Miscellanea Curiosa, Vol. 1: Containing a collection of some of the principal phaenomena in nature, accounted for by the greatest philosophers of this age
History
Miscellanea Curiosa, Vol. 1: Containing a collection of some of the principal phaenomena in nature, accounted for by the greatest philosophers of this age
Natural history; Science -- Early works to 1800; Voyages and travels -- Early works to 1800
Not wholly to confine our Thoughts to the Fields, let us look a while
into our Gardens; where we shall meet with still further Confirmations
of the same thing. The Trees, Shrubs, and Herbs cultivated in these,
after they have continued in one Station, till they have derived thence
the greater part of the Matter fit for their Augment, will decay and
degenerate, unless either fresh Earth, or some fit Manure, be applied
unto them. 'Tis true, they may maintain themselves there for some time,
by sending forth Roots further and further to a great Extent all round,
to fetch in more remote Provision; but at last all will fail; and they
must either have a fresh Supply brought to them, or they themselves be
removed and transplanted to some Place better furnished with Matter for
their Subsistence. And accordingly _Gardiners_ observe, that Plants that
have stood a great while in a Place, have longer Roots than usual; part
of which they cut off, when they transplant them to a fresh Soil, as now
not of any further use to them. All these Instances, to pass over a
great many others that might be alledg'd, point forth a particular
Terrestrial Matter, and not Water, for the Subject to which Plants owe
their Increase. Were it Water only, there would be no need of Manures;
or of transplanting them from place to place. The Rain falls in all
Places alike; in this Field and in that indifferently; in one side of an
Orchard or Garden, as well as another. Nor could there be any Reason,
why a Tract of Land should yield Wheat one Year, and not the next; since
the Rain showers down alike in each. But I am sensible I have carried on
this Article to too great a length; which yet on so ample and extensive
a Subject, 'twas not easie to avoid.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account