ENQUIRY INTO PLANTS, II. v. 6–vi. 1
planting the pomegranate myrtle or bay, one should set two trees close together, not further than nine feet apart, apples a little further, pears and wild pears still further, almonds and figs further still, and in like manner the olive.[1] Again the distance apart must be regulated by the nature of the ground, being less[2] in hilly parts than in low ground.
Most important of all, one may say, is it to assign to each the suitable soil; for then is the tree most vigorous. Speaking generally, they say that low ground is most suitable for the olive fig and vine, and the lower slopes of hills for fruit trees.[3] Nor should one fail to note what soil suits each variety even of those closely related. There is the greatest difference, one may say, between the different kinds of vine: for they say that there are as many kinds of vine as there are of soil. If they are planted as their nature requires, they turn out well, if otherwise, they are unfruitful. And these remarks apply almost equally to all trees.
Of the propagation of the date-palm; of palms in general.
VI. [4]The method of propagating date-palms is peculiar and exceptional, as also is their subsequent cultivation. They plant several seeds together, putting two below and two above, which are fastened on; but all face downwards.[5] For germination starts not, as some say, from the 'reverse' or hollow side,[6] but from the part[7] which is uppermost; wherefore in joining on the seeds which are placed above one must not cover up the points from which the growth
