The compleat gard'ner, or, Directions for cultivating and right ordering of fruit-gardens and kitchen-gardens with divers reflections on several parts of husbandry, in six books : to which is added, his treatise of orange-trees, with the raising of melons, omitted in the French editions / by the famous Monsr De La Quintinye ... ; made English by John Evelyn ... ; illustrated with copper plates.

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OF FRUIT-GARDENS AND Kitchen-Gardens. VOL. I. (Book 1)

PART I.

CHAP. I.

How Necessary it is for a Gentleman, who designs to have Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens, to be at least reasonably Instructed in what relates to those Kind of Gardens.

THAT Part of Gard'ning, I begin to treat of here, certainly affords a Gentleman who understands and applies himself to it, a great deal of Plea∣sure; but that very Gard'ning being manag'd by an unskilful lazy Gard'ner, is liable to many Inconveniencies, and Vexations. These are Two Noted and undeniable Truths, since nothing in the World re∣quires more Foresight and Activity than those kind of Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens. They are, as it were, in a perpetual Motion, which inclines them always to Act either for Good or Ill, according to the good or ill Conduct of their Master; and so largely recompence the Ingenious, as they severely punish the Unskilful.

The Proof of my first Proposition consists in that certainly nothing affords more De∣light, first, than to have a Garden well seated, of a reasonable largeness, and fine Figure, and that perhaps of our own Contriving or Modelling.

In the second Place, to have that Garden at all times not only Neat, for Walking, and to divert the Sight, but likewise abounding in good Things to please the Pallate, as well as for the preservation of Health.

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Thirdly, daily to meet with some new Thing or other to do in it, as to Sow, to Plant, to Prune, to Pallisade, to see Plants grow, Legumes thrive, Trees Blossom; Fruit Knitting, then Thickning, Colouring, Ripening, at last come to Gather them, Taste them, Treat ones Friends with them, hear their Beauty, Goodness and Abundance commended; all which Things together certainly form a very agreeable Idea, which affords a World of Variety.

To prove my second Proposition, I should only need in few Words to Enumerate all the Disorders, wherewith our Gard'ning is Threatned, or rather Dishonour'd when it wants Culture; but they are too well known, nothing being so common as to hear Complaints of that Kind.

It follows from thence, that there are both Pleasures and Vexations in Gard'ning; and it is as certain, that the Pleasures are reserved for Skilful, Active Gard'ners, and the Vexa∣tions infallibly for those that are either Lazy or Unskilful.

This being granted, it must likewise be allowed, that those are neither to be excused or pitied, who instead of improving the Advantages they expected from their Gardens, are reduced to the Misery of laying out a great deal of Money, with Loss, Disgust and cause of Anger, &c. While others with a little Skill have avoided all those Disorders, and enjoy all the Delights; from whence it follows, that if an Ingenious Man designs to have a Garden, which is a thing so suitable to that Qualification, he must absolutely think of at∣taining some Skill in Gard'ning, or else not meddle with it at all.

The grand Question is to know, whether that Skill, which I think so necessary, may be acquir'd with ease or difficulty, now to take a just Medium in this Case.

As to the first, which is to know whether it be easie to acquire that Skil, I am persuaded that many Gentlemen would be desirous to attain it; for naturally every Body desires it. I am likewise persuaded, that the number of such would have been considerable already, had there been sufficient Instructions for it.

As to the Second Case, whether it be difficult to attain a sufficient Skill, it is to be fear'd, that few of the Curious will be willing to undertake it; being disgusted by the Uncer∣tainty of succeeding in it, after having Employ'd a great deal of Time and Labour a∣bout it.

The Honour of having had for so many Years the Direction of the Fruit and Kitchen Gardens of the Royal-Family, seems to give me some Authority to answer that grand Question: So that, without designing to deceive any Body, and having a great desire to contribute to the Satisfaction of the Ingenious, I affirm that it is very easie to attain as much Knowledge as is reasonably necessary for the Curious, in order to avoid what might vex them, and to put them at the same time in a Condition to enjoy their Wishes.

It will be easie for me to prove this Assertion, after having Explain'd my self more par∣ticularly upon what I think of all the Pleasures that are inseparable Companions of that part of Gard'ning, now in debate.

The most Considerable of those Pleasures, is not only to be able to obtain what may * 1.1 be produced by Earth, that shall have been well ordered, and a Ground well improv'd with Trees that perhaps shall have been Graffed, Planted, Prun'd, Cultivated, &c. by our selves, though really the Ideas of such Injoyments are powerful Charms to Engage us to the Study of them; It consists in a great many other Things, as well for those that will act themselves, as for those that will only act by their Advice and Orders.

In the first Place, to know with certainty what is most proper to be done, in order to make each Part of the Garden produce happily and in abundance, what is desired for every Month in the Year. The Judicious Gard'ner, as I have already observ'd, never fails in this, of being recompenced of his Labour, Cares and Skill. The Ground he Cultivates * 1.2 himself, without doubt affords him more Profusion, being in reality better Cultivated, as if it dreaded, as I may say, the Misfortune of belonging to a Master, who only knows by his Gard'ner how it must be used. It seems, that to Engage that skilful Master it belongs to, to continue the Cultivating of it himself, it endeavours to produce more than it used to do.

This Pleasure of Gard'ning in the second Place consists in knowing how to avoid many * 1.3 great useless Expences, to which we are often engaged by ill Councils. Is it not usual in most Places to see People continually Imploy'd in doing, undoing, and doing again? And moreover is it not common to see a great deal of Time, and many Workmen Imploy'd about a thing that might have been done quicker, and by less Hands? So that a great deal of Money is laid out, which often creates great Vexations, and sometimes great In∣conveniencies.

It consists in the Third Place, in knowing the Inconveniencies, that I shall explain in due place, of which some are Invincible, and others not: This knowledge serves to prepare us betimes to receive the first patiently when they happen, and securely to avoid the second, without entering into a thousand impertinent reasons of an unskilful, careless Gard'ner, who endeavours to conceal his negligence, or incapacity, by imputing all the Disorders, and Bar∣renness of his Garden to a wrong cause.

This Pleasure consists in the Fourth Place in being able to condemn justly on the one side what is amiss or ill done in a Garden, and on the other to commend what is well, and ac∣cording to Rules. There is hardly any thing more natural in all Masters who speak of their Gardens, than to blame or commend something in them, as if they really intended thereby to discover what they are; and yet nothing is more dangerous for the service of a Garden, nor more disagreeable for such a Master than to expose himself to be laugh'd at, or corrected by his Gard'ner, which certainly happens when the Master is not capacitated to speak like an Artist upon that Subject.

It consists in the Fifth Place in being reputed capable of giving good advice, and will∣ingly to those who stand in need of it: What greater satisfaction can a man receive, than to assist or undeceive a friend who was in an error, or at a loss, and ready to give over his un∣dertaking, putting him afterwards in a way of daily commending the good Fortune his Friend has procured him in his Work?

Lastly, this Pleasure chiefly consists in being capable of judging by our selves, and for our selves, of the capacity of a Gard'ner, either to avoid the Inconveniency of sometimes discharging a good one upon very trivial pitiful reasons, and then taking an ill one in his room, or to resolve wisely to discard him who has not done his duty, and be able to chuse ano∣ther better qualify'd.

Now if it be true, that there is so much facility in attaining so many real Pleasures, which I am going to demonstrate visibly; am I not in the right to conclude that when any body undertakes a Garden, without endeavouring to get at least a sufficient insight in Gard'ning, he deserves all the disgusts, which are numerous, instead of deserving all the delights, it may produce, the number of which is infinite, and that consequently it is necessary to study the attaining of such a degree of knowledge, as is absolutely requisite in those Affairs?

It may perhaps be objected at first, that hereby I propose an Infallible expedient to in∣troduce the most pernicious thing in nature in all manner of affairs, that is, to introduce Sciolists, or Smatterers: The Objections seems pretty strong, but the two Answers I am going to make to it, in my opinion, are yet of much more force.

The first is, that when a Gentleman shall once have attain'd a certain knowledge of some Principles capable of affording him a good Tincture of Gard'ning, it is most cer∣tain, that he will not rest with that bare knowledge of the first Elements, but will infallibly have a passionate desire of knowing something more of an Art, that he is so much de∣lighted with. He will soon improve the knowledge he shall have acquir'd, and consequent∣ly will not remain long in that dangerous and so much fear'd station, which is call'd Smat∣tering.

The Second Answer, which is no less material, is, that without doubt, that Smattering of an Ingenious Person, if we may call it so, is much better, being grounded upon good Principles, than the false Notion of knowledge of common Gard'ners; it being most cer∣tain that you seldom find any thing among such beyond a presumptuous Pratling Ignorance, upheld by some wretched Rote. Is it not a great happiness to be able to attain a suf∣ficient insight into those matters, and to put our selves above so many false reasonings, we should otherwise be lyable to, and so avoid a great deal of vexation, to purchase abun∣dance of Pleasure?

CHAP. II.

How easie it is for a Gentleman to acquire at least a sufficient Knowledge in Point of Gard'ning.

NExt to that first Foundation, which establishes, that a Judicious Man must apply himself to the attaining a sufficient skill into Gard'ning.

I propose this, That if he cannot afford so much time as to arrive to a full Perfection (which is not absolutely necessary) he may rest assured that he may learn enough for his

purpose, that is, to be capable of ordering the most material Things that are to be done in his Garden, and to hinder the Gard'ner from Imposing daily upon him, provided he be in some measure instructed in the Five or Six following Articles.

The First relates to the Quality of the Ground, its necessary Depth, to the Tillage, Amendments and ordinary modelling of useful Gardens.

The Second relates to the Trees, to chuse them well qualified, either when they are still in the Nurseries, or taken from thence, to know at least the Names of the Principal Kinds of Fruits of every Season; to be able to distinguish them, and what number of each the Compass of his Garden may require; to understand how to prepare Trees both as to the Head and Roots, before they are put into the Ground again; and afterwards to place them at a convenient distance, and expose them well; to know, if not all, the Rules of Pruning, yet at least all the Principal ones, either as to Dwarfs or Wall-Trees; how to Pinch off some Branches, being over Vigorous; to Pallisade such as require it, as also the Triming of such useless Buds and Sprigs as cause a Confusion; and lastly to give every one of them the Beauty which they are capable of.

The Third Article relates to Fruit, to make it grow fine, gather it prudently, and eat it seasonably.

The Fourth relates to Graffs on all kind of Fruit-Trees, whether placed in Gardens, or still in the Nurseries, both as to the Time, and Manner of applying them.

In fine, the Fifth Article relates to the general Conduct of all Kitchen-Gardens, and especially to understand the Pleasure and Profit they may yield in every Month of the Year.

In my Opinion, the Number of these Articles is not Considerable; and, I assure the Curious, that they may be fully Instructed therein, and in a little Time, by the short Abridgment that follows.

CHAP. III.

An Abridgment of the Maxims of Gard'ning.

First ARTICLE. Of the Qualifications of the Earth or Soil.

THE Earth of a Garden is known to be good, particularly for Fruit-Trees.

• First, when all that the Ground produces of it self, or by Culture, is Beautiful, Vigorous, Abundant and consequently nothing Poor; or small, when it should be strong; or yellow, when it should be green.
• Secondly, when in smelling to a handful of that Earth it casts no ill Smell.
• Thirdly, when it is easie to Till, and is not over strong.
• Fourthly, When in the handling of it, it is mellow, without being too dry and light, like Turf-Earth, or like Grounds that are altogether sandy.
• Fifthly, When it is not over-moist, like Marshy Ground, or too hard like Loomy Ground, at the bottom of good Meadows, approaching near the Nature of stiff Clay.

Lastly, in Relation to the Colour, it must chiefly be of a Blackish Grey, and yet there are some that are Reddish which do very well; I never saw any both very White and Good.

Second ARTICLE. Of the Depth of the Ground.

Beneath the Surface, that appears good, you must have Three Foot of Earth like unto that which is above, which is a very material Maxim, of which you must be reasonably well assur'd, by sounding the Ground at least in five or six different Places.

It is a great Error, to be satisfied with less Depth, especially for Trees and long Rooted-Plants, viz. Artichokes, Beet Roots, Scorsonnera, Parsnips, &c.

Third ARTICLE. Of Tillages.

The most frequent are commonly the best, at least in relation to Trees, there must be Four Yearly; viz. at the Spring, and Midsummer, at the end of August, and immediately before Winter; and generally speaking the Ground, must never be left unmanur'd and full of Weeds, nor trampled or beaten by great Showers of Rain: It is very pleasing to the Eye when newly Till'd.

Your small Plants, as Strawberries, Lettice, Succory, &c. require to be often Weeded, the better to perform their Duty.

Fourth ARTICLE. Directions for Amendments.

All sorts of Rotten Dung of what Animals soever, Horses, Mules, Oxen, Cows, &c. are excellent to amend the Grounds that are used for Kitchen Garden Plants: Sheeps Dung has more Salt than all the others, so that a smaller quantity of it must be used; It is part∣ly like that of Hens and Pigeons, but I would not advise any one to make use of it, by reason of a little sort of Fleas they abound with, which generally spoil the Plants.

The Dung of Leaves throughly rotten, is hardly fit for any thing, but to be thrown over new sown Beds, to hinder the Rains or Waterings from beating too much upon the Surface, and so hinder the Seeds from rising.

All the Legumes of the Kitchen-Garden require a great deal of Dung; the Plants or Layers of Trees require none.

The only good place to put the Amendments in, is towards the Surface.

The worst place for Dung in Trenches (or places that are Dug in order to plant Trees) is in the Bottom.

As to those Trenches, it cannot be said they are good and well made, unless they be near six Foot wide, and three in depth.

Fifth ARTICLE.

As for the common Disposition of Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens, in my Opinion the best, and most convenient for a Gard'ner, is that which is made, as much as can be, in well re∣gulated Squares; so that if it be possible the Length may somewhat exceed the Breadth; the Breadth of the Walks must likewise be proportion'd, both to their Length and the whole Extent of the Garden.

The narrowest must not be less than six or seven Foot to Walk in, and the broadest, though never so long, must not exceed three or four Fathom at most; and as for the large∣ness of the Squares, in my Opinion, it is a Fault to make any above Fifteen or Twenty Fathom on one side, to a little more or little less on the other; they will be pretty well of Ten or Twelve on one side, to Fourteen or Fifteen on the other, all which is to be re∣gulated proportionably to the largeness of the Kitchen-Garden.

The common Paths for the Convenience of Service, are commonly of a Foot.

No Kitchen Garden, though never so agreeable in the Disposition of it, can ever succeed well, without a Convenience for Waterings.

Sixth ARTICLE.

As to this Article, which relates to the Knowledge of Fruit Trees that are to be planted, it suffices, and is material to know.

That a Tree to be worth the Chusing, whilst yet in the Nursery, must have a clean and shining Bark, and the Shoots of the Year, Long and Vigorous.

And if it be already out of the Ground, it must, besides these Conditions, have fine, sound Roots, and passably thick in proportion to the Stem; I seldom take any of those Trees that have nothing besides certain hairy or Capillar Roots.

The streightest Trees, having but one Stem, in my Opinion, are the fittest to be chosen in order to Planting.

As to Peach and Apricock Trees, those that have not been Graffed above a Year, provided the Shoot be fair, are better than those that have been Graffed Two or more; and yet the Peach Trees require more exactness in this than the Apricocks; and you must never take a Peach Tree, unless it has fine, sound and whole Eyes or Buds at the lower part of the Stem. The thickness of an Inch, or somewhat more in such Stems, is what is particularly to be e∣steem'd in Peach Trees.

Peaches Graffed upon Almond Trees thrive better in a dry light Ground, than in that which is Loamy and Moist.

But the clean contrary is to be observ'd for those that are Graffed upon Plum-Trees. In all other Dwarf Trees, the thickness must be between Two and Three Inches Circumfe∣rence about the Lower Part.

Only excepting Apple Trees Graffed upon Paradice Stocks, for which the thickness of an Inch is sufficient.

The Thickness of high Standards is to consist of Five or Six Inches on the Lower Part, and the height of about Six or Seven Foot.

The Graff of little Trees must be applied within two or three Fingers from the Ground.

And when it closes again, it argues much Vigour in the Foot, as well as a great deal of Skill in the Gard'ner, who has had the Ordering of it.

All manner of Pears succeed in Dwarfs and Wall-Trees, and upon free Stocks, as well as upon Quince; but it must be Noted, they must only be Graffed upon free Stocks in Light Grounds, as well as in those that are but of an ordinary Goodness.

Winter Bon Chrestien Pears can hardly attain that Yellow, and Carnation Colour, which is to be desired in them, either upon Dwarfs or Wall Trees being Graffed upon free Stocks, and therefore must be Graffed upon Quince.

Your Virgouteé and Robines upon Free Stocks, are hard to bear; but yet there is a Re∣medy for it; they always bear much sooner upon Quince.

Your Bargamots and little Muscat Pears, seldom succeed upon Dwarfs, especially in moist Grounds.

The Principal kinds of Fruits, either Pears, Apples, Peaches or Plums, are sufficiently known; but whereas the making of a very well contriv'd Plantation is of great Conse∣quence. Our new Curioso will do well to consult the Treatise I have written with a great deal of Exactness upon the Choice, and proportion of all sorts of good Fruits to be plant∣ed in any Garden whatever, either Dwarfs, High Standards or wall Trees; otherwise I dare af∣firm, that he will be liable to commit abundance of Faults that will very much vex him. In the mean time he ought to know that as to Pears, the best for the Summer are the Little Muscats, the Cuisses Madam (or Lady-Thigh) the Skinless Pear, the Blanquettes or White Pears: viz. the large, the small and the long Stalk'd one; the Robine, the Cassolette, the Musk Bon Chrestien, the Rousselette, and the Salviati. The Chief for Autumn are the Beurré, Burgamots, Vertelongues, Crasana, Blossom'd Muscat, Lansac and Loiiise Bonne. For the Winter, the Virgoule, Leschasseris, Espine or Thorn Pear, Ambrette, St. Germain, Winter Bon Chrestien, Colmar, Bugy, St. Austin, and some Dry Martins.

As to Apples, the Chief are the Calvilles both Red and White; Reinettes, both Grey and White; all the Courpendus or short stalk'd Apples, and the Fenellets.

As to Plums, the principal are the Yellow Hasty, the White and Purple Perdrigon, the Mirabelles, the several sorts of Damask, the Rochecourbon, the Emperasses, the Apricock Plums, the St. Catherine, the Imperial, the Royal, &c.

As to Peaches, the most considerable are, the Early Peach, the Troy Peach, the Maudlins White and Red, the Rossanne, the Minion, the Chevreuse, the Bourdin, the Violets both Early and Late, the Persiques, the Admirable, the Purple Peach, the Nivet, the Smooth Yellow Peaches, and the Latter Yellow Peaches.

And as for the Pavies or Bastard Peach, the Purple Nectarin, the White Pavie, the Cadillac, and the Rambouillet.

As to Figs, those that are White, both Inside and Outside; viz. the Long and Round are best for this Country.

As to Grapes, the Muscat is chiefly to be esteem'd, whether White, Red or Black; Long Muscat, being well plac'd, and in a good Ground, is admirable; the Chassolas suc∣ceeds more constantly than any.

As for Cherries, every Body knows that the Latest, and the Griote, and even Bigarros, are very good Fruits upon Standards; Early Cherries are of no Value unless upon Wall Trees.

Seventh ARTICLE.

To prepare a Tree, both as to the Head and Roots, before the planting of it, I am of Opinion, that all the Capillar Roots must be taken away.

Only preserve a few thick Roots, especially the Youngest, that is the Newest. * 1.4

These are Commonly Reddish, and have a more lively Complexion than the old Ones: they must be kept short in proportion to their Thickness.

The Longest in Dwarfs must not exceed Eight or Nine Inches, and in high Stand∣ards about a Foot; you may allow them more Extent, in Mulberries and Cherry-Trees.

The weakest Roots, must be satisfied with one, two, three or four Inches at most, ac∣cording as they are more or less thick.

One Rank of Roots is sufficient, when placed as they should be; that is, when there are Four or Five Roots round about the Foot, especially when they are partly like so many Lines drawn from a Centre to the Circumference; and even Two or Three being good, are better than Twenty mean ones; I have often planted Trees, with one single Root, which indeed was extraordinary good, and they succeeded well; you may easily see what I mean by a Rank of Roots in the Treatise of Plantations, where I have caused Plates to be Ingraven to that End.

Eighth ARTICLLE.

In order to Plant well, you must chuse dry Weather, to the End that the Earth being very dry, it may easily cling about the Roots, and leave no vacuity; and particular Care must be taken lest it grow to the Consistence of Morter, which afterwards coming to har∣den, might hinder the Production, and the Shooting of the New Roots.

The best Season for Planting is from the beginning of November until the End of March; yet in dry Grounds it is very material to Plant at the very beginning of November, but in moist Soils it is better to stay till the beginning of March.

The Disposition of Roots requires, that the Extremity of the Lowest should not be a∣bove a full Foot deep into the Ground, and the nearest to the Surface, must be covered with Eight or Nine Inches depth of Mould. In a dry Soil it will not be improper to make a little But or Hillock over those Roots, to hinder the Sun from spoiling of them, and when the Tree has taken Root into the Ground, it must be Levell'd again.

After having Prun'd the Roots of a Tree, you must cut the Steem of the Length it is to re∣main, before you Plant it, and never stay to cut it till after 'tis Planted.

In Dwarfs, I regulate that height to be about Five or Six Inches in a dry Soil, and about Eight or Nine when Moist.

And in high Standards the proper height is between Six and Seven Foot in all manner of Soils.

In Planting, care must be taken to turn the best Roots on that side which has most Earth, and that none, as much as is possible, may incline streight downwards, but rather look towards the Horison.

Those who after planting, shake or trample on little Trees, do them a great deal of In∣jury; whereas on the contrary, it is absolutely necessary to trample and raise the Ground about the great ones, to secure them against the Impetuosity of the Winds.

The Head or Top of Espaliers or Wall Trees must lean towards the Wall, yet so, that the Extremity of the Head must be at Three or Four Inches distance from it, and the Wound must not appear.

The distance between them is to be regulated according to the Goodness of the Earth, and particularly according to the height of the Wall; they must be nearer to one another against high Walls, and at more distance against low ones.

In this particular Case of the common distance of Wall Trees, it is to be regulated from Five or Six Foot, to Ten, Eleven or Twelve. The Walls being Twelve Foot high or more, you must always let one Tree shoot up to garnish the Top, between two that shall garnish the Bottom; in which case the Trees must be planted within Five or Six Foot of one another: But against Walls that are not above Six or Seven Foot high, the distance must be about Nine Foot.

The distance of Dwarfs must be from between Eight and Nine Foot to Twelve, or even a little more, being Plum-Trees, or Kernel-Fruit upon Free Stocks.

In high Standards from Four Fathom to Seven or Eight, for great Plantations.

In good Soils the Trees must be at a greater distance than in bad ones, because there their Heads or Tops spread more.

When Trenches are newly made, the Earth will sink at least Three or Four large Inches.

This is a very necessary Observation, to make in order to the keeping the Earth about them, higher than the Neighbouring Surface, and to avoid falling into the Inconveniency of having Trees sunk too deep into the Ground.

For the Success of Kernel Fruit, it matters but little whether the Graff be above or un∣der Ground.

But as for Stone Fruit, it is better not to be in the least cover'd with Earth. Yet for the Beauty of both, it is to be wish'd that it may appear; but the main point is to have the Roots well plac'd, so that neither the great Heat, nor great Cold, nor the Iron of the Spade may prejudice them.

As for the Understanding of the Expositions, that are most proper for the different kinds, is an account which will be best learned in a Treatise written on purpose upon that Sub∣ject: Yet generally speaking I may say, that the best of all in our Climates is the South, and the Worst is the North; the East is almost as good as the South, especially in hot Soils; and lastly the Exposition of the West is not amiss for Peaches, Plums, Pears, &c. but is stark nought for Muscat, Chasselas, and all manner of large Grapes.

Ninth ARTICLE.

To have a reasonable Insight into the Pruning of Trees it is necessary at least to know the Time and Cause, and especially, if possible, the Manner.

As to the Time, it is always good to Prune from the Beginning of the Fall until the New Leaves grow again, and no Tree must be Prun'd above once a Year.

Keeping within these Bounds, it will not be improper to Prune Weak Trees sooner, and those that are Vigorous later.

As for the Cause, there are two Reasons for Pruning; the first to dispose Trees to bear finer Fruit; and the second to render them at all Times more pleasing to sight than they should be, if they were not Prun'd.

To attain the Effect of this second Condition, must be by the means of the Figure, that is given to every Tree.

That Figure must differ according to the difference of the Ground Plats, and does not Extend beyond Dwarfs and Wall Trees; for as for the generality high Standards are not Prun'd often.

The thick Branches only are capable of affording that Figure, which is absolutely neces∣sary to be well understood, and must be had constantly in the Mind.

A Dwarf, in order to be of a beautiful Figure, must have a low Stem, be open in the middle, and of a round Circumference, equally garnish'd on the Sides: Of these four Conditions the most material is that which prescribes the opening of the middle, the great∣est Defect consisting in a Confusion of too much Wood in that very middle, which of all things must be avoided.

The Perfection of a Wall Tree consists in having its strength and Branches equally divided on the two Opposite Sides, in order to be equally furnish'd throughout the whole Extent of it, whatever part the Head begins at, whether it has a low Stem, in which case it must begin within half a Foot from the Ground, or high, and then it begins from the Extre∣mity of the Stem, which is commonly about Six or Seven Foot.

The main thing in this depends on the Distinction which is to be made among the Branches, and the good use that is to be made of them; the Branches are either thick and strong, or slender and weak; every one of them furnishing us with a Reason to take it away or preserve it, to leave it long, or to prune it short.

Among both, some are good, and others ill, whether Thick or Slender.

The good are those that grow according to the Order of Nature, and those have thick or large Eyes, pretty close to one another.

The ill ones on the contrary, are such as grow against the Order of Nature, have flat Eyes, and at a great distance, for which Reason they are call'd Branches of False Wood.

To understand that Order of Nature, you must know in the first Place, that the Branches should only shoot from those that were cut shorter at the last Pruning, and that all such as shoot from other Parts are Branches of False Wood.

Secondly, that according to the Order of New Branches, if there be more than one, that which shoots from the Extremity must be thicker and longer than that which grows immediately beneath it; and this thicker and longer than the third, and so of all the rest; and consequently when any of them prove thick where they should be slender, it is a Branch of False Wood. There are some few Exceptions set down in the Treatise of Pruning.

The good small Branches, both as to Stone and Kernel-Fruit, are the bearing Branches; and the good Thick ones are for Wood; but quite contrary as to Fig-Trees and Vines.

As for the manner of Pruning it is generally look'd upon as much more difficult than really it is; the Principles, which are pretty easie, being once understood, there is no dif∣ficulty in the Operation, and yet it is the Master-Piece of Gard'ning.

The Chief Maxims are, First, That Young Trees are much more easie to Purne than old Ones, especially those having been often Ill Prun'd, and not having the Figure they should have: The best Gard'ners are very much put to it, to correct those old Defects. I have given particular Rules for such Inconveniencies.

Secondly, That the strong Branohes must be cut short, and commonly reduc'd to the length of Five, Six or Seven Inches; yet there are certain Cases in which they must be kept longer; but those are not common: I specifie them in my great Treatise.

Thirdly, That among the others, there are some that may be kept shorter, and others longer; that is, even to Eight, Nine and Ten Inches; nay, and to a Foot, a Foot and a half, and perhaps more, especially in Peach, Plum, and Cherry Wall Trees, which must be re∣gulated accorded to their Strength and Thickness, to be capable of Nourishing and Bear∣ing, without breaking such Fruits as they shall be Burthen'd with.

Upon Vigorous well Proportion'd Trees, there can hardly be too many of those we call Branches for Fruit, provided they cause no Confusion: But as for the Thick ones, which we call Branches for Wood, for the Generality in all sorts of Trees only one must be preserv'd, of all those that have been produc'd by every Branch, having been Prun'd the preceding Year.

Unless the Trees, being very Vigorous, the Extremities of the new Branches chance to be very distant the one from the other, and looking towards different opposite Parts, be∣ing bare on the sides; which of necessity will require, being fill'd up for the perfecting of the Figure; in which Case we may leave Two, nay Three, provided they be all of different Lengths, and never form a forked Figure.

The Fruit bearing Branches, perish after having perform'd their Duty with this Distincti∣on, that in Stone-Fruit they die at the End of one Year, or Two, or Three at most.

And in Kernel-Fruit, not till after having served Four or Five Years.

Therefore foresight is of great Use, to think betimes of providing new Branches to fill up the Room of such as we know are to die, in order to avoid growing too bare and barren.

Those kind of Fruit Branches are good, whatever part of the Tree they shoot from, ei∣ther Inwards or Outwards.

But a Thick one is always Ill, when it shoots Inwards in a Dwarf, unless it be to close such as open too much, as it commonly happens in Butter Pear Trees.

So that the Beauty of the Trees, and the Beauty and Abundance of the Fruit, depend chiefly upon good Pruning, the good Management of certain Branches that are at once Thick and Good, and the taking quite away of such as are both Thick and Bad.

And whereas it happens sometimes, that a Branch having been left long the foregoing Year in order to bear Fruit, receiving more Nourishment than naturally it ought to have, grows thick, and shoots other thick ones. One of the material Points of Pruning con∣sists not only in using this Branch like other Branches for Wood, but especially in not leaving upon it any thick one grown on the Extremity of it, unless it be with a design to let the Tree shoot upwards, in order to make it a Standard.

This good Conduct teaches for the Generality to lower Trees, I mean, that it is better in Pruning, wholly to take away the highest Branches that are thick, preserving only the lowest, than to do the contrary. Provided always, that the highest prove not better plac'd than the lower, to contribute towards the Beauty of the Tree, which is not usual; for in such a Case, the lowest must be taken away, and the highest preserv'd: The first design in this is, to have fine Trees, it being most certain that the Abundance of fine Fruit never fails attending such a Disposition of a fine Figure, since none of the small Branches for Fruit, are removed, but on the contrary are thereby multiplied, and afterwards freed from what∣ever might obstruct them.

The lowring of them, contracts into the Branch seated on the Extremity of that which has been cut down, all the Sap that would have gone into the Superior, or Su∣periors, that have been taken away; whereby the preserv'd Branch grows much stronger, and consequently capable of greater Production than it should have been.

And whereas sometimes, contrary to the Order of Nature, weak Branches shoot from the Extremity of the thick one, that had been shortned at the preceding Pruning; this Con∣duct teaches us to preserve those weak Branches, and to perform the Pruning upon that a∣mong the thick ones, which being underneath that, or those weak ones, appears most proper for the perfecting of the Beauty of the Figure.

Besides the Pruning we have now mention'd, we sometimes perform another Operation which we call Pinching or Breaking; which is commonly of more use for Peach Trees than any others, unless it be upon all sorts of Graffs perform'd upon thick Vigorous Trees already placed in the Garden: The Effect of this Pinching is to hinder the Branches from growing too thick, and consequently useless for Fruit, as also from growing too long, to hinder a Tree from shooting upwards too soon, or from being broken by high Winds.

The Effect of it, is likewise to produce many Branches instead of one, among which some small ones will be of use for Fruit, and some thick ones for Wood: The use of it, or rather the time of using it, is about May and June, and must be perform'd by breaking with the Nail that Branch, which being about half a Foot, or somewhat more in length, begins to appear too thick.

In Order to Pinch or break to the purpose, the thick Branch must be reduc'd to Three or Four Eyes or Buds; and when the Branch so Pinch'd proves obstinate in shooting thick a∣gain, the same Operation of Pinching must be perform'd again, but a Weak Branch must never be Pinch'd.

I will neither mention here the Pruning of Old Trees, nor of Vines, or Fig-Trees, which I refer to the particular Treatises I have written upon each of them.

Tenth ARTICLE.

'Tis commonly towards the middle of May that Espaliers or Wall Trees begin to require being Pallisado'd or Bent.

The Beauty of Pallisading or bending, consists in disposing with Order to the Right and Left those Branches that may grow on each side, to avoid Confusion, Barrenness and Crossing one another.

But whereas the Defect of Barrenness is the greatest of all, no scruple must be made of Crossing, when Barrenness cannot otherwise be avoided.

Care must be taken to Pallisade or tack as often as the Branches appear long enough to be tack'd, which otherwise would be in danger of breaking.

Above all things it is very necessary to preserve all the fine Branches Peach-Trees shoot in the Summer, unless they prove so numerous as to cause a Confusion, which happens but seldom in a well order'd Tree.

But however when necessity requires it, a great deal of Discretion must be used, in tear∣ing or cutting close some of the most Unruly, to hinder those that are hid from stretching too much, and growing bad: It is likewise proper to take away the Branches of false Wood, that grow sometimes in the Front of Pear Wall Trees, as well as those that grow in the middle of Dwarfs, which we call Triming of Buds or useless Branches.

Eleventh ARTICLE.

It is likewise very material for the Master, as well as for the Gard'ner, to know how to gather all manner of Fruits well, of whatever Season they are; and to lay up, and or∣der, in the Store-house, such as do not ripen upon the Trees, to preserve both the one and the other in their Natural Beauty, and eat them in due Season, without allowing them time to spoil.

This may have been learn'd in the particular Treatise written upon that Subject.

As to the Twelfth ARTICLE. Which relates to Graffs and Nurseries.

The most common and best Method of Graffing, is either cleftwise, or Scutcheonwise: The first in February or March upon Trees from the Thickness of an Inch Diameter to Ten and Twelve Inches Circumference, and even more: This way of Graffing is good for all manner of Fruit Trees, excepting only Peach, Almond, Mulberry, Fig-Trees, &c. upon which it seldom succeeds.

As to the Scutcheon Graff for Stone and Kernel-Fruit, if it be at the Time of shooting, it must be perform'd about Midsummer; if at the closure of the Eye, and upon Plum, Pear and Apple-Trees, about the middle of August; and upon Peach and Almond Trees, towards the middle of September; that is, both on the one and the other it must only be done a∣bout the Declining of the Sap.

Every Body knows, that the manner of Graffing Chesnut Trees is Flutewise and towards the End of April or the Beginning of May, when the Bark begins to loosen with Ease: The Fig Trees may be Grassed at the same time, and in the same manner, or else plain Scutche∣onwise.

Vines are Grassed likewise upon old Wood, which must be covered with Earth, and in the Months of March or April.

Pears succeed equally well upon Wildings and Quince-Stocks.

Peaches upon Plums and Almonds.

Apples upon an Apple Wilding to make great Trees, and upon Paradise for Dwarfs.

Plums and Apricocks upon the Suckers or New Shoots of Plum Trees, of which the best are those of St. Julien, and black Damask.

They succeed sometimes upon Almond Trees, and sometimes also Pears and Plums are Graffed mutually upon each other, but commonly without success.

There Remains the last ARTICLE. Which relates in the first place to the Profit of Kitchen-Gardens, and in the second to the Work of every Season.

AS to the Profit it is sufficient to know, that the Kitchen-Garden must afford its owner some Thing in every Month of the Year: Insomuch, that he may never be ne∣cessitated to send for out of his Garden, what skilful Gard'ners expose to Sale in Publick Places.

For Example, in November, December, January, February, March and April, besides what has been preserv'd in the Store-house, viz. Kernel-Fruit, Roots of all kinds, Cardoons, Arti∣chokes, Colliflowers, and Pumpions. The Kitchen Garden must afford Potherbs, that is, Sorrel, Beets, Winter Cabbage, Leeks, Chibols, Parsly, Mushrums, Sallads, especially Winter-Succory, Selery, Macedonian Parsly or Smallage, with the Furnitures of Charvel, Burnet, Alleluya or Wood Sorrel, Balm, Tarragon, Passepierre, &c.

In case there be hot Beds, during the great Colds you may expect Novelties, viz. Green Asparagus, Small Lettuce, Charvil, Basil, Cresses, Hartshorn, and even Sorrel, &c. at all times; to which may be added, Raddishes in February and March, and Purcelain in April, &c.

In May and June you may easily have abundance of Pot-herbs, and new Sallads of all Kinds, viz. Purcelain, Lettuce to bind, abundance of Artichokes, Pease, Beans, Cowcumbers, Raddishes, Asparagus, Goossberries. Currans commonly begin in June, with Strawberries and Rasberries for the remainder of the Month, and Mushrums always.

In July and August an equal abundance with the preceding Months. And besides that, French Beans, new Apple-Cabbage, and especially Melons, Pears, Plums, Peaches and Figs.

In September you begin to have, besides the other, Muscats, Chasselas, and other Grapes of all kinds, as also second Figs.

In October the same Things, perhaps excepting the Melons; of which the Season gene∣rally passes when the Nights grow cool, and rainy Weather comes in: But in recompence the Autumn produces a world of good Pears and Cardoons, Selery and Spinage, &c. comes in Season.

As for the Method of making all these Things grow, together with the Works of e∣very Month, is what a Gard'ner must of Necessity Understand and Practice; and when the Master shall be so curious as either to desire to Understand it himself, to correct the Gard'ner when he fails, or to enjoy the Pleasure of seeing the Order and Succession of the Productions. He may afford himself that divertisement, in reading the Book in which this Matter is throughly treated of, besides he may fully inform himself of all the Rest of Gar∣d'ning from all the particular Treatises, that are written upon every individual Part thereof.

CHAP. IV.

How to make Choice of a good Gard'ner.

IT is not sufficient, as we have already said, for our Virtuoso to have acquired the Un∣derstanding of what we have mention'd, he must moreover be Capacitated to judge by * 1.5 himself, without any other help of the Skill, or Ignorance of all sorts of Gard'ners, in order, if possible, never to be deceiv'd in his Choice; but yet the Truth is, that the number of the good Qualifications, essential to that Employment, is so considerable, that whenever I reflect on them all, I almost Despair of ever meeting with an Accomplish'd one.

And yet without rendring the thing almost Impossible, and without minding a scruple that comes into my mind, that I can say nothing here but what every Body knows as well as my self, I am resolv'd to treat of this Business at large, being perswaded that it is one of the most Essential of all those that belong to Gard'ning, and indeed the very Soul of Gardens; for since a perpetual Culture is the only way to render a Garden Delightful, it is impossible ever to expect it so, unless it be in the hands of a Skilful Laborious Gard'ner.

Therefore barely relating my Method on such Occasions, I shall only say, that to act Prudently in the Choice of a Gard'ner, it is fit to mind fitst the exterior Part of his Person, * 1.6 and secondly, the good interior Qualifications that are absolutely requir'd in him.

By the first, I mean his Age, Health, Shape and Motion; and by the second, Pro∣bity in his Manners, Honesty in his common Dealings, and chiefly Capacity in his Pro∣fession.

I shall begin with the good Qualifications of the Outside, of which the Eyes are the only and first Judges; for often at first sight we find our selves all of a sudden inclined either to a good Liking and Esteem, or Scorn and Aversion for the Gard'ner that offers himself.

As for the first Consideration, which is about Age, Health, Shape and Motion, I am * 1.7 for a Gard'ner that is neither too Old nor too Young; both Extreams being equally dange∣rous. Too much Youth is to be suspected of Ignorance and Wildness, and too much Age, unless supported by some Children of a reasonable Age and some Capacity, is Sub∣ject to Laziness or Infirmity. Therefore, in my Opinion, the best Age is from Twenty∣five to Fifty and Fifty-five, carefully observing, whether the Face denotes any visible Ap∣pearance of Health, without any evaporated Brain, or foolish Presumption; likewise care∣fully chusing a Shape and Motion denoting a Sturdy, Vigorous, Nimble Man, not affect∣ing to be dress'd or adorn'd above the common Station of a Gard'ner; all which Observa∣tions ought to be believ'd, and I affirm to be very material.

Being satisfy'd with the Exterior part, the Essential Proofs of his Merit must be exa∣min'd, to which End a little Conversation will be requir'd with the said Gard'ner.

• First, To know the Place whence he comes, the Times he has lived there, and the Reason of his leaving it.
• Secondly, Where he has learn'd his Trade, what part of Gard'ning he is most vers'd in, whether of Fruit or Kitchen-Gardens, or of Flowers or Orange-Gardens. These being the two different Classis of Gard'ning, that appear at present best establish'd.
• Thirdly, whether he is Married and has Children, and whether his Wife and Children work in the Garden.

And lastly, whether he can Write and Draw; those being, in my Opinion, all proper Questions for a Man of Sence to make on such Occasions.

The Gardner's Answer to the First, may give us great Light to Judge of his Desert or Imperfections, because that if he names several Credible Houses where he has liv'd in a few Years Compass, without being able to give good Reasons for his leaving them, it will give cause to suspect either his Ignorance or Debauchness.

If on the contrary, he give warrantable Reasons for his so doing, it may be an In∣ducement to resolve upon the taking of him, after having first made the usual Enqui∣ries in such Cases, and receiv'd a good Account of his Conduct, from such as are capable of giving it, and of whom it is to be expected, provided Malice and Revenge have no part in it.

I mean, after having been inform'd, first, of his Prudence and Honesty in his way of * 1.8 Living, of his not being insatiably greedy after Gain, of his giving his Master a good account of all the Productions of his Garden, without imbezling any part of it, upon any account whatever; of his being always the first and last at his Work; of his being neat

and curious in what he does; of his Trees being always well prun'd and cleans'd, his Wall-Trees * 1.9 well order'd, and of his delighting in his Gardens above all other things, especially up∣on holy days; so that instead of debauching and carousing at such times, as it is most com∣mon for most Gard'ners to do, he may be seen walking in his Gardens with his Servants, ma∣king them observe what is well, and what is ill in every Place, determining what is to be done upon every work-day of the Week, even taking away harmful Insects, and tacking * 1.10 some Branches that might be broken and spoil'd by the Winds, if it were put off to the next day; gathering fine Fruits that might be in danger of being spoil'd in falling; taking up the best of what is fallen; Trimming the Buds or useless Branches that offend the sight, and spoil the Tree, which had not been taken notice off before.

Those little Cares challenge as much esteem and kindness towards a Gard'ner, as any other Testimony he can render; it shews his being well Intention'd, that he has some Qualifications, that are but seldom acquir'd, unless they be Natural, viz. Affection, Curiosity, Neatness and a docible Spirit; and indeed a Garden is generally in a very good Case, under the management of such a Man. It generally is the first in producing Novelties, it is clean and free from Weeds, the Walks are neat and well level'd, and the whole commonly furnish'd with all that can be expected in every Season of the year; hap∣py are those who can meet with such, and have no cause to complain, as so many other Gentlemen daily do, of their ill Fortune upon that Subject.

The scarcity of good Workmen of that kind is not to be wonder'd at, while the num∣ber of Ingenious Men of most kinds is pretty considerable; the source of the Ignorance of most Gard'ners proceeding from their knowing nothing for the most part, but what they have seen practis'd, by those under whom they first began to work.

Those kind of Masters had never learn'd elsewhere, nor imagin'd of themselves the rea∣son of every part of their Work; so that not knowing it, and continuing to work for the most part by chance, or rather by rote, they have been no more capable of teaching it, than their Prentices of enquiring it; so that perhaps excepting some Skill in grassing and couching the Branches of Wall-Trees, in Tilling, the Ground, ordering of a Bed, sowing and watering some Seeds, clipping of Box and Pallisados, which are all very easie to do and learn, and may be learn'd by Boys seeing others do it; I say, excepting such kind of Works which are none of the most material, it may be affirm'd that they hardly know any thing, especially as to the main part of Gard'ning, which is the Conduct of all sorts of Trees, the beauty and singular goodness of every Fruit, their Maturity well understood, and an uninterrupted succession of the Novelties of every Month in the Year, &c.

Indeed they have attain'd the boldness and dexterity of using the Saw and Pruning-knife, * 1.11 but never had any Rules or Principles to do it Judiciously; they venture to cut at random, what they think good; and so a Tree, if I may use the Expression, not being able to oppose its Enemies, is mangled and maim'd, discovering its Grievances, by falling into decay, by its ill favour'd Figure, and especially by the small quantity of ill Fruit it produces.

This is in reality the common Prenticeship of Gard'ners, or rather the Epidemical Disease of all Gardens; I am not ignorant that there are some well meaning Gard'ners, who with∣out doubt would grow skilful, were they well Instructed; those deserve Pity and Assi∣stance, and therefore I never fail to assist them in all I can.

I am also sensible that there are some, who either of themselves, or having been brought up under a good Master, have both Worth and Capacity, and afterwards are careful of making good Prentices; therefore it is good to have some brought up by such hands, and approv'd by their Masters.

However, though these Precautions might seem sufficient, I am still of Opinion, that before we ingage any farther, especially, only wanting a Gard'ner for an ordinary Garden, it will not be amiss to find out some occasion to make the Gard'ner you have some Inclina∣tion to choose, set his hands to some laborious piece of Work, to see how he goes about it; as to Till some spot of Ground, to carry some Watering-Pots, &c. by which Tryals it will be easie to judge whether he has those necessary Qualifications of Body; whether he acts naturally, or forces himself; if he be handy and laborious, or clumsey and effemi∣nate: A man that is soon out of breath, does more than his strength can permit, and consequently cannot make a good Workman, I mean, a lasting one; such a man is not fit for our turn, unless we barely want one to order and manage, which is not usual, un∣less in great Gardens, where such a one is absolutely necessary.

Supposing we are hitherto satisfy'd with the Answers and Work of the Gard'ner, who offers himself, there are still other very material Qualifications to be wish'd for, as we have al∣ready mention'd.

First, That he may be able to write a Letter, for though writing be not absolutely ne∣cessary in a Gard'ner, yet it must be granted that it is a very considerable advantage, to the end that being absent from his Master, he may be able to receive his Orders himself, give him an account of his Garden, keep a Register of all he does in it, &c.

Secondly, If marry'd, it is sit that his Wife, besides the Care of her Family, may love and be capable of working about her Husband's Trade; it is an inestimable Treasure for the Perfection of Gard'ning, as well as for the good Fortune of the Gard'ner: Such a Wife cleanses, scrapes and weeds, while the Master and his Men labour about harder, more in haste, and more material Works; and when her Husband is absent or sick, she calls up∣on every body to do their duty; she gathers the Legumes and Fruit, of which often a con∣siderable part perishes for want of being gather'd in due time: In sine, she is to prevent a great many disorders, which we observe, where a Gard'ner's Wife does not love to work in the Garden. I am of Opinion that it will be proper to see her, to judge whether such important helps may be expected from her, and see whether she be cleanly, and has nothing disgusting in her. To this I might add, that in many Countrey Houses the Gard'ner is made House-keeper, when his Wife is ingenious and cleanly, which is always of great Use.

Thirdly, It is necessary to enquire the Names of the Masters under whom this Gard'ner has learn'd his Trade; when he cites for a good Master, a Man of known Ignorance, and va∣lues himself upon it, it is a sign of Incapacity, though in other things the Prentice may chance to know more than his Master.

There are yet some other Marks by which it may be easie to judge of the Merit of Gard'∣ners; for instance, I do not like a great Babler, who talks of nothing but his Skill, or affects hard Words, which he thinks are fine, though they really are not so.

Neither do I like him, who without being able to give a good reason for it, values himself upon equally despising what he has not seen, as well as what he has seen, who has so great * 1.12 an Opinion of his Ability, as to think that he can learn nothing new; who thinks he should wrong himself in inquiring after, or hearkening to Men of Reputation; as if this Wretch thereby fear'd to bring his Knowledge in question. There are but too many, who upon the Questions that are made to them, answer with a disdainful Smile. It would be a fine thing if at my Age I did not know my Trade, and thereupon would not for any thing acknowledge their Faults, or be better inform'd.

There are some who always affect to ruin whatever is Ancient in their Garden, and to make perpetual Novelties, and those study to amuse their Masters with some hopes of the future, both to hinder him, in the mean time, from perceiving their Ignorance, for the time past or present, as well as to make their Profit by the Expence incident to new Works.

On the contrary, there are some others, whose Stupidity is so great, that they never imagine any thing, and had rather leave the Gardens they undertake in the same Conditi∣on they find them, though never so much out of Order, than alter the least thing about them; who having a great number of ugly Trees, quite decay'd, or squares of Strawberrys, Artichokes and Sparagus, &c. no longer producing any thing fine or good, instead of endea∣vouring to remedy it, which is very easie, will cry that it is enough for them to preserve things as they find them.

These two sorts of Gard'ners are equally to be avoided; those who are continually brag∣ing of their Skill in Graffing, thereby likewise give an infallible proof of their Incapacity as to what relates to the main part of Gard'ning; I am not ignorant that 'tis necessary to graff well, but at the same time I know that a Woman, or a Child of eight or ten years of Age, may do it as well as the best Gard'ners; nothing has produc'd so many Block-heads in point of Gard'ning, as that Skill in Graffing. It is the Nusseries that produce so many pittiful Gard'ners, who have, as it were, corrupted and infected all that belongs to Gard'ning, looking upon themselves as being the greatest Masters in that Art, as soon as they can Graff well, and in that belief undertake the Management of any Garden what ever.

There are yet another kind of Blockheads, who cannot speak Three Words of their own Trade, without intermixing the Full and Wainal-Moon. Pretending, and yet knowing no Reason for it, that it is an Observation altogether necessary for the Success of all that belongs to Gard'ning: They really Fancy they can perswade us by such Words, that they are acquainted with all the Mysteries of that Art; so that having said with a Pre∣sumptuous Haughtiness, in their Jargon, that every Friday bears a Decrease, and that Good-Friday is Infallible for Sowing and Graffing, for Planting and Pruning, &c. They really think 'tis the greatest Happiness in the World, for any Body to have them for their Gard'ners.

I fully examine in my Treatise of Reflection what relates to those Visions, which in point of Gard'ning I really look upon to be as Ridiculous as Old; therefore I always suspect those talkers of Decrease, who are Dumb upon the least difficulty propos'd to them upon such Maxims, their sole Answer being, that in this they follow an Opinion in Vogue all the World over.

I think I have been pretty Exact in the Observation of the Good and Ill Qualifications, that are commonly met with among Gard'ners; now in my Opinion it will not be amiss, especially in Relation to those who know but little, to enjoin them to study Carefully in order to improve themselves.

As to those who have Skill and Capacity, I conjure them with all my Heart to continue to perfect themselves, thereby more and more to deserve the Favour of their Masters, if good ones, if not, to deserve better.

I find my self very much inclin'd to oblige all those who are desirous to learn, either in assisting them with some Instructions in those parts of Gard'ning, they are not sufficiently acquainted with, or in Procuring them good Places, in considerable Houses.

As on the other Hand to Despise, and render no manner of good Offices to such as have 〈…〉〈…〉one of those good, and altogether necessary, Qualifications.

Lastly, in order to ease the Mind of a Master who wants a Gard'ner, if he himself be * 1.13 not Ignorant of the good Maxims of Gard'ning, in my Opinion he cannot do better than to Examin the Gard'ner, who comes to offer his Service, upon all the principal Points of Culture, being perswaded that commonly those who are work-Men, can speak Indifferently well as to their Trade; and consequently that it is a very ill Sign, when they cannot speak three Words to the purpose about it.

Not but that there are some People who can work better than Talk, and some who na∣turally have more Facility to express themselves than others; but in this Case, we look first for Gard'ners, not Orators; and in the second Place expect no Eloquence, only some marks of a Necessary Capacity, both to be satisfied that a Garden will always be in a good Case, it being in the Hands of a good Gard'ner, and to hope for the Satisfaction of having sometimes the Pleasure of discoursing about Gard'ning, and to propose Questions upon the Matter occurring. A Judicious Man can never want Capacity to Judge and Distinguish in such a Case, what may be good, or indifferent for his Use, and of being satisfied with what Reason and his Occasions may require of a Gard'ner, without looking farther.

The End of the First Part.

[illustration]

OF FRUIT-GARDENS AND Kitchen-Gardens. VOL. I. PART II.

I Am particularly to treat here of Four Things: The first relating to the Advantages to be wish'd for, in order to make Gardens: The second relating to Earth, in respect to those Gardens: The third, to what is proper to Correct the Defects we meet with in Gardens already made: The fourth, to the manner of Cultivating Gardens, together with such Qualifications of Soil, as are proper for every particular Kind of Fruit.

I will speak of what relates to the first Article, after having first declar'd that I am only to treat here of Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens, whether they be City Gardens, which common∣ly are but of a Moderate Compass: The Ground of considerable Cities being too preci∣ous to employ much of it in Gard'ning, or Country Gardens, which for the generality are pretty large, at least much larger than those of Cities, and that in proportion to the Abi∣lities of the Master, and Stateliness of every House.

I am sensible, that for the generality, both City and Country Gardens are made for the Conveniency of the Houses, and therefore should be pretty close to them; yet considering that those of the Country require a pretty large Extent, in order to yield considerably, being necessary for Sustenance, as well as Pleasure: In my Opinion, it were to be wish'd that the Houses were built for the Gardens, and not the Gardens made for the Houses. I mean, that one of the Chief Considerations in the Choice of the Situation of Houses, should be particularly to pitch upon a proper Place to make fine and good Gardens with Ease, which however is but seldom minded. There are other more prevailing Considerations most People fix upon: For Instance, a fine Prospect, the Neighbourhood of a Wood or River, the Conveniency and Pleasure of Hunting, the Facility of making Fountains or Canals, the Advantage of the Income, or some other Consideration of the Adjacency of Friends, &c. So that the Gardens in Question are commonly the last Thing thought upon,

and consequently much more the Works of Nicety and After-thought, than of Choice or Forecast.

And indeed it is much more common to become Master of a House ready Built, either by Purchase or Succession, &c. than to chuse the Situation, and begin to lay the Foun∣dations of it; so that generally People are necessitated to make such Gardens as the Depen∣dencies of their Houses will allow, which is the Reason they are not commonly so good as they should be.

But supposing a Man were in a Condition to chuse, I will take the Liberty to explain here what I think most proper to be done, to suceeed in the choice of a Garden for a House, as I would willingly do as to the Choice of the Situation of that House, were this a proper Place for it.

CHAP. I.

Of the Conditions that are necessary in order to make a Good Fruit and Kitchen-Garden.

I Find in this seven particular Considerations, and all of them, in my Opinion, very material.

• First, I would have the Ground good, whatever Colour it were of.
• Secondly, A favourable Situation and Exposition.
• Thirdly, An easie Conveniency of Water, for watering.
• Fourthly, To have the Ground upon a small rising.
• Fifthly, An agreeable Figure, and well plac'd Entrance.
• Sixthly, A fine Enclosure of pretty high Walls.

And Lastly, That in case this Garden were not within sight of the House, which is not always to be wish'd for, at least it might not be far distant from it, but above all, that the Access to it may be easie and convenient: Let us now explain those seven Articles a∣sunder, in order to shew whether my wish be grounded upon sufficient Reasons, and whe∣ther the Execution of it be material.

CHAP. II.

Of Earth in General.

IN Order to prove what Earth is, not taking in a Philosophical or Christian Sence, where∣by is understood the whole Mass, this not being a question proper to be decided in this Place: It is sufficient to know, Earth being considered in that Sence, that it is a great round Mass, which forming one part of the created World, is Situated in the middle of the Celestial Sphere; where, by the Orders of the Creator, it sustains it self, as it were by its own Weight.

But to take Earth in the Sence of a good Husbandman, or a Gard'ner, to be able to Ex∣plain what it is in relation to all the small Particles that compose it, and the Culture it re∣ceives from the Hand of Man.

In that Sence, I think, I may say, that Earth is a quantity of a certain kind of small Sand, which by the Operation of a certain Salt, wherewith Nature has endued every Grain of that Sand, is proper for the Production of Vegetables; in order to which there must be se∣veral Grains together, which receiving a temperate Moisture, form a compacted Body, which afterwards receiving some degrees of moderate Heat, seems to compose an animated Body: So that without these two helps of Moisture and Heat, this Earth remains useless, and as it were dead. 'Tis almost in the same manner that Flower, which is an entire Body, composed of an Infinite Number of small Particles, all well seperated the one from the other; this Flower, I say, being moistned to a certain degree, forms Paste or Pap, either of which being season'd with a little Salt, and afterwards heated to a certain degree, become proper for the Nourishment of Man; whereas this Flower would remain useless or dead, if Water, Salt and Fire were not introduc'd to Animate it. However, we find this difference between Earth and Flower, that the last being once wetted, alters its nature to that degree, that it cannot return to its first Condition, although the Moisture be altogether drein'd out of it,

whereas on the contrary, Earth having once lost the Moisture it had receiv'd, remains in the same Condition it was before, when it receives a second Moisture; but yet this diffe∣rence ought not to destroy our Comparison.

The Reason that induces me to say that Earth is a kind of Sand, is, that in the hand∣ling of it, it really appears a sandy Thing; I will not take upon me to explain what Sand is, since I can say nothing that is particular about it, nor new, I shall only say in General, That there are several kind of Sands, of which some are very dry and barren, like those of the Sea, Rivers, Sand Pits, &c. others Fat and Fruitful, some more, some less: Those that are Fattest and most Fertile, make the best Earth; the others that are not so Fat, or have no Fatness at all, make but ordinary or bad Earth, especially such as are Light, Dry and Sandy: Moreover some are softer, which make soft easie Soil or Mould; others courser, which make a rough Loam, hard to be manag'd. In fine, some are Un∣ctuous and Sticking together, of which those that are but moderately so, make strong Earth; others that are more inclining to it, make clean Loamy Earth, and those that are extreamly Unctuous, make clayish and heavy Earth, altogether unfit for Culture.

Besides the difference of Sands, in Relation to Fruitfulness and Barrenness, there are o∣thers which only differ as to Colour; for among Sands some are Blackish, others Reddish; some are White, some Grey and others Yellow, &c. from whence Earth derive the Names of Black, Red, White, Grey, &c. But those kind of Colours are not very Essential to the goodness of Soil, as we shall demonstrate hereafter.

It is most certain, that those Fertile Sands have really some Qualities in themselves, or rather a certain fruitful Salt, which is communicated to the Water that Moistens them, which being season'd by these Qualities, must serve for the Production of Plants. Just in the same Manner as Senné, Rubarb and most Plants have in themselves Medicinal Virtues and Properties, which communicate themselves to the Water into which they are Infus'd, for the Use of the Health of Man, &c. which Truth is undeniable.

I might assert here in the first Place, that Earth (considering it in it self as one of the Four Elements) has really no Original or Natural Disposition for Vegetation, being in its principal Qualities Cold and Dry, whereas Vegetation requires Heat and Moisture; but as by * 1.14 the Express Order and Command of Divine Providence, it finds it self endu'd with a Salt necessary for Fertility, and is afterwards assisted both by the Rays of the Sun, and Subter∣raneous Fires which give it heat, as well as by some Waters that moisten it, it seems to change its Nature; so that, in submission to so absolute a Command of the Sovereign Master, it appears as if it were a living animated Being, a Being, having its particular * 1.15 Activity, that is, of Producing, as if in Effect Plants were no more in relation to it than the Teeth of an Animal are in relation to that Animal: I mean, that as it is the Animal that Lives, and not the Teeth; so it would be proper to say, that the Earth lives, and not the Vegetables. This Earth, I say, in Obedience to that Command, makes that vast number of different Productions we have so much Reason to admire.

I might say, Secondly, That there was a second Command, after the Curse occasion'd by * 1.16 the Disobedience of Man, and that by Vertue of that second Command, that Earth seems most Inclin'd to produce Ill Plants or Weeds; so that this very Man having for his Punish∣ment receiv'd a particular Order to Cultivate that Earth for his Subsistance, he finds himself in some manner necessitated to wage a perpetual War against it: He Labours and makes use of all his Industry to Vanquish and Overcome the malicious Inclination of that Earth, which on its part defends it self with all its Might, to avoid, deceive and cross the Subordi∣nate Authority of that second Master.

And so we see, that being no wise inclin'd to favour Children that are in some manner * 1.17 Strangers to her, which by Culture we make her produce against her Will. She relapses as soon as she can, shooting vigorously Thistles, Nettles, and a Thousand other Plants of no Use to us, which are properly her natural welbelov'd Children.

In this the Earth resembles those Children who are seldom tired with Voluntary Games and Sports, though never so Rough or Violent in themselves, and yet appear soon weary in the performance of what a Superior Authority enjoins them for their good, though ne∣ver so easie in the Execution.

Thus then, this Earth is oblig'd to obey in a great many Things, which Man requires of it, in which perhaps it might be compar'd to a young Colt, Vigorous and Obstinate, * 1.18 which being once subjected to the Hand and Spur of an able Rider, becomes subservient for Pleasures, Combats and Triumphs, &c.

Thirdly, I might say, that all sort of Soils are not proper for all Sorts of Productions, so that every Clime seems in some Sence to be reduc'd to some particular Thing, which it pro∣duces * 1.19 happily and with Ease; whereas other Plants cannot succeed in it, without much

Toil and Care: It is in this point that Man stands in need of Industry, nay even of Ob∣stinacy, finally to overcome the Resistance he meets with sometimes, in the Culture of his Ground.

Those happy or unfortunate Successes of Plants, in certain Places ought to inform us de∣monstratively, what kind of Earth is absolutely fit for every sort of Fruit, and which is im∣proper; for Instance, the large Cherry Trees of the Vale of Montmorency, and the fine Plum Trees of the Hills of Meudon, &c. Instruct me what Soil is proper for Cherries, and what for Plums, &c. least I should engage to the rearing of them in Soils of a different Temper, with Confidence and Presumption of succeeding without difficulty.

I might finally say what is known by every Body, that some Earths are much better than others in every Climate, nay even sometimes in a small Compass of Ground, vulgarly term'd Veins of Earth: For Instance, Wheat grows well in one Place, and yet cannot grow in ano∣ther close by it, where the Ground is only fit for Rye, or other small Corn. Wine proves good in one Place, and is not so in another, tho' close by it. Muscadine ripens perfectly well in some, and in others neither acquires Taste, Firmness, Colour, &c.

From whence it follows, that it is very difficult to give general and positive Rules for every Climate in general, considering the great Proximity or Nearness of good Soil to bad.

So that we say in respect to the Production of Earth in every Clime, that some are extra∣ordinary good, that is, very Fertile, as we have often cause to say, in respect to the said Production, that some are very Bad, that is, very Barren: This difference proceeding ap∣parently from the Internal Qualifications of every Ground, since it cannot be imputed to the Sun, which looks upon them all with the same Eye; it may likewise proceed from ano∣ther Cause, which we will demonstrate hereafter: But, in fine, our Gardens absolutely require Earth, therefore let us now examine what Conditions are necessary to that Earth, in order to make our Garden thrive.

CHAP. III.

Of the Conditions that are Necessary for the Earth of a Garden, to Qualifie it to be good.

MAny Things are to be said in relation to Earth, which are necessary to be understood; I will speak of each in particular without omitting any Thing of what I know; but whereas we have establish'd heretofore, that the first and most essential Thing to be de∣sir'd, for Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens, is a good Earth, it will be proper first to Explain what a good Soil is, to the making of which many Things must Concur.

• First, Its Productions must be Vigorous and Numerous.
• Secondly, That Earth must be able to recover it self with ease, when it has been worn out.
• Thirdly, It must have no ill Taste.
• Fourthly, It must have at least Three Foot Depth.
• Fifthly, It must be clear from Stones, and easie to Till.
• Sixthly, It must neither be too Moist, nor too Dry.

I explain these Six Maxims in Six particular Sections, before I enter upon the other Ne∣cessary Conditions for the Perfecting of a Fruit-Garden.

First SECTION.

Of the First Proof of good Earth.

In my Opinion, the best Proof of a real good Ground or Soil, is chiefly when of it self it abounds in very vigorous and numerous Productions, appearing seldom or never Exhau∣sted: * 1.20 When Plants grow visibly, with large thick Leaves, &c. When Trees grow up in few Years, producing fine Shoots, green Leaves, not drooping until the great Frosts come in, having sine, lively, shining Barks, &c. These Marks are certain Proofs of a good Earth.

SECTION II.

Of the Second Proof of good Earth.

Besides this, the Nature of this Soil must be such, that it may easily repair what has been Impair'd by some Extraordinary Accident, viz. by a great Heat, or a great Cold; by a great Drought, or great Moisture; by a long Nourishment of some Foreign Plant, &c. so as easily and certainly to recover its former Goodness, if left in quiet, and, as it were, abandon'd to it self; which supposes that the Accidents that had troubled it in its or∣dinary Productions ceasing, the goodness of its Nature, and particularly its happy Situation, are apparently the principal Causes thereof; which is so true, as to that Situation, that such a Soil being admirably good in such a Place, will soon cease to be so, if carried into ano∣ther, where it may not meet with the good Fortune of such an advantageous Situation: Whereas, on the contrary, if Barren in some Place, being Transported into another, where the Situation happens to be better, it will undoubtedly prove much better in its Production there.

This is the Reason that Transported Earth, though never so good in the place whence it was brought, only has a Transitory Goodness, and will soon cease to be so, not meet∣ing with a proper Situation, in which case it will require extraordinary Helps to be main∣tain'd in a Fruitful Condition.

Therefore we may lay down as a certain Maxim, that no Earth can be call'd good, un∣less it shows a great Fertility by its natural Productions, and be capable to recover it self without help. Those are the Earths that are absolutely necessary for Gardens, without amusing our selves in hopes of correcting a natural Barrenness absolutely, by laying out a great deal of Money, in Dunging, &c. especially in Relation to Fruits; as for Pot-herbs, I grant, that having abundance of Dung and Water, together with several Indefatigable Gard'ners, they may be made to grow in a common Soil; but that Remedy is too Expensive, and the real Plea∣sure of a Garden, is inconsistent with so much Toil and Charge.

SECTION III.

Third Proof of a good Earth.

Moreover, in my Opinion, the real Goodness of Earth consists in having neither Smell nor Taste; since it would be Vain for our Fruits to be the Children of a very Fruitful Soil, and to be large and beautiful; if, at the same time, that Soil had any ill Smell, or ill Taste, by Reason that the Fruits and Legumes, or Edible Plants, will infallibly be tainted with it, and consequently cannot be good or pallatable, which is their main Excellence.

The Example of those Wines that taste of the Soil, is a convincing Proof of this Truth, it being most certain that the Sap, which is prepar'd by the Roots, is only made by the Water, which soaking in the Ground where those Roots are to Work, of necessity par∣ticipates to the Taste and Qualities of that Soil, and still retains them, notwithstanding its being turn'd into Sap.

Earth to be good, must be altogether like good Water, that is, that without being Tart, or Insipid, and Sweetish, it must have no manner of Smell whatever, neither Good nor Bad.

This is the first and most material Observation to be made, in order to Resolve and De∣termine upon the Ground of a Garden, when it appears Fertile; which Observation is very easie, since every Body is capable of making it, either in Smelling barely to a handful of that Earth, to judge of the Smell, or in tasting the Water, in which it shall have soak'd, to judge of its Taste. For Example, leaving some small Quantity to soak for Five or Six Hours in a Glass, which being afterwards drein'd through a clean Cloath to remove all Suspition of Dirt or Uncleanness, may be tasted, to judge by its good or ill Taste, of Stink and Tarness, or Pleasantness and Sweetness, whether that Ground may be proper to produce good Fruits, in order to resolve upon the making or not making a Garden there. It is impossible to be too Nice in point of Taste; Legumes do not require quite so much nicety, by Reason that most of them, in the boiling, lose whatever might be disagreeable in their Taste.

SECTION IV.

The Fourth Proof of good Earth.

Though it might seem sufficient in order to judge of the Goodness of Earth, to find its Pro∣duction Vigorous, and that it does not grow weary of Producing, as also that it has no manner of ill Taste; yet notwithstanding the Knowledge of our Curious, who will make a Garden, must extend farther: It is necessary to sound the Depth of the Ground, and to dig into its Entrails, to see whether it contains, at least, Three Foot of as good Mould as the Surface. The Tress he shall plant there will not grow so easily as those which Nature has produc'd of it self; they will not thrive, unless they be, as it were, certain of a Pro∣vision of Food for the Time to come, which Provision consists in having Three Foot of good Mould, very soft or labourable on the Top; and whereas by daily requiring some new thing from that Earth, it is tired at last, and grows Lazy and Lean in its Productions, it is necessary to make some Alterations; the most material of all which, as well as the most easie, is to lay the Mould that lay in the Bottom on the Top, where not having had any Thing to employ it, it preserv'd its natural Fruitfulness, in Expectation of being put to Tryal, that is, of being Expos'd to the Sun and Cultivated; in which Motion of the Earth, the Surface is turn'd in the Room of the other, which was taken up there to lay at rest in its Turn, in order to come to it self again in some Years Time, and to be put into a Condition of acting again as well as ever: Not unlike those Animals, which, though never so tired at the end of the first Day's Journey, go on the next Day with the same Vigour as before, provided they have Rest in the Night.

It is not enough to have laid down as a Maxim, that Trees absolutely require Three Foot in Depth of good Mould, it is necessary besides to decide how much will be proper for long Rooted Legumes: For Example, Artichokes, Beet Roots, Scorzonere, Parsneps, Carots, &c. all which, in my Opinion likewise, require the same Depth of Three Foot. Other Plants, as Sallads, Greens and Cabbage, &c. may do with a Foot less. But those among the Cu∣rious who, in both cases, of Trees and large Legumes, are satisfied with less Depth than I have Instanc'd, are certainly in a very great Error, and are to be pitied, or rather blam'd. They will be liable to have abundance of Trees grow Yellow and Sick, and to see a con∣siderable part of them Perish, and consequently will be obliged to a new Expence, to plant others at a Time when, after Five or Six Years Patience, they ought to Enjoy the Benefit of their Plants. And lastly, they will be Expos'd to have small Trees and Legumes, and those neither good nor come to perfection, &c. Which Inconveniencies ought to be avoided, by following of my Precepts in chusing of a sufficient Depth.

SECTION V.

The Fifth Proof of good Earth.

The Natural and Perpetual Fertility of Earths, their Taste and Depth, being thus esta∣blish'd as Four indispensable Conditions, there remains a Fifth, which is, That Earth, with∣out being too light, ought to be easie for Cultivation (like those we call Fat Sand, or Flax Land, &c.) and pretty free from Stones, not only for the Ease of Culture and to make Plants grow the easier, but also to please the Eye, which undoubtedly is offended at the sight of many Stones or Rubbage in stirring of the Ground: So that when any Earth has that Imperfection, it must be remedied, when there are but a few, they may be easily clear'd with a Rake; but when the Ground is full of them, I know no Remedy but sifting of it. I explain the Use of that Operation in the Treatise of the Preparations of Soils.

Light Moulds have great Advantages for Culture, they are convenient to Plants for the * 1.21 Multiplication of their Roots, they easily drink the Water of Rains, and Waterings, and yet preserve Moisture enough for Vegetation; besides they are easily heated by the Beams of the Sun, and consequently are quick in their Production, which is particularly desir'd by every Body.

SECTION VI.

Sixth mark of good Earth.

The best way to know easie Mould, is to compare it with other Earth that is not so; for Example:

Earth that is too strong cuts with the Spade like loamy or stif Ground, which are apt to close and grow hard, to that degree, that it is almost impossible for Rain, or Waterings to pe∣netrate or soak into them, wich is a very vexatious and most pernicious Inconvenience for Cul∣ture; besides, they are naturally inclin'd to rottenness, and are cold and backward, preser∣ving a continual moisture in their bottom, three of the worst Qualifications Earth can have; the surface of them easily splits and parches in great heats, insomuch that they are inca∣pable of receiving the least Culture, and consequently are neither fit for new Plantations, or to receive new Seeds, which occasions a great scarcity in most Seasons; besides, those cranys are very prejudicial both to Trees and Plants, having already taken new Root, by uncovering the Roots, breaking the new ones, and hindering them from continuing their Functions.

It is impossible to be better inform'd than I am, with all the disorders that attend such Soils, and with all the Inconveniencies they cause in Culture; and therefore I think it will not be improper for me to make a short Relation, by the by, of what I have been oblig'd to do in the Kitchen-Garden of Versailles; of which the Earth is partly of the Nature of those, which it were to be wish'd, might not be met with any where, and which we would not have there, had it been easie to bring better in the room of it. The Necessity of making a Kitchen-Garden in a Situation proper for Walks, and the King's Satisfaction, oblig'd us to pitch upon that Place where it is; and the difficulty of meeting with extraordinary good Earth in the adjacent Parts, necessitated us to be satisfied with such as was passably good.

This Kitchen-Garden is in a Place, where there was formerly a large and very deep Pond; we were oblig'd to fill up the Place of that Pond, and raise the Surface of it even above that of the Grounds about it, otherwise it being a Marsh, and the sink of the neighbouring Hills, it would never have succeeded for the use it was design'd to: we met with no great difficulty in the filling of it, by means of the Sands we were oblig'd to dig out to make the adjacent Canal, of which we us'd ten and twelve Foot in depth every where, but yet the difficulty of meeting with proper Mould to lay over those Sands, and to have it speedily, together with the Expence and Time for the distant Trans∣portation of the great quantity that was necessary for the surface of near twenty five Acres, or Furlongs, were capable to discourage any body from the Enterprise; therefore we were oblig'd to take that which lay nearest to us, that is from the Mountain of Satory: I exa∣min'd it upon the spot, and found that it was a kind of loamy Ground which turn'd to Pap or Mortar, when after great Rains the Water remain'd long upon it, and look'd as if it had been petrify'd when it was dry; I likewise perceiv'd that common Showrs did not easily soak into it, which troubled me much, but I imputed the cause of it to a kind of white Sand, or soft and chalkey Stone, which was found upon that Mountain at the second spit deep of the Spade, and comforted my self in hopes of meeting with a Remedy against it, by means of the Sands, upon which that Earth was to be plac'd; upon that Foun∣dation I dispos'd the ground of this Kitchen-Garden in such a manner that the Earth of the surface might lay upon a level, without any declivity, as commonly most Gardens are; but I was extreamly surpriz'd when I found the contrary of what I expected; this Earth in chang∣ing of Place, did not change its Nature, it remain'd impenetrable to Water; that which happen'd most favourable to me in this, was, that I was expos'd the first year to the great∣est mischief that could possibly befall me, there falling such great and frequent Showers of Rain, that the whole Garden seem'd to be turn'd into a Pond, or at least into a puddled Marsh, which was inaccessible, and above all, Mortal, both for the Trees that were root∣ed up, and all the Kitchen Plants that were overflow'd by it: A Remedy was to be found suitable to so great an Inconvenience, otherwise the great work of the Kitchen-Garden, the Expence of which had made so great a Noise, and the Figure whereof afforded so much Pleasure, should have been of no use: Happily in causing this same Garden to be made, I had at the same time also made an Aqueduct that went a cross it, in order to receive all the Waters of the Hills, which were wont to fall into that very Place to supply the former Pond, and were necessary to fill the great neighbouring Canal; therefore I bethought my self to order Matters so, that those Waters which were so pernicious to me, might lose them∣selves in that great Aqueduct, to which end I thought my self oblig'd to raise every Plat or

Square into Ridges, which Remedy was good, but would have been violent, had I been forc'd to get new Earth for that Elevation; in order to perform this with more ease, I made use of long Dung, of which I was very well provided, as well to place it underneath, as to mix it with the Mould design'd for Legumes, which answer'd my Expectation. The Suc∣cess prov'd good, and the Charge inconsiderable; in forming of this Work, I allow'd eve∣ry Square an imperceptible Declivity to lead or carry all the Waters sliding down from all the parts so rais'd into one of the Corners; and caus'd a small Stone Gutter to be made at every Corner, to carry those Waters into the Aqueducts; and was not long before I found the benefit of that Invention; my Squares with their Plants, and my Borders with their Trees, being thereby preserv'd according to my Wish; besides, it contributed considerably towards the Preservation and good Taste of all the things that I could rear there.

This manner of Ridges appear'd at first surprizing by its Novelty, but yet it had the good Fortune to please the King, whose Penetration and Judgment are infinite in all things; What Honour, and what Joy for me to have the Approbation of so great a Prince! He judg'd that the Invention was no less agreeable than new, so much the rather, because it was of the greatest use imaginable; besides, it added three Acres to the first sur∣face of the Garden. I do not question but this Method of Ridges will be imitated in all Places where the Earth shall be either like ours, or liable to the Inundation of great Rains, or naturally too Marshy.

But when People have no Inclination to make such Elevations, they must at least resolve to have recourse to frequent Tillages, to avoid the Inconveniencies that attend Soils that easily Chop in the time of great long heats, it being a very good and infallible Re∣medy.

SECTION VII.

Seventh Mark of good Earth.

We have now seen the Inconveniencies attending a Soil that is too ponderous, or too fat, and too strong, and have found a Remedy for it; on the other hand, those that are too light, and consequently dry, are accompany'd with so many difficulties, that they are capable wholly to disgust the Curious.

First, By the difficulty of a necessary Remedy: Secondly, By the necessity of great and frequent Waterings, which are very chargeable, and without which the Earth grows, or remains Barren: Thirdly, By the small Progress of Fruits and Legumes, there during the Sum∣mer, without extraordinary helps: Lastly, by the small number of Vegetables, that can a∣gree with it in our Gardens, in which not withstanding it is necessary to have them of all kinds to be fully satisfied.

Let us now consider what relates to those Soils that are too dry and light, and let us ex∣amin whether it be possible to correct those defects.

It happens often that Earth is dry and light, because Nature at first formed it in that Tem∣perature, such is that of dry Turf in certain Fens, such is the Sandy Soil of the Plain of Grenelle; it is pretty difficult, tho not impossible to render them more Ponderous and Fat, which is only to be done by mixing abundance of other strong Earth among it, or by making of a way for a considerable discharge of Water towards the Bottom, which might spread all over it, which is not very practicable; sometimes this drought and lightness proceed from its lying upon a clear Sand, especially when it lyes too shallow, and consequently has not a Bed sufficiently solid, and close, to stop the Waters that fall upon it, either by Rain, Snow, or other ways; those Waters easily penetrating the Body of those Soils descend to that Sand, which being as it were, a kind of Sive lets them pass, and go down lower, as to the place of their Center, whither their weight inclines them, and so no Moisture or Coolness is pre∣served on the Bottom of that Earth, from thence to be Communicated to the superior parts; and consequently that Soil still relapses into its Natural Driness and Barrenness, since it can∣not produce any thing, unless it be at once accompanied with some Moisture and Temperate * 1.22 Heat.

Those that are at liberty to choose their Ground, will hardly be so ill advised as to pitch upon one that is so defective; but when they are indispensably obliged to it, three things must of necessity be done.

The First is to remove as much of that Clear Sand as will be necessary to form that depth of three Foot, filling it up afterwards with as good Mould as can be conveniently got.

The Second is to keep all those Places that are to be Cultivated a little lower than the Walks, to the End that the Waters which falls into those Walks, may altogether incline and run into that Ground.

The Third and Last is to throw into those Cultivated Plats, in the Winter, all the Snow that lies in the Walks, and other Parts, from which they may be easily brought, which will make a Provision of Moisture in the Bottom of that Ground, to help it to perform its Functions during the great Heats of Summer.

I have always us'd those three Expedients, and have prevail'd with my Friends to put them in practice; and I attest with Truth, that we have all found a great Benefit by it, and that it is very safe to put them in practice.

No Body can be Ignorant, that when there lies Water at a moderate Depth within the Ground; for Instance, about Three Foot deep (which is common at the Bottom of Vales, where there lies what we call a good Black Sand.) No Body, I say, can be Ignorant, that in such a Case a Natural Philtration or Distillation, forms it self in the Depth of that Earth, which raises part of that Water up to the Surface, which preserving or maintain∣ing the Earth in a good Temperature for Production, makes it extraordinary good; where∣as on the Contrary, that Water lying in a great quantity too near the Surface; for Ex∣ample, within a Foot or somewhat more, being stop'd there by some Bank of soft Chalk, Stone, or stiff Clay remains there, being hindred from descending lower, and thereby occa∣sions too great a Moisture in the Earth; so that unless a Discharge be made of those Subter∣raneous Waters, or that the Ground be rais'd Ridgewise, as I have heretofore Explain'd, in order to make those Waters rise, such Soil will of Necessity grow Cold, Rotten; and, in a Word, stark Nought.

And, indeed, we may assure our selves, that the Moisture of Soils often proceeds from that Cause, as well those that are very Excessive as those that are not: That Moisture proceeds sometimes from other Causes, as we shall declare in the Sequel.

I think my self oblig'd to say in this Place, that in Relation to the difference of Earth, ei∣ther Strong and Fat, or Dry and Light, this Distinction is to be made, that in Cold Coun∣tries light Earth is most to be desir'd, to the End that a small Heat may be able to warm it; whereas pretty Stony and Fat Soil is best in Hot Countries, Heat not penetrating so easily into the Bottom of it, or drying up the Plants. The Prince of Poets, who was Originally * 1.23 of such a Country, seems to approve a Fat Earth even for Vines; but 'tis only in respect to Abundance; for as to the Goodness and Delicacy of the Vine, he speaks in a different man∣ner, shewing, that Light, Lean Mould is most proper for good Wine, as Loamy Ground is for Wheat.

There are some Soils of so equal a Temperature, and so advantageous a Constitution, that all manner of Legumes and Trees of any kind whatever succeed incomparably well in them; nay, which is more, those kind of Soils receiving but a common Culture of ordinary Labour, or stirring of the Ground for Fruit-Trees, preserve themselves good for many Years, without the Assistance of any Amendments, unless it be for Legumes.

Happy are those who light upon such, when they are about making of a new Garden, so as to be able to boast that in their Grounds they meet with all the Important Conditions I have mention'd, viz. a Fertile Soil, without Taste, sufficiently deep, moderately light, and pretty free from Stones, neither too strong and moist, or too light and too dry, because they may assure themselves of an Infallible Success as to the Ground, and consequently what is it they may not expect, taking care from time to time to have it search'd, and absolutely turn∣ed within the Depth heretofore mention'd, as well to be certain of its being still in the same Case every where, as to enable every part to perform its Duty alternatively, not failing, besides this, to allow it the common Culture it requires.

I have had the Honour of making one of the best Kitchen-Gardens that could be, for a great Minister; I had the Liberty of chusing my Ground, and found it according to my wish, and as I wish it to all Gentlemen that are Curious in Gard'ning. This Garden is so per∣fect, that no Inconsiderable Things are seen in it, nor any Thing that belyes its Excel∣lence. No Place can afford more vigorous Trees, or more excellent Fruits, nor in greater Quantity, nor siner and better Legumes. There is but one thing wanting in it, which is, that it is not altogether so forward as Gardens that lie in a Sandy Ground; but that De∣fect, which Art cannot correct, is sufficiently recompens'd by all the other Advantages I have mention'd.

CHAP. IV.

Of the other Terms that are us'd in speaking of Earth.

AFTER having explain'd the good Qualifications that are to be wish'd for in the Mould of Gardens, I might now apply my self to the Explaining of the other Condi∣tions that are necessary for the perfecting of the said Gardens, viz, The Situation, Exposition, Figure and Conveniency of Watering, &c.

But whereas in our Gardens we often speak of worn out or Exhausted Earth, of Fallow Earth, of new broken up Earth, of Transported Earth, &c. I think that before I proceed any farther, it will be proper for me to declare my Opinion thereof.

SECTION VIII.

Of Exhausted Earth.

First, It is an old saying, that Earth wears out or exhausts in process of time, what∣ever quantity of Salt it may have to preserve its Fertility, that is, though never so good in its Nature, with this difference only, that whereas some are extraordinary Good, and others very Indifferent, some are much sooner, and much easier worn out than others: We may in some measure compare them to the Treasures of every State; of which some are certainly very considerable, and others not; whereby some are more able to sustain long Wars, and bear greater Expences than others; but yet the Treasures of the Richest can∣not hold out for ever, they not being Infinite. They may be Exhausted or Wasted, ei∣ther by being ill Manag'd, or ill Employ'd, or by being Dispers'd, or Squander'd away, though perhaps with a Prospect of other Advantages for the Benefit of the State. Fo∣reign Amendments are sometimes necessary to that State; for Example, great Trading, a Considerable Alliance, &c. and chiefly no long Wars, or great Dissipations. It re∣quires * 1.24 at least some Rest and Occonomy, or good Husbandry. In the same manner what∣ever Fruitfulness Earth is endu'd with, it will waste at length by the Abundance of its Productions, I mean such as have been forc'd upon it, but not those that are natural and voluntary, wherewith it seems only to sport; for Instance, the Ground of a good Meadow is so far from wasting, by the Nourishment it affords the Grass it yearly produces, that it improves in its Disposition of producing it, as if it delighted in following its natural Ten∣dency; but when we go about to alter its Function, and force it to produce Saint Foin, Wheat, or any other Corn that is a Stranger to it, it will be soon perceiv'd, first, that it begins to slacken in its Production, and finally Exhausts or Spends it self, insomuch, that it will want some help to be put again in Vigour, otherwise it will remain for a time al∣most useless. It may be also, that the Grounds where Wheat and other Corn grow of themselves (for it is very probable, that those first Grains grew naturally and without any Industry in some Soils.) It may be, I say, that those Corn Grounds might be worn out sooner in producing of Hey, than in the Continuance of their Natural Productions: So that it is Evident by the Experience of all Husbandmen, that Earth frequently wears out or exhausts.

I add, that according to the greater or lesser quantity of Salt, every particular Plant re∣quires, all Plants not consuming an equal quantity of it, that Earth which is abundantly pro∣vided therewith, shoots, without wearing out so soon, several different kind of Plants, and sometimes all of them together and at the same time, witness the good Grounds of Meadows, every part of which abounds with an Infinity of different Plants, all equally Vigorous: Sometimes, and that only when the Ground is indifferently good, that Earth only produces many successively the one after the other; as we see by small Corn, as Barly, Oates, &c. which are sown in those very Grounds that have just before produced Wheat and Rye; which, though not capable of producing some of the like so soon after it, have yet the Force of producing smaller.

The same things may be said of Grounds that have serv'd long for Vinyards, Woods, or Forests, or Orchards, &c. where when we destroy those kind of Plants, we must not expect that it will succeed immediately, if Employ'd in the same manner it was before, it being too much wasted or worn out for that purpose; but yet it may be good enough to serve a while for the Production of smaller Plants, and less Voracious; for Example, Pot-herbs,

Pease, Beans, &c. and yet at last it will yeild to the common Fate of all manner of Earth, which is to wear out quite.

It is in this that the Gard'ner must shew his skill; for he must have a perpetual Appli∣cation to observe in what manner all the Plants of his Garden do grow, not to Employ his time in planting his Ground with Things that can no longer thrive there, and yet he must leave no part of his Garden unmanur'd, it will be sufficient to shift his Legumes and Seed: His Earth can never be so worn out or Exhausted, as to oblige him to leave it altogether unimploy'd; he may make it produce all manner of Things one after another, provided he never lets it want some Helps it requires. However, supposing he were oblig'd to plant or put Things of the same kind in the Room of the old Ones; for Instance, new Trees in the Room of others that are Dead, then in such a Case there is some work to be done, and some Oeconomy to be practis'd, which I will speak of hereafter; besides the manner of Employing Earth well, is fully examin'd in the Treatise of the Kitchen-Gardens.

SECTION IX.

Of Fallow Earth.

These Terms of Fallows, or Earth that lies at Rest and Unimploy'd, intimate, that the Grounds sometimes want Rest, thereby to be recover'd or reinforc'd, whether the Influences of the Stars, and more particularly the Rains, cause that useful Reparation (as certainly they contribute much to it) or rather whether those Earths have in themselves a fund of Natural Fruitfulness with a Faculty not indeed to render that Fruitfulness undrainable, but to re-establish it, and produce it again; when, after having been impair'd by conti∣nual Productions, we let it lie Fallow for some time, as if we did abandon it to its own Discretion, and judg'd it capable of knowing its own Distemper, and to remedy it. Thus Philosophers impute to the Air an Elastic Force, and to use a more sensible Example. Thus Water has in it self a kind of Natural Coolness with a Principle of re-establishing, and reproducing that Coolness, when after its having been heated by Fire, or by the Sun, it is remov'd out of their Reach: Heat is certainly a stranger to it, and, as it were, an Enemy; so that it keeps this Water in a violent Motion; But when 'tis remov'd from that which caus'd and maintain'd that Heat, and thereby left at Rest, it destroys that which render'd it defective, and by degrees becomes cool again as before; that is, it reco∣vers the perfection, which is natural to its Being and Temper.

Thus good Earth being Impair'd by the Nourishing of some Plants that were Strangers to it, and drain'd it at once of all its ancient Salt, and even of all the new, as fast as it re∣pair'd it; if we discharge or ease it of those Plants, and leave it for a while without re∣quiring any thing from it, that is Fallow or at Rest, it will easily return to its natural Fertility, especially if instead of planting it with little ordinary Plants, we mix a little good Dung with it, insomuch that the Straw that shall Rot, or be Burnt among it, will afford it new strength. * 1.25

Nature shows us in this a true Circulation, which we will Explain hereafter in the Chapter of Amendments.

SECTION X.

Of Transported Earth.

There is but little to be said in the Càse of Transported Earth, unless it be, that it is a No∣velty our Age has introduc'd in Gard'ning. The Author of the Georgics, who has Treated with so much Exactness about the Differences of Earth, has not in the least mention'd this. This Expedient of Transporting Earth is seldom practis'd, but when a Garden is to be made in a Place that has none, which does not happen often, at least where great Gardens are to be made, or when we design to fill up some Trenches, which we have cause to believe worn out; in which cases Earth must be sent for from Places where it is very good. Wo to him who being necessitated to be at the Charge of such a Transportation, only chuses that which is bad; which is a Fault, I believe, few People do commit.

Good Earth seems to meet with a kind of Improvement in that Transportation, which is the Reason that People say, Such and such a Garden cannot be Ill, since it is altogether compos'd of Transported Earth. The Reason of this Improvement by Transporting, is as difficult to be solv'd, as that of the Amendment which proceeds from the Burning of Stub∣ble.

The Poet gives Four without determining upon any, perhaps being willing to insi∣nuate, that he Judges them all equally good. Thus it appears Evident to me, that Earth really Improves by Transportation, whether that Improvement proceeds from that in the re∣moval the Air penetrating more into it, revives some Principle of Vigour that was con∣ceal'd, or that the Air Purifies some Ill Qualities it had contracted; or, in fine, whether it renders it looser and more penetrable to the Roots, which roam as it were every where to look for some fresh Nourishment.

SECTION XI.

Of New Earth, or Ground new broke open.

There still remains to Explain what New Earth is, I mean Earth never having seen the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. It is a Help or Succours newly Introduc'd in our Gardens, and apparently as much un∣known in the Ancient Husbandry, as that of Transported Earth, which Authors do not in the least mention. We have a particular value for it, and indeed cannot have too much, since it is certain that this New Soil possesses not only all the first Salt, which was given it at the Moment of the Creation; but also the Major Part of the Salt of the Surface, which was press'd down to the Bottom by Rains and Waterings, the Weight of which made it descend where-ever it could penetrate. This Salt preserves it self in those hidden Earths, until they become a Surface themselves, and then the Air gives them a proper disposition to employ with Glory that Fertility wherewith they are Endu'd; and indeed they are no sooner at Liberty to Act, but they produce Vegetables of a surprising Beauty.

It is not difficult to apprehend what New Mould is, all Earths were so Originally, that is, at the Moment of their Creation, God by his Command having bestow'd upon them the Gift of the Faculty of Production, which till then had not been put in Use. From that time none of the Earth of the Surface of that Terrestrial Body or Mass, can be called New, since all those that were capable of Producing, have not ceas'd to Act hitherto: But whereas there are many Places, where the Bottom of that Earth, within Two or Three Foot of the Sur∣face, has always remain'd without Action, and others where that very Surface has not been allowed to Act, both the one and the other afford us New Earth, to make use of in our Necessities: So that by New Earth we mean such as never serv'd towards the Nourish∣ment of any Plant. For Instance, such as lies Three Foot beneath the Surface, and from thence as low as it can go, provided it be really Earth, or else we mean such as having already nourish'd several Plants, has afterwards been long without nourishing any others; for Ex∣ample, such as has been built upon. We say, and that by Experience, that in the first Year, both the one and the other of these Earths are wonderfully good, especially for our Gardens, all manner of Plants and Legumes Improving, Growing and Thickning visibly in them: And when we plant Trees in them, provided they be good in themselves, and be well planted, few of them Miscarry; whereas in those that are naught, or really worn out, the greatest part of them Die, though never so well condition'd, or so carefully planted.

The Eyes are not capable to distinguish whether Earth be new or worn out, that Know∣ledge must proceed from other Things, the one and the other being extreamly alike; and it might be said with Reason, that those Earths that are bad, whether they have always been so, or are grown so, are not unlike Gun-Powder, which being bad, or having taken Vent, cannot take Fire, and yet looks altogether like that which is good. Thus Earth, that is naturally naught and barren, or having been good is worn out, not having any thing within it to animate it, when it receives heat and moisture, remains as if it were dead, notwithstanding a Succours which would animate any other Earth; so that not con∣tributing in the least to the Action of the old Roots of Trees, they at last rot, and together with them the whole Body of the Tree, as I have fully Explain'd in my Reflections upon the Beginning of Vegetation.

From whence it follows, first, That it is pleasant to make new Plantations, and that in good new Earth; and in the second Place, that all those who make new Gardens, ought certainly to be careful of preparing a kind of Magazine of it, in order to have it with Ease and Convenience, whenever they stand in need of replanting new Trees, which happens pretty often. The Space of the Alleys, or at least of part of them is very fit for those kind of Provisions to which use I Employ them, instead of doing what most People do; that is, to fill them with Gravel and Dirt, taken out of the Plats, or Squares and Trenches. H〈…〉〈…〉 ooten does it happen, for want of such a conveniency of new Earth to put again into

the Trenches, as People would do if they had it, that a great deal of Money, Time and Pleasure is lost in being oblig'd to plant new Trees and Plants in the Room of the old ones that are dead; for indeed few of them escape in those old, ill-condition'd Soils.

I must needs pity those who neglect a thing that is so Useful and so Necessary. Before I conclude what I had to say about Earth, I must speak a word or two as to the Colour of it, by which it is sometimes easie to judge of its good or ill Qualities.

SECTION XII.

Of the Colour of good Earth.

I have declar'd several Times already, That the most essential and surest Mark of the goodness of the Ground, is that which is taken from the Natural Beauty of its Productions; some would willingly besides this, settle another certain mark upon the Colour of it, and say, that a blackish Grey is a convincing Proof in that matter, besides its being most plea∣sing to the Eye.

This Question has not only been debated in our Days; the great Authors of Antiquity * 1.26 have made some Reflections upon it before us; for my part I am not in the least prejudic'd in this Point, having seen good and bad Earth of all Colours: But yet it is certain that this blackish Grey, which pleases most, and has deserv'd the Approbation of former Ages, is commonly in that respect one of the best Signs of goodness, though not Infallible. We often meet with Redish and Whitish Earth that are Incomparable, but seldom any that is quite White deserving that Character. We likewise meet with some that is Black, either at the Top of some Hills, or in certain Vales, which are very barren; it being a kind of dead Sand, which can at most only produce Broom and Furrs.

Therefore we must conclude, that the true mark to judge of the Goodness of Mould, is neither the Colour nor Depth of it; since nothing but the fine Production it naturally af∣fords can do it, they only can decide in that Point. For Instance, in the open Fields we may judge by the goodness of the Grass, which Cattle willingly feeds on; by the Brambles, Briers, &c. In Kitchen-Gardens by the Size of Artichokes, large Lettuces and Sorrel, &c. But more especially, as has been said already by the Vigour of the Trees, their long Shoots, the large Size and flourishing Verdure of the Leaves, &c. These marks we may look upon as undeniable Proofs and Witnesses, upon whose Deposition we may absolutely rely, with∣out trusting to any other. The Size of Fruits may be look'd upon as something in that Case, but is no Infallible Argument, since we commonly see large Fruit upon weak Trees and some very small upon others that are more Vigorous. I Explain the Reasons of so great a difference in another Place.

CHAP. V.

Of the Situation our Gardens require.

AFTER having sufficiently Explain'd what relates to the particular Case of Earth, I now proceed to the other Conditions that are necessary for the Perfection of Fruit and Kitchen Gardens, of which the second in my Opinion is the Situation.

There is a distinction to be made, viz. whether in relation to a Kitchen-Garden only with∣out any mixture of Fruit, excepting such as are Red, as Strawberries, Raspberries, Cherries, Currans, which compose part of a Kitchen-Garden, or only to Fruit-Gardens without any Le∣gumes; it happens sometimes that the Fruit-Garden and Kitchen-Garden are made asunder; or, in fine, this Garden being compos'd both of the one and the other.

In the first Case, which relates to a Kitchen-Garden, without doubt little Valleys or Dales are to be preferr'd to all other Situations, and commonly have all that is to be desir'd in a good Ground; they are fit for Excellent Meadows, the Moulds is easie and apparently of a sufficient depth, it is fatten'd with all that is good upon the Neighbouring Hills. Fine Legumes grow in it with Ease and Plenty. Red Fruit acquire in it that Sweetness and Size which renders them recommendable: Waterings are easie at hand, Springs and Brooks being seldom wanting there; but then they are liable to a great Inconvenience, by Inunda∣tions. When that Misfortune happens, few of those Plants escape which ought to last a∣bove a Year in the Ground. Asparagus, Artichokes and Strawberries meet with their De∣struction

by being long overflow'd; and thus all the Advantages that are promis'd by a good Dale, are infinitely overbalanc'd by the Desolation wherewith it is threatn'd.

In the Second Case, which relates to the having of good Fruits and betimes, certainly your elevated moderate Dry Grounds are the best, provided always the Ground be good in it self, and deep enough; The Choice Fruits do not perhaps grow so large there, but that is sufficiently recompens'd by the Beauty of the Colour, the Goodness of the Taste, and the Forwardness of the Maturity. What Difference is there between the Muscat-Grapes that grow in those Dry Situations, and those that grow in moist Valleys: And indeed, Muscat-Grapes are the true Touchstone directing us to judge of the good or ill Situation of a Garden; how delicious are your Winter-Thorns, Burgamots, Lansac, Petitoms and Louises-bonnes, &c. grow∣ing upon an Elevated Ground, compar'd to the same kind of Pears growing in a Meadow-Ground. Those kind of Fruits are another convincing Proof of the Importance of the Situ∣ation of Fruit-Gardens.

But lastly, if in Relation to those kind of Gardens, that are coveted by most People, I * 1.27 mean Gardens compos'd both of Fruits and Legumes, the Choice is easily made. Nothing can certainly be better than a rising Ground, which furnishes all that is necessary both for the one and for the other, supposing still the Ground be good in it self, according to the Con∣ditions heretofore Explain'd; which being, the Earth in neither too dry nor too moist; the Waters of the Hills washing it constantly, and not remaining upon it, afford it a proper temper; the heat of the Sun performs its Function, without being oppos'd by Cold, which is Inseparable from Marshy Grounds. Those Risings to be altogether according to our Desires must not be too steep; least the Torrents, Summer commonly produces, might cause very considerable disorders there; those are best where the ascent is almost Imperceptible, where every clap of Thunder does not threaten dismal Consequences, and where People are not expos'd to the Vexation of seeing their Trees torn up by the sudden gluts of Water, to see sometimes the Earth tumbled from the top to the bottom, and sometimes the Walks utterly spoil'd, and in fine, all the neatness, delight and advantage of it utterly over-thrown. It were to be wish'd that all Gentlemen might meet with such favourable Situ∣ations for their Gardens; but whereas they are scarce, and that People are often reduc'd to make them in the middle of great Plains, which is most common; others upon Hills, and others in Valleys or Dales; we will declare hereafter what may be most proper to be done in order to succeed in them, as well as is possible.

CHAP. VI.

Of the Exposures of Gardens, as well in general as in particular; with the Explication of what may be good and ill in every one of them.

IT is not enough for a Garden to have a good Ground, and to be well situated, it must also be well expos'd; and a small rising not being well expos'd, cannot be call'd an advantagious Situation. There are four sorts of Expositions, the East, the West, the South, and the North, all easily known by the Names that have been given them, with this difference, that among Gard'ners these Terms signifie the clean contrary of what they do among Astrologers and Geographers; these only regarding those Parts, where the Sun actually appears, and not those which are lighten'd by his Beams; for Instance, by East they mean that part where the Sun Rises, by West the part where it Sets, &c. Whereas the Gard'ners only consider those parts of their Garden upon which the Sun directly shines, and in what manner it shines upon it throughout the course of the day, either in relation to the whole Garden, or only in relation to some of the sides of it; for Example, as to the sides, when the Gard'ners see the Sun at his Rising, and during all the first half of the day continue to shine upon one side, they call that side the East, and indeed it is really the East of Gardens; so that when the Sun begins to appear later upon it, or to remove sooner from it, it can no longer be call'd East; and by the same reason they call that side the West, upon which the Sun shines all the second half part of the day, that is from Noon till Night, and according to the same way of speaking, they call that part South, where the Sun shines from above nine in the Morning till Evening, or else that part where it shines longest in the whole day, whatever hour it begins at, or removes from it; in fine, they call that North which is opposite to the South, and consequently that part which is least favour'd by the Rays of the Sun; for perhaps it does not receive the benefit of it above one hour or two

in the Morning, and the same at Night. This is the true meaning of Exposures in point of Gard'ning, and particularly in relation to the Walls of Gardens, whereby may be understood the meaning of that manner of speaking so common among Gard'ners; my Fruits of the East are better than those of the West; my Wall Fruits of the East are not so often water'd * 1.28 by Raine as those of the West, &c.

Besides, those Names of Expositions likewise express those Winds Gardens are more, or less expos'd to, and consequently can be more or less prejudicial to them; for the Winds in respect to Gardens, especially for Trees, are almost all to be fear'd; but yet some more, and others less, and that according to the different Seasons of the Year.

Although it may be urg'd, that whatever Situation a Garden be in, it has of necessity all the Aspects of the Sun, and consequently is in a Condition to enjoy the Favors of all the Expositions, as well as to fear the Insults of all the Winds, yet every body agrees, that some are better expos'd than others; which is particularly understood of such as are upon Hills, or the sides of Mountains, of which some have the Rising Sun, others the Setting; some lye South, and others North; for as to the Gardens that are situated in Plains, and are neither cover'd by Mountains, or high Woods, or lofty Buildings, the difference of those Exposures is not so sensible.

The usual manner of speaking to express the Expositions in respect of every Garden, in the whole, and without any particular distinction of sides, must be understood in relation to the Expositions of the whole coast where those Gardens are situated; as the manner of speaking of the Exposures of Walls in particular, relates to the manner of the Suns shin∣ing upon every one of them in the course of the whole day; and so for Example, when in speaking of a Garden situated upon a small Hill, we say that it lyes to the East, we mean that the Sun shines upon it as soon as it Rises, and shines but little upon it in the Af∣ternoon: and when we say that a Garden lyes full South, it is when the Sun shines upon it all the day, or at least from Nine or Ten in the Morning till the Evening; and by the same reason when we say that such a Garden lyes to the West, we mean that the Sun does not begin to shine upon it till about Noon, and remains there till it sets.

Now the meaning of Expositions is fully understood, in order to decide which is the best of the four, either in general for the whole Garden, or in particular for every one of the sides; it will be fit to know in the first place, that those of the South and East, are by the Opinion of all Gard'ners the two chief, and therefore to be preferr'd before the two others; it is likewise fit to know that the Exposition of the West is not amiss, or at least much better than the North, which consequently is the worst of all.

Secondly, In order to decide between the two first, which is the best, the temper of the Earth must first be distinguish'd; for if it be strong, and consequently cold, the South is best; but if light, and consequently hot, that of the East will be most favourable.

The Exposures of the South in all Earths is commonly proper to secure all Plants against the rigors of the Winter, to give a taste to the Legumes and Fruits, and to forward all that is to be early in all Seasons; and therefore since it is favourable to all sorts of Earth, it must be so particularly to a strong cold Earth, which can hardly act unless animated by an ex∣traordinary heat from the Sun, which is the most proper Exposition for it: but not for light Earths, especially in hot Climats, it being apt to scorch the Plants in Summer to that degree, that the Kitchen Gardens become of no use, it engenders a thousand Emots or kind of Fleas which gnaw and wrinkle the Leaves, it hinders the Fruits from growing to that big∣ness they should do, and thereby lessens the goodness of the Taste, and even often makes them drop before their time, which happens sometimes by reason that it spoils or drys up the Branches and Leaves, nay even the stalks of those Fruits, as we often see it in Musctts and Peaches; and sometimes also in over-hard'ning the Rine of every Fruit, even to that degree that it often scorches and chaps them; by which means abundance of Peaches and Figs growing against Walls perish through excessive heats: therefore it is easie to decide the choice of those two Expositions, in respect to the difference of Earth; the South is most desirable in cold moist parts, but not so much in dry sandy Grounds.

Generally speaking, this Exposition of the South is free from the Northern Winds, which by their usual coldness are always cruel and fatal to all manner of Gardens, which is the reason it is generally chosen before that of the East; but yet it is most certain that in light Grounds, the last being favour'd by Night Dews, and the first gentle and mild Rays of the Rising Sun, is incomparable for Maturity, Size and Taste, as well as for the Preservation of Trees and Legumes, &c. and especially because over and above all this, it defends us from the North West Winds; that Wind rises between the West and North, and as it regularly blows in the Spring, it is commonly attended by white Frosts, which are very destructive to the Blossoms and Fruits of Trees, whereon it lights, which is the reason that People ea∣sily

bear with that Eastern Exposition even in strong Earths, but still I do certainly believe it best for light Earth.

Although I have preferr'd the Exposition of the West before that of the North without any hesitation, the last being certainly the worst of the two; yet in those Climats where the heat being excessive, burns, and absolutely ruins all that is too long expos'd to the Sun, the North ought to be chosen before the other; since our Gardens only want a mode∣rate heat to nourish gentle what they produce, especially to conduct Fruits to a perfect Maturity, and therefore in those Climats where the Sun seems too violent, I should rather affect a Northern Exposition, having but four or five hours of Rising Sun, and as much of the Setting as any other, whether that which scorches it all the Day, or that which shines upon it but half the Day: And certainly those kind of hot Climats are not in the least pro∣per on the South Walls for any of our kernel, or stone Fruits, which are too tender for it, they are only proper for Orange Trees, Citron Trees, Pomegranets, Figs, and Muscats Grapes, &c. of which the greatest part of the Leaves must be kept upon the Trees; the other Ex∣positions will be good enough, for those tender Fruits which cannot bear that of the South.

After having examin'd the Advantages that may be expected from good Expositions, let us now consider the Inconveniences that may be fear'd from them; but whereas they are not infallibly attended with them, we must indeed be prepar'd to bear them, but not discomforted when they happen, seeing the impossibility of a Remedy.

The Southern Exposition generally speaking is subject to great Winds from the middle of August to the middle of October, which often blow down the Fruit, some before their being ripe and full grown, and others after their being ripe, which are quite bruis'd by the fall; and thus the best part of the Fruit perishes, instead of performing its duty, which is to nou∣rish and recompence the Master of the Garden; for which reason, in such Gardens directly expos'd to the Southern Winds, which otherwise enjoy the Advantages that are so much valu'd in Gard'ning, Wall Trees are most proper; Dwarfs also defend themselves pretty well, but Standards are to be pitty'd, especially such whose Fruit does not stick fast to the Stalk, for instance, Virgoules, Vertelongues, the St. Germains, &c. which are not so proper for those Exposures, as those that have the power to resist better the violence of the Winds; for Example, the Thorn Pears, the Ambrets and Lischalserie, the dry Martins, &c. or else stick to the Summer Fruits which are good at the time of their fall, as the Lady Thighs, the small Muscat Pears, the Blanquets, or whole Pears, the Robins, the Russelets or Russetings, &c.

The Eastern Exposure, though otherwise incomparable, has its Imperfections too some∣times; In the Spring it is subject to North East Winds, which are dry, cold Winds that wither the Leaves and new Shoots, especially of Peach-Trees; they likewise often blow down abundance of Kernel and stone Fruit, and particularly young Figs, at the time that by a reasonable size they began to give great hopes of plenty; those Winds are not the only Enemies to that Exposition, that which likewise is fatal to it, especially for the Eastern Wall Trees, is the not enjoying the benefit of Rains, which seldom coming but from the West, cannot reach the foot of the Walls, whereby the Trees are lyable to a mortal drought, unless it be remedy'd by the Expedients explain'd in the Treatise of the Wall Trees.

The Western Exposure not only dreads North West Winds in the Spring, which are so pernicious for Trees in Blossom, and in Autumn the Winds of that Season, those great throw∣ers down of Fruit, but also, and that particularly in moist cold Grounds, the great Rains, which being commonly very frequent from the parts where the Sun Sets, often causes great Desolations there; whereas on the oher hand, in dry light Earths, those kind of showers repair the defects of sterility, and amend the Disorders caus'd by too much drought.

As to the Northern Exposition in relation to Wall Fruit Trees, if on the one side it be to∣lerable for all Summer Fruits, and for some in Autumn, on the other side, it is very dangerous for the beauty and good taste of those of the Winter; but then again, it is the most advan∣tagious that can be during the great heats for Legumes and Red Fruits, which we would make to hold out, as Straw-berries, Rasberries, Currans, &c. I have likewise explain'd this matter at large in the Treatise of Kitchen-Gardens, as well as in the use that is to be made of every particular Wall in a Garden.

Finally, The result of this small Treatise about the Exposition, is that all of them have their Perfections and Imperfections; we must endeavour to take our advantage of the first, and use all our Industry to defend our selves from the last.

CHAP. VII.

Of the Third Condition, which requires in our Gardens the Convenience of Waterings.

NOthing can be more certain, and more universally granted, than that it is impossible * 1.29 to have fine and good Gardens, especially Kitchen Gardens, without being able for a considerable part of the Year to secure them from their Mortal Enemy, which is drought; the Spring and Summer are subject to great heats and scorchings, and consequently the Le∣gumes of the Season, that should be perfect and abounding can yield no pleasure, unless they be greatly moisten'd; they only improve and acquire the Perfections they ought to have, by the Vertue of Water, viz. largeness, thickness, sweetness, and delicacy; there∣fore I say that Legumes are in danger of being always small, bitter, hard and insipid, with∣out the help and assistance of considerable long Rains, which commonly are very uncer∣tain, or else that of great and frequent Waterings, which we ought to be Masters of, and to have at command.

Besides, whatever Rain may fall, which indeed may be favourable to small Plants, as Strawberries, Greens, Pease, Beans, Sallad, Onions, &c. There are still other Plants in our Gardens, which require something more, for Example, Artichoks of a year or two's growth, which must be water'd regularly two or three times a week, a Pitcher at a time to every Foot; for if we think that a little Rain is sufficient to satisfie our Artichokes, we shall soon per∣ceive that we are grosly deceiv'd, Gnats will annoy them, the head will remain small, hard and dry; and finally, the Suckers will only produce Leaves; the Experience of what is seen among substantial sale Gard'ners, sufficiently justifies the Necessity and Importance of Wa∣terings; they seldom fail watering of their Gardens whatever Rains may fall during the Sum∣mer; and indeed their Ware is much finer than that of others who water less.

During seven or eight Months of the Year, there is generally a necessity of Watering all that grows in Kitchen Gardens, Asparagus only excepted, which only performing their Duty at the Entrance of the Spring are satisfied with the moistures of the Winter, and want none after the Months of April and May: But whereas those two Months are the times of Blasting and Drought, there is often a Necessity of Watering even the new Planted Trees; nay, sometimes it is good to Water those, which having brought forth a great Quantity of Green Fruit appear moderately Vigorous, and require some help in order to a good Reaping, which they are preparing for us; especially if the Earth be naturally dry and light, those Waterings must not be neglected at the Time of the Summer Solstice, and they must be renew'd in the Month of August, when the Fruits begin to form their Pulp, the Season being very dry; otherwise they remain small, stony and not pallatable.

From whence it naturally follows, that Water is absolutely Necessary in Gardens, and that plentifully too, in order to perform the Necessary Waterings they require in due time; for indeed what can be made of any Ground without Water, it will remain altogether use∣less for Productions, and disagreeable to sight; therefore the best way is to pitch upon Si∣tuations that have the Convenience of Water; and whoever does not make that one of * 1.30 his first Considerations, deserves blame, or pity.

The most common, and at the same time the most wretch'd recourse for Waterings is that of Wells: It is true that they are necessary, when no better can be had, but at least they should be chosen shallow, for certainly it is to be fear'd, that the Waterings will be very Inconsiderable, and consequently of little use, when the Water is difficult to be drawn up; the advantage of Pumps, though often deceitful, may be look'd upon as something in that Case; but the disburthening of some Springs or Conduits, a Neighbouring Canal, or a small Pond well stor'd, and well kept with Pipes and Tubs distributed into several Squares, are, as it were, the Soul of Vegetation; without it all is dead, or languishes in Gar∣dens, though the Gard'ner be not faulty; but with it the whole Garden must needs be Vigorous, and abounding in every Season of the Year, which will redound to the Honour of him who has the Management of it, whereas it will utterly Disgrace such as have no∣thing to plead for an Excuse.

CHAP. VIII.

Of the Fourth Condition, which requires the Garden to be partly upon a level, in all the Surface of it.

IT is very difficult, nay very rare to meet with Situations that are so equal in all their Extent, as not to have any Rise or Fall on any side; but yet it is not impossi∣ble: I do not think it very necessary to look for any to be as smooth as Water, but yet it is a happiness when such are met with; great Inequalities are certainly troublesom for Gardens. The Inundations or Overflowings which happen after long Rains, cause cruel Disorders in them, and cut out a World of Work to repair them; moderate Inequalities do no great harm, but rather good, especially in a dry Earth, when inclining to a Wall expos'd to the East, that part, as we have already said, being seldom soak'd by the Waters that fall from the Skies; they light most upon the Exposure of the West; and thus a fall guiding the Waters towards that East part, is very favourable.

Therefore, in my Opinion, as much as is possible, a situation that has but a little In∣equality is to be preferr'd before another that has much; and if any be tolerable, 'tis only that I have been speaking of; insomuch, that in Gardens that are too much inclinable to Drought, or lie somewhat high, and are of a perfect Level, it will be proper to allow them a little inequality: For Example, such a one as may be Imperceptible, and yet per∣petual in all the Walks that lie Southerly, to the end that the Water which is of no Use in those Walks may fall into the Feet of the Trees of those two Expositions.

Such an Artificial Descent produces two good Effects, the first in that it is to be wish'd that those parts may never want a little moisture, in order to Correct their Drought, whether proceeding from the Nature of the Earth and Situation, or from the Heat of the Sun by those Waters. The second is to hinder those Waters, by that means, from running into some other parts of the Garden, where they might prove prejudicial.

But when there is an indispensable Necessity of making Use of a Situation that is very unequal for a Garden. I explain hereafter in the Thirteenth Chapter what I think proper to be done, in order to Correct the Defects of it, as far as Industry can reach.

CHAP. IX.

Of the Fifth Condition, which requires a pleasant Figure for a Garden, together with a well plac'd Entrance.

IT will not be difficult for me to prove, That the Figure of our Gardens ought to be agreeable; it is necessary the Eyes should meet at first wherewith to be satisfy'd, without any thing Fantastical to offend them: The finest Figure that can be desir'd for a Fruit or Kitchen-Garden, and even the most convenient for Culture, is without doubt that which forms a Beautiful Square, especially when it is so perfect, and so well pro∣portion'd in all its Extent, that not only the Corners may form streight Angles; but es∣pecially, that the Length may be above once and a half or twice as long again as it is broad: For Instance, Twenty Fathom to Ten or Twelve, Fourty to Eighteen or Twenty, or Fourscore to Forty, Fifty or Threescore, &c. For it is most certain, that those square Figures afford the Gard'ner, wherewith to form fine Squares with Ease, and to raise fine Beds; there is a great deal of Delight in seeing true Squares of Stawberries, Artichokes, Asparagus, &c. great Beds of Charvel, Parsly and Sorrel, all very even, streight, exactly proportion'd out, &c. which cannot be done when the Figure is Irregular, or at least, not without losing a great deal of Time, when in some Measure, to hide the Defor∣mity of it, he endeavours to find or make something approaching to a Square.

Whence it is easie to conclude, how much I dislike in the Case of Kitchen-Gardens, all other Indented Figures, Diagonals, Rounds, Ovals, Triangles, &c. which are only proper for Thickets and Parterres, or Flower Gardens, in which Places they are at once both very useful, and of a great Beauty.

I do not question but all People will be Curious to afford their Gardens the Beautiful Figure now in Question, when at Liberty to pick and chuse. It is a great Vexation

when an ill Neighbourhood reduces us to the Necessity of suff'ring imperfect Figures, In∣lets, and unequal sides, &c. Happy are those who meet with kind obliging Neighbours; Wo to them who meet with such as are cross and ill natur'd.

[illustration]

Although the Figure of an Oblong Right Angled Square, be the most proper, yet I have made a fine Kitchen Garden of one hundred and ten Toises or Fathoms in length, and sixty broad, somewhat resembling the Figure A of a Lozenge; and whereas I have dis∣pos'd the chief Entrance in the middle of the narrowest side, it is not easie to distinguish the small Irregularity a Geometritian would sind in it, and it is a very necessary Precaution to conceal as much as is possible, certain inconsiderable defects, which are met with in the space of a Garden, and to dispose the Ally's, and the division of the Squares or Plats, as if the Ground was exactly of a Square Figure; for though neither the Angles or the four sides are perfectly equal, it does not hinder the Plats from appearing perfect in their Proportion.

Moreover, for the better Ornament of our Kitchen Garden, especially if it be large, it is proper that the Entrance should be plac'd just in the middle of that part which has most Extent, as it appears by the Figure at the Point A in order to face an Alley, which consisting of the whole length of the Garden, may appear stately, and divide the Ground into two equal parts; each of those parts, composing Squares or Plats too long in pro∣portion to their breadth, must afterwards be subdivided into other small parts, if ne∣cessary; the Entrance would not look so well in the middle of one of the broadest sides, as it appears by the Figure B. a long Prospect, moderately broad on both sides is much more pleasing; than to have a long one on the sides, and a short one before; however, it is sometimes impossible to dispose the Entrance otherwise, and in such a Case we must have Patience, and the same when we are necessitated to make it in one of the Corners, or thereabouts, though it be not so well; yet I have made very fine Gardens, which have their Entrance in one of the Corners, which I would not have done, had the dis∣position of the Ground permitted me to place it better; and yet no body finds fault with it, by reason that it faces a fine Alley, which is border'd all along by one of the great Espaliers, or Walls full of Fruit, which is very agreeable to the sight, when it is kept in good Order, such is the Entrance of the Kitchen-Garden of Rambouillet.

CHAP. X.

Of the sixth Condition which requires a Garden to be well enclos'd with Walls and Doors that shut well.

THIS Inclosure, I desire, sufficiently testifies, that for Fruit and Kitchen Gardens I am not very desirous of those open Prospects which are so necessary for other Gardens; not but when the Situation will permit, I am very glad to enjoy the benefit of it. But that which I desire above all things, is that my Garden may be secur'd from Foreign as well as Domestick Thieves, and that the Eye may be so delighted in sur∣veying all the things that should be in it, that there may be no room left to wish for any thing besides to divert it.

A Wall well garnish'd, Dwarfs well order'd, and very vigorous; all manner of fine good Fruits of every Season, fine Beds, and fine Plats, well furnish'd with all manner of ne∣cessary Legumes, clean Walks, of a proportionable largeness, fine Bordures, fill'd with useful things for the House: In fine, a well contriv'd diversity of all that is necessary in a Kitchen Garden; so that nothing may be wanting, either early or late, or for the abun∣dance of the middle Seasons; these indeed are the things we ought to covet in our Gar∣dens, and not a Steeple, or Wood in Perspective, a great Road, or the Neighbourhood of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 R••v••r. In my Opinion, the Cloth as it were, should always be laid in a fine Garden, without mattering to see what passes in the open Fields.

A Kitchen Garden might have the finest Prospect in the World, and yet appear to me very ugly in it self, if wanting any thing of what it should have, instead of finding it 〈…〉〈…〉re, I should be necessitated to go without it, or to have recourse to my Neighbours, or my Purse.

So that preferably to all manner of Prospects, I would have my Garden inclos'd with Walls, though I were to lose some fine point of Prospect by it, besides that the shelter they may afford against troublesome Winds, and Spring Frosts, are very considerable: It is almost impossible to be truly delighted with a Garden, as for instance, to have early Legumes and fine Fruits without the help of those Walls; besides, there are still many things, which dreading great heats, would hardly be able to grow in the hottest part of the Summer, unless a Wall expos'd to the North favour'd them with some shadow.

In effect, Walls are so necessary for Gardens, that even to multiply them, I make as many little Gardens as I can in the Neighbourhood of the great one, whereby I have not only more Wall-Fruit or Espaliers, and shelter, which is very considerable; but am also thereby enabled to correct some defects and Irregularities, which would render the Gar∣den desagreeable; for in fine, I will at any rate have a principal Garden, that may please in its Figure and size, design'd for large Legumes, and some high Standards; a large Garden would without doubt be less pleasing, if for Instance, it were too long for its breadth, or too wide for its length, if it had a corner, or some visible wriness to disfigure it, which being retrench'd, would make all the rest square; and thus such Gardens being lessen'd either on one, or on both ends, will afford ground to make little agreeable useful Gardens, as I have done in many great Houses, in the Neighbourhood of Paris.

Besides the Inclosure of the Walls, I am likewise for having good Locks to my Doors, that my Gard'ner may be able to answer for all that is in the Garden; I am sensible that there are some, who are very discreet and careful, but then I likewise know that there are others who desire nothing more than to have some Pretences.

CHAP. XI.

Of the last Condition, which requires that both the Fruit and Kitchen-Garden, should not be far distant from the House, and that the coming to it should be easie and convenient.

I Am not ignorant that the Countrey affords large and moderate Houses, of which the first may be accompany'd with several Gardens, and the other satisfy'd with one only.

As to those which may have several Gardens, it is proper that those that are design'd for Flowers and Shrubs, I mean the Parterres, should face the principal Aspect of the House, since nothing can be more agreeable than to see at all times on that side the charming va∣riety of a Succession of Flowers whatever they be; they are so many different Scenes, or Decorations upon a Stage, of which the Figure never alters, they afford perpetual mat∣ter to delight the Eye, and charm us with their Sweets; but whereas generally those Parterres are as publick, and as open to every body as the very Court of the House, it is not fit to put any thing into them, the loss whereof might discompose us.

For these Reasons I allow that in such Houses, the Fruit and Kitchen-Garden should not be Situated in the best Place, besides the last being subject to have many things, which though necessary, are not always pleasing to the Eye or Smell; as also producing many things, design'd for the Pleasure and Satisfaction of the Master, which might tempt some licourish indiscreet Persons, and so occasion cause of Displeasure and Complaint, I think it very necessary to place those Gardens out of the reach of the Publick.

Therefore as much as can be, we content our selves with placing them in the best Ground we can meet with, without prejudicing the place of the Parterre, pretty near to * 1.31 the House, being of a convenient easie Access; the Ancients were of this Sentiment, when they said, that the Steps of the Master, that is, his frequent Visits, were of won∣derful use for the Neatness, Abundance, Goodness and Beauty of Gardens; so that Gardens that are at a distance, or of difficult Access, are liable to Disorders, Filth and Sterility, &c.

I hope that whereas in the beginning of this Work, I have presum'd to say, that none ought to pretend to have one of our Gardens, unless he were passably well skill'd in the Culture of it; none will undertake to make one, unless he may be able to afford himself the Pleasure of seeing it well Cultivated, and consequently he will de∣sire to see it often, which cannot be done, the Garden being at a distance, or of a diffi∣cult Access.

As to the Houses, that can no wise afford above one Garden, I suppose it will hardly enter into any ones Thoughts to employ it wholly in Box or Bowling-Greens, instead of Imploying it in Fruits and Legumes: In such a Case, whether in the Town or Country, the space of the Garden being reasonably large, it will be proper to take part of that which is nearest to make a small Parterre, leaving the rest for things that are of use and necessary; but if the Place be not large, my Advice is to make no Parterre; at least I would make none, being persuaded, that Flowers may be easily dispens'd with; resolving then to employ ones Ground in Plants that are for use; that part of the Kitchen-Garden which is most pleasing, ought to be put most within sight of the House, keeping such as might offend the Sight or Smell, most at distance: Fine Espaliers, Dwarfs, Greens, Arti∣chokes, Sallads and the perpetual Action of the Gard'ners, &c. being sufficient to employ the Neighbourhood of some Windows, even for pretty considerable Houses, as well as for ordinary ones.

I am so sensible of the innocent Pleasure, the sight of a fine Kitchen-Garden can afford, that I am for making some fine Arbor in all large Gardens, not only to serve for shelter in case of a sudden Storm, which happens pretty often, but also for the Satisfaction of conveniently seeing the Culture of a Ground that is well em∣ploy'd.

Notwithstanding all I have said, I do not condemn those, who having but a ve∣ry small Garden, affect Flowers, their Inclination leading them to it preferably to any other Plants.

Having said what is to be wish'd for, when People are at liberty to choose the Place of a Garden, let us now consider what is to be done when within the Depen∣dency of a House, we find our selves reduc'd and necessitated to make use of any Place, whatever it may be, regular or irregular, good, indifferent or bad; and let us follow the same Order we have observ'd in the pretended choice I have explain'd.

CHAP. XII.

Of what is to be done to correct a Defective Ground, either as to the Quality of the Earth, or the Lack of a sufficient Quantity.

WHereas the most material Article for Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens is to have a good Ground, if notwithstanding the Ground where this Garden is to be situated should have some considerable Defect, which might be corrected, I think I should be blame-worthy to go on without explaining my self upon what I think proper to be done in such a Case; in my Opinion, those kind of Defects may be reduc'd particularly to Five.

• The First, is a very bad Earth.
• The Second, an indifferent Earth.
• The Third, a pretty good Earth, but not enough of it.
• The Fourth, to have no Earth at all.
• The Fifth and Last, That though never so good, the too great Moisture it may be subject to, may render it incapable of Improvment by the Culture of a Skilful Gard'ner.

As to the first Case, I cannot forbear pitying those who start so Ill, as to make a Gar∣den in a place where the Ground is absolutely defective, especially if there were any possi∣bility of placing it better. First, I pity them, by reason of the great charge they expose themselves to, which I dread of all things, especially in Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens, being perswaded that the property of those Gardens is to cost little, and to yield much. Second∣ly, I pity them for the small Success, that infallibly attends such an undertaking, espe∣cially when those Works that are necessary there, are only perform'd by halves: I wish none of the Curious may be expos'd to such Hardships; but yet supposing an unavoid∣able Necessity of falling into the first Case, to make a Garden in a very bad Ground, let us consider what remedy may be apply'd to it, and finally endeavour to make this Garden with as few Defects, and as small a Charge as can be possible.

First then, if the Earth be absolutely defective, either in stinking or being absolute Loam or Clay, or such as is dug out of Quarries, or else Stony, Gravelly and full of Pebbles; or, lastly, being only dry Sand of any Colour, but still as unfruitful as the Sand of Rivers, and yet as high as to the Surface, as can be desir'd for a Garden. I will explain hereafter what I mean by that height.

I say, if this Earth happen to have any of these Defects, I know no better Expedient than to have it altogether taken away, in order to succeed, and that within the Depth of three Foot in such Places as are to be the chief Ornaments of the Gardens; viz. the Trees and long Rooted Plants, and two large Foot where the lesser Plants are to be, filling it up again with the same quantity of the best Mould that can conveniently be brought to it; which being done, one may rest satisfy'd for a long while, all will go well, without the trouble of any other Amendments; but in case so much good Mould as would be necessary to put every where, could not conveniently be had; at least it will be necessary to endeavour to get as much as may serve for the Trees, making a shift with indifferent good Mould for the rest of the Garden, that is, for Kitchen-Plants, it will not be difficult to amend it, as shall be declar'd hereafter.

I am sensible, that the Charge of great Transportations, frightens, especially in the case of large Gardens, but then 'tis but seldom that People engage themselves to the Ne∣cessity of it; those are works for Kings, the Kitchen Garden of Versailles is a terrible Instance of it: But as for small City Gardens, the occasions of doing it are often met with, and whereas the Expence of it is not too great, the Undertaking of it is very tollerable. This then is all that is to be done, when the Surface of the Garden is no higher than it ought to be, and has no other Defect than the ill Quality of the Ground.

In order to Explain my self as to this height, I suppose that the Matter in Hand only relates to the Garden that is immediately next the House, for which it is, and no wise for others, which Lying at a greater distance do not want so much precaution; now, in my Opinion, this first Garden ought to lie somewhat lower than the House, and thus the House being upon a higher Ground, it ought to have a Ballustre with some Steps to come down into that Garden, which is an Ornament to be wish'd for in such Occasions, and without doubt such an assent of Two or Three Foot above the Surface of the Garden, renders it much more pleasant to Sight, than it would be, if it lay level with the step of the Door, and consequently much finer than those that lay higher than the level or floor; which re∣quire an assent, and are thereby liable to great Inconveniences.

I return to the other Cases heretofore propos'd to say, That in case such a Place full of ill Earth, were too low, of about Five or Six Foot in Surface, it is visible that half the Expence would be sav'd, since there would only be a necessity of raising it higher, with∣out taking any of it away; but however we must still reckon first on the small descent the Garden ought to be situated upon, in relation to the House; and, secondly upon the Three Foot of Earth that must be brought thither, particularly for the Trees and large Plants, and in order not to be mistaken, it will be proper to measure that Earth upon the place where it is to be taken with a rul'd Gage, by reason that this height of Three Foot, as it lies, being newly stir'd, will at first appear to make a greater Dimension, which af∣terwards being settled will reduce it self to the height propos'd, which I hold to be abso∣lutely neccssary, and unless care has been taken to measure the Earth before the moving of it, People must not flatter themselves that there will be enough, unless there be Four Foot or thereabouts in the first Months, which the Rains and Time will soon reduce to Three; otherwise, having had but Three Foot at first, they will soon find it dwindled to Two at most; that is too little by a Foot: And thus People will be expos'd to the Vexationof seeing all their Trees perish at the end of a few Years, and to be reduc'd to begin a new, if they continu'd in the mind of mkaing their Trees succeed.

In the Neighbourhood of great Cities, great Conveniences may sometimes be met with to raise and fill up places in Gardens without much cost, 'tis only allowing the Liberty of throw∣ing the Rubbish of the Foundations of Houses there; but often such Conveniences cost a great deal of Time, which in the Case of Planting is much to be fear'd, and even costs a great deal of Money to have it sifted, otherwise the Garden will be in danger of having more Stones and ill Sand than real Earth, and consequently the Owner of having an ill Garden; upon which every one may consult his Purse and Pleasure, and regulate himself accordingly.

The Answer I have made to the first Article, relating to a very ill Earth, where a Gar∣den is design'd, may likewise serve for the Fourth, in which we suppose a place for a Garden without any Earth at all; Three Foot of good Earth must be brought to it, getting it as near hand as can be to save Money.

In the Second Case, in which the Ground having a sufficient depth, the Earth is notwith∣standing but Indifferent; that is, either a little too dry and light, or a little too tough and moist, which are the two common Defects; or else, that there may be cause to judge it too much ••orn or exhausted: In such cases, immediate care must be taken to mend it, sup∣posing one designs to have such Things in it as good Earth produces; the best of all Re∣medies is still to mix some new Earth with it, with this precaution, to mix loamy Earth with that as is light, and sandy Mould with that as is tough; and, in fine, to take such as is really good, to mix with that which is worn out or exhausted, unless you design to give it time to amend it self by Rest: And in case, as I have already said in the first Article, there be no sufficient convenience to get Mould enough for the whole Garden, it will be proper to begin with the place for the Trees which requires it most; and for the rest, recourse must be had to the common Amendments for Kitchen-Plants.

Thirdly, When the Earth is really good; but yet there is not enough of it to accomplish Three Foot depth, two Considerations are to be had; the first to examine whether the Surface be of a proper height or not: When it is of a proper height, all that is nought in the Ground must of necessity be removed, whether Sand, Gravel or Stones, putting as much good Mould in the Room of it, as will be necessary to have the depth requir'd, still preserving our Height.

Therefore the same Operation must be perform'd, in removing all that is bad under good Earth, when the Surface being, too high compar'd to the level of the House, there is a necessity of sinking it, in order to be one step higher than the level of the Garden; upon which all People may easily regulate themselves, to do it more or less ac∣cording to the Exigencies of their Ground and its wants; but still, keeping to the quantity of good Earth propos'd, as well as to the distance that must be from the Sur∣face of the Garden to the Door which serves for an Entrance into it.

The Earth being according to our Wishes, both as to quantity and goodness, and yet too low in the Surface; we must likewise examin how much too low it lyes, in order to raise it conformably to our Wants and Wishes; it might chance to lay so low, that there would be a necessity to raise it considerably above three Foot, in which case all the good Earth must be dug up, and laid aside, and the bottom rais'd sufficiently with what ever could be got good or bad; after which the good Earth must be laid over it again with the ma∣nagement and mixture heretofore explain'd. I could wish I had better Expedients to pro∣pose to avoid the Charges of Transportation; but truly I know none.

There now remains to Examine what is to be done in the fifth Case, to correct the over great Moistures some Gardens are subject to, which rot every thing, and make the Pro∣duction not only backward, but also insipid and bad; none but hot and dry Earths are forward; those that are moist are always cold, and consequently have no disposition for * 1.32 Novelties. This cold which is inseparable from Moisture, is of all defects the most diffi∣cult to be cur'd: The Ancients knew it as well as we do, and have given it the Name of Deceiver. But still since Earth has been submitted to the Industry of Man, and that there are but few things labour cannot overcome; let us declare what a long Experience has taught us in this Case.

Moistures are either natural and perpetual in Earth, or only accidental and passing; in the first case we have two Expedients:

The first is, to turn aside at a distance, if possible, by Conduits or Gutters, the Wa∣ters that annoy us, and give them a discharge to remove them from us, which being done, the Ground will not fail becoming dry; and when the first is impracticable,

The second is, To raise the whole Plats, or only the great Beds upon Ridges, and to that end make deep Furrows to serve for kind of Paths: The Earth that is taken from thence will serve to raise the Plats or Beds.

But if those Moistures are only Transitory, and, for Instance, only occasion'd by great Rains, and the nature of the Ground not proper to soak them in, recourse must be had to the same Expedient of raising of the Earth to drain them, and to the making of Con∣duits or Gutters to carry those Waters out of the Garden.

Finally, The Moisture not being extraordinary, the contrary of what we have pre∣scrib'd for very dry Grounds must be done, that is, the Earth must be rais'd a little high∣er than the Walks, to the end that those Walks may serve as a drain to those elevated Beds, just as in the other Case the haughing of the Borders serves as a drain to receive and improve by the Waters of the adjacent Walks.

In order to raise Grounds, nothing can be better than what we have said to raise the Surface; and in case Conveniences be wanting for the Transportation of Earth, having abundance of great Dung at hand, it may be us'd instead of it, as I have said about the Kitchen-Garden of Versailles, mixing it abundantly at the bottom of the Ground, or under∣neath the Earth, in order to raise it as much as is necessary; but still great Conduits are of great use.

I conclude what relates to the Preparation of such Grounds as are defective, either in their quality, or too small quantity, carefully exhorting those who dig the Ground along some Walls, to take care first not to approach too near the Foundations, and to leave always some solid Banck undug, lest the Wall might tumble down by its own weight, or by some unexpected showers. I exhort in the second place to fill up such Trenches immediately after their being empty'd, or rather at the very same time, one part after another; for want of which, and for the same Reasons, the danger of tumbling is yet greater.

After having examin'd what relates to the Conditions that are necessary for the Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens that are to be made, viz. The quality and quantity of good Earth, the happy Situation, and favourable Exposure, the convenience of Waterings, the level of the Ground, the Figure, Entrance and Closure of the Garden, together with the Proximity of the Place; having also propos'd the means to correct the de∣fects of Drought and Moisture, there still remains to speak upon the Subject of the Acclivities and Declivities, when they are too sleep for the Gardens we are absolutely compell'd to choose.

CHAP. XIII.

Concerning the Acclivities and Declivities of every Garden.

WE have already said what is to be wish'd for certain Inequalities, that may be fa∣vourable in Gardens, and Insinuated what is to be fear'd from the Inconveniences of the great ones; let us now speak of what may be proper to remedy such as may be cor∣rected; In order to which, as soon as the Place of the Garden is resolv'd on, upon the Considerations heretofore establish'd, the Figure being either very square, so that the Sides and Angles may be altogether, or at least partly Equal and Parallel, which is most to be wish'd for; or else Irregular, the Angles or Sides being unequal, or having perhaps more or less than four Sides or Angles, both the one and the other differing in themselves, either in length or overture, &c. are Defects fit to be avoided, if possible, or at least endeavours must be us'd to rectifie them.

The Place of the Garden being, I say, resolv'd upon, either Voluntarily or out of Ne∣cessity, the Enclosure must not be begun, until after having taken the Level of all the Ground, to know all the Acclivities and Declivities, in order to take Measures accordingly; otherwise one might fall into many great Inconveniences, either as to the Walls that are to be made, or in respect to the Allies and Squares.

It is most certain; that every piece of Ground may chance to have different Risings and Falls, viz. One, Two or Three for as many sides; and One for every Diagonal: And 'tis almost impossible to know the true Level of a Garden, without having first taken, and after∣wards regulated all the Inequalities.

The Diagonals, to speak more Intelligibly in Favour of some Gard'ners, are, as it were, the two Arms of a St. Andrew's Cross, which may and ought to be figur'd by Trenches carried from Corner to Corner a cross some Place.

There is no necessity of saying, that the Level of those Inequalities are always taken from the highest part of the piece that is to be Level'd, to go to the lowest which is opposite to it, no Body being ignorant of it. Thus the Level of the Diagonals is taken, beginning from Corner, or Angle, to go to a lower opposite Corner: For Instance, the Diagonal A. B. begins at a Corner or Angles, which is form'd by the meeting of two sides, whereof the one is expos'd to the East, and the other to the South, to go to a lower opposite side, which is form'd by the meeting of the side expos'd to the West, and the side expos'd to the North; the other Diagonal shall be drawn from the one to the other of the two Corners, or An∣gles, C. D. which remain in the Figure we are examining, and is mark'd here. The

[illustration]

Level of the Exposure is taken all along every side, beginning, as we have said, from the highest part to come to the lowest.

In order to take every Level very true, it must be done upon a very streight Line, which shall be drawn either along the side that is to be level'd, which is the best; or upon another Line very Parallel to that side.

Every Level to be pretty true, though not so true as that of the Water of Fountains, in which even half a Line is very material; but, in fine, to be sufficient for the use now in question, every Level, I say, must be taken with the Rule and Leveller, which every body knows is a Triangular Instrument with a Lead, or other little Bowl hung to a small

[illustration]

Cord, and that fix'd to the obtuse Angle; this Leveller being fix'd upon the Rule, this small Cord must meet the notch that is made on purpose, both on the Top of that An∣gle, and upon the middle point of the side that serves for a Basis to that Instrument, inso∣much, that that Level is never true until that Cord with its Lead naturally falls into those Notches.

This is the manner of performing this Operation, which I might, perhaps, save my self the trouble of Explaining, it being already Explain'd in so many Books of Mathema∣ticks and Mechanicks; but our Gard'ner perhaps having none of them, will be satisfy'd with what I shall tell him.

Besides the Leveller and the Rule, which must be very streight, and about Two or Three Fathom long, there must be three wooden Spikes to be driven into the Ground with a Mallet; and those three Spikes must be of a very even equal length, about Three or Four Foot, all split on the Top, in order to put white Paper in that slit.

I should not need to say (it being evident of it self) That there must be at least Three or Four Persons, that is, Three while the Rule and Leveller are us'd, and Four when it comes to the Spikes; one of these Persons must in all Cases stand on the lowest part of the side that is to be Levell'd, holding a Perch to serve for a Mark, in order to raise or louer the said Perch, according to the Direction of him who is to regulate the Line and Leveller.

To find the Level: Having chosen a calm Day without Wind and Rain, and, if pos∣sible, a little lou'ring; or, at least, being so plac'd, that the great brightness of the Sun may not prejudice the Sight, one of these Spikes must be driven into the Ground even to the Surface, which must remain, and another in a streight Line a little below it; in order to place the Rule immediately and conveniently upon it, which being done, the Le∣veller must be put upon the Rule, raising or sinking the second Spike, until the Lead falls directly, and of it self, without any Motion of the Wind, or any thing else into the Notches.

This being perform'd, the second Spike must be absolutely fix'd, and the Leveller re∣mov'd, after which, lying flat upon the Ground, one may aim or level with the Eye upon the Rule so fix'd and order'd towards the Person who holds the Perch below with a white or black Cloth on the Top of it, who perhaps may have had occasion to climb upon a Ladder, Wall or Tree, to raise or louer the said Perch according to the direction of the Leveller, and that until the Extremity of it, having been observ'd by the said Leveller, a Calculation may be made exactly how many Foot or Fathoms there are in a direct Per∣pendicular Line from that Extremity, which is the Top of the Perch or Spike, unto the natural Surface of the Ground, which lies immediately beneath the said Perch, &c.

And whereas the posture of lying down is too Inconvenient; the Ground may and ought to be dug near the first Spike that is driven into the Ground, low enough for any one to level with the Eye, standing, sitting or kneeling in it; or else use may be made of two of the Spikes heretofore mention'd, to which end they must be plac'd asunder upon two others that are fix'd into the Ground, or upon some other piece of Wood, or rising Ground made on purpose, where they must be kept very upright, after which the Rule must be plac'd upon the said sticks, examining with the Leveller, whether the Rule lies

upon a true level, in order to level or aim with the Eye, and when there is occasion for a third person, and consequently for a third stick, they must be plac'd with the same Ex∣actness as the two first; the third being plac'd at any distance whatever, having a piece of Linen, or Paper, or a Hat upon the top of that spike, serves to aim more conveniently; so that having met at the End of the prospect, the extremity of the perch or stick that is held below, the borrow'd height of the sticks, as well as the height of the Rule, must be deduc'd upon the whole, and thus the Level will prove true. For Instance, in aiming, Twelve Foot may be found from the top of the Perch to the Surface of the Earth, out of which may be deduc'd first the four borrow'd Foot of the sticks, upon the Top of which the Leveller had laid his Rule, for which must also be deduc'd Three or Four Inches, which altogether amounts to Four Foot, and Four Inches; by which Supputation will be found seven Foot and Eight Inches declivity from that part of the Surface which is regulated, and to remain, from whence the Leveller aim'd, to the Surface of that part, where the last spike stuck, the level of which is look'd for.

These Inequalities are either Considerable, or not.

Those that are Inconsiderable are tolerable; for Instance, only half an Inch or an Inch and a half in a Fathom, which hardly wants, being corrected, if the Expence will amount to any thing considerable; so that a declivity of about a Foot or Two, or Two and a half to a length of Twenty Fathom, will do no great harm, and would hardly be percep∣tible, being only of half an Inch, or an Inch and half in a Fathom: Which ought to comfort one, especially if there be a great length, since a declivity of Twelve or Fifteen Foot upon Fourscore Fathom in length, though pernicious, is not so sensible nor inconvenient as one of Two Foot and a half upon Twenty Fathom, although the proportion be al∣together equal.

If a descent of two, or two Inches and a half per Fathom is considerable, what would it be if there were three, four, five, or more, then it must of necessity be corrected, which may be done four ways.

First, in sinking that part of the Ground which lyes too high, as much as will be neces∣sary to take away the roughness of the Ascent; and, in the second place, in carrying to the lower part what shall be taken from the higher, whereby a descent of five Foot will be reduc'd to three, taking a foot from the upper part, and placing it upon the lower; so that the upper will be a Foot lower than it was, and the lower a Foot higher, &c.

But whereas, above all things, care must be taken to preserve always three large Foot in depth of good Earth, before any thing be taken away from the upper part, holes must be made in different places of it, to examin how much good Earth we have there, in order to decide, whether we may really take any of it away, and how much; or whether we cannot take any part of it without prejudice to the Ground of the Garden; upon which it is easie to resolve; for the depth of good Earth being sufficient to bear a diminution, part of it must be taken away to moderate the declivity in question.

But if, on the contrary, none of it can be taken away without prejudice to the depth or quantity that is necessary there, recourse must be had to a third Expedient, which is, either not to meddle with the height at all, and to raise the lower part as well as we can for the best, in putting more good Earth over that which is good already, if it can be done conveniently, or else to take up that which is good, to put worse at the bottom, nay even Stones or Gravel, if nothing better can be had; afterwards covering it all again with the good Earth that was taken up before; or if the Ground of the upper part may be sunk, all the good Earth must be taken up and laid aside, until so much of the bad, which lay under it, as shall be thought proper, shall have been remov'd; which being done, that which is good shall be laid again in the room of the bad.

But in case none of these three Expedients be practicable, we must make use of the fourth, which is pretty chargeable, but yet absolutely necessary; and he who meets with so untoward a Situation, must comfort himself as well as he can, if he designs to have a profitable pleasant Garden, since it is impossible to compass it by any other means.

This fourth Expedient is to divide this great descent into different degrees, or different Portions, to make several particular Terrasses of it, some higher, and some lower, and all of them more or less broad, according as the declivity is more or less considerable; after which every one of those Terrasses shall be dispos'd in themselves, according to the Me∣thod aforementioned, in order to correct moderate Inequalities; but that is not all, for every one of those Terrasses must be supported and stay'd to hinder them from tumbling down, which must be done by little Walls, or small Banks well beaten and trampled, with some steps proper to descend from the one to the other, or else by some Banks that shall be sodded on purpose, to make them the more solid and lasting; and finally, as if they were

so many separate Gardens, they must be accompany'd with Walks of a breadth proportion'd to their length, as we shall declare in the Sequel.

To end this matter, I am only to add, that the little Walls may serve for very good Wall-Fruit, the Exposure being good, or else for Rasberry-bushes, Goosberry Shrubs, or Bourde∣lais, the Exposure standing Northward; the small Banks will not be useless neither, on the contrary, lying to the South or East, they may be useful for Spring Plants, as Winter Let∣tuce, Pease, Beans, Strawberries, Artichokes, &c. and after the Spring they may be us'd for Purcelane, Basil, &c. and if there be abundance of those Banks well expos'd, a considerable part of them may always be employ'd in good Grapes, and other Fruits, as I have done in the King's Kitchen-Garden, on certain Banks made on purpose.

When our Banks look to the North, they will be good all the Summer for Charvel, or else to sow things that must be Transplanted, as Lettuce, Succory, Cabbaget, Celery, &c. since there is no part of a Garden but may be useful for some things or other.

Those Banks require a necessary Precaution, which is not only to beat and trample them extream close at the bottom at the time they are made; but especially to keep the upper part of every Bank a little higher than the Neighbouring Alley to it, otherwise the Water running down from the Banks of the whole Terras, would soon ruin and demolish them; and, if notwithstanding this Precaution, any accident should befal it, it must of ne∣cessity be repair'd in the Winter, by adding some Earth to it, which must be well tram∣pled and beaten anew, leaving only three or four Inches of good Earth loose on the Sur∣face, which must be afterwards cultivated, in order to make that Place fit for Pro∣duction.

And whereas I do not expect that the great Inequalities of Gardens should be absolutely levell'd, I would have little Fences made from space to space in the Alleys or Walks, to turn the Water of great Showers into the adjacent Squares or Plats; which Fences must be made with boards stuck into the Ground a-cross the Walks, about two or three Inches above the Surface of the Walks; and in case those Fences or Stays should not prove suffi∣cient, I would have a drein made at the lower end of every Garden for the disburthening of those Waters; or at least, the Neighbourhood not allowing this discharge, I would have a great hole made (that is a kind of Well) in ones own Ground, fill'd with dry Bricks; for those Waters to lose themselves in, otherwise few Walls would be able to resist long against great Inundations without demolishing, and consequently, without causing great disorders.

CHAP. XIV.

Of the Disposition or Distribution of the whole Ground of every Fruit and Kitchen-Garden.

TWO particular Considerations are to be had in relation to every Fruit and Kitchen-Garden: The first is to order that Garden so, that it may be useful and abounding in its Production proportionably to its Extent, and the goodness of the Ground.

The second Consideration is to order it so, that it may be agreeable to the Eye, and convenient either for Walks, or Culture, and for Gathering, those being the two princi∣pal ends propos'd in the making of it, to which end it is not only sufficient to know what the Earth is capable of doing of it self without much help, but also what it is capable of performing without such and such helps it may receive.

To attain the first Point, which is the advantage of its Productions, the best parts of the Garden must be employ'd with all the Occonomy and Prudence that can be, with Plants and Seeds, insomuch that no part thereof may remain useless, putting into each such things as are most proper to succeed in them; and to attain the second, which is Beauty and Convenience, the Ground must not only be agreeably distributed into Squares or Plats, but the Walks must of necessity be made very neat, well plac'd, and of a suitable size, to the extent of the Ground, or Place, it being most certain, that no Intelligent Man will make a Garden without convenient Walks, which must be suited both as to size and num∣ber, to the largeness or scantiness thereof.

What we call the best parts of a Garden are really those which have the best Ground, in case, as it commonly happens, it be not equally good all over, as it were to be wish'd; but the goodness of the Earth being equal, the best parts or places of a Garden are those par∣ticularly that are most shelter'd from the Wind, and consequently receive most benefit by the Reflexion caus'd by the Walls.

By necessary well-plac'd Walks or Allys, we mean such as are commonly necessary either near the Walls, in order to see the Trees, the better, to cultivate them with more ease, and have the convenience of gathering the Fruit; or in the whole body of the Gar∣den, to divide the Ground in equal Squares, and to multiply the pleasure of Variety in Walking, to see and visit what those Plats or Squares contain, as also that the Culture of them may be perform'd with more ease and convenience by the Gard'ner.

Therefore, as I have already said, in our distribution we ought to look at once for the advantage of Production, and the Convenience of Culture of Walking.

As for the advantage of Production we will certainly find it, if, in the first place, we plant good Trees against all the Walls, even sometimes, without excepting the Face of the House, especially, in a small Garden, planting Dwarfs also round about the Squares, instead of the Counter Espaliers or Polehedges that were formerly in use, but are now abolish'd, by reason that the keeping of them in good order was very troublesom, and their Productions very Inconsiderable.

Secondly, We will find those Advantages, if our Squares are garnish'd with useful Bor∣dures, at a convenient distance from those Dwarfs, and finally, if the Body of every Square be continually fill'd with good Legumes, insomuch, that those of one Season be no sooner gather'd or pick'd, than the Earth be again prepar'd to receive others for, or of, another Season.

The Third Part of this Treatise will shew what Trees will be proper to plant in all kind of Gardens, either for Wall-Fruit or Dwarf-Standards; the Fourth will shew the man∣ner of Cultivating and Pruning of them; and the Sixth, which contains the Treatise of the Kitchen-Garden, will shew which are the Bordures I call useful, and which the Legumes of every Season, together with the Culture that is proper for them, in order to be fine, good and seasonable.

It is not sufficient to have set down in general, what relates to the Advantages of the Production, we must likewise declare what relates to the Conveniences of Culture, and the Pleasure of Walking; therefore we are now to regulate the space that is to be allow'd before the Espaliers, or flat Bordures, when any are made; to regulate the large∣ness of the Squares, and finally the place and breadth of the Walks of every Garden, what∣ever size it be of.

When I shall speak here of the Allies or Walks, I only mean the place destin'd for Walking, and nothing else, as some do, who in their Disposition give the name of Walks to all the Space that lies from the Wall to the Dwarfs of the Counter Espalier or Polehedge, or the Distance that lies from one Dwarf to another in the Division of the Squares or Ground Plats: This Space of Walks must never be narrower than five or six Foot, though the Garden be never so small, and ought seldom to exceed Eighteen or Twenty, though the Kitchen-Garden be never so large. This is what I had to say, as to the breadth, with this Proviso, That in the first place every Walk must be more or less broad in pro∣portion to its length; and, in the second place, that it must always be kept very smooth and gravell'd, and as firm as can be under Foot, otherwise it would not be convenient for Walking.

It will not be improper to declare here wherein the Difference between a Walk and a Path consists: A Walk must be broad enough for two Persons to walk a-breast at least, and therefore cannot be allow'd less than five or six Foot; without which it would no longer be a real Walk, but a large Path; and, as to Paths, provided one person can go through them they are large enough, and therefore do not require above a Foot, or a Foot and a half at most in breadth.

CHAP. XV.

Of the Disposition or Distribution of a very small Garden.

I Proceed now to the particulars of every Garden, and say, That commonly there are but few Gardens that have not at least five or six Fathom in breadth, with a propor∣tionable length, since the name of Garden could hardly be bestow'd upon a narrower place; but however, whatever it be, it is certain, that such a place being well situated, that is, in the Face of the House, is a great Ornament to it, whether immediately joining to it, or divided by some small Yard. In case then of such a small Garden, in my Opinion, in order to manage the Ground to the best Advantage, the Entrance must be made in the midst of that breadth, with a Walk of about six Foot, which must be the only Walk, leaving only small Paths along the Walls and Bordures, about a Foot broad; and in case the Entrance should chance to be at one of the Corners, as sometimes one is necessitated to make it, we must likewise be satisfied with one Walk along the first Wall which pre∣sents it self at that Corner; this Walk may chance to have the Sun one part of the Day, and be shaded the rest, whereby it will be sometimes pleasant for walking.

If such a Garden being five or six Fathom broad, should happen to be as long again, it may very well be order'd, so as to contrive at every End, or, at least, at one of them a Walk of an equal breadth with the former, especially at that end which is nearest to the House, in which Case this walk may be allow'd a little more breadth than the other, which is an Observation the Practice whereof is very necessary in all kind of Gardens, especially great ones, to the end, that as it is customary to stop at the Entrance of a Garden; to consider it, a place may be found at first passably large, and consequently agreeable and airy: Those Walks at the ends will afford room for two or three disterent or separate Companies, which is a thing to be wish'd for.

Besides this, I would have the Walks that are along the Espaliers or Walls, at least at three or four Foot distance from the Walls, that the Trees may have at least three or four Foot of Cultivated Earth, whereas their former allowance was not near so considerable, by which means this Bank being pretty large, as I would have it for all Espaliers, even so as to make it yet much larger, in great Gardens, the Trees will not only be better nourish'd, but yet, besides the Bordures which support the Earth, and form an agreeable Figure in Gardens, some of those useful Plants that delight in the Neighbourhood of Walls, may be planted in them; I mean such as love to be shelter'd from cold dangerous Winds, which is a thing altogether necessary in order to have something in the Spring.

CHAP. XVI.

Of the Breadth that is to be allow'd the Bordures of Espaliers.

I Desire every Body to reflect upon this Article, in which I advise them to place the Walks at a pretty distance from the Espaliers, or Walls, by reason of the Advantages that may accrue from the shelter of the Walls, which shelter is of no use when it only fa∣vours Walks, which receive no benefit by it; for, in fine, what Inconvenience can attend the Cultivating of three or four Foot more to the right or left of the Walk, in respect to the good use that is to be made of the Mould of every Garden, whereas the three or four Foot I cause to be added to the small Bank, to which Espaliers were commonly con∣fin'd, will be much more profitable in that place, than if being imploy'd to some part of the Walk, an equal quantity to it were Cultivated on the other side of that Walk, by reason that it could not enjoy the benefit of the shelter of the Wall.

I will not absolutely decide, whether Dwarf Fruit-Trees ought to be planted in very small Gardens, every Man is free in that to follow his own Inclination, though, in my Opinion, it were best to have none, unless they were small Paradice Apple-Trees or Gooseberry Shrubs; I should fear those Dwarfs might grow so large as to offuscate or shadow the Wall-Fruit or Espaliers, which I have a particular respect for in this Place; besides, they would certainly be inconvenient for walking, and take away the Beauty and Pleasure of the Walk, not af∣fording it room to breathe in.

Therefore I would employ the smallness of my Ground in other Things than Fruit-Trees; for Instance, in Strawberries, Sallads and Pot-herbs, &c. or else one part one way, and the rest of another, to have some little thing or other to pick at all times; and thus the whole space of our little Garden, of which we have divided the breadth by one only Walk in the middle, or made it narrower by a walk along one of the Walls or Espaliers, should be cut cross-wise by Beds about five or six Foot broad, with several small Paths.

After having maturely examin'd the distribution I have now made, I find it so reasona∣ble that I would make no other, though it were for a Garden of seven or eight Fathom broad, nay, not even of those that consist of eight or nine.

CHAP. XVII.

Of the Distribution or Disposition of a Garden of a moderate bigness.

BUT if it were for a Garden of ten to eleven, or eleven to twelve Fathom, which composes a Garden of a moderate size, whether it has been thought fit in regard to its Situation, to place the Entrance of it at the middle, or else at one of the sides; in both Cases I would allow the Walks seven Foot in breadth, nay, I would even allow eight or nine to that which is parallel to the Front of the House, leaving, as I have already said, a Bank of about five or six foot for every Wall; so that in such a Disposition I should only make Walks along all the Walls: and thus there would remain in the midst of the Garden a square about six or seven Fathom broad, or from seven to eight upon the whole length, and if that length should chance to be about fifteen or twenty, or more, it would be fit to divide it into two equal parts by a Walk partly like that of the Espaliers or Walls; but I would not allow it above three Foot, that Square not being above ten or twelve Fathom long.

Now the Master might follow his own Inclination as to the imploying of that Square, either altogether in Fruit-Trees planted in equal distances, with Strawberries, and some small Legumes among them, only for the space of five or six years, while the Pear-Trees should be growing; or else to employ it part in Fruit-Trees, that is upon the edge of the Walks, always observing the distance I have heretofore mention'd, and the rest in Sallads, Greens, Artichokes and Strawberries, which is what I should like best, or else I might imploy the far∣thest part from the House wholly in Fruit-Trees, and the other in Legumes, every one of them having seven or eight Fathom in length to the breadth propos'd.

CHAP. XVIII.

Of the Distribution or Disposure of a Garden from fifteen to twenty Fathom in breadth, and one of five and twenty to thirty, and from thirty to forty.

I Proceed now to a Place from fifteen to twenty Fathom breadth, upon any length whatever, which I look upon as a fine Garden; and, in the first Place, I will examin whether that Garden joyns the House, or not; secondly, Whether the House be built with Free-stone, or only with a ragged Stone plaister'd over, or new pargetted.

The House not joyning to the Garden, Trees must be planted against all the Walls, the Garden being altogether inclos'd; nay, even though it were adjoyning, the Front being only plaister'd, or new pargetted; the same may be done, especially to have the benefit of the breadth and of the height of the space that lyes between the Windows, as well as of the lower part of the Windows; but if the Architecture be fine and rich, I would leave it naked and expos'd to the Eye of every body, since it would be a pitty to hide so fine an Ornament, through the hope of a little more Fruit.

In such a Place then, having fifteen or twenty Fathom in breadth, the length containing twenty five or thirty, I would have the Walks along the Walls eight or nine foot broad, nay, nine or ten, or more, the length amounting to five and thirty, or forty; and the Walk which offers it self at the Entrance, and is parallel to the Front of the House, What∣ever

length the Garden consisted of, I would allow five or six foot more than the rest, nay, it might be allow'd twelve or more, it being a Terras, as it happens sometimes, since the Terrasses adjoyning to a I louse can hardly ever be too broad.

Besides the Walks we have mention'd round about our Garden, there should be another in the middle to divide the breadth in two equal parts, and the breadth containing twenty Fathom, or a little more, it might be allow'd four or five foot more than those that are Parallel to the Walls to the right and left, especially this Walk fronting the entrance of the House.

As to the length of our Garden, which we suppose to be from thirty to forty Fathom, it must be divided in two by a cross Walk, almost about the same breadth with those of the sides, or only some feet less, considering the Extent is not so great, besides that gene∣rally it is closer by the Trees that edge it to the right and left, than those of its sides, which being favour'd by the Banks, have more Air than that of the middle.

Such a Walk cross-wise will form two Squares, which may have each about six or seven Fathom one way to nine, ten, or twelve on the other.

Whereupon I think it proper to say that a Square in any Garden whatever, always looks sine, when it consists of twelve or thirteen Fathom in length, and six, seven, or eight in breadth; and consequently much more when it is in some measure equal on all sides, and especially when it is a little longer than broad.

If it should happen at any time that going about to make a Walk on one of the sides of the Garden, one should meet with a Wall, which instead of being strait, should chance to be on a crooked Line in part of its extent, in such a case, in which we must not pretead to correct that defect absolutely, I am of Opinion still to make the Walk regular with strait Angels, that is, square, beginning it at four foot distance from that part of the Wall which advances most into the Walk, and making it Square on the Extremity where it is to end, it shall be garnish'd to the right and left with fine Bordures that shall mark it; and as for those parts which shall chance to be much broader with Earth than they should be according to our usual Disposition, it may be imploy'd usefully either in Straw-berries, or other Plants, that are not capable to offuscate the Wall-Trees.

There are sometimes lengths of three or fourscore Fathom, and even more to eighteen or twenty in breadth, which we are speaking of, in which case that length must needs be divided into three or four equal Portions by cross Walks; and whereas such a length bears no Proportion to the breadth, I would stop the Prospect of our Gar∣den within forty or fifty Fathom from the House by some Wall, or, at least, by some Pal∣lisade; such a Wall might be proper to multiply the Espaliers or Wall-Fruit, or that Palli∣sade for Grapes, or other Fruit-Trees, and thus we should gain on all sides, either as to the Advantage of Production, or the Pleasure of the Eye.

Although the space of a Garden should contain five and twenty, thirty, or thirty five Fathom in breadth, I would make no other distribution of it, than what we have already made to a breadth of fifteen or twenty, unless it were to make the Walks somewhat broad∣er, in proportion to their length.

CHAP. XIX.

Of the Disposition or Distribution of Gardens of an extraordinary size.

IF the breadth of such a Garden should amount to threescore, threescore and ten, or fourscore Fathom, or more; I would divide it into four equal Portions, as I have done at Versailles, and in several other Kitchen-Gardens; or else I would make Counter-Walks garnish'd with Dwarfs upon the flat Bordures, as I have done at Rambouillet for his Grace the Duke of Montausier, upon condition that in those two Cases the two Walks pa∣rallel to the Chief, which we suppose in the middle, about three Fathom broad, should not be allow'd above eight or nine foot: In my Opinion, it were a pitty to make them broader, since that would employ too much Ground in Walks.

We have already mention'd the bigness the Squares of a Kitchen-Garden ought to con∣sist of, and thus without repeating it, we will find that those two Walks will afford us fine ones, either as to their breadth or length; for the same Rule we prescribe for the dividing of the breadth, must serve for the division of the length, and we must needs be persuaded at all times that when a space of Garden approaches fourscore Fathom

in breadth, and passes them in length, as the great Square of the King's Kitchen Garden does; it really composes a large Kitchen-Garden, since it contains at least seven or eight Acres of Ground, in which case the Squares may have fourteen or fifteen Fathom one way, to eighteen or twenty on the other.

I do not think there is any necessity of inlarging farther in what relates to the Dispo∣sition or Distribution of the Ground of Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens; what we have already said suffices, which is that when one may have or afford variety of such Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens, as Princes or great Lords do, who have occasion for them, it is proper to make little particular Gardens in Places adjacent to the great one, as I have done at Chantilly, at Seaux, at St. Oüen, &c. or round about the great one, as I have done at Versailles; or else the Overplus of the Place we would have Cultivated, must be employ'd in High Standard Trees; for to speak the Truth, over large Kitchen-Gardens are attended with great Inconveniences, and liable to great Charges, which very often do not answer our Expectations for want of due Cares.

CHAP. XX.

Of the manner of Cultivating Fruit-Gardens.

ALthough this Culture taken in the whole, contains all what we have Explain'd in se∣veral particular Treatises, my Intention, notwithstanding, is to reduce it here to Three Things only: First, to the Tillage the Earth stands in need of; Secondly, to the Neatness Gardens require at all times. The remainder of the Culture of the Earth shall be examin'd in the Treatise of the Kitchen-Gardens.

Therefore we must conclude, that as the Earth, as often as it is hot and moist, always finds it self in an approaching disposition to Act, that is, of producing some Plants good or bad, and sometimes of no use for Man, because it can, as it were, never remain Idle, the Production it makes of one thing, must of necessity be prejudicial to another.

The Reason is, First, that the Interior Salt of it; that is, its Fertility, or Capacity of Acting is no wise Infinite, and is exhausted by often producing, as every Body knows: So that several Plants lying near one another, it always happens that all, or a great part of them grow the smaller, because that which was to serve for the Nourishment of all, being divided into many, the share of each must of necessity be the smaller, and the Nourish∣ment of all of them the slenderer, or else it happens that some of them being more lively, either by being grown Naturally, or being of a Temper more suitable to that part of the Earth which nourishes them; this Plant has suck'd a greater quantity of the Nourishment that was in that Place ready prepar'd for Vegetation, than any of the rest.

It is not only the Inside of that Earth which appears exhausted to us in its Productions, when too great a quantity of different Plants have exhausted it by their Roots; we say, be∣sides, that this Earth is dry and wants Moisture, when it is hindred from receiving the Be∣nefit of the Night-Dews, and of those small Show'rs which have the Gift of repairing and amending that Earth, provided they may be able to penetrate to the Internal Parts; thus when the Leaves of all those Plants, which cover the Ground, come to receive those kind of Moistures, they hinder them from descending lower, and so they remain expos'd to the * 1.33 Sun, which rarifying them as soon as it lightens and heats them, converts them into Vapours, and so consequently for that time prevents their being of any use to that Earth.

It follows from thence, that when we would have our Trees, and particularly our Dwarfs and Tall Standards well fed, and consequently very Vigorous, and thereby agreeable to sight, we must take care.

First, That they be not too near one another, to the end that the Nourishment may be the less divided.

Secondly, That there may be no sort of Plants near them, which may inwardly steal their Nourishment, or outwardly hinder the Refreshings and Helps they are certainly to receive by Rain and Dew.

Thirdly, Care must be taken to keep the Earth always light, and consequently often Cul∣tivated, as well that the Moistures of Rains and Dews may easily, and the sooner, penetrate to the Roots, as that the Earth may be duly heated by the Rays of the Sun, which it stands indispensibly in need of.

Now to put that Earth in a Condition of producing advantageously what we require of it, without allowing it time to imploy it self in other Things, as also to preserve clean∣ness in the whole extent, we must be careful to Till the Ground, to amend and cleanse it when it requires it. Let us now examine those four kind of Cultures, to shew the Manner, Use, Cause and Success of them.

CHAP. XXI.

Of Tillage.

TIllage, properly speaking, is nothing but a Movement or Stirring, which being per∣form'd on the Surface of the Ground penetrates unto a certain Depth, and makes the lower and upper parts reciprocally change place: Now it not being my Intention, to speak in this Place of the Tillage that is perform'd with a Plough in the open Fields, but only of the Tillage of our Gardens, it is proper to know that it is perform'd several different ways.

First, With the Spade and Haugh in easie Grounds.

In the Second Place, with a Pitch-Fork, and French Mattock in stony and yet pretty strong Ground; some are perform'd deeper; for Instance, in the open Ground, and in the middle of the Squares or Plats; and others lighter, viz. about the Foot of Trees, upon Asparagus, among small Legumes, &c.

It must be noted next, that in all likelihood the Cause or Motive of Tillage, is not only to make the Earths appear more agreeable to sight, though they really thereby become so; but that it is, in the first place, to render such easie as are not so, or to preserve those in a good Case that are so naturally; and, in the second place, that it is chiefly thereby to augment Fertility in such Earths as have but little, or to preserve it in such as have a suffi∣cient Store: Earths that are absolutely barren, must not be Till'd.

When I talk of rendring Earth easie, I mean to make it become sandy and loose, inso∣much, * 1.34 that the Moisture and Heat which comes from without, may easily penetrate through it, and that it may be no wise compact or sticking together, like clayish, gravelly Earth, which by the Constitution of their Nature, are no wise proper for Vegetation.

And when I speak of endeavouring to give Fruitfulness, I mean, that the Tillage must * 1.35 contribute to give a temper of Heat and Moisture to a Soil, that is already provided with that Salt, it stands in need of for the chief part of Fertility; this temper of Heat and Moisture being so necessary to the Earth, that without it its Salt is altogether useless, inso∣much, that it can produce no manner of Plants, in the same manner as Animals can enjoy no perfect Health, without the temper of Elemental Qualifications.

It is not enough to have given Reasons for the Cause of Tillage, we must besides give * 1.36 Rules, that may serve to procure this Temper in question to Earth.

Upon which, I say, that it is observable, that some Earths are easily heated; for Ex∣ample, such as are light, to which we have but little to do in Relation to heat; but where∣as they are commonly dry and parch'd, we must work carefully to procure them Moi∣sture: Others are not easily heated; for Instance, those that are Strong and Cold; and those require but little Culture for an augmentation of Moisture; on the contrary, they have generally too much of it; but they require a great deal of help for an additional Heat.

Moreover, some kind of Plants require more Moisture; for Example, Artichokes, Sal∣lads, * 1.37 Sorrel and thick Rooted Plants: The Earth which produces them must be dispos'd in such a manner, as to receive a great deal of Water from without: Others are satisfy'd with less, as Fruit-Trees, and Asparagus, &c. and we need not much trouble our selves to afford it them; but however, as we have nothing in our Gardens which requires either an exces∣sive Heat or Moisture, so we have nothing but what requires some. The Sun, Rains and Subterranean Waters provide for one part, and we ought to provide, by other means, for what may be wanting besides; which is, what we do by a well understood Culture, of which Tillage is one of the chief Parts.

Those Tillages are to be perform'd at different Times, and even differently as to the mul∣tiplicity, * 1.38 in respect to the difference of Earth and Seasons: Earth that is hot and dry must be Till'd in the Summer Time, either a little before, or while it Rains, or soon after it, especially when there is any likelihood of more; at which time they can neither be Till'd too often, nor too deep when it Rains; as, by the Reason of Contraries, they must but seldom be Till'd in very hot Weather, unless they be water'd immediately after it. Those

frequent breakings of the Ground make way for the Waters of Rain, and make them pene∣trate * 1.39 towards the Roots, which stand in need thereof; whereas otherwise they would remain upon the Surface, where they would be of no use, and soon after evaporate: Tillage like∣wise makes a passage for heat, without which Moisture can be of no use.

On the contrary, Cold, Strong, Moist Earth, must never be Till'd in time of Rain, but rather during the greatest Heats, at which time they can neither be Till'd too often nor too deep, especially to hinder them from parching and splitting on the Top, which, as we have often said, does a great deal of prejudice to the Roots; and to the End, that it being softned by Tillage, the heat may penetrate the easier to them, and thereby may destroy the Cold, which hinders the Action of the Roots, and makes Trees yellow.

The Nature of the Earth shews us in this, as well as in many other Things, that it will be order'd regularly, so that it answers our Intentions with success, when it is pru∣dently manag'd; whereas, on the contrary, it opposes them when it is govern'd Ill: The Season of putting most Coin into the Ground, which commonly are only sown each in one Season, the time of Graffing, of Pruning and of Planting Vines as well as Trees, &c. which likewise is only done in certain Months; all these, I say, are so many Instructions which Nature gives us, in order to teach us how to study well what the Ground requires, and pre∣cisely at what time. By those Observations, a great Application has taught me, that it is good to Till often about Trees, either in dry, light Earths, or in such as are strong and moist; the one in rainy Weather, and the other in great Heats.

Those frequent Tillings, which I advise, when Convenience will permit it, are of great * 1.40 Use; for, besides their hindring part of the Goodness of the Earth from being exhausted by the Production and Nourishment of ill Plants; they, on the contrary, make those Weeds which Rot, being laid under Ground, serve for an Amendment to fatten it; but moreover those frequent Tilths partly destroy the Ancient Maxims, which had Establish'd but one Tillage for every Season; and what I like most in them is, that, at least, they establish the Necessity, and consequently the Usefulness of them: But I add, that they are not sufficient, unless, during their Intervals, care be taken to scrape, or pull out those ill Weeds, which especially in the Summer and in Autumn, grow upon Earths, and then Mul∣tiply, ad Infinitum, when they are suffer'd to run up to Seed.

We must say here by the by, that the times in which Trees bloslom, and the Vine shoots are very dangerous for Tillage, it must never be performed at those Times, neither about those Trees or Vines; the Earth being newly stir'd in the Spring, exhales abundance of Va∣pours, which upon the least white hoary Frosts, which are common at that Season, being stopt near the Surface of the Earth, stick upon the Blossoms, soften and moisten them, in so much that rendring them susceptible to the Frost, they contribute to kill them; Earths that are not Till'd at that time, and consequently are hard about the Surface, are not sub∣ject to exhale so many Vapors, and therefore not subject to so many Accidents of Frost.

From what I have said heretofore to favour the Nourishment of our Trees, it follows, that I condemn those who Sow or Plant, either many Pot-herhs, or Strawberries, or Flowers, near the Foot of their Trees, such Plants being certainly very prejudicial to them.

The Rule I Practise for the Culture or Tillage, that is to be perform'd about our Trees, as well in the Winter as in the Spring, in dry light Earths, is to allow them a large one at the Entrance of the Winter, and the like as soon as it is past, to the end that the Rains and Snows of the Winter, and the Rains of the Spring, may easily penetrate into our Earth; and as for the strong and moist Earths, I give them a small Tillage in the Month of October, only to remove the Weeds, and tarry to give them a large one at the end of April, or the beginning of May, when the Fruit is absolutely knit, and the great Moistures over; thus the Surface of that Earth being kept hard, firm and close, has left but little passage for the Waters of the Winter and Spring, which we have no occasion here, for the Snow being melted, without having been capable of penetrating, remains part upon the Surface, where it is converted into Vapors, and the rest following the Declivities of the Place, descends into the Neighbouring Rivers.

I must needs say, in this Place, that nothing moistens so much, and penetrates so far as the Water of melted Snow. I have seldom known Water to penetrate above a foot deep, whereas the Water of Snow will penetrate two or three Foot, as well because it is heavier than common Rain Water, as by reason, that as it melts slowly and by degrees, and from the undermost part of the Mass of Snow, it soaks in with more ease, without being hindred by the Wind, or by the heat of the Sun.

Therefore, as much as I dread abundance of Snow upon strong, moist Grounds, and cause it to be remov'd from about our Fruit-Trees; I like it, and cause it to be gather'd in dry Earths, there to make a kind of Magazine of Moisture; and especially in those

Earths I cause that which lyes, and is of no use, in the Walks, to be taken up and thrown into the Bordures of the Espaliers or Wall-Trees, and particularly to the Expositions of the South, which in the Summer time want most moisture; and the same into the Exposures of the East, even in strong Earths, by reason that the Summer Showrs seldom falling up∣on them, the ground of those Expositions remains commonly dryer than the rest, and consequently the Trees are thereby expos'd to suffer.

This Necessity of Tillage, which I recommend and advise, is sometimes contradicted by the success of certain Trees, which being cover'd with Pavement or beaten Gravel about the Foot, do notwithstanding thrive well, though they are never Till'd; to which I have two things to say in answer; the First, That as commonly such Trees are plac'd under Spouts or Gutters, a great deal of Water falls upon them, which penetrating through the Crany's of the Pavement, or through the beaten Gravel, furnishes a sufficient Nourishment for the Roots. The Second is, That the moisture which has thus penetrated into those Grounds * 1.41 cover'd with Pavement, preserves it self much better in it, and longer than in others, the wind and the heat of the Sun not being capable to destroy it: yet notwithstanding, I still recommend Tillage, as well for the good of the Earth and Plants, as for the Pleasure of the Eye; the Universal Experience we have of it, can never be destroy'd by so small an Ob∣jection, no more than the use of Bread and Cloathing can be condemn'd, although the Sa∣vages do not understand it: Fig-Trees Orange-Trees, and other Plans and Shrubs in Cases sufficiently justifie the Use of Tilling, or breaking of the Ground to give a Passage to the Water or Waterings, without which they Pine, and often Perish.

CHAP. XXII.

Of Amendments or Improvements.

AFTER having explain'd the Motive, Use and Manner of Tillage, we must do the same thing about Amendments, which are nothing but a bettering, or re∣covering of Earth; we have already said, that this Improvement might be done with all manner of Dung, of which we must now explain the Motive, Use and Manner.

As to the Motive, it is likewise certain, that when we amend, or Dung the Ground, it is with an Intention of affording Fruitfulness to that which wants it, that is, that which has many defects, and consequently little Disposition towards Production; or else to pre∣serve it when it has it, and might lose it, unless it received from time to time some neces∣sary Reparations, according to the Productions we require of it, either beyond its Ca∣pacity, or conformably to its Power; and likewise to amend it more or less, according to its Temper, whether good or bad: For Example, There must be a great deal of Dung to produce Pot-herbs, which grow in a short time abundantly, and succeed each other quickly in a small compass of Ground, which without that might grow barren; on the other hand, Trees require but little or none for their Nourishment, by reason that being long a-growing, they make but inconsiderable Productions, compar'd to the Ground they take up: and Lastly, Though they remain long in one and the same Place, yet by means of their Roots which stretch out to the right and left, they make a shift to pick up the Nou∣rishment that is proper for them, far and near: I add, that the Earth which has a great deal of Fruitfulness in it self, requires less than that which has but little; and Finally, Cold moist Earth requires more than those that are hot and dry.

Certainly, and no body can be ignorant of it, the great defects of Earth consists, as I have already said, either in too much moisture, which is commonly accompany'd with cold, and great ponderousness, or else in too much drought, which is likewise regularly accompany'd with an excessive lightness, and a great Disposition to parching; We like∣wise find that among the Dungs we may imploy, some are too fat and cooling, for in∣stance, the Dung of Oxen and Cows; and the other too hot and light, for Example, the Dung of Sheep, Horses and Pidgeons, &c. and whereas the Remedy must have Vertues opposite or contrary to the Distempers it is to cure; we must imploy hot and dry Dungs in moist, cold, heavy Earth, in order to heat them, and make them lighter and easier; and Oxen and Cow Dung in lean, dry, light Earths, to make them fatter, and more ma∣terial, thereby hindring the great parchings or droughts of the Spring, and the great heats of the Summer from drying them up with too much ease.

There are at this time great Controversies in Philosophy and Chimistry, to endeavour to decide which are the best Dungs, and that with the same exactness or accuracy Mathe∣maticians use in deciding what is necessary to form a straight Line, &c. The World is certainly highly oblig'd to those Gentlemen, who drive their Curiosity and their Obser∣vations so far into the Secrets of Nature; I hope, we may reap great benefits by it, but in the mean time, I am of Opinion for my self, and for those for whom I write, that we can do no better than to proceed in this as I do, orderly, plainly and grosly, being persuaded that the fertility of Earth does not consist, as, I may say, in an indivisible Point; and indeed I am so far from being willing to occasion the least scruple in any body, and * 1.42 especially any wise to scare or terrifie our Gard'ners in point of Culture, that on the con∣trary I endeavour as much as in me lyes to make it plain and easie to them.

To which end, I think I may say once more, that we may form to our selves a certain Idea of richness in Earth, which certainly contains in its Bowels a Salt which occasions Fer∣tility, and that this Salt is the only and real Treasure of this Earth. Thus we say, That the Money of a Miser (which makes his Riches and Plenty) is the Treasure he possesses; yet this Miser will still remain equally Rich and Pecuniary: If, in the first place, he spends no∣thing, or, if in the second place, whatever Liberality he may affect, it happens so that he constantly receives as much Gold and Silver in one hand, as he spends with the other; he spent yesterday fifty Shillings, to day he has increas'd his Store, either in Gold, Silver, or Goods, to the value of the same Summ; he is then equally Rich, so that to morrow he shall be able to spend the same Summ, and to take up the next day, either the same Money in Bond, which is not common, or the value, &c. and thus, ad Infinitum, this Cir∣culation is real and effective.

We must know for certain, that Earth has been created with a Disposition to produce * 1.43 Plants, and that (excepting some Stones and Mettals which are extraordinary Producti∣ons of Nature) there is nothing on the Earth which is not come out of its own Bosom, and that by the way of Vegetation, and consequently all the Vegetative Plants we see are part of that Earth, and thus we may affirm that there is nothing (whatever it may be, provided it be material) but what may serve to amend that Earth or Soil returning to it by way of Corruption, under whatever Figure it returns to it; because that whatever re∣enters into that Earth, gives it back in some manner what it had lost, either in the same Specie, or in Value, and in effect it becomes Earth again, as it was before; thus all man∣ner of Stuffs, Linnen, the Flesh, Skin, Bones and Nails of Animals, Dirt, Urines, Ex∣crements, the Wood of Trees, their Fruit, their Leaves, Ashes, Straw, all manner of Corn or Grains, &c. In short, all in general that is palpable and sensible on Earth (excepting perhaps as I have already said, most Stones, and all Minerals) all this entring into the Ground, serves to amend and better it, so that having the Convenience and Facility of spreading often upon Earths, as we have it in good Farms, and particularly in the Neigh∣bourhood of Cities, as it is practis'd for the sowing of Corn, and for Legumes, we put our Land in a Condition of being able to continue to produce always without Intermission.

Moreover, our Ground, though good, not being permitted to produce, for Instance, such as are built upon; those Grounds thus cover'd with Buildings, are, though against their Will, like a Rich Man who spends nothing, though able to spend much; they always remain, as the Philosophers say, equally Fertile in Power, that is, equally capable of pro∣ducing, and would actually produce, if they were not hindred from so doing; as to the others which produce at all times, if in Tilling of them, the Plants they had produc'd be again put underneath them, as it happens often, especially in those parts that are the Seat of War; those Plants thus put under the Surface of that Earth rot there, and serve to fatten it again to the same degree it possess'd before the producing of them, or else we may say, that it is the same Salt in Specie, which returns to it, and makes it as Rich, that is, as Fertile as it was before.

And when all the Productions of such a spot of Ground are taken away, as it is very usual, and that in lieu thereof it be allow'd as many of the Productions of another place, and that by means of rotten Straw, season'd, as it were, with the Excrements of some Animals, which Excrements are likewise originally sprung from the Earth, and make a part of it, that Earth having thereby repaired its loss, becomes as Rich, that is, as Fer∣tile as before.

We may then in some manner look upon Dungs in relation to Earth, as a kind of Coin which repairs the Treasures of that Earth.

Now as there are several kind of Coins, some more precious, others less, but still, both the one and the other being Coin'd, pass in Trade and Inrich; so there are several kind of Dungs, some a little better than others, but still all proper to amend, that is, to repair

the loss that Earth had sustained in Producing; and thus the Substance of the Earth does not wear out to be at last reduc'd to nothing, or waste so as to give cause to say, that it diminishes, for if it did, where should it be now, after having produc'd so much from the beginning of the World? 'Tis only the Salt of it that diminishes; or to speak more properly, changes place, which, as it may return, as it does, is capable of restoring that Earth to the same Condition it was in formerly.

The Alambicks in Chimistry sufficiently manifest what that Salt is, and show in little what a small quantity of it is required to animate a pretty considerable quantity of Earth.

Upon which, I think I may say, that Dung seems to be in relation to Earths that are of a different Temper, what Salt is in relation to different kinds of Meat, either such as are fine and curious, as Partridges and Sheep, and such as are material and gross, as Beef and Pork, &c. these without doubt can bear a much larger quantity of Salt in the seasoning of them, without spoiling, than the others, since a good piece of Beef, without doubt, requires a much greater quantity of Salt to relish it, than a piece of Mutton, though equal∣ly large; and indeed gross Meats are made more pallatable by being well poudred, where∣as Mutton being salted at the same rate, would be spoil'd.

Besides, as there are some Salts that salt more, for Instance, Bay-Salt, and others less, as white Salt; so as to the heating, or animating of Earth, there are some Dungs which heat and amend more; for Instance, those of Sheep and Horses, and others that amend and heat less; for Example, The Dung of Hogs and Cows, &c. We must prudently make use both of the one and the other; Experience sufficiently justifies this faculty of heating in point of Dungs, in that a certain quantity of Horse Dung heap'd up together will cause a considerable heat, even to that degree, as to convert it self sometimes into real Fire, whereas a heap of Cow Dung never heats it self to that degree.

And, therefore, should a great deal of Horse and Sheeps Dung be laid in light, sandy * 1.44 Earths, which stand in no need of so much heat, it would prejudice them instead of doing them good; those Dungs are too burning; but according to the Advice of the Poet, we might allow them a great deal of Cows-Dung, which is fatter, and not so hot: And on the contrary, what is not sit for dry, hot Earths, is very proper for such as are cold and moist; those, which naturally produce but too many Weeds, want heat to be animated, as it were, to dispose them, to produce others that are better for us.

CHAP. XXIII.

Of Dungs.

IT will not susfice to have spoken of Amendments or Improvements in General, we must come to Particulars; to which end I think it will be necessary to examin five things, principally in the Case of Dung, which is the most usual of all Amendments.

• The First, What Dung is.
• Secondly, How many kinds there are of it.
• Thirdly, Which is the best of all.
• Fourthly, Which is the proper time to imploy it.
• And, Fifthly, Which is the manner of making so good a Use of it, that Earths may be amended by it, that is, made more Fruitful, which is the Intention of him that uses it.

As to the first Point, I cannot forbear saying, that Dung, being a vulgar thing, and so well known, it seems useless, and almost ridiculous, to endeavour to give an account of it; but yet in order to continue to follow exactly the design I have propos'd in this Treatise, which is not to omit the least singularity of all that belongs to Gard'ning, I think my self oblig'd to speak of this Dung, not indeed to make it known to such as are unacquainted with it, since it would be hard to meet with such, but only to make some Observations upon it, which are very material for the matter in hand.

I say then, that Dung is a Composition of two things, of which, the first is a certain quantity of Straw which has serv'd for Litter for Domestick Animals; and the second, the Excrements of some Animals among it, which has in some manner incorporated with that Straw; neither that Straw alone, though half rotten, is sit to make good Dung; nor yet the Excrements of those Animals without Straw, can be sufficient alone, to induce one to imploy them, they must of Necessity be mix'd together to be of use, which is a thing known by every body.

Neither can any body be ignorant that those who keep those Animals both for Pleasure and Use, have particular Places for them to feed and rest in; which Places have peculiar and diffe∣rent Names; they are call'd Stables for Horses and Mules, &c. And Pens, Stalls and Sties for Oxen, Cows, Sheep and Hogs, &c. Great Hunters have, besides, Kennels for Hounds, but those afford but little of what we treat of in this Chapter. It is usual to place daily under those Animals, and particularly under Horses, a sufficient quantity of fresh New Straw, well spread, which is call'd making of Litter, which is, as it were, a kind of Bed, which serves for them to lye upon, and take their rest, when they are weary, to put themselves again in a Condition to go about their usual Service a-new; this Litter serves then to pre∣serve their Health, to help to recover their Vigor, as well as to keep them neater, and more agreeable to sight.

But that is not all, for after that it must be good for some other thing; this Straw be∣ing thus imploy'd by the Name of Litter, becomes not only bruis'd and broken by the Trampling and Agitation of those Animals, but their Excrements having imbib'd or soak'd it, changes the colour of it, and half rots it, so that it becomes, as it were, of a different Nature from what it was; and being altogether corrupted, and no longer pro∣per to serve for Litter, there is a necessity of removing it, to put new into the room of it, which in its turn must undergo the same Fate.

This first Litter being taken from under those Animals, and laid aside, is not look'd upon as a heap of common Dirt, to be rejected, we give it the name of Dung, now in question; and under that Name, it is found to be, not only a useful, but a very necessary thing for the good of Human kind.

Now that which is the Cause of this new Service it yields, being grown Dung, is, that the Excrements of those Animals have communicated unto it a certain quality, or rather a certain Salt, which being contain'd in it, causes it (being heapt up) to heat it self con∣siderably, and at the same time to heat all that is round about it, as we shall explain more at large hereafter.

After having thus explain'd what Dung is, if it may be truly said that that Explication was not very necessary, at least it must be allow'd, that the other four Articles are very material to be explain'd, beginning by that which is to give us an Account how many sorts of Dung we may use.

It naturally follows from what I have said above, that as there are many Horses every where, there likewise is a great deal of Horse Dung, and a little of Mules, &c. that there * 1.45 is a great deal of Cows, and that Sheep and Hogs afford a small quantity, we may like∣wise say that the Poultry that is kept in some Houses, as Pigions, Hens, Geese, &c. also produce some small manner of Dung, but it is so very inconsiderable, that it is hardly worth mentioning.

The great Animals in question do not alone contribute by their Excrements, to the Composition of Dungs, and the Amendments of the Earth, all the parts of their Bodies being once rotten, nay, their very Nails and Bones serve to fatten it. The Leaves of Trees which are gather'd in Autumn, being put in a moist Place, and especially under the drein of a Stable or Pen, being also rotten, may likewise be of some use in Places where Straw and Animals are not common.

The very Ashes of all combustible Matters are of a very good use in this Case, for the small quantity that can be had of them, and not only Ashes, but also rotten Wood, and generally all things which being come out of the Earth, are corruptible, becomes Dung for the Ground, when put into it again, and there corrupts.

Nay, there are some People, who, in order to multiply the number of Dungs or Amend∣ments, maintain, that Turf, and the Earth of high Ways is proper for it; I will speak my Opinion of it in the Sequel, and will only say in this Place, that that kind of whi∣tish Earth which is met with in the Bowels of some piece of Grounds, which we call Marle, and seems to be inclin'd to become Stones, must be consider'd as an amendment to help towards the Production of some things, as I will explain in the Sequel.

Now we have explain'd the diversity of Dungs, it will be proper to see what are their particular Qualifications, to the end that this knowledge may teach us to make a good * 1.46 Choice according to the occasions we have for it.

There are two peculiar Properties in the Case of Dungs; the one is to fatten, that is, to fatten the Earth, and better it, or render it more fruitful, and that is common to all man∣ner of Dung, being well rotten, only some more, and others less: The second Property is to produce a certain sensible heat, capable of producing some considerable Effect: The Ancients knew the first, and have not known the second; this last is seldom met with in any but Horse and Mule Dung, when newly made, and still a little moist, and indeed those

sort of Dungs are of a wonderful use in our Gardens, and particularly in the Winter; at which time they seem to perform the Office of the great Planet, which animates and en∣live••s all things, really performing there the same Function which the heat of the Sun is us'd to dispense there in the Summer; as for Instance, being laid in the form of Couches, it serves to afford us all the Novelties of the Spring, viz. Cowcumbers, Radishes, small Sallads, and Melons, and all that, long before Nature can give it; it serves in great Frosts to fur∣nish us with Greens and Flowers, and that which is yet more singular, very green Asparagus, and those better than the Common ones; it likewise serves to advance considerably the Maturity of Strawberries, of Figs in Cases, Pease, &c. and finally, it serves to make Mush∣rooms grow at all times.

And if new Dung has a peculiar Goodness and Faculty, when it stands possess'd of its first heat, it has another when, without being Rotten, it is old and dry, the heat being altogether past, which is to preserve against, or from, Cold, that which Frosts might in∣damage and destroy; and therefore it is us'd in the Winter time to cover Fig-Trees, Ar••••∣chokes, Succories, Selery, &c. Which are all Manna's of great Value in Gard'ning, which would perish without the help of Dung to cover them: Which is not all that Dung is useful for; for, after having serv'd in so many Places, as according to the Condition of all Sublunary Beings, it rots at last; it then serves again to the last Use which I treat of here, and that is, to amend the Ground.

This Amendment or Improvement supposes two considerable Conditions, the one rela∣ting to the time which is proper for the doing of it, and the other to the manner of doing it well.

As to the time, we must not imagin that all the Seasons of the Year are proper to em∣ploy * 1.47 Dung, none but the five moistest Months of the Year are good for it, viz. from the beginning of November till towards the end of March; those Dungs would be of no use in the bosom of the Earth, unless they perfectly made an end of rotting there, and nothing but Rain can cause that Consummation; those that are employ'd at other times, only grow dry and musty, and so far from being favourable to Vegetabels, they are pernicious and fatal to them, especially when there is a considerable quantity of it; abundance of large white Worms engendring in it, which remain in the Earth, and gnaw all the tender things they meet with; whereas the great Moistures of Autumn and Winter making an end of rotting by the degrees, the gross material substance of that Dung, the Salt which lyes in it, passes into the interior parts of the Earth; and thus this Salt spreads it self in those Places, whence the Plants draw their Nourishment, that is, in the Neighbourhood of the Roots, which alone have the Tallent of improving the benefit of Dung, and thereby Vege∣tables make an end of acquiring all the Perfection, which is proper for them, as thickness, largness, and the rest, &c.

It follows then, that the Winter is the only Season fit for great Amendments; there∣fore it behoves able Gard'ners, not to lose a time which is so precious for their Occupation: In order to which, they need neither to mind the Quarters of the Moon, nor the Winds, whatever they be, notwithstanding the Traditions of some of the Ancients, and what∣ever may be said in some Books of Gard'ning; they are only troublesom Observations, and altogether Useless, and are only proper to afford Matter towards the Imbellishment of Poetry, or, perhaps, to set off some Visionary talkative Gard'ners.

Let us now proceed to the manner of Employing this Dung to the purpose: This mat∣ter ought to afford us two Instructions; the one is to point out those Parts where the Dung is to be laid, and the second to mark out partly the true quantity.

As to the first, it is to be noted, that sometimes there is a necessity of Dunging largely, and pretty deep into the Ground, and sometimes it suffices to turn the Surface lightly. As to the first, I am not of the Opinion of those who make Beds of their Dung at the Bottom of Trenches, whatever care they take of Tilling every Bed largely, in order to mix the Earth and Dung together, and my Reason, confirm'd by a long Experience, is, that what∣ever is good in that Dung, so employ'd, soon becomes Useless, since it passes too low with the Moistures which force it along, and drive it to such Parts where the Roots cannot pe∣netrate, besides that the Motion which is made in Tilling those Three or Four Beds in the Trenches, instead of contributing to make the Earth lighter; which is one of the * 1.48 most material Conditions, only presses and hardens it by the Trampling, which can∣not be avoided in Tilling.

Therefore, as I have already said elsewhere, I would have the Dung used for Earth, in the same Manner as Ashes are us'd in Washing, that is, that whereas the Ashes are only laid upon the Surface of the Linen, that is heaped up in the Tub, in order to cleanse it; so the Dung should only be laid on the Surface of the Earth that is to be Amended. I say

it again, it is not the gross Substance of the Dung which Fertilises, as it is not the gross Substance of the Ashes which cleanses, it is that invisible Salt which is contain'd in those Matters, Incorporating, wetted with the Waters that wet it, descends with them, whereever their Weight inclines them, and there produces what it is capable of per∣forming.

But it is not sufficient to know the best Place where the Dung is to be laid, we must likewise examine what quantity may be proper for it: In order to explain this Article, it is proper to know that as some Dungs have a far greater quantity of Salt to Communi∣cate than others; so there are Earths which require and want more Amendments than others: I still mean the Earth for Kitchen-Plants, and not that Earth in which Trees are to be Planted; for I will have none for these, supposing always that if they have the least * 1.49 Goodness they have enough to Nourish Trees, from which we expect Pallatable Fruit. He who studies to make Excellent Wine, soon perceives that the use of Dung is directly contrary to his Intention, and that if those Amendments augment the quantity, at the same time it diminishes the Value, though perhaps that defect might have been corrected by Fermentation and Boiling; Therefore have we not yet much more cause to fear for the Taste of Fruits, which, without the Advantages of Boiling, are to be transmitted di∣rectly from the Tree, to the Mouth?

And when the Earth is naught, I can not, as I have already said, forbear blaming those who lose their Time in Planting there, instead of getting better Earth brought there, the quantity cannot be Considerable, nor consequently the Charge, considering that none will go about to Plant many Trees in ill Grounds.

But if, contrary to my Sentiment in this particular Case of Planting of Trees, People will be obstinate in dunging of Trenches, where they intend to Plant, I am willing to Ex∣plain the Manner I think most proper for it, to save Charges, and to have the Work better done and sooner.

I suppose, for Instance, that a Trench six Foot deep is to be prepar'd, either along a Wall to plant against it, or about a Square to plant Dwarfs; First, I would have the quantity of Dung one has Examin'd, either Horse or Cow Dung, which are the two sorts that are most Commonly us'd, and which are most plentiful; this Knowledge will teach us whether we may use a great deal or not: After this I would have it laid in equal distances, all along the Trench that is to be made, and the overture of the Trench dug three Foot deep, and about a Fathom upon the breadth propos'd, so that before we go about to employ the Dung, we may have an empty free Space before us; I would likewise have three Men, two with Spades to stir the Ground, and one with a Pitch-fork for the Dung; and lastly, I would have two of them take that Earth that is to be dug, and throw it at the farther End of the Empty Place; so that the height of the Trench may be fill'd, and that half a Foot higher than the adjacent Surface, taking care to place the Earth that lay on the Surface at the Bottom, to the end that the Earth which lay at the bottom, may in its turn become the Surface of the new Trench; this Earth so thrown, in the manner I mean, makes a natural Declivity, at the bottom of which all the Stones will fall by the same means, which must be remov'd immediately; and while the two Men thus throw the Earth which forms this Declivity, I would have the third, who shall be re∣maining upon the edge of the Trench, to take the Dung with the Pitch-fork, and throw it without Intermission, not into the bottom, but only upon the top of the Declivity in question, and there spread it, that it may be so well dispers'd, that no great quantity of it may lye together; by this means, supposing always the Work-men act briskly, and under∣stand each other, two very material things are done at once, and in a small time, with little Charge; the first is, that the Dung is plac'd and mix'd in the Earth as it should be, and the second, that this Earth being stirr'd from top to bottom, grows easie and light, as it should be.

I must not forget minding those who dig along a Wall, to take care not to come too near the Foundations, for fear of indamaging it, the Wall might be in danger of falling; a small slope of hard Ground must always be left untouched against it.

When besides the Trench for Trees, there are to be others round about all the Squares or Ground Plots destin'd for Kitchen-Plants, in a Garden not having the good Qualificati∣ons that are to be wish'd for, the same Method must of necessity be us'd, multiplying on∣ly the number of those that are to Till, proportioning the number of those that are to spread the Dung accordingly; there must always be the same depth of Earth, ever ma∣king the first overture of the Trenches about a Fathom broad, it being for Example of the length of the whole Square, to which end the Earth that shall be taken out of the Trench, must be laid along the Square that is to be fill'd, which shall serve to fill up

the Gage that shall lay empty at the end of the said Square; in the mean time the Dung must be brought either in Baskets, hand-Barrows, or otherwise, into the Neighbourhood, or near that empty Place; and a sufficient number of People shall be imployed to spread it upon the top of the slopes, by degrees, as the others continually throw new Earth towards the empty Places.

I warrant that with such a concert of Workmen, well skill'd in their Work, the Ground may be dispos'd to produce very fine, and very good Legumes, care being taken finally to make an universal Tillage to render all the Surface even.

I would only have People observe, that in case the Earth which wants to be amended or im∣prov'd, is naturally dry and sandy, fat Dung must be imploy'd, for Example, Cow-dung, or else Horse-dung, which shall have been rotten in a Morish Place; I seldom mention the Dung of Hogs, because, that besides its being scarce, it has an ill savour, which hinders People from desiring it, it is capable of infecting the Ground, and giving it an ill taste, which would infect the Fruit sooner than better it: When they are course, strong, moist Earths, the largest and dryest Dung will be most proper; for Example, Horse and Mules Dung, never putting too much, nor too little, but a moderate quantity, excess being dangerous in these Cases; on the other hand, putting none at all in the Earth in question, is a defect that would soon be perceiv'd; as likewise putting but too small a quantity, is a help, which not being sufficient, must be look'd upon as useless, especially in lean Earths, from which more is requir'd than it is able to produce; that is, abundance of thick well fed Legumes.

The most reasonable measure for imploying of that Dung, is to lay a Basket full, and that of a moderate size, upon the length of every Fathom of slope, when it is about the thickness of a foot of Earth; and thus the length of twenty Fathom to the breadth of six foot, and the depth of three, will consume sixscore Baskets full, of that moderate size, that is, about such a size as a Woman may partly be able to carry.

And when there is not Dung enough to make the mixture I have explain'd here, the small quantity there may be of it must only be spread upon the Surface, spreading it with an even hand; after which Tilling it sufficiently about nine or ten Inches in depth, it must be buried so that it may no longer appear on the out-side, and yet not so deep as to be out of the reach of the Roots of Plants.

The Excrements of Sheep and Goats are very fit for that kind of Dung, and it will suf∣fice to spread about two Inches thick of it, that small quantity will contribute to amend the Earth as much as a greater of Horse or Cow-dung.

And in truth, I look upon Sheeps-dung, as the best of Dungs, and that which has most disposition to fertilize all manner of Earths; the Treatise of the Culture of Orange-Trees will show more particularly how much I value it above all others.

La Poudrette, and the Dung of Pidgeons, and of Poultrey, may also make some amendments, but yet I seldom use them, the one is too stinking, and pretty scarce, the others are full of little Fleas, which sticking to the Plants, are very prejudicial to them.

As for the Excrements of Aquatick Animals, or such as commonly live in Water, it is stark nought, as well as that which comes from Cunny Warrens, witness the Sterility that appears about the Clappers; the rotten Leaves of Plants occasion blackness and cold, which, far from amending, rots the new Plants, and therefore it must not be us'd at all.

The Leaves of Trees gather'd up, and rotten in some moist Ground, become rather a kind of Soil than Dung, and are fitter to be spread to secure the Earth from parching, than to fume the inside of it.

Terreau or Soil is the last Service we receive from Dung, the Dung having serv'd to make Couches, consumes it self to that degree, that it becomes a kind of Mould, which then is no longer employ'd like Dung to fatten, but like Earth which produces small Plants, and so seven or eight Inches of it is laid upon new Beds for Sallads, Raddishes and Legumes that are to be transplanted, or to remain, as Melons, Comcumbers, hard Lettuce, &c. and about two Inches thick of it is likewise laid over Earths new sown at the Spring, and in the Sum∣mer, when they are too dry of themselves, or inclin'd to harden and split easily by heat, the Seeds would dry up in the first, and could not penetrate the Surface of the other.

Therefore this Soil is us'd, which preserving its Moisture occasion'd by Tillage, or Waterings, makes the Seeds rise easily, and shoot with Success; besides, it has another property, which is, to hinder the Birds from picking off the new Seeds.

Ashes of all kinds would be of great use to amend the Earth, if there was enough of it; but whereas we have but little of it, it is only us'd about the Feet of some Fig-Trees, or some other Trees, where they are not useless.

Some People have a particular Value for Turf to make Amendments, but I look upon it in a different Manner, that is, as being fit to produce of it self, and not to Fertilize o∣ther Earth; and I have a great Value yet for the Earth that lies under that Turf which we call new Earth, the which having never been wrought, is consequently full of all the Fer∣tility that can be expected from New Earth, and therefore happy are those who can make whole Gardens of such:

But when People have not a sufficient quantity to compass this, and yet have a reason∣able Stock of it, I would have them employ it either wholly for Fruit-Trees, or, at least, in the same manner as I have caus'd Dungs to be Employ'd for deep Amend∣ments.

CHAP. XXIV.

To know whether it be proper to Dung Trees.

I Cannot approve the Sentiments of those, who being Infected with the Vulgar Error in relation to Dungs, use it indifferently every where, even so far that to make a grand Maxim of it, they say in a pretty popular manner, that, especially in relation to Trees, it is impossible to afford them too much Kindness, which is the soft and sparkish Expression they use in speaking of what we vulgarly call Dung.

But, in order to examin whether their Opinion is any wise reasonable, I desire them to answer five Queries I propose upon that Subject.

• First, Whether they mean all manner of Trees?
• Secondly, Whether only Fruit-Trees?
• Thirdly, Whether, if those Fruit-Trees, they mean all of them in General, to preserve such as are Vigorous and re-establish those that are Infirm?
• Fourthly, Whether they have a certain Rule for the quantity of Dung that is to be al∣low'd to each, and for the place where it is to be laid?
• And Fifthly, Whether they should be Dung'd in all manner of Earths, whether good or bad?

I dare not believe that their Opinion in relation to Dungs, extends to all Trees in General, since every body knows that the Trees, of Forests, those in the open Fields, and those that serve for Avenues to Houses, thrive commonly very well without ever having been Dung'd: In case those Gentlemen allow this to be true, as to Trees that bear no Fruit, they condemn themselves unawares as to Fruit-Trees, since both the one and the other receive their Nourishment in one and the same manner, that is, by their Roots; and indeed those Roots working in a natural Ground, when it is passably good, ne∣ver fail of finding enough of what is necessary for them to live.

But however, in all probability, those Gentlemen only apply the Maxim in question to Fruit-Trees; and yet really I cannot believe, that they dare own that they mean all those Trees in General, since it would be ridiculous to say, that one and the same thing can be equally good; for so many Trees of such different Constitutions, some more or less Vigorous, and others more or less Infirm; some Kernel, and some Stone Fruit, &c. and yet they have never Explain'd themselves upon that difficulty, and have never spoken upon this Matter but in general Terms; in which, as we have already said, they make use of the Sparkish Term of Kindness, to perswade the more agree∣ably.

Neither do I believe, that if they were pressed to declare their Opinion, they would say, that they mean the most Vigorous, since great Vigour appearing inconsistent with the abundance of Fruit, it would be an ill Expedient, in order to get Fruit, to have re∣course to a thing they should believe proper to maintain that Vigour, and perhaps to augment it; moreover Dung being only look'd upon as a Remedy, and Remedies being only us'd for the Diseas'd, it follows from thence, that that Dung is not to be

us'd for those Trees, which, far from being any wise Infirm, have all the Signs imaginable of perfect Health, throughout their whole Extent, supposing then that Dung were capa∣ble of Improving Trees, still I do verily believe, that it would sooner harm these, than procure them the least Advantage.

Therefore we may conclude, that their Opinion is, that Infirm Trees stand in need of the Assistance of Dungs: Now in order, if possible, to disabuse the World of such an Error, I affirm sincerely, that by a study'd Experience of a long Series of Years, I do know with certainty, that all the Dung in the World can operate nothing in Favour of any Tree whatever; I had liv'd long in that Common Error, my Curiosity having begun by that, as well as by the Rote of the Declinings of the Moon, &c. but am now happily undeceiv'd, and all those who will take the Pains to inform themselves of the Truth thereof, without prejudice, will certainly conclude with me, that at best it is but a useless Labour and Expence; besides, I declare that it is a great Happiness when it does not prove prejudicial; those Dungs, as I have hinted elsewhere, being apt to In∣gender Worms which kill the Trees, and at most all the Vertue that is in them, extends no farther than to produce small Roots, which Roots, though really good for small Plants, can no wise contribute towards the forming of those fine Shoots, by which we judge of the Vigour we desire in Trees.

But in order to enter a little farther into the convincing Proof of this Truth, which I establish, I should be glad to be inform'd exactly, what an Infirm Tree is, it is a matter I have enlarg'd upon sufficiently in the Treatise of the Distempers of Trees, &c. therefore I shall now only say, that, for Example, an infirm Pear-Tree, is not always to be concluded so, by reason of its producing Yellow Shoots, since there are some that are very vigorous and yet produce Leaves of that Colour; they are only such upon which some thick old Branches die, or such of which the Extremity of the new Shoots wither, or such as pro∣duce none at all, and remain scabby, full of Cankers and Moss, and yet blossom exceed∣ingly; yet little of the Fruit knits, and that which does knit, remains small, stony and bad: And when the Tree happens to produce large Yellow Shoots, which happens frequently, to some Pear-Trees Graffed upon Quince-Stocks, which being planted in a dry lean Ground are naturally in a good Case, this defect of Yellow Leaves proceeds from that, some of the principal Roots lying level with the Ground, are parch'd by the great Heats of the Summer. Now the Dung which is imploy'd for Amendments, and is consequently put pretty deep into the Ground, can no wise prevent this.

On the other hand, if any of the Branches of that Infirm Tree chance to die, that Defect may proceed from that, either the Tree may be overburthen'd with Branches, compar'd to the small Vigour of it, so as not to be able to Nourish them all, or else from its being planted too high or too low; or lastly, from that the Earth, which is to Nourish it, is either bad or worn out, and especially, when the Foot of the Tree has many dead Roots.

As to the first Case, Dung cannot discharge that Tree from its Burthen: In the Second, it cannot make it to be better Planted: And in the Third, it cannot revive the dead Roots: And Lastly, can produce no thick new ones; for Dungs have never been able to Effect that, neither great Dungs, though never so Rotten, nor the small ones we call Soil. Thus as long as it produces no thick new Roots, we must expect no fine new Shoots; and while none of those kind of new Shoots are produc'd, the Trees will always remain ill-favour'd, and the Fruit will never be well-condition'd in its kind, nor give us Satisfaction by the Abundance of it.

To this I add, that if Dung had the Faculty of rend'ring a weak Tree Vigorous; in the first place I should have Experienc'd it at one time or another, after having try'd it so often; which being, I should be much to blame to dissent from an Opinion so well Establish'd, and to endeavour at the same time to introduce a new Doctrine in the Room of it, which, instead of doing me any Kindness, would only serve to turn me into Ridi∣cule. In the Second place, if Dungs could afford Vigour, especially to old Infirm Trees, that Advantage would certainly be attended by a very great Inconvenience, which is, that it would occasion the Shooting of abundance of False Wood or Suckers, and destroy the Disposition of that Tree towards the producing of Fruit; since, contrary to the Masters In∣tention, it would cause those Buds which were grown round for Fruit to shoot out for Wood, which Wood must of necessity be remov'd as being Ill-condition'd and ill plac'd.

I explain more particularly in another Place, what is most proper to be done in such a Case, and that is at the End of the Fifth Book, where I propose Remedies for the Infir∣mities of old Trees.

But supposing it were good to Dung Trees, which I do not allow, what true Rule can be had for the more or less quantity of Dung each Tree may require: Will a moderate quantity produce the same Effect as a great one, or will not a great quantity perform more than a small or moderate one? Moreover, in what place shall that Dung be plac'd, shall it be near the Stem or Foot, or at a distance from it? It will be useless near the Stem, since the Extremities of the Roots, where all the Action is perform'd, being distant from it, can receive no Benefit by it, and yet it is commonly laid particularly in that place, therefore those Amendments should be plac'd near those Extremities, but how shall one be certain in what part they lay, especially since those Extremities stretching out Year∣ly, consequently Yearly change their place, &c.

I conclude by this Vulgar Observation, That Infirm Trees are met with in good Grounds, as well as in ill ones; will the same Remedy be proper for both? There appears to me a great deal of difficulty to answer those three last Questions justly; so that those certainly engage themselves in a great Confusion, who will have the only Remedy for Fruit-Trees to consist in Dunging, either to preserve their Vigour, or to restore that which they have lost. I find much more Advantage, and less Charge, in using new Earth, than any Dungs, whatever they be: I explain in another place the manner of Employing those new Moulds, which has occasion'd me to say in another place, that one of the chief Conditions, to suc∣ceed in the planting of young Trees, provided they be good, and the Roots well Prun'd, is to plant them in passable good Earth, and such as has never been Dung'd.

CHAP. XXV.

What Sort of Earth is most proper for every kind of Fruit-Trees.

I Conclude this Second Part, after having said that the Wildlings of Pear-Trees and Ap∣ple-Trees, * 1.50 and even those we call Paradice, and likewise Plum-Trees and Fig Trees a∣gree very well with all manner of Earth, whether hot and dry, or cold and moist, pro∣vided the Ground be deep enough, that is, at least two good Foot and a half, or three Foot deep; Fig-Trees do not require near so much.

Quince-Trees do not thrive well in dry light Grounds, they grow yellow too easily; Almond and Stone Peach-Trees thrive better in this than in strong Earth, in which they are too subject to Gumm; those strong Earths are fitter for Plums, Merisiers, or small bitter Cherrys, Goose-berries, Raspberry Bushes, &c. Vines thrive better, and produce better Grapes and better Wine in certain dry Grounds, than in strong and cold Earth; Cherries thrive pretty well in dry light Grounds, but yet better in clear Mould.

After having Explain'd what sort of Earths are best for every kind of Plantations, one might think to draw necessary Consequences for the kinds of Fruits that are Graffed upon those kind of Stocks; for Instance, for Pears Graffed upon free Stocks or Quince; for Peaches upon Plum or Almond-Trees, &c.

But yet, as we shall declare in the Sequel, Earth has not the same Effect as to the good Taste of Fruits, as it has as to the Vigor of Trees. Winter Bon Chrestien Pears, Petitoin, Lansac and Thorn Pears, &c. will always remain insipid, and most of them stony or meally in a cold moist Ground, whether Graffed upon a Wildling or Quince-Stock, espe∣cially for Dwarf-Standards, the same with Peaches and Pavies, &c. Those kind of Fruits do particularly require a pretty dry Ground, or at least such a one as is drein'd well by Gutters, or studied Declivities, the Ground being naturally moist: In fine, gene∣rally speaking Trees are commonly Vigorous in strong Earth, but the Fruit seldom acquires that delicacy of Taste there, it should have, the which they meet with in dryer Grounds.

It is not sufficient to have our Gardens well Cultivated by Tillage and Amendments, besides this, they must be kept very clean, that is, the Walks must always be kept very free from Stones and Weeds, always firm under Foot to walk conveniently and with ease, the Ground likewise clear from Stones and Weeds, the Trees always free from Ca∣terpillars, Snales and Moss, &c. Finally, useful Gardens, should be as pleasing, when old made, as they are displeasing when new, in which particular they differ from Parterres or Flowey Gardens, which are never so neat, or agreeable to sight, as the very day

they have pass'd through the Gard'ners Hands, being then adorn'd with Flowers newly planted, the Walks being newly Gravell'd and very smooth, the Green Turf fresh, &c. In sine, if I may use the Expression, at that time, they are not unlike a new Bride a∣dorn'd with Powder, Patches, Ribbons, Nosegays, &c. to render them the more plea∣sing; whereas our useful Gardens which should in some measure resemble a good House∣wife, must have a natural unaffected cleanness, without any studied constrain'd Adorn∣ments.

The End of the Second Part.

[illustration]

OF FRUIT-GARDENS AND Kitchen-Gardens. VOL. I. PART III.

What is to be done in all sorts of Gardens, as well in making a judicious Choice, as in proportioning and placing the best kinds of Fruit-Trees, whe∣ther Dwarfs, Wall-Trees, or Standards.

AMONG the Fruits that are at present in use in the World, It may without prejudice be said, There are some so Exquisite and Perfect, that nothing is known more Delicious to the Tast, and perhaps, hardly any Thing more use∣ful for the Health: And accordingly we are accustomed to make such frequent use of them at all times, That we are almost perswaded to Rank them among Things absolutely necessary to Life; we hardly meet with any body that can be without them, so that there is nothing almost but People will do to have some; which is the Cause, That how Magnificent and Abundant soever any Great Feasts may be, they are still found Fault with, if Fair and Good Fruits be wanting to set out their Lustre, and to help to leave behind them a certain Idea of Greatness in the Minds of the invited Guests; and thence it also comes to pass, That the most sumptuous and stately Country Mansion in the World, is thought to want one of its principal Ornaments, if it be not accompanied with Fair and well Planted and Contrived Fruit-Gardens. And therefore Nature, which does nothing in vain, has been careful to provide us almost an infinite Number of different sorts of Fruits, and at the same time has inspired us with a strong Inclination, not only to Culti∣vate those of our own Climates, but also to multiply them, by adding to them, those of

Foreign Countries, so that to speak Truth; we ought to look upon the abundance she has blest us with in this kind, as one of the greatest Obligations we have to her; and it seems, as if all she had done besides, to make us Live and Subsist, would be thought very in∣considerable, if we were deprived of the Treasure the Gardens afford, a Treasure that is to us a very great Assistance: For in effect, What is there more Precious or Commodious to Life, than to find good Fruit Planted in all inhabited Countries; and what is more Va∣luable to us, than to have abundance of them at all seasons of the Year?

And here a goodly Field offers it self, were I minded to persue it, in praise of those Rich Presents which the Earth furnishes us of her own accord, even in the obscurest For∣rests, and most horrid Desarts: But that is a Task that belongs not at all to my Profession, and much less is it any part of my present Design, and therefore as I am sensible how uncapable I am to undertake it with success, I shall not venture upon it, but shall rather confine my self within the modest pleasure of Communicating to the World, what by long Expe∣rience I have found useful to Instruct Men to make the best Improvement of those Ma∣ster-pieces of Nature, and to assist them to add still more and more Perfection to them by their Industry.

Now, though under the Name of Fruits, we ordinarily comprehend all the pro∣ductions of Gardens that go under that Appellation, yet I pretend not here to Treat of any of the Fruits of the Lesser Classis, such as Strawberries, Raspberries or Gooseberries, nor of Muk-Melons neither, though they be certainly Fruits most Excellent in their kind; they be∣ing Articles I reserve to speak of in our Kitchen-Garden, of which they are to constitute a Part, but I shall only Treat here, of such as grow on Trees, and which, when they Ex∣cel in their kind, and are planted in a proper Seat, and well qualified, make the True Ornaments of Gardens; for unless they be indeed of such sorts, there are many kinds of Fruits that instead of doing Honour, do rather a Disgrace, to the Master that Cultivates them.

And after I have discoursed of the good Fruits of all kinds of Trees, I shall also speak of those sorts of Grapes, which are so much Esteemed by all Persons of Quality.

I cannot proceed any further without taking Notice to you, how much I am surprised at the Contemplation of all the Fruit I see, as well in general, as particular: For as to par∣ticular kinds, I am very much, having made very exact Descriptions of them, as well of their Inside as Outside, and that both of Kernel-Fruits, and those with Stones or Shells, as also of Figs and Grapes, as will be afterward seen; insomuch, that of Pears only, I can affirm with Truth, that I have Seen, Tasted and Described above three hundred several sorts, all different one from another, without finding all this while above thirty Kinds that were Excellent enough to my Taste, to merit the Character of having regularly more good Qualities than bad ones.

I expect to find some curious Persons, whom my Opinion in matter of Choice, will not please in all things: But let them permit me, if they please, to make a most humble Re∣quest, which is, that before they censure the Esteem, or Dislike I express for certain Fruits, they would first Examin very particularly my Intention, which chiefly tends to the Esta∣blishing a continual Succession of choice good Fruits; and after that, they would Remem∣ber, that Peoples particular Palates are not to be disputed; that being an incontestable Point, and in the next place, that great allowances are to be made to the fickleness of Sea∣sons, of which we are not the Masters, as also of the diversity of Soils and Climates, which is almost infinite, and to the Nature of the Stock of the Tree, which is sometimes Good, and sometimes Bad; and lastly to the Manner or Figure in which the several Trees grow and produce.

They are all points that require a great deal of Consideration, and very much serve to Ballance the Opinions of those that would judge of them. There are sometimes ill Pears to be found among the Virgoulees, the Lechasserees, the Ambrets, and the Thorn Pears, &c. And but Scurvy Peaches among the Minions, the Maudlins, the Violets, the Admirables, &c. And in Fine, there are some bad Plumbs among the Perdrigons, some bad Grapes among the Muscats, and some bad Figgs among those that are most Esteemed, &c. And is not that enough to astonish any Curious Person that has applied himself so much as I have done, to search into their Nature, and should I be excusable if I were so disingenuous as to suppress the great Observations and useful Reflections I have made thereupon, from which I have at last drawn this Conclusion; That although in a certain sort of good Fruits, there may be some defective, yet it follows not from thence, that the whole kind should therefore be re∣jected, nor that on the other side, we should put any great value upon another kind, be∣cause, though known, by competent Judges in matter of Fruits, to be of a bad sort, it may by some lucky hit; have yielded some tolerable good ones, which some less delicate Palates

may be Enamoured with? For, in the first place, all the World is agreed, That of Fruits considered according to their Nature, there are three Classes, that is to say, there are some very good, and some very bad ones, and lastly, That there are some again, that cannot well be comprehended under neither of those, but can only be lookt upon as Fruits simply tolerable, and but indifferently qualified; And it is only those of this last Rank, that finding here and there some Friends and Patrons, give occasion to all Disputes arising about the Choice of Fruits, for seldom it happens, but that all are unanimous in Praising the First, and Rejecting the Second Sort, for we see that a good Russet, or Virgoulee Pear is generally Esteemed, and a Parmain Pear or Pear of Fontarabie, as much decried every where; But 'tis not so with a Doyenuee, or Dean Pear, or a St. Lezin, &c.

It is likewise granted, that, for Example, such a Fruit may prove ill one year, or in such certain Expositions or Placings, which may have appeared good several years before, or in other Expositions, and again on the other side, that such or such a Fruit may prove good this year, which was not to be endured some preceding years.

And, in Fine, it is also agreed on all hands, That in one sort of Soli, Climate and Fi∣gure of a Tree, such Fruit proves good, that always regularly proves bad in a different Climate, in another sort of Ground, and another kind of Figured Tree. For Example, That which perhaps produces good Fruit in a full and open Air, will not produce nothing nigh so good in the Form of a Dwarf Tree, &c. Nor every Plant that prospers against a Wall, have the same Destiny in a full Air, &c. Nor every Fruit that proves good in a Sandy Soil, arrive to the same perfection in a moister Ground, &c. And therefore I shall make as exact a Discussion of this matter as 'tis possible, that I may be the better able to come to a decision in the point of Choice, and of the order of Preference, which is the scope of my present discourse.

And besides, as it is probable, I have not yet attained the knowledge of all the several Sorts of good Fruit in Europe, and much less in the rest of the Universe; there may perhaps be some which might thrive in our Country, and whose Excellence, were it once known to me, might induce me to make some alteration in the disposition I am going to Establish; I grant that such a thing may be; but yet, I am perswaded, there are no new sorts produ∣ced, so I do not say; but that from time to time, some sorts may be discovered, that after having remained a long time hid in the Obscurity of certain remote Regions, may come at last to be known and admired by the great ones of the World; nay, we have several sorts amongst those that are now reckoned most exquisite among us, of which I dare affirm, that no mention was made in the first years of my Application to Curiosities of this nature.

And therefore I shall not fail to make the best Advantage of all such Novelties as fast as they shall come to our hands, and I heartily exhort all those that shall see this Treatise, that they would testifie to the Publick the same Zeal which in this respect, I make professi∣on of: For this at last is certain, that I would not venture to speak my particular Thoughts concerning this matter of the choice and proportion of Fruits, but after a long Labour and Experience in their Cultivation; my design in so doing was at length to give such advices as might be securely followed, and with assured success practised in a good part of this Kingdom, and in all Climats any thing like it, and 'tis in prospect of this end, that I have entertained above these Thirty Years, a particular correspondence with the most part of the Curious of our Age, as well at Paris, and in our Provinces of France, as in Fo∣reign Countries, and the neighbouring Kingdoms; I have made it my study to procure every where as many Illustrious Friends in the Curiosities of Gardning as I could, that I might profit as much as was possible by their Light, and their rich Acquisitions, while I endeavoured at the same time not to be unuseful to them on my side; And as I can affirm without Vanity, that hitherto I have not succeeded amiss, so the World may be assured, that I will never discontinue to Labour with all the Care imaginable, to draw into our own Soil, what Fruits are most considerable in other parts; which is as much as to say, in a Word, That I pretend not only to Satisfie and Regulate my own Curiosity in this matter, which is not small, but also that of other honest and ingenious Lovers of Gard'ning, which is no less eager than mine.

Now though it be not discommendable, to be always upon the Quest of the Discovery of some new Fruits still, that may deserve our Care and Cultivation, which is what I am always doing without intermission, yet it seems to me, that at present we are already in a Condition to be able to boast of a store sufficient to Form Gardens and Orchards reasona∣bly well furnished with Fruits for all Seasons of the Year, so that I believe I may say there is no great necessity we should be over solicitous in seeking out any more: About five and twenty, or thirty years ago, we could not have said the same, it being an undoubt∣ed truth, that our Fathers were much less rich in these delicious Treasures than we.

However, we cannot but ingeniously acknowledge, that the Months of March and April are not so happily provided for as the rest, they wanting good Fruits that are tender and buttery; for those sorts of Pears that remain for the spending of those Months, have not the Gift to please like those that went before them, nor as most of them themselves had formerly, they seeming every day to lose more and more of their ancient Reputation; but till we have better to fill up their Places, we must be content to make the best of them we have; though, upon the whole matter, I think we shall not be over unhappy, if our Bon∣cretien-Pears which are last ripe, be provided with all the good Qualities they are capa∣ble of; for without doubt there are some very good ones even in that Season, and then those Apples that are left, and which usually last till the Month of June, satisfie well enough some curious Palats towards the end of Winter, and at the beginning of the Spring; but to say the Truth, they are not in any great number, nor those of the prin∣cipal Sorts.

For the better Establishing therefore and authorizing my Judgment in such Fruits as are known to us, I can assure you, and you may believe me, that I have not been only content with seeing, tasting and examining them my self for several Years together, with∣out the least partiality, but because I would neglect nothing that might assist me to make a well-grounded determination in the matter, I have held frequent Assemblies of curious Persons, and such who were perfectly well skill'd in things of that nature, and that were perhaps Men of as delicate and exquisite Palats as any in the Kingdom.

After so many Precautions and Experiences, I at last resolv'd to undertake this Trea∣tise; * 1.51 and the better to succeed in it, and take occasion to declare what is good or bad in each particular sort of Fruit, with the different names under which they are disguised, ac∣cording to the different Countries where they are found; for the number of those Fruits that have but one Name, and particularly among Pears; as, for Example, the Boncretien, the Russeleit, the Buttred Pear, the Messire John, the Portal, &c. is but very slender; but as for other Pears, Plums, Peaches, Apples, &c. it is quite another case with them, there being few of them without two or three, and sometimes more Names.

Therefore I thought my self obliged first, to endeavour to draw out the Picture and De∣scription of each Fruit, and to make it big enough, that it might be able to give the more lively Instruction for a thing which I judge necessary, which is to learn a Man to distin∣guish more easily, as well by the Eye as the Taste, the only true Name which each respective Fruit ought to have: And that, without doubt, will be the same which will be found in use among the Able and Curious in these Matters at Court; the rest of the World, as well in these as other things, being apt to follow exactly the Modes and Manners practised there.

From such Determination of the Name of each Fruit, well Authorized by the Description which I shall make of them, it will, I hope, come to pass, that Gentlemen will no more fall into the Inconvenience of being pesterd with bad Fruits, under the names of good Ones, nor of having one sort under different Names, and, conseqnently of being so imposed on as to be made to believe they have a great many sorts, when they have but a few, considering the number of Trees in their Gardens. I shall place those Descriptions in such passages where I shall decide the choice of each Fruit in particular; and as I have elsewhere said, they are intended only for those that will take the pains to read them: As for others, that desire only to be resolved in short, which are the good sorts, and what proportion of each, they are to observe in their several Gardens; they will find at the end of this part, a little Abridg∣ment, where they may presently satisfie themselves.

In the second Place, I thought it would not be a little conducing to my purpose, to sup∣pose I am going to give my advice to a great many new curious Gentlemen, one after the other, who are all desirous to be planting Fruit-Trees, but very much perplexed how to determine either what sorts of Trees, or what numbers of each sort they shall fix upon.

Whereof the first, perhaps, has not room for above one Plant, whether it be in form of a Dwarf-Tree or a Wall-Tree; a Second has place but for two, but another has room for a hundred Trees, and another for as many more, &c. and all of them are studying what Choice to fix upon, and that with a great deal of eagerness too; for nothing is so hot upon the Design as are the Young Curioso's in Gard'ning, who always are big with longing to see their Gardens made up, and that quickly too, and yet none of them know where to begin, having yet received no directions from any body Skill'd in those Affairs.

To ease them therefore of their Pain and Perplexity, I shall fancy my self in the place of every one of them one after the other, that I may be the better able to Counsel each of them to do what I would actually do my self, if I had that to do which any one of them would undertake; so that sometimes you must suppose me some curious Gentleman that

would plant but a very small Garden, sometimes one that would cultivate but a middling one, and sometimes another that would form a very great one: And I shall act all these several Personages, not only to be able to give my more effectual Assistance in well∣forming new Plantations, but in reforming old ones too, when ill contriv'd; so that, by this means, I pretend, that, after a few Years time, every one of those Gentlemen that will take my Advice, shall infallibly find that pleasure in his Gardens, that he pro∣posed to himself to enjoy in them.

It may be objected, That it is not very ordinary to have Gardens so little to admit of the planting but of one Tree, or two of each sort; but though that were true, as it is not, witness the little Gardens of so many Religious People in Convents, and of so many petty Burgesses in Cities, &c. yet would I demand the Liberty to suppose such a Case, as a thing not only serviceable to my Design; but which appears to me more necessary than any thing, to make me be the better, and more advantageously understood by all the World.

And this being then supposed, I shall first advertise you, That among all sorts, whe∣ther Kernel or Stone-Fruits, there are some that I would willingly plant in a Garden of * 1.52 a certain bigness, which yet I have not esteem enough for, to Plant in one of a smaller Extent, it being easie enough for a great one to receive any thing that is to be found in a little one, though the same Consequence from great to less, does not appear to me so feasi∣ble to be drawn.

Besides, there being different Manners and Forms of having Fruit Trees, I am to adver∣tise you in the next place, That, for Example, as to Pears, there are some that I would seldom plant in any other Form than that of Dwarf-Trees, as the Buttred Pears, or Beurrees and Virgoulees, &c. and others again, which I more willingly raise in the Figure of high Trees, as are all the Fruits of an indifferent bigness, and more especially such as are apt to doughy and insipid, such as the Petit-oins, the Sucré-verts or Sugred-greens, the Thorn-pears, the Louise-bonnes or good Louisas, the Lansacs, &c. And that there are some that regu∣larly bear not well any where else but against Walls; as Boncretiens, Bergamots, Little Muscats or Musk pears, &c. and others again that will prosper well enough in what Figure or Place soever you plant them; as Russelets, Robines, Leschasseries, St. Germains, &c.

In fine, There being also Soils of several Natures, and Gardens of different Situations, I must likewise advertise you, First, That there are some Fruits which delight only in dry Grounds; as, Peaches, Muscats or Musk pears, &c. and others that prosper well enough in Soils that are a little moist, as Cherries, Plumbs, &c.

Secondly, That there are Grounds that will not agree indifferently with all sorts of Plants; as for Example, Peaches upon Plum-tree Stocks, and Pear-tree Graffs upon Quince Stocks, love rather fat than dry Soils; and on the contrary, Peach-graffes upon Almond-trees, and Pear-tree-graffs upon Frank or Good-Kernel-Stocks, prospering both well in Sandy Grounds.

Thirdly, That there are some Fruits that do not ripen well, but when very well shel∣tred from the Cold: as Muscat and Figs, and particularly about Paris, and others that endure well enough the open Air, as all Red Fruits and most Kernel Fruits.

Fourthly and Lastly, That moist Grounds are proper to produce large Fruit, but not to make them so delicate, without an extraordinary Care and Cultivation, whereas dry Soils are qualified to give them a delicious Taste, yet they are apt to yield but small Fruit, un∣less they be extraordinarily assisted.

Now having designed to give my Advice upon all these Differences, that is to say, the Differences of Extent of Gardens and Grounds, and the Differences of Expositions in them, the Differences of Soils and their Situations, the Differences of the several Forms of Trees, and of the Stocks on which they are Graffed; as also to give my particular Counsel and Directions about all sorts of Fruits, viz. 1st. how to chuse the best: 2dly, How a∣mong those best, to cull out those only that are most likely to prosper in that particular Form of a Tree, in which they must be planted: 3dly, How to dispose of each Tree in that part of the Garden, that is most necessary for it: And 4thly and lastly, How to ob∣serve a just proportion between the Number of Trees of each sort of Fruit; I shall pur∣sue this Method.

First, I shall speak of Kernel Fruits, beginning first with Pear-trees, to shew first, which are those that may succeed best upon Dwarf-trees; 2dly, Which may be most happily planted in Form of Standard Trees: 3dly, Which require to be placed against Walls: And 4thly and lastly, which are those that give Satisfaction all manner of ways: After which, I will succinctly deliver my Judgment as to Apples, remarking to you, which I esteem most, and which least, whether to be rear'd in the form of Dwarf-trees, or of Standards,

not thinking it worth any ones while, to give themselves the Pains of Planting them in any other Fashion, that is to say, of making Wall-Fruit of them.

And when I have given Order how to fill up with Dwarf-trees and Standards, the mid∣dle Space of each Garden, I shall proceed afterward to the most curious part reckon'd in all Gardens, which is that of Wall-Fruit, and shall endeavour to shew in what manner I judge any Gentleman may most usefully employ what walling he has, let its Extent in length or heighth be what it will, and what Fruits will best merit place there, and what are unworthy of that choice Station; under which Head, I shall treat not only of Plumbs and Peaches, but also of Grapes, &c. and shall tell what Fruits of all those Sorts, delight in such and such certain Expositions, and can hardly endure any other; and which of them, in fine, are of a Temper good enough to agree indifferently with any of them.

When I shall go about to give Counsel about the choice and proportion of Fruits, there is one Article, in speaking to which, I shall make great Difference between those cu∣rious Gentlemen that aim at the pleasing of their own Palats, only in Planting them, and such as do it only with design to sell their Fruit.

The first whom I aim chiefly to gratifie in this Treatise, ought above all things, to seek for, as one may term it, the true intrinsick Merit of each sort of Fruit, as discernible by their own Taste, or by that of their Friends, for whose Entertainment they design them.

As for the other, they need to regard little else in them but the Beauty, the Largeness, and the ordinary Fruitfulness and Abundance of them, and to see they be of those ancient Kinds that are most commonly Sold, and go off best; such as the Orange-pear, the Two∣headed Pear, the dry Martin, &c. which in those Qualities carry it by many Degrees a∣bove the Thorn-pear, the Leschasserie, the Petit-oin, the Crasane, &c.

But as to their Cultivation, I make no great Distinction between one and the other * 1.53 (though I would not have this Maxim too rigorously understood) they ought to know, That commonly it is not the great number of Trees, which, in proportion to the great Expences they have cost their Masters, bring forth the greatest Quantity of Fruits, it is rather a moderate Number, well contriv'd and dispos'd, and well cultivated, that gives the most compleat Satisfaction in all respects.

The Care that is necessary and sufficient enough for the Cultivation of the Trees in or∣dinary Gardens, or of the Plants in Kitchen-Gardens, will go but a little way in producing any happy Effects in greater Undertakings, and we must reduce our selves to midling ones, if we pretend to any very certain success by that kind of Culture; but with this precaution however, that that which is little in respect of such a certain Man, may be great in respect of another, and that on the contrary, that which might be reckon'd too great an Undertaking for such or such a Curious Person that wants those Conveniences some have, may be too small a one to another better furnish'd with Means to carry on the Cultivation of his Grounds. * 1.54

But, in sine, there is hardly any sort of Work which needs more Prudence in under∣taking it, than I wish to every one in this, considering the malignant Disposition there appears in all things that fall under the subject of Gard'ning, to decline rather from evil to worse, as one may say, than to improve from good to better; so that we may say with the Ancients, That in this Art we have to do with a formidable Enemy, who is al∣ways laying Ambushes against us, or with a merciless Creditor that gives us no respite for the paying him his Debts; or with a furious Adversary that infallibly crushes us to pieces, if we be not strong enough to throw him at the first Shock: Or lastly, with a rapid River, against whose Stream we must be continually tugging up our Boat, with all the force we can of Sails and Oars. * 1.55

And since 'tis not enough to have rendred you an Account of the Method I think my self obliged to observe in this Treatise, I think it further expedient clearly to explain to you what my Taste and Judgment is, in all sorts of Fruits, and first in Pears; that after I have declared what pleases or displeases me, as well in those that are eaten Raw, as in those which are not good without Baking or Preserving: No Body may be surprized at the Praises I shall bestow on the one, and the small Account I make of some others; * 1.56 being in that, guided only by the Dictates of my own Palate, though I be confidently perswaded, that they will not be found much differing from those of Persons of Quality.

Therefore I say, That as for raw Pears, I love them in the first place that have a kind of Butter-like and smooth Pulp, or at least tender and delicate, with a sweet sugred and well relish'd Juice; and especially when these Perfections are set off with something of a Perfume; such as are the Bergamot-pears, the Verte-longues or Green-longs, the Beurrees or Butter-pears, Leschasseries, Ambrets, Russelets, Virgoulees, Marquises or Marchionesses,

Petit-oins, Winter Thorn pears or Espines de Hyver, St. Germains, Salviatis, Lansacs, Crasanes, little Muscats or Musk-pears, Cuisse-Madames, or Lady-Thighs, &c.

In the second place, for want of the foregoing sorts, I love those that have a Pulp that breaks short in the mouth, with a sweet and surged Juice, and that sometimes with a little smack of Perfume, such as the Winter-Boncretien, gathered out of a good place, the Robine, the Cassolet, the Summer Musk Boncretien, the dry Martin, and sometimes even the Portal, the Messire-John, the Orange-green-pear, &c.

In the third place, I truly esteem those that are pretty much perfum'd and well scented; though I do not care this Perfection should be inclosed in a Pulp that is extream hard, stony and full of dreggy Matter, as the Amadote, the Thick-tail or Grosse-queuë, the Citron∣pear, and the great Winter Musk pear, &c. For that hardness and stoniness do so much disgust me in all sorts of Pears, that though I passionately love a little Smack of Perfume in any Fruit, yet those two great Faults do in a great Measure ruine the esteem I should have otherwise, for those kind of Musked-pears that I have last mentioned.

After having thus expressed what pleases me in raw Pears; it is no very hard matter to guess what may particularly displease me in them; for that doubtless is, first, a Pulp, which, instead of being of a Butter-like, smooth and tender substance, or pleasingly short in the mouth, is doughy, as that of the Bellissime, the Musked Beurree, the White Beurree or Gravel-pear, or that of the Musked Valley-pear, the most part of the Doynnees or Dean-pears, &c. Or which is sharp or sour, as that of the ordinary Valley-pear, &c. Or that is hard and tough, as that of the Bernardiere, of the Mountain Foundling, &c. Or full of stony and dreggy Earthy Matter, as that of the Musked Pernan, of the Milet, &c. Or that is of a wildish Taste, as the Gilogile, the Dutch-pears or Fosse-pears, and a numerous Train of others, of which I will make a particular Catalogue.

As for Pears to Stew or Bake, I prefer those that are large, that Colour well in the doing, whose Pulp is sweet and somewhat firm, and especially such as keep the longest in Winter, such as are the Frank-reals, the Double-flowers, and the Donvilles: The Bonere∣tien particularly is admirably good prepared any of those ways, only its preparation yields not so pleasing a Colour; and in truth, when there is any Pear among them that is de∣fective, either in Shape or Colour, it ought to be served up only Baked, Stewed, or o∣therwise Prepared; the Boncretien-pear, that has none of those Defects, requiring and well deserving to appear in its natural Beauty, that is, to be served up raw.

Besides these, the Amadote, the Besidery, and above all, the Lansac-pear for Autumn; and generally all the Winter-pears that are good raw, as the Virgoulee, the Louisse-bonne or good Louisa, the dry Martin, the St. Lezin, &c. are admirable baked, or otherwise prepared by Fire, provided they be done before they be quite ripe, because otherwise their consistence will be too soft and doughy. The Winter Certeau, seems to me too small to be kindly pro∣duced upon Dwarf-trees, and therefore it would be better to have some Standard Tree of it in the Apple-Orchards: The Gatelier resolves it self too soon into Marmalade; the Catillac, the Fon∣tarabie, the Parmain-pear, &c. are endued with such a Tartness, that no Sugar can qualifie, and the Pound-pears and Love-pears are so near a-kin to them, that they may almost be reckoned in the same Rank.

To these first Observations I add, That, if in a very good Soil you are consin'd within a Garden of very small Extent, so that having room but for a very inconsiderable Number of Trees, you cannot have so much as one Stock of each, though Choice were made only of the prime Sorts, than in such a Case, it were not amiss, when the Trees would suffer the Experiment, to endeavour to have two excellent sorts of Fruit, of two different Seasons, upon every Stock; as for Example, a Boncretien with a Beurree or Buttred pear; a Leschasserie with an Ambret; a Violet-peach with a Minion; a White Maudlin with an Ad∣mirable, &c. And there may be several Reasons to justifie the graffing of such a Di∣versity of Fruits upon the same Tree, provided the Stock be vigorous, and shoots forth promising Branches on both sides; for otherwise the Enterprize would prove succesless, because 'tis to no purpose to graff upon that side of a Tree that is weak, with any hopes to have any Fruit there, either so good or for so long time, as may be expected from that side which is sound and vigorous.

Lastly, I declare my self a sworn Enemy to all affected Multiplicity, and that I am not at all taken with the Pleasure of some that pass for curious Persons, that believe and as∣sert publickly, That those that pretend to have any thing like a Garden, should have in it of every thing something; there being some whose Palate is so far from being delicate, that they brag, for Example, they have two or three hundred Sorts of Pears, which they warrant all to be good, or, at least, not bad. And they affirm, in a manner, as much of the goodness of Peaches, Plumbs, Apples, Grapes, &c. of which they also boast to be stored with an incredible Variety.

Such a great number of Fruits does but fright me, as certainly knowing, that what they say, cannot be true of all of them, in respect of Goodness; And, for my part, I cannot find in my Heart with the Curious of that sort, to trouble my self to get for one and the same Season one good Pear and several others but indifferent; how fair soever the later may appear to the Eye: But I much rather chuse to multiply those Sorts which are infallibly good, that I may have, during any one Season, a sufficient store of one sort that is excellent, than to let my Fancy be led away after a compound diversity of Fruits, which may be perhaps agreeable to the Sight; but are assuredly disgustful to the Taste; or, at best, qualified with a very indifferent degree of Goodness; or, to speak plainer, with a little Goodness accompanied with several great Defects.

I know that nothing is more pleasing in a Company that are Curious, and Passionate Admirers of good Fruits, than to be able to furnish them with several Sorts at the same Time, when they are good enough to pusle the most Delicate Persons among them, to judge which is most Excellent; as it may happen in the Months of July and August, for Summer-Fruit; and of October, November and December, for those of Autumn and Winter: But in my Judgment, nothing is more unbecoming or beneath any Person of Quality that is Curious in such Rarities, than to desire to have an Abundance of all sorts of Fruits, without regard to any other Excellence, but what will meerly qualifie them to make a fine show in the Variety from which results the so much praised Beauty of certain Pyramids; * 1.57 for alas! they are Fruits that will not endure the Test of any other Sense but the Eye, which commonly are only used for Decorations to Tables, and are indeed now a-days in Fashion, and which, 'tis true, have some appearance of Greatness and Magnificence, but yet after all, are good for nothing else but to do Honour to the skill of the Officer that piled them up with so much symmetry.

Upon which occasion, I shall by the by tell you, That in the Houses of Great Persons, where such sorts of Pyramids are in use, and are by Custom become in a manner necessary, particular care should be taken to have spacious Gardens, that will afford room to plant Trees enough to furnish wherewithal to compose so many as occasion shall require, that may consist all of such sorts of Fruits, as are both beautiful to the Eye, and excelling in Good∣ness: Which perhaps will not be over difficult to effect.

But for midling Gardens, we ought only to be Ambitious to have Magazines of Fruits that are really good and delicious, and not of such as serve only for Ornament and Shew: And perhaps, if a sufficient abundance of such fair and good Fruits could be attained, I would be bold to maintain, that Pyramids compos'd only of them, as they would be really much more valuable than those others, though beautified with less Variety of Colours, Shapes and Kinds of Fruits, so would they be better accepted, and more highly esteem'd. At least, without pretending to go about utterly to decry the Mode of using that other sort of Pyramids, which plead a kind of Prescription for appearing at great Tables, if they must be used, I would have them always accompanied with a pretty Basket well fill'd with the choice eating Fruits of the Season, all fair and goodly, and all perfectly ripe; which in the Courts of Kings and Princes, is called the Hors-d'oeuvre, or the Out-work; and, as the Honour of a Pyramid, is to come off always whole and entire, without suf∣fering the least breach or rufle, neither in its Construction, nor in its Symmetry; so I pretend, that on the contrary, the Honour of the Basket consists in returning always empty, without bringing back any thing its Errand was to present.

I will not here dispute whether it be Expedient to Plant any Dwarf-trees in little Gar∣dens, * 1.58 because no Body questions it, and especially in those of a large Extent, and that are spacious enough to contain all manner of Trees, neither will I move any doubt, whe∣ther there should be any placed in very small Gardens, because that is a thing that depends of the Inclination of the Masters of them, which are at their own Liberty to order them as they please.

But supposing them to have already taken up a Resolution to Plant some such Trees in them, but are at some loss, what sort of Fruits they had best to fix upon for that purpose; I can very well discuss this latter Question, and give them my Opinion of what kind of Fruit it would be most for their purpose to make choice of for a Dwarf-tree to Plant in such a little Garden; as namely, whether a Pear-tree or an Apple tree, a Plum-tree or a Peach-tree, a Fig-tree or a Cherry-tree, &c. * 1.59

In which Point my Decision should presently be, That all those sorts of Trees that bear not easily, or that produce not Fruit of sufficient Goodness, should be excluded out of all very little Gardens; and consequently, that no Cherry-trees or Apple-trees upon Free-stocks should enter into them; but as to the Apple-tree on the Paradise or Sweet-Apple-tree Stocks, the Case alters, because they produce such small Tops, that one may well e∣nough

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admit a small number of them into a little Garden, without incumbring it in the least.

The Peach-tree might well pretend a place there, for the Excellency of its good Fruit; but the Objections against it are, That in a few Years it grows too high, and spreads into a very ill-favour'd Top, and is too apt to shed its Flowers, to give any hopes of contenting its Owner. Besides that, it is but too true, That excepting in some few City-Gardens, that are sheltred from the North Wind by Lofty Buildings, or very high Walls. Peach-trees can hardly thrive any where in the form of Dwarf-trees, and there∣fore must be let alone, only for the hot Countries, where they prosper wonderfully in the Vine-yards.

The Plum-trees of those Sorts that we esteem most, are also liable to the Inconvenience of growing too high, or of bearing very late, and very uncertainly; and for that Rea∣son, are to be excluded those little Gardens of which we are treating.

The same is to be said of the Fig-tree, which besides those other Incommodities, re∣quires too much Attendance for the well covering it, for want of which it will be in great danger of perishing.

In fine, among them all, our only Choice must fall upon the Pear-tree, for which I * 1.60 most incline; because, if it be well ordered, its top or spreading cannot well grow monstrous enough to be any Nuisance; but, on the contrary, may be agreeable, and give pleasure all the Year long, either by its Earliness, Plenty and considerable Goodness of its Fruit, or by its round, open and well ordered Figure, which lasts in all Seasons. Next then, we are to see of what sort that one Pear must be, that is to be planted in a Garden where the Master would have but one, or where there is no Room for any more; then of what Kind the second must be, where there is Room for it; and thence we shall go on in order, to examin of what respective sorts must be all the rest, that are fittest to be Plant∣ed in every one of the other Gardens, of the several Bignesses to be proposed, determi∣ning at the same time, which are to be Graffed on Free-stocks, and which on Quince-stocks.

But I shall do nothing of all this, without first supposing every one of the Gardens I shall treat of to be enclosed with some sort of Wall, and consequently in a condition to receive some Wall-Fruit-trees, from which they may promise themselves at least with so much the greater certainty, the pleasure of having some good Summer and Autumn Fruits; for I hardly reckon them for Gardens that have not the Advantage to be enclosed with Walls, although it were for nothing else but to secure them from the injurious Blasts of the Cold Winds.

And supposing further, That here we are to treat of a little Garden, qualified with all the Conditions necessary, in regard of its Soil, and which we have above explained.

And lastly, supposing, That for little Gardens, the aim of a true and well guided Cu∣riosity, is rather to raise Fruit that may be fair and good, than purely to endeavour to have it early and hastily, without any Consideration of its Quality. For to Gentlemen, that are of this last Humour, I would not give Counsel to Plant any Tree of our best Kinds, but to them I would offer other Advices, which, being such as I dislike my self, would by Consequence not be over good to follow; and that would be, for Example, to Plant no∣thing but Orange-green, White Butter, Doyennee or Besidery Pear-trees, because those kind of Trees will assuredly yield Fruit much sooner than the choicer Sorts; or, if they would have really good Fruit, but care not much whether they be of those beautiful Sorts of Trees that content the Eye at all Seasons, as well by the Regularity of their Disposition, as the Beauty of their Shapes, then I would Counsel them, after they have chosen some * 1.61 of those better Sorts, to Plant them indifferently, just as they come out of the Nurseries, that is, with the most part of their Branches on, and yet with but few Roots, that being ordinarily a means sure enough both to have Fruit quickly, and to have it good. But withal, it is as certain a way to have it but small, to have but a little of it upon each Tree, and to have the Trees bear but a very little while, and to have them always grow in a rustick and miserable Shape; to which, I add, That by such an indiscreet greediness, and over-hasty Method, they very often fall into the same Inconvenience with Aesop's Dog, who lost all by snatching after too much.

I confess Ingenuously, That I have a very particular Aversion for ill favoured Trees, and consequently for all those hasty Proceedings, that infallibly cause them to be such. And especially in a Garden that we would have agreeable for the goodness of its Trees, as well in Winter, when they are quite bare and stript, as in Summer and Autumn, when they are set out with their best Ornaments of Leaves and Fruits. For in such a Garden, I should not willingly consent to plant none but such Trees, as either yield Fruit soon

indeed, but good for nothing, or of those others, that being first Planted in a wild ugly Figure, can never come to be fair or pleasing to the Sight.

I very well know, That generally speaking, the Intention of all Planters is not only to have Fruits, but to have some speedily; and they have reason; for I am so far of their Mind, that I could wish, that in this respect the Order of Nature would accomodate it self to our Desires, so as to give us Fruit upon Trees that are Cut and Trimm'd, much sooner than she does, and particularly such as are both fair and good: But alas! the Se∣cret never yet could be found, to make her in any considerable degree to advance her or∣dinary Pace, without spoiling all; and therefore, though the Skill of the Gard'ner may in that case be of extraordinary Assistance, yet, after all, our best way is to be content to allow that wise Mother the time she takes of Four, Five or Six Years, for the Pro∣duction of Kernel-fruits, which she performs on some Trees sooner, and on some latter; and to comfort our selves with the Consideration of the Assurance we have, That, First, in the Sequel she will amply recompense us for the Scarcity of those preceding Years; and, Secondly, That to give us Stone-fruit, and Figs, and Grapes, she commonly requires less Time: For that, in effect, a Plantation of handsom and well ordered Trees of this latter Sort, seldom makes us stay above Three or Four Years without pleasuring us with a con∣siderable Quantity of Fruit, to while us with in Expectation of a full crop in the Fifth or Sixth Years, and many Years after.

But in Case the ordinary Time of staying for Kernel-fruit seem too long, and the Party * 1.62 be a Person of Quality accommodated with great Gardens (for what I am going to Advise is not practicable in little ones) then I would willingly consent, That in some by-place remote from the Principal Garden, he should venture the Sacrificing of a good Number of Pear-trees of the best Sorts of every Season, Planting them whole and rough, as we have before hinted, and at small distances one from the other, as in Nursery-Gardens, that is to say, about Two or Three Feet one from the other: For, being so ordered and well look'd after, they will pretty soon yield some good Fruit, and tolerably fair too, which will be at the least some beginning of Consolation, till such time as the fine Garden shall be arrived to Perfection enough to play its part. I followed this Expedient in the Kitchen-Garden at Versailes, as well for certain Fruits which in cold and moist Soils thrive not over well in the Form of Dwarf trees, as particularly for some new Kinds, whose new Names rendring them un∣known to me, fired my Curiosity with the greater Impatience to see the Fruits of them, in which I succeeded very well, as I did also in the joint Intention I had to arrive speedily to some competent Abundance, and to raise by this means some Tall Standard-trees, both lasting and fair, of which I foresaw I should have need. However it is to be expected, that if such Trees be kept too long in that manner, they will run great danger either of Dying, or at least of infallibly becoming unfit to be removed to other Plantations: There∣fore it is for such Curious Persons as are very Rich and Able, and that Plant spacious Gar∣dens, to consult their own Inclinations upon the Point, and accordingly to resolve whether they will please to be at a little the greater Expence, to attain by that means the Satisfacti∣on to taste Fruit so much the sooner, or otherwise to have the Patience to stay somewhat longer for a Crop, with assurance to have it with less Charge and much fairer, and in greater Abundance.

And though I have great reason to fear, the Preface of this Third Part, as Necessary as it is, may already have seem'd too long and tedious to new Beginners in these Curio∣sities, who without doubt demand nothing more here but to know in all haste which are those choice Kinds of Trees they are to furnish their Gardens with: Yet, by their leave, I must needs add Three Things more, before I can proceed to what will satisfie them.

First, I am to establish it for a certain Rule, That in all those Parts of Europe where * 1.63 the Cold and Heat are neither too long nor too violent, Nature having engaged her self, as I may say, in some manner, to give us certain Kinds of Fruits in some particular Months of the Year, it therefore constantly happens of Course, that those Kinds of Fruits do once in the Year without fail come to Maturity there: But withal, I must tell you, That it is no less certain that this happens sooner in some Places, and latter in others, that difference hap∣pening from the different measure of Heat that predominates in each place. Thus in the hotter Climates, the Fruits of each Season ripen sooner than in the colder; and what is more, some Fruits, and particularly some Sorts of Figs, Peaches and Grapes ripen sooner in the for∣mer than in the latter, which can never ripen at all in cold Regions. Which is the Reason why Italy, Provence, Languedoc and Guyenne, not only see those Fruits ripen in June and July, which we on the hither side of the Loire, see not arrive to Maturity before the Months of August and September, but besides have the peculiar Advantage to see some Sorts

of Fruits ripen with them, which for want of sufficient heat, never turn to Account in the Neighbourhood of the North. But then again, as it is true, That in those Southern Provinces, all their Autumn and Winter Fruits are almost past, when ours hardly yet be∣gin to ripen; so to be even with them, we are often in the Prime and Height of our Crops, in the time when they have nothing at all left:

We see almost the same Difference happen in one and the same Climate, by reason of the Different Tempers of Soils and of Years, which, according as they are favoured with * 1.64 a greater or lesser proportion of Heat, make the Fruits growing in them to be the more or less early. To give you an Example of this Effect in hot Soils, it is observed, That the Soil of Paris has ordinarily the Start of above Fifteen Days before that of Versailles; and for hot Years, that of 1688 was known to ripen us in the Month of August those Sorts of Peaches and Muscats, that in the Years 1686 and 1687 came not to Maturity till after the middle of September.

Which supposes the same Difference as to the early or backward Maturity of all the other Fruits of each Fruit Month in the Year: Generally May, June and July are the Months that decide the Destiny of each sort of Fruit for the time of their Maturity: And Curious Gentlemen that are Skilful, are to take their Measures well upon that Foot, so as not to let their Autumn and Winter-Fruits hang too long on the Trees in hot Years, nor to let themselves be surprized by the ripeness of them, which ought not fully to come to those * 1.65 Fruits till some time after they are gathered and laid up. For 'tis certain there rots a great many of them after they are laid up, for want of being timely gathered; to prevent at least some part of which Mischief, I shall elsewhere prescribe some Remedies.

The Maturity of Muscat-Grapes which grow in a good Soil, and in a good Exposition, * 1.66 ought, in my Opinion, serve for a great Rule in two principal Articles concerning Fruits; the First is, To know what Fruits may ripen, or not ripen in every Garden in the Months of September and October; for it is most certain that where-ever the Muscat ripens, there all the Fruits of the latter Season will ripen too, and reciprocally again on the other side, where-ever that ripens not, there the most part of those other Fruits will not ripen nei∣ther.

The Second Article or Point, for which the Muscat may serve for a Rule, is, for the knowing whether those Fruits of the latter Season shall comparatively ripen soon or late; for it is a most certain Mark, That in what Gardens soever, where the Muscats ripen soon, that is to say, about the End of August, or the Beginning of September, there the Year is forward; and, on the other side, if they Ripen late, that is, towards the first of October, it is as sure a sign, that the Year is backward: So that, in Truth, I have found I might as securely govern my self by this Rule, as any Mariner by his Compass.

The second Thing I have to add, is, That we are to reckon Four distinct Seasons of * 1.67 Fruits; namely, 1st, The Summer Season, which begins in June, and finishes at the be∣ginning of September. 2dly, The Vacation Season, or first Autumn, all which comprehends the first part of Autumn, and ends at Martelmas, or the beginning of November. The 3d, which begins where the last ends, and holds till about Christmas, comprehending the latter part of Autumn, and may be called the second Autumnal Season. And the 4th. and and last is that of Winter, which beginning in January, holds on till the appearance of the Red Fruits of the Month of April.

Thus, after having done with first and second Things I had to propose, as I promised in the Project of this Part, I am in the third place to specifie to you, which are the principal Kinds of Fruit, not only of every of those Seasons, but of each particular Month of which they are composed: So that our Description will be like a little Landskip in which may be seen, with one cast of an Eye, the whole Abridgment of all that can give Pleasure in Matter of Gardening; and by that means, without any further Discussion, we may be able perhaps of our own Heads, to determine what Choice to make of those Kinds which we fancy best.

Therefore I shall run through all the Months in Particular, the more precisely to de∣scribe to you what Fruits each of them claims to its share, without omitting to mention so much as those, that because they grow not on Trees, such as are Strawberries, Raspberries, Gooseberries, Currans, Musk Melons, Grapes, &c. are not within the compass of our present Project. But I shall speak of them not in the Order commonly used in the World, but according to that of the successive Maturity of their Fruits.

And accordingly, Summer shall be the first part of the Year with which I shall begin; * 1.68 it being most true, That the Summer Season is the first that can be said any thing richly to entertain us with the new Productions of the Earth: And I dare affirm, That, in matter of Fruits, we may look upon that Season as a kind of annual and fleeting Republick,

which from very small beginnings at first, rises in a very little time to a very considerable power, which yet is not of long continuance, because no sooner is it establish'd in its full Glory, but it begins to flag, and tend towards that Decay which soon after it sinks into; though indeed it be not such a Decay that brings with it an entire Destruction, but only like a kind of Inter-regnum or Vacancy of Government, which is a Revolution it must suffer for some Months, which being past over, its Destiny will make it reassume its for∣mer flourishing Estate, and the same Vicissitudes in which we have before seen it, and through which, as I have said above, it passes constantly once every Year.

In discoursing of which, you are above all Things to take notice, That it will be * 1.69 chiefly with respect to our own Climate, that I shall enter upon the particularities and upon the Discussion of the several Sorts of Fruits each Season. Accordingly to begin with the Fruits of the Month of June, I say, and few People there are but know, that Straw-berries that begin to Ripen at the End of May, begin to be in great Plenty at the Entrance of June; and I add, that they are followed hard at the heels by the forward Cherries raised upon Wall trees well plac'd, and that before the End of the same Month, Currans Gooseberries, Raspberries, Guignes and Hasting-Cherries, and Griots too begin to fill the Mar∣kets; and, in fine, that the bedded Muskmelons, the forward Apricocks, and some little Muscat-pears upon Wall-trees, endeavour to shew us by some little Samplers, the Riches which they altogether promise us in greater Abundance in the Month next immediately ensuring.

That is to say, in the Month of July, commonly, and not without Reason, called the * 1.70 month of Red Fruits; For accordingly, till the Fifteenth or Twentieth Day of it, there continues to be a great Plenty of all the Kinds of that Fruit which were beginning to come in during the preceding Month; and when they draw to an end, the backward Cherries or Bigarros fail not to succeed them, and to perform their Duty; during which Opportunity, the Industry of Discreet and Skilfull Persons that have the Care of them, by the help of Sugar which is at their Command, makes a most admirable use of all sorts of Red Fruit under different Figures.

And here I shall not forget to tell you, That Muskmelons are, without Contradiction, * 1.71 the Principal of all the Fruits of the Season; and that besides, provided that in well qua∣lified Soils, some Wall Fig-trees be intermixed between the Boxes of the former, we may see those Muskmelons accompanied with a great Abundance of Figs; at the same time may be expected Plenty of forward Peaches, of Yellow Plums, of little Muscat and ordinary Apricocks, whilst the Dwarf-trees and Tall-trees or Standards shall strive with a seeming Emulation which shall present us with the greatest Numbers of Pears, called Cuisse-Madams or Lady-thighs, of Maudlin-Pears, of the three Sorts of Blanquets, of hasty Russelets, of Bourdons, Muskat-Roberts, Skinless pears, and of many others of lesser Quality; and con∣sequently, that we have a great deal of Reason to be very well satisfied with this Month of July.

When we are once in August, we are arrived, as I may say, to the great Magazin of an infinite number of good Fruits. For in the beginning of this Month there continues still as great a Plenty as can be desired, both of Figs and backward Cherries, of Bigarros and Apricocks, as well on Wall-trees as on Standards; and by way of Surplusage still to so many Blessings, the unbedded Muskmelons begin to furnish our Tables, and to bear Company with the bedded ones which last to the End of the Month. Besides all which, towards the End of the same Month, we begin to have Pears of the following Sorts, viz. Robines, Summer musked Boncretiens, Cassoletts, Espragnes or Reserve-pears, Fondants de Brest, or melt∣ing Pears of Brest, Russeletts, &c. And above all, this is the illustrious and happy Month for the Fruits that charm me most, that is to say, for certain Plums, which when in our Climates they have the good Fortune to be raised upon Wall trees, may dispute the Prize of Excellence with most Fruits of the Season, or at least may claim an equal place in our Esteem with the most Famed and Accomplished of them all. Those Plums are the two Sorts of Perdrigons, white and violet; the Prune Royal, the Cloath of Gold Plum, the Apri∣cock Plum, the St. Catharine, the Diapred Violate, the Rouche Courbon, the Queen Claude, &c. together with those that thrive well enough upon Dwarf-trees and Standards, that is to say, not only the most part of those already named, but likewise all those that bear the Title of Damask, and are of Five or Six Fashions very different one from another, either in Big∣ness, Colour, Figure, or more or less early Maturity; there being of them the White, Black, Red, Violet, Grey, &c.

I shall tell you by the by, That the grey Damask appears to me to be one of the principal Sorts; besides which the Mangerous, the Mirabelles and the Imperials, &c. strive at this time which shall do best, and imitate the Wall-trees which now yield the

rest of their Crop of Apricocks and Peaches of Troy, Rossanne, Alberge and Cherry Peaches, &c. And the Wall-trees begin also to give us some Maudlin, Mignon and Bourdin Peaches, which are sometimes accompanied with the Muscat, and forward or hasty Grapes, as well black as white; and therefore none can dispute but that this Month of August is furnished with wherewithal to satisfie the most insatiable, nice and difficult Curiosity 'tis possible to have.

But yet how Rich soever the foregoing Month has appear'd, I may for all that without scruple say, That this of September is nothing inferior to it; for what almost does it not * 1.72 produce in our Climates? It is the true Month for good Peaches, there being every where such an extream Abundance of them, that they are served up in no lesser Quantities than by great Pyramids at every Meal. The white and red Maudlins, and the Minions which began only to come in Season in the precedent Month, are so far from being exhausted now, that 'tis particularly at this time they are in greatest plenty, and are followed by a great number of other Sorts of Peaches, all very Excellent, and every one Ripening regu∣larly, according to the Order of Maturity that Nature has establish'd among them, and that, without doubt, with a particular intent they should be able to furnish with a suffici∣ent and successive store, all the parts of the whole Month; and this is their Order, the Bourdins begin, the Cherreuses or Goat-peaches follow next after them, and immediately pre∣cede the hasty Violets; then come the Persicks, and then the Bellegardes and white Andilli's, and lastly the Admirables, the Brugnons or Nectarines, and the purple Peaches; a Number great enough one would think to content us so, as not to leave us any Stomack to desire any more in this Season; and yet that is not all, for this Month of September yields us besides abun∣dance of Grapes, of Chasselas, of Corinth of three Colours, of Ciotats, of Morocco Grapes, and several other Sorts of good Grapes, and particularly a great Plenty of Muscats, which of what Colour soever they be, whether white, or red, or black, (provided they have all the Excel∣lencies that belong to them, that is to say, the firmness, perfumed Scent and swe••t Taste they should have) are by the Confession of all the World, far better worth than all other Grapes: Neither is this Month inclined to end without giving us a beginning of lateward Plums, such as are the Empresses, the black Damasks, the little Perdrigons, the backward Perdrigons, &c. And it is so much in the humour of Liberality, that it begins a fresh to refurnish us with a great quantity of second Figs, as well on Wall-trees, as in Boxes, and on Dwarf-trees; and, as an Addition to this abundance, it lets us drop some Butter-pears and Bergamots, &c. which it ravishes us to see when the Stone-fruits are going away. In a a word, it seems, as if the Deluge or full Tide of good Fruits happened in this Month, which in effect, if it produced much less than it does, would still be extream Rich, and luxuriantly Plentiful.

The Month of October indeed possesses not so great a number of Stone-fruits as its * 1.73 Predecessor, but yet for all that, it is not ill furnished with them; for all the admirable and purple Peaches, nor the Figs neither were not consumed in September, there often re∣maining a sufficient Quantity of them in this Month: Besides which, its Fertility extends much further, as being in a Condition to make us great Largesses of Nivette-peaches, yel∣low late, and violet late Peaches, and yellow Lices, or smooth Peaches, all Excellent Peaches for the latter Season; and even in our Climate, the great red Pavie or bastard Peaches of Catillac and of Rambouille••t with the yellow Pavies that make so much noise in the Vine-yards of hot Countries; I say those Pavies, when in our Gardens they happen to grow in a good Place, that is to say, where they are well Nourished and Exposed to a good Sun, certainly make a very good Figure at this Time, and especially the yellow Pavy which I have found of an admirable Taste in its Season. But though we had none of these Peaches nor of these Pavies, should we not be rich enough in having still on one side, abundance of good Grapes to gather always upon the Vines, as the ordinary Muscat, the long Muscat otherwise called Passe musked, the great Royal black Grape; not to men∣tion the Gennetin-grapes, the Chasselats, the Expirants, the Greek Grapes, the Malmsie and the Corinthian Grapes, &c. And on the other, in having a vast Quantity of most exquisite Pears, as the grey Butter-pears, the Bergamots, the green Sugar-pears, the floury Muscats, the long green Pears or Verte-longues, the Crasanes, the Marchionesses or Marquises, the Petit-oins, &c. And is it not very certain, That one only sort of all these, or, at most, Two or Three of them might be sufficient not only to supply our Necessities, but even amply to humour the Pleasure of the most Curious?

The Reign of those Fruits which acquire not their Excellence till after they are Ga∣thered, fails not to begin at the same time when that of Fruits that attain their full * 1.74 Ripeness on the Trees, expire; that is to say, particularly the Reign of Stone-fruits, whose Destiny ordinarily terminates about the end of October. But this is our Comfort,

That we shall not yet this pretty while perceive any sensible diminution of Fruits, there remaining for a part of November many of those that we saw signalize themselves towards the end of the foregoing Month; besides which, good Grapes will also last a good while, if care has been taken to gather them before the Frosts, and to keep them carefully in the Fruit-lofts: For, being so ordered, they have as great a Privilege as any to appear at Noble Tables, though they be a little shriveled; it being not to be denied, but that they are always very good so long as they continue untainted with any speck of Rottenness. The long Muscat Grape is that whereof I most particularly speak here, it having the Gift to please the greatest King in the World: And I that have the Honour to be the Di∣rector and chief Manager of his Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens, what ought I not to do, and indeed what do I leave unattempted for the finding out all means imaginable to furnish him with that darling Fruit for several Months together?

Besides these, the Chasselas-Grapes both white and black, want not Patrons that highly praise them; for they have the advantage both to ripen and to keep much more easily than the Muscats. And because, in Truth, they can hardly have the confidence to appear at the same Table with the Muscats, they wait till they are passed to triumph in their turn; and so these two Sorts of Grapes both do honour to the Month of November, that is to say, the Muscats in the beginning, and the Chasselats at the end; these latter lasting the most part of the Advent-Season. I add, That this Month is still Opulent and well stored with Miraculous Pears. For the Fruit-loft, if well stock'd, supplies it with a good part of those that were so much in Fame at the end of October, it being accommodated with considerable remains of Bergamots, Crasannes, Marquises or Marchionesses, Lansacs, Petit-oins, &c. And besides, this Month is the Master and Dispenser of very many other good Pears; for there are some that begin to mellow in its time, and that is in Favour of those whose Gardens are in a hot and dry Soil, or that, have Wall-trees and Standards, the same Pears otherwise staying longer to contribute to the good Fortune of December and January, for their Commodity whose Gardens are in a little more fattish and coldish Soil: And these kinds of Pears are, the Espine or Thorn-pear, the Leschasserees, Ambrets, St. Germains, Pastourells, St. Augustins, Virgoulees, &c. And for those Persons too that love Pears that break short in the Mouth, and such as are musk'd, this Month of November presents them with Spanish Boncretiens, Amadots, dry Martins, Winter Russelets, which are all tolerably good Pears, though not so Excellent as those which are tender, or, as 'twere, Buttered.

I shall tell you in another place what sorts of Pears grow stark naught when they are too long a Ripening, and of what Kinds, the biggest Pears are commonly the worst: And on the contrary again, of what other Sorts, the little ones are regularly and ordinarily good for nothing.

Nay, and the very Apples come to do Homage to this Month of November, and advan∣tageously to display the Proofs of their Merit: The Red Calvils signalize themselves above all the rest; and as they pretend to reign alone in this Month, they leave to their Compa∣nions, the Apis, the White and Grey Pepins, the Courpendus, the Fenouillets or Fennel-apples, the White Calvils, &c. They leave to these, I say, the Field free for the Months of De∣cember, January, February and March.

It seems not necessary to specific any thing more particularly of the Fruits of December, * 1.75 because being a Month confining upon November and January, and coming between both, it is in possession of an ample share of the greatest part of the Riches of both Months; and consequently it may truly be said, That its condition is none of the worst, especially in Years that are a little backward; nay, and as I have already told you elsewhere, we have very often reason to complain, that the principal Fruits of the Season mellow too fast to∣wards the end of this Month; it making a very great many of them grow soft and rotten, as if in effect their Destiny would not permit them to pass any further.

The Order of Nature will not permit that which in few Months time, mounted to * 1.76 its highest degree of Perfection, to subsist long in that Condition; and therefore our Re∣publick of Fruits that shewed it self in so much Lustre and Glory since the Month of June, must submit in the following Months to appear with a great change of Dress upon the Theatre, and with a great Diminution of Fortune, notwithstanding which disadvan∣tages, the Month of January is none of them, that have the most reason to complain, be∣cause there remains for it some of those same Pears that so well plaid their parts in the two preceeding Months. We have already remarked to you by the by, what is the effect of Backward Years, and of Grounds that are a little fatter and stronger than ordinary, and told you, That the Fruits produced by them are something longer time a losing what they brought with them from the Tree; that is, their Hardness, Sowrness and insipidity, which are Defects of which two or three Months keeping perfectly cures them, and there∣by

consequently gives them what they wanted to make them good; so that sometimes we may have in this Month excellent Virgoulee pears, some Ambrets, some Leschasseries, and perhaps some Espines or Thorn pears, and some St. Germains, and above all, a great quantity of Colm〈…〉〈…〉 and St. Augustin-pears, which probably may not have begun to appear before; and together with them, there are to be had some Musked-pears, and such as break short in the mouth, as namely, the great Winter Musk pears, the Lemon-pears, &c. Nay, there are no Pears so mean, though to the degree of a Portal, a sort of Pear much renowned in Poiton, but think themselves good enough to contribute something to the Riches of Ja∣nuary: And indeed one cannot but allow, That all these sorts of Pears have something wherewithal to render the Month of January none of the least esteemable; because we are now fain to accommodate our selves the best we can with what we have, without standing too much upon Niceties, since we know the happy time of Choice and Abun∣dance to be really past with the last Months of the late expired Year.

One may in some sort say, That in the Month of February, and still more in the Month * 1.77 of March, the low Ebb of the Empire of Fruits begins in Earnest, it being now fallen into a terrible abject State; for besides dry and liquid Sweet-meats, and Lemons, and Apples, and what we call baking or stewing Pears, namely, the Double flowers, Donvills and Angoberts, &c. which both in this Month and all along after, till the coming of May-Strawberries, make up almost all the Furniture of the Desarts, what have we else left but some St. Lezins, which are but little worth, and some Bugy-pears, which yet are not so much to be slighted, since the Lent-Season makes up with them a part of its best days? But particularly there still is left us a certain kind of those Famous Pears that bear the venerable Name of Boncretiens, which, as it cannot but be unanimously confessed, are capable alone gloriously and happily to terminate the Campaign

I shall not fail in another place to lay before you what must needs produce in you a great Consideration for them, but at present I shall only content my self with telling you, That, if I may be permitted so to speak, we are to look upon them to be, as 'twere, the Rear-guard and Body of Reserve of the Army of Fruits newly disbanded; for, in effect, that great number of other Fruits having for the space of Eight or Nine Months, fought against and exterminated that Sterility that would have oppressed us without their Assi∣stance, and being at last dismissed, the Boncretien remains alone, being, as it seems, the General, who with a small number of Subaltern Officers, gently retires to take up his Winter Quarters in Expectation of new Recruits for another Expedition.

But I am afraid 'tis not enough to have told you what sorts of Fruits are to be had in every Month, there remaining, methinks, one thing still very necessary to be treated of, and that is to shew you with some tolerable Exactness, how long the Fruit of any Tree whatsoever will ordinarily hold out in spending, supposing the Trees reasonably well loaded; because, unless that be known, it will be hardly possible to regulate what number of Trees one may, within a small matter over or under, need, to furnish one with a handsom provision of them, without troubling ones self to Plant a superfluity of Trees,

Upon which, I tell you, that we may say such a Tree is well loaded, if, for Example, one Wall Peach-tree yield Fifty great Peaches, and one Dwarf Pear-tree bear Fifty large Pears; and if of Plums and Pears of a midling bigness, each Dwarf-tree or Standard bear about the quantity of Two hundred a piece; and of Figs in Boxes, one Box yields two or three Dozen, and if of the same, one Wall or Dwarf-Stock yeilds about a Hundred, &c. It being certain that as in the first Years of their bearing, all these Sorts of Trees yield much less, so when they grow to their just bigness, and the Years prove good, they bear ordinarily much more Fruit than the proportion I have specified.

This then being Establish'd for a Rule, I shall next observe to you, That Experience further teaches us these Three Things; viz.

I. First, That Regularly the Fruits of the good Wall-trees of every Garden ripen a little before those of Standards; and these again something before those that grow on * 1.78 Dwarf-trees.

II. The Second is, That among Wall-trees, those facing the East and South-quarters are the first that bring their Fruit to Maturity, which these two first do commonly much a∣bout the same time, they both being earlier than those of the West by Eight or Ten Days, and than those of the North, by at least Fifteen or Twenty; though, in serious Truth, those Fruits of the North are little to be counted upon, unless it be such as some Butter-pears, Crasannes, and some kinds of baking or stewing Pears, &c.

III. In fine, The third Thing that Experience teaches us in matter of Fruits, is, That * 1.79 as to those Summer Fruits that are to be gathered as fast as they ripen; a Peach-tree, a Plum-tree, a Fig-tree, a Pear-tree, &c. yield Fruit for Ten or Twelve Days, and sel∣dom or never pass that time: and as for those Pears which use to be laid up in the Fruit-lofts, of which the first are those that are eaten in the Beginning of Autumn; as namely, the Butter-pears, the Verte-longues or Long green-pears, the Bergamots, &c. each of those Kinds last about Fifteen or Twenty Days at most, the different Figures of those Trees, and the different Soils, and different Expositions in which they are Planted, lengthening or shortning a little Duration of their Fruit.

As for the Fruits that are for the spending both during the End of Autumn, and all the * 1.80 whole Winter, which though, what Kinds of Trees soever they be gathered from, are commonly laid up promiscuously together, People only contenting themselves with laying each Kind of Fruit in separate Heaps by themselves; yet Persons that are very Curious, such as I am, are so accurate as to separate even the Fruits of one and the same Kind into different heaps, laying the Fruit of one Tree of them in one place, and that of ano∣ther in another, according to the differences of the Figures of their Trees, and their diffe∣rent Expositions, that they may the more precisely know when each of them mellows. Now, I say, of these Kinds that are for the spending, as well of the End of Autumn, as of the whole Winter; there are some that furnish you for a Months spending, such for the beginning of October, are the Pears called the Crasanne, the Marchioness, the Messire-John, the Green sugar, the Vine pear, the Lansac, the Flowered Muscat, &c. And others that afford a supply for five or six Weeks, such as are for the End of October and part of November, the Louise-bonnes or good Louises, the Petit-oins, the Thorn pears, the dry Martins, &c. O∣thers again there are that supply us for near Two Months, as the Virgoulees, the Ambrets, the Leschasseries, the Pastourelles, the St. Augustins, St. Germains, and above all the Thorn-Pears may last part of November and all December. Lastly, Some endure till January, as the Colmars and the Boncretiens, that may last all January and February, and likewise the St. Lezins and Bugis that are able to supply us both in February and March.

From hence we may conclude, That, for Example, if a curious Gentleman have in Summer time a competent Number of fine Trees of each Kind, and for Peaches, Plums, Figs, &c. have some Wall-trees in all the several Expositions; and for Pears, Plums, &c. have some others, in both the several Forms of Dwarf-trees and Standards, provided the Trees be of a full Age to bear, such a Person may reckon that about Twenty Days he shall be reasonably well supplied with Fruits of each Kind. For, for Example, if he have three fine Wall-Minion-Peach-trees, such as they ought to be after three, four or five Years Planting at furthest, one towards the East, another toward the South, and a third towards the West; these three fine Peach-trees may supply him with that kind of Fruit for three Weeks together, and yield him in that time about a hundred and Fifty fair Peaches, that is to say, seven or eight a day; and consequently he may have Three hundred, which is at the rate of Fifteen or Sixteen a Day, from six Peach-trees; which is no over great Number of Trees of the same Kind; and he may have no less than Six hundred from Twelve Trees, which is at the rate of about Thirty a Day; and that is a very Noble Provision; the same may be said as to the Mandlin, Chevreuse, Admirable, Violet and Nivete-peaches, &c.

And if from so moderate a supputation, we may expect such a considerable Treasure of Peaches, with much greater Reason, what may we not look for from double, treble or quadruple the Number of Trees of those same Kinds of good Fruits? In like man∣ner, two Russelet or two Robine pear-trees, whether they be Dwarfs or Standards, when they are come to the Age of four, five or six Years, and have been always carefully trim∣med and cultivated, may be able both together, to furnish us for at least Fifteen Days, and in that time to give us Two or Three hundred Pears; that is to say, about Twenty a Day, and consequently four Russelets or four Robine-trees, will yield us Five or Six hundred of each sort, being about Forty a Day, &c. Likewise two and four Pear-trees of what Season soever they be, will yield us of each Kind in particular, a like Provision, which is always to be understood of those sorts of Fruits that are not very big.

The same Thing also holds in the great Fruits of the beginning of Autumn. And ac∣cordingly, as to Dwarf-trees, two great Pear-trees of that Figure will in Fifteen Days time, furnish us near One hundred fine Pears, and Four will give us near Two hundred, that is to say, about Fourteen or Fifteen a Day: And for Wall-trees, two and four Berga∣mots of that Figure will produce no less: In like manner for the Fruits of the latter Season, Two and Four Dwarf-trees of Crassannes, Marchionesses, Thorn-pears, Virgoules, St. Germains, St. Augustins, Ambrets, Leschasseries, &c. as also Two and Four Wall-Boncretien-pears will

yeild the same quantity in proportion. And as for Standards and high Trees, Two or Four Pear-trees of those choice Kinds which have the good Fortune to thrive in that Place, will yield at least double that quantity; that is to say, Two or Four hundred goodly Pears: According to the same Rule of proportion, Six and Eight will produce Six hundred, Eight hundred, and so forward in infinitum.

That which I have said in the ease of Pear-trees, may still with greater Reason be ex∣tended to that of Apple-trees, which excepting the Red Calvil-trees, are ordinarily more Fruitful than the Pear-trees.

I say nothing of the Red Fruits whose Product is measured either by the pound∣weight, or by Baskets heap-full, because there is no Body but knows how to guess well enough at them: All the World likewise knows what is the usual Increase of a Bed of Strawberries, a Tuft of Raspberry-bushes, and of Curran or Gooseberry-shrubs, or of a forward Wall Cherry-tree, or of a Standard Cherry-Agriot or Bigaro-tree. It is also well enough known, That one Musk-melon plant furnishes ordinarily but Two or Three Melons, but that a one Cowcumber-plant produces of that Fruit successively Two dozen or more.

Our Curious new Planters then having made upon this Foot, a pretty supputation of the Product of each sort of Fruit, may easily Judge how many Stocks or Plants they shall need to Plant of every of them, without blindly engaging themselves in the Trouble and Charge of two great a multitude.

I know, the greatest part of those that out of an excessive eagerness to have Fruit, undertake to Plant Gardens, are, as it seems, like most new Travellers who ordinarily Tra∣velling for no other Design but barely to content their own Curiosity, will not omit seeing even the least singularities of each Country, though perhaps there are a great many not worth their pains; and though have they been advertised of it before-hand by Men able and experienced that know the Country, and give them that caution to spare them such Fruit∣less Labour; yet they will not hear them, it being enough to animate their passionate De∣sire of seeing them, that they have been told the contrary by some other Person, though much less knowing in the Matters in Question than the others.

And so in our Business of Gardening, how many Apprentices or, if you please, Candi∣dates (would I might be permitted to make use of that term) I say, how many Candi∣dates or N••vices do we see, that upon the Report of I know not what and who, will stuff their Gardens with all that can be call'd the Rascally Sort of Trees? It is easie to find a colourable Excuse for the Excessive curiosity of Travellers, for that when they are once upon the Way to see Things, they may at little Charge, and in little time, inform themselves generally of all Things, so that no person whatsoever shall be able afterwards to impose upon them, or thwart them concerning Things not seen: But in the mat∣ter of Fruits, the itching Desire to have all sorts of them, is a Disease so much the harder to cure, because instead of being look'd upon as such, it seems on the contrary to have all the inciting Charms of a singular Perfection: And in earnest, those poor Gen∣tlemen greatly move my pity, because they will never be at quiet, till they have spent a great deal of Time and Money, only to know at last by a long Experience attended with a great deal of Vexation, That there are ten times more kinds of Fruits fit only to be flighted, than there are good and deserving enough to be cultivated, though per∣haps they have been forewarned of it by some understanding Friend, but have not heed∣ed his Counsel.

How happy had I been, if during those many years that I was serving my Apprentice∣ship in this Art, under the Conduct only of my own Head, I had met with an able Dire∣ctor to Guide me? For, above all Things, I should most have needed one to cure me of a kind of mad Fancy one has commonly for that which they call New Fruits, though very often they prove nothing else but some common sorts disguised under new Names; which is an unhappiness caused partly by the ignorance of some People, and partly by the af∣fectation of some fantastical presumptuous Pretenders; who, out of a vain desire to be thought richer in such Curiosities than they are, endeavour by this Artifice, to stir up people to Court them for some share of them.

And now, for my part, it shall be none of my fault, if all persons that are curious in Gardening, avoid not all the shelves by which I have passed, and take not at the very first setting out, the shortest and best way that can be taken in this Matter; which is assuredly of a vast Extent, and the number of Persons that have lost their way there, is infinite.

But, in fine, after having set down all the Precautions and Observations above spe∣cified, I shall now enter upon the large and particular Account of the Choice and Proportion of Fruits, which I engaged my self to give you, not without telling you

by the way, That I found it a Work at least as Difficult and Perplexing in the Exe∣cution, as I first thought it would be, and perhaps more than I could imagine.

CHAP. I.

Of the Choice of a Dwarf-tree to be Planted alone; Or,

To be the first in any other Gardens, where there are more than one.

THough I doubt not but there may be a strong Party of Competitors formed among our best Pears, ready to vie Merits for the place of Preference here in Question, yet I shall make no Difficulty, without further Consultation, to declare my self in Favour of the Winter Boncretien-pear

The First Dwarf-tree, a first Winter Boncretien.

So that what Complaints soever the other Pears may make against me, for not at * 1.81 least vouchsafing them a hearing; I cannot dispense my self from maintaining and stand∣ing by this Declaration, so powerful do those Reasons appear to me that engaged me to make it.

For, First, if, as I may so call it, the Antiquity of its known Extraction may be * 1.82 counted for any advantage to it in this Cause, as it is in so many other more important Matters, then without doubt our Boncretien or good Christian pear may in that particular pretend it self much more Noble than all the other Pears. For though probably all * 1.83 Fruits were created in one and the same Day, yet 'tis certain they were not all known at the same Time, but some sooner and others later: And this Pear was one of the first that by its singular Excellencies, gain'd the Admiration and Courtship of the World: The great Monarchies, and principally that of Old Rome having known and culti∣vated it under the Name of Crustumium or Volemum; so that in all appearance it often * 1.84 made a noble Figure among those Conquering People, in the magnificent Entertainments they usually made, as well to set out the Splendor of their Triumphs, as to do Honour to the Tributary Kings which often came to pay their Homage to those Masters of the World.

In the second place, the Great and Illustrious Name which it has ever born ever since * 1.85 so many Ages, and with which it seems to have been baptized at the very Birth of Chri∣stianity it self; how can it but imprint in all a Veneration for it, and especially in all Chri∣stian Gardeners?

In the third Place, To consider it in its self, that is to say, with respect only to its own proper Merit, which is that which is particularly in Question, and can only intitle it to a preference in this place; it must be confessed, That among Kernel-Fruits, Nature presents us nothing so Beautiful, nor so Noble to behold as this Pear, whether we consider * 1.86 its shape which is long and pyramidical, or its bigness, which is prodigious, as being for Example three or four Inches thick, and five or six long, and very commonly of a pound weight or more, nay, and sometimes exceeding two pounds, which is certainly a truth of rare and singular Remark: Or particularly, if we cast our Eyes upon its lively Carna∣tion Colour, with which the ground of its natural Yellow is so charmingly set off, when it grows in a favourable Sun and advantageous Exposition, that it attracts the Ad∣miration of the whole World: Add to this, That it is the Pear which of all others gives the longest pleasure, as well upon the Tree, upon which it continues still increasing to the view of the Eye from May till the End of October, as in the Fruit-Magazine; where easi∣ly preserving its self for four or five Months together, it daily pleasures the sight of the Curious that have a mind to look upon it, as much as the view of a Jewel or a Treasure rejoyces the Master that possesses it. It is the Pear that does the greatest Honour at all Tables, and which in all Countries, and principally in France, where the Gardens pro∣duce a wonderful quantity of them has acquired the greatest Reputation: It is that which is most commonly made use of when any considerable Presents of Fruits are made, and especially such as are sent to remote places, either within or without the Kingdom; and

lastly, it is the Pear for the Beauty of which, the ablest Gard'ners have always Labour∣ed with the greatest Passion, and that which yields the greatest profit to those which Cul∣tivate it only to expose to Sale. It is always very good stewed or baked, when People have a mind to eat of it a little before 'tis full ripe, and it cannot be denied but it is most Excellent when we give it time to mellow, if it come out of a Garden where the Soil is naturally good, or, at least, well Cultivated; and it has this Advantage over and above, That its mellowness is not like that of the most part of the Butter-fruits, which passes, as one may say, like Lightning; so that those Sorts of Fruits are no sooner mellow, but they grow soft and pappy, and degenerate into Rottenness; whereas the mellowness of each Boncretien-pear continues to maintain it self in Vigour for some whole Months together, as if seemed with Patience to wait the time when we shall be pleased to do it the Honour to Employ it to those Uses for which Nature design'd it.

'Tis true indeed, That in the Order I have established for the Excellence of Pears, the first degree of Goodness is altogether wanting to this, because it is not Buttery; and con∣sequently it may seem, that because here our Business is to give the first Rank to that sort of Pears only, that can vaunt it self to have the most Excellent Taste, I should not grant it to this which, by my own Confession, is but in the second Class of good Ones.

But though it has not the first degree of Goodness, it is certain, it wants not the se∣cond; that is to say, a Pulp that eats short, and is often tender enough, with an agree∣able Taste, and a sweet sugred Juice, indifferently abundant, and a little perfum'd; from the Consideration of which, without doubt, it was that our Fathers, to make a great Di∣stinction between that and other Pears, added to its Name the Epithet of Good, without doing the same Thing in Favour of any other Pear; which additional Name has remain∣ed to it every where in all Countries, but only in Poitou, where the People content them∣selves with calling it only the Christian-pear.

And, besides all the Advantages above-mentioned, it has likewise this, which appears to me a very great one, that is, when all other Pears are past, this still remains to Honour our Tables till the new Fruits of the Spring; and, by consequence, protracts even so far as that time, the pleasure of those that love raw Fruit. All which summ'd up toge∣ther, excites in me so much Consideration for the Good Christian or Boncretien-pear, that I think I should do a kind of Injustice if I should refuse it the Place of a First Dwarf-pear-tree.

I know very well it pleases not all the World, and that it is slighted by certain People, that accuse it to have commonly a Pulp or Flesh, that is tough and strong, or, at least, not very fine.

To which I answer, That those are general Accusations, and such as may in a manner be made against all sorts of Fruits; it being but too true, that we are not to expect to find any that are absolutely perfect, and therefore accordingly we call only those good Fruits which have the fewest Defects. I will not deny but that among Boncretien pears, there may be some that may deserve the Reproach cast on them by those Persons; but, in my Opinion, they deserve it not always by their own Fault, since it is true there very often are found most excellent Ones among them; and therefore those Defects, when found in these Pears, are rather to be attributed to the badness of the Soil in which they grew, as not being proper for the producing of good Fruits, or of their Exposition, as being Planted in a Quarter not blessed with a favourable Aspect from the Sun; or to the Negligence or Unskilfulness of the Gard'ner, who took not sufficient care of them, or to the over hastiness of those that needs will be serving them up before they are come to a fit Maturity.

I know very well too, There are a great many Persons that think a Boncretien can never prove good upon a Dwarf-tree, and that 'tis absolutely impossible to have any fine ones unless it be upon Wall-trees; and therefore, that they will highly condemn me for chusing it for the first to be Planted in a Scituation which they pretend directly con∣trary to it. But though I do ingenuously grant it true, That the Boncretien succeeds best upon a Wall-tree, especially in acquiring that Vermilion that so well becomes it, and which the full Air on a Standard-tree cannot give it in such Perfection, yet I believe I have hitherto pretty well succeeded in disabusing a great number of Curious Persons of the false Impression they had against a Boncretien upon a Dwarf-tree, by shewing them by the certain Experience of several Years, especially in Gardens of a midling Extent, well closed and sheltred from the great Colds, either by good Walls of their own, or by se∣veral Buildings, and which consequently are in a good Exposition, and advantaged besides with a Soil indifferently good, either by Nature or by the help of Art; that upon Trees

of that Figure may be raised very goodly Boncretien pears; that is to say, very great ones well shaped with a good fine Skin, a little blushed on that side next the Sun, and in the rest of their Bodies, of a green proper to take a yellow as they grow ripe; and, in a Word, very Excellent Pears, and such as few Wall trees were seen able to compare with.

And, to put an End to this Contestation, I think it not necessary to make here any o∣ther Answers, than, in the first place, to invite our Adversaries to go in Autumn and see the Dwarf-trees in several Gardens at Paris, and at Vernon, where they rear such ••ine ones; and, in the second place, to ask them whether before the use of Wall-trees, which is not Ancient, there were no where in the open Air any fair Boncretiens? if they say not, all the Back-Courts of the Provinces of Tourain, Angoumois, Poitou, Auche, &c. where they grow even upon Standard-trees, will evidence the contrary against any that shall deny it: To which add, That the invincible Persecution of the Tyger-babbs, keeps the Pears too far * 1.87 off from the Assistance of Wall-trees, and renders it impracticable almost in those Parts, to raise any of them upon any other Trees but Dwarfs.

In fine, when the whole Matter is well examined, I am perswaded, That whosoever shall count on one side the Enemies of the Boncretien upon a Dwarf-tree, and the Reasons they think they have to condemn it for, and the other shall reckon up its Approvers, with the Experiences they have on their side, will find the Number of these lat••er greater than that of the other, or, at the least, equal to it; and therefore I think I have enough wherewith to maintain the Preference here in Question.

Away with all those Different Kinds of Boncretiens which some Curious Persons have * 1.88 fancied, and which they would perswade us to be Real, as the Long, the Round, the Green, the Golden, the Brown, the Satin, that of Auche, that of England, that without Core, &c. For all these are to be found upon one and the same Tree, and assuredly make but one single and only kind, the general mutual likeness not only of the Wood, Leaves and Flowers of all these pretended sorts of Boncretien-trees, but also more particu∣larly the resemblance of the Figure of the Pear, of the time of its ripening, and of its short-eating Pulp and sugred Juice, &c. visibly confirm this Truth.

The Differences of Soils and Expositions, of dry and wet Summers, and of Vigour and Weakness in a Tree, whether it be in the whole Tree, or only in a part of it, &c. Those Differences, I say, cause these other little External Differences of Colour, Figure, &c. The Wall-tree will produce Fruit more golden than green, and the Dwarf-tree more green than golden; and the Dwarf graffed upon a Free-stock will produce greener Fruit than that which is graffed upon a Quince-stock.

If the Tree be sick, whether it be young or old, it will bring Fruit without a Core, and upon that very same Tree, if there be any vigorous Branch, as it often enough happens, there will be a Core in the Fruit that grows upon that vigorous side, though there be none in the Pears that grow upon the infirm Branches; and if from that yellowish and languishing side, a Branch be taken and graffed happily upon a sound and lively Stock, it will produce a Tree both green and brisk, which will shew not only the Conformity of its kind with that of other Boncretiens; but likewise its good Health, as well by the Core as the the green Colour of its Pear: Upon which occasion I shall tell you, That such Boncretien-pears as grow yellow upon the Tree, and have a Skin that feels extraordinarily soft, are apt to have but a very indifferent goodness.

A good Fruit-Branch will produce a Pear long and large, and a Fruit-Branch of a little more inferiour Goodness, will form its Fruit short, flat and roundish: A good Soil gives it a fine Skin, and a delicate Pulp, whereas a fat and moist Earth renders its Skin rough, and the Pulp gross and course.

They might as well make different kinds of great and little, of horned and crumpled, of well shaped and well look'd, &c. which would be a very ridiculous fancy, which is carefully to be avoided.

The Winter-Boncretien then, such a one, in a word, as is every where known by Per∣sons of Quality for such, without ever changing its Name, as most other Fruits have done. This Boncretien, I say, should be then the Dwarf-tree that I would Plant in a little Garden well qualified, where it should be design'd to Plant but only one Dwarf-pear-tree; and this same Pear-tree should be likewise the first I would chuse, not only for a Garden in which I should have room for a second Dwarf, but also for all the other Gardens alike well qualified for it, in which I should have room for many more such Trees, and particularly if there were but little Walling for those Trees that should be de∣signed for that Station. And this Boncretien-tree should first be graffed upon a Quince: stock, chiefly because the Boncretien-Dwarfs graffed on Free-stocks, commonly bring Fruit

spotted, small, crumpled, &c. And consequently disagreeable to the sight: In the second place, it should be Planted in that part of the Garden facing the Wall trees, nearest the Wall exposed to the most favourable Sun; and lastly, immediately after the End of August, I would have the leaves taken off that hindred the Sun from shining upon the Fruit, which are all Precautions extreamly important.

I am not yet speaking of those Country Gardens that want all the good Qualities, and other good Conditions which we have newly described in respect to the ordering of small Gardens, and which yet I could wish to all good Fruit Trees; for then I should be of a very different Sentiment from that I declare my self of here in regard to our Boncretien; for I would Plant but little of it there, unless it were in the Figure of Wall-trees; be∣ing resolv'd, in fine, whatever it cost, to Plant some Boncretiens in all sorts of Gardens, since, in Truth, we have nothing better for the End of Winter, than this Noble Fruit.

CHAP. II.

Concerning the Choice of a Second Dwarf-pear-tree, and after that, con∣cerning the Choice of a Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth of the same, &c.

NOW let us see upon what Pear-tree our Choice will fall to be the Second Dwarf, as well of that little Garden where there can be but Two, as the Second of all others, where there is room for a greater Number; for truly it is a point not over-easie to decide.

We have above all the rest, Six different sorts of Pears that put in briskly for this Se∣cond place, nay, and which can hardly brook without murmuring, that the Boncretien should peaceably enjoy the Honour it has newly received, which are the Butter-pear, the Autumn Bergamot, the Virgoulee, the Leschasserie, the Winter Ambret and Winter Thorn-pear: Nay, and besides there are, the ancient Petit-oin, the Louise-bonne or Good Louise, with four new Commers, namely, the St. Germain, the Colmar, the Crasanne, and the Marquiss or Marchioness, which finding themselves provided with sufficient Merit, want not the Ambition to enter into this Dispute, every one of these Twelve pretending severally to have more Perfections, and fewer Defects than any one of its Rivals, or, at least, to be nothing inferior to them; and accordingly pretending too, to win from them the Place that is here in Question.

And I grant, they all have such powerful Motives for their several Pretentions, that we cannot be censured to have made an ill Choice to which of them soever we shall give the Preference: However, my Judgment is, That these Six last ought to retire for a time, and leave the Six first to fight out this Quarrel; and I shall give, if I be not mi∣staken, such good Reasons for it, that I hope their Patrons will be satisfied with them. But before I declare my self for any one of these Six, it will be necessary to examine sepa∣rately, and without prejudice, all the several Reasons pleaded by every one of them.

I begin with those of the Butter-pear, concerning which I must first lay it down for a Conclusion, That as well the red Butter-pear, otherwise called the Ambroise or Isambert of the Normans, as the grey Butter and green Butter-pears, are but one and the same thing; for that oftentimes all these pretended Sorts are found upon one and the same Tree, those differences of Colour having no other Foundation in a manner than those which we have remarked in the Boncretien; the fair Exposition of them, or perhaps an indifferent weak Temper either in the whole Tree, or in any particular Branch, producing red Pears; and a shady Situation, and the vigour either of the whole Tree, or of any par∣ticular Branch of it, making grey or green ones: And the Quince and Free-stocks upon which these Pear-trees are graffed, shew themselves by the different Colours with which they tinge their Fruit, the Colour of the Fruit of the Pear-trees on Free-stocks being quite another thing from that of the Boncretien graffed on a Quince-stock: Besides which, the dryness or moistness of the Soil in which they grow, fail not to imprint some Marlts and Features of their own Fashion.

This being first laid down as a necessary Remark, the Reasons of this Butter-pear are, * 1.89 first, That it is possess'd in such Perfection of the first Degree of Goodness, that is to be desired in Fruits, which is a smooth delicious melting Softness, that the Name of Butter-pear

was for that Quality given it by way of Excellence; and, in effect, its name is bor∣rowed to give to others whose Merit we would Extol, and therefore this Pear believes to * 1.90 have Right to pretend, that not one of the other Pears should dispute with it for an ex∣tream abundance of Juice, nor for a fine and delicate Pulp, and rich Taste, which are all the Conditions necessary to constitute an excellent Pear.

In the second Place, it pretends to have the advantage to charm the sight, as well by the bigness of its Body, as the goodliness of its Figure, and Beauty of its Colour.

In the third place it is perswaded, It may hope all Things from the Happiness it has to be extreamly fertile; so that commonly every Year, and in all sorts of Ground it is loaden almost ready to break, and succeeds as well upon a Free-stock, as upon a Quince one, and almost as well under the Hands of Ignorant as of Able Gard'ners; besides, that it is seldom or never apt to be Doughy, Insipid and Mealy, as are most other tender Pears, and that not only, it is not so incommoded by the full Air as the Bergamot, but also bears sooner than the Virgoulee, and produces fairer Fruit than any of its Competitors. Here are without doubt a great many Reasons, and all of great Weight and Authority, strongly to prove and confirm the right of the Butter-pears claim in this Cause.

Nay, its Friends would fain believe further, That if the Butter pear could be had at all Seasons of the Years, and we could cure our selves of the natural Curiosity we have for Change, and for the Variety of Fruits, that in that case, we ought not to think of any other than this Famous Butter-pear, it being certain, That it is really so Excellent, that by the Confession of all, at the End of September when it begins to ripen, we are well enough content to see the Peaches pass away, which is to say, a great deal in its Commen∣dation.

The Autumn Bergamot making no great Account of all that has just now been said in * 1.91 Favour of the Butter-pear, presents it self to stop this Question of Precedence from being so soon decided: Its Party is very numerous and formidable, which is as much as to say, its Excellence is very much known: And indeed I see a Thousand People that assert, * 1.92 That if it be considered with respect to all the Ingredient Parts of its Goodness; that is to say, its tender and melting Pulp, its sweet and sugred Juice, and the little smack of Perfume that accompanies it, it is more valuable than all the other Pears in general; they also affirm, That Fruitfulness is not much less on the Bergamots side, than on that of the Butter-pear, since it is ordinarily loaded with a sufficient abundance, and so quickly repays the pains of those that Cultivate it. Add to this, that contrary to what we find by the Experience we have of almost all other Fruits, it may be said in its Favour, and with Truth, That a midling Bergamot-pear is as good as the biggest, nay, and that very often it is the midling one that is the most Excellent, though it may have appeared to be the most despisable, which Advantage ought to be esteemed as a singular and considerable Argument in its Favour. This Pear commonly uses to furnish the End of October and part of November, and sometimes passes on as far as December, which gives a wonderful Pleasure to our Curious Gentlemen; so that, in truth, we had need to provide our selves with Trees of them in different Expositions, in divers sorts of Ground, and upon diffe∣rent Stocks; that is to say, Graffed upon Free-stocks, and upon Quince-stocks, and in the various Figures of Dwarf-trees, Wall-trees, and even of Standards too, the better to assist the Inclination this Pear seems to have, to entertain us several Months together.

I shall note by the by, That you are not to believe there is any other difference in Bergamot-pears (I man those of Autumn and not of Summer) but what consists in the Co∣lour only, but then that difference is real; for indeed there is one of a greenish grey, which is simply named the Bergamot, or the Common Bergamot, or the Pear de la Hiliere, or de Recous, &c. they all signifying but one thing; and there is another that is strip'd with yellow and green streaks, which makes it be called the Suisse-Bergamot, this motley Colour ap∣pearing at the same time both in the Wood and in the Fruit; but as to their internal Ex∣cellence, it seems to me to be equal both in the one and the other, when they are both as good as they should be; they also agree together in the same proportion of bigness, which is sometimes of three Inches Diameter in thickness, but most commonly but of one and a half or two Inches; they likewise agree both in having a flattish shape, and an Eye or Crown sinking hollow in, and a short and small Stalk, and polish'd and yellowish Skin, and a little moistish when it is ripe, &c.

Would to God it were true, there were a sort of Latter Bergamots, or otherwise Lent Bergamots, and that every Year we could be sure to have some of them till the End of March, as sometimes it happens; for in that case we might have just Grounds to brag, that we had for, at least, four or five Months in the Year, the real Treasure of Fruits.

Some certain curious Persons would fain have perswaded themselves and me too, that they infallibly had this sort of latter Bergamots; but to my great regret, I cannot forbear confessing, that to this present time I have not been able to convince my self that I have attained any such good Fortune, although in truth I have been wanting neither in Care, nor Diligence, nor in any other Precaution that might contribute to the making a Con∣quest of that Importance; for what have I attempted for that End, what in Pains and what in Expences, is insinite as well as to no purpose, and the particular Account and Relation of it would be but troublesom and disagreeable.

That which has given occasion to speak of such Things as late Bergamots, is, That in some very rainy Years, or from some Soils more fat and moist, or in some Exposition less Sunny, or from some Tree more Vigorous than ordinary, we commonly keep some as long as till Lent, and thereupon we take pleasure to deceive our selves with the hopes of having the like every Year: But, the truth is, that commonly chance has more part in all this than any thing else; for the same Tree which produces some for the Month of October, yields some others likewise sometimes for the Month of March, which happens chiefly when any particular Branch of it has blossom'd much later than the rest, the Pears which were the last in knitting, being commonly the last that ripen on that Tree; but that happens but very rarely: Or else we may say very probably, That the Bergamots we have so in the latter Seasons, are of the growth of such Standard-trees as are Grafted upon Free-stocks, and perhaps but little shone upon by the Sun; the success of such Trees being ordinarily very dubious and uncertain, and particularly for the producing of Pears that are fair, agreeable to the sight, and good and backward. But howsoever some such are sometimes gathered, which keep a little longer than those that grow on Wall-trees and Dwarfs: And therefore it were to purpose enough not for the Curious, of whom we treat here, that have but a very little Ground, but for those that have a great deal, to venture to Plant some of them in all manner of Fashions; for, in fine, they ought not to fail to make what Provision they can of Bergamot-pears.

Besides these abovesaid Advantages of the good kind of Bergamot, it has yet another that methinks exalts it much above the Butter-pear, in what concerns the present Con∣testation, which is, that the Butter-pear meets often at the same time with the Peaches, Figs and Muscat-Grapes of mid-September, three sorts of good Fruits that all the World passionately affect, and in favour of which it may be said, That among all Deli∣cate, Nice and Knowing Persons, they are so well received, that scarcely any Pears dare venture into their Company; whereas the Bergamot ripens not till those Peaches, Figs and Muscats, nay, and the very Butter-pears and Verte-longues, or green-long-pears are ended, and so comes in all alone towards the end of October, that is to say, in a time when with∣out its assistance, we should be reduced to a great scarcity of good Fruits, the Pears call'd the Lansac, the sugar-green, the Flowery-Muscat, Rousseline, Bezi de la mote, Vine pear, Messire-John, &c. not worthily enough supplying the place of those last passed; and therefore by consequence, from hence they would pretend, That as to what concerns a little Garden, and that for the Reasons declared in the beginning of this Third Book, it is more convenient to Plant in it, for a second Dwarf-tree, a Bergamot, than any other Pear-tree.

The Partisans of the two preceding Pears, the Butter and Bergamot, are methinks surpri∣zed to hear say there are any that dare to enter the Lists against them; and whatsoever the others can alledge they look upon as a piece of Rashness, and therefore will hardly vouch∣safe to hear them; and if they consent to it, 'tis only to answer them in Terms of Con∣tempt and Raillery, or rather with design to gain their cause against them with so much the more Glory and Security.

But for all that, the Pear of Virgoulé, which they call Bujaleuf in Angoumois, Chambretie in Limousin or the Province of Limoges, the Ice-pear in Gascony, Virgolese and Virgouleuse in so many other Places, and which after the Example of the Pears of Besidery, L'Eschasserie, &c. ought, in my Opinion, to bear the plain Name of Virgoule before any other; that which makes me judge so, is, because we had it from a Village called Virgoulé, near the Town of St. Leonard in the Limousin Countty, where, in all appearance, it had passed a long time without any Lustre, neither more nor less than just as a Pearl shut up in its Shell; but at last, as well for the Happiness of our curious Gentlemen, as for the Ornament of our Gardens, it was advanced out of that Village by the Liberality of the Marquess of Chambret, who was Lord of it, and who was pleased to give it us under the Name of his Pear of Virgoulé; since which time it has begun to make it self be talked on as Famous, so that at this Day, notwitstanding the Brags, I say, of the two preceding Pears, it, not without Reason enough, pretends to the Honour which is here proposed.

It is a Pear of a Figure pretty long and thick, being three or four Inches long, and two or three in thickness; its Stalk is short, fleshy and bending; its Eye or Crown in∣differently great and a little hollow; its Skin smooth and polish'd, and sometimes coloured, and which from green, which it was upon the Tree, grows yellow as it ripens, and in ripening grows tender and melting; so that when it is well nick'd in the gathering, it proves one of the best Fruits of the World: And accordingly its Reputation has made such a Progress, since, that in a few Years time, it has spread it self into as many Gardens all over Europe, as any Pear that we know.

This Virgoulee-pear, priding it self, as it may seem, as well in the Extraordinary Vi∣gour that accompanies its Tree in all Places, and draws to it the Admiration of all Be∣holders, as also in the Merit it pretends to be ennobled with, and besides being offended at the injurious Contempt with which it was but now treated by the others, asserts for the Establishing of its Right, That Nature has not only endowed it with all the good Qualities, namely, of a tender and melting Pulp, an Abundance of sweet and sugred Juice, and a fine rich Taste, and of a plentiful Increase, which render the Butter and Bergamot-pears so considerable; but that besides, that it has the assured Advantage to begin to ripen almost as soon as the Bergamot, and yet to last much longer than that; and in earnest it alledges, That often from the very beginning of November, it is in a condition to con∣tent the Curious, which happens to those of them that are raised upon Wall-trees exposed to a good Sun, or that grow otherwise in a dry and light Soil, and that particularly it signalizes it self by furnishing a great quantity of Fruit all the rest of November, all De∣cember, and sometimes for part of January, which cannot be said of the Butter-pear, and but little, or, at least, very rarely, and by pure hazard, of the Bergamot.

Which induces the Virgoule-pear-tree to demand pretty boldly, whether it be not true, that its Fruit is not only Excellent for Taste, but of an agreeable Figure to the Eye, so that those Pears of it that grow in a fair Exposition, acquire an admirable vermilion blush; this Pear-tree further demands, if it has not the gift to form the fairest Trees of all o∣ther Fruit-plants, and to succeed admirably well in the Figure of a Dwarf-tree, that is to say, in that very manner of Trees, the Planting of which is at present in Question; it also further maintains, That the Distinctions of dry or moist Grounds, of Free or Quince-stocks, and of Standards or Wall-trees, are ordinarily of no such great Importance to its Wood, as they are to that of the Bergamots; though in respect of the inward good∣ness of the Fruit, those sorts of Differences work almost the same Effects as in the o∣thers: It is then true, that the Virgoulees are not only not subjected to that sort of Scabbiness which disfigures the Bergamot-trees, and renders them hideous to look on, and too often kills them, or at least hinders their Fruitfulness; but on the contrary, shoot out regularly on all sides, store of fair Branches, and are seen always with a smooth and shining Complexion; as if really one had taken the care to rub them, to make them bright.

The Virgoulee therefore pretends, That the time of its continuance in maturity, which is about Three Months, and the Beauty of its Tree, which never fails, ought to pre∣vail here to carry the Cause for it, against both the Butter and Bergamot-pear, and a∣gainst all other Pears which would oppose it, since, besides those Advantges, it is Infe∣rior to none of the rest, either for Abundance of Increase, or in the Point of Good∣ness.

The Leschasserie-pear, which some call the Winter Green-long or Verte-longue, and others Besidery-sandry, and which has not appeared in our Gardens above Twenty Years; this Pear, I say, might put in alone for a Title here, so strong is its Party; but it chuses however rather to join with the Ambret-pear, which is of ancient standing among us, and in great esteem, and is called in some Countries by the Name of Cheat-Servant or Trompe∣••alet.

These two Pears do not think themselves overcome by all that has been said to the ad∣vantage of them that have first spoken; they will not make it their Business to destroy one another, being agreed to serve alternatively at the Entrance of Gardens, and so their principal Ambition is to remain united, and allied in Interest and Friendship, that they may be able the more vigorously to defend themselves against the three precedent ones: And that which contributes the more to the strict Union they have made one with the o∣ther, is, That, in effect, they have some resemblance one with the other, first in their Shape, which appears roundish in both, though the Ambret be a little flatter, and hath its Eye or Crown hollower and deeper sunk, whereas the Leschasserie hath its Eye or Crown quite jetting out; and in that some of them have the form of a Lemon; they also resemble one another in the second place, in their bigness, which is of a midling size, and of about two Inches Extent every way; in the third place, in their Colour, which upon the Tree

is greenish and speckled, though the Ambret be commonly of a deeper and ruddier Co∣lour, and the Leschasserie lighter and yellower, but especially when it grows ripe. These two Pears further in some degree resemble one another in their Stalks, which in both of them are strait and pretty long, though that of the Leschasserie be a little thicker of the two; and in fine, they resemble one another as well in the time of their ripening or mellow∣ing, which is in November and December, and sometimes in January, as in the fine and butter-like substance of their Pulp, and in their sugred and somewhat perfumed Juice, but that is perfumed with a scent so agreeable, that nothing can be wished for more deli∣cious: The Leschasserie has a little more of it than its associate, and the Pulp of the Am∣bret is sometimes a little more greenish; its Kernels are blacker, and, as one may say, lodged more at large in their Apartments, than the Kernels of the other, and even the Skin of it feels ordinarily a little rougher; and besides the Leschasserie pears are pretty often, as one may term them, bunch'd and warty; but as to the Wood of their Trees, they are very different one from the other, in that the Wood of the Ambret is extreamly thorny and prickly, and is exactly like one of those wild Trees commonly seen in Hedges and Thickets, which Quality is not to be found in that of the Leschasserie-tree, which is commonly pretty slender, and shoots forth some Points but not sharp enough to prick the Fingers of them that meddle with it, as do the Ambret-trees. These two Pears found the Pretentions of their Claim of Preference upon the Fault that is found with the Butter-pear about the time of its ripening, and upon that objected against the Bergamot for its Scabby Wood; and lastly upon that Accusation brought against the Virgoulee, not only for being so long before it bears, but for having some kind of disagreeableness in its Taste; so that having at least all the good Qualities of those Pears, both in their Fruit, and in the Dispo∣sition of their Plants to be wrought into beautiful Figures of Dwarf-trees, without participa∣ting of any of their Defects, they pretend it their Right to be preferred before those which are so notably incommoded with them, that they can neither avoid nor disguise them.

The Winter Thorn pear, which well knows its own worth, will not let it self be con∣demned neither without speaking for it self: It is a very fine Pear that approaches nearera Pyramidical than a round Figure, though it has almost no part that is small in its shape, so that it ends in very little or nothing of a bluntish Point towards the Stalk, which Stalk is pretty short and small, except where it comes out of the Pear, where it is a little fleshy; every where else the Pear is all over in a manner of the same bigness, being about Two or Three Inches thick towards the Head; it is particularly much bigger than the ordinary Bergamot, or than the Ambret and Leschasserie; it has a satiny Skin, and a Colour between Green and White; it sometimes Ripens before the two last preceding ones, but most commonly at the same time with them, and sometimes too after them; it is likewise of a tender and butter-like Consistence, having ordinarily a very fine and delicate Pulp, an a∣greeable Taste, and a sweet Juice relished with an admirable smack of Perfume; it also pro∣duces fine Dwarf-trees, and prospers as well on Free as on Quince-tree-stocks, when the Stocks are good, and the Ground is well qualified, that is, of a dry rather than moist Temper. It has little to say against the two last, and especially against the Leschasseries, and ingenuously confesses the good Qualities of both of them, but yet without consenting to give them the Precedence, till there shall be a Regulation for it; but as for the other Pears, it objects to them the same Defects which these last just now Reproached them with.

It is therefore now the Question how to terminate this Contestation which has appeared but too long, upon which, having maturely examined all the Reasons alledged by each of them, I confess I have a very particular esteem for every one of them; but yet, in regard to the Trees which give them us, we must not judge the Question here under Discussion, altogether upon the same Foundation as if we were only examining the Merit of each Fruit in particular, and by comparing them only one with the other; for upon the bare Foot of Merit, in what Garden soever it were, where there were to be but two Dwarf pear-trees, I should ever incline to give the second place to the Bergamot, which I honour infinitely, and that, methinks, cannot be too much honoured, as being as it were the Queen of Pears: For indeed it is like the Excellent Muskmelons, its Pulp appearing at first firm, without being hard or stony, and fine and melting without being Doughy or Mealy, and its Juice sugred and a little Perfumed without having any mixture of sharp∣ness or wildness; and lastly, its Taste rich, and wonderfully delicious, and accompanied with something of Noble: For such a Pear as that, may it not vaunt to have approach∣ed very near the Perfection of Fruits, and ought it not to serve for a Rule and Model to all those that shall pretend to be entred into the Catalogue of good Fruits?

This Decision, in favour of the Bergamot to the Exclusion of the other Pears, would not at all surprize those curious Persons that have tasted those that are really good; for assuredly it excels the Butter-pear, which cannot deny but it has a little mixture of sharp∣ness in its Juice; it surpasses the Virgoulee, in that it is a nimbler-bearing Tree than that, and is not at all subject to that little odd strawy Taste, which, as I may so say, persecutes the most part of the Virgoulee pears, and does them a Thousand ill Offices in good Com∣panies; it no less surmounts the other three Competitors, the Leschasserie, the Ambret and the Thorn-pear, because that certainly they have nothing in them more Excellent nor more Advantageous than our Bergamot in the point of perfect goodness, but, as one may say, without any design to offend them, that both the one and the other have sometimes the ill hap to have a faint and insipid Juice, and a hard or meally Pulp: But these Faults are not to be objected against those kinds of Fruits in general, but are rather Defects that proceed from the Coldness or Moistness of the Year, the badness of the Soil, or the im∣proper Exposition in which they were produced.

Yet that which may sometimes hinder the Bergamot from receiving the benefit of this my Declaration, is, the unhappiness the Wood of its Tree has to be of so delicate a Tem∣per, that instead of making an agreeable Spectacle in Gardens, it does often but vex its Owner with its Scabbiness, which is an evil that every where almost persecutes both its Fruit and Tree. And that is the Reason I do not willingly venture to Counsel the Planting any of them any where in the Figure of Dwarf-trees, and much less in little Gardens: But yet, if notwithstanding this Deformity, which so much disobliges the Eyes, any Persons be minded, because of the Excellence of its Fruit, to Plant any of them in all sorts of Gardens, whether great or small, supposing always the Ground to be fitly quali∣fied, I would have those chosen that are graffed upon Free-stocks; but if the Ground be fatty and a little moist, then I would advise them to take those that are Graffed on Quince-stocks, and further, I would wish them to take the Striped Bergamot, otherwise called the Suisse Bergamot, rather than the common one, because being both of an equal goodness, and as difficult to Rear the one as the other, it seems in my Judgment more to the pur∣pose, to fix first upon the Striped one before we Plant any of the other sort, because it has the advantage to surpass this latter in Beauty of Colours; but, in fine, if none be Planted of either of them in the form of Dwarf-trees, we should not fail however to Plant a great many Wall-trees of them in great Gardens; and I would have one Standard tree of them Planted, to make a Figure in a great space which without that, would appear too much Ungarnish'd. But above all, it is most advantageous to Plant one of them in the Neigh∣bourhood of a great Wall exposed to a good Sun; for I have had very great Satisfaction in doing in the Kitchen-Garden at Versailles what I now Counsel to others: I also Plant some of them of the size of half Standards, as well in the middle of Squares, as on the sides, and particularly I plant some of them at two or three foot distance one from ano∣ther, as in Nursery-Gardens; and I take the same way with all the other delicate sorts, as the Petit-oins, the Thorn-pear, the Louise-bonne or good Louise, the Sugar-green, &c. to which a cold and moist Earth is absolutely contrary, and I gather from them for Eight or Ten Years, a considerable quantity of very good Fruits, and when those Trees grow too big and seem to encumber the place where they are, I take them away, and plant young Ones elsewhere, to have the same Assistance from them as long as 'tis possible.

The Article concerning this Bergamot-pear, has given a great deal of trouble to decide it; I return now at last to declare my Judgment of those sorts of Trees which, together with the Beauty of their Fruit, have the Advantage to be graced with a beautiful Wood: * 1.93 And therefore I incline here to give the second Place to the Butter-pear-tree.

The Second, or perhaps Third Dwarf-tree. A First Butter-pear-tree.

The last Reproach which was made to the Virgoulee, concerning some Oddness often found in its Taste, will be favourable to the Butter-pear to maintain it in a Rank before that; besides a particular Right of Antiquity of this Butter-pear, that has procured it a sin∣gular Veneration among all the World, to which the latter cannot so soon pretend, as also its ready Facility in bearing, which is an advantage belonging to the Butter-pear-tree preferably to the Virgoulee; and lastly, besides that 'tis certain, though they be both admi∣rable, yet may we truly say, that generally speaking, the Butter-pear makes it self more desired by all the World than the Virgoulee, and therefore that this latter ought to give place to a first Butter-pear-tree in little Gardens, which have but two Dwarf-trees in all.

And for its Consolation, it may expect its turn will come very quickly to be treated elsewhere much better than the Butter-pear, that is, much more multiplied in Trees of its Kind; for in this respect, it will in a very high degree surpass the other in most great Gardens, which we shall afterwards Plant.

But yet it is of a great Importance to this Virgoulee-pear, that we should not leave it * 1.94 under the Defamation of the publick Reproach which the other Pears cast upon it, be∣cause of its odd Taste. We cannot deny but there have been many of these Pears found with that Defect; but then 'tis not impossible to exempt them from it; for it proceeds from their having been too long kept upon Hay or Straw, or perhaps too long smothered up in some Cupboard, where they had no Air, or in a kind of Cellar, which is never without some Taste of Must; or else in some Fruit-store-house too close kept shut, when full of other sorts of Fruits, and perhaps in some part of it Infected with some strong Smell whatever it be: For all those Scents together make but a very disagreeable Smell, of which this kind of Pear is unhappily very susceptible. The only Remedy in Question is then, to put them up in some place where none of these Inconveniences are to be met with, and consequently having a Fruit-loft for that purpose, well Qualified against the great Cold and Moisture, the Boards of it must be covered with some Moss extreamly well dried; and then the Pears must be placed on it at a distance one from the other, and Air must be given them as often as the Weather is fair: With these kinds of Precautions, which are not very difficult, we may be assured to have all Winter long these Virgoulee-pears preserved from any ill Taste. They are, as we have said, fair and large, and most excellent, provided first, that, without being too much wrinkled, they appear only a little * 1.95 withered; and secondly, that they be yellow almost all over the whole Extent of their Skin; and thirdly, if in squeezing them a little with the Thumb near the Stalk, they give way without shewing any softness at the Heart; that is to say, in fine, if they come so well to ripen and mellow, that their Pulp is become tender and melting: For if, though in appearance ripe, they remain firm and hard, as it happens sometimes to them that have been laid up in moist Places, or which are of the Product of a very Rainy Summer, or of some Northern Exposition, or some cold and watrish Soil, then it cannot be denied but that these sort of Pears prove both mealy and insipid, and by consequence disagreeable. So it is, that among the Things of this World, that are the most perfect, there may be some of them that may fall into Corruption, and at the same time into Contempt; but the Fault of one particular thing ought not to be made a matter of Reproach to the whole general Kind.

One thing that is extraordinary enough, I have to remark concerning these Pears, is, * 1.96 That such of them as perhaps fell off the Tree, or were gathered about Fifteen Days before they should have been, and which because of that grow a little withered (for if they were much so, they would be despisable in all manner of Respects) these sort of Pears, I say, though a little unhandsom to look upon, yet at length being throughly mel∣lowed, are almost always of an admirable Taste, which can be hardly said of any other Fruit: But yet I do not Counsel any to gather them very long before their time; as for Example, before the End of September, because the ordinary Winds that Reign at that time, spare them, and sometimes more than they desire, the taking of that Pains; and therefore we may comfort our selves then, when any of them happen to fall, with the Expectation that they will mellow later than the rest, and will be less subject to grow doughy, and we shall be apt to wish it may happen oftner, that we may without fail have some Pears that may be good, and at the same time fair, sound and indifferently wrinkled. I shall in another place explain to you more particularly what time they are to be gather∣ed, and what are the infallible marks of their true Maturity, as well as of that of all other Fruits; which are Articles of very great Importance, and in which consist the prin∣cipal Points of our Curiosity.

The Virgoulee-pear-tree shall be regularly the Third Dwarf-tree.

The Third Dwarf-tree. A First Virgoulee.

Which we will Plant in a Garden which is able to hold but three, and methinks now, * 1.97 this Pear-tree would be much in the wrong to complain, since it may be affirmed with Truth, that it has the Honour to see it self preferred before other marvellous Pears, which are following after it; as namely, the Leschasserie, the Ambret, the Winter Thorn-pear, the Crasanne, the St. Germain, the Colmar, the Marchioness, the Petit-oin, the St. Augustin, the Rousselet, the Robins, &c.

All the World must necessarily grant, That the Name of Fruit-Garden cannot pro∣perly be given to any Garden whatsoever, in which are not to be found the Thirteen or Fourteen principalest Sorts of Pears we have; and likewise, that we cannot dispute it that Title, when they all meet there in Company. Happy is he that has planted with so much Knowledge and discerning Judgment, as having no more room in his Garden but for such a small number of Trees, to have so wisely cull'd out and join'd together the best Fruits we know.

To continue the Order of my Choice, I place the Leschasserie-pear immediately after the Virgoulee-pear.

The Fourth Dwarf-tree. A First Leschasserie. * 1.98

Before which, perhaps, some Curious Persons will make no scruple to prefer it, so true it is, That it often seems a Pear without Defect, and consequently a Fruit of the most excelling goodness: I will say in its Favour, That I never tasted any thing better in matter of Pears, than some Leschasseries growing in the open Air upon Trees, as I may say, abandoned. They were of a midling bigness, having a Skin and Shape that seemed quite wild; but, in truth, in eating them even with their Skin and all, they quite char∣med me with their rich Taste, their little delicate perfumed Scent, and their fine and melting Pulp: In fine, I cannot be silent of the Astonishment they put me in, and of the pleasure I had, and continue to have every Year in eating them; and perhaps I might say, That the best Bergamot in the World would have had much ado to have maintained its Post before them; for those which I had of the same sort from Wall-trees, came not near them any way of the World in point of goodness.

The Fifth Dwarf-tree. A First Ambret. * 1.99

And this follows it as near as 'tis possible; and indeed is ordinarily a most Excellent Pear in every point, having a fine melting Pulp, and a certain rich Taste that is very charming, provided it be of the growth of a good Soil, and that without suffering any Miscarriage, or any other ill Accident upon the Tree, it come to its perfect Maturity; but yet I know not what greenish Tincture in its Pulp, and a faintish Taste in its Juice, and particularly a strange kind of unknown, and secret lurking dry rottenness found in some of these Fruits, appear to me three sorts of Defects, for which, in my Opinion, this Pear in general ought without Repugnance, to yield the precedence to the Leschasserie, and might with good Reason enough do it likewise to the Winter Thorn-pear, when it at∣tains all the Perfection 'tis capable of. For indeed, this Thorn-pear, when it grows in a Country hot enough, in a dry Ground, and a good Exposition, in Years moderately rainy, and upon a Standard or half Standard-tree well placed, is so perfect in all its Qua∣lities, that it equals the delicateness of the Pulp of good Peaches, and is of such Excel∣lence, that the name of Marvellous has been given it in the Provinces of Angoumois, Xantoigne and Poitou, Provinces situated in a marvellous Climate, and which are known to be famous for the great number of Sorts of good Fruits they produce, and of Persons of Quality that divertise themselves there in Gardenage: And I confess in good Truth, That among all Pears, I find none better than this, when it attains the full goodness of its kind; but, at the same time. I cannot but confess likewise, That it is very hard to find any perfect ones of them; so that one may say of them, and of the Petit-oins, Ambrets, Louise-bonnes and Colmars, &c. what is said of new laid Eggs, That the least Defect is enough to make them be rejected: Whereas it is not so with other Pears, they are not rejected, though they want some degree of natural Perfection, for all Butter pears, Russelets, Boncretiens, &c. are not every Pear of them of the most Excellent in their Kind, and yet that hinders not People from eating them, though but of a midling Goodness.

There truly still remains a small Reproach to be made to this Thorn-pear, because it ripens sometimes at the same time with the other Pears which I have newly placed before it, and consequently according to those Regards I always have in making this Choice, and from which it will be convenient I should never depart, it would be much better to Plant some good Fruit of another Season in this little Garden, rather than this Pear; but to this I answer, That since this objected Inconvenience of over-hasty ripening, happens but very seldom, instead of banishing the Thorn-pear from hence for such a Reproach as that, we ought rather to be careful to plant it there, and especially if there be already no Bergamot Dwarf-tree, because it makes a very agreeable Dwarf-tree, and easily takes to bear.

I persist therefore to give to the Thorn pear at least

The Sixth Dwarf-tree. A first Winter Thorn pear.

The sixth place in a Garden well qualified, and that can receive but six Dwarf-trees. * 1.100 And there must a particular care taken of this Tree, to keep its Branches well spread, and to strip it of its Leaves too at the end of Autumn. So that the Pear, whose Colour is naturally green, may receive thereby an extraordinary Coction; and when it comes to be laid up, may grow a little yellowish, to signifie the first Appearance of its mellow∣ing; for to say the Truth, when it still preserves the same ground of green in its Skin, it had upon the Tree, as do those of this kind, that grow in a moist Ground, or upon a Dwarf-tree with a top too much tuffed, or in a bad Exposition, it lasts indeed till January or February, but 'tis only to vex him that took the pains to lay it up, and keep it; because without mellowing, it grows soft all about the Stalk, and Contracts a cottonish dry Pulp, and a flat and insipid Taste; and, in a word, proves the worst Pear in the World; neither indeed is there any Pear which has need of greater care than this, to make it come to good. It requires to be graffed upon a Free-stock in dry Grounds, and upon a Quince one in those which are moistish. It succeeds not so well in the form of a Dwarf-tree, as in that of a Standard, in those Grounds that are a little strong; and commonly is worth nothing in Soils that are fat and moist, having that Quality in common with some others which I shall speak of afterwards. However, I must needs say, that, with the care I have had to keep my Soil a little raised, and timely to uncover my Thorn-pears by strip∣ping off the Leaves of their Dwarf-trees, I have had very fair and good ones of them for near two Months together; and consequently, that the Defects of this Pear are not always incorrigible, and that when we can preserve it from them, It is a piece of Injustice not to give it place before the two last preceding ones.

I prefer it here before the St. Germain, the Perit-oin, the Crasanne, the Marchioness, the Louise-bonne, the Colmar, and the St. Augustin-pears; because, that all things well consi∣dered, it is of more worth than they; and chiefly, because the most part of those other Pears mellow in the time of some of the three preceding ones, that is to say, in the Months of November and December; in which, with respect to the smallness of the Gar∣dens we now treat of, we have other Fruits enough to give content.

I prefer it also before the two most valuable Summer-pears, which are the Famous Russelet, and the Illustrious Robine, but it is but one degree only to make it march imme∣diately before them; and these latter in their turn shall be preferred before those other five, which are of so great Reputation. And without doubt, this preference given them without any hesitation, ought to stop their Mouths from murmuring, because they were no sooner produced on the Stage. For my part, I make so great account of both of them, that I do not think a Garden that may contain Seven or Eight Dwarf-pear-trees, ought to be without one Russelet and one Robine-tree; which when we have placed, we will pro∣ceed to examine what good and considerable Qualities the other Pears can plead, in or∣der to the doing them that speedy Justice thereupon, which we think to be their Due.

Would to God, that in the matter of good Pears, the Months of January, February and March, were able to furnish me as many subjects of Disputes and Contestation to de∣termine, as I am plied with by the four preceding Months; for these latter being so poor and barren as they are, have great need of assistance; but when there will come any to them, I cannot tell. Certain it is, 'twould be a great good Fortune to them, if they posses∣sed any of those good Pears, which pour in in Shoals upon us, as I may say, about the End of Autumn, and the beginning of Winter; I lose not a moment of Time in studying and using all imaginable means, as I have before said, to bring about so great a Happi∣ness.

But to return to my purpose, I proceed then to place these two last Pears, of which we were but now speaking, assuredly expecting, that my Choice of them will be ap∣proved. For, methinks, we ought not to delay any longer to introduce here some Sum∣mer-pears, having already placed six Sorts of other Seasons: But what must I do to regu∣late the Dispute that's like to rise between these two Pears, which shall be the first? Why, I will not undertake to decide it of my own Head, it being a Cause too dangerous to judge of in the presence of the Patrons of both the Parties, and therefore not to embroil my self on either side. The way I shall take with them, shall be either to give these Pears an alternative Precedence to be enjoyed by each of them, in their turns, or rather even to let them fairly draw Lots for it: 'Tis not the first Contest of Precedence that has

been determined this way and that, to the Contentment of both Parties too. So be it then, and accordingly they cast Lots, &c.

The Lot falls upon the Russelet, for the Garden of seven Dwarf trees.

The Seventh Dwarf tree. A First Russelet.

And therefore that shall be the Seventh in Rank, and the Robine the Eighth.

And in these Russelet-pears, I make no difference between the great sort and the small sort, as do some Curious Persons; for they are certainly both but one, and to prove it so without Contradiction, let us have but recourse to our Eyes, and we shall see one Tree very ordinarily produce both the pretended sorts of them. 'Tis true however, that those that are but of a midling bigness, are commonly better than the fairest (which Obser∣vation holds too in some other Fruits, though not in all.) The great Russelet-pears doubtless are of the Product of a fat Soil, whether they grow upon Dwraf-trees or Wall-trees, and the others of that of a dry Ground, or of a Standard-tree.

I shall begin my Discourse of this Russelet-pear by telling you, There is hardly a Pear in the World more known, nor more esteemed than it. I think it is hardly necessary to make a Description of it by telling you, That 'tis a Pear of a midling bigness, of a hand∣som * 1.101 shape, more long than round, with a pretty thick Stalk and pretty long, of a grey Colour, reddish on one side, and of a dark red on the other, with some greenish Parts interlac'd, which grow yellow very opportunely, to give us notice of the Time of its Maturity: Its Pulp is tender and fine, and without any earthy or stony Remains, and its Juice most agreeably perfumed, but with such a Perfume as is to be found no where but in it self. It commonly ripens about the End of August and beginning of September, and at that time, in respect of the good Qualities with which it is endowed, I believe all the World, without hesitation, is agreed, That it may be said of the Russelets, as of the Ber∣gamots and Leschasseries, that no Pears can pretend any place in the Rank of those that are Excellent; but as they proportionably approach more or less to the goodness of the Russelet, as well as of those two other Pears. And certainly the Merit of this Russelet is so great, that it is in nothing surpassed by its great Reputation: All Ages have Experienced it to prove good in what manner soever one order it. In effect, let it be raw or baked, stew∣ed or preserv'd, or let it be prepared in form of a liquid Compote, or of a dry sweet-meat, * 1.102 it equally maintains its good Character in every manner: And let it be planted in any sort of Ground whatsoever, it will prosper. Have we a mind to have it upon a Wall-tree? It will give Content: Or, is our Fancy to Plant it in form of a Dwarf-tree? It will be admirable that way, and still better upon a great Standard; nay, one may say in its ho∣nour (which, among all Fruits, belongs, if I mistake not, only to this) that though among its Pears there are often found some that are better than others, yet there is never seen any of them that can be said to be absolutely bad, provided it be come to its full Maturity; for those that have not that, and much less those that have too much of it, are not at all agreeable.

It is good you should know here, That nothing is more contrary to this Pear, to hin∣der it from being Excellent, than the planting it against a Wall, because it certainly loses in that Situation, a part of its Perfume; but it grows fair there indeed and large, and in great abundance, and by that, in some measure, Repairs the Defect of extream Goodness: So that we may lay it down for a Rule, That we ought to Plant few Trees of this Fruit against Walls, unless we make more account of the bigness and quantity of its Fruit, than of the goodness and Delicacy of its Taste; or, unless we think it better rather to have some of them, though but indifferently good, than to have none at all, that being the ordinary Effect of a Wall-tree in respect of Pears and Peaches; for that is of the two, what I would counsel all Persons to chuse, who have a great deal of Walling to garnish, as I shall after∣wards more particularly shew, this not being the place to speak of it here. I was not able to resist the Temptation which over-sway'd me, nor to forget any thing that might set out the Excellence of this Russelet; and therefore cannot but observe to you, that there is still one singular Advantage belonging to it, which is, that whereas most other Fruits prove unsuccessful upon the Northern Wall-trees, yet those of this Pear in that Exposition, produce Fruit reasonably good, so that it would not be amiss to plant some Trees of it in those Ex∣positions which commonly are useless, or very bad for other Fruit.

O how happy should we be, if first the Russelet pear could keep a little longer than it does (it having the mishap to be very subject to grow soft and pappy, 'tis its only de∣fect, and one may often be deceived by it, without taking very good heed) or, if chiefly it would change place with so many other pitiful sorts of Pears, some of which unprofi∣tably

come in the first Summer-Months, and some again yet less to the purpose, in the midst of Winter; so that this Russelet, instead of ripening as it does, at the end of August and beginning of September, that is to say, in the time of the abundance of good Peaches and Plums, had but the Gift to come and feast us, either some time before the Maturity of the principal Stone-fruits, or sometimes after they are past. I could not help making this wish, though it be so very insignificant, and beg your Pardon for it. I know well enough, That Peaches, when they attain their natural Goodness are, as one may say, the precious Manna of our Gardens, and by the general Confession of all, are more valuable than any Kernel-fruit whatsoever; so that few People make their Court to these last, so long as the Peaches with their largeness, fine shape, beautiful Colour, and the abundance of their sweet and rich tasted Juice, together with all the rest of their admirable Qualities, continue in a condition to charm the Eye, and move the Appetite.

But yet for all that, the Russelets and the Robines are esteemed even in the Season of Peaches, how plentiful soever these latter be: And likewise, because Peaches are commonly more faulty, and more apt to fall short of their due Perfection than Pears, and that Peaches of the growth of a moist Soil, are good for little, therefore 'tis necessary for them, whose Ground is not very good, to precaution and provide themselves another way, at least by a supply of Russelet-pears in their stead, which seldom fails and is never to be rejected; that at the end of August, and in the Month of September, which is the Season of Mens eager Appetite, and most passionate desire after Fruits, they may be furnish'd at least with some pretty good Pears, in case they be so unhappy as to see the most part of their Peaches mis∣carry, or prove not over good.

This Pear is indeed small, but it affords this convenience, that it may be gathered while 'tis yet greenish, to mellow afterwards off of the Tree; so that by that means it may be kept some Days, whilst the perfection of its mellowness is coming on, and may, with∣out any diminution of its goodness, be hazarded to make some small Journies; so that, for Example, one may carry some about one, or send them from Province to Province, when the distance is not too great.

And now, after all these Praises I have given to the Russelet, may it not seem to have some Reason to complain of me, for giving it but a Seventh place? I certainly have for it as much Consideration as any curious Person can have; but, in fine, that which ought to justifie my Conduct in this Case, is, That when one can compass so much as to have a Garden big enough to contain Five or Six Dwarf-pear-trees, one may and ought, in all probability, to have a proportionable quantity of Wall-trees, for Figs, Peaches, Plums and Grapes. And that so it would be a piece of Imprudence, for such very little Places as are the Gardens we are here planting, to Counsel any one to plant any considerable number of Trees, both of Stone-fruit and Kernel-fruit, to ripen in one and the same Season of the Months of August and September, which could not well be without running the hazard of having almost no Fruit at all for the most difficult Seasons: And therefore I have ground∣ed my Expectations upon the Wall-trees, to be surely furnished with Summer-Fruits, and have design'd the most part of the six first Pear-trees for the making a Provision for Autumn and Winter, two Seasons which we pass but disagreeably without a Desert to brisk them up; And therefore, I think, I have great Reason to say, we ought to labour to provide for them before the rest.

The Russelet being thus plac'd, the Robine advances, and takes the Eighth place.

The Eighth Dwarf-tree. A First Robine-pear-tree.

This Pear is known in different Places, sometimes under the Name of the Pear of Averat, * 1.103 sometimes under that of the Muscat-pear of August, &c. and at the Court it self by the name of the Pear-Royal, that Name being given it by the Illustrious Father of the Curious, who believed, and not without reason, that, as among us, the Title of King is at present appropriated to the Person of Him that, of all Men, has the most Merit; so the Name of Royal among Pears, ought to be given to that which appears to have the fewest Defects; and, in Truth, may be look'd upon as an accomplish'd Pear. Take here its Picture: It is near about the bigness and shape of a little Bergamot, that is to say, between round * 1.104 and flat, its Stalk is pretty long, strait, and sunk pretty hollow into the Pear, and its Crown or Eye is also a little hollow and sunk inwards, its Pulp breaks short in the Mouth without being hard, and its sugred and perfumed Juice charms all the World, and particu∣larly the chiefest Prince of the Earth, and with him all the whole Royal Family. Its Colour is a yellowish White, and its Skin is gentle; it hardly grows soft at all, which is a very important Quality, and almost peculiar to this only among all the Summer-pears: Neither

does its Excellence terminate in being eaten raw; it is admirable besides in Pies and Com∣potes: It forms a very fair and large Dwarf-tree, and thrives well every where, and has no Reproach to fear, except that its Wood is subject sometimes to the Canker, and * 1.105 that commonly it is difficult to be brought to bear; but I shall elsewhere give you suffi∣cient good Remedies against those Defects; and there is nothing else but the time of its ripening that gives us any trouble to defend our choice of it to this place, because it comes in, as I have said above, together with the Russelet-pear, and the first great Peaches. But it has this advantage, That it is not asham'd to appear in their Company: All this then put together, is it not enough to oblige us to confess, That the Robine-pear Merits at least an Eighth Place, without fearing any other Pear will be able to make any available oppo∣sition against it, unless it be the Colmar-pear, for the Month of February?

The Seventh and Eighth places of Dwarf-trees being so well filled up, the Ninth is de∣manded not only by every one of the Seven Pears which we have already mentioned above, viz. The Louise-bonne or good Louise, the Petit-oin, the St. Germain, the Marchioness, the Crasanne, the St. Augustin and the Colmar; but also by the Verte longue or Long-green pear, besides which, the Sucré-vert or Sugar-green, the Dry Martin, the Lansac, the Messire-John and the Portal, dare almost presume themselves not altogether unworthy of it. Let us Examine separately the Reasons of the principal Aspirants in the same manner as near as we can, as we have done those of them already plac'd. I shall begin with explaining what concerns those new sorts of Pears, the Crasanne, the St. Germain, the Marchioness, the St. Augustin and the Colmar, and then pass on to speak of the Petit-oin, the Louise bonne or good Louise, the Verte-longue or Long-green pear, and the Lansac.

The Crasanne meets with many Gentlemen that call it the Bergamot Crasanne; Bergamot, * 1.106 because of its Pulp; and Crasanne, because of its Shape, which looks as if it were squeezed down: But I think it would be more proper for it to bear the Name of the Flat Butter-pear, it being pretty much of the Nature and Colour of the Butter pear, though it differ from it in its flat Figure, it is nearest the Shape of the Messire-John: There are of this sort some very great, some midling, and some very small Pears. The Ground of its Colour is greenish, growing yellow when it is ripe, and almost all over speckled with red Spots: Its Stalk is long, pretty thick, bent and hollow set, like Apple stalks: Its Skin is rough, its Pulp extreamly tender and Butter-like, though it be not always very fine; and its Juice is as abounding as that of the Famous Butter-pears, but that it unhappily adds beyond what they have, a certain kind of biting Sharpness, which is the Cause that among the Bergamots, the Thorn-pears, the Petit-oins, the Louise-bonnes or Good Louises, the Ambrets, the Leschasseries, &c. in whose Company it pretty often appears in the Months of October and November, it is accused to make not an over pleasing Figure, and particularly with those Persons that, loving Pears as Nature presents them, seldom care for any Sugar with them: However, because there are often enough found some Pears of this Sort without this great Defect of biting Sharpness, as it proves in those growing in a Soil a little fattish and moi∣stish, like that of Versailes; one may say, That 'tis not altogether without reason, that it pretends to the place in Dispute; to which, if we add the Qualities of preserving it self a whole Month in perfect mellowness without ever growing pappy; and lastly, of being subject at most but to the common Condition of all Fruits, that is to rottenness, and that but by degrees, it beginning at first in this Pear, but at one small part of it, to give no∣tice that it cannot last much longer. These Three last Considerations may reasonably procure it a great number of Protectors.

To look upon a St. Germain-pear, being very long and pretty big, and some of them green and a little spotted, some pretty red, and all of them growing very yellow as they ripen, with short, indifferent thick and bending Stalks; one would take it for a very fine Virgoulee-pear; and those of them that are but small of growth, are something like the St. Le∣zin-pears: This Sort of Pear comes almost always in at the same time with the Virgoulee, Thorn pear, Ambret and Leschasserie, though sometimes it comes before them, and sometimes not till after them, which commonly depends upon the Temper and Behaviour of the Summer and Autumn; and that, as I have elsewhere said, holds true, not only as to these Pears, but, in general, in all the fine Autumn and Winter-pears; and besides, the difference of Stocks on which those sorts are graffed, whether Free or Quince-stocks; and of Exposi∣tions more or less Sunny, and of Soils dry or wet, are of great Influence in this re∣spect, &c.

This St. Germain-pear, otherwise called the Unknown Pear of the Fare, has a very tender * 1.107 Pulp, without any earthy or stony Remains, is of a great Taste, with much Juice, but that Juice has very often a small point of Lemonish sharpness, which pleases some curious People, and displeases some others: I have seen some of them that had little or nothing

of that Taste, and some others again which happily had none at all, and were by con∣sequence, better to my Taste; without doubt, the being Graffed on a Quince-stock, and the excessive driness of a Soil, augment this Defect; and therefore we ought to affect ra∣ther to Graff them upon Free-stocks, and in a Ground where driness does not so much pre∣dominate; yet, I will say to its Honour, that this sowrish Taste is found only in such Pears of this sort, that because they are worm-eaten, mellow in November, and is seldom met with in those that come not to mellow till the end of December.

The Marquis or Marchioness assumes two different Figures, according to the difference of * 1.108 the Soils or Trees on which it grows: If the Ground be dry, it is pretty like in Bigness and Shape, to a very fine Blanquet-pear, or a midling Boncretien, and it proves the same upon a Standard-Tree; But in Grounds that are fat and moist, and upon a Dwarf-tree, there are of them that grow extraordinary great. This Pear is of a handsom make; it has a flat Head, a little Eye or Crown sunk inwards, a pretty big Belly and handsomly sloping down towards the Stalk, which is indifferent long, thick, bent downward, and a little hollow set; its Skin is somewhat rough, its Colour is of a green Ground flourished with some flakes of red, as is to be seen in the Butter-pear; which Colour, if it change not in ripening, the Pear proves very bad, having in that the same Destiny with the Louise-bonnes or Good Louise's, the Thorn-pears, Petit-oins and Lansacs; this miscarriage comes from the moistness of the Soil, or the too thick and tuffed Figure of the Dwarf-tree in such Grounds: But when the green of it grows kindly yellow as the Fruit ripens, then the Pulp of it is tender and fine, the Taste pleasing, the Juice sufficiently abounding, and as much Sugred as is to be wish'd in a marvellous Pear: It's true, it has something of a stony Substance towards the Core, but that sure ought not to hinder it from being look'd upon with some esteem, in the Months of October and November.

The Pear of Colmar came to me under that Name, from an illustrious curious Gen∣tleman * 1.109 of Guien, and from another Place under the Name of a Manna-pear, and under that of the latter Bergamot: And indeed this last Name would better agree to it, than that of Colmar; it has very much of the Air of a Boncretien, and sometimes of a fair Ber∣gamot: * 1.110 Its Head is flat, its Eye or Crown indifferent great, and sunk very hollow, its belly a little thought bigger than the Head, moderately lengthening it self, and very grosly lessening till it comes to the Stalk, which is short, pretty thick and bent downwards. Its Colour is a spotted green like the Bergamet, and sometimes a little tinged with red on the side next the Sun: It grows a little yellow when it comes to be mellow, which happens in December and January, and sometimes reaches as far as February and March: Its Skin is gentle and smooth, its Pulp tender, and its Juice very sweet and very sugred; in which you have the Picture of an Excellent Pear, but yet it has the same ill Offices to fear from the Quality of the Soil, and of the Seasons with the Thorn-pear, the Louise-bonne or Good Louise, the Petit oin, &c. being a little subject to have its Pulp gritty and insipid; besides which, it fears the least blasts of the Autumn Winds, which especially upon Tall-trees easily blow down its Fruit, and hinder it from acquiring that degree of Perfection which natu∣rally it should have. Its just maturity of mellowness is not easie to nick; for though it be yellow, it is not always ripe enough for all that, but after it has appeared yellow for a considerable time, when it yields a little to the Thumb, if gently pinch'd.

The Petit-oin, which some Angevins, or People of Anjou, name Bouvar, others the Russet of Anjou, others Amadont; and lastly, others, the Winter-Marvel, is a Pear of November. * 1.111 It is almost of the bigness and shape of the Ambrets or Leschasseries. Its Colour is a clear green, a little spotted, and has a small touch of yellow when it is ripe; one would be * 1.112 ready enough to take it for a midling Bergamot, but that it has nothing of flatness, but, on the contrary, is very round, has a great Eye or Crown jetting outwards, a small stalk pretty long, a little bending downward, and shallow set, a Skin between rough and soft; its Body is a little uneven, and full of Bunches, its Pulp extreamly fine and melting, with∣out any stony or earthy remains, its juice very sweet, very much sugred, and agreeably Perfumed with a smack of Musk; all which confirms to us, That as little as it is in Bulk, it ought to be allowed a Place among good Pears, and be ranked among the first in Fruit-Gardens, though, as I have elsewhere said, it runs the same hazards as the Thorn-pear, and other principal Pears of contracting a doughy and insipid Pulp; but in fine, for all that, it may be said, That provided its natural temper be not spoiled by those Things which may be termed the sworn Enemies of all good Fruits, which are too much moisture and too little heat; there cannot, during two Months space, be seen a better little Pear than this is in its perfect Maturity.

The Louise Bonne, or Good Louise, is of a shape pretty like that of St. the German-Pear, * 1.113 and even of the Verte-Longue, or Long-green-Pear of Autumn; but that it is not quite so narrow pointed; some of them are much bigger and longer than others, but the least are best; its stalk is very short, a little fleshy, and bent downwards; its Eye or Crown is small and even with the body; its skin very gentle and smooth, its colour of a speckled greenish, growing whitish as it ripens, which happens not to the bigger of them: The First Mark then of its ripeness is that whiteness, tho that be not sufficient alone, but it must yield to the thumb when it is gently pinched towards the Crown: It's other good qualities consist in, that it is marvellously fruitful, and supplies almost the two whole Months of November and December; that its Pulp is extreamly tender, and full of Juice, which Juice is pretty sweet, and of a rich Taste; in that it grows not soft and pappy, as most other Pears do; and above all, in that it very much pleases his Majesty; but that is to be understood, when it has all the goodness it is capable of; for it seems to be like Children that are born with good inclinations, of whom it may be truly said, that if they be well Educated, those good Qualities improve in them to perfection, but if ill, they dege∣nerate and are corrupted; in the same manner, wet grounds makes this Pear very big, but at the same time very bad withal, giving it a green crude and wildish Tast, and a very peculiar sort of pulp not otherwise to be described, but by saying it is almost like congealed Oyl, it being true enough, that this pulp makes no continuous body, its parts hanging no more together, than so many grains of honey, or of wetted sand; but in re∣compence, the full Air and Standard Trees are very favourable to it, and would be more, if it stuck but a little faster than it does, to its Stalk: From whence 'tis easie to conclude that such as we see good of them, are of the growth of dry Soils, or at least of such other grounds as have been very carefully cultivated.

The Verte-Long, or Long Green, otherwise called the Mouille-Bouche, or Mouth-Moistner * 1.114 of Autumn, is one of those Ancient Pears that all the World knows; of the two Names it bears, the first gives the true Description of its outside, and the other denotes its in∣ward goodness; it has a great many Friends, and, a great many Enemies, and those which are its Adversaries object against it, that it often comes unseasonably to mix it self in the company of the Lateward-Peaches, and among the Butter-Pears, that is to say, among ex∣cellent Pears endued with such charming Qualities that are able to Eclipse all that the Verte-Longue can shew to recommend it self, and even to perswade people they may very well be without it; they likewise find fault with it for being too apt to grow soft, and because unless it grow in a ground that's Dry and Sweet, it commonly is in danger of growing doughy, or at least of having but a faint and insipid Juice.

I confess indeed, That those are very powerful Reproaches, if they were altogether true, and inseparably affixed to this Pear; but we can answer, First, That we suppose in this place the ground to be favourable enough to produce good ones; in the second place we say, that the time of its Ripening is commonly about the middle of September, and that then the Butter-Pears are ordinarily gone and past, so that in that time, it often makes an agreeable interlude in consort with the last ripe Peaches, and particularly with the Mu∣scat-Grapes, in expectation of the Ripening of the Bergamot and Petit-Oin-Pears, which ought not to be long behind; for otherwise, we are reduced to make a shift with nothing else perhaps, but Messire Johns, Vine-Pear, Lansacs and Rousselins, &c. Which are all Pears that ought to hide themselves so long as any Verte-Longues, or Long-Greens are in being.

On the other side, if we please to do it the Justice to consider the great quantity, the Sweetness and Perfume of its Juice, with the delicacy and fineness of its Pulp, we cannot but confess we have no Pear that can dispute with it in those Qualities; nay, further I dare affirm, that it exceeds most other Pears in that wonderful abundance of Fruit, which as it were to confound its Enemies, it ordinarily presents us every year upon our Garden-Theater.

It is very certain, if it be never so little helped out with Sugar, as it is a Pear without any appearance of any Stony or Earthly Matter, and that has hardly any more skin nei∣ther than good Peaches, we shall find so many Reasons for it, and so few against it, that in Fine, in spite of all Objections, it will make it self be considered, as a very important Fruit in the time of its perfect Maturity.

The Dolphin, or Lansac Pear, called in some places, the Lichefrion, or Lick-Sweet of Au∣tumn, * 1.115 has indeed some fine days, and some very foul ones: Its ordinary bigness is about that of Bergamets, and none but the little ones of this sort are good; its shape is between Round and Flat towards the Head, and a little longish towards the Stalk; its Colour is a pale Yellow; its Juice sugred, and a little perfumed; its Skin is smooth; its Pulp Yel∣lowish, Tender and Melting; its Eye or Crown Bigg, and even with the Body; its

Stalk strait, and pretty Long, Thick and Fleshy: And I have met with some of them that to my Tast, were almost perfectly good Pears; but as I said just now, that happens only when they are but of a midling bigness, and especially when their skin is almost all over covered, as I may say, with a Coat of Russet or Cinnamon Colour, which often hap∣pens to those that grow in dry grounds, or upon Tall Trees; for in any other Soil, or on any other sort of Tree, this sort of Pear proves Doughie, Inspid, and in a Word, one of the most imperfect Pears in Nature; which proves but too true in those that growing in Cold and Moist Soils, or particularly upon tufted and bushy Dwarf-trees, have acquired the bigness of a fair Messire-John, and a whitish green colour; from this then, it follows, that the Lansac is like the most part of the good Pears of which we have spoken, that is to say, That it succeeds not indeed every where, but yet is in an entire good disposition to do well, if it be happily planted; and therefore might well enough deserve a tolerable good place in a small Garden, if particularly it Ripened in any other Season but just at the beginning of November, which is so well stored with other Pears of the first Order; upon which consideration, we shall defer placing it, till we come to plant bigger Gardens.

But as to the seven other preceding ones, that, as one may say, make an admirable con∣sort of good Fruits, during the Months of November, December and January, having to se∣cond them, the Ambrets, the Leschasseries, the Thorn-pears, and above all, the Virgoulees, which seems to make in this body of Musick, a kind of continual Base, I say, in respect to those seven preceding Pears, I cannot deny but I am much puzled how to decide in what Order they ought to have admission into our Gardens, they are all so very good; yet if I had some of those good Soils which offend neither in too much driness nor moi∣sture, I would give my Voice to the Petit-Oin for the ninth place, to the Crasane, for the Tenth, the St. Germain, for the Eleventh, the Colmar, for the Twelfth, the Louise bonne, or Good Louise, for the Thirteenth, the Verte-Longue, or Long-Green, for the Fourteenth, and to the Marquise, or Marchioness, for the Fifteenth.

The Ninth Dwarf-tree. A First Petit-Oin. A.

The Tenth Dwarf-tree. A First Crasane. B.

The Eleventh Dwarf-tree. A First St. Germain. C. * 1.116

The Twelfth Dwarf-tree. A First Colmar. D.

The Thirteenth Dwarf-tree. A First Louise-bonne. E.

The Fourteenth Dwarf-tree. A First Verte-Longue. F.

The Fifteenth Dwarf-tree. A First Marchioness. G.

And that which is here to be Remarked by all the world (for ordinarily men are not Masters of such happy Soils) is, That of these seven sorts of Pears, there are two that are much afraid of a very dry ground, and require one that is moderately Moist, and they are the Crasane, and the St. Germain; but that, as for the other five sorts, they are of a quite opposite Temper, and succeed wonderfully well, where the two others mis∣carry; and again in their turn, become Objects of our pity, or rather of our Horrour and Aversion, in moist Soils, unless our industry and cultivation be very skillfully applied to correct that defect.

You may be pleased to take Notice, what for that purpose I have practised with good * 1.117 success enough in the Kings Kitchin-Garden; The Scituation of the place which is natu∣rally Marshy, and the Temper of the Earth which is cold and gross, put me on upon making many Experiments, as I have said elsewhere; for I was absolutely minded to have of all those sorts of Pears, that really had any thing of worth to make them desira∣ble, and for that effect, striving particularly to content the palate of the Master I have the honour to serve, I endeavoured to lay in there a proportion of Molds of all sorts of Constitutions, to give those Pears the means to attain their due perfection: And there∣fore I raised a part of my ground into double Slopes and Ridges with convenient Fur∣rows and Gutters between, to drain them, and consequently to dry them from all super∣fluous Moisture; and planted upon the most Elevated parts of these Ridges or Slopes, as well in form of Dwarf, or Standard-trees, such sorts of Fruits that could the least endure humidity, and placed those others that find their Account better in a Scituation not so dry, in other parts which I had not raised so high.

The Counsel then that I take the Liberty to give to all curious persons, is, that, if their little Gardens offend in humidity, and they be minded to correct that Fault in them, they would imitate as far as they can in due proportion, what I have practised in a very great one; and on the other side, that they who have only a very dry Soil, if they please to believe me, would plant but few Crasane, or St. Germain-Pear-trees, unless it be upon

free-stocks, for fear otherwise, of a little biting sharpness in the first, and a little sowr∣ness in the second (tho both those Tasts are easily allayed with a little Sugar, or else vanish when those Fruits come to their full Ripeness) and would rather fix upon the five other sorts, which will amply recompense them for all their pains and care.

But those again who have ground that is moderately Moist, will do well to give some good places to some Dwarf-trees of the Crasane and St. Germain-Pears grafted, either upon free or Quince-stocks, and at the same time, to reject the Louise-Bonns, or Good-Louise, the Petit-Oins, and the Marchioness-pears, unless they plant Standard Trees of them, or take great care that nothing cover them from the heat of the Sun.

The short Eating Pears, which were formerly in such great Vogue in all Gardens, are so far from seeing themselves in favour at this day, that now no esteem at all is made neither of the Messire Johns, nor Dry-Martins, nor Portals, nor Besideries, and if they ap∣pear upon Noble Tables, it is not never to return any more, or to give any pleasure to the Taste; but only with design at most, to help towards a solid construction of Fruit-Py∣ramids there used for State or Shew. Yet notwithstanding all this, these kinds of Pears are not without some Patrons; and therefore as they are sensible they have still as much worth as ever they had formerly, they demand to be admitted to have the fair play to shew it with the best advantage to the world; to endeavour what they can to retrive their credit, and to be suffered at least to follow next those fifteen choice preceding Pears which have had all the honour of the First Gardens.

The Excellency of the Dry-Martin; which is sometimes called the Dry-Martin of Cham∣pagne, * 1.118 to distinguish it from another that is called the Dry-Martin of Burgundy, does not consist in its being of the bigness and shape of a Russelet, so that in some places 'tis called the Winter Russelet (tho there be another Pear that having no other Name but that, takes it very ill the Dry Martin should so enviously usurp the Title from it.) Neither does it's Merit consist in that being tinged with an Isabella Red on the one side, and a very High Coloured Red on the other, it extreamly pleases the Eyes, for that would not be enough to carry the Prize in a contestation about the goodness of Fruits; but it lies first, in that it has a pulp that eats short, and that is pretty fine, together with a sugred Juice with a little smack of perfume; and in the second place, in that it has the advantage to be good to Eat with its skin and all, as is the true Russeles or Russetin, nay, and to be eaten too as soon almost as 'tis gathered; Thirdly, in that it is a Fruit of Great increase, and some∣times keeps pretty long, so that it is of some use in the Month of November; and lastly, that its Plant forms a very fine Dwarf-tree, and produces well in all sorts of Figures of Trees, and in all sorts of Grounds: And therefore I cannot but have some esteem for this Pear, and accordingly shall admit it to appear when we shall come to model the Planta∣tions of Great Gardens, and especially when we come to finish that of a hundred Trees; But in little ones it durst not presume to shew it self among so many other excellent tender Pears that come in as well as that in the Month of November.

As for the Messira-John, whether it be White or Grey (for they are both but the same sort) who is there that knows it not? It has not in Truth the Gift to please all the world: For those that like it not find Fault with its stoniness to which it is very Subject, and Objject against its rough and gross Pulp, which by this means it contracts, and that, with but too much Reason; yet methinks they lash out a little too far in their contempt of it; when they say, 'tis but a Pear for a Curate, a Burgess, or a Serving-man, or at most, a Pear for the Vulgar people; but whatsoever they are pleased to say, they cannot but confess however, in its justification, that as much as it dreads and abhors Grounds that are too dry, and Summers too burning hot, which make it small and despicable; so much it desires and delights in a Soil that is moderately moist, either by Nature, or by Art, that is to say Moist, by the the help of Watering; and so accommodated, in a Summer that is pretty mild, it infallibly prospers so as to grow a fair large Pear, and of great increase, thriving almost as well upon a Free, as upon a Quince-stock, and in the Form of a Standard-tree, as of a Dwarf: The shape of this Pear is flat, and its Skin is a little rough * 1.119 in those that are Grey, but in those that are White, it is a little gentler, and in a short Eating Pulp, it yields a very sugred Juice, with a midling quantity of stony substance; and it may even be praised for so well nicking the time of its Ripening; for that, in fine, to avoid the confusion it might suffer if it should be so bold as to intrude into the Com∣pany of the tender and Butter-pears, to which it will not presume to compare it self, it stays just till the Russelets, the Butter-pears, and the Verte-longues, or Long-green-pears are past, and comes in a little before the middle of October, as 'twere only to amuse the cu∣rious, whilst the Marchionessos, Louise-bonnes, or Good Louise's and Petit-Oins are advancing towards their Maturity, and especially whilst the Bergamot is preparing to shew her self

with all the splendour and agreeableness that becomes the Queen of Pears: If this Messire-John had any better Reasons to produce, it would not fail to alledge them with the utmost advantage it could; and it desires we should count it for one Plea in its favour, that it is disposed well enough to form a goodly Dwarf-tree, and that its Fruit makes an Indifferent fine Figure in the Deserts of the Vacation Season.

It would not be just, if after we have spoken of the Messire-John, we should not say something too of the Portal, which is a Pear so famous in one of the greatest Provinces * 1.120 in the Kingdom, that is to say of Poitou, a Province full of Gentry of very delicate Pa∣lats, and very curious in Matters of Gardening; such a proceeding would be publickly to reflect on them, as if they were grosly mistaken in the Esteem they make of their Portal-pear; or, I should put my self in danger of being accused by them of not knowing it well enough, if I should prefer many other Pears before it; but for all that, to speak of it with all possible sincerity, I must needs say, I know no Pear that has a greater num∣ber of Enemies than this, whose aversion is grounded upon all those Faults that discredit it in a great many places; as for Example, these that follow, Viz. That it is somewhat hard, stony and full of earthy and gritty substance; that it seldom comes to any good any where else but in Poitou, and especially in and about the City of Poitiers; that it seldom ever begins to be good to Eat, till it begins to have some speck of Rottenness, which cannot be said of any other Fruit; and lastly, that it is much of the Nature of Musk-Melons, that is to say, that for one Pear of this sort, that proves excellent, there are very many that are very far from it, besides that its Dwarf-trees are ordinarily of a very mean Beauty.

That which may be answered in its defence, is, That notwithstanding all these Re∣proaches, it cannot be disputed but that it has some good Qualities which are capable to procure it some consideration, when it has all the Goodness which belongs to it, and which ordinarily is not found but in such Pears of it as are of the product of Trees graft∣ed upon Free-stocks: It's sugred Juice its agreeable perfume, its bigness, its colour and its shape, which render it almost like a brown and very flat M••ssire-John, and its mellowing in the Months of January and February, &c. These Reasons might methinks sweeten peo∣ples * 1.121 minds towards the Portal-pear, and induce them to consent I should give it a good place, especially considering withal, that, tho commonly it be better in Poitou than any where else, it is however true, that we have pretty often some in this Country that hard∣ly yield to them of Poitou in goodness; but that being something rare, I think it best for our purpose to leave the Gentlemen Poitevins in full Liberty to plant themselves as ma∣ny Trees as they please, of their so much beloved Pear, and to counsel my Querists every where else, to prefer many other Pears before them.

I have already placed fifteen sorts of Pear-trees, I shall next speak of those others that I still esteem beyond the Portal, to fill up the rest of the five and twenty, or thirty first places in Gardens of a midling extent.

You are without doubt surprised, that having above named in passing, the St. Augustine among the principal Pears, I have since made no more mention of it in order to the * 1.122 placing it: The Truth of it is, this omission was made, not out of any forgetfulness, but only because of the time of its mellowing, which hapning together with so many others towards the end of December made me reckon this ill 〈…〉〈…〉ing its season for a kind of Fault. I had formerly seen some under this Name, and under that of Pears of Pisa, which * 1.123 I made no account of, because of their smallness, and particularly because of the hardness and dryness of their Pulp, tho a little Perfumed; but since that I have seen other very fair ones which I believe different from the former, and found them very good: They are of much about the bigness and shape of a fair Virgoulee-pear, that is to say, they are indifferent long, and pretty big, having their belly and also their lower part round, but * 1.124 with some diminution of bigness as well on that side, as towards the Stalk; I should tell you, this stalk is rather long than short, and that it appears strait in some, and bent down∣wards in others, and yet not hollow set in the part out of which it comes; its Eye or Crown is pretty big, and somewhat sunk in wards; its colour is a fair Lemon-yellow, a little speckled, with a little blush of Red on that side next the Sun: The Pulp of it is ten∣der, without being butterish, and furnishes more Juice in the Mouth than it promised in cutting with the Knife; some of these Pears have a little smack of Sowrness in their Tast, which is so far from being displeasing, that it serves rather to give it the greater rellish; and some others of them have hardly any at all of it; I believe this Description sufficient to direct you how to know this Pear, which I assuredly esteem, but should prize it much more, if, as I was made to hope, it could be brought to keep till the Months of February and March: However, it may well deserve the sixteenth place, which I give it.

The Sixteenth Dwarf-tree. A First St. Austin. * 1.125

The Seventeenth Dwarf-tree. A First Messire-John. A.

The Eighteenth Dwarf-tree. A Second Butter-pear. B.

This done, I thought I could not do better than to give the Seventeenth place to a first Messire-John; it being a pretty good Pear when it is large and full ripe; and the Eigh∣teenth place, to a second Butter-Pear, because in a Garden of Eighteen Dwarf-trees, it seems to me, that 'twould be too little to have but one Dwarf-tree of that sort.

And now here follows all at once a crowd of Pears of three several Seasons, which have every one their Partisans to demand in their favour the Nineteenth place in a Garden of Nineteen Trees: Viz. The little Muscat, or Musk-pear, which is one of the good Sum∣mer-pears, and comes in in the beginning of July; the Cuisse-Madame, or Lady-thigh; the Great Blanquet, or White-pear, and the lesser one; and the Long-tail'd Blanquet, and the Skin∣less Pear, the Muscat-Robert, the Gourmandine, or Greedy guts Pear, the Bourdon, the Amiret, the Hasty Russelet, or Russetin, the Finor and the Cyprus pear, &c. Which all follow the lit∣tle Muscat hard at the heels; The Orange-green-pear, for the End of July. The Musked Orange-pear, the Summer Thorn-pear, the Summer Bergamot, and the Pear d'Epargne, or Re∣serve-pear, for the middle of August; the Oignonnet, or Onionet-pear, the Fondante, or melt∣ing-pear of Brest, the Persume-pear, the Brutte-bonne, or Chew-good-pear, the two sorts of Summer Boncretiens, and the Cassolette, for the End of the same Month; the Salviati, the English-pear, the Reville, the Cat-pear of the Country of Foret, and the Flowery-Muscat, im September, the Brown-Orange-pear, the Russelin, the Fille-Dieu, or Daughter of Gods-pear, the Suggar-green-pear, and the Besi de la motte, in the Month of October and November, as also the Round-Milan, otherwise called the Winter-Milan-pear, the Arch-Duke, the Boncretien But∣ter-pear, the Ebergenit, and the Winter Messire-John, the Pastourelle, for November and De∣cember; the Ronville, the Great Musk-peor, the Chaumontel, and the Winter-Russelet, for Ja∣nuary and February, the St. Lezin, and the Bugi, for the Months of March and April, the Winter-Lemon-pear, otherwise called the Lucina, is not without having raised some affecti∣on towards it in some curious persons that love Fruits of a Perfumed Rellish: The Vine-pear in October, boasts it self to be so good in some places, that we cannot, as it believes, without the greatest injustice in the World refuse it admittance at least among the Nineteen, and the Spanish Boncretien, has it not, as one may say, some Adorers of its Beauty, and some of its Goodness? Nay, and the very Besidery, the Carmelite, the Ber∣nardiere, the Gilogile, the Cadet pear, the Double crowned-pear, and the Double-flowered pear could almost find in their Hearts too, to present their Petitions for Precedence before all those we have just now named: And the Admiral, the Rose-pear, the Malta-pear, the Maudlin-pear, the Catburnt-pear, the Black Sucrine or Black Sugred-pear, the Vilaine of Anjou, the Caillot rosat, or Rosie Pebble pear, the Thick tail'd pear, the Besie de Caissoy, and some others like them, have indeed some Goodness and some Reputation in some certain parts: But I do not believe they have Vanity enough to demand I should speak of them so soon, they will doubtless be contented to appear in the crowd of Fruits, and will without jealousie see many other Pears make a great Figure every where, whilst with little noise a part of them shall be allowed their place in some by-part in great Gardens, and shall serve at least to make there some tolerable variety.

The Pretensions of this last Troop of Pears, have indeed a while diverted me from the choice I design to make for our Nineteenth place, but have not made me change it; for I am now going to give the Honour of it to those for which, of all Pears, I think my self most obliged in this place to declare.

And that is not as yet, for the Little Muscat or Musked-pear, though seriously I infinite∣ly * 1.126 esteem it, and it be really a very agreeable Pear, especially when it is pretty large, and it have time to grow yellow, that is, to ripen well. It comes alone, and almost the first of all; it is that which, as I may say, opens the Theater of good Fruits; all which Con∣siderations would be strong enough to gain me in its Favour, but that 'tis too small a Pear to take up so soon so great and precious a Place, and especially in the Figure of a Dwarf-tree, in which, no more than the Bergamot, it seldom meets with any success: It requires, without doubt, to be planted rather against Walls, and accordingly I shall take care to place it well in that Situation, when I shall come to treat of those Fruits that are to gar∣nish our Walls.

The Great Blanquet-pear, which is the true Musked Blanquet, and the Cuisse-Madam or Lady thigh pear, would have reason to be offended, if the Muscat should precede them, at least in the Form of a Dwarf-tree, though doubtless, and without Contradiction, they both

ought to give place to it, in that of a Wall-tree. And therefore I think 'tis most proper to give the Nineteenth place here to the Cuisse-Madam or Lady thigh, and the Twentieth to the Great Blanquet, rather than to any other.

The Nineteenth Dwarf-tree. A First Cuisse Madam, or Lady-thigh. A. * 1.127

The Twentieth Dwarf-tree. A First Great Blanquet. B.

The Cuisse-Madam or Lady thigh, is a kind of Russelet, its shape and colour being agree∣able to that sort of Pear; its Pulp is between short and tender, accompanied with an in∣different great abundance of Juice, having a small relish of Musk, and being very plea∣sant when it is full ripe; to which may be added another very favourable reason both for this Pear and the Great Blanquet; which is, that they both come to chear us, whilst the Peaches are a coming; and that they are the first Pears that are reasonably large and good, that we have in the Beginning of July. Their Plants form very fine Dwarf-trees, and the only fault I find in them is, that they are very hard to be brought to bear; but yet from the very first Moment they have once begun, they produce to a wonder.

The Great Blanquet, or White-pear, is very different from that which is simply called the Blanquet, or little Blanquet-pear, and is more forward in ripening by Fifteen Days; it is bigger and not so handsomly shaped for a Pear as the lesser one; it colours a little upon a Dwarf tree, and has a very short thick stack and a little hollow set: Its Wood, which is small, and its Leaf, are pretty like those of the Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thigh, where∣as the Wood of the Little Blanquet is ordinarily very thick and pretty short; the Great Blanquet is likewise very different from the Long-tail'd Blanquet, which is a handsom Pear, whose Crown is pretty big and standing out; its belly round and pretty long towards the stalk, which is a little fleshy and pretty long, and bending downwards; its Skin very smooth, white, and sometimes a little coloured on the Sunny side; its Pulp is between short and tender, very fine, and very full of Juice, which is surged and very pleasant. It has the faults of most part of the Summer-pears, which are to have something of stony or earthy Relicks, and to become doughy when they are let to grow too ripe; this Pear, no more than the Great Blanquet are not yet very common, though they well deserve to be so: They succeed well, whether it be on Dwarf or Standard trees. I shall not be long before I place this Long-tail'd Blanquet. The white Colour which appears in the Skin of the three sorts of Pears, has occasioned their being called Blanquets or Blanched pears, which is the Name they bear.

The Cassolet having just now seen the Cuisse-Madam, and the Great Blanquet, or White-pear, pass before it, murmurs in earnest, because it is not preferr'd before them. It is a longish and greyish Pear, which is hardly inferior to any thing to the Robine-pear; neither in its Pulp, nor in its Juice, nor in its whole Excellence taken altogether, save only that is apt to grow soft, which happens not to the Robine-pear, and therefore it might well dispute these two last places, if it were as happy as the Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thighs, and Blanquets or White Musked-pears, in well timing its Maturity; but it comes not in till about the middle of August, that is to say, with the Robine, and near about the beginning of the prin∣cipal Peaches, and in the prime of the Season of Figs, and of the best Plums, which we have by the means of Walls of Inclosure, which is, to come in too good company to partici∣pate so soon in the first honours of small Gardens, and therefore I defer the placing of it yet for some further time.

It is visible enough, that in this distribution of Places, I act as 'twere the part of a Ma∣ster of Ceremonies, who for the common good, aims particularly to order things so, that if in every season of the year we cannot have an abundance of good fruits, we may have at least a competent and reasonable quantity of them in proportion to the extent and quan∣tity of Ground in the Garden every one has, and particularly in proportion to the assistance which the Wall-trees should contribute for their part, upon which I count, and 'tis cer∣tain that had it not been for such prospects as these, I had already placed the Cassolet, and the Musked Summer Boncretien, &c. That which I intend then at present, is so exactly well to regulate and proportion all good fruits that every one of them in its rank, may have opportu∣nity to satisfie the obligation that seems to have been imposed upon them all, not only to give pleasure to man, but above all, to contribute to the preservation of his health.

And methinks we have appearance enough to perswade us, there is such an obligation laid on them: For in effect, is it not visible, in that Nature furnishes us more or less of fruits according as we are more or less attacked by external heat, which would otherwise be power∣ful enough to offend us? This is a Sovereign Remedy, and a Refreshment ready prepa∣red, which she presents us every year in the Critical time of our need: 'Tis for that rea∣son, that in the Month of August, that is to say, in the time of the most formidable heats of the Dog-days, we have such store of Musk-melons, Figs, Peaches, Plums, and even of Pears too:

We see likewise that at the arrival of the rigorous cold, which ordinarily domineers from Mid-November, till February and March, we all finding our selves more sensible of the first on-set of the Frosts, are thereby constrained to approach so much the nearer the Fire, to defend our selves from them.

That external foreign heat so suddenly taken in, might without doubt so immoderately augment that which we have from Nature, that great Infirmities might from thence hap∣pen to us. But that this good Mother out of her ordinary Wisdom seems to have pro∣vided against them, by giving us precisely for that time, an admirable Quantity of tender Fruits, that is to say, of Bergamot-pears, Petit-oins, Crasannes, Louise-bonnes or Good-Louises, Leschasseries, Ambrets, Virgoulees, Thorn-pears, St. Germains, Colmars, St. Augustins, and in∣termixing with them even some of those short-eating and musked Pears, which are no bad Fruit, of which I have above spoken, as Amadots, Great Musk-pears, Dry Martins and Portals, besides all the Apples, as Calvilles, Pepins, Fenouillets or Fennel-apples, Cour-pendu's or Short-stalk'd Apples, &c. And we see the number of these divine Antidotes diminishes gradu∣ally, as we cease to have so great a necessity for them; that is, I mean as the great Cold approaches, which, if I may be so bold to say it, appears to me, to be the common Ene∣my of Mankind, and which particularly at the time that I am labouring most for the Mat∣ter I treat of, most Torments and Afflicts me.

'Tis not my part, nor yet is this a proper place to declaim here against this Cold; but if any advantage might redound to us by so doing, without doubt considering that it equally incommodes me every where, where-ever I meet with it, whether in my Body or my slender wit, or whether more particularly in our Gardens, and, above all, in regard of our Novelties. There should be nothing that I would not say or do, to banish a good part of it out of our Climates: For, humanly speaking, I have no kindness at all for the Cold, unless it be for some Icicles and a little Snow, which are the Relicks we have of it in its absence, and which we take great care to shut up in the close Prisons of our Ice∣houses; they being as it seems a sort of Criminals which have need of the Correction of a long Imprisonment, before they can be brought to a temper to be made serviceable for any good; And, in effect, there is a time when the Remains of those Persecutors of Men and Gardens, approve themselves to be very useful; for, in fine, during the troublesom heats of Summer, they bear the most delicious part in the Drink of Noble Persons. How∣ever, would to God, that without experimenting the Rigor of the Winters our selves, we could have Ice brought to us from the North, as we have Olives, Oranges, and so many other good Things from hot Countries.

I proceed all along according to the Design I proposed to my self, which is to contrive, as near as 'tis possible, that we may have in every Garden at least some one kind of good Fruit of every Season, and that from the Moment we begin to have any, there may be no discontinuation or interval till the return of Fruits again the next Year. We have the Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thigh, about the middle of July, we may join to it for the One and Twentieth place, the Musked Bourdon, or rather the Muscat Robert, which makes the more agreeable Dwarf-tree of the two.

The One and Twentieth Dwarf-tree. A First Muscat-Robert, otherwise called the Queen-pear, * 1.128 the Amber-pear, the Maiden of Xantoigne, &c.

For in other Things, their Merit is in a manner equal, as for their tender Pulp, and * 1.129 Juice indifferently Musked: They ripen both about mid-July, but the Muscat-Robert be∣gins first. We shall stay a little longer yet before we place the Bourdin, and the Little-Blanquet or White-pear, which follow pretty close after them, and sometimes accompany them. This Muscat-Robert furnishes us almost till the time of the coming in of the Musked Boncretien, which is about the End of the Month; it is a very handsom Pear, having a pretty tender Pulp, and very much sugred: It is about the bigness of a Russelet, * 1.130 having hardly any other Faults than that which is common to most of the Summer-pears, which is, to have a little stony or earthy Substance, and to last but a little while; but in recompence, it produces a great increase.

The Two and Twentieth place would not be very ill filled up by the Vine-pear, or * 1.131 Damsel, or Gentlewoman-pear, in some places improperly called the Petit-oin. It is grey, reddish, round and pretty big; it has an extream long Stalk, and ripens towards the mid∣dle of October, which is the Vacation Season, that is to say, the Time in which the Country is most frequented, and when we have most need of Fruits to entertain Company with∣al: Its Pulp indeed is not hard, but to speak properly, 'tis neither of the Class of the Buttery-pears, nor of that of the tender ones, and yet less of that of the Short-eating Pears,

but rather makes a particular Class by it self, which consists in a kind of fattish and glewy Pulp, and often doughy; over and above which, its merit is infinitely obscured by meeting with the Butter-pears, Verte-longues or Long-green-pears, Bergamots, Sugar-greens, Petit-oins, Lansacs, Marchionesses, Crasannes, &c. And therefore I will not place it so soon, but will stay to place it among the Standard-trees. In the mean while, let us give the Twenty-second Place to a Second Verte-longue, or Long-green-pear, which doubtless is much more to be valued than the Vine-pear.

The Twenty-second Dwarf-tree. A Second Verte-longue, or Long green-pear.

The Skinless pear might well dispute this Twenty-second Place with the Verte-longue, or Long-green, but however because this latter is so good a Pear in the Vacation Season, I will leave it to that, and let its Competitor follow it in the next place after.

The Twenty-third Dwarf-tree. A First Skinless-pears.

Which is otherwise named the Guine flower, and also the Hasty Russelet, because of some * 1.132 Resemblance it has with the Russelet in its longish Figure, and russet Colour: It is a very * 1.133 pretty Pear, and especially towards the Twentieth of July, to keep Company with the Longtail'd Blanquet or White-pear: It has a sweet Juice without any mixture of any rosie or four Taste, and has a tender Pulp without any stony or gritty Relicks, all which ought to be enough to procure your approbation of the Rank I give it, and which I should have given to a Musked Summer Boncretien, if it came in in the same Season as this does, that is to say, a little before Peaches.

To finish the two dozen of Dwarf-trees, I give the Twenty-fourth Place to a Second Winter-Boncretien.

The Twenty fourth Dwarf-tree. A Second Winter Boncretien.

I should never have done, and, contrary to my Intention, I should tire all the World if I should stand so long a deciding the Contestations of the other Pears that are in use in Fruit-Gardens, as I have done upon the occasion of the Four and twenty preceding ones: They which still remain behind are of no such great Merit, to induce me to make a for∣mal Panegyrick of them, nor particularly to express the Reasons they may have to dispute with their Companions. And I do not think it necessary, as I think I have told you else∣where, for a well-contrived Garden, to have at least one Tree of every one of those sorts that are but reasonably good; but my Judgment is, there should be rather so many the more Trees of those that are assuredly Excellent. I know well enough, That we have more sorts of pretty good Pears, than I have here placed; and accordingly as the Gardens I treat of, shall grow more spacious, I will not fail to place them some in other kinds.

However, at least, thus far I may say, that without having in our little Gardens, one only bad sort of Pears, we can boast that there are to be found One and twenty of the best sorts that are known, though there be in all but Four and Twenty Dwarf pear-trees.

I speak not yet of those which are to be planted against Walls. And I have set down the Order of the Ripening and Mellowing of these Fruits, not only by specifying the Seasons, but also by particularising every Month of those Seasons. There are Six Trees for the Summer, which are, one Cuisse-Madam or Lady-Thigh, one Great Musked Blanquet or White-pear, one Muscat Robert, one Skinless-pear, one Robine, and one Russelet or Russetin; Nine for the Autumn, in seven kinds, which are, two Verte-longues or Long-green-pears, two Butter-pears, one Crasanne, one Messire-John, one Marchioness, one Louise-bonne or Good Louise, and one Petit-oin: And Nine for Winter, in Eight Kinds. This Winter Season, besides a part of the Autumnal-pears, of which it has often the Advantage to make its Profit, glories very much in having one Winter Thorn-pear, one St. Germain, one Virgoulee, one Leschasserie, one Ambret, one Colmar, one St. Augustin and two Boncretien-trees, being all Pears of a Ma∣turity much further extended than that of the other Seasons; which if they be not Su∣per excellent, yet we ought to comfort our selves and be content, since, among all the great number the Earth brings forth to us, and that are come to our Knowledge, we have no better than those which we have chosen.

I pretend to redouble the Dwarf-trees of our principal Pears, at least Four or Five times over, before I multiply the others, and before I proceed to place a score of those which we have mentioned in passing. I see well enough they are extreamly eager to produce themselves; but yet, methinke, whatever Merit they may have, and which I dispute

them not, at least upon the Foot it is on, I say, I think I may affirm in regard to them, that all of them together durst not presume to enter into Contestation against any of those principal sorts, though they should take them one by one.

And therefore I must counsel them, to have patience yet for some time, since, in my Opinion, their Condition will not be over-unhappy if they be admitted to appear each of them once in great Gardens, after they have first seen Four or Five of the most Honourable Places given to every one of them which are already actually establish'd, and which, if I may be permitted so to speak, are among our Fruits that which those called the Keys in a Pack of Hounds are in Hunting.

This being setled, and we now beginning to enter into Gardens that are indifferent large, my Judgment is, That, to plant them Skilfully, we ought, first, to make a De∣signment of a particular Canton or Plat of Ground for the Fruits of each Season, that so they may not be confusedly mix'd poll-moll one among the other, but that the Summer-Fruits may be in a place apart by themselves, and those of Autumn and Winter in like manner by themselves; for want of which Regulation, there happens several Inconve∣niences which I elsewhere shall lay open; and secondly, to assign every Tree its Place in the following Order, and consequently to give,

The twenty fifth place to a third Grey Butter-pear.

The twenty sixth to a second Virgoulee.

The twenty seventh to a second Leschasserie.

The twenty eighth to a second Thorn-pear.

The twenty ninth to a second Ambret.

The thirtieth to a second St. Germain.

The thirty first to a second Russelet, or Russetin.

The thirty second to a second Crasanne.

The thirty third to a second Robine.

The thirty fourth to a second Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thighs.

The thirty fifth to a second Colmar.

The thirty sixth to a second Petit-oin.

The thirty seventh to a third Winter Boncretien.

The thirty eighth to a fourth Butter-pear.

The thirty ninth to a third Virgoulee.

The fourteenth to a third Leschasserie.

The forty first to a third Thorn-pear.

The forty second to a third Ambret.

The forty third to a third St. Germain.

The forty fourth to a first Flower'd Muscat, or otherwise call'd a Long-tail'd Muscat of Autumn.

The forty fifth to a third Verte-longue, or Long-green-pear.

The forty sixth to a third Crasanne.

The forty seventh to a second Marchioness.

The forty eighth to a second St. Augustin.

The forty-ninth to a fourth Winter Boncretien.

The fiftieth to a fourth Virgoulee.

And so in Fifty Dwarf-trees, there will be Nine Summer ones, in Six Kinds; Seventeen for Autumn, in Eight Kinds; and Four and twenty for Winter, in Eight other Sorts.

The fifty first place shall be given to a third Marchioness.

The fifty second to a first Musked Summer Boncretien.

The fifty third to a third Petit-oin••

The fifty fourth to a fifth Winter Boncretien.

The fifty fifth to a first Virgoulee.

The fifty sixth to a fourth Leschasserie.

The fifty seventh to a fourth Thorn-pear.

The fifty eighth to a fourth Ambret.

The fifty ninth to a fourth St. Germain.

The sixtieth to a first Long-tail'd Blanquet, or White-pear.

The sixty first to a first Butter-pear.

The sixty second to a first Orange-green-pear.

The sixty third to a fourth Verte-longue, or Long-green-pear.

The sixty fourth to a sixth Winter Boncretien.

The sixty fifth to a sixth Virgoulee.

The sixty sixth to a third Colmar.

The sixth seventh to a fourth Crasanne.

The sixty eighth to a fourth Marchioness.

The sixty ninth to a second Louise-bonne, or Good Louise.

The seventieth to a fifth Thorn-pear.

The seventy first to a first Ambret.

The seventy second to a first Leschasserie.

The seventy third to a first St. Germain.

The seventy fourth to a fifth Verte-longue, or Long-green-pear.

The seventy fifth to a first Doyennee, or Dean-pear.

By this means, a Garden of Threescore and fifteen Dwarf-trees, will have Twelve for Summer, in Nine Kinds, Twenty six for Autumn, in other Nine Kinds; and Thirty six for Winter, in Eight Sorts.

All the Pears contained in this Number of Seventy five, have been already Described, excepting Four, namely, the Flowery Muscas, the Musked Summer Boncretien, the Orange-green-pear, and the Doyenne or Dean-pear.

The Flowery Muscat, otherwise the Long-tail'd Muscat of Autumn, is an excellent round * 1.134 reddish Pear, of an indifferent bigness, a tender and fine Pulp, and of a rich Taste very proper to be eaten, as one may say, greedily at one chop, just as a good Plum, or a fair Agriot.

The Musked Summer Boncretien comes seldom to good unless it be upon a Free-stock: This * 1.135 Pear is Excellent, and makes a very fine Tree; it is of a very agreeable Shape to look upon, being well made in its Pear, which is of a reasonable bigness, near about that of the fair Bergamots: Its Colour is white on the one side, and red on the other; its Pulp is between short and tender, having a great deal of Juice accompanied with an agreeable Perfume; its unhappiness is, That it comes in at the same time with the Robins-pear, by which it is always eclipsed, and with the good Peaches of the end of August, which hardly suffer any Pears in their Company; but however, I thing it worthy to enter at least once into a Garden of Threescore and fifteen Trees.

As for the Orange-green-pear, it has a considerable great number of small Friends: All the World knows it by its Name, and, in effect, it is a common and popular Pear, and which, in the time of our Fathers, made a pretty great Figure in Gardens; so that among all old Trees, we fail not to find a great many of this sort. I do not believe any Body will go about to chase it out of the Place which I have given it. The time of its ripening, which * 1.136 is at the beginning of Aug〈…〉〈…〉, that is to say, a little before the Robins, the Musked Boncre∣tien and the Peaches: Its short eating Pulp, its sugred Juice, with its Perfume altogether peculiar for its kind, its Shape and Make which is pretty big, flat and round; its hollow Eye or Crown, its green Colour tinged with Carnatian; but particularly the Abun∣dant Crop that accompanies it almost always upon a Dwarf-tree, and which is very fa∣vourable for Menial Servants and for Communiities; all these Circumstances make a great Solicitation for it. And its Vanity is not great, it aspires not at all to the Honour of a Wall-tree, but is content with its Sixty second place, which with a good Luck let us leave it.

In fine, the Doyennes or Dean-pear enters last into a Garden of Threescore and fifteen Dwarfarees, and performs its Duty not amiss there: It is otherwise called the St. Michael, * 1.137 the White Butter-pear of Autumn, the Snow-pear, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Good Graff, &c. It is of the bigness and shape of a fair Grey Butter-pear, and unhappily for it, comes in at the same * 1.138 time with that Butter-pear; before which, in truth, for its Honour's sake, it ought almost never to appear: Its Picture tells us, That it has a thick short Stalk, a very smooth Skin, a greenish Colour which grows very yellow when 'tis ripe; it is a right melting Pear, and its Juice is sweet, but commonly 'tis such a sweetness that is not very noble, nor of no high relish, notwithstanding I know not what little Perfume of which sometimes it has a smack, and which seems to me not worthy of any great Esteem: Its Pulp easily grows soft, and as it were doughy and sandy; so that 'tis somewhat difficult to nick the just time of gather gathering this Pear; but if care be taken togather it pretty green, and to serve it up before it has attained a clear yellow Colour, which is a mark of its over-Maturity, we may venture to let it shew it self, without any fear of receiving any disgrace thereby.

I had one Year some of them that proved so good, that I was almost ready to believe them of a particular Kind, but I never could see the like since: It has in all sorts of Soils the advantage of being very Fruitful, which procures it among many of the midling

sort of Gardeners, a very particular Esteem; and it has besides another advantage of being Beautiful, which, during the Month of October, gives it a place in all the Py∣ramids served up at great Tables. It meets with a good many curious Persons that much more value it than I do; but I cannot tell how to help it, and they must pardon me if I tell them, that I am almost ashamed I have so well placed it. We have since this little while a new Pear under the name of Besi de la Motte, which pretty near resem∣bles * 1.139 a large Ambret, save only that it is spotted with Red; if this Pear should prove ano∣ther Year to be of as melting a Substance, and to have so pleasing a Juice as it had about the end of October in 1685, which is the time of its Maturity, the Doyennee or Dean-pear will be in great danger of being obliged to yield to this latter the place I have given it, at least, it shall see it received immediately next after it.

Though thus far, in some of these first Gardens, and, for Example, in that of Three∣score and fifteen Pear-trees. The number of some Kinds for Autumn, be very great in proportion to those for Winter; for there are Twenty seven Trees of the first Sorts, and but Thirty seven of the other, yet I should not be against any ones changing a little that Regulation, by retrenching a part even of the Summer-pears, which are to the number of Twelve, to multiply in their place, such kinds of other Seasons as should most please him.

And, for that reason, I should think my self much to blame, if when we shall all be Planting of great Gardens, I should counsel all the World to place there for Example, al∣most as many Verte-longues or Long-green-pears, or even of Butter-pears too, &c. as of Bon∣cretiens, Ambrets, Virgoulees, Leschasseries, Thorn-pears, De la Fares, &c. Nay, and I am assured, the great Lovers of those good Pears of Autumn, would not disapprove this Con∣duct; I will sometimes multiply them, and sometimes also those of the Second and Third Class, but it shall be always with this Consideration, which ought to serve for a Rule to every Gard'ner, and which I propose to my self as a Direction for every other Person in particular, that is to say, that regularly we should not strive to have more of each sort of Fruits, than just about what we may probably spend either our selves, or in our own Families, or in Entertainment of Freinds, without giving those Fruits the time miserably to rot and spoil: Nay, I believe that those Pears which have not the good Fortune to last long, and which, as well as we, have reason to envy that advantage to so many bad sorts, which without any care, and as 'twere in spite of us, keep easily till the coming in of the next Summer-fruits; I believe, I say, that those good Pears would think themselves offended, if we should multiply them in such a manner, that instead of being all of them employed whilst in their perfect Maturity, in performing their Duty to Mankind, a great part of them should see themselves insensibly become unserviceable, by being over-run with Rottenness.

For when we have but a little quantity of each sort of Fruit, it seldom happens we let them be spoiled; no, we visit them too often to give them time for that: Whereas, when we have a great abundance of them, nothing is so ordinary as to see a good part of them spoiled. And therefore in this point we ought judiciously to determine what quan∣tity we shall, as near as can be computed, need to have of them according to our Designs; and according to that Foot, to proportion, as I have said before, the number of Trees of each kind, which we are to Plant in our Garden.

There are some of these Trees that are long before they come to bear, as the Ambret, the Robine, the Bourdon, the Russelet, the Thorn-pear, and above all the rest, the Virgoulee, the Colmar, &c. And there are some that are quick enough in producing, provided they be graffed on Quince-stocks, as the Verte-longues or Long-green-pears, the Butter-pear, the Doyennee or Dean-pear, &c. But these last bear such Fruits, that it is convenient to have a pretty good number of them, because we eat a great many of them in their Season, they coming in while the Weather is yet hot, and in a time in which we are not used to be contented with half a Pear; for, in earnest, a Man must eat a great many Russelets, Verte-longues or Long-green-pears, Butter-pears, Doyennee or Dean-pears, &c. before he can satisfie his Appetite; and Nature, that is as well acquainted with our Passions as our Ne∣cessities, and which intended equally to accommodate the one as well as the other, has, as we may say, given to these latter sorts of Pears the Gift of Fruitfulness, as well as that of Quickness in Bearing, with design, that in their Season we might have a sufficient Plen∣ty of them, since we are in a Condition to spend them both with Profit and Plea∣sure.

It ought not then to be wondred at, if so far as in those Sizes of Gardens that can hold but about Seventy five Trees, I desire there should be almost as many Trees of those Fruits that ripen, as 'twere, altogether, as of some of those that ripen successively one after

another, and which by consequence, give us the time to make a commodious and regular Consumption of them; for, as I have said, when I come to treat of larger Plantations, I shall doubtless use much more moderation in regard to those Fruits which keep but a little while, than to those others that having the advantage of being good, as well as lasting, will keep for several Months together.

However I leave it to every curious Person, to multiply the Fruits of one Season more than those of another, according to his own Inclination or Occasions. For such a Gen∣tleman, for Example, upon the consideration that he is to pass such and such certain times in the Country, where he is frequently to entertain Company, must necessarily have more Fruits of the Months of September, October and November, than of the other Seasons, and in such a Case, the number of the Russelets, Verte-longues or Long-green-pears, Butter-pears, Doyennces or Dean-pears, Bergamots, Marchionesses, Lansacs, Crasannes, Vine-pears, Petit-oins, Louise-bonnes or Good-Louises, Besi de la Mottes, and even of Messire-Johns, &c. must be augmented, and the kinds proportionably diminished. And for another Gentleman, on the contrary, for other good Reasons, as for Example, because he cannot go into the Country to spend the Summer-Fruits, nor can have them brought him from thence, it is absolutely expedient to have only good store of Winter-Fruits: It will be most conve∣ment largely to multiply the Virgoulees, Winter-Boncretiens, Thorn-pears, Ambrets, Leschasse∣ries, Colmars, La Fares, St. Augustins, Dry Martins, Pastourelles, &c. and to reduce the Fruits of the other Seasons to a smaller Number.

It is very certain, that my true Design in this Treatise of the Choice and Proportion of Fruits, was without any regard to such particular Circumstances as these, which may be infinite, whether in respect of every Head of a particular Family, or in regard of such as are Heads of Communities, and indeed it was impossible it should provide for them: No, it was chiefly intended only for the Curious in general, who desire to have regularly and equally all the year long, as great store as can be of the choicest Fruits out of their Gardens, of what bigness soever they be: And as for the rest of the Curious, they may from the Knowledge I here have communicated of the good Fruits of every Season, and of the last∣ing of each kind of them, gather sufficient Directions to assist them in making such deter∣minations thereupon, which shall be most conformable to their Intentions.

To continue then at present, what I have begun for the first sort of curious Persons, I think, we ought to give.

The seventy sixth to a first Besi de la Motte.

The seventy seventh, to a sixth Butter Pear.

The seventy eighth, to a second Great Blanquet, or White Pear.

The seventy ninth, to a third Louise-bonne, or Good Louise.

The eightitth, to a second Long-tail'd Blanquet, or White Pear.

The eighty first, to a seventh Winter Boncretien.

The eighty second, to a sixth Thorn Pear.

The eighty third, to a sixth Leschasserie.

The eighty fourth, to a sixth Ambret.

The eighty fifth, to a seventh Virgoulee.

The eighty sixth, to a sixth Verte-longue, or Long-green-pear.

The eighty seventh, to an eighth Virgoulee.

The eighty eighth, to a seventh Thorn-pear.

The eighty ninth, to a seventh Ambret.

The ninetieth, to a seventh Leschasserie.

The ninty first, to a sixth St. Germain, otherwise

The Unknown La Fare.

The ninety second, to a fourth Colmar.

The ninety third to a ninth Virgoulee.

The ninety fourth, to a second Flowery-Muscat.

The ninety fifth, to a first Dry Martin.

The ninety sixth, to a fourth Petit-oin.

The ninety seventh, to a fourth Louise-bonne, or Good Louise.

The ninety eighth, to an eighth Thorn-pear.

The ninety ninth, to an eighth Ambret.

The hundredth, to a tenth Virgoulee.

There then you have a Garden of a Hundred Dwarf-pear trees, regulated with all the Choice and Proportion I am able to prescribe, having introduced into it, Eight and twenty

Kinds of Pear-trees, namely, nine for Summer, ten for Autumn, and nine for Winter: The nine for Summer consist of fourteen Trees, the ten for Autumn, of thirty three, and the nine for Winter, of fifty three.

The Fourteen Summer fruit-trees are two Cuisse-Madams, or Lady-Thighs, two Robines, * 1.140 two Russelets, two Great-Blanquets, or White-pears, two Longtaild-Blanquets, one Muscat Ro∣bert, one Skin-less-pear, one Musked-Summer-Boncretien, one Orange-green-pear: and I think there are Summer-pears enough, with some little Muscat-pears against a Wall.

The Thirty Six of Autumn, are six Butter-pear-trees, six Verte-Longues, or Long-green-pears, * 1.141 four Crasanes, four Marchionesses, four Louise-bonnes, or Good-Louises, four Petit-oins, one Mes∣sire-John, two Flowery-Muscats, one Doyennee, or Dean pear, and one Besi de la Motte, all these being helped out with some Bergamot Wall-trees, make a pretty well furnished Autumn.

The Fifty Three for Winter-fruit, are seven Winter-Boncretiens, ten Virgoulees, eight * 1.142 Thorn-pears, eight Ambrets, seven Leschasseries, six St. Germains, otherwise Unknown de la Fares, four Colmars, two St. Augustins, and one Dry Martin.

To begin the Second Hundred of Dwarf-trees.

The Hundred and first Pear-tree should be an Eleventh Virgoulee.

The Hundred and Second, an Eighth Leschasserie.

The Hundred and Third, a Ninth Winter-Thorn-Pear. * 1.143

The Hundred and Fourth, a First Bourdon or Humble-Bee-pear.

The Hundred and First, a Seventh Lazrus, otherwise St. Germain.

The Hundred and Sixth, a First Colmar.

The Hundred and Seventh, a Seventh Butter-pear.

The Hundred and Eighth, a Seventh Verte-Longue, or Long-green pear.

The Hundred and Ninth, a Tenth Thorn-pear.

The Hundred and Tenth, a Fifth Petit-oin. * 1.144

The Hundred and Eleventh, a First Sugar-green-pear.

The Hundred and Twelfth, a First Lansac.

The Hundred and Thirteenth, a Third Russelet.

The Hundred and Fourteenth, a Third Robine. * 1.145

The Hundred and Fifteenth, a First Maudling-pear.

The Hundred and Sixteenth, and the Hundred and Seventeenth, two Espargnes or Reserve-pears.

The Hundred and Eighteenth, a Twelfth Virgoulee.

The Hundred and Nineteenth, a Sixth Colmar.

The Hundred and Twentieth, an Eighth Winter-Boncretien.

The Hundred and Twenty First, a Second Dry-Martin.

The Hundred and Twenty Second, a Seventh Colmar.

The Hundred and Twenty Third, an Eighth Butter-pear. * 1.146

The Hundred and Twenty Fourth, a First Bugi.

The Hundred and Twenty Fifth a Second Bugi.

And so in the Number of a Hundred Twenty Five Pear-trees, there are Twenty of Summer-Fruits, in Twelve kinds, Thirty nine of those of Autumn, in Twelve kinds, and Sixty Six of Winter-Fruits, in Ten kinds.

The Twenty Summer-Fruit-trees, are three Russelets, three Robines, two Cuisse-Madams, * 1.147 or Lady-Thighs, two Great-Blanquets, or White-Pears, two Longtaild-Blanquet, two Espargnes, or Reserve-pear, one Skin-less-pear, one Musked Summer-Boncretine, one Orange-green-pear, one Muscat-Robert, one Bourdon, or Humble-Bee pear, one Mauldin-pear. * 1.148

The Thirty Nine of Autumn, are Eight Butter-pears, seven Verte-Longues, or Long-green-pears, save Petite-oins, four Marchionesses, four Crasanes, four Louise-bonnes, or Good-Louises, two Flowery-Muscats, one Doyennee or Dean pear, one Lansac, one Besi de la Motte, one Su∣gar-green-pear, one Messire-John.

The Sixty Six of Winter-Fruits, are eight Boncretines, twelve Virgoulees, ten Thorn-pears, * 1.149 eight Leschasseries, eight Ambrets, seven Lafares, seven Colmars, two Dry-Martins, two St. Augustins, and two Bugi.

Into this last Number of Twenty Five, I have introduced Five sorts of Pears which had no entrance into the first Hundred: Namely, three Summer ones, viz. the Bourdon, or Humble-Bee-pear, Lespargne, or the Reserve-pear, and the Maudlin-pear; one of Autumn, which is the Sugar-green-pear, and one of Winter, which is the Bugi.

The Bourdon, or Humble-Bee-pear, is a Pear of the end of July, which for its Bigness, * 1.150 quality of its Pulp, its Taste, its Perfume, and its Juice, as well as for the time of its Ripening, very much resembles the Muscat-Robert, and is little different from it in its Stalk, which is longer in this than in that.

The Espargne, or Reserve-pear, otherwise, the St. Sanson, is a Red Pear, indifferent big, * 1.151 and very large, and as one may say, a little vaulted in its shape: It has a tender Pulp, a little sowrish, and ripens about the end of July: Of this Pear, one may say without any design to offend it, that it has more beauty than goodness, and accordingly, it triumphs more in the Pyramids, than in the Mouth.

The Maudlin-pear is a Pear that is greenish and pretty tender, and approaching very * 1.152 near in shape to the Bergamot: It ripens at the beginning of July, and so is one of the first Pears of the Summer; but it is very apt to deceive us, if we stay till it begins to grow Yellow before we gather it, because then it is past its goodness, and is grown Doughy.

The Compounded Name the Sugar-green-pear bears, describes to us at the same time both its Juice and its Colour: If it were a little bigger, it might be taken for a Winter-Thorn-pear, * 1.153 it so much resembles it in shape; it ripens towards the end of October, its Pulp is very Buttery, its Juice Sugared, and its Taste agreeable, having hardly any other fault, than that of being a little strong towards the Core.

The Bugi, to which is regularly given the Sir-name of Bergamot, and of Easter-Berga∣mot, because in its green Colour, and in its Bigness, it has some Air of the good Autum∣nal * 1.154 Bergamot, yet being a little less flat towards the Eye or Crown, and a little longer towards the Stalk; the Bugi, I say, is a Pear speckled with little grey specks, which grows a little yellowish in ripening, whose Pulp participates at the same time of tenderness and firmness, and as one may say, eats almost short; it has the misfortune sometimes to grow Doughy and Mealy, which happens when 'tis suffered to grow too ripe before it be ga∣thered: Its Juice which is in abundance enough, has I know not what smack of sowreness, which often makes it be comtemned and rejected, but a little Sugar serves it for a great remedy; and in truth, having the advantage to stay to Mellow in Lent, when it makes a good figure, appearing then almost alone in the great sterility of Fruits, it merits at least the place I have given it, nay, and the curious Person, in whose Grounds it usually suc∣ceeds well, may very well place it better than I have done.

To continue a second Hundred of Dwarf trees.

The hundred twenty sixth Pear-tree, should be a ninth Winter-Boncretien.

The hundred twenty seventh, a ninth Butter-pear.

The hundred twenty eighth, a first great Oignonnet, or Onionet-pear. * 1.155

The hundred twenty ninth, a second Sugar-green-pear.

The hundred and thirtieth, a first little Blanquet, or White-Pear.

The hundred and thirty first, a thirteenth Virgoulee.

The hundred thirty second, an eleventh Thorn-pear.

The hundred thirty third, a ninth Ambret.

The hundred thirty fourth, an eighth Verte-Longue, or Long green-pear.

The hundred thirty fifth, a sixth Petit oin.

The hundred thirty sixth a first Angober.

The hundred thirty seventh, a fourth Russelet.

The hundred thirty eighth, a fourth Robine.

The hundred thirty ninth, a fifth Crasane.

The hundred and fortieth, an eighth Unknown La Fare, otherwise Sr. Gemain-pear.

The hundred forty first, an eighth Colmar.

The hundred forty second, a second Messire-John.

The hundred forty third, a fourteenth Virgoulee.

The hundred forty fourth, a tenth Leschasserie.

The hundred forty fifth, a tenth Ambret.

The hundred forty sixth, a first Double-Flowr'd-pear.

The hundred forty seventh, a fifth Marchioness.

The hundred forty eighth, a first Franc-Real, or Frank-Royal-pear.

The hundred forty ninth, a second Skin-less-pear.

The hundred and fiftieth, a first Besidery. * 1.156

In this last Number of Pear-trees I have newly placed, there are five, of which I have yet made no Description, namely the Double Flower, the Franc Real, or Frank Royal, the Angober, the Besidery, and the Great Onionet, or Onion Pear: Therefore to satisfie the Curi∣osity of them that have a mind to know what I think of them,

I shall tell them, that I make a very particular account of the Double Flower, or Double * 1.157 Flowr'd Pear, not to Eat Raw, though some certain Persons like it well enough so too, finding that in it, which I do not, that is, something pleasant in its Pulp, and in its Taste; But I esteem it first, because it is altogether beautiful to look upon, it being really a large slat Pear with a long strait stalk, a smooth skin, Blush-coloured on one side, and Yellow on the other; in the second place, there being no srcuple made in letting it appear in great Dishes of Fruit; I prise it for the service it renders on such occasions: And lastly, because after it has made an agreeable figure for several days together, and that by often handling, it begins to loose the Flower of its lovely Colour, and to grow quite dull and blackish, it then remains in a condition to signalize its true Excellency; for it is most useful and agree∣ably employed in making one of the loveliest and best Compot's, or Wet Sweet-meats in the World, having a Marrowy Pulp, without being incommoded with the least stoniness, and having above all, abundance of Juice, that easily takes a beautiful Colour over the Fire; so that, in my judgment, and according to my Palate, all that together affords me great Reasons to esteem this Pear, though I should only consider it as particularly good to Preserve, or otherwise prepare by Fire.

It is likewise well known, that the Franc-Real, or Frank-Royal, which some name, the * 1.158 Winter Finor, is a Pear of great increase, Large, Round and Yellowish speckled, with little Reddish specks, with a short stalk, and having a wood quite Mealy.

The Angober is also known to be a pretty big long Pear, Blush-coloured on one side, * 1.159 and of a Greyish Russet on the other; the Wood of its Tree is very much like that of the Butter-Pear and the Pear is not much unlike that.

It is likewise no less known, that the Besidery is a pretty round Pear, about the bigness * 1.160 of a large Tennis-Ball, of a Yellowish and Whitish Green-colour, with an indifferent strait and long stalk, and Ripening in October and November.

The great Onionet, or Onion-Pear, otherwise Amiré Roux, or Red-Wonder-Pear, and the * 1.161 King of the Summer, is a Pear of the middle of July, which is pretty Red-coloured, round and indifferent large.

I return now to continue my project for the choice and proportion of Fruits, for the Garden that may hold a Hundred an Fifty One Dwarf-trees, and accordingly I design for

The hundred a fifty first Pear-tree, a tenth Winter Boneretine:

The hundred fifty second, a fifteenth Virgoulee.

The hundred fifty third, a sixteenth Virgoulee.

The hundred fifty fourth, an eleventh Leschasserie.

The hundred fifty fifth, a twelfth Thorn-pear.

The hundred fifty sixth, a tenth Butter-pear.

The hundred fifty seventh, a first Vine-pear.

The hundred fifty eighth, a first Ronville-pear, * 1.162

Which some name La Hocre-Naille, and others, Martin Sire; it is a Celebrated Pear upon the River Loire, being in Season in the Months of January and February; Its bigness and shape come very near that of the fair Russelet or Russetin; it has a pretty hollow or inward sunk Crown or Eye, and its Belly is ordinarily bigger on the one side than on the other, but yet every where pretty big, and handsomly sloping down towards the stalk, which is of a midling thickness and length, and not at all set hollow; the Colour is lively on one side, though more in some Pears than in others of them, and the other side grows very Yellow at the time of its Mellowness; Its Skin is very slick and Satin-like: As for the considerations that have engaged me to place it here, they are the time of its Maturity, and because its Juice is Sugred, and has a little smack of Perfume, that is agreeable enough, and for the shortness of its Pulp in Eating; Its faults are, that is, is * 1.163 small and hardish, and a little gritty. But they being excusable by its other good qualities, I therefore was minded to place at least one Tree of it in a Garden of a Hundred and Fifty Eight Dwarf-trees, and for,

The hundred and fifty ninth, I will place a fifth Russelet.

The hundred and sixtieth, a fifth Robin.

The hundred sixty first, a sixth Crasane.

The hundred sixty second, a sixth Marchioness.

The hundred sixty third, a seventh Petit-oin.

The hundred sixty fourth, a third Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-Thigh.

The hundred sixty fifth, a ninth Colmar.

The hundred sixty sixth, an eleventh Winter Boncretin.

The hundred sixty seventh, a second Musked Boncretin.

The hundred sixty eighth, a second Muscat-Robert.

The hundred sixty ninth, a third Skinless-pear.

The hundred and seventieth, an eleventh Butter-pear.

The hundred and seventy first, a second Maudlin.

The hundred seventy second, a seventeenth Virgoulee.

The hundred seventy third, a twelfth Leschasserie.

The hundred seventy fourth, a second Bourdon, or Humble-bee-pear.

The hundred seventy fifth, a third Dry Martin.

The hundred seventy sixth, a third Bugi.

The hundred seventy seventh, a twelfth Winter-Boncretien.

The hundred seventy eighth, a tenth Verte-longue or Long-green-pear.

The hundred seventy ninth, a second Doyennee, or Dean-pear.

The hundred and eightieth, a first Salviati.

The hundred eighty first, a twelfth Butter-pear.

The hundred eighty second, an eleventh Ambret.

The hundred eighty third, an eighth Petit-oin.

The hundred eighty fourth, a ninth Unknown La Fare, or otherwise St. Germain.

The hundred eighty fifth, a tenth Colmar.

The hundred eighty sixth, a twelfth Ambret.

The hundred eighty seventh, a second Lansac.

The hundred eighty eighth, a seventh Crasanne.

The hundred eighty ninth, a thirteenth Winter Boncretien.

The hundred and ninetieth, an eighteenth Virgoulee.

The hundred ninety first, a second Besi de la Motte.

The hundred ninety second, a sixth Russelet.

The hundred ninety third, a sixth Robine.

The hundred ninety fourth, a first Cassolet.

The hundred ninety fifth, a first Unknown Chaineau.

The hundred ninety sixth, a first Little Muscat.

The hundred ninety seventh, a first Hasty Russelet.

The hundred ninety eighth, a first Portal.

The hundred ninety ninth, a second Portal.

And the two hundredth shall be a third Augustin.

I cannot here forbear expressing some Regret, that among so many Dwarf-trees, I find so few Boncretiens, and no Autumnal Bergamots; I have already declared the Reasons I had for that, which were the hopes we had to have a pretty good number of Wall-trees of both of them; and because those Grounds that are subject to be Cold and Moist, are altogether fatal to them. But if our Ground be reasonably dry, because we have a very great Inconvenience to fear from the Tyger-Babs, a cursed little volatile Insect that horridly destroys the Wall-pears, and hinders us from planting many of them, especially in the good Expositions of the East and South; I say therefore, if our Ground has not that great De∣fect of being too Cold and Moist, it will be convenient enough to Plant in it a good number of Boncretion Dwarf-trees.

Therefore the two hundred and first shall be a Winter Boncretien.

The two hundred and first, a Winter Boncretien.

The two hundred and second, another Winter Boncretien.

The two hundred and third, a Winter Boncretien.

The two hundred and fourth, a Winter Boncretien.

The two hundred and fifth, a Winter Boncretien.

The two hundred and sixth, a Winter Boncretien.

The two hundred and seventh, a Winter Bergamot.

The two hundred and eighth, a Virgoulee.

The two hundred and ninth, a Virgoulee.

The two hundred and tenth, a Virgoulee.

The two hundred and Eleventh, a Leschasserie.

The two hundred and twelfth, a Leschasserie.

The two hundred and thirteenth, an Ambret.

The two hundred and fourteenth, an Ambret.

The two hundred and fifteenth, a Thorn-pear.

The two hundred and sixteenth, a Thorn-pear.

The two hundred and seventeenth, a Crasanne.

The two hundred and eighteenth, a Petit-oin.

The two hundred and nineteenth, a La Fare, otherwise a St. Germain.

The two hundred and twentieth, a La Fare.

The two hundred twenty first, a Marchioness.

The two hundred twenty second, a Marchioness.

The two hundred twenty third, a Dry Martin.

The two hundred twenty fourth, a Dry Martin.

The two hundred twenty fifth, a Butter Pear.

The two hundred twenty sixth, a Butter Pear.

The two hundred twenty seventh, a Russelet.

The two hundred twenty eighth, a Russelet.

The two hundred twenty ninth, a Musked Summer Boncretien.

The two hundred and thirtieth, a Messire John.

The two hundred thirty first, a Robine.

The two hundred thirty second, a Verte-longue, or Long-green-pear.

The two hundred thirty third, a Verte-longue.

The two hundred thirty fourth, a Cassolet.

The two hundred thirty fifth, a Lansac.

The two hundred thirty sixth, a Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thigh.

The two hundred thirty seventh, a Cuisse-Madam

The two hundred thirty eighth, a Long-tail'd Blanquet, or White-pear.

The two hundred thirty ninth, a first Musked Blanquet, or White-pear.

The two hundred and fourtieth, an Orange-green Pear-tree.

The two hundred forty first, a Besidery.

The two hundred forty second, an Espargne, or Reserve Pear-tree.

The two hundred forty third, a Messire John.

The two hundred forty fourth, a Sugar-green Pear.

The two hundred forty fifth, a Winter Boncretien.

The two hundred forty sixth, a Winter Boncretien.

The two hundred forty seventh, a Winter Boncretien

The two hundred forty eighth, a Winter Boncretien

The two hundred forty ninth, a Virgoulee.

The two hundred and fiftieth, a Virgoulee.

The two hundred fifty first, a Virgoulee.

The two hundred fifty second, an Ambret.

The two hundred fifty third, an Ambret.

The two hundred fifty fourth, a Thorn-pear.

The two hundred fifty fifth, a Thorn-pear.

The two hundred fifty sixth, a Leschasserie.

The two hundred fifty seventh, a Leschasserie.

The two hundred fifty eighth, a Leschasserie.

The two hundred fifty ninth, a Dry Martin.

The two hundred and sixtieth, a Petit-oin.

The two hundred sixty first, a La Fare.

The two hundred sixty second, a St. Augustin.

The two hundred sixty third, a Marchioness.

The two hundred sixty fourth, a Butter-pear.

The two hundred sixty fifth, an Amadot.

The two hundred and sixty sixth, a first Spanish Boncretien.

The two hundred sixty seventh, a Louise-bonne, or Good Louise pear

The two hundred sixty eighth, a Doyenne, or Dean pear.

The two hundred sixty ninth, a Portal.

The two hundred and seventieth, a Louise bonne, or Good Louise.

The two hundred and seventy first, a Besidery.

The two hundred seventy second, a Besidery.

The two hundred seventy third, a Double flower, or Double flowered pear.

The two hundred seventy fourth, a Frank-real, or Frank Royal.

The two hundred seventy fifth, a Frank Royal.

The two hundred seventy sixth, a Frank Royal.

The two hundred seventy seventh, an Angober.

The two hundred seventy eighth, an Angober.

The two hundred seventy ninth, a first Donville

The two hundred and eightieth, a second Donville.

The two hundred and eighty first, a Robine.

The two hundred and eighty second a Robine.

The two hundred and eighty third, a St. Lezin.

The two hundred eighty fourth, a Louise-bonne, or Good Louise.

The two hundred eighty fifth, a Colmar.

The two hundred eighty sixth, a Crasanne.

The two hundred eighty seventh, a Butter-pear.

The two hundred eighty eighth, a Winter Bergamot.

The two hundred eighty ninth, a Musked Boncretien.

The two hundred and nintieth, a Verte-long, or Longgreen Pear.

The two hundred and ninety first, a Spanish Boncretien.

The two hundred ninety second, a Crasanne.

The two hundred ninety third, a Vine Pear tree.

The two hundred ninety fourth, a Fondante, or Melting Pear of Brest.

The two hundred ninety fifth, a Musked Blanquet, or white musked-Pear.

The two hundred ninety sixth, a Salviati.

The two hundred ninety seventh, a Summer Satin-pear.

The two hundred ninety eighth, a Muskat-Robert.

The two hundred ninety ninth, a Bourdon, or Humble-bee-pear.

The three hundredth shall be a Skinless-pear.

I have here inserted two Spanish Boncretiens, two Salviaties, two Musked Blanquets, or Musked White-pears, and two Donvilles; it is but just I should now give you an account why I did so, and should teach you to know them.

The Spanish Boncretien is almost of all the Pears, that which has puzzled me most, and so much, that I am almost ashamed to tell it; I found my self naturally inclined to esteem * 1.164 it at first for its shape, for one can hardly forbear it. It is a great thick long Pear, and handsomly made into a Pyramidal Form, resembling altogether in that, a very Beautiful Winter Boncretien, from whence proceeded the finest Name it bears; it is on one side paint∣ed with a lovely bright red, all speckled with little black specks, on the other side it is of a whitish Yellow. Its Pulp eats the shortest of all the Pears I know: It has ordinarily a sweet sugred and indifferent good Juice, when it grows in good Ground, and comes to its perfect mellowness, which happens commonly from mid-November to the middle of December, and sometimes lasts till January. It was for all those qualities, that for two or three Years together, I had conceived a great Esteem for it; but, besides, that in that very same Season, we have all our principal tender and melting Pears, I have for more than Twenty Years, always found its Pulp so harsh and gross, and so stony, and particularly in Years or Grounds that are a little moist, that at last, in spite of my first in∣clination, I was forced to resolve to deny it Entrance into many Gardens; and so I am of Opinion, that we ought to be content to suffer at least some Trees of it in those Gardens where the number of Dwarf-trees exceeds two Hundred and Fifty, and where the Soil is indifferent good: It having always this Advantage, That it contributes much with its good Meen and lovely Appearance, to the adorning of Fruit-Pyramids.

The Salviati altogether resembles a Besidery in its Shape, but not in Colour: It is a pretty * 1.165 big round Pear, with a pretty long and small Stalk set in a little hollow, with an Eye or Crown also a little hollow and small; it is of a yellow russet-whitish Colour; those that have great red streaks, have a pretty rough Skin, but those who are without that red are soft-skin'd enough: Its Pulp is tender, but not very fine; its Juice is sugred and perfumed, coming nearer in Taste to that of the Robine, than of the Orange-pear: But this Juice is but in little quantity; the Pear is pretty good, and would be still better received, if it came not in with the Peaches of the end of August, and of the Beginning of September.

Le Blanquet Musqué, or la Blanquette Musqueé, that is, the Musked Blanquet, or White * 1.166 Musked-pear, is a Pear of the beginning of July, coming pretty near both in bigness and shape to a Muscat-Robert: It has a fine Skin, its Colour is a pale Yellow tinged a little with Red on that side next the Sun; its Pulp is a little firm, so that it is not without some earthy and stony Matter, but the Juice is very sweet and sugred, and upon that account is not unworthy to appear here.

And here methinks, I see a great many discontented Persons murmuring at my choice: And they are the Lovers of certain kinds of Pears, of which I have not yet spoken, which are, the Cat-burnt-pear, the English-pear, the Winter Lemon-pear, the Winter Russelet, the Brutte bonne, or Chew-good, &c. Nay, and there are some among them that love the Rose-pear, the Caillot Rosat, or Rosie-pebble, the Tulipt Orange-pear, the Villain-pear of Anjou, &c. and who yet durst hardly speak their Minds. Both the one and the other sort of Gentlemen have fought for these Pears in the Gardens I have been just now modelling, and not finding them there, every one of them in particular has, as 'twere taken offence at it, and at the same time would fain make me pass for a Man that does not know all the good Fruits yet, or at least for one that is led away by prejudice.

To which I answer, That I am willing these Gentlemen should every one of them be free to think those Pears they speak of good enough to plant in their Gardens, and in that case I willingly consent they should continue to praise them, to multiply them, and employ as much Rhetorick in their Praises as they please: Let them only do me that fa∣vour to remember what I said at the beginning of this Treatise concerning the Diversity of Palats, of Soils and of Years, and to be pleased to permit me to tell them in my Justifica∣tion, That what made me Reject those Fruits about which they are scandalized, was certainly nothing else but because for Twenty Years together, I had found them constantly rather bad than good, in spite of all the Industry I had use in their Cultivation. How∣ever because they may happen to meet with certain Circumstances very favourable to that Merit they sometimes have, I shall now, at last, in our great Gardens, do them that Ju∣stice I think due to them.

And so to continue the third Hundred of Dwarf-trees, I will first place six Bugi-pear-trees.

The three hundred and first, a Bugi.

The three hundred and second, a Bugi.

The three hundred and third, a Bugi.

The three hundred and fourth, a Bugi.

The three hundred and fifth, a Bugi.

The three hundred and sixth, a Bugi.

The three hundred and seventh, a Pastourelle.

The three hundred and eighth, a Pastourelle. * 1.167

The three hundred and ninth, a Pastourelle: Which is a Pear that, notwithstanding a little point of sharpness in its Juice, makes it self be courted by many Curious Persons: It is much of the bigness and shape of a St. Lezin, or of a fair Russelet; its Stalk is bent down∣ward, not hollow set, and of a midling length and thickness; its Skin is between rough and smooth, growing somewhat moist as it ripens; its Colour on one side is yellowish co∣vered with russet-spots, and on the other side, it has a small tincture of a blushing red; its Pulp is very tender and butter-like, having nothing of hard or stony Matter; but, as I said just now, sowrish Juice does not please me very well, yet the Months of December and January may well enough suffer some of them. The English-pear, the Cat burnt-pear, the Winter Lemon-pear, and the Winter Russelet shall follow after the Pastourelles; and therefore,

The three hundred and tenth shall be an English Pear-tree, otherwise called the English Butter-Pear, * 1.168 being a Pear that is more long than round, resembling in shape and bigness, a fair Verte-longue, or Long green-Pear, though not in Colour; Its skin is smooth, and of a greenish grey Colour, full of Russet Specks: Its Pulp is very tender and Butter-like, and full of pleasant Juice, so that it seems by that, to be a Pear of perfect goodness; But be∣cause its Pulp is commonly mealy, and easily grows too soft, even upon the Tree it self; And in fine, because it comes at the same time with the Verte-Longue, or Long-green Pear, the Petit-Oin, and the Lansac, and sometimes too with the Rousselet, I think I have not done much amiss in not thinking of it sooner.

The three hundred and eleventh Dwarf-tree shall be a first Cat-burnt-pear, otherwise called * 1.169 the Maid or Maiden-Pear, being a Pear in Season in the Months of October and November; It might pass sometimes for a Dry Martin, it so much resembles it in shape and bigness, but its Colour being a little different, prevents our mistaking them; It is on one side of a very Russet Colour, and of the other, pretty clear, without any tincture of Isabella; its skin is indifferent smooth, and its Pulp tender, but it is a kind of wildish tenderness, inclin∣ing to a Doughy consistence, having but little Juice, which is almost like in taste to that of a Besidery, the Pear in conclusion, is very strong towards the Core, which makes it be of small value with me, whatsoever, not a few People say in its Vindication, that they have had many Pears of this sort which had not so many Faults.

The three hundred and twelfth shall be a first Winter Lemon-Pear: This Pear is very well named, in respect of its Shape and Colour, which is so like a middle siz'd Lemon, that it

might well be taken for one indeed, especially when it is round enough: Its Pulp is very hard and stony, and full of earthy matter, and we cannot say its excellency consists in that; but it has a good deal of Juice, which is extreamly Musked, and it is that, that has procured it some friends for the Months of January and February.

The three hundred and thirteenth shall be a first Winter Russelet. The Pears that pass for Winter-Russelets in many Gardens, I have already told you, are nothing else but dry Martins; But yet there are some that are of a different kind, which resemble the others very much, both in shape and bulk; their Colour is greenish, which grows yellow when they ripen, their Pulp is between tender and short, and full of a little sort of earthiness, they are full enough of Juice, which would appear Sugred enough, were it not too much allayed by a mixture of an ugly sort of greenish and wildish taste; it is mellow in February, and shews its mellowness just as the Bergamots do, by a little kind of Dewiness about the skin: The Pear is indifferent good, and might at least maintain its place well enough in Plantations of Gardens of three or four hundred stocks of Trees, though on the other side, it would be no great harm not to admit it at all, we may all in good time, have some standard Tree of it.

The three hundred and fourteenth, shall be a Summer Satin-pear.

The three hundred and fifteenth, a second English-pear.

The three hundred and sixteenth, a second Cat-burnt-pear.

The three hundred and seventeenth, a Summer-Boncretien.

The three hundred and eighteenth, a Dry Martin.

The three hundred and nineteenth, a Dry Martin.

The three hundred and twentieth, a Colmar.

The three hundred twenty first, a Louise-Bonne, or good Louise-pear.

The three hundred twenty second, a Verte-Longue, or Long-Green-Pear.

The three hundred twenty third, a Virgoulee.

The three hundred twenty fourth, a Virgoulee.

The three hundred twenty fifth, a Virgoulee.

The three hundred twenty sixth, a Virgoulee.

The three hundred twenty seventh, a Virgoulee.

The three hundred twenty eighth, a Virgoulee.

The three hundred twenty ninth, an Ambret.

The three hundred and thirtieth, an Ambret.

The three hundred thirty first, an Ambret.

The three hundred thirty second, a Thorn-pear.

The three hundred thirty third, a Thorn-pear.

The three hundred thirty fourth, a Thorn-pear.

The three hundred thirty fifth, a Leschasserie.

The three hundred thirty sixth, a Leschasserie.

The three hundred thirty seventh, a Leschasserie.

The three hundred thirty eighth, a Leschasserie.

The three hundred thirty ninth, a Winter-Bonecretine.

The three hundred and fourtieth, a Winter Boncretien.

The three hundred fourty first, a Winter Boncretien.

The three hundred fourty second, a Winter Boncretien.

The three hundred fourty third, a Virgoulee.

The three hundred fourty fourth, a Virgoulee.

The three hundred fourty fifth, an Ambret.

The three hundred fourty sixth, a Thorn-pear.

The three hundred fourty seventh, a Thorn-pear.

The three hundred fourty eighth, an Ambret.

The three hundred fourty ninth, a Leschasserie.

The three hundred and fiftieth, a Leschasserie.

The three hundred fifty first, a La Fare, or St. Germain.

The three hundred fifty second, a Doyennee, or Dean-pear.

The three hundred fifty third, a Petit-oin.

The three hundred fifty fourth, a Marchioness.

The three hundred fifty fifth, a St. Augustin.

The three hundred fifty sixth, a Lansac.

The three hundred fifty seventh, a Vine-pear.

The three hundred fifty eighth, a Petit-oin.

The three hundred fifty ninth, a 〈◊〉〈◊〉. * 1.170

The three hundred and sixtieth, a Muscat Robert.

The three hundred sixty first, a Skinless pear.

The three hundred sixty second, a Dry Martin.

The three hundred sixty third, a Dry Martin.

The three hundred sixty fourth, a Butter-pear.

The three hundred sixty fifth, a Butter pear.

The three hundred sixty sixth, a Messire John.

The three hundred sixty seventh, a Messire John.

The three hundred sixty eighth, a Russelet.

The three hundred sixty ninth, a Robine.

The three hundred and seventieth, a Besidery.

The three hundred seventy first, a Besidery.

The three hundred seventy second, a Double Flower.

The three hundred seventy third, a Double Flower.

The three hundred seventy fourth, a Double Flower.

The three hundred seventy fifth, a Frank Royal.

The three hundred seventy sixth, a Frank Royal.

The three hundred seventy seventh, an Angober.

The three hundred seventy eighth, an Angober.

The three hundred seventy ninth, a Donville.

The three hundred and eightieth, a Donville.

The three hundred eighty first, a first Pound-pear.

The three hundred eighty second, a second, Pound-pear.

The Pound-pear, which some name Gros-rateau-gris, and others the Love-pear, is a very * 1.171 big Pear, as may be guessed by the weight attributed to it, having a pretty rough Skin, and of a dark Russet colour; its stalk is short, and its Eye or Crown hollow. It makes a very lovely and good Compote, whether it be stewed in a Pot, or roasted under the Em∣bers, or any other way prepared.

The Russelin-pear is called in Tourain the Long-tail'd Muscat of the End of Autumn, and * 1.172 that is the Name under which I first knew it; but the name of Russelin is more pleasing, which was given it by one of our most illustrious curious Friends, because of its shape, * 1.173 which is much like that of a Russelet: It is of a very light Isabella Colour, that one would take it for a Dry Martin; its Pulp is tender and delicate, and its Juice very much sugred, and agreeably perfumed. Its great fault is, that it comes in with the Butter-pears, the Bergamots, the Lansacs, &c. and those are the Reasons which made me resist the Tempta∣tion I otherwise had, to place it better than I have done.

The three hundred eighty third, a Winter Boncretien.

The three hundred eighty fourth, a Winter Boncretien.

The three hundred eighty fifth, a Winter Boncretien.

The three hundred eighty sixth, a La Fare, or St. Germain.

The three hundred eighty seventh, a Cuisse Madam, or Lady-thigh.

The three hundred ninety eighth, a Cuisse Madam, or Lady-thigh.

The three hundred eighty nineth, a Great Blanquet, or White-pear.

The three hundred and ninetieth, a Musked Blanquet.

The three hundred ninety first, a Pendar, or Hanging, or Felons-pear. * 1.174

The three hundred ninety second, a Pendar.

The three hundred ninety third, a Robine.

The three hundred ninety fourth, a Pastourelle.

The three hundred ninety fifth, a Musked Boncretien.

The three hundred ninety sixth, a Russelet.

The three hundred ninety seventh, a Bugi.

The three hundred ninety eighth, a Portal.

The three hundred ninety ninth, a St. Lezin.

The four hundredth shall be a Bouchet.

This Bouchet-pear is large, round and white, almost like a Besidery, and some others of * 1.175 the same Tree are about the bigness of midling Bergamots, and others again about that of large Cassolets. Its Pulp is fair and tender, and its Juice sugred. Its Wood is like that of the Mon-Dien, or My-God Pear, it is ripe about the middle of August.

The Pendar-pear, or Hanging-pear is a Pear of the End of September, in respect of its * 1.176 Pulp, its Juice and its Shape, it might be mistaken for a Cassolet, but it being a little bigger,

and growing upon a Tree of a different Wood, and ripening besides at a different Season, we may easily see 'tis not the same.

Methinks, This distribution should not be ill received, unless it be perhaps by them which, in comparison of a Cat-pear, make no account of the most part of the Pears we so highly prize; and they are the Curious Gentlemen that inhabit along the Banks of the Rhone, who seriously have a very particular esteem for it, and therefore, to content them, I will give

The four hundred and first place to a fifth Cat-pear.

The four hundred and second, a second Cat-pear.

It is a Pear in Season about the middle of October, and is shaped almost like a Dry Martin, and very near like a Hens Egg, that is to say, 'tis a little rounded a little shar∣per * 1.177 towards the Stalk, and blunter towards the Head; its Belly is round, but not very big, and falls grosly sloping to the Stalk, which is indifferent long and thick; its Skin is very smooth, satin'd and dry; its Colour is a very clear or light Isabella, much lighter than the ordinary Isabella of the Cat-burnt-pear, and of the Dry Martin; its Pulp is tender and buttery, and its Juice indifferent sweet; and therefore, in imitation of those Gentlemen that so much admire it, we may make some account of it.

But since our Butter-pears, Bergamots, Lansacs, &c. which come in Season at the same time with it, will hardly suffer it to appear in any Gardens of a midling extent, where there ought to be nothing but what makes a very important Figure, I am willing to have two Trees at least of it, admitted into Plantations of Four hundred and one, and Four hundred and two Trees, and some more of them in greater ones.

But I am not so well perswaded of the Merit of the Besi de Caissoy, otherwise the Russet of Anjou: Which is a little Pear in Season in the Months of December and January, near * 1.178 about the bigness of a Blanquet or White-pear: The Ground of its colour is yellowish all over full of russet spots; its Pulp is tender, but doughy, with a great deal of stony and earthy Matter, its Juice not very pleasing, and of a taste very near that of Services; all these Faults joined with that of the smallness of the Pear, have hindred me from placing it in any Rank till now; but however, because sometimes some of them prove pretty good, and the Angevin Gentlemen are so well pleased with them, therefore,

The four hundred and third Dwarf-tree shall be a first Besi de Caissoy, and

The four hundred and fourth, a second Besi de Caissoy.

Thus far, I think, I have employed about therescore sorts of Pears, of all the several Seasons, that is to say, Eighteen sorts for Summer, Seventeen for Autumn, and Six and twenty for Winter: And methinks they must needs be very difficult to please that will not be satisfied with such a great number of Sorts, which, as I have plainly enough shewn, are nothing near so good the one as the other: I will subjoin afterward a List of them which I will name indifferent ones, because I neither despise them so much, as utterly to reject them, nor prize them so mightily, as to seek them new Admirers, that so any of those Gentlemen, who knowing what they are, shall retain any affection for them, may pre∣serve and cultivate them if they think good: But as for those that know them not, I durst assure them, They will do well enough if they never trouble their Heads about them at all, or else joyn them to the List of those that I advise People to exterminate quite out of their Gardens, a List of which latter, that is, of the bad ones, shall immediately follow after the List of the indifferent ones.

And so, to continue Planting the following Gardens, into which I will introduce very few more new kinds, unless it be some Baking and Preserving Pears, I will place the

The four hundred and fifth, a Virgoulee.

The four hundred and sixth, a Virgoulee.

The four hundred and seventh, a Virgoulee.

The four hundred and eighth, a Virgoulee.

The four hundred and ninth, a Double Flower.

The four hundred and tenth, a Frank Royal.

The four hundred and Eleventh, an Ambret.

The four hundred and twelfth, an Ambret.

The four hundred and thirteenth, a Thorn-pear.

The four hundred and fourteenth, a Thorn-pear.

The four hundred and fifteenth, a Leschasserie.

The four hundred and sixteenth, a Leschasserie.

The four hundred and seventeenth, a Crasanne.

The four hundred and eighteenth, a La Fare, or St. Germain.

The four hundred and nineteenth, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred and twentieth, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred twenty first, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred twenty second, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred twenty third, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred twenty fourth, a Winter Boncreten.

The four hundred twenty fifth, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred twenty sixth, a Butter-pear.

The four hundred twenty seventh, a first. St. Francis.

The four hundred twenty eighth, a second St. Francis. 'Tis a Pear that is good only baked * 1.179 or preserved; it is indifferent big, and very long, is yellowish, and has a very smooth Skin.

The four hundred twenty ninth, a St. Augustin.

The four hundred and thirtieth, a Russelin.

The four hundred thirty first, a Musked Blanquet.

The four hundred thirty second, a Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thigh.

The four hundred thirty third, a Robine.

The four hundred thirty fourth, a first Musked Orange-pear.

The four hundred thirty fifth, a second Musked Orange-pear.

The Musked Orange-pear is a Pear of the beginning of August; it is indifferent large, * 1.180 flat, pretty much tinged with red, with a longish stalk; its skin is pretty often spotted with little black spots; its pulp is pleasant enough, but has a little touch of Grittiness.

The four hundred thirty sixth, a Melting-pear of Brest.

The four hundred thirty seventh, a Dry Martin.

The four hundred thirty eighth, a La Fare.

The four hundred thirty ninth, a Marchioness.

The four hundred and fourtieth, an Amadot.

The four hundred forty first, a Lansac.

The four hundred forty second, a Messire John.

The four hundred forty third, a Verte-longue, or Long-green-pear.

The four hundred forty fourth, a Besidery.

The four hundred forty fifth, a Doyennee, or Dean-pear.

The four hundred forty sixth, a St. Lezin.

The four hundred forty seventh, a Vine-pear.

The four hundred forty eighth, a Russelin.

The four hundred forty ninth, an English pear.

The four hundred and fiftieth, a Pendar, or Hanging pear.

The four hundred fifty first, a Bugi.

The four hundred fifty second, a first Gros Fremont.

The four hundred fifty third, a second Gros Fremont.

It is a Pear that is good only baked or preserved; it is indifferent big and long, and of a * 1.181 yellowish colour, and its Compote or Sweet-meat is a little perfumed.

The four hundred fifty fourth, a Donville.

The four hundred fifty fifth, a Louise bonne, or Good Louise.

The four hundred fifty sixth, a Colmar.

The four hundred fifty seventh, a Portal.

The four hundred fifty eighth, a Lemon pear.

The four hundred fifty ninth, a Catburnt pear.

The four hundred and sixtieth, a Pound pear.

The four hundred sixty first, a Pastourelle.

The four hundred sixty second, a Virgoulee.

The four hundred sixty third, a Virgoulee.

The four hundred sixty fourth, a Virgoulee.

The four hundred sixty fifth, a Virgoulee.

The four hundred sixty sixth, an Ambret.

The four hundred sixty seventh, an Ambret.

The four hundred sixty eighth, a Thorn-pear.

The four hundred sixty ninth, a Thorn-pear.

The four hundred and seventieth, a Leschasserie.

The four hundred and seventy first, a Leschasserie.

The four hundred seventy second, a Petit-oin.

The four hundred seventy third, a Petit-oin.

The four hundred seventy fourth, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred seventy fifth, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred seventy sixth, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred seventy seventh, a Winter Boncretien.

The four hundred seventy eighth, a Sugar-green Pear.

The four hundred seventy ninth, a Sugar-green pear.

The four hundred and eightieth, a, Dry Martin.

The four hundred and eighty first, a Bourdon, or Humble-bee-pear.

The four hundred and eighty second, a Maudlin pear.

The four hundred and eighty third, a Butter-pear.

The four hundred eighty fourth, a Musked Boncretien.

The four hundred eighty fifth, a Spanish Boncretien.

The four hundred eighty sixth, a Messire John.

The four hundred eighty seventh, a Skinless pear.

The four hundred eighty eighth, a Great Onionet, or Onion-pear.

The four hundred eighty ninth, a Musked Orange pear.

The four hundred and nintieth, a Lansac.

The four hundred and ninety first, a Cuisse Madam, or Lady-Thigh.

The four hundred ninety second, an Espargne, or Reserve-pear.

The four hundred ninety third, a Cassolet.

The four hundred ninety fourth, a Summer Boncretien.

The four hundred ninety fifth, a Doyennee, or Dean pear.

The four hundred ninety sixth, a Bouchet-pear.

The four hundred ninety seventh, a Bouchet-pear.

The four hundred ninety eighth, a Vine-pear.

The four hundred ninety ninth, a Winter Bergamot.

The five hundredth Dwarf-tree shall be a Bugi.

I begin to be perswaded, That my exactness in well chusing these Five hundred Pear-trees, will give light enough to our new beginners in these Curiosities, to direct them how to order things if any occasions present themselves which require more Trees; and espe∣cially there being hardly any need, after so many as we have set down, to employ any more new kinds, they may see, that in every Hundred of augmentation of Dwarf-trees, I ordi∣narily augment first for the Summer, but about the sixth or seventh part in the Hundred, and that still in diminishing them too proportionably as the Plantations augment in number of Trees; as well, because if there be walling enough to permit it, there is always a part of it allotted for some Pear-trees of that Season, as for Example, for Little Muscats or Musk-pears, Cuisse-Madams or Lady-thighs, Robines, Russeltes, &c. which supplies the Defect of Dwarf-trees; or, because those Summer Fruits are to be look'd upon as Fruits that pass off very swiftly, and are but of very small Duration, so that when the Quantity of them is ex∣cessive, they do us but very little Honour and Profit.

Add to this, That I seldom fail in Plantations that are any thing considerable, to plant some Standard-trees of the principal of those Sorts in Symetry, as being an assured means to have from them much better Fruit, and in greater plenty too.

In the second place, in respect of the Autumnal Fruits, I have at least the same regard for them, as for those which I have just now spoke of; and I look upon the Bergamot with the same consideration I have always expressed for it, yet I have planted but one or two Dwarf-trees of it in the number of Five hundred, though it be one of the Fruits for the abundance of which, I least pretend to forget to provide: But as all the World knows, 'tis hardly possible to have any competent quantity of these Pears, unless it be against Walls.

It is no very hard Matter to conclude from thence, that doubtless I will make great Wall•• Plantations of them, and provided I find conveniences to accommodate my Inclina∣tion, that I will place some Trees of them in most Expositions; but in truth to my great regret, I shall Plant but few of them in those to the East and South, as well in favour of the Stone Fruits, for which I think they ought to be reserved, as because of the damage they are subject to receive from the Tyger-babs, from which I cannot at all secure Pears; But, in recompence, I will plant a great many in the Northern Expositions, with which all sorts of Wall Pears, but the Boncretien, agree well enough, and especially in Grounds that are something dry: 'Tis true indeed, they are not so good in that Situation as those that longer enjoy the favourable Aspect of the Father of good Fruits, but the help of a little sugar, allays, at least, a part of their Faults, if it does not entirely rectifie them.

We are going to plant then good store of Bergamots, and I suppose that work already

begun as soon as ever we found our selves in a condition to do that Honour to this Queen of Pears, I therefore return now from that Digression, to tell you, that in every Hundreds increase of Dwarf-trees, the number of those that furnish the Fruits for the Autumnal Season, must not be augmented above a seventh or eighth part, because of the small duration of most of them, and their too great aptness to corrupt and rot. But that yet on the other side, the pleasure we take then in devouring a great many of them, and the Season which draws great Companies together, and engages People to make some Abode in the Coun∣try, are always as a kind of Mariners Compass, which ought to guide us in the model∣ling and perfecting our Plantations, and direct us accordingly to Plant a greater or lesser number of Trees.

There remains now then the Winter Fruits, which every where are to make up the main Body of Reserve; so that in every Hundred of Dwarf trees, they ordinarily should aug∣ment about three Quarters of the four. And if my advices have the gift to please you, pray let care be taken to multiply those Sorts least, which I multiply here as 'twere blind∣fold, and at a venture.

And now, without engaging my self to draw out a plot at length of Six hundred Dwarf-trees, such a one as I have done above for the preceding Five Centuries, that is, to set down exactly, and one after another, every kind of Fruit, and every single Tree-stock, ac∣cording to the Order in which every one of them in particular ought to be admitted into the Garden. I shall content my self only to tell you at once, That besides the Five hun∣dred already regulated, I will add to make up the sixth hundred, about Ten Summer Pear-trees, Eighteen Autumnal, and Threescore and twelve Winter ones.

I do not at all wonder, if they who have great Plantations to make, find themselves pusled about the choice of the number of their Trees; for, I believe, they would be much more perplexed, if they were put to cultivate every particular themselves, without turn∣ing off that trouble to their Gardeners, as most of them unluckily enough do. And I confess in good truth, that 'tis a matter that appears to me like an Abyss of an unfa∣thomable Depth; and that I find an unspeakable difficulty in it, when I go about to mark out the Quantities as 'twere with a Compass, in order to regulate the several kinds of Fruits by exact proportions.

Those great Plantations strike me with Terrour, how much accustomed soever I may be to them; nay, and I believe 'tis because I am accustomed to them, that I have so clear a Prospect of the Hazards and Inconveniences with which they circumvent Men, and from thence too it is, that I have so often before my Eyes, and in my Mouth, and at the point of my Pen. Laudato ingentia rura, exiguum Colito.

We are apt to think we can never come to be Masters of so much Variety and Plenty * 1.182 of Fruit as we would have, and indeed the Idea of abundance, is one of the most pleasing Fancies in the World, and hard enough to attain in reallity, chiefly because of the unkind∣liness of the Seasons: 'Tis in prospect of this abundance, that at first we so much extol the convenience of large Plantations; but besides the Expences we must be at, as well to plant them at first, as to keep them in order afterward, which is very great, and which in this matter ought to be very well considered by us. If it happens, as doubtless it does, that we come at last to compass within a little, what we proposed to our selves, I am sure, that after all, we are still at least at as much loss as ever, what to do with our Fruits.

It would be now quickly time for me to begin to plant a few Trees of those Fruits, that are at least fit to conttibute to the Ornament of the Pyramids; and I think nothing can be said against it, when once we are come to planting of Six or Seven hundred Dwarf-trees of other sorts: And therefore now we may conveniently enough place among them some Summer Boncretiens, otherwise called Graccioli, some Pears called Supremes, some Admiral Pears, some Summer Mouille-Bouches, or Moisten-mouths, some Bellissimes, or Super-fair Pears, some De bouge Pears, some Grillands, some Gilogiles, &c. I do but only name them here in passing, that our curious Gentlemen that know them by their Names, mny plant some Trees of them, if they please, for as for my self, so long as I shall follow my own Incli∣nation, I shall hardly plant any of them.

Therefore to proceed, as I have begun, I advise that the Ten Summer Fruits of aug∣mentation to be added to make up Six hundred Trees, be

• 1 great Blanquet, or White-pear.
• 2 Musked Summer Boncretiens.
• 1 Cassolet.
• 2 Robines.
• 1 Espargne, or Reserve-pear.
• 1 Maudlin-pear.
• 1 Skinless-pear.
• 1 Pendar, or Hanging-pear.
• 1 Musked Orange-pear.

And that the Eighteen for Autumn be

• Two Amadots.
• One Spanish Boncretien.
• Four Butter-pears.
• One Besidery.
• One Dean-pear, or Doyennee.
• Three Lansacs.
• One Vine-pear.
• Three Messire Johns.
• One Russelin.
• One Sugar-green pear.

And the Threescore and Twelve for Winter,

• Ten Virgoulees.
• Seven Winter Boncretiens.
• Five Leschasseries.
• Five Thorn-pears.
• Five Ambrets.
• Three St. Germains, or Unknown la Fares.
• Three Bugis.
• Two Angobers.
• Two Portals.
• Two St. Augustins.
• Two St. Lezins.
• One Lemon-pear.
• One Besi de Caissoy.
• One Donville, otherwise a Calot.
• One Petit-oin.
• One Ronville.
• Two Colmars.
• Two Double Flowers.
• Two Frank Royals.
• Two great Musk Pears.
• Two Dry Martins.
• Two Marchionesses.
• One Winter Russelet.
• Two St. Francis's.
• One Gros Fremont, or Great Fremont.
• One Pound-pear.
• One Louise-bonne, or Good Louise.
• One Pastourelle.

I will add to them two Carmelites, which are Pears that are large and flat, grey on one * 1.183 side and a little tinged with red on the other, and in some places full of pretty large spots which look as if they were pieces clap'd upon them after some cut.

Among all these, we have about Threescore and eleven Trees of Pears good to bake, stew or preserve, besides those of which we may have Standard-trees, as Little Certeaus, Angobers, Frank Royals, &c. which turn to good account on those kinds of Trees.

If we have occasion for Seven hundred Dwarf pear-trees, 'tis but augmenting above the six hundred, much in the same manner and proportion as we did in making up the Five hundred to Six hundred, that is to say, letting the Tenth part in the Hundred be for Summer Fruits, and another Tenth part for those of Autumn, and the remaining Fourscore for Winter Fruits; or else, if we be content with those we had provided before for Summer and Autumn Fruits, and fill up the whole hundred last added with Winter Fruits, we shall find our account well enough that way too; that is to say, in the number of Seven hundred Dwarf-trees, we shall have about a Hundred and eighteen of Summer Fruits a Hundred thir∣ty two of those of Autumn, and Four hundred and fifty of Winter Fruits; or else the other way, we shall have a Hundred and fifteen for Summer, a Hundred and twelve for Autumn, and Four hundred threescore and thirteen for Winter: And so in Eight hundred, we may have near a Hundred twenty five for Summer, a Hundred and fifty for Autumn, and Five hundred twenty five for Winter: And in Nine hundred we have about a hundred forty five for Summer, a hundred and threescore for Autumn, and five hundred fourscore and fifteen for Winter, in case that in the numbers of eight and nine hundred, we should think we had not Summer and Antumn Fruits enough, if we should allow our selves no more Trees of them than we had before in the number of six hundred, which yet are a good rea∣sonable number. And so likewise in the number of a thousand Dwarf-pear-trees, we might have about a hundred forty five for Summer, a hundred fourscore and five for Autumn, and six hundred and threescore and ten for Winter.

I shall now make a distribution here of this last number, and finish with what I have to say of Dwarf-pear-trees, after I have once more told you that so great a number of Pear-trees both for Summer and Autumn too, frights me, so that if I might follow my own In∣clination, I should be naturally moved to diminish them, in order to multiply in their room so many more of the Winter Fruits: By this every curious person may see what to chuse best for his use.

Those hundred and forty five Summer Pear-trees shall be

• Nine great Blanquets, or White-pears.
• Five Musked Blanquets.
• Five Bourdons.
• Fifteen Musked Boncretiens.
• Six Cassolets.
• Fifteen Cuisse Madams, or Lady-thighs.
• Six Espargnes, or Reserve-pears.
• Six melting-pears of Brest.
• Six Robines.
• Four Musked Orange-pears.
• Eight Orange-green-pears.
• Four great Onionets, or Onion-pears.
• Four Maudlin-pears.
• Three Bouchet-pears.
• Eight Skinless-pears.
• Three Salviati's.
• Seven Muscat Roberts.
• Fifteen Russelets.
• Six Pendars, or Hanging-pears.

The Hundred fourscore and five Pear-trees for Autumn, shall be

• Thirty two Butter Pears.
• Twenty Verte longues, or Long-green-pears.
• Fifteen Lansacs.
• Twenty Messire Johns.
• Fifteen Besideries.
• Four Catburnt Pears.
• Four Cat Pears.
• Ten Doyennces, or Dean-pears.
• Twelve Amadois.
• Four English Pears.
• Six Spanish Boncretiens.
• One Bergamot.
• Six Crasannes.
• Six Russelins.
• Eight Sugar-green Pears.
• Eight Vine Pears.

The Six hundred and seventy Winter Pear-Trees shall be

• Sixscore Virgoulees
• Seventy winter Boncretiens.
• Sixty five Ambrets.
• Seventy Leschasseries.
• Sixty five Thorn-pears.
• Thirty Double Flowers.
• Twenty four St. Germains, or Unknown la Fares.
• Twenty four Dry Martins.
• Eighteen Frank Royals.
• Fifteen Angobers.
• Fifteen Bugis.
• * Four Rose Pears.
• * 1.184 Four Caillot-rosats, or Rosie-pebble Pears.
• * Four Villain Anjou Pears.

I have let my self be perswaded to place the three last kinds of Pears, though I have no great esteem for them, the abundance of Fruit they produce, having wrought upon me in their Favour; besides, that for People that happen not to be furnished with other Fruits, these Pears have a Juice that is pretty well sugred, and not very unpleasant to those that love a Rosie Taste.

The Rose Pear is indifferent large, flat and round; its stalk is very long and small, and its pulp eats short.

The Caillot-Rosat, or Rosie Pebble-pear, otherwise the Rose-water-pear, is almost of the * 1.185 colour, bigness and shape of an ordinary Messire John, but that it is a little rounder, and has a very short stalk, and set hollow like that of an Apple, and has a short eating Pulp.

The Villain-pear of Anjou, called otherwise the Tulipid and Bigarade, or Motley-pear is large, * 1.186 flat and of a yellowish grey colour, and has a short-eating Pulp.

I will add also two Thicktail'd Pear-trees. The Name of this Pear gives a sufficient Description of it; its stoniness with its driness, makes it be slighted, and its great Per∣fume makes it be esteemed by those that love Fruits that are strongly musked: It is yel∣low in Colour, and of a competent bigness. Next shall be

• Eight Portals.
• Fifteen St. Lezins.
• Eight great Musk pears.
• Eight Colmars.
• Twelve Louise-bonnes, or Good-Louise.
• Eight Pastourells.
• Twelve Donvilles.
• Twelve Marchionesses.
• Eight St. Augustins.
• Eight Petit-oins.
• Eight Ronvilles.
• Eight Carmelite-pears.
• Five Lemon-pears.
• Four Besi de Caissoy.
• Six Great Fremonts.
• Six Pound Pears.
• Six St. Francis Pears.
• Ten Winter Russelets.

And in this number we have a Hundred and one Trees of Pears that are only to bake or preserve, &c. Besides those which, as we have said, are good both raw and otherwise.

I conclude with a little Reflection that concerns such a curious Gentleman that is so happy as to see himself Master of a Thousand Dwarf-pear-trees, or that proposes to plant so many; and I demand of him, as soon as every one of those Trees begin to yield him a little Fruit, though it should not be to the quantity of above Twelve Pears for each Tree, which is a very moderate number, I ask, I say, this curious Person, how he can dispose of those Twelve thousand Pears, unless he give away a good part of them in pre∣sents, or sell them, or make Perry of them, &c. For as for my part, I confess in good earnest, That so great a quantity terrifies me so as to vex me, or at least to move my pity, as certainly knowing, that at least the half of them will be spoiled, &c.

CHAP. III.

Of Standard Pear-trees to Plant.

THere is nothing near so much Reason to oblige me to make so nice a Discussion a∣bout placing Standard Pear-trees, as I was about disposing of the Dwarf Pear-trees: for they do not all accommodate little Gardens, as these latter do; the Shade of great Trees being destructive to every thing else we might plant there. Add to that, that all the World are particularly desirous to have air round about their Houses, and none care to suffer any thing near them that may hinder its free accession; and that's one of the principal Reasons which makes every one desire at least little Gardens, when they cannot have great ones.

We will therefore plant no Standard Trees any where but in great Gardens, and there too we will plant but a small number, which ordinarily amounts not to above one Tree for every Square in a Kitching Garden. I have used my self to two several Methods in this Matter, which succeed not amiss, one is to plant them all along the sides of those great Alleys or Walks that cross the Garden, and always at a good distance from any Walls, excepting those of the North; and the other is, to place them in the midst of the Squares, that is to say, one in every Square.

In the first manner particularly, because the greatest part of their shadow falls common∣ly into the Walks, none of the Trees can do any harm to the little Plants growing under∣neath them, nor to the good Wall Trees which are far enough off of them: And in the second manner, there is nothing to intercept or cloud the sight, because the Squares ex∣tending ordinarily at least Threescore, or Threescore and twelve Foot every way, and be∣ing separated from one another by some Alleys or Walks, the Standard Trees in them will be at a very considerable distance one from another, and the number of those Squares being not very great, the number of the Standard Trees in them can be but moderate neither, there being very few Kitchen-Gardens so proportioned, and so designed out, as we have expressed, that can have above Thirty such Trees.

Now for this purpose, I either chuse Trees of those sorts of Fruits which are not very big, and yet are of great increase, and are good when they fall, that is to say, of some Summer Fruits, because their smallness preserves them from bruising, and their ripeness which loosens them from the Tree, makes them fit to be eaten presently with pleasure, when any of them happen to be battered in falling.

Or else I chuse those kinds which hold fast by their Stalks, and such whose Fruits are very hard in themselves, as are the small Winter Fruits and Baking-pears; so that they are not easily shaken down by Winds, nor when they fall so apt to be much endamaged thereby.

Among the Summer-Fruits proper to be planted in the form of Standard-trees, I do not comprehend the little Muscat-pear, though for its bigness and season it might seem fitter than any other; no, the Canker which is apt to Seize on its Wood, and quite spoil it, hinders me to my great regret from planting any Trees of it in this fashion; But that which I most willingly plant in this manner, is first, of Summer-Fruits (mark here the order of my choice) The Russelet, the Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-Thigh, the Great Blanquet, * 1.187 or White-pear, the Musked-Blanquet, the Musked-Summer-Boncretien, the Bourdon, or Hum∣ble-Bee pear, the Musked-Robert, the Pendar, or Hanging-pear, the Melting-pear of Brest, and in a very large Plantation, I would add too, some Summer-Boncretiens, some Admiral Pears, &c. For the Fruits of Autumn, those which I choose, are the Lansacs, Vine-pears, Russelins, * 1.188 &c. And for Winter-Fruits, the Dry Martin, the Ambret, the Winter-Russelet, the Ronville, and perhaps, some Besi de Caissoy-trees, and in fine, for Fruits to Bake, Preserve, &c. I will choose the little Certeau, the Frank-Royal, the Angober, the Donville.

There we have about twenty four sorts of Standard Pear-trees to plant prosperously enough in our Gardens; But because in Important places, as for example, in fine Kitching-Gardens, Baking and Preserving Fruits are not considerable enough to be allowed any * 1.189 room, and because (as it is expedient for all them that conveniently can) we may have some of them in the separate Orchards, designed only for Fruit, together with all sorts of Cherry-trees, Agriots, Bigarros, Guignes, with all sorts of good Apples, Pippins, Calvils, Apis, Fenouillets, or Fennel-Apple, Courpendus, or Short Hung, or Short Stalked Apples, &c. with some good sorts of Plums, that is to say, of Damask Plums of all sorts, of Mirabelles, St. Catherines, Diapred Damasks, &c. and lastly with Mulberry-trees, Almond-trees, Azerol, or Garden Haw-trees, &c. Therefore I say, since for these Reasons, Fruits for Baking, &c. may without any dishonour to them, be planted elsewhere, far off from our Kitching-Gardens, we should in their stead, particularly Multiply some Trees of the principal sorts of our Summer-Fruits. I know the voice of all the World, as well as mine own will presently give the first choice to the Russelet-pears; so that we shall not think much to have at least four great Trees of them to one of each of the other sorts: The Russelin, the Lansac, the Ambret, and the Dry Martin, are likewise Trees that require each of them to be doubled before we double the other Kinds. A Summer Pear-tree that has been planted ten or twelve Years, is capa∣ble of yielding so great a quantity of Fruit of its kind, that 'twill be all we can do to spend them before the Rottenness that follows close after their Ripeness, makes them good for nothing: And therefore, when we are contriving Plantations of Fruit-trees, we should still remember when we intermix in them any Standard-trees, that we must proportionably diminish the number of Dwarf-trees, which we should otherwise be obliged to have of those same kinds.

Methinks 'tis not amiss to add here this Caution, that in respect of these Standard-trees, * 1.190 it is good in planting them, to leave them some of the branches of their tops which they had when in the Nursery Garden, because they will bear Fruit so much the sooner, and because the heighth of their Trunks is not so exactly regulated as that of the Dwarf-trees, whether that heighth begin a foot higher or lower, their shape will be never the less comly for that, and it is always a considerable advantage, this sort of Trees may be made to afford us of advancing their Fruitfulness, which we can hardly ever draw from the Dwarf-trees.

I have hitherto examined only the Conduct we are to observe in disposing the good Pear-trees, to have as many of them in our Gardens, as 'tis possible, as well in the form of Dwarf, as Standard-trees: But I have not yet spoken of those great Boncretien Pear-trees they have in the Courts of some Houses in many Provinces in the hotter Climates, nor of some other more common Pear-trees which they have in other parts, in other Courts.

Nor have I yet spoken any thing of the great Pear plantations, planted for the making of Perry in those places where Vines cannot prosper. As to the two first points, because I have nothing to say to them, as being of no manner of consequence, but only barely for the pleasure of some particular Persons, I leave it wholly to each person to do in them what he shall find best for his own satisfaction; for the success he shall meet with may serve him for a Rule.

However, 'tis convenient to advertise you, that in places, which we say, are much ex∣posed to the * 1.191 Secular Arm, we ought to have this fore-cast, not to plant any Fruit there that is eatable whilst on the Tree, otherwise 'tis certain, all the Fruit that will come to the Owner from thence will be only a great deal of Vexation, and little else.

As for what concerns the plantations of Pear-trees or Apple-trees designed for the making of Cyder or Perry; I shall content my self with only telling you, that in them, the Trees are planted at threescore, or threescore and twelve foot, one from another, because that proportion observed, hinders not the Grounds in which they grow, at least for several Years together, from being sown Yearly with good Corn, the Plowing up, and other Culture used for the latter, extreamly contributing to the well cultivating of the other: I leave what is more to be said to this Article, to the Discussion of those to whom those Liquors are necessary, or at least very convenient, or which as passionately love them as I do good Fruits which are the chief delights of the Nobility and Gentry.

It is now time to examine what sorts of Pear-trees we shall plant against Walls, I know very well there is not any sort of them which that Situation would not very well accommo∣date by contributing much to the largeness of their Fruit, and the certainty of their bearing and bringing their productions to perfection, when the spiteful Tyger-Babbs will give them leave to do it; But I likewise no less certainly know, that that there are some of * 1.192 them which stand so much in need of the assistance of the Wall, that they cannot live and thrive without it. And we have hinted in several places in the foregoing part of this Treatise, that the Bergamots particularly lay under this necessity, and the little Muscat-pears still more than they: The Wall is further indispensably requisite for the rai∣sing of well Coloured Boncretiens. But because if we have never so few Walls exposed to a kindly Sun, we ought to have so much regard to them as to employ them as usefully as they deserve, and according to the importance of the Fruits that challange place there, I think I ought to treat of the Pears that may be planted in that Scituation, before I come to treat particularly of the order which is to be observed for the filling up every Wall with all sorts of good Fruits, as well as 'tis possible to fill them; and that is the order I proposed to my self at the very beginning of this Treatise: After I have drawn there∣fore a particular List of the first Five Hundred Dwarf-pear-trees which I have placed here a little above, and after I have told you in particular, which, in my opinion, are the Good-pears, which the Indifferent ones, and lastly which are they that are so bad, that I would advise no body to plant them at all, I will conclude this Chapter, with informing you what other Fruits, besides Pears, prosper well upon Dwarf-trees, and then proceed to speak of all sorts of Wall-Fruits, and of the method of disposing them, in a separate Discourse.

A List of the First Five Hundred Dwarf-Trees, according to the Order in which I have placed them in the above premised Discourse, in which I have set down in what Months their Fruits are good to Eat, and expressed the Pages, in which are contained their several Descriptions.

• 1. DWarf-tree a first Winter-Boncretien, a Pear in the Months of February and March, Described pag. 79
• 2. A First Butter-pear to be Eaten about Mid-September and the beginning of October, Described pag. 82
• Or a first Bergamot, another of the Middle of September, and beginning of October, Described pag. 83
• ...

• 3. A First Virgoulee, a Pear of November, December and January, Described pag. 45, 85
• 4. A First Leschasserie, a Pear of November, December and January, Described pag. 85, 86
• 5. A First Ambret, a Pear of November, December and January, Described pag. 85, 86
• 6. A First Winter Thorn-pear eatable in November, December, and Jan. Described pag. 86, 90
• 7. A First Russelet, a Pear of Ausgust and September, Described pag. 91
• 8. A First Robine, a Pear of August and September, Described pag. 92
• 9. A First Petit-Oin, a Pear of November and December, Described pag. 94
• 10. A First Crasane, a Pear of November, Described pag. 93
• 11. A First St. Germain, otherwise called an Unknown La Fare, a Pear of November, December and January, Described pag. 93, 94
• 12. A First Colmar, a Pear of November, December, January and February Described pag. 94
• 13. A First Louise-Bonne, or Good-Louise, a pear of November and December, De∣scribed pag. 95
• 14. A First Verte-Longue, or Long-green-pear, eatable about Mid-October, Descri∣bed pag. 95
• 15. A First Marquise, or Marchioness, a pear of the Month of October, Described pag. 94
• 16. A First St. Augustin, a pear of the End of December, Described pag. 98
• 17. A First Messire-John, a pear of the Middle of October, Described pag. 97
• 18. A Second Butter pear.
• 19. A First Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thigh, a pear of the entrance of July, Described pag. 100
• 20. A First Great-Blanquet, or White-pear, ripe in the beginning of July, Described pag. 100
• 21. A First Muscat-Robert, a pear of the Middle of July, Described pag. 101
• 22. A Second Verte Longue, or Long-green-pear.
• 23. A First Skin-less-pear, ripe at the end of July, Described pag. 102
• 24. A second Winter-Boncretien.
• 25. A third Butter-pear.
• 26. A second Virgoulee.
• 27. A second Leschasserie.
• 28. A second Thorn-pear.
• 29. A second Ambret.
• 30. A second St. Germain.
• 31. A second Russelet.
• 32. A second Crasane.
• 33. A second Robin.
• 34. A second Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thigh.
• 35. A second Colmar.
• 36. A second Petit-oin.
• 37. A third Winter-Boncretien.
• 38. A fourth Butter-pear.
• 39. A third Virgoulee.
• 40. A third Leschasserie.
• 41. A third Thorn-pear.
• 42. A third Ambret.
• 43. A third St. Germain.
• 44. A first Flowered Muscat, a pear of Mid October, described pag. 104
• 45. A third Verte-Longue, or Long-green-pear.
• 46. A third Crasane.
• 47. A second Marchioness
• 48. A second St. Augustin.
• 49. A fourth Winter-Boncretien.
• 50. A fourth Virgoulee.
• 51. A third Marchioness.
• 52. A first Musked Summer Boncretien, a pear of the Month of August, described pag. 104
• 53. A third Petit-oin.
• 54. A fifth Winter-Boncretien.
• 55. A fifth Virgoulee.
• 56. A fourth Leschasserie.
• 57. A fourth Thorn-pear.
• 58. A fourth Ambret.
• 59. A fourth St. Germain.
• 60. A first Longtail'd-Blanquet, a July pear described pag. 100
• 61. A fifth Butter-pear.
• 62. A first Orange-green-pear, ripe in the beginning of August, described pag. 104
• 63. A fourth Verte-Longue, or Long-green-pear.
• 64. A sixth Winter-Boncretien.
• 65. A sixth Virgoulee.
• 66. A third Colmar.
• 67. A fourth Crasane.
• 68. A fourth Marchioness.
• 69. A second Louise-Bonne, or Good Louise.
• 70. A fifth Thorn-pear.
• 71. A fifth Ambret.
• 72. A fifth Leschasserie.
• 73. A fifth St. Germain.
• 74. A fifth Verte-Longue, or Long-green-pear.
• 75. A first Doyennee, or Dean-pear eatable in September and October, and described pag. 104
• 76. A first Besi de la Motte, a pear of the end of October, described pag. 104
• 77. A sixth Butter-pear.
• 78. A second Great Blanquet.
• 79. A third Louise-Bonne, or Good Louise.
• 80. A second Long-tail'd Blanquet.
• 81. A seventh Winter-Boncretien.
• 82. A sixth Thorn-pear.
• 83. A sixth Leschasserie.
• 84. A sixth Ambret.
• 85. A seventh Virgoulee.
• 86. A sixth Verte-Longue, or Long-green-pear.
• ...

• 87. An eighth Virgoulee.
• 88. A seventh Thorn pear.
• 89. A seventh Ambret.
• 90. A seventh Leschasserie.
• 91. A sixth St. Germain.
• 92. A fourth Colmar.
• 93. A ninth Virgoulee.
• 94. A second Flower'd Muscat.
• 95. A first Dry Martin, or a pear of Mid-November, described pag. 97
• 96. A fourth Petit oin.
• 97. A fourth Louise-Bonne, or Good Louise.
• 98. An eighth Thorn-pear.
• 99. An eighth Ambret.
• 100. A tenth Virgoulee.
• 101. An eleventh Virgoulee.
• 102. An eighth Leschasserie.
• 103. A ninth Thorn-pear.
• 104. A first Bourdon, or Humble-Bee-pear to be eaten in the end of July and begin∣ning of August, described pag. 107
• 105. A seventh St. Germain.
• 106. A first Colmar.
• 107. A seventh Butter-pear.
• 108. A seventh Verte-Longue, or Long-green-pear.
• 109. A tenth Thorn-pear.
• 110. A fifth Petit-oin.
• 111. A first Sugar-green pear, or Sucre-vert, a pear of the end of October, descri∣bed pag. 107
• 112. A first Lansac, a pear of the beginning of November, described pag. 97
• 113. A third Russelet.
• 114. A third Robin.
• 115. A first Maudlin-pear, ripe in the beginning of July, and described pag. 107
• 116. A first Espargne, or Reserve pear, ripe at the end of July, described pag. 107
• 117. A second Espargne.
• 118. A twelfth Virgoulee.
• 119. A sixth Colmar.
• 120. An English Winter Boncretien.
• 121. A second Dry Martin.
• 122. A seventh Colmar.
• 123. An eighth Butter-pear.
• 124. A first Bugi, a pear of February and March, described pag. 107
• 125. A second Bugi.
• 126. A ninth Winter Boncretien.
• 127. A ninth Butter-pear.
• 128. A first Great Onionet, or Onion pear, ripe in the Middle of July, described pag. 108
• 129. A second Sugar-green, or Sucre-vert.
• 130. A first little Blanquet, a pear of the end of July, described pag. 100, 109
• 131. A thirteenth Virgoulee.
• 132. An eleventh Thorn-pear.
• 133. A ninth Ambret.
• 134. An eighth Verte-Longue, or Long-green pear.
• 135 A sixth Petit-oin.
• 136. A first Angober, a Baking pear described. pag. 108
• 137. A fourth Russelet.
• 138. A fourth Robin.
• 139. A fifth Crasane.
• 140. An eighth St. Germain.
• 141. An eighth Colmar.
• 142. A second Messire John.
• 143. A fourteenth Virgoulee.
• 144. A tenth Leschasserie.
• 145. A tenth Ambret.
• 146. A first Double Flowred pear, eatable in March, and described pag. 108
• 147. A fifth Marchioness.
• 148. A first Frank-Royal, a January pear described pag. 108
• 149. A second Skinless-pear.
• 150. A first Besidery, a pear of October and November, described pag. 108
• 151. A tenth Winter Boncretien.
• 152. A fifteenth Virgoulee.
• 153. A sixteenth Virgoulee.
• 154. An eleventh Leschasserie.
• 155. A twelfth Thorn-pear.
• 156. A tenth Butter-pear.
• 157. A first Vine-pear, eatable in Mid-October, and described pag. 101
• 158. A first Ronville, a pear of January, described pag. 108
• 159. A fifth Russelet.
• 160. A fifth Robin.
• 161. A sixth Crasane.
• 162. A sixth Marchioness.
• 163. A seventh Petit-oin.
• 164. A third Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thigh.
• 165. A ninth Colmar.
• 166. An eleventh Winter Boncretien.
• 167. A second Musked Summer Boncretien.
• 168. A second Muscat-Robert.
• 169. A third Skinless-pear.
• 170. An eleventh Butter-pear.
• 171. A second Maudlin-pear.
• 172. A seventeenth Virgoulee.
• 173. A twelfth Leschasserie
• 174. A second Bourdon.
• 175. A third Dry Martin.
• 176. A third Bugi.
• 177. A twelfth Winter Boncretien.
• 178. A ninth Verte-Longue, or Long-green-pear.
• 179. A second Doyennee, or Dean-pear.
• 180. A first Salviati, a pear of August and September, described pag. 109
• 181. A twelfth Butter-pear.
• 182. An eleventh Ambret.
• 183. An eighth Petit-oin.
• 184. A ninth St. German.
• 185. A tenth Colmar.
• 186. A twelfth Ambret.
• 187. A second Lansac.
• 188. A seventh Crasane.
• 189. A thirteenth Winter Boncretien.
• ...

• 190. A eighteenth Virgoulee.
• 191. A second Besi de la Mott.
• 192. A sixth Russelet.
• 193. A sixth Robin.
• 194. A first Cassolet, ripe in the Middle of August, and described pag. 100
• 195. A first Unknown Chaineau, a pear of the Middle of September, not de∣scribed.
• 196. A first little Muscat, a pear of the beginning of July, described pag. 99
• 197. A first Hasty-Russelet, a pear of the end of July, not described.
• 198. A first Portal, a pear of January and February, and described: pag. 98
• 199. A second Portal.
• 200. A third St. Augustin.
• 201. A fourteenth Winter Boncretien.
• 202. A fifteenth Winter Boncretien.
• 203. A sixteenth Winter Boncretien.
• 204. A seventeenth Winter Boncretien.
• 205. An eighteenth Winter Boncretien.
• 206. A nineteenth Winter Boncretien.
• 207. A first Winter Bergamot.
• 208. A nineteenth Virgoulee.
• 209. A twentieth Virgoulee.
• 210. A twenty first Virgoulee.
• 211. A thirteenth Leschasserie.
• 212. A fourteenth Leschasserie.
• 213. A thirteenth Ambret.
• 214. A fourteenth Ambret.
• 215. A thirteenth Thorn-pear.
• 216. A fourteenth Thorn-pear.
• 217. An eighth Crasane.
• 218. A ninth Petit-oin.
• 219. A tenth S. Germain.
• 220. An eleventh St. Germain.
• 221. A seventh Marchioness.
• 222. An eighth Marchioness.
• 223. A fourth Dry Martin.
• 224. A fifth Dry Martin.
• 225. A thirteenth Butter-pear.
• 226. A fourteenth Butter-pear.
• 227. A seventh Russelet.
• 228. An eighth Russelet.
• 229. A third Musked Summer Boncretien.
• 230. A third Messire-John.
• 231. A seventh Robine.
• 232. A tenth Verte-long, or Long-green-pear.
• 233. An eleventh Verte-longue.
• 234. A second Cassolet.
• 235. A second Lansac.
• 236. A fourth Cuisse-madam, or Lady-thigh.
• 237. A fifth Lady-thigh.
• 238. A third Longtail'd Blanquet.
• 239. A first Musked Blanquet; a Pear of the beginning of July, described pag. 109
• 240. A second Orange green-pear.
• 241. A second Besidery.
• 242. A third Espargne, or Reserve-pear.
• 243. A fourth Messire John.
• 244. A third Sucré-verd, or Sugar green-pear.
• 245. A twentieth Winter Boncretien.
• 246. A twenty first Winter Boncretien.
• 247. A twenty second Winter Boncretien.
• 248. a twenty third Winter Boncretien.
• 249. A twenty second Virgoulee.
• 250. A twenty third Virgoulee.
• 251. A twenty fourth Virgoulee▪
• 252. A fifteenth Ambret.
• 253. A sixteenth Ambret.
• 254. A fifteenth Thorn-pear.
• 255. A fifteenth Thorn-pear.
• 256. A fifteenth Leschasserie.
• 257. A sixteenth Leschasserie.
• 258. A seventeenth Leschasserie.
• 259. A sixth Dry Martin.
• 260. A tenth Petit-oin.
• 261. A twelfth St. Germain.
• 262. A fourth St. Augustin.
• 263. A ninth Marchioness.
• 264. A fifteenth Butter-pear.
• 265. A first Amadot, a Pear of November and December.
• 266. A first Spanish Boncretien, eatable a∣bout the middle of November and beginning of December, described pag. 109
• 267. A fifth Louise-bonne, or Good Louise.
• 268. A third Doyennee, or Dean-pear.
• 269. A third Portal.
• 270. A sixth Louise-bonne, or Good Louise.
• 271. A third Besidery, a good baking Pear.
• 272. a fourth Besidery.
• 273. A second Double Flower.
• 274. A third Double Flower.
• 275. A second Frank Royal.
• 276. A third Frank Royal.
• 277. A second Angober.
• 278. A third Angober.
• 279. A first Donville.
• 280. A second Donville.
• 281. An eighth Robine.
• 282. A ninth Robine.
• 283. A first St. Lezin, a March Pear.
• 284. A seventh Louise-bonne; or good Louise.
• 285. An eleventh Colmar.
• 286. A ninth Crasane.
• 287. A sixteenth Butter-pear.
• 288. A second Winter Bergamot.
• 289. A fourth musked Summer Boncretin.
• 290. A twelfth Verte-longue, or Long-green-pear.
• 291. A second Spanish Boncretin.
• 292. A tenth Crasane.
• 293. A second Vine-pear.
• 294. A first melting Pear of Brest, an Au∣gust Pear.
• 295. A second Musked Blanquet.
• 296. A second Salviati.
• 297. A first Summer Satin-pear.
• 298. A third Muscat Robert.
• 299. A third Bourdon.
• ...

• 300. A fourth Skinless-pear.
• 301. A fourth Bugi.
• 302. A fifth Bugi.
• 303. A sixth Bugi.
• 304. A seventh Bugi.
• 305. An eighth Bugi.
• 306. A ninth Bugi.
• 307. A first Pastourelle described pag. 110
• 308. A second Pastourelle.
• 309. A third Pastourelle.
• 310. A first English-pear described pag. 110
• 311. A first Cat-burnt-pear described Ibid.
• 312. A first Winter Lemon-pear described Ibid.
• 313. A first Winter Russelet described Ibid.
• 314. A second Summer Satin-pear.
• 315. A second English-pear.
• 316. A second Cat-burnt pear.
• 217. A fifth Musked Summer Boncretien.
• 318. A seventh Dry Martin.
• 319. An eighth Dry Martin.
• 320. A twelfth Colmar.
• 321. An eighth Good Louise.
• 322. A thirteenth Long-green pear.
• 323. A fourteenth Long-green pear.
• 324. A twenty fifth Virgoulee.
• 325. A twenty sixth Virgoulee.
• 326. A twenty seventh Virgoulee.
• 327. A twenty eighth Virgoulee.
• 328. A twenty ninth Virgoulee.
• 329. A seventh Ambret.
• 330. An eighteenth Ambret.
• 331. A nineteenth Ambret.
• 332. A seventeenth Thorn-pear.
• 333. An eighteenth Thorn-pear.
• 334. A nineteenth Thorn-pear.
• 335. An eighteenth Leschasserie.
• 336. A nineteenth Leschasserie.
• 337. A twentieth Leschasserie.
• 338. A twenty first Leschasserie.
• 339. A twenty fourth Winter Boncretien.
• 340. A twenty fifth Winter Boncretien.
• 341. A twenty sixth Winter Boncretien.
• 342. A twenty seventh Winter Boncretien.
• 343. A thirtieth Virgoulee.
• 344. A thirty first Virgoulee.
• 345. A twentieth Ambret.
• 346. A twentieth Thorn-pear.
• 347. A twenty first Thorn-pear.
• 348. A twenty first Ambret.
• 349. A twenty second Leschasserie.
• 350. A twenty third Leschasserie.
• 351. A thirteenth St. Germain.
• 352. A fourth Doyennee, or Dean-pear.
• 353. An eleventh Petit-oin.
• 354. A tenth Marchioness.
• 355. A fifth St. Augustin.
• 356. A fourth Lansac.
• 357. A third Vine-pear.
• 358. A twelfth Petit-oin.
• 359. A first Russelin described 111
• 360. A fourth Muscat Robert.
• 361. A fifth Skinless pear.
• 362. A ninth Dry Martin.
• 363. A tenth Dry Martin.
• 364. A seventeenth Butter-pear.
• 365. An eighteenth Butter-pear.
• 366. A fifth Messire John.
• 367. A sixth Messire John.
• 368. A ninth Russelet.
• 369. A tenth Robine.
• 370. A fifth Besidery.
• 371. A sixth Besidery.
• 372. A fourth Double Flower.
• 373. A fifth Double Flower.
• 374. A sixth Double Flower.
• 375. A fourth Franc-Royal.
• 376. A fifth Franc-Royal.
• 377. A fourth Angober.
• 378. A fifth Angober.
• 379. A third Donville.
• 380. A fourth Donville.
• 381. A first Pound-pear, being a pear of Novem. good to Bake, described pag. 111
• 382. A second Pound-pear.
• 383. A twenty eighth Winter Boncretien.
• 384. A twenty ninth Ditto.
• 385. A thirtieth Ditto.
• 386. A fourteenth St. Germain.
• 387. A fifth Cuisse-Madam, or Lady-thigh.
• 388. A sixth Ditto.
• 389. A third great Blanquet.
• 390. A third Musked Blanquet.
• 391. A first Pendar or Hanging-pear de∣scribed. pag. 111
• 392. A second Ditto.
• 393. An eleventh Robine.
• 394. A fourth Pastourelle.
• 395. A sixth musked Summer Boncretien.
• 396. A tenth Russelet.
• 397. A tenth Bugi.
• 398. A fourth Portal.
• 399. A second St. Lezin.
• 400. A first Bouchet, a pear of the middle of August described pag. 111
• 401. A first Cat-burnt-pear, being a pear of the middle of October described p. 112
• 402. A second Ditto.
• 403. A first Besi de Caissoy, a pear of De∣cember and January described pag. 112
• 404. A second Ditto.
• 405. A thirty second Virgoulee.
• 406. A thirty third Ditto.
• 407. A thirty fourth Ditto.
• 408. A thirty fifth Ditto.
• 409. A seventh Double Flower.
• 410. A sixth Franc-Royal.
• 411. A twenty second Ambret.
• 412. A twenty third Ditto.
• 413. A twenty second Thorn-pear.
• 414. A twenty third Ditto.
• 415. A twenty fourth Leschasserie.
• 416. A twenty fifth Ditto.
• 417. An eleventh Crasane.
• ...

• 418. A fifteenth St. Germain.
• 419. A thirty first Winter Boncretien.
• 420. A thirty second Ditto.
• 421. A thirty third Ditto.
• 422. A thirty fourth Ditto.
• 423. A thirty fifth Ditto.
• 424. A thirty sixth Ditto.
• 325. A thirty seventh Ditto.
• 426. A nineteenth Butter-pear.
• 427. A first St. Francis, being a good Ba∣king pear, described pag. 113
• 428. A second Ditto.
• 429. A sixth St. Augustin.
• 430. A second Russelin.
• 431. A fourth Musked Blanquet.
• 432. A seventh Cuisse-madam, or Lady-thigh.
• 433. A twelfth Robine.
• 434. A third Salviati.
• 435. A first musked Orange-pear, being a pear of the beginning of August. 113
• 436. A second melting Pear of Brest.
• 437. An eleventh Dry Martin.
• 438. A sixteenth St. Germain.
• 439. An eleventh Marchioness.
• 440. A second Amadot.
• 441. A fifth Lansac.
• 442. A seventh Messire John.
• 443. A fifteenth Green-long-pear.
• 444. A seventh Besidery.
• 445. A fifth Doyennee, or Dean-pear.
• 446. A third St. Lezin.
• 447. A fourth Vine-pear.
• 448. A third Russelin.
• 449. A third English-pear.
• 450. A third Pendar, or Hanging-pear.
• 451. An eleventh Bugi.
• 452. A first great Fremont, a baking pear, described pag. 113
• 453. A second Ditto.
• 454. A fifth Donville.
• 455. A ninth Louise-bonne, or good Louise.
• 456. A thirteenth Colmar.
• 457. A fifth Portal.
• 458. A second Winter Lemon-pear.
• 459. A third Cat-burnt-pear.
• 460. A third Pound-pear.
• 461. A fifth Pastourelle.
• 462. A thirty sixth Virgoulee.
• 463. A thirty seventh Ditto.
• 464. A thirty eighth Ditto.
• 465. A thirty ninth Ditto.
• 466. A twenty fourth Ambret.
• 467. A twenty fifth Ditto.
• 468. A twenty fourth Thorn-pear.
• 469. A twenty fifth Ditto.
• 470. A twenty sixth Leschasserie.
• 471. A twenty seventh Ditto.
• 472. A thirteenth Petit-oin.
• 473. A fourteenth Ditto.
• 474. A thirty eighth Winter Boncretien.
• 475. A thirty ninth Ditto.
• 476. A fourtieth Ditto.
• 477. A fourty first Ditto.
• 478. A fourth Sucré vert, or Sugar-green pear.
• 479. A fifth Ditto.
• 480. A twelfth Dry Martin.
• 481. A fourth Bourdon.
• 482. A second Maudlin-pear.
• 483. A twentieth Butter-pear.
• 484. A seventh musked Summer Boncretien:
• 485. A third Spanish Boncretien.
• 486. A seventh Messire John.
• 487. A sixth Skinless pear.
• 488. A second Great Onionet.
• 489. A second musked Orange-pear.
• 490. A sixth Lansac.
• 491. An eighth Cuisse-madam.
• 492. A third Espargne, or Reserve-pear.
• 493. A third Cassolet.
• 494. An eighth Summer musked Boncretien.
• 495. A sixth Doyennee, or Dean-pear.
• 496. A second Bouchet-pear.
• 497. A third Ditto.
• 498. A fifth Vine-pear.
• 499. A third Winter Bergamot.
• 500. A twelfth Bugi.

Not to tire the Reader too much, I have only made a List of the first five Hundred Pear-trees, the rest besides being all only the same kinds ready above set down, excepting only these five that follow.

• The Carmelite, being a March pear, descri∣bed pag. 115
• The Rose-pear Described. pag. 115
• The Caillot-rosat, or Rosie-pebble, or Rose∣water pear, being a Pear of the Months
• of August and September, described. p. 115
• The Villain-pear of Anjou, an October pear described pag. 115
• And the Thick-tail pear, an October pear described pag. 115

A List or Catalogue of all sorts of Pears, both Good, Indifferent, and Bad ones.

Good Pears.

• 1. THE Bergamot, a Pear of the middle of September.
• 2. The Winter Boncretien, February and March.
• 3. The Butter Pear, middle of September, and beginning of October.
• 4. The Virgoulee, November, December, and January.
• 5. The Leschasserie, the same Months.
• 6. The Ambrett, the same Months.
• 7. The Thorn-Pear, the same Months.
• 8. The Russelet, August and September.
• 9. The Robine, the same Months.
• 10. The Petit-Oin, November and December.
• 11. The Crasane, November.
• 12. The St. Germain, otherwise, the un∣known La Fare, November, December, and January.
• 13. The Colmar, the same Months.
• 14. The Louise-Bonne, or good Louise, November, and December.
• 15. The Verte-Longue, or Long-Green-Pear, middle of October.
• 16. The Marchioness, October.
• 17. The St. Augustine, end of December.
• 18. The Messire-John, middle of October.
• 19. The Cuisse-Madame, or Lady-thigh, entrance of July.
• 20. The Great Blanquet, the same Months.
• 21. The Muscat-Robert, otherwise called, the Queen-Pear, the Amber-Pear, the Great Musked-Pear of Coud, the Prin∣cess, in Poitou, the Maiden of Flanders, and the Maiden of Xaintonge, is Ripe in the middle of July.
• 22. The Skinless-Pear, about the Twen∣tieth of July.
• 23. The Flower'd-Muscat, middle of October.
• 24. The Long-tail'd-Blanquet, July.
• 25. The Orange-Green-Pear, August.
• 26. The Besi de la motte, end of October.
• 27. The Dry Martin, middle of November.
• 28. The Bourdon, or Humble-Bee-Pear, end of July, and beginning of August.
• 29. The Sugar-Green, or Green-Sugar-Pear, or Sucre-verd, end of October.
• 30. The Lansac, in the same time.
• 31. The Maudlin-Pear, entry of July.
• 32. The Espargne, or Reserve-Pear, end of July.
• 33. The Bugi, February and March.
• 34. The Little Blanquet, or White Pear.
• 35. The unknown Chaineau, September.
• 36. The Little Muscat.
• 37. The Portal, January, and February:
• 38. The Green-Satin-Pear, January.
• 39. The Red Admiral, July.
• 40. The Vine, or Damsel-Pear, middle of October.
• 41. The Non-common, or Dead-Mens-Pear, November▪
• 42. The Great Musk-Pear, January.
• 43. The Almain, or German-Muscat, March, and April.
• 44. The Amadotte, November, and De∣cember.
• 45. The St. Lezin, March.
• 46. The melting Brest-Pear, August.
• 47. The Russelin, October.
• 48. The Pendar, or Hanging-Pear, Sep∣tember.
• 49. The Cassolette, or Friolet, or Green Muscat, or the Eche-Frion.
• 50. The Ronville, or Martin-sire, January.

Indifferent Pears.

• 1. THE London-Pear, November.
• 2. The Brown Orange-Pear, or Monsieur-Pear, August, and September.
• 3. The Musked Summer-Boncretien, or Graccioli, at the same time.
• 4. The Doyennee, or Dean-Pear, or St. Michael's Pear, middle of September, and October.
• 5. The Cat-burnt-Pear, October, and No∣vember.
• 6. The English-Pear, September, and October.
• 7. The Ambrette of Bourgeuill, or Gra∣ville, thirteenth of October.
• 8. The Besidery, a Baking-Pear, October.
• 9. The Pastourelle, or Bag-pipe-Pear of Autumn, November.
• 10. The Topinambour, or Potato-Pear, or Musked Finot, December.
• 11. The Arch-Duke, March.
• 12. The Naples Pear, same Month.
• 13. The Summer-perfume, same time.
• ...

• 14. The perfume of Berny, the Twenty Third of September.
• 15. The Spanish Boncretien, November.
• 16. The Crapaudine, or Toady-Pear, otherwise, the Grise bonne, or Gray∣good, and Summer-Ambrette, August.
• 17. The Portugal Summer-Pear, or Prince-Pear, or Admiral-Pear, July.
• 18. The Villain-Pear of Anjou.
• 19. The Black Sugry-Pear, or Sucrin-Noir, December, and January.
• 20. The Cat-Pear, October.
• 21. The Jessamine-Pear, November.
• 22. The Besi de Caissoy, or Russet of Anjou, November.
• 23. The Musked Onion-Pear, the same Month.
• 24. The Limon-Pear, November, and De∣cember.
• 25. The Etranguillon Vibray, or Vibray-Choak-Pear, December.
• 26. The Round Milan-Pear, January, and February.
• 27. The Queen of Winter, the same time.
• 28. The Carmelite-Pear, March.
• 29. The Winter-Russelet.
• 30. The Jasmin, and Frangipane, August.
• 31. The Thorn less Ambrette, November.
• 32. The Gold-Pear of Autumn, the same Month.
• 33. The Nameless-Pear of Monsicur Le Jeune.
• 34. The Caillot-Rosat, or Rosie Pebble-Pear, or Rose-water-Pear, or otherwise, Pera del Campo, August, and Septem∣ber.
• 35. The Rose-Pear, August.
• 36. The Milan de la Beuvriere, or Sum∣mer-Bergamot, August the Twelfth.
• 37. The Winter-Orange-Pear, March, and April.
• 38. The Tuliped, Fly-Pear, September.
• 39. The Brutte-Bonne, or Chaw-good-Pear, or otherwise, the Pope-Pear.
• 40. The Finor of Orleans, common in August, Reddish, and like a Russelet; it must be gathered green, to make it Mellow and more Juicy.
• 41. The White-Butter-Pear, August the Twentieth.
• 42. The Double-Flower, March.
• 43. The Morfontaine, the Twenty Fifth of September.
• 44. The Tibivilliers, or Bruta-Marma, March, and April.

Bad Pears.

• 1. THE Dumas, or Christalline, or Marin-gout-Pear, of the shape of the Gilogiles, February, and March.
• 2. The English-Burket-Russet, September, and October.
• 3. The Sain-Pear, or Sound-Mans-Pear, August, and September.
• 4. The Summer-Certeau, end of September.
• 5. The Belle-Bonne, or Fair-good-Pear, October the Tenth.
• 6. The Catillac-Pear, October and Novem∣ber.
• 7. The Cadet-Pear, October, November, and December.
• 8. The Thick-tail'd-Pear, October.
• 9. The Fin-Oin-Pear.
• 10. The Passe-Bonne, or Past-good-Pear.
• 11. The Chambrette, these three last, all in October.
• 12. The Winter-Caillot, or Pebble-Pear, to bake, November.
• 13. The Carmelite, Mazuer, or Gilogiles, November.
• 14. The Baking Pound-Pear, November.
• 15. The Ros-Pear, November, and De∣cember.
• 16. The Sicilian Musked Bergamot, or Dove-Pear, December.
• 17. The Citroli-Pear, same Month.
• 18. The Caloët, or Winter-Caillot, or Pebble-Pear, December.
• 19. The Lady Joan, or Rousse de la Mer∣liere, December, and January.
• 20. The Pernan, January.
• 21. The Miret, February.
• 22. The Gourmandine, or Liquorish-Pear, March.
• 23. The Foundling of the Mountain, the same Month.
• 24. The Supreme, July.
• 25. The Gros Fremon, or Great Fremon, December, and January.
• 26. The Macarius-Pear, April.
• 27. The Bernardiere, April, and March.
• 28. The Betterave, or Beet-root-Pear, August.
• 29. The Red Orange-Pear, August.
• 30. The Burgundy Dry-Martin, November, December, and January.
• 31. The Bellissime, or Super-fair-Pear, Au∣gust.
• 32. The Martineau, October.
• 33. The Legat-Bouge, or Bens-Pear, the same Month.
• 34. The Cyprus-Pear, November.
• 35. The Fontarabie-Pear, January.
• 36. The Malta-Pear, November.
• ...

• 37. The Constantinople, or Borgueil-Pear, December.
• 38. The Orange-Pear of St. Lo, the same Month.
• 39. The Winter-Jargonnelle, January.
• 40. The Gastellier, January.
• 41. The Estoupe, or Stopple-Pear, March.
• 42. The Bete-bir, the same time.
• 43. The Monrave, the same time.
• 44. The Gambay, April.
• 45. The Summer-Jargonnelle, August the Twenty Second.
• 46. The Lombard-Pear, August.
• 47. The Sanguinole, or Bloody-Pear, August.
• 48. The Hasty-Pear, same time.
• 49. The Double-headed-Pear, August, and September.
• 50. The Onion-Pear of Vervan, August.
• 51. The Musked Certeau.
• 52. The Winter-Villain, January.
• 53. The Stergonette, the same time.
• 54. The Green-Pear of Pereus, January, February, and March.
• 55. The Toad-Pear, January.
• 56. The Scarlet-Pear, August.
• 57. The My-God-Pear, August.
• 58. The Belle-Vege, same time.
• 59. The Courtreau, or St. Giles's Pear, Au∣gust.
• 60. The Red Pairmain-Pear.
• 61. The St. Francis-Pear.
• 62. The Bequêne.
• 63. The Love-Pear.
• 64. The Marine, or Thomas-Pear.
• 65. The Carisie.
• 66. The Chair-à-Dame, or Lady-flesh-Pear, August.
• There are some Pears among these, good to Bake, &c. which are,
• The Carmelite.
• The Caloët.
• The Great Fremont.
• The St. Francis.
• The Bequêne.
• The Love-Pear.
• The Thomas, or Marine-Pear.
• And the Ros-Pear.

Besides the Bad-Pears which I know not, here is a particular List of those which I know to be so Bad, that I Counsel no Body to Plant any of them.

Summer-Pears.

• 1. THE Summer-Certeau.
• 2. The Belle-bonne.
• 3. The Poire de Sain, or Sound-Man's-Pear.
• 4. The Sanguinole, or Bloody-Pear.
• 5. The Betterave, or Beet-root-Pear.
• 6. The Red Orange Pear.
• 7. The Bellissime.
• 8. The Jargonnelle.
• 9. The Lombardie.
• 10. The Windsor-Pear, August.
• 11. The Musked Vally-Pear.
• 12. The Odorant, or sweet-smelling-Pear.
• 13. The Scarlet-Pear.
• 14. The My-God-Pear.
• 15. The St. Giles, or Courtreau-Pear.
• 16. The Chair-à-Dame, or Lady-flesh-Pear.
• 17. The Vally-Pear.
• 18. The Toady-Pear.
• 19. The Milan-Pear, or Summer-Berga∣motte de Beuvriere.

Autumn-Pears.

• 1. THE Cadet-Pear.
• 2. The Musked Certeau.
• 3. The Chambret.
• 4. The Fin-oin.
• 5. The Passe-bonne, or Past-good-Pear.

Winter-Pears.

• 1. THE Catillac.
• 2. The Lady Joan.
• 3. The Pernan.
• 4. The Mountain-Foundling.
• 5. The Bernardiere.
• 6. The Burgundy Dry-Martin.
• 7. The Fountarabie-Pear.
• 8. The Gastelier.
• 9. The Stergonelle.
• 10. The Vertzburg.
• 11. The Toad-Pear.
• 12. The Pairmain-Pear.
• ...

• 13. The Carisie.
• 14. The Winter-Jargonnelle.
• 15. The Malta-Pear.
• 16. The Swisse-Pear.
• 17. The Gilogiles.
• 18. The Mauritany, or Moorish-Pear.
• 19. The Armenian-Pear, the Fourth of January.

A List of those which I Esteem not highly enough to Counsel any Gentleman to Plant them, nor yet so much Despise as to Banish them out of the Gardens of them that like them.

The Summer-Pears are,

• 1. THE Summer-Perfume.
• 2. The Berny-Perfume.
• 3. The Hasty-Pear.
• 4. The Janet-Pear.
• 5. The Frangipane.
• 6. The Jassemine, or Gessimine-Pear.
• 7. The Brutte-bonne, or Chaw-good-Pear.
• 8. The Finor.
• 9. The Vervan Onion-Pear.
• 10. The Nicole-Pear.
• 11. The Besi de Mapan, August.

The Autumn-Pears are,

• 12. The Monsieur, or Brown Gold-Pear.
• 13. The Onion-Pear of Autumn.
• 14. The Thornless-Ambrette.
• 15. The Gold-Pear of Autumn.
• 16. The Tuliped, or Fly-Pear.
• 17. The Cyprus-Pear.
• 18. The Ruddy English-Bergamot.
• 19. The Nameless-Pear of Monsieur 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Jeune.

The Winter-Pears are;

• 20. The Topinambour.
• 21. The Besi des Essars.
• 22. The Arch-Duke.
• 23. The Naples-Pear.
• 24. The Armenian-Pear.
• 25. The Sicilian, or Musked Bergamot.
• 26. The Sucrin-noir, or Black Sugry-Pear.
• 27. The Round Milan-Pear.
• 28. The Winter-Villain.
• 29. The Winter-Gold-Pear.
• 30. The Legat, or Bouge-Pear.
• 31. The Bruta-Marma.
• 32. The Green-Pereus-Pear.
• 33. The Ros-Pear.
• 34. The Citroli.
• 35. The Miret, February.
• 36. The Gourmandine, or Liquorish, or Greedy-guts-Pear, March.
• 37. The Macarius-Pear, &c.

CHAP. IV.

Treating of Apples.

SInce Apples make a part of our Kernel-Fruits, and a very considerable part too, as well in respect of their Goodness, and Lasting Quality, as of the Convenience they afford us, of having them either growing upon little Dwarf Trees, grafted upon Para∣dise-Apple-Stocks, or upon larger Dwarf-Trees and Standards grafted upon Wild or Crab-stocks, I will take the opportunity in this place to set down what I would Coun∣sel Gentlemen to plant of them, before I proceed to speak of Wall Trees, among which, I seldom or never admit them Entrance.

Among the Apples that are good to Eat Raw, or Baked, or otherwise prepared, (for * 1.193 I meddle not here with Cyder-Apples,) I count Seven principal sorts, that is to say, the Gray-Pippin, the White, or Frank-Pippin, the Autumn Calvill, the Fennellet, or Fennell-Apple, the Cour-pendu, or short-hung, or short-stalk'd-Apple, the Api, and the Violet-Apple. There are some others which I prize not so much, tho' they are no bad Fruit, as the Rambour, * 1.194 the Summer-Calvill, the Cousinotte, the Orgeran, the Jerusalem, the Thick Pairmain, the Ice-Apple, the Francatu, the Hiute-Bontée, or High-goodness, the Royalty, the Rouvezeau, the Chesnut-Apple, the Pigconnet, or Pigcon-Apple, the Pass-pomme, or Passing-Apple, the Petit-bon, or Small-good, the Fig-Apple, &c.

All Apples pretty near resemble one another in their flat figure, and short stalk, and * 1.195 the most part of them in bigness too, and in their short Eating Pulp, but they are very different in Colour.

I know not above two or three sorts that are bigger than the others, namely, the Rambours, the Calvills, and the Ice-Applos, and but three or four that are more long

than flat, namely, the Calvills, the Violets, the Jerusalems, and the Ice-Apples, and they are thicker towards the stalk than towards the head, so that we must conceive the most part of them flat, without any further Description.

The Two sorts of Pippins are distinguished by the Two Names of Gray and White * 1.196 which they bear, being in other respects of an equal goodness; good Compôtes, or Wet Sweet-Meats may be made of them at all times, and they begin to be eaten Raw towards the Month of January; before that time, they have a little point of sharpness * 1.197 which pleases not some people, but unhappily assoon as ever they begin to be entirely free of that, they contract a smell that is much more displeasing, and which is rendred still more disagreeable, when the smell of the Straw upon which they are laid to Mellow, intermixes therewith. In sine, it may be said, to the advantage of these Pippins, that they are very profitably made use of almost all the Year long; and to their disadvantage, it may be no less truly affirmed, that their Neighbourhood is infinitely disagreeable and incommodious.

The Summer and Autumnal-Calvills resemble one another pretty near in their lon∣gish shape, and in their Colour, which is of a Blood-Red, but yet the Summer-Calvill is * 1.198 a little flatter, being likewise less Coloured without, and not at all within, whereas those of Autumn are very Red both without and within, and especially the best of them; that is to say, those that thave the most agreeable Violet-smell that renders them so considerable: I say, these most excellent ones have always their pulp deeplier tinged with Red, and are also more beautiful to look upon than the others. They keep * 1.199 most commonly from October, when they begin to come in, till January and February. It is a most excellent Fruit to Eat Raw, and no less excellent to use in Compôtes, and Wet Sweet-Meats. It sometimes grows dry and mealy, but that is not till 'tis very old. The Summer-Calvills, both the White and the other, are gone as soon as Septem∣ber is past; they may at least be said not to be disagreeable, and especially in the Pyra∣mids of their Season.

The Fennellet, or Fennell-Apple, or Anis-Apple, is of a Colour not well to be express'd: * 1.200 It is Grey, overcast all over with something of a Russet, coming near the Colour of the Belly of a Doc, never taking any Lively Colour. It never grows very big, and seems to incline to a Longish Figure: Its pulp is very fine, and its juice much sugred, and perfumed with a little smack of those Plants from which it derives its Name. This Apple begins to be good from the beginning of December, when we have the pleasure to * 1.201 Eat it with the Pears of the Season, and keeps till February and March. It is certainly a very pretty Apple, and would be much more so, if it were not so apt to wrinkle and wither as well as that which follows next.

The Cour-pendu, or short-hung, or short-stalk'd, Apple, whose Ancient Name some * 1.202 would have changed, to give it that of Bardin, is perfectly of the regular figure of an Apple, and is of a reasonable bigness; it is of a Grey-Russet Colour on one side, and Dy∣ed with Vermillion on the other. Its pulp is very fine, and its juice very sweet and plea∣sant; they are Eaten with pleasure from the Month of December, till February and * 1.203 March: We must not give it time to grow wrinkled, because then it is insipid, and loses its tast. It is likewise a very pretty Apple.

The Api, which is in truth, a Right Lady's-Apple, and good Company, is known by * 1.204 all the World, as being remarkable for its extraordinary piercing and lively Colour. It begins to be good as soon as it has no more green left, neither towards its stalk, nor towards its Crown, which happens pretty often in the Month of December, and then, if I may be permitted so to speak, it requires to be Eaten greedily, and at a chop; that is to say, without Ceremony, and with its Coat all on: For among all the other Apples that are, there are none that have so sine and delicate a Skin as this; it is scarce perceivable in the Eating; nay, and contributes so much to the agreeableness found in these Apples, that 'twould be to impair that to strip them of it. This Apple lasts from December till March and April, and plays its part wonderfully well in all Winter Assemblies, * 1.205 whither it brings no disagreeable smell, but on the contrary, a certain little touch of a most delicious perfume in a pulp extraordinary fine; and to conclude, it commands Esteem where-ever it presents its self. It is of great increase, and consequently may be commended for a very pretty Apple, and has this further particular advantage, that it never wrinkles nor loses its Charming Colour.

The Violet-Apple is of a Whitish Colour'd ground, a little speckled in those parts * 1.206 turned from the Sim, but marked, or rather striped and whipt with a good lovely deep Red on that side exposed to the view of that Luminary: The Colour of its pulp is very White, and its self very fine and delicate, having a juice extremely sweet and sugred, leaving no Earthiness or Lees behind it, so that assuredly it is an admirable Apple

to begin to Eat of as soon as 'tis gathered, and continues till Christmas, beyond which * 1.207 time it will not reach.

I was promised a Violet-Ice-Apple pretended to be better, and to last longer, and not to come in season till after the other, but I have seen none of them yet. I have indeed * 1.208 seen one they called the Black Ice-Apple, of the bigness and shape of an ordinary Pippin, and of a very shining Dark Red Colour, except on that side not exposed to the Sun, * 1.209 which has little or no Red in it; which is an Apple that keeps till April, but it has al∣ways such a tang of a Green tast, which is so disagreeable, that it has given me little stomach to multiply many Trees of it.

The Rambour, as I have already said, is a fair large Apple, Green on one side, and whipt with Red on the other; it is Eatable as soon as August comes in, but lasts but a * 1.210 little while: It is very good Baked, or otherwise prepared, and requires particularly to grow on Standard Trees, the little Paradise-Apple Stocks being too weak to support the weight of it.

The Cousinottes are a kind of Calvills, which keep till February; their Juice is very sower, and their Stalk long and small. * 1.211

The Orgerans, both the hasty and backward ones, seem to me of little worth.

The Apple which is formed like a Star, and bears that Name, is Yellow, and keeps * 1.212 till April, and is sowrish and hardish, and worth no great matter.

The Jerusalem-Apples are almost Red all over, have a firm pulp, but of little tast, though it be a little sugred, and have nothing of that ill smell that accompanies most * 1.213 Apples.

The Thick English-Pearmains are of the Colour of the Jerusalem-Apples, but are flatter, and sweeter, and more sugred: The English make greater account of them than of most * 1.214 of our French-Apples: They likewise mightily esteem another sort of Apples, which they call Golden Pippins, which have perfectly the Air of Paradise-Apples, or some other Wild Apples: They are very Yellow and Round, and have but little Juice which is pretty * 1.215 high, and rich tasted, and without any ill smell.

The Ice-Apples are so called, because when they Ripen, they seem to grow transparent, without being really so. They are altogether Greenish and Whitish, and make no great * 1.216 figure among any truly Curious persons.

The Francatu's are Red on one side, and Yellow on the other. They keep a great while, and that's their principal Excellency. * 1.217

The Haute-bonte's, or High-goodnesses, are White, Horned, and Longish, and last a long time. They are called in Poiton, Blandilalies: Their pulp is pretty sweet, with a lit∣tle * 1.218 touch of sharpness.

The Rouvezeau's are Whitish, Coloured with Red.

The Chesnut-Apples, called in Anjou, Martranges, are White and Russet, Coloured with a kind of Dirty and Dusky Red.

The Apple without flowering, or Flowerless, or Blossomless-Apple, is Green, and grows out of the Tree just as Figs do out of a Fig-Tree: It keeps a long time, and is some∣times called a Fig-Apple.

The Petit-bon, or Little-good, is longish, and pretty good.

The Rose-Apple extreamly resembles the Apis in all its outside, but to my taste is not so good, whatsoever the curious Gentry about the Rhone can alledge to the contrary, who would extoll this above other Apples, as much as they would the Cat-pear above other Pears.

And these are all the Apples as near as I can reckon, that I know, after a very exact Scrutiny, and because there is no great difference among them in goodness, I willingly content my self with the seven first sorts, for which I have exprest some esteem, and shall make no scruple to plant a considerable quantity of them, provided they be graft∣ed upon Paradise Apple-stocks, that being a Tree that shoots forth little Wood, and con∣sequently * 1.219 produces but small Dwarf-Trees, that give very little incumbrance, and that besides, is blest with the advantage of producing great increase, which makes it very considerable to our curious Gentlemen; to which may be added, That it equally agrees with all sorts of Soils, both hot and cold, dry and moist.

I use often to place some of them between all the Dwarf-Pear-trees I plant about e∣very Square of our Kitchin-Gardens, and for that purpose, I set the Pear-trees at a pretty * 1.220 good distance one from another, without being at all afraid my Apple-trees should defraud the Pear-trees of their nourishment, because these latter draw theirs a good depth our of the Ground; whereas those little Apple-trees which need but little, content themselves with licking up those Superfluities of it only, which were spending themselves towards

the Surface, and outward Crust of the Earth. By the means of these little Apple-trees, I have the convenience to allow my self almost as many Trees of one sort of Apples, as of the other, and since these little Trees are agreeable enough to the sight in great Gardens, it follows naturally enough from thence, that they produce no ill effect in little ones.

Now therefore we have nothing else to do but to determine what kinds of them to * 1.221 plant, and what number of each kind, and this is my Method with them; if I have room enough to plant a considerable number of them, as for Example, from fifty, to one or two hundred; I plant two thirds of the total number, of these four sorts, Gray-pippins, White-pippins, Autumn-Calvills, and Apis-apples, of each an equal number; and for the remaining third part, I divide it into three portions, which I employ in Trees of these three other kinds, viz. Fennellets, Cour-pendu's, and Violet-apples.

And proceeding in this manner, in fifty Apple-Trees, I shall have eight Gray Pippin∣trees, eight of White Pippins, eight Autumn-Calvills, eight Apis, six Fennelets, six Cour-pendu's, and six Violet-apples. In a hundred Apple-trees, I shall have sixteen of each of the four first principal sorts, and twelve of each of the other three, and so proportionably in the number of two hundred. But when we shall have occasion to plant three, four, or five hundred, I shall mix with them a twelfth part composed of Summer-Calvills and Rambours; and so at that rate, there would be in three hundred Apples, twelve Summer-Calvills, and twelve Rambours, with fourty three Gray-pippins, fourty three White pippins, fourty three Autumn-Calvills, fourty three Apis, thirty two Fennellets, thirty two Cour-pendu's, and thirty two Violet-apples, and so forwards in greater numbers of each sort, ac∣cording to the same Proportion.

And if any curious Person be minded to add besides, some other Apples, as for Ex∣ample, some Jerusalem Petit-bons, or Little-goods, Chestnut-apples, &c. he may do his plea∣sure, but in my Opinion, that is, according to my taste, these others are not so good as those seven kinds which I here preferr before the rest.

There remains but one difficulty more to clear, which is to direct what is to be done * 1.222 in very little Gardens, in which I freely counsel that some little Apple-trees be planted; there needs but a very little room to place half a dozen, or a whole dozen of them, without so much as the Company of any Pear-trees among them, and without harming any of the little Plants we have a mind should grow under them. In such a Case, I would plant but six or twelve Apis, which when loaden with Fruit, would be a very pretty ornament to such a little Garden, and if there were room to place two dozen, there should be eight Apis, eight Autumn-Calvills, and eight Cour-pendu's; if there were occasion for fourty, they should be parted among those three above-said kinds, together with the Fennellet, and Violet-Apples, and so there should be still eight of each sort; that is to say, I would hardly plant any Pippins at all among them, they being so easy to be had every where for Money, and Peoples curiosity leading them to covet the other sorts rather than them.

The great Dwarf-Apple-trees grafted on Crab-stocks, are hard to be brought to bear, pro∣duce * 1.223 too unsightly and cumbersome tops, and too ungovernable to be reduced to a mid∣dle-siz'd Figure, and require a great extent of Ground, so that 'tis much better to have great Standard Apple-trees in separate Orchards, where they spread into tops sometimes of three or four Toises or Fathoms Diameter. In this Case, they require to be placed at a great distance one from the other, that is to say, about sixteen or twenty yards, and yet so they will not continue long to bear Fruit, nor consequently to pleasure us. It is most especially needful to have recourse to those Standard Trees, for Autumn-Calvills, Pippins of all sorts, Rambours, Francatu's, &c. and then Gentlemen may plant as many Trees of them, as they have occasion for.

After having treated of both Pear-trees and Apple-trees, as well in the figure of Dwarf-trees, as of Standards, it is very pertinent to discourse next of those sorts of Stone-fruit that are capable of prospering either in the one or the other of those two Figures, before we come to the Wall-trees.

CHAP. V.

How to make the best use of the Walls in every Garden.

AMong the Fruit and Kitchen-gardens of which I treat, there are some that are en∣tirely * 1.224 enclosed on all sides with Walls, and some that are so but in part, and some again that are without any at all; as for these last, I have nothing to do nor say to them, but to pity them, and wish them better fortune; the condition of the Gardens

we have to do with, for many good Reasons, requiring to be walled quite about.

As for the first sort, they have at least three Expositions, it being not possible they should have fewer, and regularly, they have four, those which have but three, are Gar∣dens * 1.225 that are Triangular, and they are pretty rare, that being a cramped and forced figure, which people strive to avoid as much as they can. As for those that have four Walls, they are of a Square Figure, which is the commonest as well as the fairest and most convenient. There are some indeed, as I have said elsewhere, that are Pentagonal and Hexagonal, &c. which are not very disagreeable for the planting of Wall-trees. But I make no great account of them, because they are attended with many inconveniences, and perplex Gardeners, who are thereby hindred from forming any fair and sightly Squares in their Kitchen Gardens, which consequently makes me have little Stomach to speak any thing in their favour; and besides, it costs a great deal more to make Gardens of those unusual Figures, than to make them simply and plainly square; and yet when all's done, though such Figures may have more Walls, yet they can have no more di∣stinct Expositions than a plain square, for let us do the best we can, it is impossible by any variation of Figure that can be invented, to produce any more than four of them, * 1.226 that is to say, the Expositions of the East and West, and of the South and North. This is a truth that needs no proof, since no Body can call it into Doubt.

Now in Terms of Gardening, we call Expositions, every Wall that enjoys the A∣spect and kindly reflection of the Rays of the Sun during a certain time of the Day, in * 1.227 a different manner from another Wall not in the same position. Thus we call an Easter∣ly Exposition, a Wall that is eyed by the Sun the first half of the Day; that is to say, * 1.228 from its Rising till Noon, at what hour soever it begins to rise; and that a Westerly Exposition, which is shone upon the second half of the Day; that is to say, which begins to be shone upon immediately after Noon, and continues to be so till Sun-setting. And we style that a Southerly Exposition, which beginning in Summer time, to enjoy the comfortable smiles of the Sun, soon after his rising is not totally deprived of them till he be almost ready to disappear from among us, or perhaps not till he be actually out of sight, or to speak more generally, we call that a Southern Exposition, that is it self alone constantly shone upon longer than either of the two former taken separately, and there are some Gardens so advantageously turned, that one of their Walls is almost the whole day cherished by the Sun-Beams.

I express in the Treatise of Plantations, what sorts of Expositions I affect most, and counsel others to affect too, that have as we say, a whole piece of Cloath to cut out as they list, in order to the contriving themselves both a fair and good Garden, which is a Happiness, not very ordinarily to be met with, especially in great Cities, where Gentle∣men are under a thousand Subjections to their Houses, for which their Gardens are made, and to which they must be accommodated, and consequently are such Subjections from which they can hardly ever exempt themselves.

After all we have said about the three good Expositions, it is no hard matter to con∣clude, that the unhappy Northerly Exposition is that which enjoys the Sun, only during that little time in which the Southerly one has him not; for the Sun cannot shine upon two Walls directly opposite one to the other, at the same time. The Portion of those of the North, then, is to enjoy from the Equinox of March, to that of September, the ear∣liest Rays of the Sun that appear above our Horizon; that is to say, to be shone upon betimes in the Morning, and that sometimes for an hour or two, and sometimes for three or four, but sometimes they run the danger of having but a very short view of him towards Evening; nay and very often, of having none at all.

It follows from this Explication of Expositions, that there is no Wall that has not as least some little glance of the Sun once a day, and that is a favour always to be counted for something.

And this, if I mistake not, is the proper place in which I ought to tell you, that the Sun never begins to shine upon one Wall, but he shines upon two at the same time, and * 1.229 they are those that concurr to make the common Angle in which the two joyn that are so shone upon; thus when he rises, he ordinarily shines at once upon the Northern Wall, and part of the Eastern one, and as soon as ever the progress of his Course, carries him out of the sight of that of the North, He insensibly extends his Beams to that of the South, yet so as not for a good while after to quit that of the East, but shining upon both at once; in the same manner also he leaves not off shining on the Eastern Wall, but in order to advance himself by little and little to the Western Exposition, and to continue in the mean while his favourable Aspect to the Southerly Wall, so that those two Walls are likewise at the same time gratified with his cheering Rays.

And thus every day begins and ends that glorious progress and course of the Sun, which causes the fertility of the Earth, the goodness of Fruits, and the Joy and Pleasure of Mankind: But he finishes it not however, without scattering some small Remains of his last Melancholy and Expiring Splendour upon the poor Northern Wall, he gives it a slight visit in passing, that is to say properly, he only glances lightly by it when he is got beyond the reach of its Southern Opposite. Any two Walls that are diametrically opposite one to the other, are never shone upon at the same time, unless it be just in the moment the Sun is passing from one to the other; for then that great Torch * 1.230 which is always advancing with an unconceivable Rapidity, appears as if he were for some time stopt, and sixt, though he really be not, and then he may be truly said to view three different Expositions at the same time; but that being only just as he is going to quit the sight of that of the three, which he had thitherto continued the longest looks towards, and beginning to turn his Countenance towards the other, which is directly opposite to it, cannot be of any long duration. Upon which, I suppose, there are nei∣ther any tall Trees nor high Walls, nor neighbouring Houses that may obstruct the re∣flexion of the Sun's light upon any of the Expositions we are examining, otherwise we shall never be able to lay down any thing positive for the instructions we intend to sub∣••oyn about them.

After having thus explained what we mean in terms of Gardening, by Expositions, a∣ny Person may easily judge of those he has in his own Garden, whether it be walled quite about, or only in part; as we see in those for Example, that are closed on some sides only with Rivers, Ditches, or quick Hedges, &c.

But though I were informed of the extent of the surface of every Garden, that would not enable me to calculate any thing near what extent of walling it will take up. For Example, though an Arpent or Acre of Paris Measure, contains nine hundred Toises or Fathoms of Superficies, yet it may be, that this Superficies may be reduced to a perfect * 1.231 Square of thirty Toises or Fathoms every way, and so such an Arpent or Acre will contain but one hundred and twenty Fathoms in Compass, that is to say, sixty Yards for each of the four Expositions, which is as little Walling as a Paris Acre of Ground can have.

Some such Acres may also have one hundred and thirty, one hundred and fifty, two hundred, two hundred and eighteen, and sometimes as many as three hundred and * 1.232 twelve Fathoms Circumference, and more; which will happen, if in the first occasion there be supposed two large sides of forty five Fathoms each, and two lesser ones each of twenty; if in the second there be two long sides of sixty, and two shorter ones of fifteen Fathoms each; if in the third there be two long sides of fourscore and ten, and two shorter ones of ten Fathoms each; if in the Fourth, supposed to be a Triangular en∣closure, there be two sides of one hundred Fathoms each, and a short one of eighteen. And lastly, if in the fifth, this Acre have two long sides of a hundred and fifty Fathoms each, and two short ones of Six Fathoms each, &c. which indeed would make a very odd con∣ceited Garden, and one ridiculous enough. But however such a Case may possibly happen.

After all, I can truly say, that I cannot exactly calculate what quantity of Walling every piece of Ground will require for its entire enclosure, since as I have just now shewed you, one and the same quantity of Superficies may have a great deal more, or a great deal less, according to the greater or lesser length of the sides of the said Land.

In fine, it is pleasant enough to see, that if a Square have two hundred Fathoms of * 1.233 Walling in its Circumference, and we be minded to make a separate inclosure of the quarter, or of the half of the said square, that quarter will take up one hundred Fa∣thoms, which is the half of the whole, and that half will take up one hundred and fif∣ty, that is, three quarters of the whole; Geometry satisfies us with good Reasons for all those differences, which belonging not to my subject, I omit.

Therefore I shall not define what Circumference a Garden may have, nor what Ex∣positions, because I cannot, but shall only tell you how many Trees each Exposition may * 1.234 admit, in respect to two things, viz. the heighth of the Walls, and the goodness of the Ground, for the better the Ground is, the more Trees it is able to nourish, the con∣trary may be said of that which is lean and barren; likewise the higher the Walls are the greater number of Trees may be applyed to them; that is to say, we may place them so much the nearer one another, and by this means order them so, that between two, which we may reserve to garnish the lower part of the Wall, there may be always one to shoot up and garnish the upper part, that so the upper and lower parts of our Fruit-Walls may be both garnished at once, and consequently yield us Fruit so much the soon∣er, and in the greater quantity. The contrary is likewise true in respect of Walls that

are low, always considering withal, the quality of the Soil; that is to say, the lower the Walls, so much the further the Trees are to be placed one from another, and those very distances must still be more enlarged when the ground is very rich, than when it is but indifferently qualified.

And here it is needful to explain and make you understand the following Truth which * 1.235 seems a little Paradoxical: Our design in Planting Wall-Trees is indeed to have so much the fairer Fruit, but still more chiefly, to secure the greater store of it; but Trees do not infallibly yield Fruit, unless it be upon feeble Branches, and therefore we shall have no Fruit upon our Wall-Trees, unless we contrive it so, that we may have some feeble Bran∣ches on them: And if the Trees he very vigorous, as they are commonly in good Soils, they cannot produce any feeble Branches, unless they be allowed a great deal of room to spread out to the best advantage all those that are fit to bear; because, that supposing they be Planted too near one another, and the Walls be not high enough, they must necessarily be Pruned very short, or else they will shoot above the Wall, and consequently cease to be Wall-Trees; or else they will so intangle their Branches one with another, that they will make a very disagreeable confusion, and such a one as will prove as prejudicial to the Fruit, as if they had been cut too short.

If then they be Curbed in that manner; that is to say, if we leave them not Branches of some reasonable thickness and length, all the young shoots they will produce will be always thick, and thick ones bear no Fruit, and consequently good Trees Planted near one another in a good ground will bear no Fruit, and all through the Gard'ner's fault: And therefore it follows by an undoubted consequence, that in good Soils, whose Walls are but low, we ought to allow very considerable distances between Tree and Tree, if we would pretend any store of fair Fruit from them; and that when the Walls are high∣er, we may and ought to place the Trees nearer one another, as I have already shewed; now I shall proceed to tell you what is my Advice concerning the Measure and Regu∣lation of those Distances.

My Judgment is, that no Walls of inclosure ought to be made less than Seven or * 1.236 Eight Foot high, as well for the better security against Robbing and Spoiling to be ap∣prehended from abroad, as for the advancing and improving the goodness of the Wall-Trees: I likewise am of Opinion, that in the good Expositions, it is not convenient to de∣sire Walls of above Fifteen or Sixteen Foot; for as for those of the North, which we call bad ones, the highest Walls are ordinarily the worst, for they cast long shadows of pernicious influence to Gardens, but yet we shall endeavour to make a good use of them, and especially in Soils a little dry, and in pretty hot Climates.

By all I have newly said about the heighth of Walls, it appears, that I have little * 1.237 value for those Leaning-Walls to pretend to make them Fruit-Walls for Pears, Peaches, Apricocks, &c. but they may serve for something else, as I shall shew afterwards: It like∣wise appears, I do not much approve the extraordinary heighths of some topping Walls of Houses, or of Churches, though I make use of them very advantageously when I meet with any of them exposed to the East or South; and that is, particularly to raise Figs against them, which as they love nothing so much as heat and shelter, so they apprehend nothing so much as the Cold Winds and Scabbiness; and High Walls are very proper, as well to do them all the good they need, as to defend them from the Mischiefs which attack them.

When I here so much extoll the Conveniences of the High Walls of the East and South Quarters, I suppose it to be in Climates where the Heat is but small, or at least ve∣ry moderate; for in those which are hot and burning, as those of our Provence, and of Spain, and Italy; or that exceed them still in heat, as those Countries that lie nearer the Line, in those Climates, such Walls are as formidable and pernicious to Fruits which do but broil and cleave or chap against them, and to Trees which they dry up, and kill, as the Northern Walls are uneasie, and contrary to the ripening of Fruits in other places that offend in want of Heat, and excess of Moisture.

CHAP. VI.

Of the Distances to be observed between Wall-Trees.

BEfore I proceed to Regulate the Measures of the Distances to be observed in the placing of all sorts of Trees that are to be Planted against Walls, because there are some kinds of Fruits that require very different Distances from others, I think, that for

the better understanding of what I am to deliver upon that subject, it will be necessary I should first examine what Fruits really deserve admittance to this choice situation; and secondly, which, as unworthy, are to be excluded.

Of the first sort are all the good kinds of Figs, Peaches, Plums, Pears, and Grapes, with the Hasting, or Forward-Cherries; all sorts of Apricocks are also of that number, with some Azerolls, or Garden-Haws. I speak expressly of the good kinds of every sort of Fruit, to shew, that I admit not indifferently to the Privilege of the Wall, all sorts of Figs, Peaches, Plums, Pears, &c. And then secondly, those which ordinarily are exclu∣ded from it, are Apples, Mulberries, Almonds, ordinary Cherries, Agriots, Bigarros, Quinces, &c. unless it be when we have so great a quantity of Walling, that we know not, as I may say, how to dispose of it, and therefore resolve out of Curiosity, to fill up the super∣fluous places of it with some Trees of those sorts of Fruits.

Of all the Fruits that have rank and place among Wall-Fruits, those that require the least distance one from another, are all sorts of Grapes, they contenting themselves eve∣ry * 1.238 where with Two Feet, or Two Feet and a half distance at most, and therefore there will be no difficulty in regulating their distances, as there will be in ordering that of other Fruits. Those which must be allowed good large distances, are Peaches and Plums: Pears need not quite so great, nor Hasting, or Forward-Cherries, but the Apricock and Fig-trees commonly require greater than all the rest; the first, because they shoot * 1.239 forth very thick Branches which it is dangerous to cut too short; and the latter, because they are little subject to Pruning, and shoot up mightily in their stock, and therefore have need of a considerable extent of room, or else they will hardly bring any Fruit.

To treat of all these with the more Order and Brevity, I will divide them into Two * 1.240 Classes, One, for those Trees that commonly take up more room, which shall be the First Class; and another, for those that take up less, and that shall be the Second. The First Class comprehends Figs, Peaches, Plums, and Apricocks; the Second comprises Pears, Hasty, or Forward-Cherries, and Azerolls, or Garden-Haws: Which Two Classes must be well observed, for the full understanding of my Distinctions.

Now, as we have already said, the principal things that must Regulate all our Di∣stances, must be the greater or lesser heighth of the Walls, or greater or lesser good∣ness of the Soil. And accordingly, my Custom is to order them in this following man∣ner, conformably to my abovesaid supposition of Two Classes of Trees.

Against Walls that are about Seven or Eight Foot high, or a little more, if the Ground be good, and the Soil fresh and hearty, as it is in many places, I place the Trees of the First Class at Twelve Foot distance one from the other, and those of the Second, at Nine; but if the Soil be but indifferently qualified, I place the First at Eight or Nine; and the Second, at Seven or Eight Foot distance.

The distance of Twelve Foot surprises a Gentleman raw and unexperienced in these * 1.241 Curiosities, who has not many Walls to fill up; for example, a Gentleman that has but Threescore or Fourscore Yards of Walling, when he sees himself confined to Plant but Fifteen or Twenty Trees against it, he is apt to fear two things, the first is, that he shall hardly ever see his Walls well garnish'd; and the second, that he shall as hardly ever * 1.242 have much Fruit: But besides the inconveniences, which, as I have shewn, arise from Planting Trees too near one another, as well in regard of the Barrenness it causes in them, as of the greater trouble it gives for their Cultivation; I say, besides this, first, we may confidently expect, that Trees Planted in a good Soil, will be brisk, and easily shoot forth every Year several young Branches of Four or Five Foot long apiece; and that so, according to that rate, being Planted in such a Soil, and against Walls but of a small heighth, and at Twelve Foot distance one from another, which by conse∣quence makes round about them, about Six Foot for each Tree to Garnish as well up∣wards as on each side of them, such Trees I say will certainly in few Years come near one another, and therefore will not leave the spaces between them long void: And so this will be a speedy Remedy against the Gentleman's first fear.

To Remedy the Second, He may venture to plant double the number of Trees I have before limitted, if he like to be at that Charge, notwithstanding my abovesaid advice which is against it, and so place them at the distances of Six Foot, to please his Eye with seeing his Wall so much the sooner garnished, but then it must be upon condition, that at the end of Three or Four Years, when those Trees shall be in a condition to be∣gin to act their parts well in bearing Fruit, to recompense by that means the nourish∣ment they have consumed, and the pains they have cost; I say, it must be upon this condition, that the Gentleman be of a temper at the expiration of that time, to be will∣ing for securing the flourishing condition of the rest, to sacrifice the superfluous half, by

plucking them up by the Roots, and throwing them into the Fire, and afterwards put∣ting fresh Molds about those left to grow, instead of the old Earth which the unfortu∣nate condemned Trees have so unusefully exhausted: For he must necessarily proceed to that extremity with them, or else he must lay aside all hopes of Fruit. And methinks people are but too apt to make use of the first expedient when they begin their Planta∣tions; and in earnest, it is that which most of any thing tickles the Fancy of those that are apt to reckon upon their store of Fruit from the number of their Trees, but we find few that can find in their hearts to proceed to the Execution of the Second, when the time that requires it is come, and so by that imprudent and unseasonable pity, they in∣fallibly fall into those Inconveniences which I have mentioned; so that the surest way is, not to be at any such unprofitable Expences, nor to give our selves such occasions to have those Combats afterwards within our selves; and therefore I Counsel Gentlemen rather to follow the Advice I propose in observing the distances I prescribe between Trees to be planted in special good Soils.

Let us now proceed to planting our Trees by Walls of Nine Foot high, or more, and * 1.243 let us tell you, That if the ground be good, as I have before supposed, then the distan∣ces of the Trees of the first Class shall be proportioned at Nine or Ten Foot, and those of the second, at Seven or Eight; but if the ground be not very good, Eight Foot will suffice for the first, and Seven for the second: Where Note by the by, that tho' the difference of a Foot more or less, as well in the heighth of the Walls, as the distance of the Trees, seems no great matter, yet is it of very considerable influence for the good or bad success of a Wall Plantation.

If the Wall reach the heighth of Eleven or Twelve Foot, or a little more, and the * 1.244 ground be full as good as we desire, then I plant the Trees half as near again as by the Walls above mentioned, taking care all along, that between every Two Trees of indiffe∣rent Stature, which are managed so as to garnish the lower part of the Wall, there be one which may shoot up and garnish it above; for which purpose, we may have some Trees of the true Standard-kind, which prove very useful, especially for Pear-Trees, Cher∣ry-Trees, Apricock-Trees, and even for Peach and Plum-Trees too, tho' for these two last, we may do well enough without them, because they are Trees that commonly in little time put forth shoots big enough to form very fine Stemms or Bodies, and consequently fit to mount up and garnish the upper part of our Walls. In such a Case then, where the Walls are very high, I add as many Trees more; and for that reason, if the Soil be good, place them at about Six Foot distance one from another; and if it be but indifferently qualified, I reduce their distances to Four or Five Foot, making my account, that by this means, the head of each of those taller Trees will garnish about Five or Six Foot of the Wall on each side of them, which it will easily do, provided that at the end of Se∣ven or Eight Years, if we perceive their vigour flag, care be taken to put a little fresh Mold between every Couple of Trees, to restore it, and to repair that heart in the ground which so many Roots may have exhausted, or brought low; but so long as we perceive no change in the Trees to the Worse, we need not trouble our selves to do any thing to the Earth.

I shall Advertise you by the way, that one of the things that most displeases me in Wall-Plantations, is, to see Vines, Figs, Stone Fruit, and Kernel Fruit, interlaced Pell-mell one among another against one Wall; I thinking it much more convenient to place eve∣ry Kind in a separate quarter by themselves; so as for Example, one good Wall might be only for Figs, and another for Peaches, Plums, and Apricocks, the mixture of which, I do not much condemn, because that the Peach-Trees being more subject to perish and die, in whole, or in part, either by Accident, or by Age, than those other Fruits, there may always remain in our Wall-Plantation some other Trees to keep up its Beauty in case of any Mortality hapning to the Peach-Trees; another end of a Wall should be for Pear-Trees; which as near as 'twere possible, I would by no means mix with the Peach-Trees: In fine, another part of this Plantation should be for the Early, or Hasting-Cherries, and another for the Grapes, which last I would have also separated into several quarters, accor∣ding to their different sorts, without confounding together the Muscats, or Musk, or Musca∣tine-Grapes, with the Chasselas, Corinthians, &c.

Sometimes indeed I chance to place some Plants of Chasselas-Grapes among other Fruits, but that never happens, but when 'tis to garnish some part of a Wall that is extreamly high, with design to have some stock of it shoot strait up to a certain heighth, to which o∣ther Fruit can seldom ever reach, which is not ordinary; nay, I care not to use my dar∣ling Muscat-Grapes in that Service, because they ripen not so well when raised upon high Trails, as Chasselas do.

And now without repeating over again all the above specified differences, either of * 1.245 the heights of Walls, or goodness of Soils, I shall suppose all sorts of Walls about the heighth of Nine Foot, which is the most ordinary heighth, and all grounds we are to deal with, to be of a reasonable goodness; and according to that Foot, I shall regulate all sorts of Wall-Plantations, leaving every one in this matter to govern himself by the Rules we have above-prescribed for the greater or lesser distances of his Trees, according to the greater or lesser heighth of his Walls, and as his grounds shall more or less excell in goodness.

CHAP. VII.

How to know what kinds of Fruits deserve best to be admitted into Wall-Plantations.

THERE may here arise a Great and Pleasing Contestation amongst our Curious * 1.246 Gentlemen, how to decide which sorts of Fruits, in their Judgment, ought to be honoured with the first and best places in our Wall-Plantations, and perhaps at least, in this Country, the Charming Excellence of the Choicer sorts of Grapes may raise a power∣ful and formidable Party to declare for a Decision in their favour.

Nature which seems to have taken pleasure by the production of so many delicious * 1.247 Fruits, to demonstrate how far the extent of its Ingenious Fecundity could go towards Absolute Perfection, has sufficiently shewn by the admirable temper wherewith she has Enobled Grapes, that she had not yet Exhausted the Treasures of her Rich Invention in the making of other Fruit-Trees, but that whilst she was designing to enrich Mankind with such important and valuable Presents as those, she was pleased to reserve something more singular for the honour of the Vine, and to shew in it as 'twere a Master-piece of her surprising Art. And certain it is, she has not refused to Grapes no more than to other Fruits, that infinite diversity of Kinds which adds so much to their agreeableness; that is to say, that delightful variety of Colour, Tast, Bigness, Shape, Perfume, and of Ma∣turity in all, and forward Ripeness in some, &c. For in effect, all those differences are to be found in Grapes, as well as among Pears, Apples, Peaches, Plums, Figs, &c. since there are some of them large, some small, and some long ones, round ones, sweet ones, perfumed ones, some forward ones, and some lateward ones; and some again of all sorts of Colours, as White, Black, Red, Yellow, Party-Coloured, &c. But Nature was minded to ••ut-do all that, and as one may say, to sport her self in certain points, to give some advantages to the Vine above other Trees I could specifie wherein she has done it in several particulars, but I shall only instance in this one, which is, That she has regularly fastened but one Fruit of any other sort upon one single stalk, whereas the number of Grains, or Berries, that hang upon the stalk of one Bunch of Grapes, is so great, that it can hardly be told. She does much more than that, for sometimes she has the Complaisance not to Envy the Boldness of some Curious Persons that undertake to imitate her, or even to surpass her in some very extraordinary things; she takes it not ill, that some People not content to see their Care and Labour succeed in the Culti∣vation of the Grapes of their own Country, that is to say, Chasselas, Cioutat, Morillons, Gennetins, and even Muscats, &c. venture to transplant into Climates that are pretty Cold, those Vine-Plants she designed only for the hotter Countrys: Nay, she disdains not to favour their Industry, by assisting them to bring some of them to Maturity in some parts where she her self would never have thought of producing any. But yet as Liberal and Beneficent as she is, it seems she thought it would be too much against her ho∣nour, if she should be so easie as to suffer all the Grapes of Egypt, Africk, and Italy, &c. to Ripen in the Countries Neighbouring on the North; it's true indeed, we endeavour all we can, by the help of our Walls that are most advantageously exposed, to procure as much Heat as is required for the Passe-Musquee, or Passing-Musk-Grape, the Pergolese, the Damask, and the Marroquins, &c. And in certain Years, and certain sorts of Grounds, we have pretty good success with some of them, but there are many Years and Soils too, wherein on the contrary, we have more need of seeking some Consolation for our lost Labours, than any occasion to Rejoice at our Successes, which may be a great instruction to us, to let us see, that we are not to attempt to force Nature in * 1.248 every thing, and every where; no, she is a wise and understanding Mother, who looking upon all the parts of the Earth as so many Children all equally belonging to her, thought good therefore equally to dispense among them the good things, and other

favours, she had to bestow upon them, so that the better to maintain that Union and * 1.249 good Intelligence she had a mind should Reign Eternally among them, she has so well regulated all things, that every one of them is furnished with Qualifications Enabling them to Signalize themselves by some kind of Productions singular and peculiar to them; which is the cause that being as 'twere Jealous, lest the Order and Allotment she has so well Establish'd, and which she is Zealous to maintain entire, should be violated, she very often opposes the Encroachments made by any of the Parties upon any of their Sister Countries, and the Attempts by which they go about, as one may say, to Rob them of that which was given them for their peculiar portion. The Anana-Grape Ripens in the Indies, and the Pergolese; the Passe-Musquee, or Passing-Musk-Grape, and all the other principal sorts of Grapes Ripen, even in the open Air in Italy, &c. But 'tis not so with them in our Provinces, there none of them can arrive to any tolerable Ripe∣ness; and likewise, on the contrary, Kernel-Fruits prosper wonderfully among us, where∣as the Mexicans, and Moors, let them do the utmost they can to make them grow un∣der the Line, find always their endeavours baffled.

Let us now return to lay down directions, what Methods are to be used, to give our Grapes all the means possible to attain in our Country that Perfection which they natural∣ly should have; upon which head, we tell you, we have nothing more Sovereign for that, than the most advantageous Expositions of our Walls, and for that reason, in the Con∣testation here to be terminated, we ought to make it our care to treat them well, and demonstrate by that, how much esteem we have for their excelling Merit.

Some of our Curious Gentlemen, will not plead here in general, for all sorts of good * 1.250 Grapes, so as to comprise the Chasselas, Cioutat, and Corinth-Grapes, but at least for the Muscat, or Muscatell: Now of this Muscat, or Muscatell, there are Four sorts, viz. The Long-Muscat, otherwise called the Passe-Musquee, or Passing-Muscat, which is the most difficult of them all to be brought to Ripen, and the White-Muscat, Red-Muscat, and Black Muscat, which Three last have their Grape or Berry round, and of a middling size, and tho' they need a great deal of Heat, yet not so much as the Long-Muscat; in my Opinion, the Black one is the least of them all, but the White seems to excel the Two others.

And indeed a White Muscat, or Muscatell, whether its Grape be small or great, 'tis no matter, so it be Clear, Firm, Yellow, Hard, and Crackling, and its Juice Sweet, Su∣gred, * 1.251 and Perfumed; such a Muscatell Grape, I say, what pleasure gives it not to him that Eats it? Can there be seen a more excellent Fruit during the Months of September and October, and sometimes till the end of November? In Hot Countries they have admirable ones growing in the full Air, that is, upon a Vine planted in the open Field; but here to have any that are constantly pretty good, we must necessarily have re∣course to the assistance of some Easterly or Southerly-Walls. The Year 1676 particu∣larly produced us the most delicious ones in the World in those Expositions; and in dry and sandy grounds, we have had better Grapes of them in the Easterly, than even in the Southerly Exposition; from whence, those Gentlemen would conclude, that a Wall can never be better employed, than by planting it with good Muscat-Grapes.

Other Curious Persons will hold as stifly for good Peaches, as well for the Beauty of * 1.252 their Colour, (it being really the Fruit, that above all others, most delights the Eye,) as for its Beauty and Largeness, its lovely round Figure, the abundance of its Sugred Juice, and its rich and sweet Perfume, &c. And truly their Party is likewise very great and considerable.

It is very true, there is nothing comparable to a good Peach in the Months of Au∣gust, September, and October, and even in the beginning of November till the Frosts come; but we can have but few of them here, unless it be against Walls, which is a sensible dis∣pleasure to us all, because in the open Air they become incomparably better than against Walls.

And 'tis the open Air that has Evidenced to us here how far their chief Excellence * 1.253 can attain; the open Air which yet cannot do us any good in their favour in this Coun∣try, unless it be in the Gardens, within great Cities, which by a great number of lofty topping Walls of Houses, are in the first place extreamly well sheltered from the Winds, and from the frosts of the Spring, and that it is which makes them bear so great an a∣bundance of Fruit; for in effect, we can seldom say, we have any great plenty of Pea∣ches, but when we have a reasonable number of Dwarf-Trees of them, and those Dwarf-Trees take. In the second place, those high Walls shut in and augment that heat that is ne∣cessary to ripen their Fruit, on all sides; and so in fine, those Fruits being thus exposed to the Air, to the Zephirs or gentle growing Winds, and to the Rain, acquire in that manner

of situation, a degree of Goodness, which the violent ardour of the Sun reflected against a Wall, could never be able to give them equally on all parts of their Circference. The experience we have of these singular good effects of the full Air, has made me to think of raising a kind of cavelling objection against Wall-Plantations; for though I know indeed for certain, that 'tis they that contribute to the insuring us a crop of Fruit, yet I know as certainly at the same time, that 'tis they that by cramping up our Fruits against a Wall, and thereby depriving them of the free enjoyment of the Air, hinder them from acquiring the full Goodness they naturally would have, as if those Trees out of a Sense of impatience and indignation at the violence and torture they suf∣fer by being so tyed and crampt up, had a mind to punish us by a suppression of some part of their Goodness, for the injury we do them in robbing them of that liberty which Nature had blest them withal.

In the Spring time then, I take advantage of the assistance of the Wall, to make * 1.254 the Peaches knit, and take the more surely, and at Midsummer I draw the Branches with Fruit on them forwards from the Wall, which after my manner of Pruning, I leave long, and with Props which I six deep in the Earth, I support and keep tight and firm those Branches so laden with their Fruit, which by that Artifice, acquires that goodness which the open Air only can give it, and which we have newly described.

'Tis true, there is some Subjection and Pains required to do this well, and the Symme∣try and beauty of our Wall-Plantation is thereby a little disfigured whilst the Fruit is on the Trees, so that the Eyes of all Persons that look upon it, are not so well pleased as * 1.255 otherwise, but that fault is amply recompensed, as well by the beauty of the colour, and the smoothness of the Skin, as by that rich taste in the Fruit, which cannot be had otherwise. And as soon as the Fruit is gathered, the Branches are put back again to the Wall, and fastned in the same places they were in before, so that no Body can see they have been ever medled with. I could not forbear mentioning here this Fancy I have had for Branches so drawn forward.

It is certain then, that almost all sorts of Peaches placed in the full Air, in such kind of high fenced City Gardens, as we have mentioned, so luckily hit to produce such rare and delicious Fruit, that one would think it grew in some enchanted place, rather than in a Garden cultivated by human Art. There are only some Avant-Peaches or Forward-Peaches, * 1.256 Troy-Peaches, White-Maudlins, and backward Violet-Peaches, which are not so hap∣py as the rest. These last not finding heat enough there, and the wood of the others being too delicate and tender to endure the open Air. As for those Gardens that are a lit∣tle * 1.257 exposed to the Winds, not only all their Peach-Blossoms are frost-bitten every year, and so afford the owners no satisfaction, but also the wood of their Trees either dies, or grows so scabby and ugly, that they are little better than if they were quite dead, for which Reason, after I had obstinately continued a long time to bring up Dwarf-Peach-trees in several Gardens in the Country, as I had done at Paris, I was at last forced to renounce all hopes of making them turn to account that way, and trust only to our Wall-Trees.

But to return to the pursuit of the Contestation of Fruits, concerning the point of Precedence in Wall-Plantations.

I do not believe any Body would offer to put up Pears here to pretend to Precedence in the good places in dispute, to the prejudice of the Muscat-grapes, Peaches, Figgs, &c. (whatever merits Pears may otherwise have, and which we readily acknowledge in them, and particularly in the Boncretiens that are fair, large, long, and coloured with a lovely red) for we have other Fruits that undoubtedly far excell them, much less still will any pretend to propose in this Dispute, either Apricocks, or Early Cherries, or Azerolls or Gar∣den-Haws. They would have the disgrace of a repulse, if they should engage them in it, but we shall do all of them that honour which is their due, when their turn comes, so that their Protectors, if there should appear any to put in any such claim for them, shall have no reason to be discontent.

There are few persons that have yet thought of declaring in favour of good Plums in this Contestation, I do not say all sorts of Plums, but only four or five of the best sorts, * 1.258 and that may perhaps be, because they have not yet proved with what incomparable deli∣cacy, what exquisite taste, and what sugred sweetness Wall-Plums are enriched, not only in comparison of those of their own Kind, that grow in the open Air, but even of all o∣ther Fruits; a difference very surprizing in it self, but still more when we consider how difficult it is to render a good reason, why a Wall should produce so contrary an effect * 1.259 in Plums, to what it do's in other Fruits, it being very certain, that Plums very conside∣rably improve in goodness by the Wall, whereas other Fruits no less considerably impair theirs in the same situation.

Perhaps, I would put my self willingly at the head of those Gentlemen that in the present Competition, would be for giving to the good Wall-Plums, the Precedence before all other Fruits.

And to make good my Cause, I would readily produce a Basket full of good Violet-Perdigon-Plums full ripe, and curiously dewed or flower'd, mixed with some white Perdi∣gons, some St. Catharine Plums, and some Apricock-Plums, being well assured that the eyes of all the Spectators would be much moved to favour my Plea, by so lovely a sight, that their taste would almost convince them of its Justice; and in fine, that all that would pro∣cure me a great many Backers, and make my party considerably strong.

CHAP VIII.

A Treatise of Figs.

BUT good Figs put a peaceable end to all these Contestations, carrying away the prize without Contradiction, as being assuredly the most delicious Fruit that can be had in * 1.260 a Wall-plantation; I do not say, that 'tis in strict truth, the most considerable Fruit the Earth produces in this Country; no, in my Judgment, no Fruit can vie for excellence with a Musk-Melon, that is perfectly good, and well qualified, (a thing so rare, and especially in this Country, that it has given occasion to take a * 1.261 Proverb from it, to express the ra∣rity of all that may be good). But the Musk-Melon has nothing to do here, it's Business is to creep on the Earth, whereas our dispute here is only among those Fruits which may be brought to any perfection by us in Wall-Plantations.

A good Fig then is that which above all Fruit deserves among us the best place in a Wall-Plantation, (though in hot Countries, a Wall might incommode it.) But to Judge by outward appearances both of its excellency, and by consequence, of the high esteem it deserves, we need but only observe the shrugging up of the Shoulders, and the motion of the Eye-brows of those that eat them, and what great quantities of them may be ea∣ten without at all indangering the Health. * 1.262

Besides, it has the advantage to bear twice a year, that is to say first, in the Months of July and August, which first Figs are called Fig-Flowers; and the second time in Sep∣tember * 1.263 and October, which are called Second Figs. This Advantage, I say, is of wonder∣ful importance to the maintaining them in the first Rank, which they so rightfully ought to Possess.

I might here tell you by the way this truth, that among the second ones, those which ripen in the beginning of September, before there come any Frost, have in my Opinion, * 1.264 both a more sugred pulp, and a richer taste, and consequently are better, though a lit∣tle lesser than the first, the reason of which is palpable enough, it being because the September Figs were formed in the fairest Season of the Year, and nourished with a juice well concocted, and wrought up to a great Perfection; whereas the Fig-Flowers have had all the cold, and all the Rain of the Spring-time to weather, and go through; which are two no very favourable Circumstances to any Fruits, for their acquiring a sugred, de∣licious, and exquisite taste.

I know several sorts of Figs that probably are all good in hot Countries, because they all ripen there, but we in this Country have but two sorts, which may properly be said to * 1.265 be admirable, and they are the Great White ones, of which some are Round, and some Long. The Round ones come in more abundance, and the Long ones are especially most admirable about the end of Autumn, when they can attain to their due Ripeness, because they are not so subject to split and chap towards their Crown, as the Round ones are: Which fault ordinarily proceeds from some hot Rains that fall in the Month of October, that make those poor Round Figs so swell, that they gape towards the head, with Clefts e∣nough to fright one, and thereby vent and let out all their sweetness and perfume; so that the Long ones which are of better proof against those Rains than the Round ones, have in truth at that time a most Exquisite and Miraculous Tast, which the others have quite lost.

I have had against one Southern-Fruit-Wall, Twelve or Fifteen sorts of Figs, all of dif∣ferent kinds, to convince me that in this Country we ought assuredly to keep only to the * 1.266 white ones, as well for their being brought quickly to bear, and for the abundance of the Fruit they yield, as for the delicacy and sweetness of their Pulp; most of the other sorts, excepting two, which are the great Long Violet-Fig, the worst sort of all, and the Flat one,

which is but little better, are not only hard to be brought to bear, but bring Fruit that is but small, and that is neither Delicate, Marrowy, nor Sugred enough; for * 1.267 those are the qualities of a good Fig, to be Delicate, Marrowy, very much Sugred, and of a rich and exquisite taste.

Among those which are of a lower degree of Goodness; for we cannot well say, * 1.268 among the bad ones, the Black Fig holds the first Rank. It is very long, and pretty big, and so coloured with a dark Red, that thence it derives its Name of Black. It is not quite so red within, as without; it is very much Sugred, but is a little drier than our excellent White ones; I preserve some stocks of it for rareties sake.

There are great Yellow ones that are a little Red, and Flesh-coloured within; they * 1.269 bear little Fruit in the Spring, but a good deal in Autumn, but to my taste, they are not very delicate, neither in the First, nor latter Season.

There are also great Violet-Figgs both Long and Flat, which we just now mentioned, * 1.270 whose Pulp is very course: I prize them not.

There is also the Green Fig which has a very long Stalk, and a Vermilion Pulp, and is pretty Sweet and well Sugred, but yields little increase.

Also the little Grey Fig almost of a Tawny Colour, called Mellete in Gascony; its * 1.271 fault like that of the others, is to bear but little Fruit, and that not very delicate.

Also another sort called a Medot, which is yellow within and without.

Also another sort which is pretty black, having only its Skin a little whipt with gray; Its pulp is red.

Also a small white sort, whose tast is rather faint than sugred, it is called a Hasting, or * 1.272 forward Fig, though it be so but a very little time.

Also the little Bourjassote, which is of a blackish, or rather of a dark Violet colour, like * 1.273 that of some Plums; It is very delicate, but bears little Fruit in the Spring, and seldom a∣ny that ripens in Autumn.

Lastly, There is also the Angelick-Fig, which is of a violet colour, and long, but not * 1.274 very big; Its pulp is red and reasonably good.

Having examined all these sorts of Figs, I think it will be most for our profit, to ba∣nish the greatest part of them, and keep only to the good white ones, which constantly prove better with us here than the rest. But yet if there be any curious Gentleman, that is fully resolved to have in his Garden all sorts of Figs, as well as all sorts of Pears, Apples, Peaches, Plums, Grapes, &c. So that, as one may say, he would keep a general Hospital open to receive all Fruits as well Passengers and Strangers, as others, let us pardon him that spirit of Charity; nay, if you please, let our Complaisance go so far as to praise such an unbounded Curiosity that knows no limits. But let us have a care of imitating him; no, Exiguum Colito. i. e. Let us cultivate a little Ground, and a few Plants, but good.

Thus you see the choice made, and the excelling Merit determined in Favour of Figs, in regard to Precedence of place in Wall-Plantations, as far at least as the Dispo∣sal of that honour depends on Me. Afterwards, when I shall come to garnish our Walls, I shall tell you what reasonable Quantity I counsel every one to Plant of them, in pro∣portion to the bigness of his Garden.

CHAP. IX.

A Treatise of Peaches.

LET us pass on to the other Fruits that pretend to the Honour of the Wall, that is to say, to Peaches and Plums, to see which of those two, next to the Figs, ought to have the Precedence. And let us begin with the Peaches. Here is an account of all the sorts I know of them, according to the Order of their usual ripening, every one of which I shall describe according to the same order, as fast as I shall speak of them.

The first of all, is, The little Avant-white-peach, or Forward White-peach; which be∣ing * 1.275 well exposed, ripens at the beginning of July, and will yield Fruit during the whole Month, if the stocks of it be Multiplied in several Expositions.

The Troy-peach follows it, but a little aloof off, how advantageously soever it be ex∣posed, and ripens not tell the end of July, or at least in the beginning of August. It is a wonderful good little Peach to stir up in us the Idea and Remembrance of the excellent ones we had the Years before.

The Yellow Alberge Peach, and the little yellow Pavy Alberge ripen almost at the same time with the Troy-peach, or a little after; and are both of them far from being qualified with that goodness which makes us so much Esteem the other.

The White Maudlin, Red Maudlin, the Minion, and Italian Peach which is like a Ha∣sting * 1.276 Persick, ripen almost all together about the Middle of August, with the White Pavie: In which Season, we may truly say, we find choice enough to satisfie our nicest Palates.

The little Violet Alberge Peach, and the little Violet Pavy Alberge, together with the Bour∣din Peach, ripen towards the end of the same Month, and play their parts incomparably well.

The Druselles and Cherry Peaches, especially those with the Yellow Pulp, present them∣selves at the same time to bear them (but Bad and Nauseous) Company. But the white Pulpt Cherry Peach is not of that Rank, being a very pretty Peach when it is suffered to grow fully ripe.

The Chevreuse, and Rossane with the Pavy Rossane, come in at the beginning of Septem∣ber, * 1.277 and almost at the same time, begin the Persicks, the Violet Hastings, the Bellegardes, the Violet Brugnons or Nectarins, and purple Peaches, to supply us plentifully for about fif∣teen days, which is in truth an Illustrious, Charming, and Delicious Shoal, or glut of Fruits; the Violet Peach alone, which in my Judgment, is the Queen of Peaches, and which appears likewise so to the Palates of Persons infinitely more considerable than my self, being sufficiently qualified without the help of any others, most agreeably to satis∣fie the curiosity of the whole World.

The Admirables appear in crowds presently after the middle of September; good God, what Peaches, for Colour, Delicacy of Pulp, abundance of Juice, for sugred Sweetness, and for a rich and exquisite taste! &c. Who is there not charmed with them, and par∣ticularly with those which ripen in the open Air?

The Nivettes, as Beautiful and Marvellously excellent as they are, have the modesty * 1.278 to stay till the Admirables are declining before they ripen, and then they shew themselves; and for ten or twelve days, amply recompense the pains of them that planted them in a good place.

The Pau Peaches, the White Andillis, and the Narbon Peaches press earnestly in, to ac∣company the Nivettes: But for all their Beauty, which in truth may be called but a Pain∣ted Peauty, those Peaches, I say, would do wisely to forbear an attempt that can turn to nothing but their own disgrace.

We shall not say the same thing of the Great Yellow Backward Peach, of the Peach Roy∣al, of the Backward Violet Peach, and of the Yellow Smooth Peach, of the great Pavies, as well Red, as Yellow, and of the little Yellow Pavies, called St. Martin Pavies: For when the Season has prov'd favourable to their ripening, the Garden Theater for the Repre∣sentation of Autumn, seems to me very much honoured with the Company of these last sorts, during all the Month of October; but we must hold to them, and go no further, * 1.279 if we would keep our Mouths in good taste, and not suffer the Yellow Smooth Brugnon or Nectarin, the later Violet Brugnon or Nectarin, the Nipple Peach, the Sanguinole, or Bloody Peach, the White Corbeil, the Double Flower'd or Double Blossom'd Peach, the Nut-peach, &c. to appear, they being the last Peaches of October, and the worst of the Year, at which no body need to wonder; long Nights that are often wett, and always cold, being not very proper to make Fruits good, and especially Stone-fruits. * 1.280

In this list of Peaches, Brugnons, or Nectarins, and Pavies, there are reckoned thirty two very different sorts of Peaches; three very different sorts of Brugnons or Nectarins, and seven sorts of Pavies, likewise extremely differently. I need not tell the People of this Country, that we call Peaches those which separate from their Stone, our Country Men here abouts knowing it well enough, though the Gascons, Languedocians, and People of Provence, and in general, all the curious Gentlemen of Guienne know it not so well; but it is necessary to tell all the World, that we call * 1.281 Brugnons all Peach like Fruits that being smooth skin'd, and without any down, cleave to their Stones; and that we call Pavies, those that though they have a skin cloathed with a little down, of what colour soever they be, whether Yellow, White or Red, do not loosen from their Stones. We have some cu∣rious Persons that pretend, there are as many sorts of Paives, as there are of Peaches, and thereupon further affirm, that the Pavie is the Male, and the Peach the Female: A good luck go with their Fancy of Male and Female, or rather with the Ancient Language of Gardeners, I will not go about to find fault with it, though I never yet found any rea∣son or colour of reason, able to satisfie me about it. But as for the great number of the pretended Males they talk of, it is altogether unknown to me; not but that I have sufficiently employed all my Endeavours to discover more of them than the eight sorts

above mentioned; perhaps the race of them may be kept still in Persia, from whence they pretend all Peaches first came, yet without bringing along with them that mortal quality some would make us believe they have there, or if they will needs have the Pavies to have all come out of that Country, those which we have not here, must with∣out doubt have been drowned in the long Seas by the way. I am particularly sorry for those that would have been extream forward to ripen in our Climates, we should be very happy if we could repair the loss of them, supposing that ever any such loss we had.

I know well enough too, there are some curious Persons, that reckon up more sorts * 1.282 of Stone Fruits than we have counted above; I am willing to grant, they may know some that I know not; but at least, let them be pleased to let me tell them, that after a very great and very long continued exactness in searching, I never could find any more, and I will add, that as great a Liberty has been taken in multiplying the names of Peaches, as well as those of other Fruits, and that the least difference, either in Flower and Colour, or in bigness and shape, or in the time of their ripeness, or in the taste and delicacy of their Juyce, has always given, and still gives many People an itch∣ing Fancy, to pretend they have some new particular sort of Peach, upon which they fail not to Baptize it with a new Name.

O unlucky itching humour, which mayst properly enough be named, the daughter of Vanity or Ignorance, how great a Confusion dost thou occasion to us among our Fruits! Is it possible People should not know that a difference in Soils, in Expositions, or in Climates, or in the tempers of Seasons, is able to produce those little Varieties in Fruits, which yet are not essential? Notwithstanding which, they have given me an infinite deal of Pains to discover the truth. I shall now with my ordinary Ingenuity, tell you what I think of them, though with the hazard of incurring the displeasure of a great ma∣ny of our Nursery Mongers.

I am very far from desiring to suppress any sort of good Fruit, since in all places as far as my Curiosity and Acquaintance extends, I always indefatigably labour to discover some new kinds that are good, with design to multiply and propagate them as soon as they come to my Knowledge. But likewise on the other side, instead of desiring to form Chimera's and imaginary and notional beings, though never so pleasing to the Fan∣cy, by multiplying of Names for the least inconsiderable differences, I oppose that spread∣ing Disease with all the vigour and sincerity I possibly can; and though I have reckoned up thirty two sorts of Peaches, yet I do not therefore say, there are thirty two sorts of good ones, so good as I would desire them, in my Garden, or counsel my Friends to plant them in theirs; no, in that number there are some which we may truly pronounce not to be good, and accordingly I shall banish them, as much as possible from our Plantations: But likewise, though of any one kind, some should sometimes prove bad, we ought not presently to conclude, that the whole kind is therefore bad. Let us now consider ex∣actly in what consists the excellency of some, and the meanness or badness of some others of them, that we may be so much the better able to judge upon solid Grounds, which are to be received and multiplyed, and which, proscribed and entirely debarr'd of all claims to the choice places in our Wall Plantations.

CHAP. X.

Of the excellency of Peaches, and wherein it consists.

THe excellency of Peaches consists in the good qualities they ought naturally to have.

Of which the first is, to have their pulp a little firm, so as it may be just perceiva∣ble, * 1.283 and no more, and very fine withall, which ought to appear when their skin is ta∣ken off, which should be fine, shining and yellow, without any thing of green, and easy to strip off, which if it do's not, the Peach is not ripe. This Excellence further ap∣pears when we cut a Peach with the Knife, which is, in my Opinion the first thing to be * 1.284 done to them at Table, by any one that would eat them delightfully, and with a true relish, and then we may see all along where the Knife has past, as 'twere an infinite number of little Springs, which are methinks, the prettiest things in the World to look upon. They that open a Peach otherwise, oftentimes losing half that delicious Juice that makes them to be so highly esteemed by all the World.

The second good quality of a Peach is, that its Pulp melts as soon as 'tis in the Mouth; * 1.285 for indeed, the pulp of Peaches is properly nothing but a congealed water, which dissolves into a liquid form, when 'tis never so little press'd by the Teeth or any thing else. In the third place, that water or juice in melting, ought to be sweet and sugred, and of a * 1.286 rich, high, and vinous taste, and in some kinds of them, a little musked; I would have also their Stone little, and that those Peaches which are not smooth, be only covered with a reasonable proportion of soft Down, much hairiness being a certain mark of the want * 1.287 of competent goodness in a Peach, that hair usually falling almost quite off, in good Peaches, and particularly in those which grow in the open Air.

In fine, I should count it one of the principal qualities of a good Peach to be large, if we had not some little ones that are marvellously excellent; as for Example, the Troy-Peaches, * 1.288 the Red Alberges, and the Violet-Peaches. However, it is at least so far true, that if the Peaches which should be large, come short of the bigness they should have, or much exceed it, they prove always bad; and perhaps it has been pertinently enough said by some, that these last were Dropsical, and the others Hectical, or Consumptive. The Hecti∣cal ones have much more Stone and less Pulp than they should have, and the Dropsical * 1.289 ones have their Stone open and gaping, and a hollow between their Stone and Pulp, which Pulp is also course, and gross, and tough, and its juice sharp or bitter.

And in reality, as I have said, there is none but the Peaches that grow in the open Air, which have all these good qualities in a Sovereign Degree, with something of I know not what exalted taste, which 'tis impossible to describe. The Peaches indeed that grow on Wall-trees, have some Proportion of them, but not to that degree, in which we just now observed those growing in the open Air so much excell, unless it be those that grow upon Branches, which I order to be drawn from the Wall, in the man∣ner I have above explained.

CHAP. XI.

Of Qualities indifferent in Peaches.

I Have shewn you what good qualities Peaches may have, besides which, they have some that are indifferent, which I place only in their Flower or Blossom; for some * 1.290 have great ones, as the Avant-Peach or Fore-Peach, the Troy-Peach, the two Maudlins, the Minions, the Persick, the backward Nipple-Peach, the Rossanes, the white Pavies, the Nar∣bon-Peach, &c. Some again have small ones, as the Chevreuse, the Admirable, the Purple-Peach, the Nivette, the Peach-Royal, the Bourdin, Bellegarde, Red Pavie, Red Alberge, and the Red Pavie, Alberge.

Some have both great ones and little ones, but not upon one and the same Tree, as the two Violet-Peaches, both hasting and backward, the two Violet-Brugnons or Nectarins, the Pau-Peaches, the yellow Alberges, &c.

There is but one sort that has a double Flower, which derives its Name from thence.

CHAP. XII.

Of the bad qualities of Peaches.

LET us now take a view of the bad qualities of Peaches.

The bad qualities of Peaches consist, * 1.291

• First, In having a Pulp too soft, and almost like Pap, to which Fault the white An∣dilly-Peaches are very subject.
• Secondly, in having it like Dough or Paste, and dry, as it is in most yellow Peaches, * 1.292 and in most other Peaches that are suffered to grow too ripe upon the Tree.
• Thirdly, In having it gross and course, as in the Druselles, the Beet-Root-Peaches, and the ordinary Pau-Peaches. * 1.293
• Fourthly, In having a faint and insipid juice with a green and bitter tang, as is or∣dinarily found in those same Pau-Peaches, growing upon Wall-trees, and in the Narbens, * 1.294 Double-Flower'd-Peaches, and common Peaches, otherwise called Corbeil or Vine-Peaches.

In the fifth place, 'tis a fault to have a hard skin, as the Nipple-Peaches; and sixthly, * 1.295 'tis another fault to be sometimes so Vinous, as to contract from thence a Vinegarish sharp taste.

And now it can be no hard matter to judge of good Peaches, and amongst the good ones, to judge which are the best, no more than to judge which are bad, and among those bad ones, to judge which are the worst.

It is certain that all the Peaches of one certain kind, do not always prove so perfect as they naturally ought; no, nor all the Peaches of the same Tree neither, are not of an equal goodness.

We have already told you that 'tis a great fault in them to be too big or too lit∣tle; * 1.296 it is likewise one to be either over, or not full ripe; Peaches to be just as ripe as they should be, and no more, should stick but slightly to their Stalks; for those that stick too fast to them, and cannot well be pulled without bringing the Stalk with them, are not ripe enough, and those that stick too gingerly on them, or not at all, but are perhaps already separated from them of themselves, and fallen upon the Ground, or up∣on the wooden Props set under them, are too Ripe, and are Past, as we say in terms of Gardening; that is, they are like dead things, and have lost all their Goodness. There are only the smoother sort of Peaches, all the Brugnons, or Nectarins, and all the Pavies or Bastard Peaches that can hardly be too ripe, so that in them it is no fault to fall of themselves.

Those that grow upon Branches that are beginning to turn Yellow, and are Sick, * 1.297 and those which ripen very long before all the rest of the same Tree, or a very long time after both the first, and the most that succeed them upon the same Tree, are sub∣ject to prove bad, that is to say, to have all the bad qualities we have described, or at least to have a part of them; so that to meet with a good Peach upon a Tree, many con∣ditions are necessary, which I shall Explain when I come to give Directions how to ga∣ther them, and how infallibly to know a very good Peach from one that is but indiffe∣rent.

Our Business in this Place, is only to give our Judgment which are those good kinds that deserve admittance into our Wall-plantations, which I shall now proceed to Declare, provided, as I have before cautioned, that for any one ill quality that may be found in any of the Fruits I preferr, it be not therefore concluded, the whole Species is bad; nor for any Perfection that may be found in any one of those kinds I reject, it be not thence concluded, the whole kind is really good.

CHAP. XIII.

The Author's Judgment of the several sorts of Peaches.

AMong the thirty two sorts of Peaches I have reckoned, I condemn eight, and al∣most * 1.298 nine, and the ninth which is almost excluded, is the White Andilly Peach; I also condemn two sorts of Brugnons or Nectarins: The eight sorts of Peaches are the Narbon, the Druselle, the Yellow Smooth Peach, the latter Nipple Peach, the Beet root-peach, the Corbeil, the Nut peach, and the Double Flower'd Peach, unless any Person desire to have some Trees of this last, simply for its Flower, which is very fair, and some Beet-root-peaches, to make Compotes or wet Sweet-Meats with, for which they are admirable; the two disgraced Brugnons or Nectarins, are the Yellow one, and the latter Violet one, nei∣ther of them seldom hardly ever ripening here, and being subject to burst, and rot up∣on the Tree.

In that part of my Discourse above, where I set down the ill Qualities of Peaches, you may see the Reasons why I banish eight or nine sorts of them. As for the * 1.299 Pavies, I extremely honour all those of them which can be brought to ripen well; but that is something rare in this Country, unless it be those called Hastings: Such curi∣ous Gentlemen as dwell in hot Climates, and that are accommodated with Walls well exposed, do very well to plant a great many of them, and are happy enough to see them ripen in the open Air, and upon Standard Trees; and then instead of that hard and tough Pulp which they have commonly in this Country, without being accompani∣ed with any Sugred Juice of a Vinous, Rich, and perfumed Taste, they have a fine and tender Pulp, and almost as melting as our best Peaches; that is to say, they have a great deal of Juice, and that Juice is seasoned with that agreeable taste we desire in them. All these advantages, together with the pleasing view of a Dark Red Colour that

penetrates through their whole Substance, but more towards their Stone, than further from it, allure People to eat of them, and consequently begets in their minds an esteem for them, and a curiosity to plant and rear them.

The Year 1676 furnished us with admirable ones, and particularly of that sort that bears the name of Monstrous, and of Pompone, from that Illustrious Father and Patron of * 1.300 all Honest and Ingenuous Gard'ners, who first had of them in the Garden of his House at Pompone, and from thence afterwards propagated them in all the Gardens of the Cu∣rious. There are some Curious Persons that love them almost better than Peaches; we must content them, and Plant good store of them in their Gardens: But the number of the Curious of that Mind, not being very great, and we having declared particularly for the Peaches, we shall therefore in most of our Gardens Plant abundantly more Peaches than Pavies. Having then first shewn the Excellence of the principal Pears, in Treating of Dwarf-trees, and afterward of the several Merits and Excellencies of the Muscat-Grapes, of Figs, of Peaches, and of Pavies, upon the occasion of our Discourse of Wall-Trees, I can∣not pass any further to declare my Judgment concerning the Order and Precedence to be observed in Planting of the Trees which are to furnish our Walls, till I have first done the same thing in favour of the good Plums, and made an Enumeration likewise of their good Qualities.

CHAP. XIV.

A Treatise of Plums.

THERE are reckoned almost infinite numbers of kinds of Plums; I shall speak on∣ly * 1.301 of those that I have seen, tasted, and examined, which are a considerable number enough, tho' there be but few in all that multitude, that I have much esteem for.

In the Idea and Conception I form to my self of Plums, I see good Qualities, bad Qualities, and indifferent Qualities; and I observe some Plums that are good both Raw, and Baked, or Preserved, and some again that are good only to Bake, or Preserve. The good Qualities of Plums, are to have a fine, tender, and very melting pulp, a very sweet * 1.302 and sugred Juice, and a rich and exquisite Tast, which in some is perfumed: A good Plum is the only Fruit almost that is to be Eaten Raw, and has no need of Sugar, such are upon Wall-Trees, the Violet and White Perdrigons, the St. Catharines, the Apricock-plums, the Roche-Courbons, the Empresses, or Latter perdrigons; such also upon Wall-Trees, are the Queen Claudias, the Imperials, the Royals, the Violet, Red and White Damasks, and even the White Mirabells.

The bad Qualities of Plums, are to have a hard Skin; but because there is no Plum * 1.303 without that fault, it is not to be counted for any thing considerable like those that follow, which are, to have their Pulp tough, mealy, and doughy, as the Perdrigon of Cernay, the White Double Blossom'd Plum, &c. or sharp and sowrish, as the Black Damask-Hasting, the Date-Plum, the Moyen, or Pitch-Plum, the Brugnolle; or dry, as the Musked Damask Plum, the Moyeu, the Amber-Plum, the Bull-Plum, the Brugnolle, the Rhodes; or hardish, as the Date-Plum; or too watery, as many sorts of Plums are, which we need not know; or wormy, as the Imperials, many of the Damask-Plums, and Diaper Plums, &c. and particularly all those Plums of all sorts that appear to ripen first upon the Trees, that is to say, before the set time of the Maturity of that kind of Plum.

And here we can say something in favour of our beloved Perdrigons, that they of all * 1.304 Plums, are the least subject to Worms.

The indifferent Qualities of Plums respect their shape, bigness, colour, ray, or parting crevise, &c. nay, and to stick fast to the Stone, is a Quality likewise indifferent, if the Plum be otherwise good; for if the Plum be really bad, then if it quits not its Stone it * 1.305 is more slighted than if it did; and as to the shape, it is indifferent whether the Plum be very long, as the Imperial, the Date-Plum, the Ilvert, the Rognon de co{que} or Cocks-Kidney.

Or Longish, as the Perdrigons, the St. Catharine, the Diaper-Plums, the Mirabells, the * 1.306 Long Violet Damask, the Datills, or Little Date-Plums, the Minions, the Burgundy-Moeyu, the Rhodes-Plum, &c.

Or Round, and almost square and flat, as the Queen Claudia, the White, the Violet, the * 1.307 Gray, the Green, and the Musked Damask-Plums, the Cerisetts, or Little Cherry-Plums, the Cernay-Perdrigons, the Royal-Plum, the Pigeons Heart, the Brugnolle, and the Drap d'or, or Cloth of Gold Plum, &c.

The Shape then is of no consequence, to make us slight or esteem any sort of Plums, and the colour is of no more than the shape, there being good and bad of * 1.308 all Colours, which are either a yellowish white, as the White Perdrigons, the White Da∣masks, the St. Catharines, the Apricock-Plums, the Minions, the Queen Claudia's, the Drap∣d'ors or Cloth of Gold Plums, the Great Date-Plums, or White Imperials, &c.

Or else of a Violet colour inclining to red, (the finest colour of them all) as the Violet-Perdrigron, * 1.309 the Reche-Cour'bons, the Empresses, the Imperials, the Long and Round Damasks, the Royal-Plum, the Violet Diaper, the Coeur de Boeuf, or Bullock's-Heart, &c.

Or a Violet inclining to black, as the Brugnolle, the Great Violet Tours Damask, the * 1.310 St. Julian, &c.

Or quite black, as the Rhodes-Plums, the latter and forward Black-Damasks, the Masked-Damask, * 1.311 the Pigeon's-Heart.

Or Green, as the Ilvert, the Green Damask, the Castellan. * 1.312

Or Gray, as the Gray-Damask. * 1.313

Or Red, as the Cerisets, the Prime-Morins, the Datills, or little Date-Plums, &c. As * 1.314 well as their Ray, or Crease, whether it be very deep cut, as in the Plum call'd the Pige∣ons-Heart, or but very little, as in most other Plums, that is of no Consequence as to their Goodness.

As for their Bigness, it is better they should be pretty big, as the Perdrigon, St. Ca∣tharine, * 1.315 Apricock-Plum, Damask &c. than little, as the Mirabelles.

There are a few sorts of Plums extream large, as the Bullock's-Heart, the Cernay-Perdri∣gons, the Imperials, as well white as red, and the forward and hasty, as the backward * 1.316 ones.

All Plums that are good raw, are likewise commonly very good baked or preserved, whe∣ther * 1.317 it be to make dry Prunes, or Compotes, or wet Sweet-meats, as the Perdrigons, &c. But there are some good only to bake or preserve, and even among the baking Plums, there are some particularly good to make Prunes of, as the Roche-Courbon, and the St. Ca∣tharine, and others, whose principal excellency is shewn in Compotes, or wet Sweat meats; the Moyeu's, the Castellans, the Ilverts, the Brugnolles, the Cloth of Gold-Plums, the Mira∣bells, &c.

The Pulp in all Plums is yellow, in some more, and in some less; but that is of no consequence. * 1.318

There are two things that seem to me to be wished for in Plums; First, that they would come in before the season of Peaches; that is to say, in the Month of July, because then they would be much more advantageous and helpful to us, than by coming as they do almost all in the Month of August, that is to say, together with the Peaches, but our wishes in that point are but in vain; however they maintain their Ground with them, with such marvellous good Grace and Gallantry, that they come off with Reputa∣tion.

In were to be wished in the second place, that all the good Plums would eleverly quit * 1.319 their Stones, and yet we must e'en have patience in this Case too, when the Wall-Per∣drigons though ripe, and at their highest Perfection, yet cleave extream fast to their Stones, and the Roche-Courbons, which are the sweetest and most sugred Plums we have, will not at all part from them.

There are also a great many bad ones that quit not their Stones, as for Example, the Black-Bull's-Eye, the Amber-Plum, the Moyeu's, the Ilvert, the St. Julian, the Norbett, the Castellan, &c.

Those that quit them easiliest, are almost all the Damask-Plums, of which the number * 1.320 is great, or at least the number of the Names People give them upon the least little dif∣ferences in the World.

From all the good qualities of Plums that I have above noted, I conclude conformably to my Experience. That there are but four or five sorts of Plums, which deserve to be * 1.321 admitted to the honour of the Wall, namely the two Perdrigons, White and Violet, the St. Catharine, the Apricock-Plum, and the Roche-Courbon. However we add to them some Empresses, and some Mirabelles too, if we please, but it must not be so much in Expectati∣on to have them better upon Wall-Trees than otherwise, because they are seldom or never eaten raw, as to have them the more certainly come to good, because they, as well as most other Plums are subject to miscarry in the Blossom, and that yet it is of great im∣portance, that we should have some of these last to make use of in the Compotes and wet sweet-meats of the Season.

As fast as I shall dispose of each sort of Plum, I will give a little description of it, as well of those we shall plant by Walls, as of those which we shall rear upon Dwarfs and Standards. For in fine, I intend to have of them in all manner of Situations where the Ground will permit me, but yet always taking care to place every one of them in that Situation which is most agreeable to them.

I have nothing to say against the Hasting or Early Cherries, there is but one sort of them that I know of; It is in the novelty of the Fruit, coming in the beginning of June, more than in any thing else that their Excellence consists, whether it be to serve them up raw, or in Compotes or wet Sweet-meats; for otherwise to be sowre, to have but little Pulp, a large Stone, and a thick Skin, could certainly be no Qualities to render them ve∣ry recommendable: And 'tis this Novelty that will oblige us to plant some Wall-Trees of them, when we have Walling enough to spare them.

We shall likewise plant there some Corinthian-Grapes, which is a small berried Grape, of a sweet and most delicious juice, of which there are two or three Colours; as also some Chasselas, which I prize much in this Country, as well for the Beauty of the Grape, and its Berry or Grain, as for the sweetness of its very much sugred juice, but above all, for its great easiness in being brought to bear, and to ripen, in which they almost never fail us, whereas the Muscat can hardly ever arrive here to that Point of ripeness, unless it be in such another hot and long Summer, as was that of the Year 1676.

I have little to say about Apricocks; all the World is well enough acquainted with their Tast, Colour, Shape and Bigness; and do indeed make some account of them, but it * 1.322 is only to make use of in Sweet-meats as well dry as wet, it being not a very delicious Fruit to eat raw in any great quantity; yet in the Gardens, in the time of their being ripe, we find Pleasure enough in gathering here and there one, to eat upon the Spot.

There grow pretty good ones upon great Standard Trees, upon which they grow all tan∣ned, * 1.323 and speckled with little red spots that recreate the Sight, and stir up the Appetite with a much richer and more exquisite tast than they have upon Wall-Trees. But then in re∣compense, * 1.324 the VVall augments their bigness, and gives them an admirable Vermilion, and principally, it secures us of a more certain crop of them. But both sorts of them are equally good for preserving; the best of them are a little sugred, but yet most com∣monly of a substance too like Dough. There are few Gardens where there must not be some one Tree of them. This Fruit is early; that is, it begins to appear at the very be∣ginning of July, and especially a small sort called the Hasting Apricock, and which must * 1.325 be planted in the full South Quarter; the Pulp of this latter is very white, and the Leaf rounder and greener than that of the others, but is never a whit better than they for that.

The Ordinary Apricocks which are much larger, and have a Yellow Pulp, ripen not * 1.326 till about the Middle of July; we must have some of them in every one of the four Expositions, if we have Walling enough to spare, or otherwise we may chance to want wherewithall to make the best of all our Compotes, or wet Sweet-meats, a thing that is very surprising to consider, that Fire and Sugar should be able to raise up and awaken in an Apricock when preserved, a certain perfume which was not perceivable, but seem∣ed to lie Dormant while it was raw.

The reason why I would have some of them planted in all sorts of Expositions, is, because, putting forth their Blossoms very early, that is, in the middle of March, a Sea∣son much traversed with white hoar Frosts, which are of mortal influence to their Blos∣soms, from what side soever the cold wind comes to blow full upon them; it certainly freezes and nips those Blossoms dead, and lets but few of them escape, and because the Winds that reign in the Spring, do not every year blow full upon all the four Walls of a Garden, that which shall happen not to be afflicted with their pernicious Blasts, may at least recompense us for the loss our Trees may have suffered on other sides; and by this means, sometimes we have had of these Fruits on the North-side Wall of our Gardens, when we could have none neither on the Eastern, Southern, nor Western Quarters, and sometimes the happy side is only on the South, sometimes on the East, and sometimes a∣gain, only on the West. And therefore as far as our convenience will permit us, we should venture some Trees in all the several Expositions, that we may not fail in one or other of them, to have some Apricocks.

And if there knit too great a number of them, as it often happens, we must not fail to pluck a great many of them, being assured of this Satisfaction, that they will not be * 1.327 lost as those commonly are which we are forced to take away small and green, of other Fruits; but that they may be employed in making green Compotes, or wet Sweet-meats,

and dry ones too, and all of them so very good, as we should hardly dare, without the encouragement of experience, to hope they could be.

In the Country of Anjou we have commonly a little sort of Apricock, with a Kernel so sweet, that one would almost take them for Filberts, and accordingly we often crack * 1.328 the Stones for to eat them. This sort of Apricock has a white Pulp, and is very good in that Country, but they most of them grow on Standard Trees, and that is it which has so well established the Reputation of their Goodness.

In very hot Years, such as was the Year 1676. if there chance to remain any Apri∣cocks, for any long time upon our Wall-Trees, they acquire there almost the same Perfecti∣on, as they do when they are preserved, after they have quite lost a certain sharpness which is natural to them, as we have proved to our great Surprize.

Having then ran through and examined all the several sorts of Fruits that are fit to be employed in stocking our Wall-Plantations, let us now dispose of them against our Walls, in that Order of Rank and Precedence, as their greater or lesser Excellencies shall deserve; in order to which, let me tell you,

That I will call a good Exposition, First, that which is posited towards the South, be∣cause it is commonly the best, or at least that which makes Fruits most forward. * 1.329

And Secondly, that which is towards the East, which I esteem almost as much as the preceeding one.

And I shall call a midling or indifferent Exposition, that which is towards the West, and a bad one, that which is towards the North. This being laid down as a Ground, my * 1.330 Advice is, that if a Gentleman has but never so small a Proportion of the good Expositi∣ons, that he should plant a Fig-tree there of the White Round sort, which of all Figs, is, without Contradiction, the best, and since whatever it cost, it is necessary to have a few Figs, he can never choose a better sort than that. This Wall-Fig-tree alone will re∣quire the extent of ten or twelve foot of Wall.

I suppose the least Gardens, to have at least five Toises or Fathoms extent of Wall on * 1.331 one side, and a little more on another, so that in a Garden supposed to have about twenty four yards of Good Exposition, as well towards the East as South, ten or twelve of midling or indifferent, and eight or ten of bad, I would have first placed in the good one a Fig-tree, and that should be just at the corner joyning the Southern and Eastern Wall; that is the place I design in all Gardens for the Fig-trees, as being the best to defend them from the North Winds, and from the Galern, otherwise called the North, and North North-West Wind, which reigns commonly in the Month of April, which is the time of the putting forth of the first Figs called Fig-Flowers, and because at that Season, this Wind is seldom without Frosts, it most unmercifully destroys those poor little Infant-Figs, which being very tender, as being but newly born, are not able to resist the rigour of a Frost, for the united shelter of those two Walls of the East and South, meeting in one corner, is able to guard them from the Violence of that their Enemy; however I do not mean, that the Fig-Tree should be always placed just in the very corner, but near it, whether it be by the South Wall if there be one, or by the Eastern one, if the other be wanting.

When the Fig-tree is placed, there may perhaps remain still to us in that little Garden, about twenty yards of good Walling, supposing one of the good sides be not employ∣ed in the facing of a Building, or in Rails, which is ordinary enough, in which case, the number of our good Expositions will be so much lessened, and our number of Trees like∣wise. But at least, if by good chance, that Building or piece of Rails, happen to be on the Western or Northern side, there will still remain to us, as I have just now said, a∣bout twenty yards of good Walling, and that shall serve for six Trees, allowing eight Foot extent to each Tree, according to our abovesaid Regulation, upon this Supposition, that the Walls of all sorts of inclosures should be about nine foot high; and of these six Trees, I advise there may be five Peach-Trees, and one Violet Perdrigron Plum-Tree. I name first the sive Peach-Trees, because commonly there is hardly any Body that has ne∣ver so little a Garden, but absolutely resolves to have some Peaches whatsoever else he wants, and if there be room for seven or eight Trees, I think any Gentleman would be much in * 1.332 the wrong not to place among them one Violet Perdrigon Plum-tree, that he may have a∣bout the middle of August some of those beautiful Plums that are reasonably large and long, and so well flourished over their reddish Violet colour, with a charming Dew, and are so marvellously delicious for their fine Pulp, sugred Juice, and rich and high Taste; and this Plum-tree must be sure to have too one of the first places about the Fig-tree, or otherwise, no pleasure can be expected from it. We shall also place here some certain sorts of Peaches with it, which may agree better thant hat does, with an Expositi∣on but indifferently good.

Let us examine then seriously which ought to be those five Favourite sorts of Peach-trees * 1.333 we are to plant here, to fill up with the best advantage the little room we have.

I am not for any of those that bring small Peaches, though the Troy-Peach be to my liking, one of the best that can grow, it being better to stay a little longer before we begin to have Peaches in our little Garden, that we may begin with the large Stones at the very first; and besides, we must have here such as are most certain and constant in bearing, and are least subject to be poster'd with Ants, and by that Rule, the White, Maudlins will likewise be excluded for their smallness, as well as those of Troy.

The Violet Hasting Peach, is in truth, the best of all Peaches, it is that which has the most delicious and perfumed Pulp, and the most vinous, rich, and noble taste of all them, and that which with good right, might claim the first place, both here and every where else, but that it is not large enough. The Admirable Peach has almost all the good qualities that can be desired, and has no bad ones; It produces a goodly Tree, and * 1.334 is one of our roundest and largest Peaches; it is of a lovely Colour, and has a firm, fine, and melting Pulp, a sweet and sugred Juice, and a vinous, rich, and exquisite taste; it has but a small Stone, and is not subject to degenerate into a Doughy Substance; it re∣mains a long time upon the Tree to delight the Eye, ripens about Mid-September, and is of great increase, that is to say in a Word, it is one of the most accomplished Peaches we know, and therefore I would by no means plant any Garden without some Tree of this, and of the Violet Peach too. But if I had room but for one of the two, I should without doubt preferr the Admirable Peach before the other, though the Violet Peach do really excell it in Goodness, but I should take the contrary resolution if they were both of an equal bigness. This Admirable Peach grows kindly enough in Midling Expositions, but yet still better in good ones, and therefore to manage well the little room we have, it is better to place this Peach near the Northern Exposition, than any of all the other kinds, and where ever we have convenience to plant two or three Trees of it, it will be best to separate them by placing one in each Exposition, and always to contrive to have one of them at least in a good Situation, that so we may take advantage of experimen∣ting what this kind is able to do in all of them.

I have here two things more to say concerning this Peach, which I have no mind nei∣ther to forget, nor to put off to another place. The first is, that contrary to the Max∣im I have above laid down, the Admirable Peaches that ripen last upon the Tree are the best, they having had the time that Peaches need for the acquiring of a perfect maturity, for they are not Fruits to ripen or mellow off of their Trees, though one may keep them three or four days without spoiling; where note, that unless its Tree be very vigorous, this Peach is very subject to fall off half ripe, greenish, and all downy, and then all the vinous and lively taste it should have, degenerates into bitterness and sowre∣ness, and its Pulp which should be so fine and melting is course, and almost dry. In fine, its Stone is bigger than it should be; nay, and sometimes gapes, all very ill signs and Symptoms, which we see not in the Fruit of found Trees, and which never fail to ap∣pear in all Peaches that fall of themselves before they be full ripe.

From whence I draw my second Observation, which is, that when Trees have any of * 1.335 those defects, we are to reckon no more upon them almost than if they were dead; in that case, we must prune and cut them very close, to try if being reduced to a less ex∣tent, they will not shoot forth fairer and sounder Branches, and consequently bear better Fruit, and at the same time, we must put our Selves in a Condition to be able to re∣pair the loss we are like to have in those diseased Trees, by timely planting some good Tree of the same kind in the best place we can choose for it, without which seasonable provision and precaution, we Shall run the hazard of languishing under the displeasure of having for a long time nothing but Scurvy Peaches of that kind, which should be the best in the World.

And since we have room here for five Peach-trees we must needs have the Minion, the Belle Chevreuse, or Fair Chevreuse, or Goat peach, and the Nivette, to be of the number, and accordingly we shall dispose of our twelve Toises or Fathoms of Wall, in this man∣ner.

The Fig-tree shall take the two first Toises or Fathoms.

The space between the third and fourth shall be for a first Admirable. * 1.336

That from the fourth to the fifth, for a first Violes Hasting peach.

That from the fifth to the sixth, for a first Minion.

That from the sixth to the seventh, for a first Chevreuse.

That from the seventh to the eighth shall remain void, the better to facilitate the distances be∣tween the others, which must be about eight Foot.

That from the eighth to the ninth, shall be for a first Nivette.

That from the ninth to the tenth, for a first Violet Perdrigon Plum.

That from the tenth to the eleventh shall remain void. And,

That from to the eleventh to the twelfth, for a second Admirable Peach.

The Minion Peach is certainly to the Eye, the most beautiful Peach that can be seen. * 1.337 It is very large, very red, sattin-skin'd, and round. It ripens the first of those of its Sea∣son, and has a sine and very melting Pulp, and a very small Stone; its taste indeed is not always the richest nor briskest that is, and sometimes it is a little faint and flat, but that shall not hinder it from being the third in order here.

The Fair Chevreuse, or Goat-Peach, describes to us in its beautiful name, a good part * 1.338 of its excellency; it ripens next after the Minion, and a little before the Violet-peach, as the Admirable succeeds the Violet, and comes in a little before the Nivette. So that by the means of these five Peach-trees, we may be furnish'd for about six Weeks together, with an uninterrupted successive supply of the goodliest and best Peaches of all our Gardens.

The Chevreuse has some very considerable advantages; for first, it is hardly inferiour * 1.339 to any in largeness, in beauty of colour, in godly shape, which is a little longish, and in abundance of Sugred and well relish'd juice, and over and above all that, it further excells in the great increase it yields, so that with a great deal of Justice, I place it here for the * 1.340 fourth. It has no other fault, than that sometimes its pulp grows Doughy, but it never contracts that fault but when it is let to ripen too much upon the Tree, or when it grows in a cold and moist Soil, or when it meets with a Summer that is neither hot enough nor dry enough. It most particularly requires to be placed towards the East or South, and in Grounds that are not over moist: it do's well enough in a Western Exposition. It is a very good sort of Peach, and the commonest with those that plant them only to sell.

The Nivette, otherwise called the Velvet-peach, is likewise in my opinion, a very fair and large Peach; it has so fine a colour both within and without, that it is most agreea∣ble * 1.341 to look upon. It has all the internal good qualities, both of Pulp and Juice, and of taste, and of the smallness of Stone, and loads its Trees with great abundance. It is not quite so round as the Minions and Admirables, but yet comes near enough that Figure, when it grows upon a sound Branch, otherwise it is a little horned, and incli∣ning to a longish shape. It ripens about the twentieth of September, just when the Admi∣rables begin to go off, and therefore with so many good qualities as it produces to main∣tain its claim, who dare dispute it admittance among the Wall-trees in a good Exposition, where there is room for five Peach trees.

If our midling Exposition cannot contain above four Peach-trees, then I would fill it up * 1.342 with one Admirable, and one Chevreuse, or Goat-peach; one Common Apricock-tree; and one Purple, otherwise called a Vinous-Peach.

This last is one of the Peach-trees that bears in greatest abundance, and in my Judg∣ment, * 1.343 in little Gardens we should chiefly aim at abundance, for which reason, I preferr it before the Bourdin, though that in reality; be the better tasted of the two, and thrives as well as that in a Westerly Exposition, but yields not so much Fruit. I do not place any Maudlin-peaches in this Exposition neither, nor any Minions, Dandilli's Bellegardes, &c. be∣cause they thrive not there, and are all apt there to have a Pulp too much like Dough. This Purple-peach denotes its colour by one of its names, and the quality of its tast by the other, and in effect, it is of a brown dark red colour, that penetrates pretty much into its Pulp. It is very round and indifferent large, its Pulp is pretty fine, and its taste rich and exquisite: In a word, it will very well maintain its place in this little Garden.

The four Trees of the Northern Exposition shall be Pear-trees, which shall be content * 1.344 with the distance of seven foot and a half from each other; and they shall be, one O∣range green Pear, two Butter-pears, and one Verte longue, or Long green pear, all Pears that bear speedily, easily, and in great abundance.

Thus in a very little Garden whose Walls contain but about twenty two or twenty four * 1.345 Toises or Fathoms in compass, we shall yet have sixteen of the choicest Fruit-trees; name∣ly, one white Fig-tree, one Violet-Perdrigon-plum-tree, one Common Apricock-tree, nine Peach-trees, and four Pear-trees. The Peach trees shall be three Admirables, one Violet-Hasting, one Minion, two Chevreuses, or Goat-peaches, one Nivette, and one Purple-peach; and the four Pear-trees shall be two Butter-pears, one Verte longue, or Long green pear, and one Orange-green pear.

After having thus furnished eleven or twelve Toises of good Exposition, six or seven Toi∣ses or Fathoms of midling, and five or six Toises, or ten or twelve yards of bad, which make in all four and twenty Toises or Fathoms, in a Garden that contains no more in * 1.346 its four Walls; I think for the better prosecuting the execution of my design, it will be very pertinent for me to continue my directions for the proportion of thirty Toises or

Fathoms of Good Exposition, which make about fifteen Toises or Fathoms for the Eastern, and * 1.347 as many for the Southern Exposition, and afterwards to employ the remaining thirty Toises or Fathoms in the two other Expositions, allotting the one half to the Midling one, and the other half to the bad one; after which, I will fill up more and more of them, aug∣menting still thirty Toises or Fathoms each time, till I come to six hundred Toises or Fa∣thoms of Good Exposition.

Methinks that in this Scheme or Project, all the World may without trouble or Con∣fusion find what they shall need for the stocking of their Wall-Plantations, and in sine, that the Directions which I shall give there, may afford sufficient light to those who have a greater extent of Walling to stock, how to fill it up.

For I dare affirm, that unless it be for the Garden of some Great King, that any pri∣vate Subject will find he has a terrible quantity of Wall trees, if he has 1200 Toises or * 1.348 Fathoms of them in all, viz. 600 of very good ones, 300 midling ones, and 300 bad ones. That is to them that know the Consequence, a number great enough to fright any Man, because of the difficulty he will find in ordering and managing them to the best advantage.

Add to this, that if we suppute the quantity of Peaches which every Peach-tree may reasonably yield at the end of five or six years, we may expect from every hundred Stocks * 1.349 of them, at least five or six thousand Peaches, though every Stock should yield but fifty or threescore each, and what will that be in comparison of the crop they will yield, when they shall bear twice as many, as they may easily do at the age of eight or nine Years, &c.

To proceed then, having already furnished twelve Toises or Fathoms of Good Exposition, and being minded to continue on to thirty, we must reckon that the space from the twelfth to the thirteenth Toise or Fathom, will afford us over and above the former Number, one second Minion Peach-tree. And,

That from the thirteenth to the fourteenth, a second Violet Hasting Peach.

We shall place nothing in the space between the fourteenth and fifteenth, the better to make room for the distances of others.

That from the fifteenth to the sixteenth, shall be for a second Chevreuse.

From the sixteenth to the seventeenth, for a first white Maudlin.

From the seventeenth to the eighteenth, for a first Persick.

From the eighteenth to the nineteenth, for a first Common Apricock Tree. And,

From the nineteenth to the twentieth, shall be left void, to give the greater scope for the other distances, as I have already said.

We cannot speak well enough of the white Maudlin Peach, when it is planted in a good Soil, and is well exposed, only the Ants make War a little too much against it; and * 1.350 what is worse, we know not how to secure it from them, which reproachful misfortune does it a great deal of prejudice among the Curious.

To see some Trees of it bear abundance, and others but little Fruit, seems to give us good Grounds to say with some Gard'ners, that there are two sorts of them, one which they call the great one, and the other the little one; but yet for all that, neither by their Flower, which in both is large, and has but a little blush of Red, nor by the Leaf of the Tree, which in both is large, and very much dented, nor by their ripening, which happens to both at the same time, being towards the end of August, nor by their colour, bigness, shape, juice, taste, nor Stone, which are alike in both of them; no, not by all these marks, I say, which ought to constitute an essential difference, can I find sufficient reason to perswade me to embrace the Opinion of those that think there are two distinct sorts of them, both of them being large, round, and half flat, very much painted with red on the Sunny side, and not at all on the other, and have a fine Pulp, a sweet and sugred juice, a rich taste, no red about their Stone, which Stone in them both, is short, and almost round, all which considered, suspends my Judgment as to the Point of their being two different kinds.

Besides which, I have observed, that they both produce very goodly Trees, and that when I have brought up stocks both of that pretended sort that yielded but little Fruit, and of that that bore a great deal, and taken some grafts from that which bore a great deal, and grafted them upon those that bore but little, yet the Trees they produced, yield∣ed me very little Fruit.

So that in Conclusion, I believe this difference in their bearing, proceeds only from the greater or lesser vigour of the stock of the Tree; that which has a great deal, produces greater main Branches, and fewer small shoots, whereas the other on the contrary, pro∣duces lesser main Branches, and more small shoots; now the main Branches, as we have already, so many times inculcated, yield no Fruit, but 'tis the small shoots only that are

the bearing Branches, and if we give but a larger extent of Wall to these strong and vi∣gorous Trees, and leave them thick Branches enough, and leave them a little longer than ordinary, we shall see that when they have more room to spend their fury in, they will put forth no more such thick Branches, but will shoot out more small ones, and consequently will give us more Satisfaction and Pleasure.

The Persick Peach is a Fruit of a marvellous increase, and of; no less admirable taste; it * 1.351 is longish, and has all the good qualities we can wish it, when the Tree is in health, and grows in a good Ground, and well exposed, and as the Stones come pretty near the Fi∣gure of their Fruit; that of the Persick Peach is a little longish, the Pulp which is next to it, is but very little tinged with Red. It ripens just when the Chevreuse or Goat-peach is go∣ing off, and a little before the Admirable comes in, that is to say, it very commodiously chooses the time which is most advantageous to us. To go on,

From the Twentieth to the One and Twentieth Toise, or Fathom, shall be the place of a Third Admirable.

And in the space between the One and Two and Twentieth, I have a great mind to * 1.352 place a Violet Brugnon, or Nectarin, that in this Number we may have at least one sort of Fruit, that we may carry a good way without spoiling. I have a particular value for this sort of Brugnon, or Nectarin, when it has time enough to come to so full a Matu∣rity, as to grow a little shriveled and wrinkled with it, for then in truth it is a most ad∣mirable Fruit: The Pulp of it is reasonably tender, or at least is not hard; it is pretty much painted with Red round about the Stone; and its Juice and Tast are enchantingly delicious. So many good Qualities therefore cannot but justifie my Choice.

The space from the Twenty Second Toise, or Fathom, to the Twenty Third, should be for a First Troy-Peach.

From the Twenty Third to the Twenty Fourth, should remain void. And,

From the Twenty Fourth to the Twenty Fifth, should be for a First St. Catharine-Peach.

Besides what I have before said of the Troy-Peaches, concerning their smallness, the time of their Ripening, and their good Tast, I have nothing else to add, but that they are ve∣ry much tinged with Red, and are round, with a little kind of Teat at the end; their Flower is of the greatest Size, and we are very unhappy that we cannot defend them from the Ants: The Trees, neither of this sort, nor of the Avant, or Forward Peaches, are so large as other Peach-Trees, and for that reason, may be allow'd something less place than the others, which may amount to the retrenching of a Foot, or a Foot and a half for both of them: They last not so long as the rest.

The St. Catharine-Plum Planted against a Wall, in a good Exposition, and in a good * 1.353 Soil, will certainly surprize both those that know it but little, and those that thinking they know it, disesteem it: For in this situation, there can hardly grow a better Fruit in the World, if it may be allowed time to Ripen, so that it grows wrinkled about the Stalk: It is, as I have said, a White or Pale Yellowish Plum, of a longish Figure, and pretty large, and that parts very clean from its Stone.

I cannot tell whether I may not say, that, notwithstanding the ill report it always had to be absolutely good for nothing else but to make Prunes, I am the first that have done it the honour to advance it to the choice station of the Wall; but truly I have found it so well to answer my expectation there, that I cannot sufficiently extoll it in that respect. And as I have been always a great searcher out of Experiments, I have likewise made trial, whether there might not be some other Plums which might find some assistance from the Wall towards the improvement of their Excellence, as well as the Perdrigons, and St. Catharines, as we found, had done; but as I shall afterwards more amply tell you, instead of meeting with any good success with them, I only found that they very much dishonoured themselves in that Noble Situation.

The Wall has almost the same effects upon these good Plums, as boiling Sugar has up∣on some certain Fruits, some of which it very notably improves in goodness, as for ex∣ample, Apricocks; and others, it as sensibly spoils, such as are commonly Butter-pears, when they are Ripe enough to be Eaten Raw.

However, I am well enough satisfied, that I have found but few Plums receive any addition of perfection by the influence of the Wall, since at least by making trial, I am now convinced of the vanity of the hopes I once had, that they might, and by conse∣quence, am now able to save any other Gentleman that may have the same Curiosity, the expence of time and pains that I have been at, to content it.

In the space from the Twenty Fifth to the Twenty Sixth Toise, or Fathom, we will place a first Yellow Admirable-Peach.

And in that from the Twenty Sixth to the Twenty Seventh, a first latter Violet-Peach.

Now before I tell you what are the Excellencies of these Two Peaches, I must adver∣tise you, that they must have the choicest places in the Southern Exposition, if we will pre∣tend they should attain to their due Maturity; but for our encouragement, we may ex∣pect to have in them, when the Nivette Peaches are gone, Two sorts of Peaches which cannot be enough commended, and especially in forward Years, that is such as are hot and dry.

This Yellow Latter Admirable-Peach, is also called the Apricock-Peach, and the Sandalie: * 1.354 It is a Malacotoon, as the Yellow Pavie is a Malacotoon: It entirely resembles the Admirable-Peach, both in shape and bigness, so that it may well be named the Yellow Admirable, and the other barely, the Admirable, from which it differs in the Yellow Colour both of its Skin and Pulp.

Both the one and the other are Coloured pretty much with Red on the sunny-side, and that Red pierces a little more about the Stone of the Yellow one, than about that of the * 1.355 White one: It is of a very good Tast, and well deserves to be here, tho' it be a little subject to grow Doughy as well as other Yellow Peaches.

As for the Latter Violet, otherwise called the Marble-Peach, I must needs say in its com∣mendation, * 1.356 that it has certainly a vinous and delicious Tast, and when it Ripens well, surpasses all the rest: We could only wish it so much heat as it needs, for assuredly it needs a great deal. It grows a little bigger than the ordinary Violet-Peach, and is not so much Coloured all over with Red, as that; from which difference, it had the Name of Marbled, because that very often it is indeed but whipped or striped with a Violet Red: Its fault is, not to Ripen well, and to chap and burst out all over, when the end of Sum∣mer or Autumn prove too moist, or too cold: It produces a Sightly Tree, and tho' there be not Two different kinds of it, no more than there is of the other Hasting, or forward Violet Peaches, yet some Trees of it have large Flowers, and some others but little ones, just as the other Violet Peach-Trees do.

We must place between the Twenty Seventh and Twenty Eighth Toise, or Fathom, a first Bour∣din-Peach.

Between the Twenty Eighth and Twenty Ninth we shall put nothing, to give the more scope for the distances.

Between the Twenty Ninth and the Thirtieth, we will put a first White Avant-Peach, or Forward-Peach.

Which make in all, Two and Twenty Trees, at Eight Foot distance each from the other, and there are Four Feet over-plus allowed to the Fig-Tree, which must have Twelve Foot to it self, when 'tis alone.

We may say in favour of the Bourdin-Peach, almost all that has been said in praise of all the rest, saving only that commonly it is not quite so large as the Maudlins, Minions, Chev∣reuses, * 1.357 Persicks, Admirables, Nivettes, &c. tho' sometimes it comes very near them, which happens when because a Tree is old, we ease it of some of its Burthen, by pulling off some of its green Fruit. The new planted Trees of it are naturally a little tedious be∣fore they begin to bear, which has hindred it from being so soon admitted into little Gardens; but then when once it begins to bear, it is extreamly loaden with Fruit, which is the reason why sometimes its Peaches are not so big as they should be, but by taking care to pluck so many of them about Midsummer, as to leave only a reasonable number upon each Branch, we may be sure to have them grow large enough. What remains further to be said of them is, that they are some of the roundest, best coloured, and in fine, of the most agreeable Peaches to look upon, that we have; to which add, that their inside does not any way in the World give the lye to their fair external Physiognomy, and therefore when all is summed up, it must needs be a Peach that can spoil nothing in this Garden.

I have already said, when I was disposing of the first Westerly Exposition, where we placed four Trees, what I have to say about the Purple-Peach.

It remains next, that we should examine wherein the Forward-Peach, or Avant-Peach excells. Its principal Excellency is then, that it is among the Peaches what the Little * 1.358 Hastings are among the Pears, and the Cerisets, or little Cherry-plums are among the Plums. It commonly beginning to be ripe a month before any of the other Peaches, and for that effect, it assumes a Pulp, grows to its bigness, and ripens at the very beginning of July. It is small and roundish, with a little teat at the end; it is so very pale, that no Sun can colour it red, how hot soever it shine upon it, no more than it does the Narbon-Peach, as we shall afterwards shew. It has a Pulp that is fine enough, but very subject to grow Doughy; it has a little smatch of a Peach, which we are ravished to taste a∣gain,

after we have been so long without tasting any thing like it; but most especially because it is like the Aurora or Morning Star before the Sun, that is to say, a Fore-runner to tell us the good news of the approach of the good Peaches, for which reason, it was thought to deserve the name of the Avant Peach, that is to say, the Fore, or Fore-running Peach. It is esteemed, and not only its fault of growing doughy excused, but that like∣wise of its not having so rich and brisk a taste as most of the others; and therefore we resolve to have one Avant Peach-tree, when we have room but for a dozen and a half of Peach-trees.

Besides, because we would not give it time enough to discover all its faults to us, it's true, we make less use of it raw, than in making Composes or wet Sweet-meats of the Season, for which it is admirably good; its Flower is of the largest Size, and of so pale a yellow, that it appears almost quite white; naturally it shoots out not many Bran∣ches, and consequently produces no Sightly Tree, and therefore needs not so much room as the very Troy-Peach; and naturally also 'tis of all Peaches, one of the most subject to be annoyed with Ants, which inconvenience made me not very hasty to introduce it soon∣er among the two and twenty Trees we have planted in the thirty first Toises or Fathoms of Good Exposition.

Before we enter into larger Gardens, to look out there for a greater proportion of the Good Expositions, let us first fill up conformably to what I have above proposed, that which, as near as we can guess, we may have of Midling and Bad Exposition, in these Gardens in which I have already newly disposed of so much as there was in them of the Good ones. And as both those two together, ought not regularly to take up more Walling than the two Eastern and Southern Quarters together, to which probably they are parallel, I will sup∣pose the proportion of Wall for each of them, may amount to fifteen Toises or Fa∣thoms apiece, to make thirty for them both, as there are thirty for the two good ones, which would fall out so indeed, if the Garden were perfectly Square, though it would be really so much the less agreeable, if it were so, because it is most desirable for * 1.359 the forming a Garden in the most beautiful Figure; that first, it should be twice as long, as wide. Secondly, that all its sides that are opposite one to the other, should be of an equal length; and lastly, that the whole should terminate all in right Angles, that is to say, with an equal fall of right Lines upon right Lines, as I have already shewed, when I was treating of the manner how to dispose every piece of Ground.

Those Gentlemen that shall happen to have a little less proportion of Wall, in one of their Expositions than I suppose, may plant so many fewer Trees there than I have pre∣scribed, as that shall direct, and may take their measures from that place, where in pas∣sing, I have mentioned exactly the Quantity of Wall they have; But if on another side, their Western Quarter be of a little more extent than I may have guessed, they may multi∣ply so many more Trees of that sort of Peaches they like best of those I have planted in the same Exposition, as will fill it up; and the Admirable Peach is that which of all Pea∣ches, I would always most heartily advise them to Multiply.

As also in Case their Northern-Wall has more Extent, which may very well be, they may augment the number of those Pear-Trees, which they find I have expressed the most esteem for, which will be either the Butter-Pears, the Bergamots, the Virgoulees, or the Verte Longues, or Long Green Pears, as they shall find most agreeable to their palates, and most answerable to their occasions; and likewise if their North quarter has less room than I have supposed, they may plant so many the fewer Trees, and content themselves with that number which I have assigned for an extent of Walling equal to theirs.

We have already filled up a Western-Wall of about five or six Toises or Fathoms ex∣tent, with four Trees, which are one Apricock-Tree, and three Peach-trees; namely, an Admirable, a Chevreuse, and a Purple peach.

And to another Westerly Wall of about six or seven Toises or Fathoms, I would advise nothing to be added more than the abovesaid four Trees, to make the more room for setting out the distances between them, which should always be about eight Foot, but to that of between seven and eight Toises or Fathoms, there shall be added,

A first Bourdin peach.

To that from eight to nine, a second Admirable.

To that from nine to ten, a first white Perdrigon plum.

From ten to eleven, a first Troy peach.

From eleven to twelve, a first Violet Hasting, or forward Violet peach.

From twelve to thirteen, nothing for the above said Reasons about the distances.

From the thirteenth to the fourteenth, a second Chevreuse.

From the fourteenth to the fifteenth, a second Bourdin.

As to the Northern side, after having disposed of five or six Toises or Fathoms of it, to four Pear trees; namely, two Butter pears, one Verte longue or Long green pear, and one Orange-green pear, because the distances of the Pear-trees in this Exposition, are reasonably set out at seven foot and a half; we will further add to such a Northern Exposition, that shall contain between six and seven Toises or Fathoms,

A first Virgoulee.

From seven to eight, a first Bergamot.

From eight to nine, a second Verte longue, or Long green pear.

From nine to ten, nothing, for the abovesaid reason of the distances.

From ten to eleven, a second Bergamot.

From eleven to twelve, a second Orange-green pear.

From twelve to thirteen, a third Butter pear.

From thirteen to fourteen, a third Bergamot.

From fourteen to fifteen, a second Virgoulee.

And so a Northern Wall of fifteen Toises or Fathoms, would be furnished with twelve Pear-trees.

All the Pear-trees I place to the Northern Wall, fail not to produce there both goodly Trees and fair Fruit; 'tis true, they may want something of a good taste, but if we * 1.360 perceive it, we may soon remedy it with a little Sugar. And therefore we shall have no reason at all to be dissatisfyed for having planted some good Pear-trees in this Northern Exposition, instead of leaving it bare, or of planting it only with Filaria or Hony-suckles, as many do.

I suppose always, that this Northern Wall should in Summer time, have an hour or two's aspect of the Sun; for if it had none at all, or next to nothing of it, the Fruit would hardly come to any good there.

In this Disposition which I have newly Regulated, of a Garden containing Sixty Toises or Fathoms of Walling, allowing each Wall fifteen Toises or Fathoms, and planting them with such Trees that may prosper there, we should have in all, forty five good Trees, namely one Fig-Tree, twenty seven Peach-Trees, two common Apricock-Trees, two Violet-Perdrigon Plum-Trees, and one St. Catharine Plumb-Tree.

The twenty seven Peach-Trees should be five Admirables, three Violet Hastings, or For∣ward Violet Peaches, two Minions, four Chevreuses, one Nivette, one White Maudlin, one Persick, two Troy-Peaches, one Yellow Admirable, one Latter Violet Peach, two Bourdins, one Avant Peach, or Forward Peach, and one Violet Brugnon, or Nectarin.

The Twelve Pear-Trees should be three Bergamots, three Butter Pears, two Virgoulees, two Verte Longues, or Long Green Pears, and two Orange-Green Pears.

With this Provision, we may boast, that though we have in our Garden but thirty Toises or Fathoms of Wall in a good Exposition, and fifteen in a Midling one, we have not ill furnished them; since we have placed in that small Space, at eight Foot distance one from the other, all the most considerable Peaches our Country affords, with the best of all our Fig-Trees, three Excellent Plum-Trees, and two Apricock Trees.

Well understanding and meaning always, that the Apricock and Plum-Trees should be dispersed among the Peach-Trees, and be placed in respect of them, at an Equal distance one from the other, so as that there may be between a Plum Tree, and an Apricock-Tree, five or six Peach-Trees; and so on.

The Plum-Trees and Apricock-Trees are not so Subject to die young, in part or in whole, as the Peach-Trees, and therefore are able, as one may say, to support in some manner the Honour of the Wall-Plantations, when there happens any afflicting accident, or Mortality to the poor Peach-Trees.

However I do not always mix Plum-Trees with Peach-Trees, though they do them no harm, but I sometimes plant whole Walls with nothing but Plums, when I have Wal∣ling Enough; nay, and sometimes I make some little Gardens all of Plum-Trees, when the disposition of the Ground will permit me.

Let us now return and proceed on to a Good Exposition that may contain between thirty, and one and thirty Toises or Fathoms, that we may have room to place a second Fig-Tree, near the first, the one being planted against the Southern Wall, if we have one, and the other against the Eastern one, in case likewise we have one, or else both of them shall be placed in one of those Expositions, if either of the two be wanting: next to that,

The Space between thirty one and thirty two Toises or Fathoms, shall be for a third Violet Hasting Peach.

That from thirty two to thirty three, for a third Minion.

That from thirty three to thirty four, shall be left void, to make good the distances.

From thirty four to thirty five, for a second White Maudlin.

From thirty five to thirty six, for a first forward or Hasting Apricock.

From thirty six to thirty seven, for a second Violet Perdrigon Plum.

From thirty seven to thirty eight, for a second Nivette Peach.

From thirty eight to thirty nine, shall go only to make out distances.

From thirty nine to forty, shall be for a first Italian Peach.

The Italian Peach is a Kind of Hasting or forward Persick, and resembles in all things * 1.361 the Persick, in its Bulk, which is noble, its sigure which is longish, with a little teat at the end, its colour, which is of a fair, but deepish Carnation, its good taste, and its stone, &c. But this ripens about the middle of August, that is to say, full fifteen days before the other. In a word, 'tis very certain, that 'tis an Excellent Peach, next which the space

From forty Toises or Fathoms to forty one, shall be for a second Troy Peach.

From forty one to forty two, for a first Royal Peach.

From forty two to forty three, for a first Rossane.

From forty three to forty four, shall be kept void.

From forty four to forty five, shall be for a first Violet Alberge-Peach.

I add here one after another three sorts of Peaches, I had not yet Planted. The Royal * 1.362 Peach is a Kind of Admirable, only it is always more lateward, and of a darker Red with∣out, and still a little more tinged near the stone than that, in every thing else it is perfect like the Admirable, and by consequence, is admirable it self, that is to say, most Excel∣lent. The Rossane resembles the Bourdin Peach in shape and Bulk, and is different from it * 1.363 in the colour of its skin and Pulp, which in this latter are yellow. Both of them take strong tincture of Red from the Sun, that is to say, a very dusky Red: This Peach is very fruitfull, and of a very good taste, and has no other fault but that it is apt to grow Doughy, to avoid which distastful inconvenience, we must not let it grow too ripe on the Tree.

The Red Alberge is one of our prettiest Peaches for its vinous and rich taste, if we let * 1.364 it grow ripe enough, otherwise its pulp is hard, as is that of all other Peaches not ripe; it is no bigger than a Troy peach, and is pretty like it, but that it seems to me more coloured with red. The only fault of all those incident to Peaches, that can be objected against this, is that it is not large.

The space from forty five to forty six Toises or Fathoms, shall be for a second Persick.

From forty six to forty seven, for a second Violet Brugnon, or Nectarin.

From forty seven to forty eight, for a first Apricock Plum.

From forty eight to forty nine, shall remain void.

From forty nine to fifty, shall be for a first Red Maudlin Peach.

Though the Apricock Plum that grows upon a Standard Tree in the open Air, be bet∣ter * 1.365 to eat raw than a St. Catharine; yet in my Opinion, the St. Catharine out-tops it by a very great height, in a Wall-Plantation. These two Plums are much like one another, and I see no other difference, than that the Apricock Plum comes nearer a round Figure than the other, and has some red spots not seen in the other.

The Red Maudlin which is the same with the Double Troy peach, or Country, or Pea∣sant * 1.366 peach, and which notwithstanding the multiplying humour of those which would make different kinds of it, is round, flat, and sinking, very much coloured with red with∣out, and pretty much within, is indifferent large, and apt to grow double, and twin-like, which is not very agreeable, and hinders it from producing fair Fruit; its Flower is large and high Coloured, its pulp is not very fine, but its taste is good e∣nough, yet is it methinks nothing near so excellent a Peach as all those are which we * 1.367 have planted before it; though in certain places I have seen it improve to a wonder, both in bigness and good taste, for all which, I believe its Friends will hardly blame me for not having well placed it, and at worst, if those Gentlemen like it not so well in this place, they may do it the honour to advance it to the station of any of the foregoing ones which they can find in their Hearts to displace for its sake.

In the place between fifty and fifty one Toises or Fathoms of Wall, we will put a first Belle∣garde.

That from fifty one to fifty two, shall be for a second latter Violet Peach.

From fifty two to fifty three, for a second Bourdin.

From fifty three to fifty four, shall be employed for making good distances.

From fifty four to fifty five, shall be for a first Diaper Roche Courbon Plum.

That from fifty five to fifty six, shall be for a first Purple Peach.

From fifty six to fifty seven, for a second yellow Admirable.

From fifty seven to fifty eight, for a third White Maudlin, or rather for a first white Pavie, for those that love it.

That from fifty eight to fifty nine, shall remain void.

From fifty nine to sixty, shall be for a second Chevreuse, or rather a great Red Pavie of Pom∣pone.

The Bellegarde is a very fair September-Peach; it is a little sooner ripe, and a little less tinctured with red, both within and without, than the Admirable, and its pulp is a little * 1.368 more yellowish, and perhaps its taste not quite so rich, otherwise for its Bulk and Fi∣gure, it might be mistaken for an Admirable, but it produces not so goodly a Tree as that.

The Roche Courbon Plum may be well enough known by what we have already said of it above, when we were treating of the qualities of Plums. Certainly we have not a * 1.369 more sugred Plum than that.

The White-Pavie dissers not at all from the White Maudlin-Peach, in its whole outside, only in the opening and eating of it, we find it to be a Pavie; that is to say, it has a * 1.370 firm pulp sticking fast to the Stone, and has a good brisk taste enough, when it is full ripe.

The red Pavie of Pompone, or the Monstrous Pavie is monstrous indeed, that is to say, it is prodigiously large, being sometimes thirteen or fourteen Inches about, and of the * 1.371 loveliest red colour in the World; and in earnest, nothing is so delightful to behold, as to see a good handsome quantity of them upon a goodly Wall Tree. It is a sight that almost dazles the Eyes, and when besides all these other advantages, they come to ripen well, and in fair weather, a Garden is much honoured in being adorned with them, a Hand well satisfyed to hold them, and a Mouth most exquisitely pleased in eating them.

Let us now furnish again our Western Walls from those of fifteen Toises or Fathoms in length, which we have already planted, to those of thirty, after which we will do the same thing for the Northern ones of the same extent, and so we shall see by that, what quantity of good sorts of Fruits, a Garden of Six-score Toises or Fathoms, or of two hundred and forty yards in Compass, may have of good Fruits, whether it be a per∣fect, or an oblong square.

To a Western Wall-Plantation then, of between fifteen and sixteen Toises or Fathoms, we will further add a first Italian Peach.

From sixteen to seventeen, a third Admirable.

From seventeen to eighteen, nothing.

From eighteen to nineteen, a second Troy Peach.

From nineteen to twenty, a second Violet Hasting, or forward Violet Peach.

From twenty to twenty one, a second Apricock-tree.

From one to two and twenty, a first forward or Avant Peach.

From twenty two to twenty three, nothing.

From twenty three to twenty four, a first Persick.

From twenty four to twenty five, a first latter Royal Peach.

From twenty five to twenty six, a first Nivette.

From twenty six to twenty seven, a first Violet Brugnon, or Violet Nectarin.

From twenty seven to twenty eight, nothing.

From twenty eight to twenty nine, a first Boncretien Pear.

From twenty nine to thirty, a first Autumnal Bergamot.

Methinks, where we have conveniency in a Garden to place in a Wall-Plantation, no fewer than fifty three good Peach-trees, six good Plum-trees, four Apricock-trees, and two Fig-trees, and having still room for a couple of Trees in the Western Quarter, we can∣not do better than to fill them up with one Boncretien, and one Bergamot Pear-tree, since they both prosper very well in this Exposition. All the World is acquainted with their Excellency, and are not ignorant how difficult it is to raise any of them otherwise than upon Wall Trees; so that in my Judgment, we shall do very well to plant them in a Garden of this Proportion; according as our Gardens shall grow more spacious, we shall plant more of them, and we shall come to some, where we will plant whole Walls of each kind.

The abovesaid Distribution contains three and twenty Trees, which according to an equal Proportion, should be allowed but seven foot ten inches a piece; but we will al∣low them all but the two last, full eight foot, and what remains shall be divided between the Pear-trees, for which it will be sufficient.

The Northern Wall which contains over and above what we have already stock∣ed.

From fifteen to sixteen Toises or Fathoms, should be filled up with a first Ambret pear.

From sixteen to seventeen, with a second Ambret.

From seventeen to eighteen, with a first Leschasserie.

From eighteen to nineteen, with a second Leschasserie.

From nineteen to twenty, with nothing.

From twenty to twenty one, with a first Apricock-tree.

From twenty one to twenty two, with a fourth Butter-pear.

From twenty two to twenty three, with a fifth Butter pear.

From twenty three to twenty four, with a third Bergamot.

From twenty four to twenty five, with a second Verte longue, or Long green pear.

From twenty five to twenty six, with nothing.

From twenty six to twenty seven, with a first Dry Martin.

From twenty seven to twenty eight, with a second Dry Martin.

From twenty eight to twenty nine, with a first Bugie.

That from twenty nine to thirty, with nothing.

And thus in a Garden of a hundred and twenty Toises or Fathoms in Compass, the two Good Expositions of which might take up about sixty of them together, and the other two about the same proportion, we should have in all, fourscore and eleven Trees; namely, two Fig-trees of the white round sort, six Apricock-trees, six good Plum-trees, two Pavies, three Violet Hasting, or Forward Brugnons, or Nectarins, fourty seven Peach-trees, and twenty five Pear-trees.

The six Plum-trees are two Violet Perdrigons, one White Perdrigon, one St. Catharine, one Apricock-plum, and one Roche-Courbon. Among the Apricock-trees, there are one of the Hasting or Forward sort, and five Ordinary ones; the two Pavies are one White, and one Red one, the three Violet Brugnons, or Nectarins, are all of the Forward or Early sort. The forty seven Peach-trees are two Forward or Avant Peaches, four Troy Peaches, one Red Alberge, two White Maudlins, one Red Maudlin, four Minions, two Bourdins, one Ros∣sane, one Italian Peach, four Chevreuses, four Violet Hastings, or forward Violet Peaches, three Nivettes, two Yellow Admirables. I have already reckoned to you above, what Peach-trees I have placed to the Westward, because they prosper reasonably well in that Situation. The twenty five Pear-trees are one Winter Boncretien, four Autumnal Berga∣mots, five Grey Butter Pears, four Virgoulees, two Ambrets, two Leschasseries, two Dry Mar∣tins, two Verte longues, or Long Green Pears, two Orange-green Pears, and one Bugie, and all these in the North part, except only one Boncretien, and one Bergamot, which we have placed towards the West.

To continue on still what I have proposed, I will next stock thirty Toises or Fathoms more of the Good Expositions, with fifteen of the Midling, and fifteen of the Bad one, pla∣cing always the Trees in the good Exposition, and in the Midling one, at eight foot di∣stance one from another, and in the Bad one, but at seven and a half; therefore to avoid mistakes, before we proceed to plant any thing in them, let us always first begin with making so many holes at regulated and prescribed distances, as we know we have Trees, to plant.

Accordingly then in the Good Expositions, we shall assign for the Toises or Fathoms ex∣tending

From sixty to sixty one, and from sixty one to sixty two, and from sixty two to sixty three, and from sixty three to sixty four, two Fig-trees of the White sort, which shall be planted next after, and adjoyning to the two first, on each side of the Corner that joyns the East and Southern Walls, for no less than four Toises or Fathoms will serve them two.

From sixty four to sixty five Toises or Fathoms, a fourth Admirable.

From sixty five to sixty six, nothing.

From sixty six to sixty seven, a third Violet Hasting Peach.

From sixty seven to sixty eight, a fourth Minion.

From sixty eight to sixty nine, a third white Maudlin.

From sixty nine to seventy, a third Chevreuse.

From seventy to seventy one, nothing.

From seventy one to seventy two, a third Violet Perdrigon Plum.

From seventy two to seventy three, a third Troy Peach-tree.

From seventy three to seventy four, a third Nivette.

From seventy four to seventy five, nothing.

From seventy five to seventy six, one Rossane Pavie.

From seventy six to seventy seven, a second forward Apricock-tree.

From seventy seven to seventy eight, a second Persick peach.

From seventy eight to seventy nine, nothing.

From seventy nine to eighty, a second Red Alberge.

From eighty to eighty one, a third latter Violet Peach.

From eighty one to eighty two, a third yellow Admirable.

From eighty two to eighty three, nothing.

From eighty three to eighty four, a second Italian peach.

From eighty four to eighty five, a first white Perdrigon plum.

From eighty five to eighty six, a second Forward, or Avant Peach.

From eighty six to eighty seven, nothing.

From eighty seven to eighty eight, a fourth White Maudlin.

From eighty eight to eighty nine, a third Common Apricock-tree.

From eighty nine to ninety, a fifth Hasting, or Forward Violet Peach.

And that makes two and twenty Trees for thirty Toises or Fathoms of Wall. Let us next see what we shall place in the fifteen Western, and the fifteen Northern Toises or Fa∣thoms, to compleat this Garden which may have forty five Toises or Fathoms of Wal∣ling towards each Exposition, and consequently, a hundred and fourscore Toises or Fa∣thoms in Compass, for all its four sides.

For the space then between thirty and thirty one Toises or Fathoms of the Western Wall, wo will assign a fourth Admirable Peach.

And for that from thirty one to thirty two, nothing.

From thirty two to thirty three, a third Chevreuse.

From thirty three to thirty four, a second Peach Royal.

From thirty four to thirty five, a third Violet Hasting, or forward Violet Peach.

From thirty five to thirty six, a third Troy Peach.

From thirty six to thirty seven, nothing.

From thirty seven to thirty eight, a third Bourdin.

From thirty eight to thirty nine, a second Forward, or Avant Peach.

From thirty nine to forty, a second Italian Peach.

From forty to forty one, nothing.

From forty one to forty two, a first Violet Perdrigon Plum.

From forty two to forty three, a third Apricock-Tree.

From forty three to forty four, a second Nivette.

From forty four to forty five, nothing.

And there you have eleven Trees for the fifteen Western Toises or Fathoms of Wall.

In the Northern Division, we will assign for the Place

From thirty to thirty one Toises or Fathoms of Wall, a fifth Virgoulee Pear.

From thirty one to thirty two, a fourth Bergamot.

From thirty two to thirty three, a sixth Butter Pear.

From thirty three to thirty four, a third Verte-longue, or Long Green Pear.

From thirty four to thirty five, nothing.

From thirty five to thirty six, a third Ambret.

From thirty six to thirty seven, a third Leschasserie.

From thirty seven to thirty eight, a third Dry Martin.

From thirty eight to thirty nine, a second Apricock-tree.

From thirty nine to forty, nothing.

From forty to forty one, a third Orange-Green Pear.

From forty one to forty two, a first meeting Brest Pear.

From forty two to forty three, a sixth Butter Pear.

From forty three to forty four, nothing.

From forty four to forty five, a seventh Butter Pear.

And so for a hundred and fourscore Toises or Fathoms of Walling, of which there may be forty five to the East, forty five to the South, forty five to the West, and forty five to the North, we shall have a hundred thirty six Trees, viz. Threescore and eigh∣teen Peach-trees, thirty six Pear-trees, four Fig-trees, nine Plum-trees, and nine Apricock-trees, whereof two of the forward sort.

Among the threescore and eighteen Peach-trees, there are three Pavies, viz. one White

Hasting Pavie, one Latter Red one, and one Rossane Hasting Pavie, three Hasting or Forward Violet Brugnons or Nectarins, and threescore and twelve Peach-trees, strictly so called, which are three Forward or Avant Peaches, six Troy Peaches, two Red Alberges, four White Maud∣lins, one Red Maudlin, six Minions, three Bourdins, one Rossane, three Italian Peaches, six Chevreuses, eight Forward or Hasting Violet Peaches, three Persicks, one Bellegarde, eight Admirables, two Purple Peaches, three latter Royal Peaches, four latter Violet Peaches, five Nivettes, and three Yellow Admirables.

The nine Plum-trees are four Violet Perdrigons, two White Perdrigons, one St. Catharine, one Apricock Plum, and one Roche-Courbon.

The thirty six Pear-trees are one Winter Boncretien, five Autumnal Bergamots, seven Grey Butter pears, five Virgoulees, three Ambrets, three Leschasseries, three Dry Martins, three Verte longues, or Long Green Pears, three Orange-Green Pears, one Melting Pear of Brest, and two Bugies.

If I were obliged to furnish two Good Expositions, which instead of having fourscore and ten Toises or Fathoms of Wall to them two, had a hundred and twenty, so that I had about threescore Toises or Fathoms in each Wall-plantation, instead of forty five, whether it consisted all of one Wall, or were parted into several; I would, if I might follow my own Inclination, fill up the fifteen additional Toises or Fathoms, with two Fig-Trees; which would take up near four Toises or Fathoms; with fifteen foot of White Muscat, and three of Red Muscat Grapes, which placing them at two foot distance one from the other, would take up six Toises or Fathoms, and in nine foot of Chasselas, which would take up three Toises or Fathoms, and in six foot of Corinthian Grapes which would take up two Toises or Fathoms. And I would place all these Grapes apart, as I have already told you. Besides the Goodness of the Grapes which is very considerable; we have need likewise of the leaves of their Vines during the Month of October, to help to garnish our Dishes when Flowers begin to grow scarce.

The Chassela's, otherwise called the Bar-Sur-Aube, is a very sweet Grape, which produces fair and large Clusters; and its grain or Berry is large and crackling: It keeps longer than any other Grapes, and gives marvellous pleasure when it so presents it self out of the common season for Grapes. There is both a Red and Black sort of them, which I do not like so well as the White.

The White Corinth or Corinthian Grape is a very Sweet Grape: the Bunches are small and * 1.372 long, and its Grains or Berries, Small, and sticking close together, and have no stones. The Red sort is not better than the White. It is good to have some Vines of this Grape, when we have any reasonable proportion of Walling, and especially towards the South; for in any other Exposition, neither the Muscat nor the Corinthian Grape will prosper: But when we have a good Southern Wall, there is hardly any thing more agreeable than to gather at the same time in ones Garden, a Basket of fair Peaches, another of good Muscat Grapes, one of Corinthian Grapes, and another of fair Chassela's. The manner of Eating Corinthian Grapes, is different from that of Eating all other Grapes, which we Eat Grape by Grape, whereas the Corinthian Grape, is Eaten by whole Bunches like Plums, &c.

The fifteen Additional Toises or Fathoms towards the East, to make up sixty, shall be disposed of in this Order, In the place

From forty five to forty six Toises or Fathoms, shall be a second St. Catharine Plum.

From forty six to forty seven, a fourth Violet Brugnon, or Nectarin.

From forty seven to forty eight, a fifth Admirable.

From forty eight to forty nine, nothing.

From forty nine to fifty a second Bellegarde.

From fifty to fifty one, a fourth Chevreuse.

From fifty one to fifty two, a fourth Troy Peach.

From fifty two to fifty three, Nothing.

From fifty three to fifty four, a fifth White Maudlin.

From fifty four to fifty five, a second Bourdin.

From fifty five to fifty six, a seventh Minion.

From fifty six to fifty seven, nothing.

From fifty seven to fifty eight, a third common Apricock-Tree.

From fifty eight to fifty nine a first White Andilly Peach.

From fifty nine to sixty, nothing.

I am induced to place here a White Andilly Peach, as well in consideration of its * 1.373 Goodly Sirname, as because it is a Peach of great increase. It is fair to look upon, Large, Round and flat; it takes a very lively red colour in the Sun, but has no red

within. It gives some satisfaction when we let it not ripen too much upon the Tree till it grows Doughy.

The fifteen Toises or Fathoms Augmented towards the West, shall furnish us for the place Ex∣tending

From forty five to forty six, Toises or Fathoms, a second Violet Perdrigon Plum.

From forty six to forty seven, a sixth Admirable Peach.

From forty seven to forty eight, a fourth Chevreuse.

From forty eight to forty nine, nothing.

From forty nine to fifty, a Third latter Royal Peach.

From fifty to fifty one, a fourth hasting or forward Violet Peach.

From fifty one to fifty two, a seventh Admirable.

From fifty two to fifty three, a first Mirabelle Plum.

From fifty three to fifty four, nothing.

I have already sufficiently Expressed above, my Sense concerning this Plum, which is Small, White, and a little tawny. Its Tree bears an Infinite quantity of Fruit, which se∣parates from the stone. This Plum is indifferent good to Eat Raw, but is most particular∣ly Excellent to preserve, whether it be to make Sweet-meats, to keep, or to Eat present∣ly. In the space

From fifty four to fifty five, a second Violet Brugnon, or Nectarin.

From fifty five to fifty six, a second Boncretien Pear.

From fifty six to fifty seven, a second Autumnal Bergamot.

From fifty seven to fifty eight, nothing.

From fifty eight to fifty nine, a third Boncretien Pear.

From fifty nine to sixty, a third Bergamot.

The Western Division of fifteen Toises or Fathoms of Wall, with the precedent one of like length, Furnish us three and twenty Trees.

The Fifteen Additional Toises or Fathoms, towards the North quarter, will furnish us for the place Extending

From forty five to forty six Toises or Fathoms, a fourth Verte-Longue or Long Green Pear.

From forty six to forty seven, a sixth Virgoulee.

From forty seven to forty eight, a fifth Bergamot.

From forty eight to forty nine, nothing.

From forty nine to fifty, a first Winter Thorn Pear.

From fifty to fifty one, a first Marveil Thorn Pear.

From fifty one to fifty two, a third Bugie.

From fifty two to fifty three, a fourth Ambrett.

From fifty three to fifty four, nothing.

From fifty four to fifty five, a third Apricock-Tree.

From fifty five to fifty six, a fourth Leschasserie Pear.

From fifty six to fifty seven, a second Winter Thorn Pear.

From fifty seven to fifty eight, a second Marevil Thorn Pear.

From fifty eight to fifty nine, nothing.

From fifty nine to sixty, a seventh Virgoulee.

And there are twelve Trees for the fifteen Northern Toises or Fathoms, as there were fifteen for the proceeding fifteen Toises or Fathoms, at the allowance of seven foot and a half for each Tree.

And here it may be observed, that though in Planting each Exposition, I have all ne∣cessary regards for the due keeping of the general proportion of all the Fruits of all the four Walls of every Garden, consider'd all together, so that they may make but one whole and uniform compound, yet in setting down the Fruits of each Division separate∣ly; I number them without any respect to the Fruits of the others, that they that please to make use of my advices, may readily see in a moment, both what Fruits, and what number of Trees of each kind, I place in every Exposition, so that when to∣wards the last Toises or Fathoms of Wall, of any one of the four Walls; they shall see set down for Example: A seventh Virgoulee-Pear, a third Common Apricock-Tree, a sixth Ad∣mirable-Peach, &c. they may know, that in such an Exposition, there are Seven Vir∣goulee Pear-Trees, three Apricock-Trees, six Admirable Peach-Trees, &c. without mistaking me, because of that, as if I meant, there are but so many Trees of such a kind, &c. in the whole Garden.

And in sine, because after I have stocked four Walls, each of fifteen Toises or Fathoms extent a piece, I presently subjoyn a general Recapitulation of all the Trees I have plan∣ted from the first begining of our Wall plantations as far as that proportion: All Gen∣tlemen

concerned may easily see at one view, by that Recapitulation, how many Trees there enter into a Garden; for Example, of sixty Toises or Fathoms extent, how many in∣to one of a hundred and twenty, how many into one of a hundred and fourscore, and how many into another of two hundred and forty, and at the same time, they may see by the particular account above set down, how that number of Trees is distributed in each Exposition. In my last Recapitulation, I have set down all the Fruit that are to stock the Walls of a Garden, of a hundred and fourscore Toises or Fathoms: Take now that of another Garden that may contain two hundred and forty; and that should be of fifteen foot of White Muscat, and three of Red Muscat or Musk Grapes, nine foot of White Chassela's, and six of White Corinthian Grapes; six White Fig-Trees, fourscore and ten Peach-Trees, fifty one Pear-Trees, eleven Apricock-Trees, and twelve Plum-Trees: Among the fourscore and ten Peach-Trees, there are three Forward or Avant Peach-Trees, seven Troy Peaches, two Red Alberges five White Maudlins, one Red Maudlin, seven Mini∣ons, four Bourdins, one Rossane, three Italian Peaches, eight Chevreuses, nine Hasting or Forward Violet Peaches, three Persicks, three Bellegardes, eleven Admirables. two Purple Peaches, four Latter Royal Peaches, four Latter Violet Peaches, five Nivettes, three Yellow Ad∣mirables, five Violet Brugnons or Nectarins, one White Andilly Peach, and three Pavies, viz. The White Hasting, or Forward Pavie, the Hasting or Forward Rossane Pavie; and the Red Latter Pavie.

Among the twelve Plum-Trees, there are five Violet Perdrigons, and two White ones, two St. Catharines, one Apricock Plum, one Rochecourbon, and one Mirabelle.

Among the eleven Apricock-Trees, there are two of the Hasting or Forward sort, to place towards the South, and nine more to plant in all the other Expositions.

Among the fifty one Pear-Trees, there are three Winter Boncretiens, eight Autumnal Ber∣gamots, seven Butter Pears, seven Virgoulees, four Ambrets, four Leschasseries, two Winter Thorn Pears, two Mareuill Thorn Pears, three Dry Martins, four Verte Longues or Long Green Pears, three Orange-Green Pears, three Bugies, and one Melting Pear of Brest. These sorts of Recapitulations so frequently made, may seem impertinent and tedious to those that have no need of them; And with a good luck, e'en let them do so for me, It is not for them I here am at work: But those Gentlmen that have need of such Directions, will doubtless think themselves in some measure obliged to me for them; and if they have a mind to know what pains they cost me, (which I may say was one of the greatest of my whole Work) they need but try by way of Divertisement, to make the Distribution of the Trees for the furnishing of two or three Gardens of different bignesses, always pro∣posing to themselves, to plant in them all the choisest Fruits that are to be had, without intermixing any bad with them, and taking care to place in every Exposition what may prosper in it, and to observe a Reasonable proportion of every kind of Fruit, according to the bigness of the Garden; And then they will be able to judge whether I have not done a pleasure to our Gentlemen Gard'ners, by thus saving them the Labour of draw∣ing up an account of all those particulars so long and so tiresome, as that I all along deli∣ver, and set down.

If I had a hundred and fifty Toises or Fathoms of well exposed walling, whether it were but to one only aspect of the South, or one only aspect of the East, or to two aspects, one of the Southern, and the other of the Eastern Sun, I should probably enough determine to plant a Dozen of Early or Hasting Cherry-Trees, but it must be sure to be towards the South, because we are not easily induced to spare so important a part of our Garden, for the rearing and producing of that little sort of Fruit, but by the hopes of having it very early indeed, which we can never attain to but by the means of a very hot Exposition; now the Eastern one, is not of sufficient warmth for that; and therefore besides all the Grapes, and other Fruits already assigned for our good Expositions, we should have twelve early Cherry-Trees, which should be content with the allowance of seven foot and a half of distance each from the other, and so should serve to fill up the fifteen last Additional Toises or Fathoms of Wall to the Southwards.

As to the other Toises or Fathoms of Wall, added to the extent of each Exposition, I shall not stand any more to specifie what is to be done in them, from Toise to Toise, or from Fathom to Fathom, as I have done before, as well because my manner of disposing them is well enough understood by the preceeding Dispositions, without any further need of troubling our selves, to set down any more such exact lists of all particulars, as also be∣cause we are now entring into great Gardens, where I think it sufficient only, and simply to set down the order of the Trees to be observed in planting fifteen additional Toises or Fathoms to each Exposition. Those Persons, whose Garden Walls are not perhaps aug∣mented full out to fifteen Toises, or Fathoms in each Exposition, knowing the distancè

we allow to the Trees, and seeing the order of precedence I assign for entire augmenta∣tions, will know well enough how to confine themselves to the number which their Ground will permit them to plant; for if for Example, any Gentleman has but sixty Toises or Fathoms of Wall, he will not need so many Trees as if he had seventy five.

This is then the Order which I would have followed in the choise of the Trees that are to stock an Eastern Wall Plantation augmented with the addition of fifteen Toises or Fathoms of Wall, over and above the sixty before disposed of. Two Trees of the White Figs shall take up four Toises or Fathoms, one whereof shall be of the Long White sort; and the thirteen Remaining ones shall be for nine other Trees in this order, viz. a sixth Admirable Peach, an eighth Minion, a sixth Forward or Hasting Violet Peach, a sixth White Maudlin, a fifth Troy Peach-Tree, a fourth Violet Perdrigon Plum-Tree, a fifth Chev∣reuse Peach-Tree, and a fourth Nivette.

The fifteen additional Toises or Fathoms towards the West, for the making up the num∣ber of threescore and fifteen Toises or Fathoms, shall be for eleven Trees in this order, viz. a fourth Royal Peach-Tree, a fourth Apricock-Tree, a fourth Bourdin Peach-Tree, a second Purple Peach, a second Italian Peach, a second Persick, a seventh Admirable, two Boncretien, and two Bergamot Pear-Trees.

To Compleat the threescore and fifteen Northern Toises or Fathoms, I would add twelve Trees in this order, viz. an eighth and ninth Virgoulee Pear-Tree, an eighth and ninth Butter Pear, a first, second and third Franck Royal, a fifth Verte Longue, or Long Green Pear, a first and a second St. Lezin, a fourth Dry Martin, and a fourth Bugie.

And thus for three hundred Toises or Fathoms length of Walling, allowing to each side about threescore and fifteen, we should have eight Fig-Trees, whereof one of the Long White sort, twelve Apricock-Trees, whereof two of the Forward sort, twelve Early or Hasting Cherrie-Trees, fifteen foot of White Muscat, and three of Red Muscat Grapes, nine foot of Chassela's, and six Foot of Corinthian Grapes, fourteen Plum-Trees, a hundred and three Peach-Trees, and threescore and seven Pear-trees. The fourteen Plum-Trees, are six Violet Perdrigons, three white Perdrigons, two St. Catharines, one Apricock Plum, one Roche Courbon, and one Mirabelle. The hundred and three Peach-Trees are three Forward or Avant Peaches, eight Troy peaches, two Red Alberges, six White Maudlins, one Red Maudlin, eight Minions, five Bourdins, one Rossane, four Italian Peaches, nine Chevreuses, ten Forward or Hasting Violet Peaches, four Persicks, two Bellegardes, thirteen Admirables, three Purple Peaches, five Latter Royal Peaches, four Latter Violet Peaches, six Nivettès, three Yellow Admirables, five Violet Brugnons, or Nectarins, two White Andilly Peaches, and three 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pavies, viz. The Hasting or Forward White one, the Hasting Rossane Pavie, and the Latter Red one.

The sixty seven Pear-Trees, are five Boncretiens, ten Bergamots, nine Butter Pears, nine Virgoulees, four Ambretts, four Leschasseries, two Winter Thorn Pears, two Mareuil Thorn Pears, four Dry Martins, eight Verte Longues, or Long Green Pears, four Bugies, three Orange-Green Pears, one Melting Pear of Brest, two St. Lezins, and three Franck Roy∣als.

A Hundred and fourscore Toises or Fathoms length of Good Exposition, which compre∣hend, as I have always supposed, the Southern and Eastern Wall, which two together I almost esteem allke for all sorts of plantations, bating only a little quicker advance in Ripening Fruits which the South makes before the other, and especially in Early Cherries, and in Muscat or Musk Grapes, which commonly ripen better towards the South, than towards the East. I say, a hundred and fourscore Toises or Fathoms extent of Walling, make me wish there might be some Little particular Gardens, formed within it to accompa∣ny a Great one.

For in Earnest, a Kitching Garden is Large when it is of threescore and ten, or fourscore Toises or Fathoms extent on one side, and of fifty or threescore on another, and still more spacious, if all its four sides be of about an Equal length, so that with one great one, (which I hold always necessary) some Little midling Gardens of about twenty, or twenty five Toises or Fathoms extent, on one side, and about fourteen, fifteen or six∣teen, on the other, seem to me very desirable and convenient, as well to please the Eyes which delight in such variety, as for the better accommodating the Fruits, and raising the greater abundance of them; the Shelter of the Walls which is so favourable for Fruits, being of much better influence in Little Gardens, than in great ones; And besides it seems very useful to have these Little Gardens, to place apart in each of them, a parti∣cular sort of Fruit.

For Example, 'tis good to have one Little Garden, in which the two good Expositions, that of the South and East, nay, and that of the West too, may be for Figs; another where may be all the sorts of Good Plums; another wherein may be placed all the small

sorts of Peaches; another, where may be all the Pavies we can have; another for all Red Fruits; and another for all the Hasting or Forward Pears, &c. whilst the great Garden is designed for the producing an abundance of Large Peaches in its Eastern and Southern Ex∣positions, and an abundance of Autumnal Pears, in that of its Western, and of Winter ones in that of its Northern Quarter.

Let us now proceed to furnish our hundred and fourscore Toises or Fathoms of Good Ex∣position; that is, let us add to the hundred and fifty already stocked, the thirty with which we last augmented them, and supposing first fifteen of them to be towards the South, let us place there two good Fig-trees more, and nine Hasting, or Forward, or Summer-Pears, viz. six little Muscat Pear-trees, and six of Cuisse-Madames, or Lady Thighs.

The fifteen towards the East, shall be for eleven Trees in this order, viz. for a fourth and fifth Forward or Avant-peach, a second Rossane, a ninth Troy peach, a ninth Minion, a seventh White Maudlin, an eleventh Hasting or Forward Violet peach, a second Red Maud∣lin, a fifth Italian peach, a fourth Purple peach, and a fourth Common Apricock-Tree.

The fifteen towards the West, to make up the number of fourscore and ten, shall be for eleven Trees, viz. a fourth Troy peach, a fifth Chevreuse, a first and second Yellow Al∣berge, a second White Mirabelle Plum, an eighth Admirable peach, and a third Boncretien and a second Bergamot Pear.

The fifteen Additional Toisis or Fathoms towards the North will not be ill bestowed, partly in thirty Foot of Raspberry Bushes, which grow fairer there, and last longer than in the open air; and partly in six Foot of Bourdelais Grapes, which will shoot up above them, and garnish the upper part of the Wall, and for that purpose, must be equally distributed among the Raspberry-Bushes.

The Bourdelais is a sort of large white longish Grape, that grows in great and large * 1.374 Clusters, and almost never comes to Maturity, and consequently is good only to make Sweet-meats, or simply to make Verjuice with, when there is occasion; its Leaves too are extreamly used to garnish Dishes in the Month of October.

And so in three hundred and threescore Toises or Fathoms of Walling thus planted, we should have ten White Fig-trees, thirteen Apricock-trees, of which, two of the forward sort, twelve Early or Hasting Cherry trees, fifteen foot of White, and three of Red Muscat, or Musk Grapes, nine foot of Chassela's, and six of Corinthian Grapes, fourscore and one Pear-trees, fifteen Plum-trees, and a hundred and two Peach-trees.

The hundred and two Peach-trees are five Forward, or Avant-Peaches, ten Troy Peaches, two Red Alberges, two Yellow Alberges, two Rossanes, seven Red Maudlins, seven White Maudlins, nine Minions, five Bourdins, five Italian peaches, ten Chevreuses, eleven Hasting or Forward Violet Peaches, four Persicks, two Bellegardes, fourteen Admirables, four Purple Peaches, five Latter Royal Peaches, four Latter Violet Peaches, six Nivettes, three Yellow Ad∣mirables, five Violet Brugnons or Nectarins, one White Andilly Peach, and three Pavies, viz. one White and Yellow Forward one, and one Latter Red one. The fifteen Plum-trees are six Violet Perdrigons, three White Perdrigons, two St. Catharines, two Mirabelles, one Apri∣cock Plum, and one Roche Courbon. The eighty one Pear-trees are eight Boncretiens, twelve Bergamots, six Little Muscats or Musk pears, three Cuisse Madames or Lady Thighs, nine But∣ter Pears, nine Virgoulees, four Ambretts, four Leschasseries, two Winter Thorn pears, two Mareuil Thorn pears, four Dry Martins, five Verte longues, or Long green pears, four Bugi's, three Orange-green pears, one Melting Pear of Brest, two St. Lezins, and three Frank-Royals. Four hundred and twenty Toises or Fathoms of Walling, viz. two hundred and ten of Good Exposition to the South and East, a hundred and five of the Midling sort to the West, and a hundred and five of Bad to the North, should be filled up as follows.

The thirty Additional Toises or Fathoms to make up the two hundred and ten of Good Exposition, which are parted into two equal portions of about 105 for the South, and 105 for the East-side, should have on the South-side, eleven Trees in this Order, viz. two For∣ward Apricock trees, two White Forward or Hasting Pavies, one Yellow Forward Pavie, two Red Latter Pavies, two Yellow Latter Pavies, and two Latter Violet Peaches. And on the East, two White Fig-trees, to make up the dozen, they will be content with 9 Foot of extent to each, and so we may have on this East-side, 9 Trees more, in this Order, viz. a second White Andilly peach, a first Empress plum, a second Roche-Courbon, a second A∣pricock plum, a third St. Catharine, a fifth Apricock-tree, a tenth Minion peach, an eighth Admi∣rable, and an eighth forward Violet peach.

The Empress Plum is a sort of Latter Violet Perdrigon, which ripens not till October, * 1.375 and is very good. The fifteen Additional Toises or Fathoms to the West, to make up the proportion of a hundred and five, shall have eleven Trees in this Order, viz. a first and second Robine Pear, a first and second Leschasserie, a first and second Ambrett, a first and

second Winter Thorn Pear, a first and second Mareuil Thorn pear, and a first Russelet. And the fifteen added to the North, to make up a hundred and five, shall have twelve Trees in this Order, viz. a first and second Lansac Pear, a first great Blanquet, or White Pear, a first Espargne or Reserve pear, a first Robine, a first Cassolet, a Doyenne or Dean Pear, a fourth Apricock-tree, a first and second Double Flower'd Pear, and a first Angober.

So that the four hundred and twenty Toises or Fathoms of Walling, which we have last filled up, would at this Rate be stocked with 12 White Fig-trees, 17 Apricock-trees, of which 4 of the Forward sort, 12 Early Cherry-trees, 15 Foot of White, and 3 of Red Muscat, or Musk Grapes, 9 of Chassela's, and 6 of Corinthian Grapes, 19 Plum-trees, 124 Peach-trees, 10 Pavies, 102 Pear-trees, 24 Foot of Bourdelais Grapes, and 21 Foot of Raspberry Bushes.

The 19 Plum-trees are 6 Violets, and 3 White Perdrigons, 3 St. Catharines, 2 White Mirabelles, 2 Apricock plums, 2 Roche-Courbons, and 1 Empress.

The 124 Peach-trees are 5 Forward or Avant Peaches, 10 Troy Peaches, 2 Red, and 2 Yellow Alberges, 2 Rossanes, 7 White, and 2 Red Maudlins, 10 Minions, 5 Bourdins, 5 I∣talian peaches, 10 Chevreuses, 12 Hasting or Forward Violet peaches, 4 Persicks, 2 Bellegar∣des, 15 Admirables, 4 Purple peaches, 5 Latter Royal peaches, 6 Latter Violet peaches, 6 Nivettes, 3 Yellow Admirables, 5 Violet Brugnons or Nectarins, and 2 White Andilly Peaches.

The 10 Pavies are 2 Forward or Hasting White Pavies, 1 Red Alberge Pavie, 2 Yellow Forward Pavies, 3 Red Latter Pavies, and 2 Latter yellow ones.

The 102 Pear-Trees are 8 Boncretiens, 12 Bergamots, 6 Little Muscats or Musk pears, 3 Cuisse Madames or Lady Thighs, 3 Robines, 6 Leschasseries, 6 Ambretts, 4 Winter Thorn pears, 4 Mareuil Thorn Pears, 4 Dry Martins, 5 Verte longues, or Long Green pears, 4 Bugi's, 3 Orange-Green pears, 1 Melting pear of Brest, 2 St. Lezins, 3 Frank Royals, 2 Lansacs, 1 Great Blanquet or White pear, 1 Epargne, or Reserve pear, 1 Cassolet, 1 Doyenne, or Dean pear, 1 Angeber, 2 Double Flowers, 1 Russelet, 9 Butter pears, and 9 Virgoulees.

Finding my self stocked with a sufficient number of Peach-Trees for the proportion of four hundred and twenty Toises or Fathoms extent of Fruit-Walls, and but with too few Pear-trees, for so great a proportion of Walling, I thought it convenient to aug∣ment the Stone-Fruits less, and the Kernel-Fruits more. And therefore I have filled up one whole Wall-plantation, of fifteen Toises or Fathoms in length, all with Pear-trees on∣ly, of which four Fathoms or Toises are planted with Summer pears, and the rest with Winter ones. I have likewise multiplyed towards the North, some Fruits of Summer, Au∣tumn and Winter, such as I know by certain Experience, to thrive pretty well in that Ex∣position, though less favourable than the rest.

For four hundred and fourscore Toises or Fathoms of Fruit-Walling, viz. at the rate of a hundred and twenty to each Exposition, I think the fifteen new ones last added to∣wards the South, would best be planted all with Grapes, and therefore we will fill them up with 15 foot of White, and 3 of Red Muscat, 9 of Chassela's, and 6 of Corinthian Grapes.

I think likewise, that the fifteen Additional ones towards the East, require two Fig-trees more, a fifth and a sixth Violet Perdrigon plum, a third White Perdrigon, with six Peach-trees, which shall be a sixth and seventh Chevreuse, a sixth Forward or Avant peach, an eleventh and twelfth Troy peach, and an eighth White Maudlin.

The fifteen added to the Western Side, to make up a hundred and twenty, require a fifth and sixth Bourdin peach, a third Violet Brugnon or Nectarin, one Italian peach, one Per∣sick, one Purple peach, one Lutter Royal peach, two Winter Boncretien pears, and two Au∣tumnal Bergamots.

And in the Northern fifteen, that compleat the hundred and twenty Toises or Fathoms, that belong to the share of that Exposition, we will place 12 Pear-trees, viz. a 10th. 11th; 12th, and 13th. Virgoulee, a 4th and 5th Frank Royal, and a 2d and 3d. Angober.

Four hundred and fourscore Toises or Fathoms of Fruit-Walling then, in all the four several Expositions, will in the whole contain, 14 Fig-trees, 17 Apricock-trees, whereof 4 of the Forward sort, 12 Early Cherry-trees, thirty foot of White, and six of Red Muscat Grapes, 18 foot of Chassela's, and 12 of Corinthian Grapes, 22 Plum-trees, 137 Peach-trees, 10 Pavies, 116 Pear-trees, 30 foot of Raspberry Bushes, and six foot of Bourde∣lais or Verjuice Grapes, to garnish the upper part of the Wall.

The 22 Plum-trees are 8 Violet Perdrigons, 4 White Perdrigons, 3 St. Catharines, 2 White Mirabelles, 2 Apricock-plums, 2 Roche-Courbons, and 1 Empress.

The 137 Peach-trees are 6 Forward or Avant Peaches, 12 Troy peaches, 2 Red Alber∣ges, 2 Yellow Alberges, 2 Rossanes, 8 White, and 2 Red Maudlins, 10 Minions, 7 Bour∣dins, 6 Italian Peaches, 12 Chevreuses, 12 Forward or Hasting Violet Peaches, 5 Persicks,

2 Bellegardes, 15 Admirables, 5 Purple Peaches, 6 Latter Royal Peaches, 6 Latter Violet Peaches. 6 Nivettes, 3 Yellow-Admirables, 6 Violet Brugnons, or Nectarins, and 2 White An∣dillies, The 10 Pavies and 2 White Forward Pavies, 1 Red Alberge Pavie, 2 Yellow Forward Pavies, 3 Red Latter Pavies, and 2 Yellow Latter Pavies.

The 118 Pear-Trees are 10 Boncretiens, 14 Bergamots, 6 Little Muscats, or Musk Pears, 3 Cuisse Madames, or Lady Thighs, 3 Robines, 6 Leschasseries, 6 Ambrets, 4 Win∣ter Thorn Pears, 4 Mareuil Thorn Pears, 4 Dry Martins, 4 Verte Longues, or Long Green Pears, 1 Sugar green Pear, 4 Bugies, 3 Orange-Green Pears, 1 Melting Pear of Brest, 2 St. Lezins, 5 Frank Royals, 2 Lansacs, 1 Great Blanquet, or White Pear, 1 Espargne, or Reserve Pear, 1 Cassolet, 1 Doyenne, or Dean Pear, 3 Angobers, 2 Double Flowers, 1 Russelet, 13 Butter Pears, and 13 Virgoulees.

And here I think is the proper place to tell you, that when I have seen what number of Trees of any one certain kind, as of Peach-Trees, Pear-Trees, &c. I am to plant in any certain Wall-Plantation; as for example, how many Violet, or Admirable Peach-Trees, how many Boncretien, or Berganot Pear Trees, &c. I design for my East, South, West, or North Expositions, I place together, and all one after another, first, all the Trees of one sort, as all the Violet Peaches, and in thesecnod place, all the Trees of another kind, likewise one after another, as all the Admirables &c, without mixing any of the kinds one with another: As finding that to make better both for the commodity of Gather'ing the Fruit, and for preventing any loss of it.

And I never made any other intermixture, as I have already told you, but of Apricock-Trees among Peach-Trees, as I likewise use to do of Plum-Trees among Peach-Trees, unless I have a * 1.376 separate Garden big enough to hold all the Plum-Trees the extent of my Ground requires, for then I reduce them all into that one place; The same thing I do with Fig-Trees, &c.

For five hundred and forty Toises or Fathoms length of Fruit Walling, allowing about a hundred and thirty five to each Exposition, methinks, to fill up our additional fifteen Toises or Fathoms of Wall towards the South, it would not be amiss for certain curious Persons to introduce here eight foot of Early or Forward Grapes, which will take up the room of two Trees, 2 Azeroll or Garden Hawthorn, or White Thorn-Trees, twenty foot of White Muscat Grapes, and ten foot of Chassela's; or if they please, rather ten foot of Cioutat Grapes. As for the early Cherry-Trees, seven foot will afford room enough for them.

The Azeroll, or Garden Haw, is a kind of White Thorn, which produces a Fruit like both in colour and shape, to that of the Common White Thorn, but it is twice as big, and its Eye or Crown is great, and very open; its stalk is short, small, and set hollow into the * 1.377 Fruit, which is yellow, and Doughy, having two great stones within it, which is the reason the Fruit has but little Pulp: Its taste is sharp and sowrish, which pleases certain persons, and therefore when we have five or six hundred Toises or Fathoms length of Wall, it is not amiss to plant a couple of stocks of them. It shoots forth a great many boughs, and consequently, its Tree is fair enough; Its leaf is a little Larger than that of the Common White Thorn, but it is nothing high so fruitful as that.

The Early or Forward Grape, is a sort of Black Morillion, which takes colour very early, which makes it appear ripe long before it is; Its skin is very tough, and when it is ripe, * 1.378 the Grape is very sweet. They appear commonly at the very beginning of July. It may easily be seen, I make no very great account of them, by my so long deferring to place them; but when we have a great quantity of Walling, we may plant some few of them for Curiosity.

As for the Cioutat Grapes, I leave the Curious at their own Liberty to preferr it here before the Chassela's, if they please. The Fruit of both of them is very like in all things, as colour, bigness, and taste; only the leaf of the Cioutat Vine, is dented all about the edges like Parsley, and besides, it seems to bear more Fruit than the Chassela's, but yet I like the Chassela's better, and nothing but pure curiosity can induce me to plant some feet of it in great Gardens, the fifteen Toises or Fathoms added towards the East, to make up its proportion of a hundred thirty five, shall receive two Fig-Trees, an eleventh, twelfth, and thirteenth Minion Peach, a ninth and tenth White Maudlin, a thirteenth and fourteenth Hasting or Forward Violet Peach, and a ninth and tenth Admirable.

The fifteen Western ones to make up the same Quota of a hundred thirty five, shall receive a first and second Butter Pear, a first and second Virgoulee, a ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelth Boncretien, and an eighth, ninth, tenth, and eleventh Bergamet; And the fif∣teen added to the North side, to make up the like number of a hundred thirty five, shall be taken up with a sixth, seventh and eighth Frank Royal, a fourth, fifth and sixth Angober,

a first, second, third, and fourth Besidery, and a third and fourth Double Flower Pear-Tree. Our five hundred and forty Toises or Fathoms then of Fruit Wall, will at this rate, be stocked with sixteen White Fig-Trees, of which two of the Long sort, seventeen Apricock-Trees, of which four of the Forward sort, twelve Early Cherry-Trees, and fifty foot of White, and six of Red Muscat or Musk Grapes, nineteen of White Chassela's, ten of Ciontat, twelve of Corinthian Grapes, eight foot of Early or Forward Grapes, twenty two Plum-Trees, one hundred forty six Peach-Trees, ten Pavies, two Azerolls, or Garden Haw, or Haw Thorn-Trees, and a hundred forty two Pear-Trees, the twenty two Plum-Trees are en∣tirely the same with those named in the preceeding Distribution of the four hundred and eighty Toises or Fathoms.

The hundred forty six Peach-Trees are six Forward, or Avant Peaches, twelve Troy Peaches, two Red and two Yellow Alberges, two Rossanes, ten White Maudlins, and two Red, thirteen Minions, seven Bourdins, six Italian Peaches, twelve Chevrreuses, fourteen Hasting, or Forward Violet Peaches, five Persicks, two Bellegardes, seventeen Admirables, five Purple Peaches, six Latter Royal Peaches, six Nivettes, three Yellow Admirables, six Violet Brugnons, or Nectarins, and two White Andilly Peaches.

The ten Pavies are the same as in the precedent Distribution.

The hundred forty two Pear-Trees are fourteen Boncretiens, eighteen Bergamots, six Little Muscats, or Musk Pears, three Cuisse Madames, or Lady Thighs, three Robines, six Leschasseries, six Ambrets, four Winter Thorn Pears, four Mareuil Thorn Pears, four Dry Martins, four Verte Longues, or Long Green Pears, 1 Sugar Green Pear, 4 Bugies, 3 Orange-Green Pears, one Melting Pear of Brest, two St. Lezins, eight Frank Royals, four Besideries, six Angobers, four Double Flowers, two Lansacs, one Great Blanquet, or White Pear, one Epargne, or Reserve Pear, one Cassolet, one Doyennee, or Dean Pear, one Russelet, fifteen Butter Pears, and fifteen Virgoulees.

For six hundred Toises or Fathoms of Walling, allowing about a hundred and fifty to each Exposition, I would place in the fifteen augmented towards the South, a seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth Latter Violet Peach, a seventh and eighth Nivette, a fourth, fifth and sixth Yellow Admirable, a fourth Violet Brugnon, or Nectarin, and a Third Avant or Forward Peach. For the fifteen augmented towards the East, I would assign two Fig-Trees, a fourth Avant, or Forward Peach, a tenth Troy Peach, a third Rossane, an eleventh and twelfth VVhite Maudlin or Early Hasting Violet Peach, a fourteenth and fifteenth Minion, and a first White Pulpt Cherry Peach.

There are two sorts of Cherry Peaches, the one with a White, and the other with a Yellow Pulp; They are both about the Bigness of the Troy Peaches, both have a smooth skin, and are both very round, and as it were flat, and sinking: Both of them are ex∣tremely coloured with Red on the outside, from whence they had the names they bear; but one has a Yellow Pulp, and of a Doughy substance, and consequently is little worth; and the other has a white and firm Pulp, and therefore is much better; which last when it can attain to its due ripeness, has a pretty good and vinous taste, and an indifferent tender Pulp. The Earwiggs which are little longish and brown insects commit cruel hostilities upon them, as well as upon the Forward, or Avant Peaches, and the Troy Peaches.

For the fifteen Superadded to the Western sides, we will order a ninth Admirable Peach, a sixth and seventh Chevreuse, a fifth and sixth Troy Peach, a sixth Latter Royal Peach, a fifth and sixth Common Apricock-Tree, a third White, and a second Violet Perdrigon Plum, and one Royal Plum-Tree. And for the fifteen augmented towards the North, to make up its Quota of a hundred and fifty, we will provide a second and third Robine, a second Melting Pear of Brest, a second Epargne, or Reserve Pear, a second Doyennee, or Dean Pear, a second Cassolet, a second Blanquet, or White Pear, a third and fourth St. Lezin, a first and second Cuisse Madame, or Lady Thigh, and a fifth Dry Martin.

And at this rate, to garnish six hundred Toises or Fathoms extent of Fruit Walling, allowing about an hundred and fifty Toises or Fathoms to each Exposition, we should have in all, eighteen White Fig-Trees, whereof two of the Long sort, nineteen Apricock Trees, whereof four of the Forward sort, twelve Early or Hasting Cherry Trees, one hun∣dred twenty eight foot of Grapes, viz. Fifty of White, and six of Red Muscat, twenty eight of Chassela's, twelve of Corinthian, and eight of Forward, or Early Grapes, and twenty four of White Bourdelais, or Verjuice Grapes; twenty five Plum-Trees, 173 Peach-Trees, ten Pavies, two Azerol or Garden Haw-Trees, and a hundred fifty one Pear-Trees.

The twenty five Plum-Trees, are nine Violets, five White Perdrigons, three St. Catharines, two White Mirabelles, two Apricock Plums, two Roche Courbons, one Empress, and one Plum Royal.

The hundred seventy three Peach-Trees, are eight Forward, or Avant Peaches, fifteen

Troy Peaches, two Red, and two Yellow Alberge's, three Rossane's, twelve White, and two Red Maudlins, fifteen Minions, seven Bourdins, six Italian Peaches, fourteen Chevreuses, fifteen Forward or Hasting Violet Peaches, five Persicks, two Bellegardes, eighteen Admira∣bles, five Purple Peaches, seven Latter Royal Peaches, ten Latter Violet Peaches, eight Ni∣vettes, six Yellow Admirables, seven Violet Brugnons, or Nectarins, two White Andillies, and one White Pulpt Cherry Peach, the ten Pavies, are two White Hasting, or Forward Pavies, one Red Alberge Pavie, two Forward, or Hasting Rossane Pavies, and two Latter Yellow ones. The hundred fifty one Pear-Trees, are fourteen Boncretiens, eighteen Bergamots, six Little Muscat, or Musk Pears, five Cuisse Madames, or Lady Thighs, five Robines, six Leschasseries, six Ambretts, four Winter Thorn Pears, four Mareuil Thorn Pears, five Dry Martins, four Verte Longues, or Long Green Pears, one Sugar Green Pear, four Bugies, three Orange-Green Pears, two Melting Brest Pears, four St. Lezins, six Frank Royals, five Besi∣deries, six Angobers, four Double Flowers, two Lansacs, two Great Blanquets, or White Pears, two Epargne's or Reserve Pears, two Cassoletts, two Doyennee's, or Dean Pears, one Russe∣let, fourteen Butter Pears, and fourteen Virgoulees.

Methinks this distribution of six hundred Toises or Fathoms of Fruit Wall, might be sufficient to Direct People how to stock a greater quantity to the best advantage, though it were of a thousand or twelve hundred Toises or Fathoms, since having from the very beginning, disposed of our Walls, by adding fifteen and fifteen Toises or Fathoms at a time to each Exposition, and set down exactly what enters first, into the first fifteen, and afterward into 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, and 150. Those Gen∣tlemen, which for Example, instead of the 150, in one of the four Expositions, for the garnishing of which, we last gave directions, should have 165, 180, 185, or 210 Toises or Fathoms of Wall, &c. might make use of what I have set down, to fill up the additional Toises or Fathoms of the same Exposition; And therefore without pursuing any further, this tedious long list and enumeration of each single Tree, I might very well finish here, and justly hope that some of them would be satisfied with me, and the rest would not blame me for having insisted too long upon this unpleasing work.

However, the more to facilitate all things yet, I will tell you, that for six hundred and sixty Toises or Fathoms of Fruit Walling, whose Southern side contains a hundred and sixty five, I would place in the fifteen Toises or Fathoms last added, eleven Trees, viz. four Peach-Trees, that is, two Minions, and two White Maudlins, one Forward Apricock-Tree, and six Early or Hasting Cherry-Trees.

To an Eastern Wall of the same extent, I would super-add eleven other Trees, viz. two Fig-Trees, and nine good Peach-Trees, which should be three Chevreuses, three Bourdins, and three Persicks.

To a Western one augmented with the like number of fifteen Toises or Fathoms, I would order eleven Peach-Trees, which should be three Forward, or Hasting Violet Peaches, two Purple Peaches, two Italian Peaches, one Rossane, one Red Alberge, one Yellow Alberge, and one Nivette.

And to a like supernumerary Quantity, added to the Northern side, to make up the like proportion of Toises or Fathoms, I would assign twelve Pear-Trees, which should be two Butter Pears, two Virgoulees, two Bergamots, two Double Flowers, two Bugi's, and two St. Lezins.

And so in the extent of six hundred and threescore Toises or Fathoms of Fruit Wall, besides all the Grapes, the twenty five Plum-Trees, the ten Pavies, and the two Azeroll, or Garden Hawthorn-Trees, set down in our Distribution of the six hundred Toises or Fa∣thoms, we should have eighteen Forward, or Early Cherry-Trees, twenty Apricock-Trees, of which five of the Forward Sort, twenty Fig-Trees, one hundred ninety seven Peach-Trees, and a hundred sixty three Pear-Trees.

For seven hundred and twenty Toises of Fruit Walling, the South side of a hundred and eighty, should for its augmentation of fifteen Toises or Fathoms, have an addition of eight Boncretien and four Suisse Bergamot Pear-Trees. We should have some well co∣loured Boncretien Pears, and some Bergamots a little earlier ripe than others; for which effect, the Southern Exposition is necessary: 'Tis true the Tiger Babbs put me in great apprehensions for these twelve Pear-Trees. But besides that I ought not to give occasion * 1.379 to any persons to blame me for having had no care to place honourably and advantage∣ously, those two Pears which I so highly prize,

We will do what we can to defend them from all Enemies, and at last, if all our care and industry be without success, we will put Stone-Fruit, or Fig-Trees, or Muscat Vines, in place of Pear-Trees, that we may at least have this satisfaction, to have forgot no∣thing that may contribute towards the well discharging of our duty.

The East of a hundred and fourscore, for its Augmentation of fifteen Toises or Fathoms, should have eleven Trees, viz. three Violet Perdrigon Plums, one White Perdrigon, one White Mirabell, two Empresses, One Roche Courbon, two St. Catharines, and one Apricock Plum-Tree.

The West of a hundred and eighty, should have eleven Trees, four Admirables, two Lateward Royals, two Bourdins, one Brugnon, or Nectarin, one Nivette, and one Rouselet Pear-Tree.

The North, of a hundred and eighty, should have for its Augmentation of fifteen Toises or Fathoms, eighteen foot of Rasp-berries, and sixteen foot of Goose-berries, and Curran-bushes, I allow 3 foot to the Goose-berries, and Currans, and only 2 to the Raspberries, and these Goose-berries or Currans, as well as the Raspberries will indeed yield their Fruit Later there, but yet it will be Larger, and amongst those Rasp-berries, and Goose-berry, or Curran bushes, we will put eight Standard-Trees that may serve to garnish the upper part of the Wall, to wit one Apricock-Tree, and seven such Pear-Trees as I shall here specifie; two Dry Martin Pear-Trees, two Frank Royals, two Angobers and one Besidery.

So that in seven hundred and twenty Toises of Fathoms of Fruit Walling, besides all the Vines or Grapes, the ten Pavies, and the two Azeroll or Garden Haw-Trees mentioned in the distribution of the six hundred Toises or Fathoms, we shall have two hundred and seven Peach-Trees, a hundred and eighty three Pear-Trees, eighteen Forward, or Early Cherry-Trees, twenty one Apricock-Trees, of which five are Hastings, twenty White Fig-Trees, thirty six Plum-Trees, eighteen foot of Rasp-berries, and sixteen Dutch Goose-Berries, or Curran-bushes.

The two hundred and seven Peach-Trees shall be eight Forward Peaches, fifteen Troy Peaches, three Red Alberge's, four Rossane's, fourteen White Maudlins, two Red Maudlins, seventeen Mignons, twelve Bourdins, eight Italian Peaches, seven Chevreuses, eighteen Hasty Violet Peaches, eight Persick Peaches, two Bellegardes, twenty two Admirables, seven Purple Peaches, nine Latter Royals, ten Nivette Peaches, six Yellow Admirables, eight Violet Brugnons, or Nectarins, two White Andillies and one White Pulpt Cherry Peach.

The a hundred eighty three Pear-Trees, should be twenty two Winter Boncretiens, twenty four Bergamots, six Little Muscats, five Cuisse Madames, or Lady Thighs, fifty Robines, six Leschasseries, six Ambretts, four Winter Thorn Pears, four Mareuil Thorn Pears, seven Matinsecs, or Dry Martins, four Verte Longues, or Long Green Pears, one Sugar Green Pear, six Bugies, three Orange-Green Pears, two Fondante de Brest, or Melting Brest Pears, six St. Lezins, eight Frank Royals, eight Angobers, six Double Flowers, six Besideries, two Lansacs, two Great Blanquets, two Epargnes or Reserve Pears, two Cassolets, two Doyennes, or Dean Pears, two Rousselets, sixteen Butter Pears, and sixteen Virgoulee Pears.

The 36 Plum-Trees must be 12 Violet Perdrigons, 6 white Perdrigons, 5 St. Catha∣rines, 3 White Mirabells, 3 Apricock Plums, and 3 Empresses, 3 Roche Courbons, and one Plum Royal.

To 780 Toises or Fathoms of Fruit-VVall, for the 15 of Augmentation of the South Exposi∣tion which make in all 195, I will allow 11 Trees, which shall be these; 2 Pau Peaches, 3 Bellegardes, and 6 Pavies, namely a 2d. and 3d. Little Pavie Alberge, a 3d. Hasty Pavie Rossane, a 3d. Hasty White Pavie and a 4th. Red backward Pavie Peach, and a 3d. Yellow Latter Pavie.

I here venture to add 2 Pau Peaches, to a great quantity of other Peaches, being assu∣red that when they can fully ripen, they are pretty good, and of great increase, and at least they will be good in a wet sweet-meat.

For the 15 Toises or Fathoms, of Augmentation of the East Quarter, which make 390, we will put 11 Trees, viz. 2 Fig-Trees, 2 Troy Peaches, 1 White Pulpt Cherry Peach, 2 Admirables, and 2 Hasty Violet Peaches.

For the 15 Toises or Fathoms, of the Augmentation of the West, which also make 195, we shall put 12 Trees, to wit, 2 Ambretts, 2 Leschasseries, 2 Winter Thorns, 2 Thorn Marevils, 2 Little Muscats, for to have Fruit for a longer time, 1 Robine, and one Double Flower'd Peach Tree, only for the simple curiosity of its Flower or Blossom.

The 15 Toises Augmentation of the North, to make up the number of 195 Toises or Fathoms, shall be for twenty four foot of Bourdelais, and 21 foot of Chassela's Grapes, as well to have the Service of their Leaves and Verjuice, as to be provided with Grapes that will keep very long.

For 840 Toises or Fathoms of Fruit-Walls, we will place to the Southern Exposition, which shall be composed of 210. 4 White Fig-Trees, 2 Little Muscats, 2 Robines, 2 Lady Thighs, and one Musqued Summer Boncretien.

The 15 Toises or Fathoms of Augmentation of that of the East, to make up 210, shall be for 11 Trees, viz. 3 Red Maudlins, 4 Minions, and 4 White Maudlins.

The 15 Toises to the West, to make the same quantity of 210, shall be for 11 Trees, viz. 6 Fig-Trees, 2 Avant Peaches, and 3 Troy Peaches.

I put 6 Fig-Trees to the West, not that I expect they will yield any second Figs, for it's but very seldom they can ripen there, unless there happen such a Summer, as that in 1676. But for the first Figs, they grow very fair there and ripen very well. I set them also sometimes towards the North, especially when I have a very Extraordinary quantity of Walling, and I draw assistance from them as well for the first Figs, which fail not to ripen there, as for the Layers of them, which grow fair there and in great abundance.

The 15 Toises to the North, will be for 12 Pear-Trees, viz. 2 Sugred Greens, 3 Mes∣sire Johns, 2 Long Green Pears, 2 Lansacs, 2 Vine pears, and 1 Orange-Green pear.

So that 840 Toises or Fathoms of Wall-Trees, should contain 238 Peach-trees, 16 Pavies, 213 Pear-Trees, 2 Garden Haw, or Azeroll-Trees, 32 Fig-Trees, 47 Plum-Trees, 18 Early Cherry-Trees, 21 Apricock-Trees, of which 5 must be Hastings, 48 foot of Rasp-berries, 16 of Goose-berries and Currans, 174 foot of Grapes, of which there must be 50 foot of White Musked, or Muscat Grapes, and 6 of Red, 50 foot of Chassela's, 12 of Corinthian, 8 of Early, or Forward Grapes, and 48 foot of Bourdelais.

The 238 Peach-Trees, are 12 Forward Peaches, 28 Troy Peaches, 3 Yellow Alberges, 4 Rossanes, 18 White Maudlins, 5 Red Maudlins, 21 Minions, 12 Bourdins, 8 Italian Peaches, 17 Chevreuses, 20 Forward Violets, 8 Persicks, 5 Bellegardes, 2 Pau Peaches, 24 Admirables, 7 Purples, 9 lateward Royals, 10 lateward Violets, 10 Nivettes, 6 Yellow Admirables, 8 Violet Brugnons or Nectarins, 2 White Andillies, 2 White pulpt Cherries, and 1 Double Flower'd peach.

The 16 Pavies, are 3 VVhite Hasting pavies, 3 Red Alberge pavies, 3 Rossane Hasting pavies 4 Red lateward pavies, and 3 Yellow lateward pavies.

The 213 Pear-Trees are 22 Winter Boncretiens, 24 Bergamots, 10 Little Muscats, 7 Lady Thighs, 8 Robines, 8 Leschasseries, 8 Ambrets, 6 Winter Thorns, 6 Mareuil Thorns, 7 Dry Martins, 6 Long Greens, 3 Sugar Greens, 6 Bugi's, 4 Orange-Greens, 2 Melting Brest pears, 6 St. Lezins, 3 Messire Johns, 8 Frank Royals, 8 Angobers, 6 Double Flowers, 6 Besideries, 4 Lansacs, 2 Vine pears, 2 Large Blanquets, 2 Espargnes or Reserve pears, 2 Cassolets, 2 Doyennes or Dean pears, 2 Russelets, 16 Butter pears, and 16 Virgoulee pears.

The 36 plum-Trees, are the same specified in the distribution of the 720 Toises or Fa∣thoms, above specified.

For 900 Toises or Fathoms of Wall, I will make into Sloped Banks the 15 Toises or Fathoms of Augmentation to the South, making in the whole 225, and will do the same if I find 240 Toises or Fathoms on the South, which is just the fourth part of 960 Toises or Fathoms of circumference, these Banks or Slopes are very useful and necessary for producing Early and Hasting Peas, Beans, and Hasting Artichoacks, &c. And therefore there must be built little small counter Walls to support them; but this must be in some by-place, or in some Garden apart, for it will make a very disagreeable fi∣gure in a great Garden.

For the 15 Toises or Fathoms added to the East, and making 225, we shall put 11 Trees, viz. 5 Hasting Violets, 3 Chevreuses, 1 Nivette, 2 Minions, and one White Magdalen.

For the West, Augmented in the same manner, also 11 Trees, viz. 3 Bourdins, 3 Italian Peaches, 2 Persicks, 2 Purples, and 1 Violet Brugnon or Nectarin.

For the 15 Toises or Fathoms to the North, Augmented to make up 225, we will plant 15 Toises or Fathoms, with all sorts of Goose-berries or Currans, as well Red as White, or Pearled, with 8 Standard-Trees, to wit 4 Virgoulces, 2 Butter Pears, and 2. Dry Martins.

For 960 Toises or Fathoms of Wall, I will raise into Slope-Bank to the 15 Toises or Fathoms of the South part, Augmented beyond the 225, as I have already hinted.

The 15 Fathoms or Toises to the East, which make 240, shall be for 11 Trees, viz. 3 Abricot-Trees, 1 Violet Perdrigon, 1 White Perdrigon, 1 St. Catharine, 1 Abricot Pluni, 1 Roche Courbon, 1 Empress, 1 Minion, and 1 Plum Royal.

The 15 Fathoms or Toises of the VVest, shall be for 4 Admirables, 2 Violet Peaches, 3 VVinter Boncretien Pears, and 2 Bergamots.

The 15 of the North, making in the same manner, 240 Fathoms shall be for 12 Trees, viz. 6 Fig-Trees, 6 Magdalen Pears, 1 Abricot-Tree, and 3 Double Flower'd Peaches; Those 6 Fig-Trees of the North, may be to furnish us with Figs in the Interval that is betwixt the first and second Figs of other Exposition.

So that for 960 Toises of Wall-Trees, we shall have 266 peach-Trees, 16 pavies, 231 pear-Trees, 2 Garden Azerol, or Haw-Trees, 38 Fig-Trees, 44 Plum-Trees, 18 Early Cherry-Trees, 25 Abricot-trees, of which 5 Hastings, 48 foot of Rasp-berries, 46 foot of Goose-berries or Currans, both Red and Speckled, and prickling, 274 foot of Grapes, 30 Toises or Fathoms of Slope Banks.

The 266 peach-trees are 12 Early peaches, 20 Troy peaches, 3 Red Alberges, 3 Yellow Alberges, 4 Rossanes, 19 White Magdalens, 5 Red Magdalens, 23 Minions, 15 Bourdins, 11 Italian peaches, 20 Chevreuses, 26 Hasting Violets, 10 Persicks, 5 Bellegardes, 2 Pau peaches, 2 Admirables, 9 Purples, 9 Lateward Royals, 10 Lateward Violets, 11 Nivettes, 6 Yellow Admirables, 9 Violet Brugnons or Nectarins, 2 White Andillies, 2 White pulpt Cher∣ry peaches, and 2 Double Flower'd peaches.

The 16 pavies are the same as in the distribution of 840 Toifes or Fathoms.

The 231 pear-trees are, 25 Boncretiens, 26 Bergamots. 10 Stocks of little Muscats, 7 Lady Thighs, 8 Robines, 8 Leschasseri's, 8 Ambretts, 6 VVinter Thorns, 6 Mareuil Thorns, 9 Dry Martins, 6 Verte Longues, or Green long pears, 3 Sugar'd Greens, 6 Bugi's, 4 Orange-Greens, 2 Melting Brest pears, 6 St. Lezins, 3 Messire Jeans, 8 Frank Royals, 8 Angobers, 9 Double Flowers, 6 Besideries, 4 Lansacs, 2 Wine pears, 2 great Blanquets, 2 Epargnes or Reserve pears, 2 Cassolets, 2 Doyennes, or Dean pears, 2 Russelets, 18 Butter pears, 28 Virgoulees and 2 Magdalen pears.

The 44 Plum-Trees are 13 Violet perdrigons, 7 VVhite perdrigons, 6 St. Catharines, 3 White Mirabells, 4 Abricot-plums, 4 Roche Courbons, 4 Empresses, 1 Minion and 2 plum Royals.

The 174 foot of Grapes, are the same as in the distribution of the 840 Fathoms or Toises.

The 30 Toises or Fathoms of Slope-Bank, are for Hasting Peas, Hasting Beans, and Hasting Artichoaks.

Of the 38 Fig-Trees, there are 6 of the Long VVhite, and the rest of the round VVhite Figs.

For 120 Toises or Fathoms, equally divided into 4 Expositions, every one of them of 255, I will put for the 15 of Augmentation of the South quarter once more, 24 foot of White Muscats, 6 of Red, and fifteen foot of Corinths, providing it be in a Country where they will thorowly ripen, which experience ought to Teach us.

For the 15 Toises or Fathoms of Augmentation of the First side, 11 Trees, viz. 3 Troy peaches, 1 Forward peach, 1 Red Alberge, 1 Rossane, 1 VVhite Magdalen, 1 Mignonne, 2 Yellow Admirables, and 1 Purple Peach.

For the 15 Fathoms of the VVest, 11 Trees, viz. 2 Troy peaches, 1 Forward peach, 1 Yellow Alberge, 3 Chevreuses, and 4 Virgoulee Pear-Trees.

For the 15 Fathoms of the North, 12 Trees, viz. 4 Bergamots, 2 long Greens, 2 Butter pears, 2 Dry Martins, and 2 Frank Royals.

For 180 Fathoms of VVall-Trees, equally divided into 4 Expositions, each consisting of 255, we will place for the 30 of Augmentation of the South quarter, 11 Trees, viz. 4 latter Violets, 2 Yellow Admirables, 2 Nivettes, 2 Admirables, 1 latter Royal.

For the 15 Fathoms of the East, 12 Trees, viz. 3 Boncretiens, 2 Bergamots, 1 Ambrett, 1 VVinter Thorn, 1 Leschassery, 2 Mareuil Thorn pears, 1 Butter pear, and 1 Lansac.

For the 15 Fathoms of the VVest, 12 Trees. viz. 2 Robines, 2 Cassolets, 2 Cuisse Ma∣dames, or Lady Thighs, 2 Russelets, 1 Lansac, 1 Magdalen pear, 1 Ambret, and 1 Lescha∣sery.

For the 15 Fathoms of the North, 11 Plum-Trees, all for the compôtes or wet sweet-meats, viz. 4 Imperials, 2 Cer〈…〉〈…〉y perdrigons, 2 Castclanes, 2 Ilverts, and 1 Mirabel.

So that for 1080 Fathoms of Wall Trees, we shall have 293 peach-Trees, 16 pavies, 270 pear-Trees, 2 Azerall or Garden Haw-Trees, 38 Fig-trees, 55 Plum-Trees, 18 Early Cherry-Trees, 25 Abricot-Trees, 48 foot of Rasp-berries, 46 foot of all sorts of Goose-berries and Currans, 219 foot of Grapes, and 15 Fathoms of Sloped Bank.

The 293 peach-Trees are, 14 Forward peaches, 25 Troy peaches, 4 Red Alberges, 4 Yellow Alberges, 5 Rossanes, 5 VVhite Magdalens, 5 Red Magdalens, 24 Mignons, 14 Boin dins, 10 peaches of Italy, 23 Chevreuses, 26 Hasting Violets, 10 Persicks, 5 Bellegardes, 2 Pau peaches, 32 Admirables, 10 Purples, 10 Latter peach Royals, 14 Latter Violets, 13 Nivettes, 8 Yellow Admirables, 9 Violet Brugnons or Nectarins, 2 White Andillies, 2 VVhite pulps Cherry peaches, and 1 Double Flower'd peach.

The 16 pavies, are 3 White Hasting pavies, 3 Red Alberges, 3 Hasting Rossane pavies, 4 latter red pavies, and 3 Latter Yellow pavies.

The 270 Pear-Trees are 27 Winter Boncretiens, 32 Bergamots, 10 Little Muscats, 9 Cuisse Madames or Lady-Thighs, 10 Robines, 10 Leschasseries, 10 Ambrets, 7 Winter Thorns, 8 Mareuil Thorns, 11 Dry Martins, 8 Verte Longues or Long Green Pears, 3 Sucre Vertes or Sugar Greens, 6 Bugi's, 4 Orange-Greens, 2 Melting Brest Pears, or Fondantes de Brest, 6 St. Lezins, 3 Messire Johns, 10 Frank Royals, 8 Angobers, 9 Double Flowers, 6 Besideri's, 6 Lansacs, 2 Vine Fears, 2 Great Blanquets or White Pears, 2 Epagnes or Reserve Pears, 4 Cassolets, 2 Doyennes or Dean Pears, 4 Russelets, 21 Butter Pears, 24 Virgoulees, 3 Maudlins, and 1 Summer Musked Boncretien. Among the 38 Fig-Trees, there are 6 of the Long White sort, and the rest are all of the round White.

The 55 Plum-Trees are 15 Violet Perdrigons, 7 White Perdrigons, 6 St. Catharines, 4 White Mirables, 4 Apricock Plums, 4 Roche Courbons, 4 Empresses, 2 Minions, 4 Impe∣rials, 2 Cernay Perdrigons, 2 Castellans, and 2 Ilverts.

Of the 25 Apricock-Trees, there are 5 Hastings; among the 48 foot of Rasp-berries, there are 12 of the White sort; in the 46 foot of Goose-berries and Currans, there are both of the Red and of the White or pearled sort, as also of the prickled called in English Goose-berries.

In the 219 foot of Grapes, there are 24 foot of White Muscats, 12 of Red Muscats, 27 of White Corinths, 40 of Chassela's, 18 of Cioutat, 8 of Early Grapes, and 48 of Bourdelais or Verjuice Grapes. And the 30 Fathoms of Sloped Banks are planted, 18 of them with Hasting Pease, 6 with Hasting Beans, and the rest with Hasting Artichoaks.

For 1140 Fathoms of Wall-Trees equally parted into four Expositions, each consisting of 285, we would Plant in the 15 Fathoms augmented towards the South, 3 Boncretien Winter Pear Trees, 3 Swiss Bergamots, 2 Russelets, 1 Musked Summer Boncretien, 1 Lansac; 1 Hasting Apricock, and 1 Common Apricock-Tree.

In the 15 Fathoms added towards the East, we would place 11 Peach-Trees, viz. 1 White Maudlin, 2 Minions, 2 Italian Peaches, 1 Bellegarde, 2 Purples, 1 Violet Brugnon or Nectarin, and 1 Troy Peach.

The 15 Fathoms towards the West, we would stock with 11 Peach-Trees, viz. 4 Admirables, 1 Troy Peach, 1 Hasting or Avant Peach, 2 Bourdins, 2 Persicks, and 2 Double Flower'd Peaches.

The 15 Fathoms towards the North, we would fill up with 11 Trees, viz. 4 Fig. Trees, 1 Common Apricock-Tree, and 6 Admirable Peach-Trees.

It may be thought strange that I should place 6 Peach-Trees in the Northern Exposition, but I know by Experience, that though the other sorts of Peaches by reason of their aptness to grow doughy, prove not good in that Aspect, yet those of this sort do tole∣rably well there, and especially in dry Grounds, and dry years. And I have seen in this Exposition, both lovely and very good Admirable Peaches, yet I must add this hint withal, that 'tis then only I resolve to hazard some few Trees of this sort in a Northern Aspect, when I have extraordinary of Walling to garnish.

For 1200 Fathoms divided into four Equal Expositions, each consisting of 300 Fathoms, I would raise those fifteen Augmented towards the South, into a Sloped Bank, for Pease, Beans, and Artichoaks; nay, 'twould not be too much if we should employ 45 Fathoms out of 300 to the same use that I have mentioned; for those 45 Fathoms would give satisfaction both in Winter and Spring; and in Summer there should be 36 of them taken up with Purslain, and Basil for Seed.

The 15 Fathoms added towards the East, should be filled up with 11 Peach-Trees, viz. 2 Hasting Violets, 2 Troy Peaches, 1 Hasting or Avant Peach, 1 Red Maudlin, 1 Rossane, 2 White Maudlins, and 2 Minions.

The 15 Western Additional Fathoms, should also be stocked with 11 Trees, viz. 4 Fig-Trees. So that there may be 10 in that Exposition that succeeds that of the South, or East, and 2 Hasting Violet Peaches, 2 Chevreuses, 2 Latter Royal Peaches, and 1 Common Apricock-Tree.

The 15 Fathoms towards the North, to make up the 300, shall be filled up with 20 foot of Common Red Currans, and 20 foot of Rasp-berries, with 5 foot of Bourdelais or Verjuice Grapes, mixt among them at equal distances to run up above them, and garnish the upper part of the Wall. So that in 1200 Fathoms of Wall 9 foot high, there may be planted 798 Wall-Trees, 70 plants of Rasp-berries, 66 plants of all manner of Goose-berries and Currans, 211 Vine Plants, and 45 Fathoms of Sloped Banks, for Hasting Pease, Beans, and Artichoaks. The 798 Trees are 334 Peach-Trees, 16 Pavies, 301 Pear-Trees, 2 Azeroll or Garden Haw-Trees, 44 Fig-Trees, 54 Plum-Trees, 18 Hasting or May Cherry-Trees, and 29 Apricock-Trees.

The 334 Peach-Trees are 15 Forward or Avant Peaches, 29 Troy Peaches, 4 Red and 4 Yellow Alberge's, 6 Rossanes, 24 White, and 6 Red Maudlins, 28 Minions, 17 Bourdins, 13 Italian Peaches, 25 Chevreuses, 30 Hasting Violets, 12 Persicks, 6 Bellegardes, 2 Pau Peaches, 40 Admirables, 12 Purples. 12 Latter Royal Peaches, 14 Latter Violets, 13 Nivettes, 10 Yellow Admirables, 10 Violet Brugnons, or Nectarins, 2 White Andilli's, 10 White Pulpt Cherry Peaches, and 10 Double Flowers.

The 16 Pavies are 3 White Hasting Pavies, 3 Red Alberge Pavies, 3 Hasting Rossane Pavies 4 Latter Red Latter Pavies, and 3 Latter Yellow Pavies.

The 301 Pear-Trees, are 30 Winter Boncretiens, 35 Bergamots, of which 12 are Swisse, 10 Little Muscats, 9 Cuisse Madames, or Lady Thighs, 10 Robines, 10 Leschasse∣ries, 10 Ambrets, 7 Winter Thorns, 7 Mareuil Thorns, 11 Dry Martins, 8 Verte Longues or Long Green Pears, 3 Sucre Vertes or Sugar Greens, 6 Bugi's, 4 Orange-Greens, 2 Fon∣dantes or Melting Pears of Brest, 6 St. Lezins, 3 Messire Johns, 10 Frank Royals, 8 An∣gobers, 9 Double Flowers, 8 Besideries, 7 Lansacs, 3 Vine Pears, 2 Great Blanquets, or White Pears, 2 Epargne or Reserve Pears, 4 Cassolets, 2 Dean Pears or Doyennes, 6 Russelets, 21 Butter Pears, 21 Virgoulees, 3 Maudlins, and 2 Musked Summer Boncre∣tiens.

Of the 44 Fig-Trees there are 6 of the Long White sort.

The 54 Plum-Trees, are 13 Violet Perdrigons, 6 White Perdrigons, 6 St. Catharines, 4 White Mirabels, 4 Apricock Plums, 4 Roche Courbons, 4 Empresses, 1 Minion, 4 Impe∣rials, 2 Cernay Perdrigons, 2 Castellans, 2 Ilverts, and 2 Royal Plums.

Of the 29 Apricock-Trees there are 6 Hastings, of the 70 Plants of Rasp berries, there are 20 of the White sort, of the 70 plants of Goose-berries and Currans, there are 34 of the Red Holland Currans, 8 of White Holland Goose-berries, 18 of Common Red Currant, and 6 of the Common Green Goose-berries, of the 211 Vine Plants, there are 8 of White Muscats, 12 of Red Muscats, 27 of White Corinths, 8 of Early Grapes, 36 of Bourdelai's or Verjuice Grapes, 40 of Chassela's, and 10 of Cioutat.

The 45 Fathoms of Sloped Banks are filled up thus, viz. 26 with Hasting Pease, 8 with Hasting Beans, and 9 with Hasting Artichoaks.

And now since I have with my best skill and Judgment, performed my promised undertaking, in directing you how to plant to the best advantage, as far as the quantity of 1200 Toises or Fathoms of Wall of 9 foot high, with the choicest Wall-Trees, I think it not amiss for your better understanding of my design, to set down likewise here by themselves, all the several Trees there are assigned to every one of the four Expositions, that so among the great number of Fruits named in the whole, you may see at one view how I have disposed of every of them in particular; And this is also plainly shown from Article to Article containing a gradual Augmentation of 15 Fathoms or Toises to each Exposition, by which method, you may easily know for Example, how many of the 40 Admirable Peach-Trees, how many of the 30 Hasting Violets, how many of the 35 Bergamot Pear-Trees, &c. which we have made use of, I say how many Trees of each sort are placed to a Southern Exposition of 300 Fathoms, how many to an Eastern one of the same Extent, how many to a Western, and how many to a Northern Expo∣sition, and the like of all other Fruits, whether Kernal Fruit, stone Fruit, &c.

I have already declared my Judgment, that there is but a small difference to be made between the Southern and Eastern Exposition, except it be for raising of Hastings, such as are Pease, Beans, or Artichoaks, which we would plant in a Sloped Bank, and for Early Cherries, Early Grapes, Hasting Apricocks, &c. and particularly for Muscat Grapes, and Little Muscat Pears, which I would likewise advise you to place in a Southern Aspect; and the reason that obliged me to mix these two Expositions together, was because very often Gardens are so contrived, that one of these two Expositions is quite wanting in them, and therefore either of them that is found there, ought in that Garden to be made to supply the place of both the two. And indeed how many Gardens do we see that have but one great Wall towards the South, or one great Wall towards the East, with little or none at all towards the other quarters; But 'tis not the same thing as to the Expo∣sitions of the West, or North, very few persons ever being guilty of such ill contrivance, to have a Garden only furnish't with Wall, towards those Aspects.

And therefore they which are accommodated only with a Southern Wall, may very well furnish it with all those Trees, I have assigned for that and an Eastern one too, and in like manner those Gentlemen that have only the convenience of an Eastern Wall, since they cannot have all the advantage they might expect from a Southern Aspect, ought to content themselves, and make the best of their Eastern ones, by planting in it all the same things that are assigned for both that, and a Southern one; for these two Expositions, as is well

knwon, are capable of receiving every thing that is sit to be planted in the other two; whereas the other two Expositions are not sit to be made use of for the most part of those things that require the Expositions of the East and South; and consequently, we ought not easily to hazard to plant towards the North or West, any Muscat Grapes, Hasting Cherries, Hasting Pease, Plums to eat Raw, &c.

I say Plums to eat Raw; for good Plums as well as Good Grapes, should bring their Natural Sugar with them; which is a perfection that nothing but a thorow ripeness can give them, and such an accomplish'd Ripeness is not to be attained in a Northern Aspect, and whereas other Fruits as Peaches, Pears, &c. are capable of being better'd with Ar∣tificial Sugar, Prunes will admit of no seasoning.

I have one observation more to offer to those who have much Walling towards the South or East, and none towards the North, which is that they may very well forbear plant∣ing towards their South or East, many things which I have assigned for a Northern Wall; as for Example, some Baking Pears, Bourdelai's, or Verjuice Grapes, Goose-berries, Currans, Rasp-berries, &c. the places of the Southern Exposition, seeming to me too precious to be bestowed upon Fruits of so little value, and that thrive well enough without the assistance of any Walls, unless they know not how to choose any thing better wherewithal to sill up their Southern and Eastern Walls.

But such Gentlemen as are accommodated with both an Eastern and Southern Exposition, may divide into two parts those things which I have placed under the single head of a Good Exposition, and may proportion them equally or unequally according to the extent of their several Walls, only taking care to reserve for the Southern Aspect, those things which are chiefly valuable for their precocity, and early advance in Maturity.

CHAP. XV.

An Abridgment of the Fruits assigned to each Exposition.

TO the proportion of six hundred Toises or Fathoms of Walling, divided into a Southern and Eastern Exposition, we have assigned 205 Peach-Trees, 16 Pavies, 36 Plum-Trees, 49 Pear-Trees, 18 Early Cherry-Trees, 154 foot or plants of Grapes, 45 Sloped Banks, 2 Azeroll or Garden Haw-Trees, and 22 Fig-Trees, whereof four of the Long sort.

The 205 Peach-Trees, are 13 Admirables, 9 Hasting Violets, 28 Minions, 13 Chevreu∣ses, 9 Nivettes, 24 White Maudlins, 6 Red Maudlins, 5 Persicks, 9 Common Apricock-Trees, and 5 Hasting Apricocks, 5 Violet Brugnons, or Nectarins, 17 Troy Peaches, 5 Purples, 10 Yellow Admirables, 14 Latter Yellow Violets, 4 Bourdins, 9 Forward or Avant Peaches, 4 Ita∣lian Peaches, 2 Pau Peaches, 2 Latter Royal Peaches, 2 White Andilli's, 5 Rossanes, and 3 Red Alberge's.

The 36 Plum-Trees, are 10 Violet Perdrigons, 5 White Perdrigons, 6 St. Catharines, 4 Apricock Plums, 4 Empresses, 1 Mirabel, 1 Royal Plum, 1 Minion Plum, and 4 Roche Courbons.

The 16 Pavies, are 4 Pompone Pavies, 4 White Hasting Pavies, 3 Rossane Pavies, 2 Yellow Latter Pavies, and 3 Red Alberge Pavies.

The 49 Pear-Trees, are 8 Little Muscats, 5 Cuisse Madames, or Lady Thighs, 15 Winter Boncretiens, 9 Bergamots, 2 Robines, 2 Musked Summer Boncretiens, 2 Russelets, 2 Lansacs, 1 Ambret, 1 Winter Thorn, 1 Mareuil Thorn, 1 Leschasserie, 2 Butter Pears, and 18 Early Cherry-Trees.

The 154 foot of Grapes, are 78 foot of White Muscats, 12 of Red, 19 of Chassela's, 10 of Cioutat, 17 of Corinths, and 8 of Early Grapes, 2 Azeroll or Garden Haw-Trees, 45 Fathoms of Bank, for Peas, Beans and Artichoacks, all Hastings.

To the 300 Fathoms of the West, 10 Fig-Trees, 7 common Abricocks, 123 Peach-Trees, 8 Plum-Trees, and 74 Pear-Trees.

The 123 Peach-Trees, are 21 Admirables, 12 Chevreuses, 7 Pourprees, 13 Bour∣dins, 12 Troy Peaches, 6 Avant or Forward Peaches, 11 Hasting Violet Peaches, 9 Italian Peaches, 7 Persicks, 10 Latter Peach Royals, 4 Nivettes, 5 Violet Brugnons or Nectarins, 1 Rossane, 1 Red Alberge, 2 Yellow Alberges, and 2 Double Flower'd Peaches.

The 8 Plum-Trees are 2 Violet Perdrigons, 2 White Violet Peaches, 2 Mirables, and 1 Plum Royal.

The 74 Pear-Trees, are 17 Winter Boncretiens, 15 Autumnal Bergamots, 5 Leschasse∣ries, 5 Ambrets, 4 Winter Thorns, 5 Mareuil Thorns, 4 Russelets, 2 Butter Pears, 4 Vir∣goulees,

2 Little Muscats, 5 Robines, 2 Cassolets, 2 Lady Thighs, 1 Lansac and 1 Magdalen Pear.

To the North, consisting of 300 Fathoms, 178 Pear-Trees, 10 Prunes, 66 foot of Goose-berries and Currans, 6 Peach-Trees, 70 Rasp-berry Plants, 77 of Bourdelai's, 20 of Chassela's Grapes, and 7 Apricock-Trees.

The 178 Pear-Trees, are 17 Butter Pears, 8 Verte Longues or Long Green Pears, 4 Orange-Green Pears, 19 Virgoulees, 11 Bergamots, 4 Ambrets, 4 Leschasseries, 11 Dry Martins, 6 Bugi's, 2 Winter Thorn Pears, 2 Mareuil Thorn Pears, 10 Frank Royals, 3 Sugar Green Pears, 6 St. Lezins, 4 Lansacs, 2 Blanquets, or White Pears, 2 Epargnes, or Reserve Pears, 3 Robines, 2 Cassolets, 2 Doyennes, or Dean Pears, 3 Vine Pears, 9 Double Flowers, 8 Angobers, 7 Besideries, 2 Cuisse Madames, or Lady Thighs, 3 Messire Johns, 2 Maudlin Pears, and 2 Melting Pears of Brest.

The 10 Plum-Trees are 4 Imperials, 2 Cernay Perdrigons, 2 Castellans, 2 Ilverts, and 1 Mirabel.

The 6 Peach-Trees, are all of Admirables. In the 66 foot of Goose-berries and Currans, there are 34 of Red Dutch, 8 White Dutch, 18 of the Common sort, and six of the Prickly ones.

Among the 70 of Rasp-berry Bushes, there are twenty of the White ones.

I have already explained above, of what consists the 66 foot of Goose-berries and Cur∣rans, placed towards the North, and the 211 foot of Grapes, which are placed partly to the South, and partly to the North, and likewise how the forty five Toises or Fathoms of Bank are filled up, which are all placed to the South Wall.

And so there you have Fruit Walls garnished, as far as to the extent of 1200 Toises or Fathoms, and that with Figs, Peaches, Plums, Pears, Early Cherries, Azerolls, or Garden Haws, Grapes, Goose berries and Currans, Rasp-berries, &c.

And you have Pear-Trees, and Apple-Trees both Dwarfs and Standards, planted to the number of 1200 for Dwarfs, and as many as you can desire for Standard-Trees: Let us now see how we can contrive a Plum, and a Cherry Garden, if the extent and Quality of our Ground will permit it.

Plums are a sort of Fruit that is pleasing enough to every Body, and Plum-Trees pro∣sper well enough in all sorts of Ground, let it be dry and sandy, or moist and hearty. * 1.380 They every where produce very sightly Trees, both Dwarfs and Standards, and common∣ly flourish very much every where; But they are likewise very subject every where unfortunately to miscarry in their Blossoms, because there often happen Frosts in the Spring that destroy them, which is the cause that Plums are very often scarce. But how∣ever when they meet with a favourable March and April, they produce an unconceivable quantity of Fruit.

We have some certain kinds of them, whose Blossoms are much more tender and susceptible of the injuries of an unkind season, than others, as for Example, the Perdri∣gons, and particularly the Violet one; and therefore I would have none of them planted in the open air, especially in Countries that are inclining to cold, or on those sides that are a little more subject than the rest, to the insults of the Frosts; My self for that reason, as well as for the improving them to a greater perfection of goodness, taking care to plant them by Walls, as I have already told you.

Those sorts of Plums that are a little better able to defend themselves, are the Cernay Perdrigons, of which I make little account; and next them, all the sorts of Damask Plums, among which I most particularly value, the Red or Round Violet, the Great White, and the Latter Black Damasks, the Queen Claudia, the Violet Imperial, the St. Catharine, the Apricock Plum, the White Mirabel, the Violet Diaper Plum, the Diapred Roche Courbon, the Royal Plum, the Minion Plum, the Brugnolle, the Empress, the Hasting or Forward Morin, and the Cerisset or Little Cherry Plum: All which sixteen sorts are very good Raw, and * 1.381 very good Dried or Preserved.

The Ilverts, Casselans, Moyens or Pith Plums, St. Julians, Cloth of Gold Plums, and Green Damasks, are only for preserving. It were good to have of all these kinds, if we can, but if our Ground will not admit of the planting but of a small number, those sorts which I should preferr are they which follow.

For a Garden where there could be but one only Plum-Tree whether Dwarf or Standard, I * 1.382 would take for the first, a Round Violet Damask.

For a second, a Queen Claudia.

For a third, an Imperial.

For a fourth, a White Great Damask.

For a fifth, a Diaper Roche Courbon.

For a sixth, a Mirabel.

For a seventh, an Empress.

For an eighth, a Black Latter Damask.

For a ninth, a St. Catharine.

For a tenth, an Apricock Plum.

For an eleventh, a Royal Plum.

For a twelfth, a Minion Plum.

For a thirteenth, a Diaper Violet Plum.

For a fourteenth, a Gray Damask.

For a fifteenth, a Brugnolle Plum.

For a sixteenth, a Hasting or Forward Morin Plum.

For a seventeenth, a Ceriset, or Little Cherry Plum, because of it's Earliness.

For an eighteenth, a Cloth of Gold Plum.

For a nineteenth, a Castillan.

For a twentieth, an Ilvert.

For a one and twentieth, a Cernay Perdrigon, because of its abundant increase, and of its being good in Compotes, or wet sweat-meats.

For a twenty second, a Date Plum.

And I would double the twelve first three or four times over, before I would double the other ten, and would plant none of any other Kind, till I had at least once doubled * 1.383 the ten last; neither would I plant any but Standard-Trees of the St. Julian, and Black Damask Plums.

Thus Insensibly we might form a Plum Garden, of fourscore or a hundred Stocks of Trees; and that is a great deal, considering how little a while that Fruit lasts when it comes, and how troublesome it is when it takes up a great deal of Room to no purpose, as it often happens; for when they take, that number is enough to furnish us a suffici∣ent abundance of Plums, to convert into both Prunes and Sweet-meats.

The number of the other sorts of Plums is very great, and they that have a mind to it, may stuff their Gardens with them, if they please, but at least they shall have no reason to blame me for counselling them to it.

About mid-June the Red Fruits begin to come in, and hold at least till the end of July. Among which I reckon Cherries, Griots, and Bigarro's or Heart Cherries, to be the most principal; we may have Dwarf-Trees of them, but Standards are better. They are Fruits so well known every where, that they need no Description, I prize none of them so particularly as the Large Latter Cherries, which they call Monmorancies, and next them the Bigarro's, or Heart Cherries, and in the third place the Griots or Agriots.

The Guignes or Guings, of which there are White, Red and Black, are indeed Early * 1.384 Ripe, but they are too flashy and insipid, and are not much eaten by persons of any Quality. The Cherries which are called Forward Cherries, but are not the Early ones of all, or true Hastings, succeed the Guignes or Guings; They are fair enough to the eye, are long stalked, and of a sharpish, and a little bitterish taste; and therefore I value them but little, unless it be for the making of some of the first Compotes, or wet Sweet-meats.

The truly good and fair Cherries, commonly called Preserving Cherries, are those of * 1.385 Monmorancy, some of them grow upon Trees that shoot out great and upright Bran∣ches, and they are the Largest sort of them, but that sort of Trees bear but few of them. They are otherwise called the Coulardy-cherry.

The right sort of Good Common Cherries, produces small branches, and bending * 1.386 downwards, and brings great store of Fruit, which is very Sweet, and pleasant to the taste; One and the same Tree bears both Long and short stalk'd ones; and 'tis chief∣ly of this sort we are to plant most Trees.

The Bigarro or Heart Cherry is a Fruit both firm and crackling, Longish and almost Square, but always very sweet and very agreeable. Its Tree shoots out thick Branches, and that are Luxuriant enough, and its Leaf is Longish.

The Griot or Agriot is a sort of Blackish Cherry, of a pretty firm consistence, and very sweet and excellent. It Blossoms mightily, but withall is very subject to miscarry in the Blossom. Its Tree produces a thick Dwarf-tree, with a top composed of Branches, keeping close and tight together, and its Leaf is broad and blackish, none of the kinds of Merises or common Black-cherries, deserve to be admitted into an Artificial Garden, * 1.387 being properly Forest-trees or Wildings, yet may they serve us at least for Stocks to receive the Grafts of the choice sorts of Cherries above named.

In Poitou and the Angoumois Country, they call those Guignes or Guings, which we call Cherries, and those Cherries which we call Merises, and those Guindo's, which we call Griots.

If I were to plant a dozen of these sorts of Trees, six of them should be of the Latter large Cherries, two Bigarro's, two Griots, and two of the Forward Cherries, and if two dozen, there should be twelve of the latter sort, and four of each of the other kinds; if three dozen, then 18 of the latter, 7 Bigarro's, 7 Griots, and but four of the Forward sort, and so on in greater Numbers. Perhaps I might be of the mind to plant a couple of pale red Guignes or Guings, if I had 4 dozen of Cherry-Trees to plant, and people sel∣dom pass that number, unless it be with design to sell the Fruit.

Let us now prepare to plant some tall Standard Mulberry-Trees, Apricock-Trees, and Al∣mond-Trees, and let us choose out for that some By-place, that may not spoil any thing * 1.388 as to the prospect of our Garden, or else let us place them among other Standard-Trees, if we have planted an Orchard of Tall Trees, for 'tis good to have a few Mulberries, and we may plant them too in some Back Courts, if we please: one, two, three, or four at most, will be more than sufficient for all sorts of Persons.

As for Apricock and Almond-Trees, from two to twelve of either of them, seem to me to be a sufficient number to furnish all sorts of Gentlemen of what quality soever, with * 1.389 a reasonable quantity of those Fruits.

The Apricocks that grow on Tall-Trees, are much richer tasted than others, and Almonds are a necessary and agreeable Fruit, and especially in the Months of July and August, * 1.390 when they are eaten green. I counsel you particularly to choose those that are tender shell'd, and since they are a sort of Trees that in four or five years time, grow very tall, we must only take care in the Month of February, to plant some Almonds in the place where we would have Trees of them, and to thin their top Branches the first years, and they will soon yield us the Satisfaction we expected from them; for they hardly ever thrive, when they are planted from Trees ready grown, as those of other Fruits do.

Let us likewise provide some Medlar Trees for them that love them, but on condition they be not placed in Parade, or to open view, they being not a Fruit precious enough * 1.391 to deserve so noble a station, nor yet of which we need plant any great number of Trees, the number of People that love them being not so very considerable.

We must not forget too some dozens of Quince-Trees, that we may have a Provision of Quinces to preserve, and to see they be planted in some place we do not often visit; * 1.392 smell of the Fruit of that Tree, being none of the most delightful, and especially since we ought hardly to plant less than a dozen of them, it being my Opinion, that we ought either to have none at all of them in our Gardens, or at least to have a reasona∣ble quantity. And a dozen, or two, or three, or four at most seem to me to be a very sufficient number of this sort of Trees.

Lastly, let us likewise remember to plant some few Azeroll or Garden Haw Dwarf-Trees, for such as shall not think two Wall ones of that kind enough; they take well enough in * 1.393 that manner, and especially in bringing a great quantity of Fruit, but the Wall-trees bring the biggest Fruit of any others of this sort. And this done, we may say, we have done all we possibly could, to enable us to stock well with choice Fruit-Trees the room which could be afforded them in all sorts of Gardens.

Let us now proceed to the choice of each Tree in particular.

CHAP XVI.

What good Conditions are required in each Fruit-Tree, to qualifie it to be chosen and preferr'd to some good place in a Fruit garden.

OUR Garden being formed, dunged, accommodated, divided, and in sine, quite ready for planting, and every Gentleman knowing what number of Trees he needs according to the bigness of his Garden, and having also resolved upon the choice of the kinds, and what proportion of each kind he is to plant, with respect to the qua∣lity of his Ground, and to the several Seasons of the Year. It is now our business to chose such stocks of Trees that are fair, and so well qualified, as to deserve to be planted, be∣cause of the hopeful promises they make us of contenting our Expectations.

And I suppose here that we have to do with Gard'ners that are in reputation to be knowing exact and faithful; for otherwise we run great danger of being grosly deceived

in the kinds of our Fruits, and especially of Peach-trees, because they all resemble one a∣nother * 1.394 so much, both in Leaf and Bark, excepting the Troy-peaches, Forward, or Avant peaches, and the White Maudlins, which are distinguished by some more visible differences, for which reason I would advise no Body to take any Trees of suspicious or unknown Gard'ners, or that are of ill repute, how cheap a bargain soever they may offer them, such an errour as that, being of too great a consequence to be ventured on at what rate soever.

Tree stocks then are to be chosen, either whilst they are yet growing in the Nursery-Gardens, * 1.395 or after they are pulled up, and brought from thence. In both Cases we must consider first, the figure of each Tree. Secondly, its bigness, or thickness. Thirdly, in what manner they are fashioned, and composed, and if the Trees be already pulled up, we must take special notice of their Roots, and of the Bark, both of their Bodies and Bran∣ches.

CHAP. XVII.

How to chose Trees as they stand in the Nursery-Gardens.

IF we choose our Trees in the Nursery-Gardens, which 'twere always to be wished, we could, and that about Mid-September, to mark out the Trees we choose and pretend to carry off, though that be not always feasible, because of the too great distance some∣times of the places where the choice Nurseries are, yet if we can go to the places, we must only fix upon those Trees that have shot vigorously that year, and that appear * 1.396 sound both in their Leaves, and at the end of their young shoots, and by their smooth and shining Bark, so that if any Trees have no shoots of that years growth, but what are very feeble, or perhaps have none at all, if any before the Season for the fall of the Leaf, have all their Leaves lesser, and more starveling than they should be, and the extreamity or their young shoots, Black and mortified, or their Bark rough and wrink∣led, and full of Moss; and if Pear-Trees, Apple-Trees, or Plum-Trees, they be Canker'd, or if they be stone Fruit, and found to have Gum, either about their Body or Roots, all these are so many Marks of Trees which we are to reject, to which we shall subjoyn some other particular Marks yet of very great importance.

Peach-Trees that have been Grafted above a year, or above two, without being stript * 1.397 below, are worth nothing, they being hardly vigorous enough to sprout above the old Branches; the same judgment is to be made of those which are above three Inches, or not so much as between one and two Inches thick below, and of those that are Grafted upon old Almond Stocks, and are about four or five Inches thick.

Plum-Trees, Apricock-Trees, Azeroll or Garden Haw-Trees, are passably good at two * 1.398 Inches and an half, and admirable at three or four; It is no matter whether the Graft be of one, or two, or three years grow'th, or whether it be covered up again or no, though it would be better it were, but I would not have them either smaller or older than I have Expressed.

Those sorts of Trees that attain to a due bigness the first, or at least the second year, prove ordinarily admirable ones, because that shows they are Grafted upon a very good Stock.

Apple-Trees Grafted on Paradise Stocks, and Early or Hasting Cherry-Trees, are good from * 1.399 an Inch and an half to two Inches thickness.

Standard-Trees must be straight, and be at least full six good foot high, and five or six Inches thick below, and four or five above, having always their Bark as little rugged as may be, and rather on the contrary, smooth and shining as a mark or their Youth, and of the goodness of the Soil from which they are taken.

As to the manner how Trees should be fashioned, I Judge that for all sorts of Dwarf or Wall-Trees, it is better they should be straight, and consisting only of one entire Stick, and of one only Graft, than to be composed of two or three Grafts, or several branches, the new sprouts that will shoot out round about the single body of the Tree when top't, and new Planted, being more fit and pliable to be turned as we would have them, to make a fair Tree, than if they consisted of two Sticks, or of old branches, because we cannot be assured from what part of those old branches of the new planted Tree, the new Sprouts will shoot, and because commonly they grow ill favouredly, and so confu∣sedly interlaced one with another, that we are forced to cut them quite away, and con∣sequently to make so many wounds in the Tree, which is time lost both for the advance∣ment

of the beauty of it, and of its producing Fruit, both which are by this means retarded. I would have my Tree then without any branches at all below, but yet I would have it have good Eyes or buds, which may by consequence, promise good Branches, and especially in Peach-Trees; so that we must never take those whose Eyes are as 'twere put out, that is to say, their issues stopt up, because 'tis very rarely that any new branches spring out from such; and 'tis so true that I desire but one single stick, that commonly when I find two grafts, I take away the weakest, and preserve only that which is the more vigorous and better placed of the two.

As for Standard-Trees that are to be planted in the full and open air, I am content they should have some branches about their tops, that may be shortned when they are new planted, because we require not so regular an exactness for the Beauty of these tall Trees, as we do for that of lesser ones; it being sufficient if those of the former sort be adorned with tops, that Spread into but any thing nigh a round figure, to be reasonably enough, handsome in their kind.

CHAP. XVIII.

How to choose Trees when already drawn out of the Nursery Gardens.

IF the Trees be already pull'd up, we must not only have regard to all the particulars above expressed, without neglecting one of them, but we must besides have a care * 1.400 they have not been too long taken up; so that their bark is grown shriveled, and their wood dry, and perhaps quite dead; or that their bark be not too much peeled off, or the grafting place strangled with too hard binding with Pack-thred, or that they be not grafted too low, and especially in Peach-Trees, so that to place the roots as they should be, we must necessarily be forced to bury the Grafts under Ground in planting them; or else grafted too high, so that they cannot begin a well proportioned Wall, or Dwars∣Tree, both which ought to begin about six or seven inches from the Ground.

But this is not all, for we must take special heed too to the roots, because though they had all the other necessary good qualifications in perfection, yet if their roots be much defective, we must e'en reckon such Trees good for nothing.

To be able to pronunce a Tree then to be well qualified as to its roots, in the first place they must be of a proportionable thickness to the bigness of the Tree, that is, it * 1.401 must have at least one root very near as big as the body of the Tree; for when they are all small and Fibrous, and like a head of Hair, it is almost an infallible sign of the weak∣ness of the Tree, and of its approaching death, or at least of its never being likely to produce any good effect; neither is the over great quantity of such Fibres any very good * 1.402 sign.

In the second place we must see that the principal roots be neither rotten nor split, nor very much peeled or unbarked, nor grown very red, or dry or hard; for if they be rotten, they show a great infirmity in the principle of life of the whole Tree, the roots never rotting when the Tree is in good health; If they be split in the place out of which they Spring, it is a wound that may be termed incurable, and the Gangreen and Rottenness will sieze upon it, and so it will be left like a Work-man without either hands or tools.

And therefore, they who pull up Trees should be very careful to do it dextrously and gently, and for that effect to make good holes, that they may not be obliged to strain * 1.403 any part of them too violently when they draw them up, or else they will not fail to split or break some good Root or other.

If likewise they be too much grated or unbark't in those parts, which should be most particularly preserved, those are also dangerous wounds, and especially in Stone Fruit-Trees, * 1.404 the gum seldom failing to breed in them.

And in fine, if the roots be dried up either by frost, or by having been too long drawn out of the Ground, and exposed to the air, we are to Reject that Tree, it being certain it will never take to grow again.

And over and above all these cautions, it is to be wished that the Tree to be chosen have its roots so well disposed, that we may find one rank or story of good ones, that * 1.405 may be in some measure perfect, and especially of young ones, so that when all the bad ones are taken off, whether above or below it, there may remain two, or three, or four, which may in some manner encompass the body, or at least be so well situated,

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that when the tree is planted, they may be conveniently turned towards that side where the good Soil is.

I most particularly value the young roots that are Newliest shot out, they sprouting commonly out of that part of the main body nearest the surface of the Ground, and care little for the old ones, which are commonly knotty, and in Pear-Trees, Plum-Trees, Wildings, &c. they are blackish, whereas the young ones are reddish, and pretty smooth and even; In Almond-Trees, they are Whitish, in Mulberry-Trees, yellowish, and in Cherry-Trees Reddish.

CHAP. XIX.

How to prepare a Tree for Planting.

THis preparation is of so great a consequence for the making of Trees take new foot∣ing, and grow again, that very often they take, and produce a good effect only be∣cause they were well prepared before they were replanted, and no less often fail taking, or producing a good head or top, because they were ill prepared.

There are two things to be prepared in them, viz. a less principal one which is the head or top, and another which is most highly principal, and important, and that is the foot or roots.

As to the head, there is but little mystery in ordering that, either in Standard or Dwarf-Trees, it being needful only for that effect, to remember these two points.

The first is, that as it appears, we do a great prejudice to a Tree when we pluck it up, because we always weaken it thereby, and abate its vigour, and its activity at least for some time, we must therefore take off so much of its charge and burthen about its head, as may be proportionable to what we take from it of that strength and activity, as we certainly do by removing to a new place, and retrenching it of some of its Roots: That is a maxim that needs no proof.

The second point, we are to be mindful of, is, that we must leave its body no higher than is convenient for the use the Tree is designed for: Some being to produce their effect very low, as the Dwarfs and Wall-Trees, which therefore must be cut pretty short, and others to produce theirs very high, as the Standard-Trees which therefore must be left of a considerable height: But I seldom cut either sort of them to the length they are to be of, till I have first finish'd the whole operation, that is to be performed about their roots. And this is the Method I observe in doing it. * 1.406

First, I order all the Fibres to be cut off as near as can be to the place out of which it springs, unless it be a Tree that I plant again assoon as ever 'tis pluck'd up, without leaving it a moment out of the Ground, otherwise if it continue never so little while in the air, all that would be good to preserve of its root, which is a kind of tuft of White small hair like roots or Fibres, turns, presently black, and consequently spoils, being, as it seems no more able to endure the air, than some sorts of fish that die as soon as ever they are out of the Water. But we can never have opportunity to save this White Fibrous part of the roots, but when we pull up a Tree in one part of our Garden, to plant it imme∣diately in another place of the same Garden, for then indeed we may save some part of those Fibres which is not broken, and whose extremities or points appear still acting as 'twere, and that comes out of a good place, otherwise if all those conditions be not found in it, we are not to make any account of it; and for the better preservation of it, we may too at the same time, take along with it some of its former mold, that hangs next about it, like a kind of Turf, taking care in planting it to place and spread out well that hairy or Fibrous part. * 1.407

To return now to order a Tree that has been longer pulled up, I first of all then take away all that Fibrous or hairy part which many Gard'ners save with so much care, and so little reason, in such Trees as those: And when I am about stocking any large Plantation, Iorder my people immediately to fall to work to retrenching from the Trees, what is to be cut from them, before I plant them, and that both in the day time in some bye place of the Garden, and particularly in the night, in some place within-doors by can∣dle light, to hinder the delaying of some other work no less in hast, that cannot be done but without-doors; and so by that means, I take advantage of the night, which comes upon us so soon, and so unconveniently at the usual season of making our planta∣tions.

The Fibres being thus taken away, and by that means, the greater roots laid open to my full view, I am the better able to see the bad ones to take them quite off, and to discern the good ones to save them, and afterwards to regulate the cutting them to the exact length I would leave them of; and very often, when I find the roots of any Trees a little too much dried, I order them to be steeped seven or eight hours in water before I replant them.

When I speak of good and bad roots, it may be thought I mean by these latter, only such roots as are broken, or unbarked, or rotten, or dry; But yet I mean something of * 1.408 greater consequence; and that is, that every Tree that is planted, and especially every Nursery-Tree, shoots out sometimes, either all good roots, or all bad ones, or both good ones and bad ones at the same time, which comes to pass as follows.

A Tree planted with the preparations recommended by me, if it takes, must shoot forth new roots, or else it dies, all its old roots being of no service to it; And of those * 1.409 new ones, some are fair and thick, and some are feeble and small; the fair ones will spring either out of the Extremities of those which we left it, which is most to be desired, or else from some other part, that is, either from the body of the Tree, and consequently above the old roots, which composed the extream parts of the Tree, or from that part of the old ones that is nearest the Body of the Tree, whilst the old ones either have shot out nothing at all throughout their whole extent, or but very small roots out of their Extremities, and some thicker ones a little further off those Extremi∣ties.

In which two Cases, the thick ones growing either out of the Body of the Tree, or out of any part of the old roots but their ends, make all the rest both old and new insensibly to perish, and dwindle away, and therefore the perishing ones are to be coun∣ted bad, because if not taken away, they make the Tree grow Yellow and Languish in some part of its top, or head.

It is no hard matter to know the good ones from the bad ones, because that supposing according to the order of nature, the lower part of the Body of the Tree planted, should, as in truth it ought, be always bigger than the rest of it, and maintain it self always in that condition, yet if we perceive that part instead of enlarging it self proportionably to the rest of the body, according to the same order of nature, to remain on the contrary smaller than some part a little higher, from whence in effect we find some fair roots to spring, then the unthrifty part is to be looked upon as 'twere accursed, and abandoned by Mother Nature, which seems to take pleasure in bestowing its favours upon another, and consequently we must entirely cut away all that lesser part with all that it had shot forth before, (which many Gardiners call Pivot, but are mistaken, as I shall afterwards * 1.410 shew.)

The first thing to be done then in this case, is entirely to take away all that part of it that appears to be so abandoned and disgraced, as close as we can, to the part well nourished and which is as 'twere in favour, that we may only preserve those roots that spring from the fortunate part, what kind of ones, or in how small a number soever they be, for indeed the number of them should never be very great; and above all, we must take care as I have said, to take away the greatest part of the old ones, which, far from having any appearance of vigour and of youth, or a lively and fresh colour, look all Black, shriveled, and rugged, and worn out, and therefore we are only to esteem those which are fresh and new, and that we find at the same time well pla∣ced.

And these young ones are to be kept short proportionably to their length, the longest * 1.411 in Dwarf-Trees, of what bigness soever it be, which is commonly not very great, never being to exceed eight or nine Inches, nor much above a foot in Standards: We may leave a greater length the roots of Mulberry and Almond-Trees, because those of the first are very soft, and those of the second, very dry and hard, and therefore will be in danger of perishing, if they be cut too short.

After we have fixed the length of the biggest roots of our Fruit-Trees, I am to tell you, that the length of two or three, or four Inches will serve for the lesser and feebler ones, and that proportionably to the bigness of each, the least being always to be the shortest; and here as I have elsewhere told you, we must use a quite contrary method to that we practise in the pruning of the Branches.

One single rank or story of roots is enough, and I make more account of two or three roots well placed, than of twenty midling ones. I term roots to be well placed, when being round about the Tree foot, they are like so many lines drawn from the center to the Circumference.

And I would have all my Trees, as near as possible, so prepared, that without being planted they may be able to stand upright of themselves like so many nine-pins, and espe∣cially such as are designed for Dwarfs, or Standards to grow in the open Air; for to plant against Walls, because we must keep them always a little bending forward and that it is not convenient there should be any root turned towards the Wall, we must entirely cut away all those we find turned that way, and which in appearance were the worst, for having occasion to preserve the best, to be sure I always retrench those that were the worst qualified, and most inconveniently placed.

Methinks these Maximes are easie to be understood, and are so easie to practise, that any man that has but seen a Tree prepared according to their prescription, as 'tis repre∣sented in the figures therewith inserted, may be able to prepare all sorts of Trees, and especially of those sorts that are not very prickly, as Quince-Trees, Plum-Trees, Wildings of the Woods, &c. But in ordering of Trees that prick, as Wildings come of Kernels, Stones, &c. there, there is a little more difficulty.

And the better to enable my self to compass the ordering of them, as well as of easier * 1.412 Trees, I made coice of fifteen Trees, among the great number that I have taken up and replanted these five and twenty or 30 years, which were such in which I observed a∣ny remarkable difference in the situation of their roots, by which I found, that generally all Trees in the spreading of their roots imitated some one of those fifteen, so that having first caused them to be drawn out in figures, exactly as they were when newly pulled up, and afterwards when they were cut and trimmed, ordering them to be drawn over again in other plates, in the condition they were in then, to show how they must be order'd before they be planted, any Gentleman may after that model, regulate the operations that are to be made upon the roots of all sorts of Trees whatsoever.

I likewise thought it very convenient to have them drawn too, in the state they were in, while they were shooting out the new roots they produce after replanting, that every one might see what a Tree well prepared and well planted should do, to thrive and succeed well, and wherein it may have been faulty if it prospers not.

And when I have done all that I think fitting to the roots, then I endeavour discreetly to judge what depth the lowest roots require in the Ground, and what quantity of earth the highest roots must have laid over them; for they must be secured, and put out of the reach, as well of the Injuries of the Air, as of the delving tools, &c. and then I determine of what length or height the Tree must be above Ground, that I may have no occasion to touch it any more after 'tis planted; for we must needs shake and loosen it when we let alone cutting it till after 'tis planted, and that shaking seems to me to be very dangerous to the Tree.

We need not fear the Frost will do any harm to the place where the Tree is cut off, and shortned, there assuredly never hap'ning any inconvenience that way, as I can maintain to you by certain experience which you may venture to believe upon my word. The length of the Bodies of the Trees to be left above Ground to all sorts of Trees, * 1.413 is to be regulated as follows. If they be little, and to be planted in a dry Soil, they must be allowed six or seven Inches, because that in Summer, their head or top may be able to skreen their foot or rooting, from the burning heat of the Sun; In moist Grounds, they may have ten, or eleven, or twelve at most, that their head or top may not too much hinder the heat from imparting its influence to the foot or root which there has need of it: As for the height of the Bodies of Standards, that is always to be about six or seven Inches in all sorts of Grounds; for taller ones would be too apt to be shaken or torn up by the roots by the Winds, and shorter would be unpleasing to the sight, un∣less it were a whole entire Plantation of Half Standards, as is often practised for Plum-Trees, Cherry-Trees, &c.

We must have a great care in Peach-Trees, to leave them two or three good Eyes or Buds in that proportion of length, that is to remain to them, otherwise they will be in * 1.414 danger of producing nothing but wild Shoots.

I have already told you, that for all sorts of Trees, and especially for Dwarfs, I would chuse plants consisting but of one straight stick: As for Standard-Trees, I am not much against their having some Branches; and I willingly leave those Branches long, that being the feeblest cannot so well contribute to the beauty of the Figure, but yet may yield fruit soonest, and of the thick ones I leave two, or three, or sometimes four, which when well placed, may serve to begin the forming of a fair round top, and I shorten them to the length of seven or eight Inches.

CHAP. XX.

When and how to plant Trees when ready fitted and prepared for it.

THE first thing to be observed here, is, that in the season of planting, which as all the world knows, lasts from the end of October, to the middle of March, that is, from the time that the Trees quit their Leaves, till they are almost ready to begin to put forth new ones, we must choose dry, and mild weather, without troubling our heads to take any notice of the Age of the Moon, as formerly was practised, rainy wea∣ther is not only incommodious to the Gard'ner in his Work, but also hurtful to the Trees that are then planted, because the mold is then too apt to be reduced to a mortar-like consistance, which makes it not so proper to settle all cleverly down round about, and close to the roots without leaving some hollow between, which it is very expedient to prevent. Now, though all those months be equally fit to plant in, so that it may seem, the sooner it be done, the better, yet as I willingly affect to plant presently after Mar∣tlemas, in dry and light Grounds, so I care not to plant neither till the end of February, in cold and moist ones; because the Trees in these last can do nothing all Winter, and may more likely be spoiled there, than be able to preserve themselves, whereas in ligh∣ter Grounds, they may begin even that very same Autumn, to shoot out some small roots, which is a great advance to them to put them in the way of doing wonders in the fol∣lowing Spring.

The second observation is, that we are to regulate exactly all the distances which are to be between one Tree and another, whether they be Wall-Trees, Dwarfs, or Standards, that we may know perfectly both the number of Trees to be planted in general, and how many there are to be of every particular kind.

The third is, to regulate exactly the places to be assigned both to each sort of Tree, and to each particular Tree, I liking best that all the Fruits of the same season, should be placed in the same Canton, or Parcel of Ground.

The fourth is, to make even by a line, holes about the wideness and form of a hat; for I suppose trenches to be well made, and if so, the Hole, though little, will be big * 1.415 enough to plant the Tree in, and it would be but time, expence, and Labour lost, to make it bigger.

The fifth is to order every Tree to be carried and laid near its hole, before we begin to plant any of them; and if there be occasion to plant any Dwarf-Trees about any Squares, or to form a Quincunce, I would have the fairest, and best qualified placed par∣ticularly at the corners of the several Squares, or Ranks, and likewise in Wall-plantations. It's most convenient always to plant the sinest Trees, and those that bear the finest Fruits, in the most eminent places, and the most visited, as, near the Gates, and along those Fruit Walls near the fairest Walks.

Yet though I here make choice of the fairest, it do's not follow that we are never to plant any but such as are fair, and accompanied with all the hopeful appearances of thriving; Though it be true enough that after we have taken all the care we can to choose none but sine ones, yet some of them will be always siner than the others.

The Trees then being all carried and laid every one near its assigned place, if we be to plant Dwarfs, I begin with the corners of each Square, that they may serve to * 1.416 guide us to place the others direct in the same Lines; and if the Soil has been new∣ly dug up and moved, and mixed with a good quantity of long dung, so that it seems not to be so firm and close as it should be, I take care to sink my Trees but about half * 1.417 a foot, meaning that the extreamity of the lowest root of the Tree is but half a foot deep in the Earth, because as I reckon, the Ground will sink at least half a foot; and because it is better to plant too high, than two low, at the end of some months, my Trees will be found sunk about a foot into the Earth, which is the justest measure we can assign them in that respect, Trees planted deeper, almost always dying in a few years.

When I have planted the corner Trees, then I place a man at that rank I have a mind to plant, to adjust the Trees with a line, that they may be sure to be planted in a right line, and I take another man with a spade to cover up the roots of the Trees as fast as I present them in their places, and be informed by my line manager that they are right in the line, and so in one morning I will plant four or five hundred Dwarf-Trees with ease.

It is yet more easie to plant in a little time a great many Wall-Trees, because there is no need of using a line; but in forming a Quincunce, we cannot go so fast, because that, as every Tree must answer exactly to two ranks, there must be two Aliners, viz. one for each rank, and there is always some time lost before the Tree can be placed so exact∣ly as equally to answer two several ranks.

And we must not only be careful to plant our Trees a little high, and very straight, but we must be particularly mindful to turn their principal roots towards the good Soil; this being the most important point of all; so that though it be much to be desi∣red, that all Trees designed for Dwarfs, should appear straight upright upon their feet, after they are planted; yet if the disposition of their Roots which perhaps naturally incline to Pirot, or spread round, require that the Tree should be a little stooped, to give that good situation to its Roots which I desire they should have, that is, to give them scope to spread rather between two Earths, than to shoot right downward, I not only make no difficulty to hold the head or the top of the Tree a little stooped, and that always over the line that is stretched out by it, but I counsel it as a thing necessary; otherwise, the roots that shoot from such a Tree, being naturally inclined to follow the bent of those out of which they sprout, it will happen, that those roots being forced to shoot downwards as low as the bad mold towards the bottom, or beyond the reach of the rain water, the Tree will thereupon grow sick, and languish, and will make an ill-favoured figure, and bring but scurvy Fruit, and will at last die.

From what I have said of the good situation of the roots, it follows that if we be to plant any Trees along by the sides of any Walk or Alley, we must take care to avoid turning the principal roots towards the Alley side, and with much greater reason, ought we to do the same when we are planting Wall-Trees, and to take special care we leave not any good root of them, in vain to spend its force and vigour against the Walls.

This stooping of the head in low Trees, need not raise in us any scurple, or put us in any apprehension of spoiling the beauty either of their figure in particular, or of that of the whole plantation in general, because it is not the same case with Branches that are to spring forth, as 'tis with roots; for the Branches do not at all follow the Disposition of the stooping head; on the contrary, they grow regularly upright round about their trunk, and so because their rise is very near the Ground, their Trees make as a well shaped figure, as if they had been planted upright upon their center.

It is the standard Trees that are to grow in the full air, that we are necessarily oblig∣ed to plant as upright upon their center as 'tis possible; for otherwise their Trunks would always remain standing awry, and consequently would make an unseemly figure, and besides would be more subject to the insults of violent winds, and be apt to be over∣turned by them; and therefore for that same consideration, they must be planted a little deeper than other Trees, that is, they must be placed a full foot deep in the Ground, and though I caution people not to trample over the Ground where our small Trees are planted, for fear of making them sink too deep, and because they are in no danger of the Winds, on the contrary, I advise them to press the Ground as hard and close as as they can, against the feet of these Standards, to fasten them, and make them the firmer to resist the violence of the winds.

After the planting of every Tree, if I have the convenience of any dung-hills, I put a bed of two or three Inches thick of dung over every Tree foot, and cover it over at * 1.418 the same time with a little Mold, to hide it from being seen, as being no handsome sight.

This bed of dung is not so much to improve the Ground, which I suppose already to be good, and well prepared, as particularly to hinder the burning heat of the Months of April, May, and June, from penetrating to their roots, and by consequence from putting them out of due temper, and hindering them from performing their function, which would cause no less than the death of the Trees.

If I want dung, I content my self during those first dangerous Months, to cover the feet of my Trees with a bed of Weeds, or Fern; I hinder any thing from growing there * 1.419 that may shade or cloud the young shoots, and if there be a great drought, as it often happens, I order a pitcher of water to be poured upon each Tree foot, every fifteen days during the three or four hot Months, making first a kind of circular trench round the Tree that the water may pierce quite down to it, and when the water is all imbibed, I fill and make up this circle again, even with the rest of the Ground, so that 'tis not discerned.

But if the season prove rainy, those waterings will not be necessary. And after all these preparations, and precautions, yet we commonly think our selves happy enough if we can Stock our plantations so well, as to have but few Trees miscarry under our conduct.

CHAP. XXI.

How to order Trees planted for Reserves in Osier Cases, or Baskets.

BUT notwithstanding all this, because some Trees may happen to die, and yet as far as 'tis possible, it is to be desired, our plantation should be compleated the very first year, I use to prepare a greater number of Trees than I have actually need of to fill up my plantation, that I may always have some as 'twere in a Body of Reserve, and for that purpose, it is my practise at the same time I am filling up my plantations, to plant some Supernumenary Trees of every kind in Osier Cases, or Baskets, but more of Stone, than of Kernel Fruits, because those former most commonly are in greater hazard of dying than the others.

Accordingly I chuse out some good place in the Garden, (the most shady parts of it being the most proper for this effect) and there I plant some Trees in Osier Baskets, well ticketed, or at least carefully set down in my Book according to the order both of their Ranks, and of the respective places allotted to them in those Ranks, that I may have recourse to them, when any Tree shall happen to die or languish in its place; Being desirous, if it be possible, that my plantation should continue finished and com∣pleat as well in its figure, as in the kinds of Trees, according to my first modelling of it.

In order to which, I keep in a leaning posture in the Reservatory Baskets those Trees * 1.420 that are designed for the Wall, and in a straight and upright posture in the middle of the said Baskets, those that are intended for Dwarfs, that when I have occasion for either of them, I may the more commodiously remove and place them with Basket and all, so as the Tree may be every whit as well situated, as if it had been first planted there, which it would not be, if the Tree designed for a Wall-Tree, were placed bolt upright in the middle of the Basket, because we could not so easily bend the Tree towards the Wall; the same inconvenience almost happens if we be to plant for a Dwarf, a Tree that we find in a leaning posture in a Reservatory Basket, though of the two, that be easier to place well than the Tree designed for a Wall-Tree.

This operation of the Transporting of Reserve Trees, may be done till Mid-summer; and when we have a mind to go about it, we must first by way of preparation, water those Reserve Trees well that we design to remove, (which probably will be the fairest we have) and then move the Earth away neatly round about the Baskets, for fear of breaking the roots of the plants in case they have shot any beyond the compass of their Baskets; and we must ch〈…〉〈…〉 rainy weather to do it in, or at least weather that is mild and temperate, and a time when the Sun is low, or a little after he is set, or a little be∣fore he rises; and he must be extreamly carefull not to shake or loosen the Tree in the least manner in the World, neither when we are taking it up, nor when we are carry∣ing it off, nor when we are replacing it in its designed station, the shaking and loosening of it being in this case, very pernicious and often Mortal.

Now when in removing these Reserve Trees, we perceive any roots of them to have begun to shoot out of the Basket, we must first in placing it, be very careful to preserve the points of those new Roots, place them well, and support them with good mold, cover them immediately, and ramm the Earth close against the Basket, and then water the Ground pretty plentifully round about the Basket, to make the Earth next to it, cleave the closer about it, so as there may remain no hollow, which may be known by the waters not sinking so hastily when you pour it on the place as before; And this water∣ing is indispensably necessary in what manner soever we remove our Reserve Trees: And lastly, on those days when the Sun shines hot, we must cover the head of the Tree with straw Screens, till such time as it begins to sprout, and then we may begin to take them off a nights; But this last precaution is not necessary but when we see any new roots Sprout out of the Basket, or when the Tree has been shaken and loo∣sened.

The same care and caution we use in placing against Walls Trees thus brought up in Reserve Baskets: We must practise too in placing the same sort of Trees for Dwarfs or Standards, and above all, we must have a special care to leave those new roots as little as possible in the Air; otherwise they will presently grow Black, and consequently die.

I have nothing else to add about this head, but only directions how to make these * 1.421 Baskets, which must be made purposely, and so loose wrought that you may see through them, as well because the roots of the plants may the more easily grow through them, as that taking up less stuff, they may cost so much the less, and besides when there is so much stuff as to make them too thick and impenetrable, it do's but harm. They must be made of the greenest and freshest gathered Oster that is to be had, that being put quite green into the Earth, they may last the longer without Rotting, that is, at least a whole Year; for those that have been made any time, rot sooner. They must not be very deep, because then they would be too troublesome to remove, eight or nine Inches depth is enough, that when they are set into the Ground as deep as till their brims be covered, we may have room enough to put into them first about four or five Inches depth of Mold, and then the Tree, and after that, cover their roots with a little quantity of Earth more; and we may in removing these Reserve Trees with their Baskets, take off some of the uppermost Mold, if we find them too cumbersome to carry; But as I told you before, we must be very careful to ramm down the Earth close about the Baskets, that there remain no chink or hollow.

As to the bigness of the Baskets, it must be proportionable to the length of the roots of the Trees we design to plant in them: They must be at least big enough to afford us room to put in three or four Inches depth of Mold between the ends of the roots, and the Brim of the Basket, so that for Trees designed for Wall Trees, the Baskets need not be so large as otherwise, because those Trees are planted in them in a leaning posture, and therefore lie so near one side, that all their roots are turned to the other, and so their new roots may find room enough provided the Basket be wide enough; But for Trees designed for Dwarfs, because they must be planted in the middle, and there∣fore shoot out roots round about them, the Baskets for them must be a little Lar∣ger.

The Baskets likewise for Standards, must be proportionably greater than for low Trees. I need not tell you, that the Baskets must be round, because every Body knows that, though they might be made Oval or Square too, but then they would cost more and be never a whit the better.

The Difference therefore of the Bigness of Trees obliges us to make Baskets of three different Sizes, viz. Little ones of about a foot Diameter, Midling ones, of about fifteen or sixteen Inches, and Great ones, of about eighteen or twenty. The principal Quality most to be look'd after in them, is, that their bottom be strong and solid e∣nough to bear without bursting, the weight of Earth to be charged upon them, and that the Edges both above and below be so well wrought as not to unravel; There must be also a Welt round about the middle for the same reason.

And I am not content to make use of this precaution of Reserve-Trees at the time of my first planting any great plantations, but I practise it every year, for a certain finall number of Trees, according to the bigness of the plantation I have to cultivate, that when there happens any accident to any of the Trees placed in it, as there may happen many, I may remedy it assoon as I am threat'ned with it, or assoon as ever the accident happens; for in fine we should always be in a condition to keep our plantation full and compleat without suffering any Tree in it that will not comply with our design.

A little cost will put our minds at ease in this respect; and for want of that, we may lose much time and pleasure too.

It is now time for us to proceed to the Master Work of Gard'ners, which is Prun∣ing.

The End of the Third Part of Fruit and Kitchen-Gardens.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ipsa ratio aran∣di spe magis & jucunditate, quam fructu, at∣que emolumento tenetur, &c. Cicero.
• * 1.2

  Honestis mani∣bus omnia me∣lius proveniunt, quoniam & cu∣riosius fiunt. Plinius.
• * 1.3

  In foelix ager, cujus Dominus Villicum audit, non docet. Columella.
• * 1.4

  This is contrary to the Opinion of Theophrastus, who says, Stultum est a∣mittere radices, quas habemus, ut acquiramus novas. Contra Xenoph.
• * 1.5

  Vitio nostro agri∣cultura male ce∣dit, qui rem ru∣sticam pessimo cuique servorum velut carnifici noxae dedimus, quam majorum nostrorum opti∣mus quisque op∣time tractavit. Columella.
• * 1.6

  Pater ipse colen∣di, haud facilem esse viam voluit. Virg. Georg. 1. Labor omnia vincit improbus, & duris urgens in rebus egestas. Georg. 1.
• * 1.7

  In rebus agresti∣bus maxime of∣ficia Juvenum, & imperia se∣num congruunt. Palladius.
• * 1.8

  We must dread Gard'ners who prefer their In∣terest to their Honour and Re∣putation. Xenoph.
• * 1.9

  Quippe etiam festis, quadam exercere diebus, fas & jura si∣nunt. Virg. Geor. 1.
• * 1.10

  Villicus neque venandi, neque occupandi, neque negotiandi stu∣dio occupetur, sit in opere primus, & ultimus, ne quia s••ire se pu∣tet, quod nesciat, nec plus conseat se sapere quam Dominum. Plin. Primus vere ro∣sam, atque Au∣tumno carpere Ponia. Virg. Georg. 4.
• * 1.11

  The Vine of an unskilful Vine-dresser, and the Trees of an ig∣norant Gard'ner, seldom produce any thing be∣yond abundance of Leaves, in∣stead of the quantity of Fruit they should have born, had they been well pruin'd. Xenoph. The Skill of the Master makes good Disciples, and we seldom find good Ser∣vants in the House of a lazy unthrifty Ma∣ster. Xenophon.
• * 1.12

  Distrust those Gard'ners who boast of know∣ing what they are Ignorant of. Xenophon.
• * 1.13

  No Gard'ner can be good un∣less Skilful and Ignorance is the greatest Defect he can possibly have. Zenophon.
• * 1.14

  Ét vocavit De∣us aridam ter∣ram. Gen. cap. 1. v. 11.
• * 1.15

  Germinet terra herbam viren∣tem, &c. Gen. cap. 1. v. 11.
• * 1.16

  Spinas, & tribu∣los germinabit tibi, &c. Gen. cap. 3. v. 18. In laboribus co∣medes ex ea cun∣ctis diebus vitae tuae. Gen. cap. 3. v. 17.
• * 1.17

  Sponte sua quae se tollunt in lu∣minis aur as, in∣faecunda qui∣dem, sed laeta, & fortia sur∣gunt. Virg. Georg. 2.
• * 1.18

  Loquere terrae, & respondebit tibi, &c. Iob.
• * 1.19

  Nec vero terrae ferre omnes om∣nia possunt. Virg. Georg. 1.
• * 1.20

  Quid faciat l••∣tas segetes, &c. Virg. 1.
• * 1.21

  Optima putri arva solo: id venti curant, ge∣lidaeque pruinae, & labefacta mo∣vens robustus ju∣gera fossor. Georg. 2.
• * 1.22

  Cumulosque ruit male pin∣guts arenae. Georg. 1.
• * 1.23

  At quae pinguis humus, dulcique uligine laeta, quique frequens herbis & fertilis ubere campus. Georg. 2. & paulo post. Hic tibi praeva∣lidas olim, mul∣toque fluentes sufficiet Baccho vites hic fer∣tilis uvae, &c. Georg. 2. Densa, magis Cereri: rarissi∣ma quaeque Lyaeo. Et superlus. Alter a frumen∣tis quoniam fa∣vet, altera Bac∣cho. Ibidem Georg. 2.
• * 1.24

  Sponte sua quae se tollunt in Lu∣minis auras, in∣foecunda qui∣dem; sed laeta, & fortia sur∣gunt, quippe sol•• natura subest. Georg. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.25

  Sape etiam ste∣riles incendere profuit agros. Georg. 1.
• * 1.26

  Nigra fere & presso pinguis sub vomere ter∣ra. Georg. 2.
• * 1.27

  The usual ad∣vantages of ri∣sing Grounds.
• * 1.28

  Triste Lupus stabulis, matu∣ris frugibus im∣bres, arboribus venti, &c. Vir∣gil. buc. Ecl. 3.
• * 1.29

  Aqua nutrix omnium virgul∣torum, & di∣versos singulis usus ministrat, &c. Ex D. Hie∣ronimo.
• * 1.30

  Anima mea, sicut terra sine aqua. Psal. Reg.
• * 1.31

  Optima sterco∣ratio vestigia domini. Ex Pln∣tarch.
• * 1.32

  At sceleratum exquirere frigus difficile est. Georg. 2. Labor omnia vincit improbus, &c. Virg. Georg. 1.
• * 1.33

  Exigua tantum gelidus ros no∣cte reponet. Georg. 2.
• * 1.34

  Et cui putre so∣lum (namque hoc imi tamur a∣rando.) Georg. 2.
• * 1.35

  Optima putri arva solo; id venti curant, ge∣lidaeque pruinae, & labefacta mo∣vens, robustus jugera fossōr. Georg. 2.
• * 1.36

  Prima Ceres ferro mortales vertere terram instituit, cum jam glandes, at∣que arbuta sacrae deficerent silvae, & victum do∣dona negaret. Georg. 1.
• * 1.37

  Cultaque fre∣quenti in quas∣cumque voces artes, haud tar∣da sequentur. Georg. 2.
• * 1.38

  Omne quot an∣nis terque qua∣ter{que} solum scin∣dendum, gl••ba∣que versis. Ae∣ternum ••rangen∣da bidentibus. Georg. 2.
• * 1.39

  Et caeca relaxat spiran enta, no∣vas veniat qua, succus in herbas. Georg. 1.
• * 1.40

  〈…〉〈…〉cetque fre∣〈…〉〈…〉llqrem, 〈…〉〈…〉perat 〈…〉〈…〉g. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 1.41

  Rapidive poten∣tia solis ac••••or, aut boreae pene∣trabile frigus adurat. Georg. 1.
• * 1.42

  Fundit humo facilem victum justissima tel∣〈◊〉〈◊〉. George. 2.
• * 1.43

  Germinet terra herbam viten∣tem, &c. Ge∣nese.
• * 1.44

  Arida tantum ne saturare fi∣mo pingui pude∣at sola, &c. Georg. 1. Humida majo∣res herbas alit, ipsaque justo lae∣tior, Georg. 2.
• * 1.45

  The variety of Dungs.
• * 1.46

  The choice of Dung.
• * 1.47

  Proper times to turn Earth.
• * 1.48

  Et cui putre solum. Georg. 2.
• * 1.49

  No Dung for Trees.
• * 1.50

  Et quid quaeque fer at regio, & quid quaeque re∣cuset, &c. Georg. 1.
• * 1.51

  The Design of the Order of this Part.
• * 1.52

  Advertise∣ments.
• * 1.53

  Melior est culta exiguitas, quam neglecta magni∣tudo. i. e. A little Ground well til∣led, is better than a great deal that lies negle∣cted. Palladius.
• * 1.54

  Res Agrestis est infidiosissima cunctanti. Co∣lumella. Imbecillior ager, quam Agriola esse debet, quom∣am cum sit cum eo colluctandum, si fundus praeva∣leat, allidit Do∣minum. Ibid.
• * 1.55

  Gravem pati∣tur Tributis cre∣ditorem, qui A∣grum colit, cui sine spe Absolu∣tionis astrictus est. Palladius.
• * 1.56

  Non aliter qui adverso vix flu∣mine lembum, remigiis subigit. Virg. Georg. 1. My Taste and Judgment in Pears.
• * 1.57

  What is to be thought of Fruit Pyramids, and how they are to be order'd. In this and the two next Paragraphs.
• * 1.58

  Whether it be fit to Plant any Dwarf-trees in little Gardens.
• * 1.59

  What Sorts of Dwarf-fruit-trees are fittest to be Planted in little Gardens. And first, what Trees not proper, and why?
• * 1.60

  The Pear-tree of all the most proper to be Planted in little Gardens, and why.
• * 1.61

  What the Au∣thor advises to Gentlemen over hasty for Fruit, with the Incon∣veniences fol∣lowing it.
• * 1.62

  What Method may be taken in spacious Gardens to have Fruit both soon and fair, while their principal Garden is growing to Perfection.
• * 1.63

  The Effects of the Difference of Climates.
• * 1.64

  As also of the Difference of Soils, and Tem∣pers of Years in the same Cli∣mate
• * 1.65

  Autumn and Winter-fruits not to hang too long on the Trees.
• * 1.66

  The Ripening of Muscat-Grapes a certain Rule to know the temper of th•• Year and Soil, and the Ripeness of o∣ther Fruits by.
• * 1.67

  Four several Sea∣sons of Fruits, and how reckon∣ed.
• * 1.68

  Of the Summer-Season.
• * 1.69

  Fruits in June.
• * 1.70

  Fruits in July.
• * 1.71

  Fruits in August.
• * 1.72

  Fruits in Septem∣ber.
• * 1.73

  Fruits in Octo∣ber.
• * 1.74

  Fruits in No∣vember.
• * 1.75

  Fruits in Decem∣ber.
• * 1.76

  Fruits in Janu∣ary.
• * 1.77

  Fruits of Febru∣ary, March and April.
• * 1.78

  Precedence of Maturity accor∣ding to the dif∣ference of Ex∣positions.
• * 1.79

  The ordinary lasting of the Fruits of every sort of Tree. And first of Sum∣mer-Fruits. Secondly, of those of the be∣ginning of Au∣tumn; and,
• * 1.80

  Thirdly, of the Fruits of the lat∣ter Season, and of Winter.
• * 1.81

  A Winter Bon∣cretien preferr'd to the first place.
• * 1.82

  Reasons for the Preference of the Winter Bon∣cretien.
• * 1.83

  Its Antiquity.
• * 1.84

  Its old Roman Name, Volemum or Crustumium.
• * 1.85

  Its Modern Name.
• * 1.86

  The Description and Praises of this Pear.
• * 1.87

  Tyger-babbs, a pernicious Insect infesting Wall-pears.
• * 1.88

  No really diffe∣rent kinds o〈…〉〈…〉 Winter-Boncre∣tien.
• * 1.89

  The Description and Commen∣dation of the Butter-pear.
• * 1.90

  The Conditions necessary to con∣stitute an Excel∣lent Pear.
• * 1.91

  The Autumn Bergamot,
• * 1.92

  Its Description and Character.
• * 1.93

  The second place adjudged to a Dwarf-pear-tree, wherein the Butter-pear is to be prefered to the Virgoulee.
• * 1.94

  How to prevent the ill Taste in Virgoulee-Pears, and from what Cause that Taste proceeds.
• * 1.95

  The Marks of goodness or bad∣ness in Virgoulee-pears.
• * 1.96

  A singular Re∣mark about Vir∣goulee-pears.
• * 1.97

  November, De∣cember and Ja∣nuary.
• * 1.98

  November, De∣cember and Ja∣nuary.
• * 1.99

  November, De∣cember and Ja∣nuary.
• * 1.100

  November, De∣cember and Ja∣nuary.
• * 1.101

  The Russelet or Russetin-pear described.
• * 1.102

  Compote, Fruit stew'd in Sugar, after a manner peculiar to the French.
• * 1.103

  August and September. The several Names of the Robine-pear.
• * 1.104

  The Robine-pear Described and Commended.
• * 1.105

  Its Desects.
• * 1.106

  The Crasanne its Names, and why given. Its Description.
• * 1.107

  The S. Germain-pear; Its Names and Description.
• * 1.108

  The Marchioness Pear described.
• * 1.109

  The Colmar-pear; its Names.
• * 1.110

  Its Description.
• * 1.111

  The Petit-oin, its names,
• * 1.112

  Its Description and Character.
• * 1.113

  The Louise-bonne, or Good-Louise-Pear De∣scribed.
• * 1.114

  The Verte-Longue, or Long-green-Pear. Its Names. Its Description.
• * 1.115

  The Lansac-Pear. Its Names. Its Description.
• * 1.116

  A. November and December. B. November. C. November, De∣cember and Ja∣nuary. D. November, De∣cember, January and February. E. November and December. F. Middle-October. G. October.
• * 1.117

  Directions how to accommodate our ground to all sorts of Trees.
• * 1.118

  The Dry Mar∣tin, its Names. Its Description.
• * 1.119

  The Messire-John described.
• * 1.120

  The Portal-Pear.
• * 1.121

  Its Description and good Qua∣lities.
• * 1.122

  The St. Augu∣stin-Pear.
• * 1.123

  Several diffe∣rent sorts of it.
• * 1.124

  Its Description.
• * 1.125

  The End of De∣cember. A. Mid-October. B. September and October.
• * 1.126

  The Little Mus∣cat-pear. Its Praise.
• * 1.127

  A. The Beginning of July. B. The Beginning of July.
• * 1.128

  The middle of July.
• * 1.129

  The Muscat-Ro∣bert, its names.
• * 1.130

  Its Description.
• * 1.131

  The Vine-pear, its Names. Its Description.
• * 1.132

  Mid-July.
• * 1.133

  The Skinless-pear; its Names and Description.
• * 1.134

  The Flowry-Muscat describ'd.
• * 1.135

  The Musked Summer Boncre∣tien described.
• * 1.136

  The Orange-green-pear de∣scribed.
• * 1.137

  The Doyenne or Dean-pear, its names.
• * 1.138

  Its Description.
• * 1.139

  Besi de la Motte, a new Pear De∣scribed.
• * 1.140

  The Summer-Pear-trees Spe∣cified.
• * 1.141

  The Autumn-Pears Specified.
• * 1.142

  The Winter-Pears, Specified.
• * 1.143

  August.
• * 1.144

  End of October, Mid-November.
• * 1.145

  Entrance of Ju∣ly. End of July.
• * 1.146

  February, and March.
• * 1.147

  The Summer-Pear Specified.
• * 1.148

  Those of Au∣tumn Specified.
• * 1.149

  Those of Winter Specified.
• * 1.150

  The Bourdon, or Humble-Bee-Pear Described.
• * 1.151

  The Espargne, or Reserve-Pear Described.
• * 1.152

  The Maudlin-Pear Described.
• * 1.153

  The Sugar-green-Pear De∣scribed.
• * 1.154

  The Bugi, or Easter-Bergamot Described.
• * 1.155

  Mid-July.
• * 1.156

  October and November.
• * 1.157

  The Double-Flower, or Dou∣ble-Flower'd-Pear Described.
• * 1.158

  The Frank-Roy∣al Pear Descri∣bed.
• * 1.159

  The Angober-Pear Described.
• * 1.160

  The Besidery-Pear Described.
• * 1.161

  The Great-Oni∣onet, or Onion-Pear. Its Names and Description.
• * 1.162

  The Ronville-Pear Described.
• * 1.163

  Its Faults.
• * 1.164

  The Sranish-Boucretien-Pear described.
• * 1.165

  The Salviati∣pear described.
• * 1.166

  The Musked-Blanquet, or White-pear; Its Season and De∣scription.
• * 1.167

  The Pastourelle pear described.
• * 1.168

  The English Butter-Pear de¦scribed.
• * 1.169

  The Cat-burnt, or Maiden-Pear described.
• * 1.170

  Its Description is after that of the Pound-pear.
• * 1.171

  The Pound-pear, its Names and Description.
• * 1.172

  The Russelin-pear, its Names:
• * 1.173

  Its Description.
• * 1.174

  See its descri∣ption next to that of the Bou∣chet, after the end of the fourth hundred of trees.
• * 1.175

  The Bouchet-pear described.
• * 1.176

  The Pendar, or Hanging-pear described.
• * 1.177

  The Cat-pear, its Season and Description.
• * 1.178

  The Besi de Caissoy-pear, or Russet of Anjou; its Season and Description.
• * 1.179

  The St. Francis-pear described in short.
• * 1.180

  The Musked O∣range-pear de∣scribed.
• * 1.181

  The Greai Fre∣ment described.
• * 1.182

  i. e. Commend; if you please, large Fields, but chuse but little ones to culti∣vate.
• * 1.183

  The Carmelite-pear described.
• * 1.184

  Though these three last kinds are here counted in the number of the Dwarf-trees for Winter-fruit, yet they come in Season all three in Autumn, but that need not disturb the order here observed. The Rose-pear described.
• * 1.185

  The Caillot-rosat described.
• * 1.186

  The Villain-pear of Anjou, its other Names and Description.
• * 1.187

  What Summer-Pear Standards are fit to be Planted.
• * 1.188

  What Autumnal ones, and what Winter ones.
• * 1.189

  Bakeing and Preserving Pears, with Cherries, &c. and Apples, &c. best Planted apart in separate Orchards.
• * 1.190

  Standards to be much less Trim∣med in their Heads than Dwarfs, to make them bear so much the soon∣er.
• * 1.191

  That is, places near High-ways, where many People pass.
• * 1.192

  To what Pear-Trees the Wall is absolutely ne∣cessary.
• * 1.193

  Seven principal sorts of Fating and Preserving Apples.
• * 1.194

  Other sorts less valuable, but yet good.
• * 1.195

  Apples described in general.
• * 1.196

  The Two sorts of Pippins, Gray and VVhite.
• * 1.197

  Their Season and Character.
• * 1.198

  The Summer and Autumn-Calvills. described.
• * 1.199

  Their Season and Character.
• * 1.200

  The Fennellet, Fennell-Apple, de∣scribed.
• * 1.201

  Its Season and Character.
• * 1.202

  The Cour-pendu, or short-stalk'd Apple, described.
• * 1.203

  Its Season and Character.
• * 1.204

  The Api de∣scribed.
• * 1.205

  Its Season and Character,
• * 1.206

  The Violet-Apple described.
• * 1.207

  Its Character and Season.
• * 1.208

  Other pretended Violet-Apples.
• * 1.209

  The Black Ice-Apple described.
• * 1.210

  The Rambour de∣scribed.
• * 1.211

  The Cousinottes described.
• * 1.212

  The Orgerans of little worth. The Star-Apple described.
• * 1.213

  Jerusalem-Apples described.
• * 1.214

  The English-Pairmain de∣scribed.
• * 1.215

  Golden-Pippins described.
• * 1.216

  Ice-Apples de∣scribed.
• * 1.217

  The Francatu's described.
• * 1.218

  The Haute-bonte's High-goodnesses, or Blandilalies, described. The Rouvezeau's described. The Chesnut-Ap∣ples described. The Blossomless, or Flowerless-Ap∣ple, otherwise the Fig-Apple, described. The Petit-bon, or Little-good. The Rose-Apple described.
• * 1.219

  Paradise-Apple-stocks, how com∣modious to graft the best Apple-Trees upon.
• * 1.220

  They may be fitly placed be∣tween the Dwarf-pear-trees planted about 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Squares in Kitchin-gardens.
• * 1.221

  What proportion of Trees of each choice sort of Apples, it is best to plant, from the total Number of Fifty, to se∣veral Hundreds.
• * 1.222

  What sorts of Apple-trees, and in what propor∣tion, it is best to plant in little Gardens.
• * 1.223

  The Inconveni∣encies of great Dwarf-Apple-trees, on Crab-stocks, &c. Great Standards in separate Or∣chards, best for Apples, and how to be managed.
• * 1.224

  Of the quan〈…〉〈…〉 of Walls
• * 1.225

  Of the several Figures of Gar∣dens, and their convenience, or inconvenience.
• * 1.226

  The number of Expositions and that it cannot ex∣ceed four.
• * 1.227

  What is meant by Expositions.
• * 1.228

  The four Exposi∣tions, Easterly, VVesterly. Norther∣ly and Southerly, defined and ex∣plained.
• * 1.229

  The Sun always shines upon two Walls at once and how.
• * 1.230

  When the Sun seems to stand, and shines a small moment upon the three Walls at once.
• * 1.231

  What is the ex∣tent and content of an Arpent, or Paris Acre.
• * 1.232

  What quantity of compass such an Acre or Arpent may have, and what Walling it may require in several sorts of Figures, as a perfect Squaes. &c.
• * 1.233

  A pretty Geome∣trical remark up∣on subinclosures made out of greater ones.
• * 1.234

  The number and distances of Trees to be ordered ac∣cording to the different height of the Walls, or quality of the Ground.
• * 1.235

  A Difficulty ex∣plained in or∣dering of wall-trees. In what case, e∣ven in good Soils, they are to be placed nearer one another, than otherwise.
• * 1.236

  Of what height Walls ought to be, and the seve∣ral allowable proportions of that height, viz. never to be less than 7 or 8, and never more than 15 or 16 Foot.
• * 1.237

  Leaning Walls not proper.
• * 1.238

  Grapes require the least distance of any wall-fruit.
• * 1.239

  Fig-trees need most of any, and why.
• * 1.240

  Trees in relation to distances, di∣vided into Two Classes, viz. 1. requiring large distances, and 2. requiring smaller; and what Fruits be∣long to each. The chief Rules for distances ta∣ken from the height of the walls, and quali∣ty of the Soil. Rules for the first size of walls of Seven or Eight Foot high. The distance.
• * 1.241

  Reasons for the distance of 12 Foot sometimes in Plantations a∣against such walls.
• * 1.242

  Objected Incon∣veniences and Fears Answered and Remedied.
• * 1.243

  Rules for walls of between Nine and Eleven Foot.
• * 1.244

  Rules for walls of Eleven or Twelve Foot.
• * 1.245

  The Author will suppose all walls about the height of 9 Foot, being the most ordina∣ry height, and all grounds to be of a midling goodness, and lay down his ge∣neral directions according to that Foot.
• * 1.246

  The pretensions of Grapes to the first place in a wall-plantation.
• * 1.247

  The praises of that Fruit.
• * 1.248

  All Fruits thrive not every where.
• * 1.249

  Divisae arboribus Patria, Trees are distinguished by their several Countries, as well as Men, Virg. Georg. 2.
• * 1.250

  How many sorts there are of Muscat, or Muscatel Grapes. The Muscat, the best Grapes that ripen in the Pa∣ris Climate.
• * 1.251

  Here are de∣scribed all the good qualities of an excellent Grape.
• * 1.252

  The Pretensions and Praises of Peaches.
• * 1.253

  Those Peaches most admirable that grow in the open Air, and why. But such not to be had in Paris Climate, but in some City-Gar∣dens favoured by lofty w••ls, or 〈…〉〈…〉dings.
• * 1.254

  How to draw out the bearing Branches to give the Fruit the ad∣vantage of the open Air till they are ripe.
• * 1.255

  The effect of that Method.
• * 1.256

  What Peaches will not suffer that method, and why.
• * 1.257

  Country-Gar∣dens not fit for Dwarf-peach-trees, but only for wall-ones and why.
• * 1.258

  The Authours Plea for, and Commendation of Choice Plums.
• * 1.259

  The wall pro∣duces a better effect in Plums than in other Fruit.
• * 1.260

  Figs at last pre∣ferred to the first Wall Station. Their Elogy.
• * 1.261

  As rare as a rare good Musk-melon.
• * 1.262

  Figs not hurtful to the health.
• * 1.263

  Fig-trees bear twice a year. The first Figs called Fig-flowers, and the others second Figs.
• * 1.264

  The latter Figs best, and why.
• * 1.265

  But two sorts of Figs excellent in France, viz. the great round, and great long white Figs. The long best, and why.
• * 1.266

  Compared with other Figs.
• * 1.267

  The good quali∣ties required in an excellent Fig.
• * 1.268

  A Catalogue of some other sorts. The Black Fig described. Its Character.
• * 1.269

  Great Yellow Fig described.
• * 1.270

  Great Violet Figs long and flat, lit∣tle worth. The Green Fig described.
• * 1.271

  The little gray Fig. or Mellete described. The Medot Yellow Fig. Another Black Fig described.
• * 1.272

  The Small white or Hasting Fig.
• * 1.273

  The little Bour∣jassete Fig descri∣bed, good but not Fruitful.
• * 1.274

  The Angelick Fig described.
• * 1.275

  The Avant, or Forward white Peach described. Ripe at the be∣ginning of July. The Trey Peach described, ripe at the end of Ju∣ly, and entrance of August.
• * 1.276

  Peaches that ripen in August.
• * 1.277

  September Peaches
• * 1.278

  The Nivettes come in when the Admirables are going out and are also ex∣cellent. The Pau, white Andillis, and Narbon Peaches, ripe at the same time, and are fair, but not good.
• * 1.279

  October Peaches.
• * 1.280

  The general word of Peaches distinguisht into Peaches, Brug∣nons, and Pavies, 32 sorts of Peaches, of 3 Brug∣nons, and 7 of Pavies. Peaches, strictly so called, what.
• * 1.281

  Brugnons, what called by us, Nectarins. Pavies, what. The Fancy of some about the many sorts of Pavies, and about Male and Female Peaches, tho an old Tradition of Gard'ners, Ridi∣••ul'd.
• * 1.282

  The vanity of some People of multiplying spe∣cies without Grounds.
• * 1.283

  The good quali∣ties of Peaches. The first good quality.
• * 1.284

  A remark in cut∣ting a Peach.
• * 1.285

  The second good quality.
• * 1.286

  The third good quality.
• * 1.287

  The fourth qua∣lification.
• * 1.288

  The fifth qualifi∣cation.
• * 1.289

  Two faults in the bigness. Distinguisht into Hectical and Dropsical, and their Description.
• * 1.290

  Indifferent quali∣ties in Peaches. Which consist only in the dif∣ferences of their Howers or Blos∣soms, which are here specified.
• * 1.291

  The bad qualities of Peaches. The first.
• * 1.292

  The second.
• * 1.293

  The third.
• * 1.294

  The fourth.
• * 1.295

  The fifth, and sixth.
• * 1.296

  Seventhly, Another fault to come short or ex∣ceed in ripeness. How to know when a Peach it just ripe, and when too much, or too little.
• * 1.297

  Other faults, to grow on a sick Branch, or to ri∣pen too soon, or too late.
• * 1.298

  Eight or Nine sorts of bad Peaches, and two of Brugnons, or Nectarins, con∣demned and ex∣cluded, and which they are.
• * 1.299

  The Author's O∣pinion and Ad∣vice about Pavies in this Paragraph, and the next.
• * 1.300

  The Menstrous, or Pompene, Pa∣vie.
• * 1.301

  Kinds of Plums almost infinite.
• * 1.302

  The good Quali∣ties of Plums. Good Plums need no Sugar raw. The excellent Plums Enume∣rated.
• * 1.303

  The bad Quali∣ties of Plums. And some of the worst sorts of Plums specified.
• * 1.304

  Perdrigons least subject to Worms. Indifferent Qua∣lities of Plums.
• * 1.305

  The shapes of Plums. Very Long Plums.
• * 1.306

  Longish Plums.
• * 1.307

  Round, and al∣most square and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 P〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.308

  Coloars of Plums Yellowish white Plums.
• * 1.309

  Violet red Plums.
• * 1.310

  Violet black Plums.
• * 1.311

  Plain black Plums.
• * 1.312

  Green Plums▪
• * 1.313

  Gray Plums.
• * 1.314

  Red Plums. Of the Crease in Plums.
• * 1.315

  Of the bigness of Plums. Large Plums. Little Plums.
• * 1.316

  Extream large Plums.
• * 1.317

  All Plums good raw, good also to bake, &c. Some are only good to bake, &c. Plums good to make Prunes. Plums good in Competes, or wet Sweat-meats, &c.
• * 1.318

  The Pulp in all Plums, yellow more or less, but of no effect to their goodness.
• * 1.319

  Most Plums quit not their Stones whether good or bad.
• * 1.320

  Damask Plums quit their Stoues casiliest.
• * 1.321

  But four or five sorts, fit to be planted by Walls, and which they are. Empresses and Mirabelles, ad∣ded sometimes, and why.
• * 1.322

  The Authors sense about A∣pricocks.
• * 1.323

  Standard Apri∣cocks best.
• * 1.324

  The Wall-ones larger and fairer.
• * 1.325

  The little July Hasting or for∣ward Apricock.
• * 1.326

  The Common and larger one, about Mid July.
• * 1.327

  No green Fruit so good to pre∣serve, as Apri∣cocks.
• * 1.328

  The Anjou Sweet Kernel'd Apricock.
• * 1.329

  The several Ex∣positions, repeated.
• * 1.330

  Fig-trees, where to be placed.
• * 1.331

  The regulation of Wall-trees in a little Garden of the extent of ten Toises or Fathoms at one side, and a little more on the o∣ther.
• * 1.332

  A description of the Violet Perdri∣gon Plum.
• * 1.333

  The choice Peach-trees recommen∣ded.
• * 1.334

  The Admirable Peach described.
• * 1.335

  How to cure dis∣eased Peach-trees.
• * 1.336

  A Toise is two yards, six Foot, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.337

  The Minion Peach described and commended. Its defects.
• * 1.338

  The fair Chevreuse or Goat-peach de∣scribed. The order of ripening of these Peaches.
• * 1.339

  The Chevreuse Peach further commended.
• * 1.340

  Its faults, and their causes.
• * 1.341

  The Nivette or Velvet-peach described. Its Elogy.
• * 1.342

  The Trees advi∣sed for the Midling or VVest∣ern Expositions
• * 1.343

  The Purple or Vinous-peach, its Character in this and the next Paragraph.
• * 1.344

  The Trees advi∣sed for the Nor∣thern Exposition. 4 Pear-trees, &c.
• * 1.345

  The total suppu∣tation of the choice Wall-trees advised for the stocking of a Garden of 22 or 24 Fathoms in Compass.
• * 1.346

  Continued for a Garden of 60 Toises or Fathoms Compass.
• * 1.347

  From which it will be continu∣ed, still augmen∣ting to the num∣ber of 600 Toi∣ses or Fathoms of good Expositi∣on, and 1200 in all.
• * 1.348

  1200 Toises or Fathoms of Wall-Trees, enough for any subject of the greatest qua∣lity.
• * 1.349

  What quantity of Fruit every hun∣dred foot of Peach-Trees may yield, at 5 or 6 Years old, &c.
• * 1.350

  A remark about Ants.
• * 1.351

  The Persick Peach described with its Character.
• * 1.352

  The Violet Brug∣non or Nectarin, its Description and Character.
• * 1.353

  The St. Catharine Plum described. The effect of a good Wall, &c.
• * 1.354

  The Apricock-peach. The San∣dalie, or Yellow Admirable-peach.
• * 1.355

  Its Character.
• * 1.356

  The latter Violet, or Marble peach. Its Description and Character.
• * 1.357

  The Character of a Bourdin-peach.
• * 1.358

  The qualities and Character of an Avant or For∣ward peach. Ripens a Month before the rest. Its Description.
• * 1.359

  What Figure is best for a fine Garden to be of.
• * 1.360

  The effect of the Northern Ex∣position in Pear-trees.
• * 1.361

  The Italian Peach described. It is a kind of For∣ward Persick.
• * 1.362

  The Characters and Description of the Peach 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or latter-Ad∣mirable.
• * 1.363

  The Description and Character of the Rossans.
• * 1.364

  The Red Alberge peach. Its de∣scription and Character.
• * 1.365

  The Apricock Plum described, and compared with the St. Ca∣tharine.
• * 1.366

  The Red Maud∣lin-peach descri∣bed. No diffe∣rent kinds of it.
• * 1.367

  Its Character.
• * 1.368

  The Bellegarde Peach described.
• * 1.369

  The Roche-Cour∣on Plnm excel∣lent.
• * 1.370

  The White Pavie described.
• * 1.371

  The Red Great Pompons Pavie, called the Mon∣strous Pavie de∣scribed. Its E∣logy.
• * 1.372

  The Corinthian Grapes.
• * 1.373

  The White An∣dilly Peach. Its Description and Character.
• * 1.374

  The Bourdelais Grape, called in Paris, the Ver∣juice Grape, de∣scribed.
• * 1.375

  The Empress Plum. What.
• * 1.376

  When Apricock or Plum-Trees may be mixed with Peach-Trees, and when not.
• * 1.377

  The Azeroll or Garden Haw De∣scribed.
• * 1.378

  The Early Grape, or Black Morillon Described. It ripens in the beginning of Ju∣ly.
• * 1.379

  Tiger Babbs.
• * 1.380

  How to order a Plum or Cherry Garden.
• * 1.381

  Sixteen choice Sorts of Plums good every way. Plums good only to Dry, Preserve, &c.
• * 1.382

  The Plums the Author most preferrs, and their order of precedence.
• * 1.383

  Which only to be reared on Standard-Trees. A Plum Garden of 80 or 100 Trees affords Plums e∣nough for all uses.
• * 1.384

  Guignes or Gu∣ings, their Cha∣racter. The second For∣ward Cherry. Their Character, chiefly good for Early Compotes, &c.
• * 1.385

  Monmorancy, Cou∣lardy or Large Preserving Cher∣ries.
• * 1.386

  The best sort of Common Cherry described. The same Tree bears Long and Short Stalk'd Cherries. The Bigarro de∣scribed and com∣mended. The Griot, or A∣griot described.
• * 1.387

  Merises of com∣mon Black-Cher∣ries described.
• * 1.388

  Where to plant standard Mulber∣ry, Apricock, and Almond-Trees.
• * 1.389

  What number to plant of each.
• * 1.390

  Almonds com∣mended. Their Season July and August, when green.
• * 1.391

  Some few Med∣lar Trees also to be added in pla∣ces least in view.
• * 1.392

  As also some Quince-Trees.
• * 1.393

  And lastly a few Azeroll or Gar∣den Haw Dwarf-Trees.
• * 1.394

  Fruit Trees to be bought of none but Gard'ners of known skill &c.
• * 1.395

  When Tree Stocks and plants are to be chosen; And Directions what chiefly to consider in them.
• * 1.396

  Marks of Vigo∣rous Plants. Marks of unsound Plants.
• * 1.397

  Marks of Bad Peach Plants. Of what thick∣ness and Age they should, or should not be.
• * 1.398

  The thickness and Age re∣quired in Plum-Trees, Apricock-Trees, and Aze∣roll or Garden Haw-Trees.
• * 1.399

  The proportion of Apple-Trees grafted on para∣dise stocks. The proportion and other good qualities required in Standard Plants. How Trees should be shaped and fashioned.
• * 1.400

  Now to choose Trees when al∣ready taken up. Marks of Trees spoiled.
• * 1.401

  Good qualificati∣ons required in the roots of young Trees.
• * 1.402

  Marks of a Dying Tree.
• * 1.403

  What caution is to be used in taking up Trees.
• * 1.404

  Other signs of decaying or Dying Plants taken from their Roots.
• * 1.405

  Roots to be well placed, and what it is to be so.
• * 1.406

  The Author's Me∣thod in Triming the Roots of Trees.
• * 1.407

  How to order the Roots of a Tree that has been longer pulled up.
• * 1.408

  What the Author means by Good and bad Roots.
• * 1.409

  Notes how to distinguish them, and instructions how to deal with them.
• * 1.410

  Pivot, a Hinge or Axel-Tree.
• * 1.411

  Of what length the good Roots are to be left in Dwarfs, Stan∣dards, &c.
• * 1.412

  Fifteen Eng•••• en different Figures of Trees, with their Roots most difficultly dispo∣sel for cutting, inserted by the Author in this Book taken from the Life. All difficult dis∣posures of roots may be Learnt, and ordered by those Figures.
• * 1.413

  The Author's Regulation of the height or Length fit to be left to the Bodies of Trees above Ground.
• * 1.414

  A necessary caution about Peach Trees.
• * 1.415

  The fourth to make convenient Holes, or Tren∣ches, to plant them in, &c.
• * 1.416

  The Author's Method of Dwarf-Trees, &c.
• * 1.417

  Of What Depth Trees are to be planted.
• * 1.418

  The use of Dung about Trees.
• * 1.419

  A bed of Weeds or fern may serve in want of Dung. In very dry wea∣ther, to be water∣ed every 15 days in the hot months.
• * 1.420

  How to be pla∣••••d.
• * 1.421

  How the Baskets must be made and proportio∣ned.