s berries; then sow them in rich ground in
March, by scores in a heap; and indeed so they will come up in
clusters, but nothing so well, nor fit for transplantation, as where
they are interr'd with a competent scattering, so as you would furrow
pease: Both this way, and by setting them apart (which I most commend) I
have rais'd multitudes, and that in the berries, kept in sand till the
Spring, without any farther preparation; only for the first two years,
they would be defended from the piercing winds, which frequently destroy
them; and yet the scorching of their tender leaves ought not to make you
despair, for many of them will recover beyond expectation; nay, tho'
quite cut down, they repullulate and produce young suckers: Such as are
rais'd of berries, may at 3 years growth be transplanted; which let
alone too long, are difficult to take.

21. This aromatic tree greatly loves the mothers shade, (under which
nothing else will prosper) yet thrives best in our hottest gravel,
having once pass'd those first difficulties: Age, and culture about the
roots, wonderfully augment its growth; so as I have seen trees near
thirty foot high of them, and almost two foot diameter. They make
walking-staves, strait, strong and light, for old gentlemen; and are fit
also both for arbour and palisade-work, so the gardener understand when
to prune and keep it from growing too woody. And here I cannot but take
notice of those beautiful case-standards, which of late you have had out
of Flanders, &c. with stems so even and upright; heads so round, full,
and flourishing, as seem to exceed all the topiary ornaments of the
garden; that one tree of them has been sold for more than twenty pounds;
tho' now the mystery reveal'd, the price be much abated: And doubtless
as good might be rais'd here, (without sending beyond-sea for them)
were our gardeners as industrious to cultivate and shape them: Some
there are, who imagine them of another species than our ordinary bay,
but erroneously. I wonder we plant not whole groves of them, and abroad;
they being hardy enough, grow upright, and would make a noble
_daphneon_. The berries are emollient, soveraign in affections of the
nerves, collics, gargarisms, baths, salves, and perfumes: Bay-leaves
dryed in a fire-pan, and reduc'd to a fine powder, as much as will cover
half a crown, being drank in wine, seldom fail of curing an ague. And
some have us'd the leaves instead of cloves, imparting its relish in
s