Observations upon some part of Sr FRANCIS BACONS NATVRALL HISTORY as it concernes Fruit-trees Fruits and Flowers especially the Fifth Sixth and Seaventh CENTURIES Improving the Experiments mentioned to the best Advantage By RA: AUSTEN Practiser in the Art of Planting Gen 2.8 And the Lord God planted a Garden Eastward in Eden and there he put the man whom he had formed And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for foode Gen 1.29 And God said behold I have given you every hearb bearing seede which is upon the face of all the Earth and every Tree in which is the fruit of a tree bearing seede to you it shall be for meate OXFORD Printed by Hen Hall for Thomas Robinson 1658. To the honourable Robert Boyle Esq. sonne to the Lord Boyle Earle of Coâ—keâ— Honoured SIR THE Prophet David tells us the workes of the Lord are wonderfull sought out of all them that have pleasure therein and he hath laid some of the secrets of Nature so deepe that no humane understanding can fathom or find them out Yet neverthelesse he gives wisdome unto man who is studious thereabout to discover multitudes of rare and excellent things for the use and comfort of mankind that God in all things may be glorified Every man hath a Talent or more given him to improve for the honour of him that gave it and the advantage of himselfe and others and not to hide it or lay it up in a Napkin as very many slothfull persons do to their shame and destruction Especially of those who have the greatest portions and Revenues in this world and therefore think ther 's no need nor reason they should labour either with body or mind * But Mr Boulton now in heaven hath left a Lesson behind him for such to learne He is saith he a cursed drone a child of idlenesse and sloth the very tennis Ball of Temptation most unworthy of the blessings and benefits of humane society who doth not one way or other cooperate and contribute to the common good with his best endeavours in some honest particular calling or course of life It brings true honour to be Instrumentall for the honour of God and good of others we may take his word for it who hath said Them that honour me I will honour but those that despise me shall be lightly esteemed All men desire a good name which is no way attainable but by obedience according to the Scriptures the truest worth and Nobility is to be borne from above to have Relations in Heaven all earthly honour is but a shadow to it Now I wish for their good such persons would look upon you worthy Sr and set you as an Example and Patterne before them of Learning and studiousnesse in all profitable knowledg your diligent search and indagation into the noble Art of Chymistry as it relates to Vegetables and Animals having already produced many excellent effects and been profitable unto many your study also of other parts of Philosophy I doubt not but â—ill in due time bâ—ing forth speciall fruits And thaâ— in parâ—icular about Fermentation and other waâ—es of prâ—paration of Liquors more especially that of Cider which you are now in hand with It is well knowne how acceptable and profitable it is and hath been for many generations past for the health of our bodies abovâ— many if not any other kinds of Liquors knowne to us Now in case it may be advancâ—d and made much better by Fermentation as there is no doubt but it may then it will be of more speciall and generall use then ever yet it hath been if unto all this be added viâ— to make it of those fruits wâ—ich are knowne by Experience to be the best for that purpose The Learned and incomparable Author Sr Francis Bacon hath left unto men such Rules and helps in all kinds of Learning that thâ—y will be much wanting to themselves if Arts and Sciences improve not very much above what they have been in former ages And as the foresaid worthy Author was eminently seen in all Arts and Sciences so his delight was especially as is recorded of him in Vegetable Philosophy which was as it were his darling delight having left unto us much upon Record in his Naturall Hâ—story some part whereof referring to Fâ—uit-trees Fruits and Flowers I have by encouragement from himselfe endeavoured to improve unto publique profit according to what understanding and experience I have therein I think it would not be in vaine if others who are seene and experienced in other parts of the said History would do the like And seeing I perceive since you have been pleased to honour me with your acquaintance that your Genius is towards things of this nature to promote them in order to the Common good and that I have encouragements in my labours thereabout both as to the Theory and Practise I humbly present these following Observations into your hands and am for all your favours honoured Sr your obliged servant RA: AUSTEN To the Reader COncerning my undertaking this ensuing work I give this Account It may perhaps by some be thought too bold an attemp in me to examine the writings and to recede in any thing from the Judgment of so Eminent and worthy an Author To which I Answer For what I have here done I doubt not but if the Authour himselfe were now living he would approve of it But more particularly let it be considered that those things which I have to do with herein are directly within the compasse of my Calling and course of life about which I am daily conversant And the Author hath given to my selfe and others sufficient encouragement in this Having said in his Advancement of Learning That the writings of speculative men upon active matter seemes to men of Experience to be but as dreames and dotage And that it were to be wished as that which would make Learning indeede solid and fruiâ—full that active men would or could become writers Men that have Experience in things are like to see in the Mysteries and secrets of them more and further then such as have only Notions and apprehensions of them without action and practice It is concluded and laid for a ground That peritis credendum in sua Arte Men are to give credit to Artists in their owne faculty And fâ—rther observe That many of the ensuing particulars are but only Queries set downe by the Author wherein not having Experience he desired further light from it which I have endeâ—voured herein to resolve And wherein I have perceived a manifest mistakeâ— I have for the Truths sake and profit of men discovered it I hope without any reflection upon the worthy and Learnâ—d Author who I verily believe would have encouraged any Experienced man in the like undertaking not seeking himselfe as he * professeth but the Truth in these things for the good of future Generatioâ—s Let
is over surely as the Cause of springing and growth becomes weaker and weaker untill it cease altogether so also will the â—ffâ—ct of that heate that is the growth of the Plants Steeping of Wheate in fat waters and other Liquors is a rich Expâ—riment fâ—r profit if the goodnâ—sse of the Crop answer the earlinesse of the comming up c. Sâ—eeping of Seedâ— Kernellâ— Stones c. is chiefly to excite the spiâ—it of the kernell or Seede and to make them the sooner and more easily to open and spring up out of the Eâ—rth which some kinds have much need of As Aprecots Almonds and other thick hard stones As for Wheate and such like seeds sleeping will excite the spirits and open the grosser parts and hasten their springing up But I conceive the vigour and virtue gotten by such steeping will be soone gone it will not be lasting as the naturall properties of the seed Whatsoever is naturall in seeds Plants c. doth continue and cannot fall off or be lost but that which is but accidentall and from Art is but of short continuance and soone over like the virtue of a Cup of wine or a meales meate to our bodies so that the end will not be attained unlesse the same help be â—enewed and often repeâ—ted by watâ—ing of such steeped seedsâ— with the same Liquors from time to time â—ntill they come to peâ—fection Strawberries watred now and then as once in three daies with water wherein hath been steeped Sheeps-dung or Pigeons-dung will prevent and come early This is a good Experiment and profitable to make the Bâ—rries earlier and fairer so it be seasonably and moderately doneâ— I conceive the morning is best before the sunne be hot but water them not too often nor too much lest it make the ground too ranke and fat which is not good for strawberries it makes them commonly runne into great leaves and strings and to beare Fruits lesse Dung or Chalke or Blood applyed in substance seasonably to the Roots of Trees doth sâ—t them forwards c. Too great a quantity of these things will hurt especially young Trees as the best meates and drinks immoderately and unseasonably taken hurt men Blood or Flesh or the like applyed to the Roots of old Vines or other Fruit-trees being decaying or old will refresh them greatly Let this be done before winter or in winter time that the virtue thereof may soke into the Roots and the earth about them before the spring And also that it may not be noysome or offensive in spring or sommer after Digge up the earth and bare the Roots as much as may be and power in the Blood or lay the Dung Flesh or any fat substance to the Roots afterwards cover it with the mould all over Otherwise take a Barre of Iron and make many holes among and about the Roots of old Trees especially where the ground iâ— bad and power in Blood of Beasts fat water or such like this will much refresh the Trees fruit-Fruit-trees upon a South or south-east Wall will bring forth their Fruits early It is trueâ— that the South-wall is best and the South-east nextâ— to plant choice trees upon to come early the reason why the West-wall is not so good as the East for early budding and ripening of fruits I conceive is mainely because there is usually more raine and moisture and greater and more winds out of the West in spring and sommer then out of the East which do much cooâ—e the trees and frâ—its and so retard Also May-Cherry-trees or other kinds which nâ—â—urally bud and bring fruits early being planâ—ed as is here said against the back of a Chimney where fire is much kept the same will bud and beare veâ—y early in the yeare especially if the wall be of Brick and but a thin wall Digging and loosening the earth about the Roots of trees accelerate germination This culture is undoubtedly a benefit to Trees as to their increase and growth they will thrive the faster herâ—by but I conceive not as to their early budding for all trees bud forth before they draw one jot of Sâ—p out of the earth there is sap existing in the buds and branches all the winter which is excitâ—d by the sunnes drawing neere in the spring time and breaketh forth into blossome and leafe A Damaâ—ke Rose tree in water budded in the space of ten daies in a Chamber I conceive this acceleration was not for that it was set in water but because the aire was somewhat warmer in the house then out of dores at that season it being in October it would have done aâ— much if it had beene set in earth And as for the difference betwixt this and that with the horse-dung mixed it may be that Rose tree in water only had the better and more Roots which would certainly cause budding sooner A dutch Flower that had a bulbous Roote was put under water and within seaven daies sprouted c. I have tryed severall Flowers with bulbous Roots and other kinds of Roots in water in the house in Autumne which kept fresh and seemed to come on somewhat for a while but afterwards Flag'd and faded I know no advantage that may be had hereby at that season for the aire in a while growes chill and coole even within dores Radish c. in a Month. Pease Radish c. are hastned in the spring and summer and their returnes quick chiefly because â—hey are sowed and set in a warme place upon gâ—ound sloping upon the South-east sunne with some speciall shelters from the North and cold winds For Nourishment water is almost all in all therefore it is a comfortable Experiment for good drinkâ—rs Simply water affords but a feeble and weake nourishment crude and cold and therefore we see that in low watrâ—sh grounds fruit-fruit-trees come on poorely being full of Mosse by reason of the cold nourishment and that in dryer deepe fat soyles Fruit-trees are three or foure times bigger and longer lived thâ—n those in watrish grounds Neither is this a comfortable Experiment for good drinkers for Experience shewes us such as live most upon good liquors eating but little are more unsound unhealâ—hy peoplâ— and shorter liv'd then those who drinke lesse and feed upon solid meates Housing of Plants will acceleraâ—â— germination Certainely it will if the Plants be ordered with dâ—scretion to be seasonably set out in the sunne and raine in the warmest seasons and time of the day removing the Box of earth in and out as occasion is or otherwise Housing may spoyle them and cause the branches and Twiggs to contract and become dry for as the Aire within dores is warmer then that without so alâ—o it is dryer and does exhaust and dry the Plants more therefore they have need sometimes of the moist Aire without Experiments touching the putting back or Retardation of germination
mâ—uld if to the better is also very advantagious to fâ—uiâ—-â—rees in case the soyle be barren but if it be very fat as some is especially some paâ—ticular places by accâ—dent then mould that is more sterill and hungâ—y will do better foâ—overmuch reâ—lâ—tion and fertility may hinder fruitfulnesse and cause the â—ap to runne most into long shoots and broad leaves The shâ—fting of ground is a meanes to better the Tree and fruit and all things do prosper bâ—st when they are advanced to the better And a Nuâ—sery ought to be in a more barren ground then the places whither they are transplanted It is true change of soyles sometimes is very good if to the better but its true also that if trees grow in over ranke soyle then worse will be better that is will help more towards fruitfulnesse as a course and meane fare is better for a fat man then the more delicious Without controversy young trees out of barren Nurseries come on faster when transplanted then out of fat soyles but in case the Nursery be fat soyle then some other as good must be laid to their Roots when set againe Hacking of Trees doth great good to Trees After eight or tenne yeares growth cutting or scoring oâ— hacking the barke of trees with a knife is profitable but while they aâ—e young the Barke is but thin and tender and enlargeth well enough without this cutting unlesse some that through barrennesse of soyle or other cause are barkâ— bound Shade to some plants conduceth to make them large and prosperous more then Sunne As in strawberries and Baies c. It is true Baies and Lawrell prospereth better in the Shade then in the Sunne being Hot Plants but Strawberries do better partly in the shade and partly in the sunne then in shade only as â—mong Bushes and other plants I have observed those in the shade to beare little or nothing when others of the same kind and growth somewhat in the sunne bore very much Pulling off many blossomes from a fruit-tree doth make the fruit fairer and if some blossomes be not pulled off the fiâ—st time a tree bloometh it will blossome it selfe to death Commonly the fewer blossoms upon a tree the fairer will the fruit be because as the Authour saies of the plenty of sap And indeed in case a tree newly planted blossome very much and the Roote be but weake which may be perceived by the weaknesse of the buds then its best to pull off most if not all the blossomes but many I have knowne the first yeares planting take Roote so strongly being in good moâ—ld as that they blossome and shoot forth and beare faire fruits the same yeare It wâ—re good to try what would be the â—ffâ—ct if all the blossomes were pulled from a Fruit-tree for two yeares together Fruit-trees that beare but every other yeare they for the most pâ—rt beare that yeare very plentifully and the excâ—ssive expence of sap â—hat yeare its like makes the tree more feeble the next but if blossomes be pulled â—ff a yeare or two together I suppose the sap would go moâ—e into the shoots and maâ—e them larger then if it bore fruits and the issue aâ— to bearing more or better fâ—uits would be nothing worth There is no doubt but that Grafting for the most part doth mâ—liorate fruit The cause is manifest for that the nourishment is better prepared in the stocke then in the crude earth Grafting doth not at all meliorate the fruit simply in it sâ—lfe for a â—ice will not be the better for Grafting unlesse the grafts be taken from a good tree If the tree from which grafts are cut be no better then the tree which is grafted then grafting will not a jot mend the fruit which it would if grafting were any thing towards the bettering of the fruit The cause why Grafted trees beare better fruits then wild ungrafâ—ed trees is not because they are grafted but because the grafâ—s are good the tree from which the grafts are cut is of a good kind and nature and every â—wig graft and bud hath the nature of the whole tree in it perfectly the properties of the tree are in all and every part as the soule in the body which is tota in toto tota in qualibet paâ—te and the grafts retaine the nature and properties being grafted upon wild stocks and bring forth fruits accordingly and that 's the cause that grafting doth meliorate the fruit and not because the nourishment is better prepared in the stock then in the crude earth for the branches of an ungrafted tree do no more receive nourishment from the crude earth then the branches of a grafted tree but the sâ—p and nourishment passeth up a body or stock to the branches in the one as well as in the other And as iâ— iâ— true that the Peach and Melocotâ—ne do beare good frâ—its comming up of stoneâ— which is not alwaies so neither only here and there one so it is true also that they beare as good fruits of the bud being Inoculated It hath beene received that a smaller Peare grafted upon a stock that beareth a greater Peare will become great c. It is true as the Authour thinks that this will not succeed because the Grafts do governe they alwaies bring forth fruit answerable to their owne natures and kinds else it were to little purpose to get Grafts from such or such a good Tree to have more of the kind Yet it is true also that the stock hath some influence upon the Graft so as to make the fruit better or worse according to the nature of the stock in some small degree As if we graft upon a stock that naturally beares a sower harsh fruit the fruit of the graft will not be altogether so pleasant as if it were grafted upon a stock that beares naturally a sweet and pleasant fruit and hence it is that Peares grafted upon Quince-stocks will be more delicate then upon Peare-stocks The Quince-stock gives an excellent tast to it but these trees upon Quinces will never attaine to any great bignesse for all Quince-trees are but small in comparison of Peare-trees and where the stock can be but small the graft cannot be great yet as I have seene it somewhat bigger then the stock As for a Peare upon a Thorne which this Authour speakes of it cannot be good it makes it a harsh hard Peare at the core if it thrive and beare but most commonly they dye in two or three yeares we know its naturall fruit Hawes have stones in them But for the Apple upon the Crab that 's naturall the Crab being a wild apple and very proper to graft all sorts of Apples upon in regard of the soundnesse of the stock its long lasting and aptnesse to take with grafts and also when set in the ground although its true it makes the fruit somewhat more tart then
such variety and châ—iâ—e But for men to find out and shew a particular Cause in Nature of this variety will be as hard to do as to shew a Cause why severall kinds of Grafts upon one tree drawing one and the selfe same sap do yet briâ—g forth different Fruits other then to say they keepe their severall Natures and so convert the same sap into severall kinds of Fruits And why may not the same be said of severall seeds and Roots in one Bed drawing the same juyce of the Earth Concerning sowing of Gilly flower seede I advise those that sow it first to gather it from the fairest and best Clove-Gilly-flower and that iâ— be full ripe ere it be gâ—thered which is when it is turned blackâ— Also seede may be gâ—thered from other double flowers some commend especially the London white others a flower cald the old mans headâ— and say the greatest varieties câ—me from these some are for one and some for another but so it is that most will be single flâ—wers from the best seede but doubtlesse there is much in the ground in which the seede is sowen if it be poore soyle they are more like to be more single then if the ground be speciall rich mould for as was said barren ground as it makes flowerâ—small so sometimes in it they turne from double to single so it may be said as to the seede when sowen It is a Curiosity to have Flowers double which is effected by often Removing them into new earth as on the contrary part double flowers by neglecting and not removing prove single And the way to do it speedily is to sow or set seeds or slips of flowers and as soone as they câ—mâ— up to remove them into new ground that is good Enquire also whâ—ther Inoculating of Flowers as Stock-Gilly-flowers Roses Musk-Roses c. doth not make them double For the first part of â—his Experiment to make Flowers double or fairer it is a good Rule as the Authour hath set downe especially if withall we observe the directions given in the Observation to the 50â—Experimâ—nt in breaking off some of the Buds and Stâ—ms and letting some few grow to be flâ—wers Concerning Inoculating of Flowers Stock Gilly flowers or any other kind I know no such thing and believe it is but a fancy for having heard of it I have considered of the matter and cannot find nor apprehend what it is that should be Inoculated there are no buds nor any thing like a bud to be taken off for that purpose And I have spoken with divers who have had skill in Flâ—wers and they have said they have heard of such a thing but have never seene any thing thereof in Experience There are â—hree other waies sufficient for the propagation of flowers which are by Seede by Slips and by Layers but by Laying is by far the best as is shewed at large in the Observation to the 506. Experiment But as for Inoculating Roses Musk Râ—se and all other kinds that is very commoâ— and sure yet as to the intent of the Authour viz. to make them double it succeeds not and he himselfe hath given the Reason truly upon another occâ—sion That is all Buds and Grafts Rule and keepe their owne Natures and so change not neither as to the making Rosâ—s more doubleâ— or better then they were before nor as to the bettering of any Fâ—uit as hath beene shew'd heretofore The mâ—king of Fruits without Core or Stone is likewise a Curiosity If a Cions or shoote have the Pith finely taken forth and not altogâ—ther but some of it left the better to save the life it will beare a fruit with little or no Core or Stone The like is said to be of dividing a Quick tree downe to the ground and taking out the Puâ— aâ—d then binding it up againe These prescriptions for making Fâ—uits without Core or stone I cannoâ— think are from this worthy Authour but they are such as are set downe by others which I have seene And they are as weake and groundlesse conceits as many other things asserted by them about changâ—ing the species of Fruits and making them of an aromatique and pleasant tast and altering the Colour of Fruits and such like coâ—ceits the variety of which I suppose hath beene sufficiently laid open in a late Treatise of Fruit-trees see there Errors discovered pag. 91 92. c. For let this thing be a little considered and it will appeare to any man that has but halfe an eye to be vaine suppose a shoote or Graft as is here said be cloven and all or most of the pith taken out and adâ—it such a one be Grafted or any way set in the ground so as to take roote and growâ— yet we know all the Bark and Buds are as they were before the taking out of the Pith makes no alteration at all more or lesse we know in all the Buds that are Inoculated not only all the Piâ—h but also all the wood is cast away and noâ—hing made use of but only the Buds and Bark of any young shoote and yet wee see by continuall Experience what the effect iâ— that these Buds bring forâ—h the same Fruits as the trees from which they were taken And if a * young tree were divided and the Pith taken out from the top to the Roote as is said there is lesse Reason if lesse can be that that should work this effâ—ct because all the side twigs if it have any would have pith stâ—ll And if it have none or if the Pith were taken out of all yet we know the increase of the Tree must be still from the Buds which have the same nature in them as Grafts or Buds Inoculated It is very probable that any sower fruit grafted upon a stock that beareth a sweeter fruit may both make the fruit sweeter and more voyd of the harsh matter of the kernells or seeds It is Reported that not only taking out the Pith but the stopping of the juyâ—e of the Pith from rising in the midst and turning it to rise oâ— the outside will make the fruit withouâ— core or stone The Rule is Generall that whatsoever will make a wild Tree a Gardâ—n tree will make a Garden tree to have lesse Core or stone It is true that a sower fruit grafted upon a stock of a sweeter kind will make the fruit somewhat sweeter yet so as that the Graft still governs as this Authour elsewhere hath said and as Experience proves Bâ—t the fruits will have kâ—rnâ—lls and seeds as before As for taking out the Pith or stopping the juyce of the Pith it is all one as to this intention Concerning the generall Rule in the 517 Experiment I know nothing that will make a Wild tree a Garden tree but grafting it with good kinds of grafts And I am sure grafting will not make any fruit to have lesse Core or stone Plants for want
acquainted with them and know their good properties and virtues in reference to Health and Longâ—life they will be more diligent in planting Fruit-trees such as are best and fittest for this purpose As the Pearâ—-maine Pippin Gâ—nnet-Moyle Redstreake and such like whiâ—h make Cider better then French-winds Concerning the manner of making Cider and Perry with the kâ—eping and oâ—dering of it I have spoken at large in my Treatiâ—e â—f Fruit-trees See the use of Fruits pag. 77. Aâ— for Plums it is affirmed that there may be made an excellent wine out of them and also Aquavitae of those that are sweete fat Plumâ— as Musle plums Damsonâ— c. And though the juyce be too thiâ—k of it selfe for that purpose yet water Cider or some other Liquor may be mixed therewiâ—h which being put up into the Vesâ—ell some Honey Yest or the like must be mixed to cause it to woâ—ke It hath beene noted that mâ—st Trees and specially those that beare Mast are â—â—uiâ—full but once in two yeaâ—es The Cause no doubt is the expence of sâ—p For many Orchard Trees well culâ—ured will beâ—re divers yâ—ares together Some Fruit-trees beare store of fruits but once in two yeares and I conceive it to be as naturall so to do as to beare such or such a kâ—â—d of Fruit And others are observed to beare store of Fâ—uits eâ—â—â—y yeare constantly unlesse perhaps in some extreame blastâ—â—g spring which spoyles in a manner all But for many yeâ—â—es tâ—gether eveâ—y yeaâ—e sâ—me are knowne to beare Fruiâ—s exceeding full in the same ground and with the same culture as those that beare but each other yeare so that we see the expence of saâ— in the â—â—aring yeare is not the only Cause that Trees beaâ—e not the next yeare â—â—ter foâ— some that expend as much sap do yet beare the next yeare after as full as before So then let care be taken to â—hâ—se Grafâ—s from those trees that we see by Experience are the best and mâ—st constâ—nâ— bâ—arers and bâ—st fruits The gâ—â—atâ—r part of Tâ—ees beare most and best on the lower Boughes but some beare bâ—st on the tâ—p bâ—ughes Those that beare bâ—st below are â—uâ—h as shade doth more good to then hurt for gâ—nâ—rally all fruits beaâ—e bâ—st lâ—west bâ—cauâ—e the sap tireth not having but a short way and theâ—efore in Fâ—uits spread upon walls the lowâ—st are the greatest To my Observation Apple-trees Peare trees Cherry-trees c. that are good bearers they beare all over alike And generally all Fruitâ—tâ—ees in these parâ—s hâ—ve need enough of the sunne and beare better in the â—unne then in the shâ—dâ— But indeed as to Wall-tâ—ees most commonly we see most fruits upon the lower boughes and * sideâ—boughes And the reason I apprehend to be this Not the tiring of the sap in its going to the top branches for the sap is too vigorous and too plentifull in the top boughes and thence it is we alwaies see the fairest and greatest shoots towards the top of all wâ—ll-trees and commonly of all other trees But the cause why the lower boughes and side branches have usually more fruit then the top branches I conceive to be for that the sap naturally presseth upwards in greatest plenty and runneth forth into shoots and branches Nâ—w natâ—re being so intent and vigorously active in one work viz. increase of the tree in those branches it doth not put forth it selfe at the same time in that other effect of bearing fruit upon the same branches But now as to the lower boughes and side-branches there naâ—ure is at work but in a râ—misse and weaker dâ—gree as to the increase of the branches such grow but little because the sap is somewhat obstructed and curbed by bowing the branches downewards and so does attend to the other work also viz. the bearing of Fruits And the truth of this is made more evident if we consider the same thing in all young trees We know young Apple-trees Peare-trees and the like when and while they grow and increase exceedingly in all the parts shooting forth great large strong shoots and branches they beare but littlâ— fruit or none at all But afâ—er certaine yeares when they grow not so much when they shoute lâ—ssâ— then they fall to bearing fruits more abundantly There be Trees that bearâ— best when thâ—y begin to be old As Almonds Peares Vines and all trees that give Mast. The Cause is for that all trees that beare Mast have an oylie Fruit and young trees have a more watry juyce and lesse concocted But the most part of Trees Amongst which are Apples Plums c. bearâ— best when they are young Pearâ—-trees Apple-trees Plumâ— and Cherry trees if they be good â—earing kinds naturally after they are three or foure yeares growâ—h and some sooner do all beare store of fruits untill they be extreame old and in a decaying dying condiâ—ion And thereâ—ore in planting of Fruit-trees be sure to procure those kinds that are knowne by Experience to be good bearers and good fruits and such will beare well both when they are young and when they are old untill extreame age Were I to plant an Orchard or Garden of Fruit-trees and might have Trees at hand freely for nothing of indifferent common kinds aâ—d but indâ—fferent beareâ—s I would raâ—her châ—â—e to fetch â—hose thaâ— are choice kinds and speciall bearers one hundred or two hundred miles if they could not be had neerer and there pay deare for them too besides all other Charges then take those at hand for when men plant Fruit-â—râ—es It is not for a fâ—w yeâ—â—es but foâ—sevâ—rall generations therefore take speciall care to have the bâ—st kinds for bearing and for Râ—lish or tast that is the foundation of the work the principall thing in planting Now when fruit-trees are growen to extreame old age and therefore beâ—re but little this mâ—y be done which will make them as it were young againe for certaine yeares and to beare excâ—eding much fruit yearâ—ly That is Cut off their Headâ— or big boughâ—s not straight over but a slope that so Raine and moisture may not rest â—pon the top to rot it These great Boughes will the next sommer put forth many young shoots which may be Inoculated the same sommer or Grafted the spring after with speciall bearing kinds And these old Bodies hâ—ving young heads which draw sap vigorously will be much refreshed thereby and such trees will beare store of fruits many yeares after the Roâ—ts of Trees do some of them put downâ—-wards deep into the ground As the Oake Pine Fiâ—re câ— some spread more towards the surface of the earth As the Ash cypress-Cypresse-tree Olive c. The Caâ—se of this lâ—â—â—r may be for that such Trees as lovâ— the sunne do not williâ—gly dâ—scend farre into the Earth It is true The Roots of Oakâ— Trees and some other kinds shoot dâ—wne deeper into the Earth then Ash-trees and some other â—â—ees May
a Fathome of the water Wine and Beere in these Bottles have kept better then in a Cellâ—r but those above water were apparently the best The Cause why Beere wine Cider or the like will keepe better thus and in Earth sand c. as before then in Vâ—ssells or Bottles above ground I apprehenâ— as was said for that the Aire is excluded and the spirits shut in also the Aire above ground is subject to variationâ— someâ—imes more hot and sometimes more cold which somâ—what stirrs and affects the spirits of the Liquor in the Vessâ—ll wheâ—â—by they become weaker I have heard iâ— reporâ—ed for a truth That Bottles of Wine or some other Liquor were found in a deepe draw-well which had been many yeares fâ—â—d up and afterwards opened and cleâ—sed againe for use and the Liquor was found to be very fresh and good notwithstanding it had lâ—en there many yeare whereby it is manifest thâ—t this way of keeping Liquors will preserve it good a long time The IX CENTURY WE have partly touched before the meanes of producing fruits without Cores or stones And this we adde further that the Cause must be abundance of moisture for that the Core and stone are made of a dry sapâ— And we see that it is possible to makâ— a Trâ—e put forth oâ—ly in Blossome without fruit as in Cherries with double flowers much more in fruit without stone or Cores This hath beene spoken to sufficiently before See Experiment 514. It is neither the taking out of the Piâ—h as is there prescribed nor the abundance of moisture as here that will work this effect some Trees have a greate deale too much moisture and yet the fruits of such have neverthelesse cores or stones As for the Cherry-tree that puts forth Blossâ—ms without Fruits that is not made to do so by any mans Art or Skill but it is naturall I know the kind well it is as naturall for it to beare double blossoms without Fruit as for any other Tree to beare such or such a kind of fruit Trees set upon the backâ— of Chimneys do ripen fruits sooner Vines that have been drawen in at the window of a Kitchen have sent forth Grapes ripe a moâ—th at lâ—ast before others Thiâ— is certaine as the Author saieâ—â— such a kind of heate as is upon the back of Chimneys where fire is continually or most commonly kept will much hasten the ripening of fruits I have seene a thin Brick wall wheâ—e fire hath been kept on the one side and Fruit-trees have been planâ—â—d on the other side which have brought forth ripe fâ—uits very early much sooner then the same â—inds without such artificiall heate But as I remember such trees dye soone after bearing they last but one yeare being so much forced with heate it destroyes nature And Branches of Vines being drawen in at the window of a Kitchen or room where fire is kept the fruits will be ripe sooner then those without dores but let it not be too neere the fire lest it wither or over much dry the branch THE END I desire the Reader to amend these faults escaped in Printing PAg. 2. line 1â—â— for formingâ— reade forcing of nature p. 30. l. 6. put a full poynt afâ—er the wâ—â—d Flower p. 30. â— 7. for is read with p. 32. l. the last for variâ—ty â—ead 〈◊〉 p. 40. l. the firâ—t for winds read wines A Table shewing the Principall things contained in the ensuing Experiments and Observations ACceleration of Germination by sâ—wing seede upon a hot-bed pag. 1. Steeping of seeds kernells stones c. in Liquors before sowing to make them spring up the sooner p. 2. Watring of Strawberries to hasten their ripening pâ— 3. Blood and other things applyed to the Roots of trees helps towards thâ—iving of the Trees and bearing of Fruits moderately and seasonably observed p. 3. Fruits upon the south and East sun ripen soonest p. 3. Digging about the Roots of some Trees is profitable p. 4. Rose-trees bud forth in the house p. 4. Flowers with bulbous Roots grow a time in water p. 4. Pease Radish c. Early p 4. Water necâ—ssary to fruit-trees but not overmuch p. 5. Plants housed seasâ—â—ably bud soonest p. 5. To make Roses come late severall meanes p. 5 6 7. Stones weeds muck c. laid about the Roots of new set trees makes them prosper bâ—tter p. 7. Keepe Trees stâ—dy at first seâ—ting p 8. Cut away suckers and side branches as need is p. 8. Branches of some Trees laid in the ground take Roote pâ— 8. How to take â—ff the Boughes of some trees with Roots p. 8. No descention of sap in Trees divers Arguments against it p. 9. How to make barren Trees fruitfull p. 9 10. Trees against a South-wall beare fruits ripe soonest 10. Pull not off leaves too soâ—ne p. 10. Fruits on low boughes ripe soonâ—st p. 11. Graft trees that beare not or beare not good fruits with Grafts of good bearing kinds p. 11. Digging â—bout the Roots of trees profitable to some p. 12. Opening the Roots of old trees and putting in good mould is necâ—ssary in barren ground p. 12. Traâ—splant trees from bad ground to better p. 12. Cuâ—ting or scoring the bark of treesâ— sometimes profitable p. 13. Shade good for some trees p 13. Pull off Blossoms in some Cases p. 13 14. Grafting helpeth not trees excâ—pt the Grafts are of good kinds p. 14. Gâ—afts do governe yet partake somewhat of the stock p. 14 15. Fruit-trees of some kernells beare good fruits p. 15 16. Remove Flowers into fresh â—arth p. 16. Regrafting the same Graft makâ—s not fruits greater p 16. Cut not off the â—ops of young fig-trees p. 17. Blacke Mulberry-trees great bearers p. 17. Lees of Wineâ— Blood c. good especially to old trees p. 17. Terebration of trees good for some trees 17. Pricking or scoring some trees profitable p. 18. Swines dung good for trees if moderately used p. 18. Simply grafting doth not melioratâ— fruits p. 18. Chuse the bâ—st Grafts and Stocks p. 18. Rotâ—en dung bâ—st for trees p. 19. Fruit growing in Pots p. 19. Set not any Trees below the soyle p. 20. Fruits upon warme walles ripen soonest p. 20. Graft upon the bâ—st stoâ—kâ— p. 20. The Causes of Barrennâ—sse of Trees 21 Of Compounding fruits making of sâ—veâ—all kinds one nâ—w kind 22. Symâ—athyâ— and Antipathy of Plant 23. Severall kinds drawing â—he â—â—me â—uyce or sap convert it into their ownâ— Natures p. 24 Of making herbs and Fruits Medicinable p. 25. Curiosities about Fâ—uits and Plants p. 26. Fruits of severall shapes 26. Fruits and trees wiâ—h inscâ—iptionsâ— or ingravings upon them p. 26. Set Letters on Fruit-trees to know the kinds p. 27. Trees appaâ—elled with Flowâ—rs p. â—7 Râ—move Flowers into frâ—sh mould p. 27 28. Lay Flâ—wers to multiply them see how pâ— 28. Clâ—ve-Gillyâ— Flowers the most uâ—â—full p. 29. White colours more inodorate p 29â— White fruits câ—mmonly bâ—st p. 30.
from which they are cut do bring â—orth the same fruits so also do Buds though they be much smaller then grafts when Inoculated upon wild stocks As concerning the choice of stocks in grafting in order to the advancement of fruits it is certaine the goodnesse of the stocks in respect of nature and kind is very considerable The sweeter and better the stock is the better will the fruit be that is engrafted thereon Though it be true that grafts governe and bring forth the same fruits according to their owne kinds yet the stock hath some considerable influence upon the fruit of the graft and thence it is that Peares upon a Quince as the Authour speaks of are better then the â—ame kind upon a wild Peare stock as Experience shewes because a Quince is a more excellent fruit then a wild Peare so the nourishment of the stockâ— is answerable It is set downe as try'd that a mixture of Brane and Swines dung or Chaffe and Swines-dung rotten is a great nourisher and comforter to a Fruit-tree There is no doubt but Swines dung or any other dung with other Composts laid together till they be rotten will nourish and comfort fruit-trees and better when they are throughly rotten turned to mould then before because new dung may be too hot It is delivered by some that if one take the bough of a low tree newly budded and draw it gently into an earthen Pot perforated at the bottome to let in the Plant and then cover the Pot with earth it will yeild a very large fruit within ground the like will be effected by an empty pot with some few pertusions made in the Pot hang'd in the Tree Concerning the first of these waies I suppose the fruit growing upon the bough so bowed downe into a Pot will not be so large as the fruit upon the other boughes because we see by Experience it is against the nature of sap to runne vigorously or in any great plenty into bougheâ— bended downewards so neere the earth as this must needs be for sap presseth upwards in greatest plenty and consequently those fruits will be greatest which have most sap I meane such as are of one kind upon one tree And concerning the second mâ—anes by the perforated Pot hang'd in the tree that is more likely to worke the effect as to the greatnesse of fruit not so much I suppose because of the pertusions or holes in the Pot as by the shade that the fruit has by the Pot for although fruit that growes in the sunnâ— be much better and more pleasant then that which growes in the shade as being better coâ—cocted yet that in the shade of the same kind is commonly the gâ—eater but more flat dull and inconcoct as we see in Aprâ—cots Cherries c. undeâ—â—he leaves All trees in high and sandy grounds are to be sâ—t dâ—ep and in watry groundâ— more shâ—llow And all trâ—es when thâ—y be removâ—d â—specially Fruit-trâ—â—s care ought to be taken that the sides of the Trees be coasted North and South as they stood before It is true that trees on higher grounds are to be set somewhat dâ—â—per then in moist grounds yet bewaâ—e of setting below the good scylâ— in any groundâ— As for coasting of trees that is setiâ—g the same side to the South when tranâ—planted as was before the Rule is good but not necessary for many thousands are transplanâ—ed wâ—â—h gâ—od successe not observing which side grew Noâ—th or South howsoever some reasons migh be shew'd why t is best to observe it if it may conveniently be done Fâ—uit-trees set upon a wall against the sunne betweene â—lbâ—wes or Butâ—eressâ—s of stone ripen mâ—re then upon a plaine wall Fruit-trees soset have their fruits ripe sooner then thoâ—e upon a plaine wall no so much because they are dâ—fended better from winds but chiâ—â—lâ— because theâ— have a double or â—reble dâ—gree of heate to wâ—at those upon a plaine wall have the heâ—te being pent in by the Eâ—bâ—wes or Buâ—terâ—sses of the wall and so râ—â—lâ—cts the stronger upon the fruits and trees there is a double reflection of heate upon such Grafting Elms or other unfruitfull trees will make their Leaves largâ—r as in Fruit-trees the Graft maketh the greater fruit Grafting barely considered as Grafting will not do this it will neither make Leaves nor Fruits fairer but as stocks are chosen for the purpose for though it be true as hath been elsewhere said that Grafts governe and overrule the stocks bringing forth the same leaves and fruits when grafted as before according to their owne Natures yet it is true also that the stocks have some small influence upon them in making the fruits better or worse in tast and bignâ—sse and so of the leaves in fairenesse according to the goodnesse or badnesse of the stocks yet notwithstanding Grafâ—s and Buds inoculated may be said to rule and bring forth the same fruits else it were in vaine to Graft Barrâ—nnesse of trees commeth of their overgrowing with Mosse or their being Hide bound or planting too dâ—â—pe or by issuing of the sap too much into the Leaves There are severall Causes of the barrennâ—sse of trees I conceive Mossinesse as Mossinesse is not the cause of barrennâ—ssâ— but the Causes of Mossinesse are the Cauâ—es of barrennesse which are Coldnesse overmoistnesse and barrennesse of the soyle where the trees grow Therefore such soyles must be amended See how Treatise of Fruit-trees pag. 114. Also barrennesse is often by reason of the excessive sap and moisture of trees which is mâ—nifest by their strong and vigorouâ— shoots branches and broad greene leaves as in many young full-fed trees for while nature is vigorous and active spending it selfe that wâ—y in the excessive growth of the Tree it is then weake and feeble in bearing of fruits Now as to some kinds of trees it is not best for some time to go about to remove the Cause that is as to standard Apple-trees Peare-trees and other kinds which gâ—ow in the Oâ—chards and fields at large but let them alone let them go on in â—heir large and vigorous growthes for certaine yeares though they beare bâ—t little provided that we know they aâ—e naturally of good bearing kinds otherwise it is in vaine to waiâ—e for store of fruits from such trees After that such trees have growen exceedingly some yeares and attained a faire large growth they will then by degrees grow lesse in the branches and fall to bearing of fruits But in case the trees are Wall-trees and shooâ—e excessively and beare not then it will be best to take away the Cause as much as we can that is First abate their overfull and rank nouâ—ishment by putting in sand gravell Buck-ashes or any thing that is barren insteed of the â—at soyle Secondly also cut off and part one or two of the biggest Roots from the body that so it may have lesse
convert it and assimilate it into their severall natures accordâ—ng to the innaâ—e and intrinsâ—call Formeâ—hat every one hath as was said before of severall kinds of grafts upon one tree The altering of the Sent Colour or Tast of Fruit by infusing mixing or letting into the Bark or Rootâ— of the tree Herb or Flower any coloured arâ—maticall or Medicinall substance are but Fancies All alteration of vegetables in those quâ—lities must be by somewhat that is apt to go into the nourishment of the Plant. Divers Authours in their Books of planting Fruit-trees have given severall directions for the altering of the Sent Colour and Tast of Fruits but none of them from any well grounded Experience Many particulers are mentioned and set downe at large with reasons and Experience against them that men may not be deceived by them and loose their tâ—me cost and labour about such Fancies See pag. 91 92. c. of the Treatise of Fruit-trees But as this Authour saâ—es well The lâ—keliest way to make herbs and fruits Medicinable and to give them a good relish is the often watring of the Tree or Plant with that substance which we desire they should pertâ—ke of for this is certaine and we see it by manifest experience that Plants and fruits of Trees do somewhat tast and partake of the nature and virtues of that kind of nourishment which they continually draw As if Trees grow upon a low mâ—ist watrish ground the fruits will be more spongy and watrish then the same kinds of fruits where the trees gâ—ow upon a dry sandy soyle So if Cabbages Turneps Carrâ—ts and such like grow in a Rancke Soyle full of Filâ—h and Dung they have a virtue and relish accordingly not halfe so sweeâ—e and pleasant as the same kinds growing upon pure moâ—ld or sweet sandy soyle so here If men think it worth the while if they judge it will answer their labour cost and time to water Fruit-trees herbs plants and flowers with Aromaticall and Medicinall substances Infusions of Cinamon Ginger Cloves Mace and such like spices to give a pleasant relish or for physicall respects with Hellâ—bore Opium Scammony c. If they can afford to give them enough from time to time of these things waâ—ring their Roots abundantly therewith why then its probable such Plants will somewhat pertâ—ke of their virtues but as for slitting of their Roots or perforating the body of the Tree and infusing the medicine or steâ—ping the sâ—ede or kernell in sâ—me Liquor wherein the mâ—dicine is infusâ—d these I account aâ— good as nothing not only for that the virtues cannot be communâ—caâ—ed or transâ—used by this meanes but also because though they weâ—e carried to all the parâ—s of treeâ— and plants yet suâ—h â—mall quantities would be indiscernable the effect would be as nothing at all The VI CENTURY IT is a curiosity to have severall fruits upon one tree some early and sâ—mâ— late ripe fruits all sâ—mmâ—r This is done by Grafting sâ—verall â—ruits upon one tree But I conceive the diversity of fruits must be such as wâ—ll grafâ— upon the same stocke not contrary kinds It is true as the Authour saies that severall fruits may be grafâ—ed or Inoculated upon one tree some early and some late but yet as he also observes they must be of such as will take and grow together as many â—inds of Applâ—s upon one tree so of Peares and of Châ—rries among themsâ—lves and the lâ—ke And it is not true which some Authours have written that Cherries and Plums Figgs Nuts Peaches and such like will grow together upon one tree Yet a Book intituled the Country farme composed by some Doctors of Physicke and other inexperienced men is full of such odde conceits pag. 360 361 c. It is a curiâ—sity to have fruits of divers shapes and figuresâ— This is easily performed by moulding them when the fruit is young with moulds of earth or wood â—f severall shapes on the inner side as it is in mould workes of Liquid thingâ—â— let the moulds be made partible in the middle that they may be opened Also Trees or Fruits may be with Inscriptions and engravings upon them by writing with a Nâ—edle or Bodkin or Knife when the Trees and Fruits are young and as they grow greater so the Letters or figures will be more plaine If men be not content with the Naturall forme of Fruits they may if they have so much leasure to spâ—re put them into moulds as is said to make them of an artificiall forme As for Inscriptions figuresâ— and shapes upon Fruit trees that is as the Authour saies performed by scoring through the Baâ—ke with the poynt of a knife in the spring or summer what Lettersâ— or Words or Figures a man pleaseth which as the tree growes will become more plaine and discernable and that for many yeares after I use to make a Letter or two or three or more upon all young trees that I graft whereby to know the severall kinds of Fruits or if any be stolen and found againe they may thereby be knowne And I have perceived the Letters plainely Nine or Ten yeares after or more But as for the prescriptions of some Authours about these things they are vaine and ridiculous who direct to write upon the kernellâ— of seeds that we sow and set and upon the Buds that we inoculate what letters or shape we please and the fruits coming thereof will have the samâ— upon them See hereof Treatise of Fruit-trees pag. 97. You may have Trees apparelled with Flowers or herbs by boring holes in the bodies of them and putting into them good mould and setting slips or â—owing seeds therein those Roots of a more Ligneous nature will perhaps incoâ—porate with the tree it selfe This is a Curiosity indeed which may be done as the Authour saies by mâ—king hâ—les in Trees and putting in good mould care must be taken to make them slopewaies with the bottome downewards that so both mould and moisture may keepe in them about the Roots of things that are set But yet I should be loath to spoyle a good tree thus for it must needs make it rot and perish in a certaine time howsoever for one or two of indifferent kinds it may raâ—her be admitted for satisâ—action in this Curiosity Beauty in Flowers is their preheminence It is observed that Gilly-flowers Violets c. that are coloured if they be neglâ—cted and not watred nor nâ—w moulded nor traâ—splanted will turne white And its probable that the white with much culturâ— may turne colourâ—d I doubt not but that the Flowers aforementioned and diverâ— oâ—her â—inds will not only lâ—oâ—e the beauty of their Coloâ—rs if they be not sometimes removed into new and bâ—tter mould but also that they will in time change from double to single or else be much â—malâ—r then they will be in frâ—shâ— strong mould Therefore every oâ—her yeare at least let
Authour sâ—ies by the coldnesse and scantnâ—sse of the nourâ—shment And therefore there is neede besides the scraping off of the Mosse to lay the Roots of fruit-Fruit-trees as dry as may be in such moist grounds by treâ—ching or otherwise and also to bring in some soyles to make the gâ—ound bâ—tter and warmer as much as may be It is to be notedâ— that commonly trees that ripen their fruits latest do blossome soonest Sâ—me fruit-Fruit-trees indeed which bring forth their fruits to perfectâ—on and ripenesse late in the yeare do blossome early as having neede of the heate of the sunne to ripen them all the sommer But some other kinds blossome early and ripen theâ—r Fruits also eaâ—ly As May Cherry trees the Premordenâ—plum also the Mirabilon plum-tree blossomes exceeding early and the tree brings forth his Fruit early I have got ripe plums from this tree about the beginning of Iuly which is early for Plums There be fruits but rarâ—ly that come twice a yeare As some Peares strawberries c. Roses beare twice but it is not witâ—out cutting The Winsor Peare-tree does blossome and beare fruits twice in the yearâ— some yeares but the second bearing I couâ—d never see worth the gaâ—hering for they are poore small hard fruits not worth any thing I have seen Cherries twice in the yeare upon one and the same tree An early Flanders which I set upon a very warme southwall bore ripe Cherries about the twenteth of May And the same tree bore a couple of ripe Cherries afterwards the one about the sixth of Octobâ—r the other a fortnight after Strawberries ordinarily beare twice a yâ—are though but few the second time As for Rose-trees some damask Roses and some Provosts beare a second time the same yeare though but few if cut soone after the first bearing in the full Moone But besides there is a Rose-tree called the Monthly Roâ—e which beares Roses untill the coldnesse of the winter stop it about November Nothing procureth the lasting of Trâ—es Bushes and Heâ—bs so much as oftâ—n cutting For every cutting causeth a Renovation of the juyce of the Plant that is neither goâ—th so farre nor riseth so faintly as when the plant is not cut This is to be considered in cutting of trees else insteed of making them last longer we shorten their lives That iâ— that we so cut them that the wet and moisture get not into their bodies which in certaine yeares will â—ot and spoyle them as we see in many pollard trees which are hollow all along their bodies And many Fruit-trees having had their heads cut off when they were great Trees and grafted againe we see the wet and moisture gets in at the top before the Grafts can cover the head and rots the tree which can never grow great after nor last long but rotâ— and decayes in few yeâ—res Whereas Trees that are sound Fruit-trees and all other kinds must needs last much longer yet as to cutting of side branches and all supeâ—fluous branches which are not great that conduceth to the lasting of Trees as giving the more plentifull and vigâ—rous nourishment to those that are left and to the whole body The VII CENTURY QVinces or Apples if you will keepe them long drowne them in Honey but because Honey perhaps will give them a tast overlushious it were good to make tryall in powder of sugar or in â—yrrup of wine only boyled to height As for keeping of Apples keeping them in honey or sugar would be too costly some Pippins and Iohn Apples will of themselves last till new come againe its good then to get such kinds that we may have for use all the yeare longâ— without charge in keeping And for keeping Quinces they are kept long in pickle made of the Paâ—ings and Coresâ— of those that are used for Marmalade well boyled in water with Salt and Ginger Or a better way as some account is to â—eepe them in small Ale a penny a Gallon and to draw iâ— off once in ten or twelve daâ—es and put in fâ—esh thus it s said they will last two yeares Take Grapes and hang them in an empty Vâ—ssâ—ll well stopped and sâ—t the Vâ—ssâ—ll not in a Cellar but in some dry place and its said thâ—y will last loâ—g Grapes will keepe for some short time in this manner as hath been said but when cold moist Aire towards winter comes on they will begin to mould and â—ot I have kept some in Glasse as close stopâ— with Corkâ— and wax as I could supposing the exclusion of Aire had been best but though they were good certaine weekes yet afterwards they began to perish I account it better to hang the Bunches in a Kitchin or some warme Roome where fire is much kept that so some of their supeâ—flâ—ous moisture may be a little dryed up I have kept them thus many weekes For though the Aire be much shut out from them in any Vâ—ssâ—ll yet that Aâ—re that is shut in with them and their owne naturall moisture will cause putrefaction therefore there is neede of some degree of warmth with drynâ—sse Cut off some of the wood with the Bunches and cover them with Paper from dust and hang them up Also a Vine Branch full of ripe Grapes may be drawne in at a window and Nailed up upon the wâ—ll or â—eeling letting the brâ—nch grow still to the Vine thus they will keepe long The juyces of Fruits are either watry or oylie I reckon amongst the watry all the fruits out of which drinke is expressed as the Grape the Apple the Peare the Cherry the Pome-granate c. And thâ—re are some others which though they be not in use for drinke yet they appeare to be of the same nature As Plums Mulberries Services Rasps c. And for those juyces that are so fleshy as they cannot make drinke by expression yet perhaps they may make drinke by mixture of water And some of the watry juyces after they have gathered spirit will burnâ— and inflame as wine Concerning the juyces of Apples Peares and Cherries these are well knowne and much in use and esteeme the two former with us in England and all of them in other parts And we might have wine of Cherries as plentifull in England as it is beyond-sea if men would but plant store of Cherry trees of the best kinds such as are fittest for this purpose As the Morello-Cherry the Charoone the Black-hart and other kâ—nds which have a pleasant tast the jâ—yce of which is of a deepe red colour These would make a delicate wine especially for sommer time And which will last also all the yeare as I have heard it credibly spoken by a worthy gentleman who dranke good Cherry wine of a Twelve month old Aâ— for Cider and Perry these Liquors especially Cider begin to be better knowne to us in some parts where they have scarce beene heretofore And doubtlesse when men are better
TO make Roses come late First cut them after bearing This may be a meanes as to some Rose-trees that is such as are old I have knowne some of long standing perhaps a dozen sixteene or twenty yeares of age and some of seaven or eight yeaâ—es cut newly after bearing have borne Roses againe a secâ—nd time late in the yeare being cut the next full moone after they have done bearing but there is a kind I have amongst many other kâ—nds which naturally beares a second time although the tree be but small and young besides the Rose called the Monthly Rose Secondly Pulling off the buds of the Roses that first spring forth I have try'd this second way which succeeded not it may be because the trees were young but one affirmed he pluckt off some Buds in the spring and the tree bore Roses in November Thirdly Cutting top Boughes in the spring This hath bâ—en tryed also but was ineffectuall but the tryall was upon young trees as for the Report that followes in this Experimâ—nt of Cyons perishing if the old top boughes be cut offâ— it is otherwâ—se for it is a common Experiment to cut off all the boughs of a tree and to graft them and the Grafts will not only not perish but grow the better therefore as having all the sâ—p to themselves which naturally riseth the sunne also drawing it up without the help of any top bough left as continuall Experience shâ—wes Fourthly Laying the Roots bare about the end of December Mâ—ny hundredâ— of trees are thus bared yet I find no difference at all in the late budding or bearing of such trees from others Fifthly Removing the tree some Months before it buddeth This hath been done but the Trees being removed so unseasonably too late they grew poorely so the end was not attained Sixthly Grafting Roses in May I know an ingenious Geâ—tleman that tryed this Experimentâ— Inoculating Buds in the spring which budded for Roses at the same time that others of the same kind did which buds being cut off they bore Roses afterwards the same yeare when others were gone Seaventhly Girding the body of the tree with some Packthread This will not do it neither we see commonly that grafts tyed straight with strong flaggs and some branches of wall-trees nailed straight to the wall so that I have seene the bark dinted in with the straitnesse of the Lether yet for all that sap riseth plentifully through the place so girded up into the branch Eightly Planting them in the shade I have knowne Rose-trees in a shady place which have not bore at all it s a tree that loves the sunne So that I suppose this Experiment will not hold I have try'd it in one or too and it succeeds not Experiments touching the Melioration of Fruits Trees and Plants AN heape of Flint or stone laid about the bottome of a Tree upon the fiâ—st Planting makâ—s it prosper much Stones laid to the Roots of Fruit-trees when newly set is a good Experiment in some grounds but not in all its true stones so laid keep the Roote of the Tree somewhat more moist and warme and stedy that winds shake it not and so are profitable but there is danger in some grounds leâ—t they harborâ—Ants or Pismires about the Tree Root under the stones which I have seen to the hurt and destruction of divers young trees But it is a sâ—fer and better way to lay a good quantity of rotten dung or litter straw c. round about the Roots of new set Trees upon the top of the mould this keeps them warme in winter and coole and moist in sommer and Stedy and the moisture and fatnesse of the muck sokes downe to the Roots and refreshes the tree very much or for want thereof lay a heap of weeds round about the new set tâ—ee Rootâ— and so all the next sommer afâ—er these things are speciall advantages to new set tâ—ees A Trâ—e at fiâ—st setting should not be shaken but aâ—ter a yeares roâ—tiâ—g thâ—n sâ—aking is good When yâ—ung Trees are first planted it s very convenient to set a stâ—ke to each of them and tye them together with a hay band or some â—oâ—t band that winds shake them not and this not for a yeare only but divers yeares untill the young trees be weâ—l rooted in the earth and also be growne strong that the winds â—ow not their bodieâ— and cause them to grow crooked which fault I have seene in very many trees Cutting away suckers and side boughes make trees grow high All suâ—kâ—rs must be cut away from the Roots of Trees And as for side branches those may be cut as men are minded to have their Trees to spread neerer or highâ—r from the ground but cuâ— not the side branches too soone bâ—fore the body be growne stroâ—g enough to beare the head else it will be top heavy and gâ—ow crooked To have many new Roots of fruit-Fruit-trees lay the Branches in the gâ—ound c. The branchâ—s of all kinds of trees will not take Roote thus Thiâ— way of Pâ—opagation is only for some kinds As Mulberries Figâ— Vineâ— Qâ—oâ—liâ—gs Nurs-gardens and some other kinds of Tâ—eeâ— whose brancâ—â—s are sofâ— and porous As for Aprecots Pâ—aches and such like they will not take Roote thus I have try'd but not one Roote could be got neither will they take wâ—â—h graftâ—ng I have try'd many The way to propagate these kindâ— is by Inoculaâ—ing buâ—s upon young stocks full of â—ap From May to Iuly you may take off the barke of any bough c. and set it and it will grow to be a faire tree in one yeare the cause may be for that the baring from the barke keepeth the sap from descending towards winter It is true that the Boughes of some kinds of trees will take Roote in this manner as is here exprest that is such kinds as will take roote with laying downe in the ground mentioned in the last Experiment which being cut off and set may grow to be a fâ—ire tree in certaine yeares not in one yeare as is said for the Roots got in this manner are but small and very disproportionable to the bough so that it can come on but very poorely and slowly for divers yeares As for the baring from the barke which is supposed to keepe sap from descending towards Winter I say the sap is as farre from descending when the barke is on as when t is off there 's no such thing in nature as descention of sap in any trees whatsoever This worthy Authour took this upon trust according to the generall opinion of men for had he but stayed a little to consider it he would have found it groundlesse and a meere conceit For all the sap that asscends into the body and branâ—hes of a tree is changed into wood barke buds blossomes leaves
and fruits it is turned into that body and substance which we see above ground and none at all descends at any time for there is no Cause and therefore no such effect sap is continually asscending all the yeare long more or lesse either for the growth of the tree or for the conservation of it in life and in all its dimensionâ— for there is a continuall extraction of sap out of the body boughes and branches by the sunne and aire as this Auâ—hour elsewhere asserts and which Experience proves Now if there were at any time a descention also what then would become of the tree it would qâ—ickly wither be contâ—acted and shrinke apparently whosoever is unsatisfied with what is here said against descention of sap in trees may see hereof more largely many Arguments against it in my Treatise of Fruit-treesâ— pag. 100.101.102 c. If Trees beare not bore a hole through the heart of the tree and it will beare Perhaps this course may do some good in letting out superfluous sap if too much repletion be the cause But there are divers other Causes of barrennesse of Fruit-trees As too deepe setting the Roots running downe into gravell Clay water c. which must have answerable remedies And sometimes it is in the nature of the trees that all the culture in the world used to the Roots and body will not help without engrafting the branches with Grafts of some good bearing kinds which is the best way I know to have store of good fruits and speedily too from barren trees To make Trees beare cleave the chiefe Roots and put in a small pebble This may be profitable not only for that the Roote may be bark-bound as well as the body and branches which must be scored downe and cut to the wood but also it will cause the Roots to shoote forth many young small Roots at the place opened which will afford more vigour life and sap to the branches and so make the tree stronger and more in heart and able to bring forth more and fairer fruits Trees against a south-wall have more of the heate of the sunne then when they grow round Aprecots Peaches and such like cold fruits will scarce ripen but against a south-wall they have need both of the direct and reflex beames of the sunne And if it were more practised to set some other choice kinds of fruits upon a south-wall as the great Burgaimâ—t sommer Boncriteu Greene-field Peare and other speciall kinds this would advantage them greatly not only in bignesse but also in their early ripening and goodnesse of tast thus one or a few would be worth many ordinary ones Some pull off the leaves from wall-trees that the sunne may come the better upon the boughs and fruit This may hasten ripening but I conceive it hinders the bignesse of the fruits the sunne ripening them before they have attained their naturall greatnesse in case it prove then very hot weather so that if leaves be pulled off it should not be till fruits are at biggest The lownesse of the bough maketh the fruit greater and to ripen bâ—tter c. Graft a tree low and maintaine only the lower boughâ— Low trees and the lower boughs of high trees have their fruit ripe somewhat sooner then the higher because they have some benefit by the reflection of the sunne from the Earth as well as from the wall if they grow against a wall but that the fruits are greater on lower then on higher boughs I perceive not I am sure I have seene sometimes faire fruit on the higher boughes and but small on the lower in case the branches of a wall-tree have beene permitted to grow straight upwards without bowing downe along the wall as most commonly they be and the reason is plaine because the most and greatest quantity of sap presseth upwards and leaveth the side branches indigent of sap whereby they grow poorely and some even dye for want of sap now according to the quantity of sap in branches so are the fruits smaller or greater It is true indeed many little and low trees if they be vigorous and shoote well beare very large fruits it may be larger then high trees of the same kinds but this is not because low but because they are more lively and vigorous then the other And if we should graft a Tree low and maintaine only the lowâ—r branches by continually cutting off the higher this would much enfeeble the tree by degâ—ees by obstructing of the sâ—p and the fruit would be accordingly But the bâ—st way to order a wall-tree that shoots upwards strongly is to bow those strong branches along the wall both waies and then there will be as large fruits on the lower as on the higher boughes and sooner ripe To have fruit in greater plenty the way is to graft not only upon young stâ—cks but upon divers boughs of an old tree c. It is an excellent Experiment to graft the boughes of an old tree that is a bad bearer or bears bad fruits with grafts of some speciall good bearing kinds for this will have large branches and beare fruits even in a yeare or two so that it is a very unwise course of many who when some of their trees beare not as they would have them cut them downe and set young ones in their Roome which cannot possibly attaine the bignesse of the former in many yeares Digging yearely about the Roots of Trees is a great meanes both to the accâ—leration and melioration of fruits c. Old trees that grow in stiffe cold clay grounds have most neede to be dug about yearely that thereby the gound may be more open and mellow but for young trees of few yeares standing especially if in sandyâ— mellâ—w grounds these have little or no neede at all of digging about To dig about Roses and such like which gâ—ow neeâ—e the top of the groundâ— I conceive it is needlesse for this wâ—rk is chiâ—fly to open the earth about old fruit-fruit-trees whose Rooâ—s are growne great and deepe that the Rainâ— Snow and Sunne in winâ—er may reach the bottome Roots A Fruit-tree almost blowne up by the Roots and set up againe the nâ—xt yeare bore exceedingly loosing the earth comforteth any Tree I was not long since at the raising up of a couple of faire Appâ—e-trees blowne downe the one Rooted and bore well afterwards the other died Though digging about the Roots sometimes be good yet overmuch digging and loosening the earth about the Roots of trees will cause many to be blowne downe by great winds which will not fasten againe to abide a strong wind in many yeares if ever To revive an old tree the digging of it about the Roots and applying new mould to the Roots is the way and change of mould to the better is prâ—fitable Dâ—ggâ—ng as hath beene said with caution is good and change of
nourishment and that left will turne to fruits Thirdly Bend downewards the branches and fasten them to the wall with their tops as low as may be this obstructs and restraines the excessive â—â—sing of sap which rising moderâ—tely turnes to fruiâ—â— But if the Trees are Naturally bad bearers if barren upon that account then there is no remedy for such but grafting them agâ—in with Grafts taken from some good bearing kinds which are knowne by yearely experience to beare fruits well It hath beâ—ne set downe by one of the Ancients that two twiggs of severall Fruit-trees flatted on the sides and bound together and set thâ—y will come up in one stock And that Vines of red and white grapes slatted and bound togâ—ther will beare Grapes of severall colours upon one branch Alâ—o the shoots of divers seeds will incorporate And that young trees of severall kinds set contiguous will incorporate These and such like are prescribed in order to the compounding of Fruits Concerning compounding or mixing of divers kinds of fruits whereof to make one new kind these things before mentioned and many such like have beene prescribed by Ancient Authours which are of the number of those things (a) Sr Francis Bacon accounts meere imaginations and conceits without any ground or light fâ—om Experiâ—nce He saies (b) elsewhere That many things have beene rashly and with little châ—ice or judgment receivâ—d and registred as appâ—ares in the writings of divers Authours which aâ—e eveâ—y where fraâ—ght and forged with fabulous reports and those not only uncertaâ—â—e and untryâ—d but notoriously untrue to the great derogation of Naturall Philosophy with grave and sober men As for those things before mentioned they can never effect what is promised to produce compound fruits For we see by continuall Experiencâ— that Grafts and Buds though never so small set upâ—n stâ—cks of different kinds do hold their owne and kâ—epe their kinds and so it would be if two long shoots were united or three or many if it were possible to make them incorporate and become one body yet they would retaine every one their owne nature and bring forth each its owne kind of fruit without commixture If any man desire to be set on work about these things he may have pâ—escriptions enoâ—gh out of a certaine Book entituled the Country Farme pag. 360 361 362 363 364 365 c. For more full satisfaction about which and all of that nature see my Treatise of Fruit-trees pag. 91 92 93 c. where these things are spoken to largely But if the thing be possible in Nature to mix and compound fruits the likeliest way that I apprehend is this which I hâ—ve upon tryall but is not yet come to an issue viz To graft one fruit upon another many times over every yeare a dâ—fferent kindâ— so that we keepe still to those kinds that will grow together As first to graâ—t a Crab tree neere the ground with some good kind of Apple graft and the next yeare to graft that agâ—ine a handfull or two above where the first was grafted and the next yeare to graft that second graft and the fourth yeare to graft that third graft a handfull or two above where it was grafted and thus every yeare to set graft upon graft for divers yeares together this probably may make some alteration and commixture in the top branch and its fruit although it be true that every graft keepâ— his owne nature yet so as that it receives some small alteration from the stoâ—k as hath beene said Now the sap arising and passing thâ—ough so many kinds of stocks as before up into the top branches this if any thing I conceive will have an influence into the fruit of the last graft to cause some commâ—xture more oâ— lesse in the fruit the sap passing through so many kinds of stocks Thus as of many kinds of Apples together so also of Peares among themselves and of Cherries and Plums among themselves but as for mixing contrary kinds Apples Peares Cherries Plumâ— c. all together as some prescribe there is no hope nor possibility of any advantage thereby All Plants that draw much nourishment from the earth and exhaust it hurt all things that grow by them as Ash-trees Coleworts c. And where Plants of severall natures which draw severall juyces are set together there the neerenesse doth good As Rue by a Fig-tree Garlicke by a Rose-tree c. It is true indeed That all Trees and Plants that draw much nourishment from the earth are no good neighbours to any thing that growes neere them because such make the earth barren in which plants must needs grow poorely But that severall kinds of Plants draw severall kinds of juyces out of one and the same soyle I much question as that bitter plants Rue Wormwood and the like draw the bitter juyce of the earth and the sweeter kinds as Roses Flowers c. draw the sweeter juyce For can it be immagined that there are so many kinds of juyces in the earth as there are severall kinds of Trees and Plants so that every one should draw only its proper and peculiar nourishment May it not upon better grounds be said that many Trees and Plants growing neere together in a piece of ground though they draw all of them one and the same juyce yet they convert assimilate the same every one into its owne specifique nature We see that in a little Garden where there are it may be divers hundreds or thousands of distinct Plants Trees Flowers Herbs and Simples they growing all upon one and the same soyle do convert the juyce and fatnesse of it into their severall natures by the same Law in Nature as severall kinds of Grafts upon one Tree drawing one and the same Sap do turne that one kind of nourishment into their severall natures whereby they bring forth as we see by experience distinct and severall kinds of Fruits made of the same single juyce or sap of the Tree whereon they all grow this they would do if there were all or many kinds of Apples grafted upon one great Crab-tree and so of Peare-trees Cherry-trees and the like upon their owne kinds though multitudes of distinct kinds of grafts draw one and the same sap yet every one changes it into its owne nature and why should it not be so also with severall plants drawing one and the same juyce out of the earth So that I cannot conceive that those things mentioned or the like if try'd would succeed to the purpose viz That Rue set by a Fig-tree will make the Figs tast sweeter or Garlike set by Rose-trees will make Roses smell sweeter or sorrell set by Rasps will make the Rasps sweeter and the like because severall or contrary kinds of Plants meete not with severall kinds of juyces in the same Soyle shâ—ll we think there are hundreds or thousands of severall juyces in one Garden though they draw the same juyce they
of Culture degenerate to be baser in the same kind and sometimâ—s to change into another kind 1. By standing long unremoved 2. By drought and drynesse of the Earth 3. By the Barrennesse of the earth removing Plants into worse mould or forbearing to renew and help the ground with dung or fresh mould It hath been (a) said That Violets and some other Flowers will change from double to single or change in colour when the mould wherein they grow becomes barren and hartlâ—sse through neglect which is the same in substance with all the three particulars mentioned in the Experiment Therefore there is need of some fresh mould from yeare to yeare for the preserving of Flowers in their perfection See hereof at large Experiment 506. and 510. Whatsoever Fruit useth to be set upon a Roote or slip if it be sowen will dâ—generate And most of those Fruits that use to be Grafted if thâ—y be set of kernells or stones degenerate It is true that Peaches do better upon stones set then upon Grafting And the Rule of exception should seeme to be this That whatsoever Plant requireth much moisture prospereth better upon the stone or kernell then upon the Graft For the stock though it giveth a finer nourishment yet it giveth a scanter than the Earth at large The reason why Fruits that come of Seede or stones do degenerate for the most part and become worse then the Fruits out of which the seede was taken I conceive to be this Fruits that come of seede or stones do partake both of the Graft and of the stock of that tree from which they were taken so that although the graft was of a speciall good and choice kind yet the stock whereon it was engrafted being a Crabtree or some other wild kind of Fruit-tree the seede participates of both Graft and stock and so brings forth a mungrell fruit between them both For although Grafts governe as hath beene said and may be said to bring forth the same kinds yet so as that the stock hath some influence into the Fruits according to the goodnâ—sse or badnesse of the stock But now In case the Tree from which seeds or stones are taken be an ungrafted tree one that came of seede it selfe then I doubt not but that the seede of that Tree will bring forth the very same kinds againe without any alteration As to that the Authour saies concerning Peaches that they come better of stones then grafting I suppose there is a mistake in this for although it be true that some Peaches will come good of seede yet doubtlesse not better then by Inoculating they take not with Grafting for we see by constant Experience that Peach Buds set upon good stocks will bring forth the very samâ— as the trees from which they were cut if the rest of their culture and ordering be the same or as good And as for some that have come of stones I have observ'd they have beene none of the best many that have come of stones have beene starke nought though some have beene good And why Peaches or any other kind of fruit should be thought to come better of stones or sâ—eds then by Grafting or Inoculating I apprehend not any reason as for that which is given That the stock giveth a scanter nourishment then the earth at large let it be considered The Twigs and Branches of a Peach tree or any other tree that came of seede or stones they receive sap and nourishment from a stem or body and Roote as wâ—ll as if the Tree were engrafted the twigs and branches of an ingrafted tree have as free and full nourishment without any obstruction as the branches of aâ—ungrafted tree the branches of a grafted tree have no finer nourishment noâ—scanter then the branches of an ungrafted trâ—â— for we know the Roote and Body of a Grafâ—ed tree and of an ungrafted tree are alike and the earth is as free to the one as to the other It is reportedâ— That a good strong Canvas spread over a tree grafted low soone after it putteth forth will dwarfe it and make it spread The Cause is plaine for that all things grow as they find roome It is true as is said That Cloth sometimes spread over a tree grafted low and suffered to lye on for a time will cause it to spread much And that this may be improved for our use and benifit this may be done To plant some few Cherry trees Plum trees or other kinds grafted low and caused to spread much and kept from rising up by this meanes keep the earth bare cleane from weeds grasse or any thing growing under or about them such trees if they be good kinds will beare much and fairer fruits then high trees the reflection of heate from the earth will be almost as strong as from a wall And the fruits may be kept long growing upon the Trees even till after September or October For if a Cloth be sometimes in hot weather spread over them and moistned it will keep the fruits from ripening too soone yet shade them not too much lest they come not to full ripenesse Afterwards the fruits being ripe some old Canvas haire-cloth or such like may be spread over them to preserve the fruits from Birds and may be so kept long look that snailes eate them not Or else a Net may be spread over such trees to preserve the Fruits I have knowne faire Cherries upon Trees towards the middle of October I conceive the great bearing Cherry or other late ripe tart Cherries to be the best to keepe long in this manner such are more hardy then other kinds Cherries very late are as great Rarities as those that are early Trees are generally set of Roots or kernells but if you set them of slips as the Mulberry c. they will grow and those as is reported will be dwarfe trees the Cause is for that the slip draweth nourishment more weakly then either a Roote or kernell Mulberry-tree slips and some other kinds of trees that will grow of slips may be made dwarfe trees if we will order them accordingly that is if we suffer all the side branches to grow or such slips taking Roote may be made high trees in time if we cut off all the side branches and preserve only the middle straight shoote But indeed at first for certaine yeares they must needs be dwarfe trees untill they can rise higher which in time they will do if they take Roote well and the ground be good In Clay grounds all fruit-Fruit-trees grow full of Mosse both upon body and Boughes which is caused partly by the coldnesse of the ground whereby the Plants nourish lesse And partly by the Toughnesse of the earth whereby the sap is shut in c. We see by Experience that trees growing upon cold and moist grounds or Clay gravâ—ll barrâ—n grounds do generally breed Mossâ— which is caused as the
not the Râ—ason be why some put their Roots deâ—per then others bâ—câ—â—se those Trees have grâ—ater and larger bodies then others aâ—d Nature layes the foundation answerable to what is to be set upon it Now Oâ—kes being the greatest Trees Nature is wise enough accoâ—ding to a Law God haâ—h put into it to make the Roote or foundation Answerable Oâ—heâ—wise I conceive the Roots of all trees would be as neere the top of the grounâ— as may be as loving the sun as having an absolute need of it in order to their growth And I am perswaded that the appetite of the spirit in all â—â—ees whatsoever one as well as another is upwards and not downewards and never exerts it selfe downâ—-wards but upon necessity and in order or in subordination to the growth of the body of the tree above ground It hath been Observed that a Branch of a Tree being unbarked some space at the boâ—tome and so set into the ground even of such trees as if the barke were set on they would not grow yet contrariwise we see that a Tree â—ared round in the body above grâ—und will dye The cause may be for that the unbarkt part draweth the nourishment best but the barke continueth it only It is trueâ—some branches that are unbark't at the bottome and set in the ground will grow of some kinds of Apple-trees As the Quodling Nursgarden Moyse and some other kinds that have soft barksâ— Not because not I suppose the sooner for that the branch is unbark't for such will grow of cuttingâ— or slips though they be not at all unbark't And those that be unbark't and grow it is not the unbark't parâ— that draweth nourish neâ—t best nor thâ—t draweth it at all but the Roots put forth from the barke even at the very edge of the cut part and also some breake out of the Bark where it is not cut As we see in those branches of Trees from which we get Roots while they grow upon the tree by disbâ—â—king of them an inch round and tying mould about See how at large Treatisâ— of Fruit-trees p. 136. The grafting of Vines upon Vines as I take it is not now in use the Ancients had it and that thâ—ee waies The first was insition which is the ordinary manner of grafting The second was Terebraâ—ion through the middle of the stockeâ— and putting in the Cions there And the third was pâ—ring of two Vines that grow together to the marrow and binding them close I have tryed severall waies to graft Vines by cleving or insition as the Author calls it and also by pariâ—g two Vines the stock and Graft on two sides which is my usuall and best way of grafting other Fruit-trees but neither took effect so that I am perswaded those Fruit-trees that are so easily propagated by other meanes as by laying downe the Branches into the earth and by cuttings that these will not take with Grafting or Inoculating as Vines Mulberries c. I have tryed many Experiments about Muâ—berries both for grafting and Inoculating â—pon severall kinds of stockâ— and yet none succeeded but Mulberries are increased by laying downe the Branches and by cutting as Vines are so that I conceive this grafting mentioned by some Ancient Authors is but a conceit of theirs a grafting in the braine insteed of a reall Expâ—riment like multitudes of other things recorded by some who its probable by what they say had no Experimentall knowledge in the things they spake As for Maâ—uration of fruits it is effected by heate motion attractâ—on and by a rudiment of putrefaction for the inception of putrefaction hath in it a maturation Concerning the maturation or speedy ripeâ—ing or concocting of Fruits all kinds of Heate as the Author saies hastneth it faster or slower according to the degree of heate As we see by Experience Apples or Peares laid upon a heape together being newly gathered they mâ—llow and ripâ—n faster then if they lay single at distance one fâ—om another Alâ—o Apples covered in Lime hayâ— straw c. will be mâ—llâ—w in a short time But the most speedy way to ripen hard fruits and to abate the grosse tartnesse of them is the common Experiment by a gentle heate before the fire or in an Oven after bread is drawen So we see as the Aâ—thor obseâ—ves If fruits are eate with Wasps Hornets Birdâ— c. some part of them the rest sweeten and ripâ—n sooner putrefaction begâ—nning and hastning by reason of solution of continuity in that part We see that Beere or Wine in Bottles close stopped lasts long And that Fruits closed in Wax kâ—epe fresh And likâ—wise bodies put in Hony and Flower keepe more fresh It is true thâ—t Liquors when they are well setled in the Vâ—ssâ—ll after a certaine time and after drawen ouâ— into Bâ—ttles and stopped very close with Corke and set in a Câ—llâ—r or buried in sand such will be much more fresh and quick thâ—â— thâ—â—â—me Liquor in a greâ—t Vessell especially if any part of it be drawen off And therefore this is a good way to keep Cider Perry White-wine or the like and that for a long time â—ogether As for Fruits closed in wax or put in honey I find that even Cherries which are more subject to corruption â—hen many other kâ—nds of fruits will keep fresh many weekes togeâ—her more then they will do of themselves in the open Aire exclusion of Aire preserveâ— them for a time but yet putreâ—acâ—ion at length will worke within because of the superfluous moisture which hâ—d need of drying up I have tryed Fruits in Honâ—y Aprecots Plums Cherries and they held good two or three Monthes aâ—terwards puâ—reâ—action began A Bottle of Beere buried foure foote dâ—epe in the ground became more livâ—ly better tasted and clearâ—r then it wasâ— and a Bottle of Wine in like manner A Bottle of Vineger so buried came forth more lively and more â—doriferous smelling almost like a Viâ—lâ—t after a Month buriall all the three came forthâ— as fresh and lively if not better then before This is certaine That Beere Ale Cider and Wine when well setled and cleared in the Vessell and drawen off into Bottles and well stopt with Corke and wax will continue frâ—sh and good much longer then in the Vessell If the Bottles are buried in sand as was said before or buried a yard or more in the ground The reason I conceive is for that as no Aire can possibly penetrate so deepe and through the Bottle to the Liquor nor can the spirits of the Liquor in the least get out so neither can the Liquor suffer any prejudice by alteration of the Aire from heate to cold as it does in vessells above ground Tryall hath beene made with earthen Bottles well stopped hanged in a well of Twenty Fathome deepe at the least and some of the Bottles have been let downe into the water some others have hanged above wâ—thâ—in about