their division: and to present them to some superior Court; that so there may be no collusion or deceit in the business. And that the said High Constables, and Fruterers, or Woodwards be fineable and punishable, if they neglect to do their duties.  
That if any evil-disposed person be found to destroy any of the planted Trees; or to cut, mangle, or break them; or to pull up, or carry away their fencings, when they are young trees, and require fencing; that then he be severely punished by corporal, or pecuniary Mulct, or both; as being an enemy to a public and common good.  
That the said Fruterers or Woodwards in every respective town may have power (as the surveyors of the highways) so to call out, and appoint certain common days to work, in dressing, pruning, moulding mossing, trimming the said trees (which days are to be in the months of October & November for mossing and pruning, those months being the moistest; and the Winter frost following thereupon will sear the wounds, so that the Cut parts are not subject to put out scions, whereby the body and fruit are decayed; And in January and February for moulding the trees) and to set fines upon such as make default, and levy the same to some public use.  
That all Trees already planted, be accounted into the proportion; and that as any trees do die, or decay, or grow barren, care be taken that others may be planted in their stead; and that within a limited time upon some penalty to be levied by the Woodwards or Fruiterers.  
That when those lands, which are in particular occupation be fully planted; like care be taken by a common work in the common days to be appointed, for the planting of all Wastes and Commons every thirty yards a tree, and by thirty yards all over, till they be throughly planted.  
That the Commons and Wastes be planted, and fenced at the public charge of every Town to which they do belong: and that all such fines as are levied upon the transgressors in this project be employed to the public work and use.  
That the fruits and benefits arising of the Plantations upon the Commons and Wastes be given to the poor, & necessitous people of every Town, unto which they do belong. And that by the discretion of the Fruiterers or Woodwards they be yearly distributed accordingly.  

Reasons for this design.  
As touching the reasons for this design, they are very many, whereof I only propound some for satisfaction to all men.  
First, the wholesomeness of these fruits are such as may challenge every man's estimation of them, 
Gerard. Herb.  and diligence to obtain them. Apples are good for hot stomachs, for all inflammations, tempering melancholy humours; good for diverse diseases, as the Strangury, pleurisy, &c. pears are cold, and binding, good for hot swellings, do help the lask and bloody flux, and being made into drink, do warm the stomach, and cause good digestion. The Walnut is an ingredient in Antidotes against the plague, and biting of venomous beasts; whose kernels made into a milk cooleth and comforteth the languishing sick body. So Quinces do strengthen the stomach, stay vomiting, and stop the flux; and are good for many other things.  
The benefits, which from such a general Plantation will arise to this Nation, is very much. As,  
First, by this means there may be a great Improvement of Land without any loss of other fruits, which it usually yieldeth, as of grass, Corn of all sorts, or any other thing: and so men may receive a double gain; first, of those fruits upon the ground; and secondly, of such fruits as growing upon the trees, the land beareth as it were by the by.  
There will be a great plenty of wholesome food added where little or none of that Nature was before; 

In which countries the very Hogs feeding upon the fallings, make choice of fruit, and first taste, eating up the pleasant fruit, leaving the other, there is such abundance.  Gerard's Herb.  for besides every family may have of these fruits enough for all uses in food; so also may thereby be obtained a good and wholesome drink from the juice of the Apples, and pears, as in the Counties of Worcester and Gloucester is very exemplary in that particular, to their profit and plenty.  
By this means much Corn, (especially of Barley) may be saved (which is spent out in Malt) and may serve for food in the time of want; and other Corn by that means become more reasonable in prices.  
And likewise much expense in Wines may by reason of the Perry and cider, which in all parts may be made, be spared: and which kind of drink (being once accustomed) will be as proper and wholesome for our English bodies, as French wines, if not more.  
A general Plantation (as aforesaid) will make wonderful plenty, as may be gathered by a supposition probable as this: Suppose 20 trees of Apples and pears be planted, and well fenced upon a tenement of 5 li. per annum, once in seven years they may (by God's blessing) bring forth half a bushel of good fruit apiece; and in 10 years a bushel a tree; in 13 years two bushels, and so forth; what a plenty will this make in so small an Occupation?  
And besides it will yield great plenty, yea abundance to the poor, who shall yearly receive from the common Plantations of the Commons and Wastes so much good fruit, as that they cannot be destitute all the year. And if to buy; yet in such a general Plantation, good fruit will not cost above 4 d. or 6 d. the bushel, which now will cost 12 d. or 16 d. if not more in many places, which kind of provisions the poor prefer before better food, as the story goeth.  
The poor man's child invited was to dine  
With flesh of Oxen, sheep, and fatted swine,  
(Far better cheer than he at home could find)  
And yet this child to stay had little mind.  
You have (quoth he) no Apple, froise nor pie,  
Stewed Pears, with bread and milk, & Walnuts by.  
This general Plantation is very requisite, seeing so many places are wholly destitute of all fruit, 
Cambden. Brit.  and yet both the ground and climate throughout this whole Island able and apt to yield of fruit great plenty. Cambden saith, that they are whining and slothful husbandmen, who complain of the barrenness of the earth in England; and doth confidently affirm, that it proceedeth rather of the inhabitants idleness than any distemper, and indisposition of the air, 
Camb. ex will. Malmesbur.  that this our England affords no wine: and that it hath heretofore had Vineyards which yielded wine well nigh as good in taste and smell as the French wine; 
And at Bromwell Abbey in Norfolk.  and indeed so are many places unto this day in our land called Vineyards; as at Elie in Cambridgeshire; of which remains upon Record these old rhymes.  
Quatuor sunt Eliae, lanterna, capella Mariae,  
Et Molendinum, nec non dans Vinea vinum.  
In English thus.  
Four things of Elie Town much spoken are,  
The leaden lantern, Mary's chapel rare,  
The mighty Mill-hill in the Minster-field,  
And fruitful Vineyards, which sweet wine do yield.  
And if our England be so able and apt for wine, much more is it able and apt for these ordinary and wholesome fruits.  
Besides, such an universal Plantation will both yield great store of fuel to burn, and wood for many occasions (the Apple, pear and Walnut-trees, being all of them good joiner's timber) fit to make chairs, stools, tables, and many other house-Utensils) and also it will much warm the country by so many thousands of trees planted in open and waste grounds to the great comfort both of man and beast.  
And as concerning this work, it is very feasible and easy, the banks, and quickrowes may be set, as well with good fruit-trees at a convenient distance, as with thorn, hasel, harbow, or brier: besides, how many useful stocks of crab and wilding are to be taken from the roots of such as grow in rows, and to be found in woods, which being transplanted and grafted will be as good fruit-trees, and last longer than such as are reared up from seeds or kernels?  
The delight and pleasure, which by this will arise, will not be small in a little while; when one may behold the waste and wild places all abounding with fruitful trees (like the Garden of God) keeping their order, and distance: each one offering the weary traveller some little collation to quench his thirst, and refresh his spirits; inviting him to rest under their shadow, and to taste of their delicates, and to spare his purse; which is a benefit well known in the Western Counties of this our England.  
To these might be added the benefit of the Walnut for oil; the delight and comfort of all these for conserves and preserves, both for sickness and health: and their use in a Famine, when all other fruits of the earth do fail; whereof the Nation of France hath had good trial, who had starved in some Famines, had it not been for their chestnuts, Walnuts, Apples, and Pears, these being far better food in a famine than asses heads, doves dung, 
2 Kings 6. Miseries of Germany.  or old leather, which some have been constrained to eat to preserve life; yea sometimes the flesh of dead men, and their own children.   

Objections against this design.  
Object. 1 But here it may be some men will object, that these are but vain and trifling things, not worthy a law, or injunction for so noble a Nation as this is.  
To which the answer is easy: that our slothfulness is the more, and improvidence the more to be condemned, that so noble a Nation should need a goad, and spur to put them on to the improving of such trifling things; which are of such necessity, profit, facility and delight, as these things, which every diligent and prudent provident husband should endeavour after continually of themselves.  
Object. 2 But it will be a hard and difficult matter to get so many plants as may supply the Proportion throughout the whole Nation.  
We answer, the slothful man saith, there is a lion in the way; and if men were as willing as they might be, the woods and hedgerows would afford stocks not a few to graft upon: besides, there are not wanting commendable Planters and Arborists in this Nation, whose nurseries will afford at very low rates many thousand of wild stocks fitting to be removed, and improved for this business.  
Object. 3 Yea, but there is such rudeness and ravening in the common people of England, that all would come to nought.  
Answ. True as our scarcity of these fruits are in every place, so it is, and so it will be: but plenty yields satiety and content: and the western Countries can witness this to be otherwise; besides, good laws, and good execution of them will prevent all such like mischiefs.  
Object. 4 But it will be a great while before this design come to perfection.  
Answ. Yet if a beginning be not made, there can be no hope of any perfection; and if men begin well, the work will go on the better; for the saying is, 

Dimidium facti qui benè coepit habet.  He that begins with heart and great good will,  
Hath got the half of that he would fulfil.   
Besides he is the most unworthy of his own life, who is like the Bear, lives only to suck his own claws, and will not provide for posterity as well as himself. For, 

Non nobis solum nati fumus, sed liberis, &c. Cicero.  Man is not born unto himself alone,  
But to his after race when he is gone.   
Object. 5 But the Commons and Wastes cannot well be planted. Answ. If not all of them, yet the most of them will bear forth these trees: and we see the most barren places to bring forth the thorn, oak, and ash-trees, and why not these also? which are not so hard to grow as some of them; besides such directions may be given, as may be very advantageous for their rooting and growth in such barren places, as afterward shall be showed.  
Object. 6 But these trees being planted in hedge-rows amongst other trees of greater growth and top, will never prosper and come to perfection; and so much labour will be lost.  
Answ. These trees being prudently set, and providently husbanded in banks and hedge-rows, will thrive the best of all, and prove most fruitful; for if the grounds be cold and wet, then to set them in banks and rows will be far better, then to set them abroad, the banks being the driest places for planting: And if the grounds be dry and sandy, than the banks are the best, as being least hurtful to the roots of trees, and gaining moisture unto them by the ditches, when any do fall, whereby they are refreshed and preserved. And for other trees which may overtop them, if every honest and good member in this our commonwealth could as easily remove his wicked and bad neighbour, as the Husbandman can remove such trees from his plantation, there would not be a bad neighbour in England. And how much a good fruit-tree will exceed in profit any other tree of what kind soever, may easily be gathered by this computation: Suppose one load of wood in twenty years may be cut from any husband, or powling (and it must be a good one, which will yield so much in such a time) which load of wood may be worth nine or ten shillings; yet a good fruit-tree (by God's blessing) will yield as much fruit in one year as will countervail that profit; for some good fruit-trees have been known to yield eight, nine, or ten coombs of good fruit in one year, which at four pence the bushel will come to more than the best tree for wood will yield in twenty years. And suppose an Oak after 300 years' growth be worth five or six pounds, yet a good fruit-tree within forty years will yield the same profit four or five times double, which is far beyond the benefit arising of the best Timber-trees in England. And moreover, trees for timber may have the woods to grow in, and such convenient places in fields and rows, as may be no annoyance or hindrance to the fruit-trees of this plantation.  
It is a folly manifestly plain,  
To be pound-foolish, penny-wise in gain.  
Object. 7 These plantations in arable grounds, and common fields, will both hinder the Plough, and by their shadow destroy and hinder corn.  
Answ. If indeed they should be planted in the midst of ploughed lands, something might be said against it; But in all common fields for corn, there lie land-divisions, and baulks, or meers, which though but narrow, yet are sufficient and apt to bear trees, (as being the best ground) if they be planted upon them: And at thirty yards' distance in length, and about thirty yards in breadth one from another likewise; they will be no hindrance at all to the Plough, nor yet to the growth and increase of corn; for at such a distance the Sun and wind will have such power on every side that they will disperse their beams and air without any let; and in case (when these trees are grown large and great) they may hinder a peck of corn a tree, yet will they recompense that loss twentyfold in their fruit and fuel to the owners: besides, a good husband may keep up his trees so by pruning, as that no damage at all may be sustained by them.  
Object. 8 But fielding grounds which lie in parcels are often so intermixed, that sometimes ten several persons may have several proprieties in five acres of land: and therefore how can trees be planted either at an equal distance of 30 yards; or who shall plant them, or receive their fruits or fuel being so many and diverse proprietorss?  
Answ. If men were without reason, this might make an objection; but reasonable men will conclude that meres or balks in their length may be planted at 30 yards' distance without difficulty, and that such small parcels will fall likewise about 30 yards' distance in breadth, not much under or over; which will make no difference: and such trees as are to be planted upon partable meres, may by Law be appointed to be charged in their plantation, and fencing, and divided in their benefits equally between such owners, as have a community therein.  
Object. 9 But this design, if once it come to perfection, will undo many families, who live by Brewing and Malting.  
Answ. The light of nature will teach us that a common, and public good is to be preferred to all private profit; as the saying is, 
A public good doth many ways outvie 
Bonum quò communius eò melius.   
All private good, and self-utility.   
Besides, the multiplicity of men practising Brewing, and Malting is but rather a bane then a benefit to this commonwealth; ministering occasion to thousands of blind and unnecessary Tipling-houses, whereby drunkenness, disorder, and dangerous plots are fomented and nourished to the great dishonour of God, and disturbance of the State and commonwealth; so that it were to be wished that every private family in this whole Nation were so provided, that there might not be any further occasion to expend so much corn in Malt, or so much money and precious time in alehouses and drink, which would cause every pious heart rather to rejoice with thanksgiving, then to repine with murmuring for the disappointing of self-ends and advantages, when the public Good should be so greatly advanced.   

Instructions concerning this design.  
Although planting doth chiefly depend upon the blessing and providence of God, 
1 Cor. 3.6.  (without which no benefit can be expected) yet God who ordaineth the end, appointeth also the means conducible thereunto; not that men should rest in the means appointed, but that they waiting upon God in the use of means should expect his blessing thereupon of his grace and mercy: according to the saying, 
Rest not in means, use means God's gifts to gain;  
God gives the end, and means his ends t'attain.   
Therefore we have thought good to set down for the help of such as are unskilful in the noble Art of Planting, such necessary Instructions and Directions touching this design, as by experience have been found useful and commodious for our country of England, letting go those unprofitable conclusions wherewith many have filled their books of this Art of Planting, taken for the most part out of the writings and experiments of other Nations, as Italy, France and Spain, &c. which being of far different Climates from our Nation, however they may be useful and effectual unto others, are indeed altogether useless and ineffectual unto us in England: for, 
Each land the like alike will never yield, 
Non omnia fert omnia tellus.   
Clime altars much in Garden, Orchard, field,  
Leave France to French, and Spain to Spanish Sun;  
What England may is best to think upon.    

Instructions concerning wild Sets and Stocks to plant and graft upon.  
For the increase and store of wild Sets and Stocks to plant and to graft upon; It is very requisite,  
That every man, according to the proportion of his occupation have some yard or enclosure for his wild Sets and Stocks, which may serve him as a continual Nursery, to plant and supply all his other Grounds and Plantations.  
Let this enclosure or Nursery be well and strongly fenced so as no cattle may hurt it; for a beast will do more mischief in a night unto the Nursery than it will recover in seven years after.  
The Nursery would not be of the richest and fattest ground, but rather inclinable to leanness, that so the wild Sets and Stocks being transplanted, may be removed from a mean to a better; from a lean to a fatter soil, otherwise they will not prosper.  
At the first, let this Nursery be well digged, and as much as may be made clear of all noisome weeds, (especially of Spearegrasse) by harrowing, raking, and sowing turnips the year before, or covering that all over with brakes: otherwise the weeds will much hinder the growth and increase of the plants or Sets.  
To replenish this Nursery in the best way, is to sow that all over with the goods, or stamping of crabs, apples, pears, and kernels of Quince about alhollontide, or in November, or at such time as you make your Verjuice, Sydar, or Perry, and then to riddle good earth all over to cover them a finger thick (or to rake them in, which is not so good) and so covering them with thorns to expect their Spring in February, March, and April, when the covering is to be taken away from them.  
choose the best and greatest walnuts, (as the Welsh nut, French nut, &c.) and set them all about your Nursery, without the plants, some three or four foot distance; or they may be set altogether upon beds by themselves.  
For three years after the Nursery be thus replenished, be careful to keep it very clean from weeds, grass, or any other beggary, for it will requite the owner abundantly for his pains.  
The wild Sets being three foot high would be removed, and set a foot distance one from another, and would have their long top-roots cut off, that they may root the better, and grow the greater; otherwise they will grow down with a long top, and up with a high top, their bodies being slender, not fit to graft, and to remove dangerous, as having few or none other roots but their long top-roots.  
At this first removing of the wild Sets, cut off only the spray and branches of the plants, pruning them into a straight wands, and cut not off their heads, for that will hinder them, being so young and tender.  
There is another way to replenish the Nursery, which is by setting at a foot distance branches of apple trees with Burknots, or the suckers which are found in Orchards, and may be taken from the Roots of the Apple, Pear, or Quince-trees, or the shoots of the Kentish coddling cut off and pricked in the ground, all which will take and grow well; only it must be remembered that such suckers must be taken as may have some roots, and these must be well pruned and headed likewise when they are transplanted into the Nursery.  
The Quince is the most apt of all other to grow, whether by kernels sown, suckers, or even any young branch cut off from the body, with a soals foot, set into good earth about November will take and grow. Also if a bough be half split from the body in the Spring; and then bound well about with new cow-dung, and so let grow till Michaeltide, or October, it will be rooted into the dung, and may be taken off and transplanted with profit.  
If an Apple or peartree have any goodly young bough (if it be not bigger than a man's wrest) it may be rooted upon the tree: if in June the bark be taken away round the bough the breadth of four fingers, and a be skep (having a hole in the crown answerable to the bigness of the bow) be slit down the side, that it may open, and so set, and fastened below. The barked place with the mouth upward, and so filled with fat, sad, and clayish earth well moistened, and so let stand until November or Deecmber, and then being cut off below the skep, the head pruned, and transplanted into good ground, and the skep gently taken away, so as the earth be not loosed, it will grow a fruitful dwarf-tree.   

Instructions concerning Removings, or Transplantations.  
When your wild Sets and Stocks are fit for transplanting, it is best to remove them before they be grafted, so they will be in less danger to die; and the cutting of the tops of the wild Sets will be no hindrance either to growth or grafting.  
The best time to transplant these trees, is September and October (with their leaf upon their head,) because the winter will both close and consolidate the earth about the roots, and also the remainder of sap in the trees descending into the roots will fasten them the better, and prepare their growth in the Spring the surer: November, December, and January may serve, but are nothing so good as the other months.  
In all removings have special care to prune both the root and head, remembering this, that it is far better to have a large root and little top, then to have a great top and a little root, which seldom comes to good. A great many roots may endure a good large top, but a few roots would have a little top.  
Where the soil is very good, it will be sufficient to dig a hole four times as big as the root, which let it be digged about midsummer, or as soon after as you can for the crop growing thereupon. First pare off the uppermost part thereof, laying grass to grass, or stubble to stubble, and upon that on the one side of the hole lay the best earth (which will be the first speete, or spade) and the rest by itself on the other side of the hole, and so let that lie open to Sun and air, till you transplant the trees; then set your tree in the best earth first, being well broken and mouldered, laying out the roots in their several proportion set not your tree too deep, after that put in the worst earth uppermost, carefully closing the earth always about the roots. You may lay some dung upon the uppermost face of the hole after all, if you please.  
In light and sandy ground, and shallow soil, dig your hole, and prepare it as aforesaid; but you must remember to dig it much deeper, three or four foot deep, & when you set your trees fill that up with good moist earth within a foot and half of the uppermost ground: then setting in the tree, take slur of some sink or hog-yard, or mud of some pond, (or for want of these make poy, with good earth and water) and pour it amongst the roots, drawing them forth each in his way, and so fill that up with good earth: this will never fail expectation in the growth of young trees; only remember that in sandy ground trees must be set deeper than in moist and good earth.  
In moist and wet grounds it is good to dig a hole, and prepare that as followeth: when you are to set your tree, dig a hole four foot over and two foot deep, and then lay a faggot of wood close bound in the bottom, well trodden down, fill up the hole again with the best earth, then set your trees upon the plain ground on the top, raising an hill of earth round about the root, which may cover it well from heat and cold, it will like exceedingly.  
When the trees are transplanted into light or sandy ground, if the Spring or Summer following prove dry, they must be watered very well, but very seldom. The water would be taken out of some standing pit (which is better than spring, or well-water) or else mixed with cow-dung (which maketh a laxative and lusty water for young trees) and when they are watered, cover their roots with old straw, or hatch, putting it by in rainy weather, for fear of mice harbouring in it.  
In the ttansplantation of Walnuts be very careful to preserve the top-root; for if that be perished, the tree will not thrive, if not die.  
The appletree loves to grow best in rich soil, but indifferently in any.  
The pear best in a sandy, and light soil.  
The Qvince in a moist ground, and fat.  
The Walnut-tree in a clayish or mixed soil.  
Note that the meddler, and Service-trees may be planted in sandy, and gravely ground, and will grow in places, where other trees will not thrive. And these fruits are both wholesome and pleasant.  
When the Trees are transplanted and set, they must be well fenced and stayed against the shaking of winds both for their preservation and steady growing: Thorns pricked into the ground, and bound about the Tree with a with, and a stake set fast into the ground to stay them is used by some; three stakes set in a triangle about the Tree with cross bars nailed from stake to stake; by others, stakes driven aslope into the ground two ways, and well fastened to the Tree with hay-bands, and fenced, others' use: and some having fenced their Trees with a triangle (as is aforesaid) use to cut off the head of their Tree wholly, leaving as a staff, which after will both grow strong against winds, and put forth a gallant head in few years: only it is to be remembered that, that fencing and staying of your Trees is best, which is most secure, least subject to grate your Trees, and longest lasting.   

Instructions concerning Grafting.  
As touching the kinds, manner and time of Grafting, they are as followeth.  
The kinds. Manner. Time of grafting. 1 Common grafting is - By cleaving the stock. These three first in the latter end of February, March, or beginning of April. 2 Incysing— is - Shoulderwise between the Bark and Tree.  3 Packing— is - By sloping the imp and stocks, and cloving them together like a whipstock.  4 Inoculating— is - By placing a bud into the Bark of another Tree. This last about the tenth of June.  
There is an other way of crossing the pith of trees, which is by boring two holes through the stock across a hand breadth one above another, and making two pins of the same wood to drive them hard in; some take this to be a good way.  
Good winter-fruit sown of kernels in Nurseries, and so transplanted, will prove good fruit, though they never be grafted at all: and note that the Walnut will not be grafted.  
Never graft your Sets the same year you do remove them, but let them stand and take root a year at least or two, than they will nourish their Grafts, and thrive exceedingly.  
A general Rule for Grafting.  
To grow apace graft when the change is near,  
But at the full Moon for your trees to bear.   
FINIS.