[3012] This remark is founded on sound notions of vegetable physiology; but at the same time it is contradictory to what he states in the sequel as to grafting the pear on the plane, the apple on the cornel, &c.
[3013] Georg. ii. 78.
[3014] An unnecessary precaution. It is not the situation of the branches so much as the nature of the soil, traversed by the roots, corresponding to them, that would be likely to have an influence on the graft. There is little doubt that Pliny borrowed the present passage from Columella, De Re Rust. v. 11; and De Arbor. 20.
[3015] This is sound advice.
[3016] See B. xvi. c. [39], [40], and [41].
[3017] In reprehending this absurd notion, Fée bestows a passing censure on the superstitions of this nature, contained in the English Vox Stellarum, one of our almanacks; and in the French “Almanach des Bergers,” “Shepherds’ Almanack.”
[3018] This is borrowed by Palladius, in the operations of February, tit. 17, and October, tit. 12.
[3019] De Re Rust. 40.
[3020] This is the onguent Saint-Fiacre of the French, and is still used to protect the graft from all contact with the exterior air.
[3021] “Altitudinem,” as Dalechamps suggests, would appear to be a better reading than “latitudinem.”