[2916] I. e. in the early part of spring. In modern times, the period for manuring varies, according to the usage of different localities, being practised in all the four seasons of the year, according to the crops, weather, and climate.
[2918] The palm is grown in Africa from shoots thrown out from the axillæ of the leaves; and it is in this circumstance, Fée thinks, that the story told by Trogus must have originated. Some of the ferns throw out adventitious buds from the summit of the leaf, and the orange tree and some others occasionally have them at the base of the leaf.
[2919] Virgil says, Georgics ii. 14:
“Pars autem posito surgunt de semine; ut altæ
Castaneæ, nemorumque Jovi quæ maxime frondet.”
[2920] This method of reproduction is seldom or never employed; plants or cuttings only being used for the purpose.
[2921] Besides which, it is doubtful if they will reproduce the variety, the seed of which was originally sown.
[2922] In some cases, they are more particularly liable to disease—the apple, for instance.
[2923] Because the mode of cultivation adopted has little or no influence upon them. The palm, however, to bear good fruit, requires the careful attention of man. It is not capable of being grafted.