Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Al Filaha
Transféré par
Yesi Hendriani SupartoyoDescription originale:
Copyright
Formats disponibles
Partager ce document
Partager ou intégrer le document
Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?
Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?
Signaler ce documentDroits d'auteur :
Formats disponibles
Al Filaha
Transféré par
Yesi Hendriani SupartoyoDroits d'auteur :
Formats disponibles
KITAB AL-FILAHA
(BOOK ON AGRICULTURE)
COMPLETE VERSION
IBN MOHAMMED IBN AHMED
IBN AL AWAM, SEVILLANO.
A Translation Project By :
WAQF FUND INDONESIA, FOUNDATION
WWW.WAQF.ID
THIS
BOOK
IS
NOT
FOR
SALE,
THE
TRANSLATION
JOB
FINANCED BY WAQF FUND. IF YOU FIND IT IS USEFUL, YOU
MAY WANT TO PARTICIPATE BY A DONATION OR WAQF PLEASE
SEND
TO
CEO@WAQF.ID
SO
WE
CAN
TRANSLATE OR PRODUCE MORE BOOKS SIMILAR TO THIS IN
VARIOUS LANGUAGES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................... 2
AUTHORS PROLOGUE .................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER I ..................................................................................................... 23
Knowledge of the species of good land for plantations or lower medium and fields
through certain signs of these things. Mention those that are not good for these effects,
so-called vacant. What trees or vegetables feel good in every kind of land according to
what Ibn-Hajaj wrote about the advantageous quality or vile of the land. ....................... 23
CHAPTER
II
....................................................................................................
55
Of
manure
and
useful
species,
preparation,
method
of
use
or
apply.
Referring
to
trees
and
vegetables,
suffering,
or
not,
all
manure
from
the
book
of
Ibn-Hajaj,
that
under
the
name
of
sirjin
is
about
manure.
.................................................................................
55
CHAPTER III ................................................................................................... 76
Water species with trees and vegetables are irrigated; and which corresponds to
each of these species. In what way have opened the wells (or wells) in the gardens, and
atraillar (or match) the earth so that water can run and watering all. Refer signs where it
is known if the water is near or far from the surface of the earth, and everything else on
this matter. ...................................................................................................................... 76
CHAPTER
IV
..................................................................................................
87
About
the
Orchards
and
the
disposition
or
order
of
the
plantations
of
trees
on
them,
according
to
the
book
where
Ibn-Hajj
works
this
subject.
....................................
87
CHAPTER
V
...................................................................................................
89
Of
the
plantation
of
trees
in
drought
conditions,
and
watering
the
gardens.
Refer
that
there
are
trees
whom
the
gardener
shall
not
water
if
he
plans
to
partake
a
direct
benefit
from
them.
..........................................................................................................
89
CHAPTER VI ................................................................................................ 112
Of the plantation of fruit trees and vegetables, according to reciprocal
convenience in some common maxims, with the explanation that need to be illustrated.
The way of benefit and cultivate the land before make in her a plantation, and pull out the
noxious plants. Of the capacity of the holes for seedlings and torn. Of the plantation of
seeds
and
their
transplantation.
Of
the
distance
between
the
trees.
Of
the
choice
and
transplantation
of
the
same.
Of
the
airs
that
are
appropriate
for
the
plantations,
graft
and
sows.
About
the
irrigation,
manure
and
cleaning,
and
the
best
moment
to
do
all
of
the
mentioned
operations;
on
whose
subject
was
treated
up;
to
know
that
it
is
better
to
plant
the
fruit
trees
in
autumn,
according
to
the
Ibn-Hajj
book.
Of
the
way
to
do
the
plantations.
Of
the
capacity
of
the
holes
to
each
tree.
Of
the
preparation
of
the
land
to
this
effect,
and
the
distance
that
must
be
between
the
trees.
........................................
112
CHAPTER VII ............................................................................................... 127
About the trees that are usually planted on the Spain provinces. Aptitude of each
specie and description of some of them. About the planting of each tree, and specie of
ground appropriate. His irrigation and praise, what is the manure, with everything else
that is required for each one in his respective regimen. ................................................. 127
CHAPTER VIII .............................................................................................. 228
About the graft of some trees in others, reciprocally analogs in many useful
qualities and way of execute on them this operation, according their particular
differences. .................................................................................................................... 228
CHAPTER IX ................................................................................................ 277
The cut and cleaning of the trees and the time to execute it; and the felling or
pruning of the vines, according the Ibn-Hajj book. ....................................................... 277
CHAPTER X ................................................................................................. 283
Of the work relating to the payment of the land of trees and its trees, and the best
time to execute the manure of the earth. Designates are the trees to which could suit, or
not, much crop. Of the mode to extend the branches in the empty places. And the quality
of the laborers for working in agriculture. ...................................................................... 283
CHAPTER XI ................................................................................................ 296
The application of manure for trees, planting grounds and calm soil. The kind of
manure that best suits each one. The benefits it gives to the brackish soils. How much
time and quantity must be given to this task, according to Nabathea agriculture. ......... 296
CHAPTER XII ............................................................................................... 302
The watering of the tress and time that this operation should be done: those that
benefit from lots of water, according to the books of Ibn-Jajj, Ab-Abdalab, Ibn-elFasl,
Hj, Abu-el-Fair and other authors. ............................................................................... 302
CHAPTER XIII .............................................................................................. 318
The way to fertilize the trees so that by Allah, give the tasty, sweet and very juicy
fruit, and in greater abundance: and which of them have mutual love or aversion. ...... 318
CHAPTER XIV .............................................................................................. 322
About the healing of the trees and some vegetables, or how are them removed
and retire the weakness and damage that they use to be undertaken according to the
book of Ibn-Hajj. .......................................................................................................... 322
CHAPTER XV ............................................................................................... 351
Some rare and ingenious skills executed in some trees and vegetables as
introduced into fruit trees at the time of fixing their branches or small bone and seeds of
its fruit sowing, and the same in the seedlings, aromatic and sweet things and laxatives
remedies, making its fruits come from those or other similar qualities, according to the
book of Haj Granadino and others. ............................................................................... 351
CHAPTER XVI .............................................................................................. 365
The mode of keep fresh dry fruits, grains, seeds, legumes and flour, and to
preserve some vegetables. ............................................................................................ 365
CHAPTER XVII ............................................................................................. 380
The method, time, advantages and benefits of the turn works, and the fertilizing
of the earth to plant in it ................................................................................................ 380
CHAPTER XVIII ............................................................................................ 387
The beans or vegetables that improve the soils and makes them baggy. The
election of these and the seeds for the planting, and the knowledge of the best here are.
Method of doing this test making them bloom to know the ones that are healthy and
robust compared to the ones that acquired some kind of damage. The air thats
convenient for the seedling pots; and the knowledge of the genre of the earth suited to
each species of beans and vegetables, by the book of Ibn Hajj. .................................... 387
CHAPTER XIX .............................................................................................. 398
The planting and the time it must be done. What must be seen in the wheat,
barley and einkorn what; and what number of these should be planted early, and what
number late, and the quantity corresponding the dispositions of the earth theyre to be
planted in, according to the book of Ibn Hajj ................................................................ 398
CHAPTER XX ............................................................................................... 411
The
planting
of
the
mentioned
beans
in
watering
and
dryness,
and
maxims
about
its
cultivation
and
recollection:
to
say
some,
the
rice,
millet,
corn,
lentils
and
the
peas
(one
of
its
species),
the
string
beans
and
the
sesame
.....................................................
411
CHAPTER XXI .............................................................................................. 428
The planting in wet earth and dry earth of the vegetables like the bread beans,
peas, white lupins, ervils, fenugreek, safflower and similar ........................................... 428
CHAPTER XXII ............................................................................................. 440
The method to plant the cotton, flax, hemp, onion, glastum, common privet and
the opium poppy in wet and dry earth .......................................................................... 440
CHAPTER XXIII ............................................................................................ 458
The planting of the vegetables in the orchards, its cultivation and assistances, and
the remedies for its diseases. The earth that you should pick for them, and the species
that each one of them properly requires ........................................................................ 458
CHAPTER XXIV ............................................................................................ 483
The method to plant the vegetables of roots, like the turnips, radishes, carrots,
onions, garlics, leeks, black pepper, daffodils and the parsnips ..................................... 483
CHAPTER XXV ............................................................................................. 505
The method to plant the vegetables with flowers, and similar; this is, the
cucumbers, melons, pickles, mandrakes, pumpkins and eggplants; from which some are
planted in wet earth, another ones in dry earth, according to our on-going explanation,
through Allah ................................................................................................................. 505
CHAPTER XXVI ............................................................................................ 527
The method to plant the plants from whose seed is used in stews and some
medicines, as the cumin, caraway, fennel flowers, mandrakes, and anise and similar ... 527
CHAPTER XXVII ........................................................................................... 536
The method to plant the smelly plants, as the wallflowers, Madonna lilies, water
lilies, daffodils, white buttons, chrysanths, paeonia broteri (Chinese rose), the basils and
similar ........................................................................................................................... 536
CHAPTER XXVIII .......................................................................................... 557
The
planting
of
the
plants
that
are
usually
placed
in
the
gardens
and
that
offer
various
aspects
to
the
sight,
like
the
yellow
horned
poppy,
parsley,
oregano,
asparagus
from
orchards,
caper,
and
other
that
(through
Allah)
will
be
talked
about
.....................
557
CHAPTER XXIX ............................................................................................ 575
The time of mowed the grain, and choice of places eras and the albories for keep
the grain. Of the prior knowledge of his seed who you can wait to breeding
advantageously each year. Refer to something, give mention the Basitbas in them books,
like take advantageous for the tree and plants, remove all calamity (through Allah),
called some talisman, and others properties another's; which one are of opinion the same
is talisman what property. Mentioned some things which means keep away of everything
is work has food to the life of the man, and the way of living in the tree, the wild beasts,
the harmful animals, the insects, the fly, the francolin, the worm and the birds. How is
have to mix and do ferment the bread of wheat, and get better some fruit .................. 575
and his pip of the wild tree, and his seed and root of some vegetable wild too for
do everything edible,and do of this usual bread in the calamity times were the resources
are missing. ................................................................................................................... 575
CHAPTER XXX ............................................................................................. 608
In what places have to be build the building. Of the cut of the wood for them, for
the oil mill of oil and alike, of the way that dont eat holes in. In what year produce the
plants more fruit, thought Allah. Of the way distill the pink water, and do the vinegar and
the grape syrup, the mustard and alike. Set the mouth of the year and the operation of
agriculture that is good to do in each one of them. Voiced the set indicate the rain,
serenity, cold and wind, and them influence. Of the structure of the almojarred [trail or
instrument] for equal the plowed field and removed the grass and others plants that with
the plow stay sudden start; for which subject and others alike in this general chapter. . 608
CHAPTER XXXI. ........................................................................................... 646
About the animals about the agriculture, is good to know, of the bovine cattle, the
rams and sheep's, the males and females of goats; about the choice of the best of this
[cattle]; with the time of the joining of male and female, and the time that those are
pregnant; of the grass and water that is convenient; about the medicaments for some of
their accidents and illness; of its regimen, and also convenient to their heal and
replenishment. .............................................................................................................. 646
CHAPTER XXXII. .......................................................................................... 655
About
the
breeding
of
the
horses,
mules,
donkeys,
and
camels
for
caste,
for
ride,
and
for
the
use
for
them
in
the
works
and
other
things.
About
the
choice
of
the
best.
About
the
time
of
their
join
to
the
females,
and
about
what
they
use
to
live.
Which
grass
and
waters
are
good
for
keep
them
healty.
The
way
of
make
them
fat
and
gives
them
fodder,
and
tame
them
and
correct
the
bad
habits,
such
as
been
tough
and
others
similar.
About
the
way
of
shoe
them
with
the
corresponding
horseshoe,
and
other
things
relative
to
this
business.
................................................................................................
655
CHAPTER XXXIII. ......................................................................................... 704
How some beasts are cured of the diseases that affect them from head to their
hoofs with easy early drug composition, and through nothing difficult manual operation
using iron as bleeding or rupture of the veins in the neck, arm, breast, rump, and its top
inside part and some cauteries of fire. Mentioned the signs indicating those accidents,
and medicines sent to them: whose art is known by the name of Albeitera (veterinary
medicine).. ..................................................................................................................... 704
CHAPTER XXXIV. ......................................................................................... 776
Farming of birds that are taken into the houses, the gardens, and the lands for
utility and beauty; as pigeons, ducks [and geese], peacocks, chickens, and bees.
Knowledge and choice of these animals, their regime, disposal, and respective pastures;
the healing of their diseases and the like, ..................................................................... 776
AUTHORS PROLOGUE
In the name of the merciful and compassionate Allah, in whom I put my trust.
Excelent Doctor, Abu-Zacharia, Iahia, Ibn-Mohammad, Ibn Ahmed, Ibn Al
Awm, Praise Allah, lord of all creatures...
Having read the books of agriculture that have come to my notice from muslims
in Spain and from other authors that have treat the art of break the land, understanding
of the economy (or ways) of make the sowings and plantings, and the books that they
wrote about the part of agriculture respective to animals, and having contemplated and
seen with reflexion the doctrine contained in them, I have translated from them to this
work what they show, and contains their maximum, chapters and articles.
Who wants to dedicate to this kind of art will find from this, with Allahs favor,
what is necessary in life. With the help of the agriculture it will ensure the right food to
them, their children and family. In her theyll find what they need and what they will
desire. The agriculture it must be consider as one of the main aid to the present life
needs, and also to assure us the happiness of the other with the help of the lord, by
whose favor, throught the sowings and plantings, they multiply food. Whereby its said
that Mohammad gave this advice: look for the sustention picking fruits that the land
produce.
The excellent Doctor wise and eloquent Abu-Omar, Ahmed-Ibn-Mohamad, IbnHajaj says at the end of his agriculture book, named the Enough, talking about the
warnings that must be consider in this art: In present to you, my uterine brother, I have
concluded and perfected this, my work. With her I have keep my word according to the
intent that I set. With her I give you enough help, through which you could guide the
ignorant people, which lacks of science and values, however their exercise and practice
is continued and from long time. Leaving aside their opinions, I present to you the
verdict of the biggest wises and other people of wit and insight. Such are the examples
that I follow in this work; and out of them there is none that can model proposed by
imitation. Do not answer to the weak such as the common people, or dont you care
about what the ignorant and rustic people feel, leaning on what they claim wrongly;
because from their instruction you wont bring forth useful. These can only contribute
to your happiness, if you serve them to the material culture; because in order to
knowledge, it is diverted away from right principles in which it is founded.
ARTICLE I.
One of the things that must incite us to the agriculture and what makes us
delectable and appealing the job or occupation of planting trees and sow the land, at the
same time that the necessity of this science persuade us since the beginning till the last
consequences, it is a tradition that we have from Mohammad, talking about the price
promised to the peasants. It is counted Anyone who plants or planting something, and
fruit from their trees or semen waxes men eat thereof, birds and beasts, all this is
deemed (as if he had actually given) alms." This says, that Allah gives riches in prize
proportion of his labor, which will produce the fruits of the earth. By tradition of AbuHarrat we also have said the same: The building buildings or plant trees, but not
oppress anyone or fail to justice, it shall receive a generous prize from the merciful
Creator. It is also have said, that when Allah wants to fecundate the crops, pour his
blessing on the rods and pins, and gives the commission an angel to guard all grains.
This way, when you sow something say: O Allah! Pour out your blessing on this, as a
result of your compassion and mercy. In order to respect this very many said theirs;
which if you do preferring use in such cases, you'll start with hope enough reason (of a
good harvest).
ARTICLE II.
In the book untitled: Notices to lead a peasant is said to Abu-Harrat, (or be
asked this question): What is the true honor? And he answers: in the fear of Allah, and
the willingness of possessions. Cais Ibn-Ossam told his sons: Try to take care of your
possessions. This is what gives renowned fame to the noble, and what produce solid
profits to meet him, rather than idleness unworthy of praise. It refers to this famous
saying of Atabh Ibn Abi Sofian to his servant when he entrusted the administration of
their possessions: "Watch carefully and watch my little possession to be made large, and
don't have idle when big, so it does not come little." And to this end many more similar.
One of which is that the farmer himself must visit frequently her inheritance, and not be
absent from it, particularly in time of the work, such as digging for it is satisfied the care
and monitoring of day laborers, and know them enough and just reward the activity that
work as they deserve. Another proverb of the same type is as follows: the inheritance
says his owner: let me see your shadow, sow.
ARTICLE III.
It is said that the first plowed and sowed the earth was Adam, inspired by Allah,
and teached by some inner instinct necessary for this science; later his son Seth and
Edris (or Enoch). After the flood, the ark came to nothing else but proposed to farm
with the direction that No gave them.
ARTICLE IV.
Refer this panish Ibn-Hazem said: "Know that the peace and stillness, delight,
good health (or robustness of the body), the true honor and the prize, together all these
congratulations are in the peasant, when somehow only to them the land is tax.
Till the land yields a sure gain. Two are general species of land: dryland and irrigated
land. The species of the latter is the best and most significant
On either one can understand the benefit of irrigation, carrying water sources or
rivers (according to their respective situation). Irrigation with river water is very
laborious, requiring for this machine, wells instruments or wheel that must be moved in
rotation by camels, donkeys or mules; whose machines are most exposed to frequent
failures. It is not convenient to use this mode of irrigation, but when this involves the
need to; that is, when it cannot be acquired for other chance necessary for life; and in
this case one should take care of this by itself; otherwise it would be the increased cost
and low utility. Sometimes it made the spending bill that cause animals and machines),
and it has been found or is very close, or exceeds the value of the entire product.
Furthermore should know, that have small holdings together is better, more
advantageous and useful than having them large, separated (or distant from each other);
because for many possessions together just one operator (or foreman), and they must
separate each his own.
ARTICLE V.
Agriculture is nothing other than the fixed preparation (and fertilizers) of land,
planting trees in it, grafts thereof as convenience to the respective species, planting
beans served the custom of each country, the provision and measure them proportionate
to the value and goodness of the fruit that should produce. In this is the right disposition
of seeds, course Allah apart from them the damage or corruption itself may have.
Agriculture is also the knowledge of the land; that is, which ones are good, which
middle, and the inferior ones. This fundamental principle is absolutely necessary. (In
addition to knowing) what trees, seeds and vegetables planted and sown correspond in
each field, and choosing the best species. (It is also necessary to know the proper time
to each kind of seed, which should be the air, and the same applies to the plantations. It
should also be known what quality of work they ask seeds, which the plantations.
Knowledge of the difference of water is also necessary; that is, what quality of water
corresponding to each species of plants or crops and how much; also knowledge of
manure and their preparation; which one suits every kind of trees, vegetables, crops and
land; what and how they are to be manufactured in the cultivation of land ben precede
the sowing and after planting: manure mode and match the land, or arrange it so that
water can penetrate her after all irrigated; the extent or amount of seeds (according to
their kinds) that supports or may suffer the land, the regime in growing vegetables and
trees, and how to cure them or preserve them from all harm or illness that may befall;
all this regime repeat necessary ) with continued assistance as appropriate to their
preservation, until they come to bear fruit; which will not fail to be multiplied and
filling, by Allah. Lately lock mode and keep the grains and fruits; to do useful and
beneficial fruits, and other relevant to this matter.
ARTICLE VI.
After playing my business under the proposal, I will add to this the treaty of
animals that necessarily use in the cultivation of land is made; and some birds that breed
in the fields and garden (by the utility that can produce) giving a description with the
distinguished names of the best of these living, the way to increase their breeding, the
system or method of caring, and while some cures for diseases often suffer, and
everything else relative and annexed to this matter.
ARTICLE VII.
Know you (Allah direct us to me and to you) that divided this work in thirty-five
chapters. Each has its particular art (or science of Agriculture) issue, according to see
the favor of Allah (in whose aid I put my trust). In this my Work adopted and still they
include in his wise Doctor, (guide or leader in this area) Abu-Omar Ibn-Hajaj entitled:
Almokna, or enough), and the same year he composed 466 (of the Hegira) on the
authority or statements of the finest farmers and Philosophers. In this regard the major
such work or judgments, citing their respective owners. Thirty are they served, (ancient
and modern). The old ones are June, Varro, Lecacio, Yucansos, Tarado, Betodun,
Bariayo oPaladio ) Democritus Greek, Casiano, Tharur-Athikos, Leo the black or
African ) wise Burkastos Greece, Sadgimos (or Sadihames) Somano, Sarao, Antulio ed
Anatole ), Solon, Sidags the SeyIbnse Monharis, Marguthis (or Mauricio) Marsinal the
Athenian, Anon, Barur-Anthos, and later to them; such are the Rasis, Isahac-IbnSoliman, Ibn Corat Tabet, Abu-Hanifa Al-Deenoori, and others whose names left to
express.
In addition to this work, I also avail myself of the doctrine (as the judge
convenient) contained in the aforementioned books. And also, out of them, I also serve
on the work entitled: Agriculture Nabathea (or Caldea) Kutsmi authored, that worked
on what they had said the most excellent scientists, and others whose names are
mentioned.
Such are Adam, Sagrit, Iam-buchad, Ahnuhd (or Enoch), Masio, Duna,
Demetrio and others. In my work I often summarize the title of this book when I
mention it, and instead put this symbol . I also serve on the Work of Dr. Abu-Abdallah
Ibrahim Mahomed Ibn Ibn the Spanish Fasel, based on experiences. When offered cite
this work use the symbol #, this note when I quote the work of the doctor and scholar
Abu-el-Jair Seville, founded in the views of many scholars, some farmers, and the same
experience. Just use this mode signal to cite the work of El-Haj Granada. I also worth
book-Ibn Abi-the-Igsawad, Garib Ibn-Saad and others. Also transfer or refer to my
work I have found few attributed to some scholars, of whom I mention after the
abovesaid. Such are Dimut, noticed by this figure , quoted by Galen this , African
Anatole by , Persian for this , Kastos by this , Casio * for this &, this Aristotle and
finally this Maxrario or Greek Maccario. Refer some wise in his annals, the latter
author was Alexandrino and one of those who have lived a long time, having counted
eight hundred years old. Produce for the authority according to these authors, who
poured in their works without presenting altered the sincerity of his expressions. Also I
refer to this sum the sayings of other Muslims, without stating their names, using to cite
(as stated above and to meet shortly) only in this expression: according to another
author, or another author he says. No sentence establish in my work that I have not
tested by experience repeated times.
I divide this work in two books (or parts). The first contains the knowledge
(which must have a Labrador) on the choice of the land, manure, water, planting mode
and the way of planting trees, and all annex, belonging and therefore this matter. The
second book will understand what belonging to sowings (and bouquet) of agriculture
respective to animals. Allah gives me this performance corresponding with his welcome
address sufficiency and assistance. I propose in the first place the opinions that the
scholar Al-Khatib Abu-Omar Ibn-Hajaj states in his book, taken from the ancient
authors cited in it; which put as fundamental principles, because of the fame and
celebrity (which they were acquired) in the sciences. Although these authors were from
distant regions of ours, not that I depart from them, or omit their proven by experience
in our provinces doctrine. Lately perfected the intent that I have proposed, referring to
my work experiences or observations on this subject, learned from books Farmers of
Spain, when these and everything else in that suit his statements with judgments of old,
test well in our regions, alleged the will of Allah we trust. Lately perfected the intent
that I have proposed, referring to my work experiences or observations on this subject,
learned from books Farmers of Spain, when these and everything else in that suit his
statements with judgments of old, test well in our regions, alleged the will of Allah we
trust.
Kutsmi warns early in his Agriculture Nabathea (explaining the word Cadaman
that she has to use the depth setting should have holes for the plants and the like), this
word Cadaman (meaning two feet), equivalent to elbow just over span, and sometimes
cubit and full span: this nabach word (meaning escava), a term used in its construction,
and denoting some kind of work to use in growing trees ago plays or is the same as
finding these to the roots as usual: that thamar (foundation, is nothing but action to
replenish the earth in the excavated sites: that elmochak (mean slit) is the digs light: that
tadioid is almost the same as logging, the-kamah (restrain) is pruning, and such like,
that by-kaf (or fist handful, when its extent is not expressed, it means the sum of ten
grains. Abu-Abdallah Ibnel-Fasel says that when his work uses the diction el-kafat
(crate), it means almost half a kafiz (or Cahiz) Cordoba: when el-haud (pool or table)
says, limited to twelve cubits understand (or rods) long and four wide.
The object of this work is already indicated in general. The explanation of all
proposed or private affairs of its chapters, is what we will now see (in the following
index) with the help of Allah. The first chapter is the way to know the good, medium
and lower land, saying this with reasons and authorities. Whether it's the nature of the
land, and which are suitable for crops and plantations are identified, addressed all
species; and what is appropriate and should be done for this knowledge. Similarly, the
way to know the species of land that are not good for crops or crops, this calls for
vacant (or free grazing).
Chapter II deals with the manure, its species, so that should be prepared. Of its
profits to land, trees and other plants. Use. What kind of manure corresponds to each
caste land, plantations and crops. Tick the trees, vegetables, and quality of land where
manure feel good. Species of land, trees and vegetables that do not support or suffer
manure, or it contributes to preserve (or improve them) are also highlighted.
Chapter III about water species to be used for irrigation of trees or vegetables,
and what sort of agrees to them each caste of land. Mode is also open wells for watering
gardens. The time when this should be done. The way to find water, and make usual
under the doctrine established in the Work of Filemon and other author; and everything
else pertaining to this matter. It also seeks tamping mode (or smooth) the orchards so
that the water can penetrate everything watered.
Chapter IV deals with the orchards or gardens, the best way to have trees that
they shall have been planted, and elections, (or array of practices) that this is observed.
Chapter V is the choice of trees, and fruit species with regard to dryland or
irrigated, and everything else, the knowledge may be useful and interesting to you were
to plant trees. Knowledge of the times should be planted and how this should be done,
either by planting the grain of the fruit, planting a bouquet torn, stake or buds of this,
and transplanting the bouquet out of the squad with its root, called alnawmi; and what
to do when ground cover.
The mehtod for back and sink strains. How is the operation which the Arabs call
astaslf, and others similar to those mentioned above and other than (that mention is
also made) until the strains arrive to repair or improve. Depth and width must have
holes of plants, and the distance to which must be these together.
Chapter VI is the way of planting fruit trees and vegetables, summing up this
doctrine in these compendiums on this matter. This chapter also cover certain
experiences (or observations) on the planting of some trees, its regime or government,
and the choice of times that should be planted them, and planted vegetables. Cleaning.
Of the branches to be cut to pick grafts. Short wood, and the like.
Chapter VII is about usually planted trees in most of the provinces of Spain. Of
their classes and attributes species (or property) of each. How should be planted each
tree species, and which convenient for every land. Irrigation, manure, and other
provisions or individual operations) with respect to each particular tree. Whether first
trees that grow up in the mountains, after growing up in the valleys or cultivated fields),
and lately those in plains. These are olive, laurel, oak, pear, alhcigo (or alfnsigo),
Cherry, carob, Arraijan, the madroero, or the masdrufat, chestnut, medlar, hawthorn
(or Majuelas ), pomegranate, wild pomegranate, almond, pine, spruce, cypress, juniper,
juniper tree, fig, cabrahigo, moral (or mulberry), walnut, rose, jasmine, jaiziran, sumac,
citron, orange trees, the zamboa (or grapefruit) , lemon, serval, the dadi, the cacti,
oilpalm, Indian Almond (or quince), apple, hackberry, the azadirahto (or acedaraque ),
white and black poplar, poplar Roman or black, willow, apple of Armenia (apricot),
peach, plum Zaragoza (or Damascus), palm, grapes, hazelnuts, cane sugar, muza, cane
arrows, ash , banana, oleander, the bush, the wild rose, the Rhamno or cambrn.
Chapter VIII deals with the knowledge, manner and time of grafting trees
together have some sort of friendship or sympathy and convenience able to provided
mutually utility. How bouquets, feathers or spikes for the graft should be cut, and how
they should be stored. What should be chosen for the graft, and how they have to have,
debugging for graft them. The practice of Nabatheos in the operation of the grafts,
which is what is to slit the top of the tree, at the foot of it and its roots. From the
Romans (or Latinos) who did the graft between the bark and wood in those places the
tree. From the Persians that tube grafted on top of the tree, and in its roots. Tube graft of
fruit trees.
In the practice of the Greeks they grafted gusset along the way to figure arraihan
leaf, square, and circle. Grafting drilling mode one tree into another, so that still
produce the customary fruit, carrying also one of which tree was grafted, or that being
one its root produce various fruit. Of the mode also grafted by drill in the tree's foot,
either below or on the ground, and in the branches. Blind graft and the like. The same
happy success have some seeds and grains eaten in some species of plants, such as
pumpkin in the wild onion (or flanking), the cucumber in the bugloss (or ox tongue
called borage); the melon in pixacantha Lycio, in licorice, mulberry tree, fig trees and
the like. It refers what has been said about these operations, with everything else, the
knowledge can be useful and helpful in the matter. Lately it is in this chapter of age or
length of the trees.
Chapter IX is the mode and time of felling trees. Which suffer the felling trees,
and which not. The pruning of vines. The vines clean before pruning. The way to grow
and increase its respective crop trees, alleged the will of Allah.
Chapter X is about the cultivation of the land of trees with respect to their
quality and to plants that have in them. The proper time for this, or provision has to be
the land at the time of the work. What suits much crop trees, to which not, and to what
an average crop. And the choice of day laborers in agriculture.
Chapter XI is the way to fertilize trees, planting land, and calm land. Which
manure corresponding to each species. On the mehtod for benefit the brackish land (or
salty). The respective amount of manure. In which time and how it should be manure,
considering the arrangement of trees and earth in which they are planted.
Chapter XII is the watering trees, and vegetables; at what time should be given
and how much, that is, to what trees sit well much watering, and which do not.
Chapter XIII treat of the trees that are going to be mentioned, and are the wild
fig, early palm, fig, peach, pomegranate, plum, pear, cherry, almond, walnut, alfnsigo,
the Armenian apple (or apricot), olive, apple, chestnut, rose, common palm, citron, the
orange, the black plum. As these trees have grown for its fruits are large, palatable, very
sweet and abundant, with Allah's favor. Also about the trees that have mutual love (or
sympathy), and instead have together some sort of antipathy (or aversion). The way to
do the latter useful, planting them at provided distances.
Chapter XIV is the way to remove trees and vegetables that there's mention the
damage or disease, as the apple, Damascus plum, orange, citron, lemon, zamboa, vine,
fig, mulberry, olive, pomegranate, peach, quince, almond and walnut. Medicine
cabbages and vegetables, and how trees weakness (or detriment), shock and delay
repaired; and tafria (or illness) which does detach * sheet. On the mehtod for chase
away the ants and protect them from harm; and they come from grass and bad air. And
how very old rose bush or whatever flimsy for repair.
Chapter XV is some care or funny thing is done in some trees and vegetables.
Which comprises introducing into the plants certain smells, sweetness and flavor as
treacle, and unite in fruit sweetness with the quality of purgative remedy and the entire
tree by a sort of grafting, or in any of its branches; and so on vegetables, so that the fruit
is noticed and the same smell and virtue of the which it will ingest appears. What should
be done to come out yellow roses, or saffron and blue color. How have to dispose roses
to throw roses out of time and so out of respect for the apple fruit. What should be the
provisions to make apples appear as sort of inscriptions, and even other images or
figures; and the same in the quinces, buts, melons and cucumbers, to print on these
fruits the figure wishes.
What should be done to come out long grapes and their so tight clusters or
segments, which look like a single grain, and grapes they have different colors. What
should be done when they are planted vines so that the grapes do not have small grains;
and figs to appear in the branches of various colors figs, so that in the same plant this
variety is discovered. How should the wallflower arranged to come out his flower
disciplined with the variety of black and white. How are planted around the pools
orange trees, myrtles and other similar trees. Moreover, what should be done for, born
and rise from the same root a set of lettuce, chard and other kinds of vegetables. Lately
how to be arranged turnips and radishes to occur higher than is commonly known. And
how can you have dill and coriander unseeded their grain or seed.
Chapter XVI is about the mode of lock (or save) seeds and fresh and dried fruits,
and so figs. How they have to keep apples, pears, quinces, citrons, pomegranates,
damsons called black and raisin, cherries, grapes, acorns, chestnuts, pistachios, wheat,
barley, lentils, beans, flour, and the seeds of the vegetables that are to be planted, dry
roses, and distilled water them. Finally how to save or preserve some green things,
throwing them in vinegar to eat them out of their recent time.
Chapter XVII which is the first of the second part of this work, is the manner,
time, advantage and benefit from the work they call earth moving, and the convenient
arrangement that is given to her after tired.
Chapter XVIII is about grains and legumes that make idle land, and the benefit
when it is planted. Election of the seeds or way of knowing which are good through
birth and to distinguish them which are healthy who have contracted for some calamity
or corruption. The convenient air to the crops and species corresponding to sow seed in
each kind of terrain.
Chapter XIX is the time and manner of making the sowing especially wheat,
common barley, pearl barley or cappadocia, whose grain judge be the one called by
Nabatheos (or Chaldeans) cali and ascaliat which is the Greek condros and also I judge
that is called in Nabatheo huchakt and tharmir, in the same language which I think is
also called thormaki. It is also in this chapter of the seeds are sown for early or late.
Measurement or proportion of seeds with respect to the disposition of the land where
they are supplied planting.
Chapter XX is the mode and time of planting rice, millet, lentils, peas, the
Turkish Jewish of irrigation and dryland; and the land quality that correspond to each
kind of seed.
Chapter XXI is about planting in irrigated and dryland legumes, such as beans,
chickpeas, lupins, fenugreek, the bitter vetch and safflower. Planting time and
knowledge of suitable land for these seeds.
Chapter XXII about planting flax, hemp and cotton, onion saffron, henna, blond
dyers, the satur (or odorous reed), alfalfa, grass or plant called spina quail, and white
poppies. How should this be planted rainfed and irrigation, and land that suits it.
Chapter XXIII comes to vegetables and land corresponding to them, and how to
plant them. Which should be transplanted; and how long they have to stay on the
ground until having reached (competent) seasoning be rooted out; explaining this
doctrine with common observations (to all), and individuals (or respective to each one).
In whose care it is lettuce, endive (or escarole), purslane, pigweed, the orache (or St.
John's herb), spinach, cabbage, sea kale and chard. Time to plant these vegetables, and
quality of land which belongs to each species.
Chapter XXIV about planting root vegetables (or strain) and the like, such as
turnips, carrots, radishes, onions, garlic, leeks, cariotas (or wild carrots), parsnips and
black pepper.
Chapter XXV about planting cucumber, melon, watermelon, small melon,
cucumber, squash, eggplant, the colocynth (wild pumpkin) calls jor plants. The time
that should be planted, and knowledge of the land which corresponds to each one.
Chapter XXV about planting cucumber, melon, watermelon, small melon,
cucumber, squash, eggplant, the colocynth (wild pumpkin), called of flower. The time
that should be planted, and knowledge of the land which corresponds to each one.
Chapter XXVI is about sowing plants whose seed use is made for seasoning
meats and for some remedies, such as cumin, caraway, Nigella, cress, anise, coriander,
lawn fennel and wild, mustard, wild anise, the caraway and Greek ervatu. The time
when each of these things has to be planted, the knowledge of the land corresponding to
each species, and which should be planted in irrigated or rainfed.
Chapter XXVII is the way to sow ocymo (or basil) and other fragrant plants like
the wallflower, lily, the nimphea (or canopy lily), the leading grass (or porthole), white
daffodil, yellow, and Macedonian, chrysanthemum (or feverfew), the dog rose, violet,
lemon balm, good grass, the marjoram, maro, clary, sage or horehound, basil, wild
mallow (or marshmallow), the rosebush motif, common mallow, Cordoba and Sicilian,
acacia and lavender. The time that these plants should be, and which land suits them.
Chapter XXVIII is the position of some plants that are usually put in the
gardens, placing them so that the view to offer a varied prospect. Such are (for example)
the celandine, cinara (or thistle), the rue,* the lawn celery (or parsley), woad (or pastel
dye), oregano, wing, savory (or persian oregano) to the absinthe (or wormwood), wild
rue, lawn asparagus, capers, sumac, dill, moth, the lavender, plantain, guava, the ivy, the
nabkat (or ivy bell), lily, snakeroot (or St Mara ivy) the tree of the same name,
chamomile and sweet clover (or crown of King) .
Chapter XXIX treat the arrangement (or preparation) of the seeds. Of the way of
know which will go well * in that year, by Allah. The time of harvest. The site should
be noted for the era. Threshing. Of the crops, and how to preserve and store fruits and
grains.
Chapter XXX which is like a general chapter, contains many selected
experiences. Knowledge of where the building should be built. In what the weather will
be cut wood for it and the mill (or oil mill). Mode of dry bushes and other noxious
plants to the land. How to be fences that are made for vineyards and orchards without
walls. The way to transplant the countryside bushes and trees to orchards (or gardens).
The mojarred (drag or harrow) to match the earth. Also about trees and plants
mentioned in the chapter of the grafts of the same work. Some desirable characteristics
to the fields, trees and vegetables, touching his improvement. How they have to scare
the beasts, and other small animals or noxious reptiles. Birds and hunting. Of the means
of knowing if the apple tree, the vine and the olive fruit take long before discovered.
How is kneading, fermenting by yeast or other thing, and bake wheat bread,
How is kneading, fermenting by yeast or other thing, and bake bread wheat, so it leaves
better and more convenient food. The way of preparing the fruits of some trees, wild
vegetables and roots of some plants, and soften the seeds (kernels or ossicles) of those,
so you can make bread, to serve food in times of scarcity, when lacking the necessary
provisions, until the merciful Allah offers other more cheerful by their fertility *.
Utility or damage of floods. The rain, the sun, serenity, and winds to plants.
Signals to be observed know in advance if the winter is rainy, calm and cold or (putting
the will of Allah) and other patents and visible signs, as noted in this area. Of seasons of
the year; and what labors should be given to the land in each month. For which reason it
is called this general chapter. In which I conclude that proposed in the present work on
what is (own and rigorously) Agriculture attempt.
Chapter XXXI is the first in which it is raising animals; that is cattle, of rams
and sheep, goats. From choosing the best of these animals. The time of his rages. How
long are pregnant females. Time that these animals often live. What pasture and water
suit them. Some medicines for their illnesses and accidents. Of his regime, and other
things suitable to them.
Chapter XXXII is the breeding of horses, mules, donkeys and camels, both
males and females, and so respective to breed, and the use made of these animals for the
cavalry, and so used to the work , and for the convenience of its aid any trip in less time,
such as the legal pilgrimage, and other similar utilities. From choosing the best of these
beasts. Riding time. Until what age these animals are under to generate, as noted. What
grass should be given, and in what amount; and what time has to be given to drink;
Time to fatten the mares, and give forage to their horses after parents and prepare them
for the rides. How they have to exercise or tame colts and remedy the defects that often
noted in some kind of bad, like not receive the brake and others. I lately cavalry art (or
genet).
Chapter XXXIII deals with the veterinary art, or of the remedies for some
diseases of animals, manuals and easy. In some mechanical operations through iron
tools, easy, nothing annoying and very obvious, such as bleeding from the cervical vein
of chest, sides, back on the inside of the outer thigh , the haunch at the top, and sum of
bloodletting in general, and some of the cautery fire. The obvious signs indicating
diseases beasts. Remedies, whose gender composition should after becoming aware of
them kept in memory. This branch of the art of Agriculture, is what is called a
veterinarian.
Chapter XXXIV is about the birds that are in the garden, in orchards and fields.
In the best of these animals, such as pigeons, geese (or ducks), real ducks, chickens and
bees. Knowledge and choice of these animals. Its regime and government. Their
pastures. And some way to cure their diseases.
CHAPTER I
Knowledge of the species of good land for plantations
or lower medium and fields through certain signs of these things. Mention those
that are not good for these effects, so-called vacant. What trees or vegetables feel
good in every kind of land according to what Ibn-Hajaj wrote about the
advantageous quality or vile of the land.
According to this author, the first level of the science of Agriculture, is the
knowledge of the land, and to distinguish what is good, and what inferior. Who does not
know how this has gone mad and deserves the name of ignorant.
According to Al Razy in his work entitled Physical Auscultation, the stone is to
become muddy field in the speech of a century by the action of sun and rain; For having
in that virtue to dry and dissolve the parts (as does the fire), the rain that comes after,
loosens the already softened, so that corroded and altered in that space of time, they
become mud. It is therefore evident, says Ibn-Hajaj citing this author, whom the sun is
warming the earth disintegrated parts; for which reason the surface of it is better than
other direct heat and softness; and thus we see that the soil from a deep place, as it is
removed from the wells and caverns, the first year is sterile until sunburned soften and
warm parts. Thus, it is constant that the land does not produce as preceding the sun's
heat. Being cold and dry by nature, if it does not communicates heat, humidity and rain,
nothing occurs vegetable in it. Although the land in general is by nature of the afore
mentioned properties, are all a wetter or colder than others.
The warmer earth, say industrious and diligent farmers, is black, and then the
red: the colder is the white, and then yellow. On the way, that the white ground will be
more or less cold proportion to the share of whiteness that enters the temper; and so out
of respect to yellow and other colors. With regard to the damp earth Degree, which in
color or form was similar to the old rotten manure. You find it flabby be without it
many muds do not harden so that its grounds are very hard, caked, dry and similar to the
hardness of the stone; or cracking or dry; nor is little moisture; or that are disjointed
parts such as sand, which is like a stone that has low humidity, being in fact a kind of
gravel often. Such land as is best for the humidity, and are well few so found; and so
absolutely, positively sure that regardless of the similar quality.
After this land is good, and that is for that reason that the mentions in his work
Dinurita Abu-Hanifa, Author head on plantations. Which he says that the lands that may
be plain, warm, soft and powder-like sand (but not to give them this name) are those in
which plants vegetate; which they are preserved to excavate around and then replenish
the earth. And this, because getting for their softness the rain water or irrigation,
conserving it penetrates to the roots of the plants; which as you are happy about the
extension taken, and because the long-term risks such plant remains. The opposite is
true, adds the same author, when the ground is firm and hard, as it runs through the
water without decline, nor are get wet; and what it is not wet, not occur. Is one hard and
barren land in the center, not sit on it the water, do not acquire the roots expansion.
Another author believes that dry land is two species, one is dry sand degree not
be more than a set of small stones, and therefore similar in dryness in the stones
themselves; in which very little nutritional juice feed plants. The second kind is the
muddy, although too dry, it is much more humid than the sand, and they say that name
is given in view of the hardness of their clods; in which being similar to the hardness of
the stone, no sponge or softens as already mentioned. But if you mix soft earth like unto
the very fine sand, the benefits and features that can expand the roots of plants, and it
absorbs water. This kind of land is much in Mesopotamia *, whose land is the other
advantageous quality to cause the silt that is there, and because the avenues lead,
girdling the surface of other lands, brushwood and manure that softens much and
moistens; although usually it happens that some fine sand mixing with it too softens and
weakens.
About dryness and moisture, this is known by patent signals. Which are similar
to the rotted manure few years land it is fluffy and humid degree. The land which has
slime mixture of very fine sand like Mesopotamia*, if it be dry in highdegree, is rough
that just bind or its parts come together; and one that has no sandy loam mix the wet, or
where contract therefore sufficient softness; and the same is the rubble of the houses,
similar to lime*. The muddy and dry land, although it is much more humid than the
sand (for their clods harden when it comes to dry, as seen in the narrow colligation and
hardness of them), such as land for its strength and texture is like a stone. But if you
have a powder mixture resembles sand in her little substance, plants may take root in it
deeply. And these are the maximum that should follow a rule or principle sure.
If we examine carefully the land, says Sidags, we see the need they have to be
moist, rich and fluffy, rather than hot; by the sun and the air can heat them and benefit
them as well; so we need rather fleshy and softness so they can take extension roots of
plants, and easily torn. But if the land happens to attend the same time the two qualities
of hot and humid, the better. Nothing more true than the opinion of Sidags on this
subject, says Ibn-Hajaj; which referring to the treaty of distinctive knowledge of land
June Review *,Casiano or Casio**, Democritus, and Kastos *** (lead authors of
agriculture) says citing the authority of the first, the best land is black, which felt much
fear and old for the reason that suffers rain; and it follows as the violet. According to
Ibn-Hajaj, this violet is the same as that of the red-sea tie brown land we call Indian.
Such color is the tip or amount of the goodness of the earth, if spongy at the same time;
and trees prosper on it. Returning to the view in June, he says (which is also one of the
best land) which bathe the water in a river, so called silt.
According to Democritus, the land which drunk all the rainwater without
cracking, or that at the time of rainfall does not get slippery, it is of good quality, and so
it is that one that wont cracks in very hot weather.
On this matter it is advisable, says Ibn-Hajaj, (or prevents) that won't be muddy
or hard land. **** Some as the wise Democritus and others added, they told me I
should not be brittle. But we see it is much the limits of the city of Carmona, from
which however are removed more abundant wheat crops elsewhere. So, in my opinion,
you do not have such kind for disposable ground. But if bow down to a better, provided
the conditions stated above. And also, because this is not exclusively the brittle ground
of total excellence because it is generous, especially wheat in it gets; when many seeds
and common plants do not come good in it, as in fact was not anything special breeding,
out of wheat, but in the black earth, spongy and similar to the old manure all breeds
advantageous is sowing or planting, because of the ease it has; and so it is good quality
Degree. However, we are not attributed as other advantageous own * productions, but
only certain sowings and plantings; and this after loose or left to grow: which obviously
becomes multiplied as he sows, by Allah's favor.
According Kastos, the best land is which drinks much rain, and the lush and tall
grasses that grow up, and even that produces small and weak. June says that the land is
intended for vegetables must not be white, too rough, or too brittle in the summer. And
the reason is, that the land of that color is easily pressed into the winter, and drained in
the summer; which causes the sun to dry all the plants that are in it, or that are kept
weak and little progressed. Just as suitable for gardens as it is not after working a lot,
and mix the same amount of manure. Which cracks in summer is not good for the same,
or very rough; since neither they raise good plants, or acquire the corresponding force
until the water saturates *. The little rough and sandstone is good for vegetables; and
this is what contains much silt can feed him the roots of these plants. In this you will
know what lands the suit easy mind. If taking a little land in water thou shalt find it is
silt washed most of it, you know it's good to raise vegetables. But if thou shalt find it
more sand, you'll understand that is not provided for that purpose; and the same thing if
the knead your clay with his hands found it, wax-like, or very sticky: the maximum is
June's.
According Casiano has to be sought for the strong and abundant vegetable land
that is not rough, or white, or viscous, or it breaks in the heat. According Ibn-Hajaj,
farmers have for disposable ground muddy and rough, which are the vilest for
vegetables; which itself still wet, and subtle the juice is squeezed from them, compared
with big trees juice not breed good but plentiful, moist and spongy land; and so (when
offered) are pulled easily. But in the muddy, slimy earth or engage in much nutritional
juice, or as we said deepen its roots. However the harsh lands are suitable for trees some
vegetables.
The sandy soil, say some farmers perceived hotter in summer and colder in the
winter; so that both the stones and the surface of it, warming and cooling in the
respective times and then damage to the plants that were there. And such is the maxim
of June which adds just the opposite happen deep in the earth.
According to Galen in his book of Greeks simple remedies, it qualify rough land
of thick mud and so soft on the deck and in the center: opposite and fleshy quality
without giving the name of hard; which it is only good for pottery works: and says that
in the kind of soft distinguish the soft wet; and the squalid arid sandstone. The same
author says that farmers think, that the fertile land, far from the nature of the stone, and
who fail the arid sandstone surface and not be good for anything. It also says that the
seed lands are of different properties; because some are stout and black, and other soft
without thick and white; two species which are opposite each other. That they have
some other means including, for approaching more or less to respectively one of the
two. He also says, the best land to plant is thick.
Ibn-Hajaj trying in his book the way of knowing the nature of the high and low
lands: Know, says, that the mountains are colder and drier than the plains: the drained
land is this quality to be stony, or because their dust is hard and like a stone, the cold is
such or by winds or by Nieves who is very exposed, according Tabet Enb-Korah. The
land of the slopes is very inferior, so exhausted for the Rains with the lack of toast part,
or attenuated particles (or smoothed) by the sun, which overwhelmed and rushed the
same rains. In the plains it is the opposite: so the fields and meadows where there
remains the water as long as I could, they are of very good quality and a just intonation
by the blackness of the dust that comes from the fermentation caused by the water;
(because everything has already conceived rotten heat). But when water rushed down to
these sites is great, that cold and wet their land overly; and we know that the cold water
is contrary to the heat of fermentation.
Solon said that the meadows or valleys are cold (although not much) by the
abundance of water that flows and is lost in them; and if the cold becomes more than the
heat from the earth, knew the same for two reasons, regarding some of this comes from
the fermentation came into the land of water in it together; but these places compared
with the mountains, they are much warmer and humid. And here the maxim of Solon.
With regard to the other low spots that hide higher and raised, and to the shady gullies;
the land of such sites is extremely cold for not bathe the sun; and so that the plants that
are therein are not fed, it being by nature of the aforesaid quality and very wet. The best
sites for more sheltered and are the foothills of the mountains, which are preferred, and
more temperate and equal temperament. Then follow the meadows, and then the
mountains; whose peaks (or summits) are better than the slopes so that said water take
away their good quality (or substance). The land is the most despicable of low gray
sites, since only produces something useful out of any consideration plants that mention
in the course of this work.
Solon said that if he were asked about the nature of the terrain that part was flat
and low and high and lifted part, and say what is the most excellent, you choose the
lowest over the high; the reason for whose preference is for lowering the water first and
bringing in its current coating of the high places, that becomes perpetually site more
moisture and softness: as this instead of always heavy and hard pieces, and similar to
the mountains; which is the most common. Sometimes the highest part of the land or
place is better condition than the low; and indeed we find fields or very sandy plains
and low places, where the terrain that dominates more moisture; while the opposite is
common.
One of the reasons that confirm to be the low places best than the highs is that
those whose tops are red in color, in low color strip of land to black; and the land,
whose high places are whitish, in the lower is red or black, which is common. Wetlands
or where water is often stagnant, but otherwise are very fertile, should be disregarded
because the dominant moisture in them will turn off the heat.
Such land can only serve to sow what is usually just before heat such as
cucumbers, pumpkins, corn and the like. Trees do not prevail in them; before they lost,
out of black and white poplars, the Arabs and the like salt, useful trees for timber.
Ibn-Hajj in his treatise examining the land says that to know nature or generally
available thou must examine early winter, about the smell and taste, others to the eye
and touch, and some by the plant gender they produce. But better examination by the
sight and touch, because having land calm, this test is to miss them. One of the authors
who treat the eye exam is June (Moderato Columella), which says that good quality land
known sight when not crack too much with the drying air and the water in its center,
especially after a heavy rain is formed with a soft mud; but land at last come to imbibe
all the rain water without the cold weather in their consumption and appears similar to
the mud surface.
After this adds said June, that some ancient also discovered another kind of test
that falls under the sense of sight. This is when on earth trees and plants of great
magnitude are kept and retained (or linked) to each other, is clear indication of its
fecundity. If wild plants produced are medium in both its magnitude and its branches
link, this proves to be her medium quality; and if the plants are thin branches that
quickly dry; also cuts the grass; such land is weak. This makes use of the test to taste
(for knowledge of the land), is unwilling to prefer brackish to sweet.
June says that the earth excavated at a certain depth of this dust is taken and put
into a glass, pouring it also freshwater then try to taste. It is the view of the ancient land
that owners notice to be brackish, must be discarded; which, they say, it is good for
nothing if not for palms, that it prevail and are more productive. According to Ibn-Hajaj,
it is the opinion of many farmers, which also prevails in the same advantage as cabbage,
and is also said to breed good and sweet cucumbers.
Those who usually smell the earth to meet their quality, they prefer to examine
by the scent if corrupted and unpleasant, or otherwise. Farmers agree that it is not a land
of kindness smelly, and one of those who refer this is Democritus; the same is to say in
substance, that the sign of good land to plant, is, that by digging them up to the depth of
two cubits, is taken from the depths of the site excavated some land that putting in glass
where rainwater has driven or river, good, sweet and fragrant, cover she let him sit and
clarify water; which if proven to whatever taste and smell good, the land will be too; if
it is brackish, of equal quality; and if smelly, the earth will be corrupted, to share the
taste and smell of the water.
Kastos says the fetid brackish land and must be discarded; although the latter is
good for palms. According to June in the consideration of the use of the test to the
palate and smell of the earth who wishes to sowing and it is quite appropriate to dig into
it as to the depth of one foot; where it is destined for plantations vines up to three feet
and up to four in which they will try to plant trees. The odor says, that must run entirely
by not being good for absolutely nothing.
Sidags says that when thou inquire about two different species of land, which
one more wet with salt; take a glass, filled with powder and one of them put it on the
weighing plate and then run the same with the other land, and that this is only consumed
without moisture states.
According to Ibn-Hajaj, some are guided to know the goodness or baseness of
land by weeds raised therein; by whose signal barely runs. Such is the kaichar mo,
which is called cardal in exotic language (or thistle), and odor of wild fennel stalk called
bistnaga; whose two breeds of plants commonly and most do not grow in places but the
most remarkable quality. In the land of inferior quality, wild zaatar or axedrea known
to us by donkey or oregano grows. Also the anrutin called in barbarous tongue Mostal,
thistles, the Hieracio which tends on the ground, and wild wheat, called among us as
partridge; whose plants are found only in lands of inferior quality. It is not like other
plants, of which we bred some indifferently land advantaged in containable: for which
reason they should not serve in government. Such is the wild onion (or albarrana), harsh
vegetables and various other plants.
Some say that the wet and soft ground, although some years pass without
cultivation it doesnt become a forest; but the land of inferior quality, thin, thick and
hard soon become such, producing trees and tangles or squat, glastos, cypresses and
others who are usually found in forests, and are not made in the thin lands.
We argued, says Ibn-Hajaj, the maximum on the quality of the land with respect
to the usefulness of them can be expected; and perhaps someone will say, that these
lands who fail the wise, found to be appropriate for certain species of plants that were
growing up in them abundantly, they are both good quality. This is the sand where we
see the tree called Egyptian breeding excellent, and so the plant called ahdj (or African
gorse) and woad that grows in harsh lands. But answer to this: although it is true that in
regard each land, some plant species are advantageously raised, that out of them lose
many more; and that out of it are the wise opinion that the land is excellent in moisture
seal with heat regardless dominant, or not wet only; respect to plants in general need
these two provisions; and therefore disapprove the contrary quality: and also because
the preference and praise that make land is in regard to their suitability for raise wheat,
barley, beans and other legumes that men have most in need.
For the same reason they appreciate the land suitable for trees such as apple,
pear and plum; and have at it is advantageous for vegetables such as eggplant, garden
spinach, amaranth, coriander and the like.
According to Solon, in the damp earth, by the ease that is, almost everything
prospers, whether sowing or planting; by whose excellence is very significant, and does
not deserve to be here prefer the sand because lupins flourish here; as this should be a
derogation of their fertility: and if good land is planted thereof, also produces beautiful;
but not one who sows wheat on sandy be caught, as is constant to anyone: not because
pine is also convenient to the arena, it should be appreciated, when the tree itself is not
much appreciation; and not found, adds the same author, be it suitable for apples, pears
or plums. The land must be taken by superior, which prosper more plants, seeds and
other things that men have more urgent needs.
Ibn-Hajaj says that although some plants often grow up in sand, like apricot,
pomegranate and quince; but the same thing happens in orchards without the aid of
much manure and continuous irrigation, unlike those; which not being of good quality,
are to get a new one fostering manure and moisture communicates the water, the juice
retains much sponginess that is in them, and receive water more easily when irrigated,
and consequently, are provided to more deepen the roots of plants.
But always by their first constitution they are vile and exhausted of any
substance; unless it be that they are referred helper with fertilizers, and are mix lime or
juicy land, as we said. Even should give them too many risks by not having them
analogy (or correspondence) with water; and maybe even some ignorant in the science
of Agriculture imagine that the sands do not get the juice, or what is therefore water, by
the ease it is to moisten; and for this they are devoted to water them carefully; but is not
that reason, but argument destructive as well as recommend by to be the cause of the
dryness of the sand the same parts or little stones that are made, of which only serves to
pass water without penetrate its center, as is evident. And here Ibn-Hajaj trying this
matter in his book entitled Enough.
Nabathea Agriculture in the treaty on the same subject: know, Sagrit says, that
the lands are several different even in the sense of the cold, dryness and humidity; all of
which they need to know the farmers, the land still really like the beginning of the
vegetation of every plant. Farmer known the nature of the land, must devote each to
whatever is convenient, and for planting trees, for sowings. In this is the summit of
Agriculture, and fair knowledge of this science. Sometimes it happens altered land,
contracting taste somewhat detrimental to plants, such as saline or others; what usually
comes from the sun burn a lot with the help of other causes; as a without vice and
healthy land is provided and suitable to all kinds of plantation. Adam of blessed
memory say, that good and healthy soil is the darker and well soaked when it rains, no
water to pass through it, or press to join the powder with water, so that construction is
between dense spongy, that is the quality of the most significant and best of all.
According Yambuchad, the most significant land is like violet, so that is why it
is called purplish. As more is discovered this color after some time covered of
freshwater reservoirs, with some sliminess from the water that makes it eternally sweet
taste. According to the Nabathea Agriculture, if for rainwater in the lower parts of the
land or in the fields bring to them the sums of the highlands, the surface of these
contracts certain blackness as violet, to call the color ashen; which provided that it is
discovered indicating that land be thick; whose quality, being excessive, it is not
advantageous. It is contrary to it which makes it the arid land surface and dusty as
almost always; which it is evident at the sight. I'm not the earth that hath mixture of
coarse sand or large rocks.
Yambuchd says that the purplish land is in good quality, that the color being
very powdery is fluffy and sweet the dust without mixture of other flavors: then comes
the one that Adam of blessy memory calls hot and one of their cualitys is to be soft;
such is that when spends a lot of cold or snow, remain unchanged in the extent of its
surface
; and whose lumps easily crack to shoot them down: then follows this kind of
ground the strong call of a color inclining to low whitey or dusty, not pure white but
middle between this color and powdery.
Such land is all but hard, yet easy or docile of plowed, and turning; which is not
good for planting of fruit trees, and if it is to sow seeds, which it prevail. Sagrit is about
that of the contrary opinion; he states that in this land are better trees, grown more and
more fat fruit. The blonde land has nearly the water is good for all kinds of seeds and
trees, out of the palm and sweet fruits. But the other good qualities described lands are
suitable for all kinds of trees and plants.
The land called deep by the smarts (or crumb) is good too and suitable for all
kinds of off vegetables, which do not prevail in it. The author or Nabathear Agriculture
says that land of crumb have an average way between the fat and the dry surface, which
is what we call sdhalat, soft or docile. It also says that the earth shall appear on the
surface extended in winter,a color like white, shows this to be brackish and poor; or just
good for Palmas, barley, beans, spinach and the like.
The land of altered taste, not being of that breed that Adam calls hot, it is good
for planting vines, pumpkins, melons and other creeping plants ((or lying plants) on the
floor that do not rise above the trunk, and also to fruit trees. It is suitable for food grains,
and it is not for fragrant plants. Such are the distinguishing marks of the goodness of the
land, says Kutsami; and so much thereof as may from contrary qualities is corrupted,
and has need of fertilizers that improve.
ARTICLE I
The signs of corruption or wholesomeness of the earth, according to the
Nabathea Agriculture.
Goodness and wholesomeness of the land, saith (the author just mentioned), is
known to the sight, and this is one that will not crack or crumble with rigorous much
heat or the cold, or the so whatever strong dryness that do not fall rains autumn and
early winter or where when it rained a lot then, a very viscous mud underfoot is sticking
to the feet or hands to the touch; but that it will being drained the rainwater and whose
surface, when it stops raining, not discovered a whitish color; as there are some on the
surface, not being quite good, it appears to have rained day after, or two later, as a white
flour in separate parts or joints, especially without the high and low fields discovered;
which are not in any appreciation for this cause. One of the signs to be the land of good
quality and substantial, is, if not the cold by shaking its surface appears like clay, which
is not purely white. One test to see if the land is not of good quality or is this.
Take a piece of land the weight of two to three pounds, and put into a bowl and
covering the mouth into this very well, bury in a pit four cubits deep or three at least, in
which state leaving the space of fourteen days, which is half moon period, then remove
it and register; and if the outside of the bowl is discovered slimey, open; But if result
not be, returned to the pit cover it with good ground, and so letting himself for seven
days, after which time, sticking and opening will be found to be in it worms or other
insects that produces much the same corruption sites where no air vents. Examined the
color of such insects, if they are black, celestial or green, the land is not good or worthy
of apreciation; and if dyed, yellow, dusty, brown, light green or white; that land is good
and valuable nature. The land contained in the vessel also smells, and if the smell is the
same, or nearly the same as it had before, it is entirely good: but if there be found
altered, see what smell is this alteration, if sour, bitter, brackish and this test will form
the field trial; so if not exhale the odors mentioned will be there for good quality, and if
you discover any, will be judged by that sour smell that either declines or the other that
he be discovered. Lately try on that land to taste to the half hour removing it from the
hole, and if it tastes like hot mud and reddish extracted from the wells after dry, that
land is good and substantial; and if altered and seems brackish, bitter, nasty, too
miserable to another corrupted or smell; judge by the smell that it is discovered.
Another way know the earth in less time than the first; although not as
demonstrative and secure.
See if the plants, or weeds, thorns and other plants that are raised in it are robust,
and if soil is very linked up with each other; as this proves to be healthy and fertile land.
More if they are small, insignificant and somewhat stunted *, it is not land free of
damage.
Kutsami says; that some are content in examining the ground with attending to
what it grows, even a single species of plant, such as lilies, wolfberry, thorns, briars, and
crushing its branches and leaves from the middle collate their flavor with the other
raised in such land free of all vice and corruption, and thus lead the opposition or
convenience they had. He adds, also happens to be a guide to know if the land is good
quality or contrary, that species of plants that in itself produces.
The same author says, that men do not benefit nor have good brackish land nor
swampy, neither dock, neither too thick, neither styptic, sour and hot, neither too fluffy
or hard, neither too lumpy, or any other adverse to those of good quality, although they
thrive on his plants such as pennyroyal, wormwood, hyssop, the artemisia, wild endive,
hellebore (or black vedegambre) (the plant placed Nabatheos in the class of venomous),
the alcapara and red hawthorn *; because these and similar plants are cultivated on land
corrupted. Hot odor produces nothing. On nitrous called chai thistle grows, (which is
born at the foot of the palm and suffocates) and the low hardness docile marine
wormwood plant is born and that the Arabs call Kisum (or abrtano).
According Yambuchad, thick and hard packed earth usually produce lilies,
daffodils, called bulb onion and similar plants that shed ingrained after the sheet which
when discovered on land springs, streams and wetlands, it is known that such lands are
good, or are close to those of this quality. In very hard ground that sort of caper small
leaf grows, and sometimes that breed large onion latins call achktJa or Scylla, which is
under suddenly kill mice, whose name is called by this cause, and is the same as the
ansal or flanking.
Also often grow up this kind of onion and the like in the middle of a very hard
and tough terrain and tight to plasterer by nature, which in respect of Cascajales they are
closer to the quality of the land of arid mountains and high hills. Thorn trees are better
raised in hard than soft ground, and among rocks in mountains, and more in dry places
away from moisture. All other plants are grown and prevail well with this, and very few
with the dry and arid as mentioned mouse onion. And wild vegetables are just born but
good and free land of corruption every contingency except brackish, since in the jungles
are grown abundantly.
To many vegetables is beneficial the mentioned salt land, and indeed it prevail;
while growing weak and tasteless. The quality or state of the land by plants that produce
is also shown; and so when they usually grow up in saline land born elsewhere, they
indicate that there has come to dominate such quality. The same subtle, thin hawthorn,
as hdsah (or African gorse) is plant thorn hard, if born on good ground, indicating it
being tired and weakened by repeatedly have sown, or other similar cause.
ARTICLE II
What lands need proper cultivation and fertilizers, as Nabathea agriculture.
Such are the thick and heavy; whose two species have much resemblance to each
other. The dock is too thick, and juicy spring nature, and usually a color inclining to
black, and fluffy. Whose properties were touched when it came to the land purplish. The
fertilizer and cultivation of both is to flip them in the heat rigor with peak or similar
instrument twice each month, so come to roll six times (or seven is best) every three
months, crumbling earth with the butt and tip of the instruments that will be turned,
which makes this dust is very hot and sutilice, and dim * his fatness; to whose
consumption still attends the sun with its heat removing some heaviness and excessive
fatness.
It is not the attempt to remove entirely the work, but only part, and correct the
excess: in a word wipe away and decrease the volume, not remove it entirely; which if it
happened, we would see the need to replace the previous one. The greatest manure for
that can be given to these lands is the referred to flip them and crumble in the rigorous
heat. The thin soil also has need of fertilizers which will remove its thinness. This,
according Yambuchad, is like a thick land, even over and so is the land that regardless
slimey permanently; three species of land which are therefore of a reciprocal similarity.
Some farmers are of opinion that the thinner the wellspring; but they are walking in this
regard to the average re slimeing between the wellsprings and thin.
Indeed, the land very thin is corrupt and contrary to the thick; and such is that of
a medium taste between sour and tasteless, and so weak that this quality is not capable
of fertilizer. However it benefits in some way to turn it in the heat of the sun to make
this the roasting something, and not excessively; which if it happens, it would become a
productive nothing but sand rogue.
The same Nabathea agriculture author says that Yambuchad calls thin to the
thick ground; what is funny thing; because between us these two species of land are
contrary to each other. Advised that at the vernal equinox the earth thin sometimes turn
to the plow, and is paid very well with any manure any, other than the bottlenose;
because it is their improvement and promotion in order to succeed in what she sows.
For what it's best this land is well-oiled to vines; then they breed her with much
freshness, of big branches, large root, juicy grapes and good wine. Also it agrees this
land for all sorts of similar nature to plant vines, either tree or small plant.
The same author says, knowing the land called thin, being weak and of little
strength, till it less; which if repeatedly execute, it would weaken more if fluffing.
Shoudl be sown barley especially after the end of tilling; and since then must be
irrigated more; as well abounds very prosperously said grain; and that the same will
happen, if before born it rained.
He adds that the brackish land of few salts is often called thin (what my life is
very probable), and weak; and that this is one whose weakness is corrected itself with
what is, namely, mixed with manure and another good land. It also improves it, if
burning sebestns leaves and branches with its fruit, and pumpkins, with all this ash
mixed with soil or compost is fertilize sometimes at different times. One of fertilizers
for thin soil is to plant vegetables and other plants whose roots do not penetrate one lot
on the floor, like ivy, rocket, cress and the like.
The sandy soil (which is several colors
according to what were mixed with the sand) should see and examine it a lot to know
what else this mixture is; making it easy to discover. She is always soft by the fluffiness
given for the sand, and so it comes across; While other small, thin and weak roots.
It's really convenient for many species of vines; and such is the land, whose dust
having sand mixture is free of harmful accidents together. Its subscription to prepare to
the planting is according to what we said corresponding to such gender mixing,
illustrating the point of the various qualities of land. It is necessary then to prosper what
he would plant or sow, turn it and mix you a good portion of donkey dung, incorporated
with other vegetables such straw, barley and wheat; thus you'd better arrange it by the
autumn. Species of hard earth, a white ground so that it is in this radical color; and
another having any mixture mentioned. The first or dominant whiteness is called yesera;
and (last), or the less white solbat (or hard); in which absolutely prevails or palm or
smelly plant, and grain legumes suffocate.
Elsewhere in the Nabathea Agriculture being said, there are also hard earth
(though not as much as the antecedent), shooting a bit white together with dusty;
shooting a bit dusty white together with; to which is added there, we call stronger. The
hard ground is particularly good for wheat, millet, millet, chickpeas, lentils, and large
trees, such as walnut, hazelnut, olive and the like. The fertilizer can be increased to this
land it is to remove hardness turning it much with the plow; which is beginning to do
since early second tichrn, which is November, executing every ten days, and crumbling
clods well with all care and diligence to a powder.
It introduced the cattle and sheep that fertilize it, and not ignored that the pigs
come and go repeatedly until this dust is moisten and soften fine. It must also walk men
with the cattle; and if possible to come to crumble as well, is this better than the bovine
and human excrement together. Sheep manure spread for her, along with her powder,
also benefits. Stony ground (also called Thekla) is those very cold places of Babylon:
but according to the Nabathea Agriculture, the Thekla is one whose middle ground and
dust between the hardness of the stone and smooth or loose earth; stony and is harder
than it.
How to benefit the lands of similar quality is style them in hot weather with
large and heavy peaks, turning the part that is necessary and in the appropriate way
according to prescribed by the ancients; after continually watching crumble with
mallets; respect to that if it is not by this work do not expect it any product. He has to
cultivate such land at night since the beginning or from midnight until dawn, or even
last two hours a day. This is the best; because cooling all kinds of land, starting with the
night, both to it as hard should then give the necessary work to the fence that are given
later. Which is then executed, and the juiciness we told you communicate the oxen, and
that these do not work in the sun or sick warming up too much.
They have to join in groups of four in each plow to work, not in pairs, in
response to the hardness and toughness of the earth; which will turn the second time
with strong and long grille, whose work it may be the deeper the better, without being
good or skip undo all lumps crumble entirely. And because the oxen fatigued when
plow that land, agree that drivers must have a glass of water close to cleanse and
moisten their faces, necks and head; with refreshments which they are relieved of the
burden of work.
The reddish earth needs no fertilizer withdraw any bad quality, but must carve
itself in mid-autumn with small gate; whose work is not necessary to be deep. Ashy
land, who is shooting a dark or low white together with that color risen, is not said to be
corrupted, it produces about certain things and prevail in it many trees, palms and vines;
if not by the dryness that may have, or his distance from receiving moisture (as long as
it is planted palm trees or vines you require continuous watering for their very dry and
arid area) *. It is not some vegetable seed; except rice, as we said already exist between
the grain and land like some mutual convenience for water which has in it the foot. It is
because this is the most suitable land for rice and for wheat, barley and peas; but it is
not for millet, lentils, beans, chickpeas or beans.
In too much barbaric or robust black earth (or slightly less), but by no whiteness
of slimeing surface and tilling as tough as the ashy advantageously, it prevails in this,
and what should it; although is best for palms. With much watering is much improved,
and approaching the quality of cinderella is suitable for vines, and for all plant lying on
the floor like them, for all plant species and delicate tree, and particularly for all
vegetables more size as cabbage, spinach, chard, lettuce, cauliflower (soldanela or sea
kale), and cress; and it is for their peers small vegetables such as good mate, ocimo,
celery. Everything should be planted and sown in this land should be irrigate a lot, and
in no way left to dry anything that is in it sown.
If this strong ashy land stay in places that introducing, water remains in it a long
time, it will be very good on that sow after moisture cucumber, cucumbers, melons and
vines; all of which is left there and then transplanting seedlings to which is best. The
clay is the surface swells in the summer, and is similar to that of the alfahars in
consistency and color, (which usually throw like this to a little vermilion) should benefit
from the work of profound give back, and shred with mallets to mix toast party with
whom question is not ready to repeat this operation second and third time; in which
state it spreads beans and barley straw, dung revolt.
The heleborian land, which issue a hellebore-like odor, is smelly and the most
corrupt of the three expressed; and by heat as it breaks has sown in it, unless beans; for
which it is itself good. Loose or soft, but average between source and slimeing, it is
immaterial how to benefit them. At two intimate vice corrects them with ignite in the
middle, to the sides or embankments, and in many different sites including a continuous
fire of any wood that is, which withdraws the vice of water flow and slimeing. But is
this risky choice for such lands, as they tend to move or slimeing springs that were
exhausted and hard, so that what befalls is worse than damage which is withdrawn. For
which reason and up a different mode l indicated benefit them. Such lands are good for
some things, like collards, myrtle, soldanela or cauliflower and plants of equal status
and quality.
The brackish earth is of various species, saline, one whose taste is sour mix,
another bitter, another styptic, and one that is a bit brackish. The signal to be brackish
earth is whether certain whiteness appears on its surface; or that happens from start to
getting that quality. In this land called Sagrit layer (or crust) salt for being dimly cover
the surface salts. The land of vineyards, it is benefited by planting barley around and
near the foot of the vines to pick her salts. The land of vineyards, planting barley is to
benefit around and near the foot of the vines to pick her salts. There is a general remedy
for brackish ground, and another specific and relevant to each species of the same.
Sufficient general and which become the land of the genre (Whatever it is) is the palm,
which in all are raised well.
So it is plowing after the first rains, which are expected if coming in early
October, plowing is delayed until after eight days thereof; and if you do not come until
the end, this work is done on the last day. The pure salt land, or which has another
flavor mixture is tilled in early November after the second or third day, but leave it for
later, turning with small gate and throughout her after plowing spreads quite stems
amount of the last year planted beans, clean, dry and as shredded as the chaff, then
rolling it with water to all, or part of it if it be of much extension: and this is the best
fertilizer for such land.
Online quality continues to bean straw of barley, then the wheat, then crumbled
chaff from brambles, and ultimately crushed leaves and dried marshmallow; whose
operation cannot be omitted, being his easy. Of all these species of straw can be use,
either mixed well with each other, which it is best, or each by itself, but the brambles;
which are not used but any of those mixed with straw, which is the beans and barley
best. In this state, this land is left without anything on it until the summer come by it is
spread some manure moistened with water, which is help for improvement, it gives
softness and sweetness. In the autumn of the second year to the first of October manures
mixed with the same horse and donkey dung, no mule in any way and then planting
barley, beans, lentils or chickpeas, scattering some flaxseed between these seeds; which
is planted which is watered well, all of which must be raised abundant harvest of good
quality land.
Used the opinion that to fertilize the land mentioned, using the branches, shoots
and leaves of every tree of oily fruits such as walnut, almond, olive, alfonsig, hazel,
warble fly (fig tree or do hell) and the like because these things corrupted fertilizer for
all earth, and have particularly excellent virtue and to improve whatever brackish.
The opinion that used to fertilize the land mentioned using the branches and
shoots, leaves and branches of every tree of oily fruits such as walnut, almond, olive,
alfonsig, hazel, warble fly (or infernal fig) and the like, for being this things fertilizer
for all kind of corrupted earth and have particularly excellent virtue and to improve the
one that is brackish. This operation is performed by said land spreading a lot of those
leaves and sticks thinner said after shaking trees and everything until it crumble as the
more subtle and chaff; after which plowing and giving a light spray of water is left in
this state. He adds that if this is done in all corrupt land, as fertilizer, less to that of
scathing flavor and pungent, which is fertilized in very different ways.
Are of the opinion, said the same, so the purely salt land as he hath another
flavor mixture is paid by spraying the surface with vegetable water taken from those
olives squeezed on that has not been thrown any salt; so that it is not brackish or have a
different flavor than that of the olive only. This dew is given to the earth once before
and two after flipped, and then spread through it pretty much dung, leaving it for a few
days in this state, and then giving it to another small grid to work it back, shallow but at
ground level, it is sown barley, fenugreek, chickpeas, spinach, pumpkins and
marshmallow, and is planted with palm certain distances of separation. Sowing it with
said seed, collect the salts that were there, which also removes continuous mixing
manure and vegetable water. Dung having an average between fresh and stale is the best
quality for this purpose.
Another fertilizer for brackish land
Give him a job back in early October that the rains would wash the salts that has;
and the same to the styptic and poor quality land. Which by nature was bitter in
dominant degree, being as it is the most altered (or worst of all) and that far more of the
healthy quality, is harmful to every seed of any kind whatsoever, before and not after
birth old.
But there is a choice to reduce it to be perfect quality or a little less, which is to
guide the water as comfortably as could be, starting to run from mid-April and not
before, or at the beginning of May, and handing the reservoir time that may be: and will
be very good to stay in this state all the months of summer to mid-September, not later.
If there is no water to irrigate dry gourds shattered all his flesh and pulp, bindweed and
dry branches are taken, all of which ground is mixed with fresh water in a skiff made of
leather, so that the land be sprayed after but slightly shallow plowing. Ten ajrabat (or
forty cahices)* of similar corrupt land are quite twenty water skiffs that those things
were mixed, whose operation is executed at the end of the night or early in the day until
after three hours of it, it's best ; and likewise it will be, if the dew be of more water.
* The cafiz, as the Arab called, is a land area of 129 cubits or 384 bushels of
seeding.
It's great to repeat the same operation on the ground sometimes, anyway after
plowing and moistened. It also sprayed water mixed with fresh powder good land that
does not have strange taste or smell; cava and once or twice each month, repeating the
same operation it six times in the space of one or two summers: which benefited in this
way is usually held by good quality, especially if that alteration or corruption was not in
her dominant nor old.
The same author says, that very brackish land and excessive elasticity outside
term usually sow benefit of slimy things as cotton seed, fenugreek, beans, barley, beans,
cress seed, lupine and the like. Likewise it benefits to stagnant water for a long time, or
with the following remedy, namely, the occurrence of being clouded the sky forty days
as it is in the climate warms and similar places on the bitter land, sour, stinking and
others that also offer hope of improved corrupted; thus hiding from them the sun space
of time referred to without in any way they discover, very good quality contract without
requiring any corrective. In them after this fertilizer referrals and similar viscous grains
are sown, which no doubt capture all the malice of bitterness in it left. Usually sufficient
to sow once such things, and usually must sow the same repeatedly. Also grain sowing
in that land of acedaraque, bitter almond, myrtle and laurel, take away all the bitterness
that hath until it fully heals.
Our view, says Kutsmi, if the things mentioned in this land are planted together
planting apricot branches and marshmallows, and the same in all corrupt land, fertilize it
collecting much of the corruption that has one. In sour soil, being source and slimeing,
which is thin, it tends to be emanating or permeation of this same taste, which manifests
itself proves that the taste, though she is pure or after putting in water. This benefits
until retiring and removing all the bitter, and be entirely good to fertilize repeatedly that
kind of manure identified as suitable for this purpose; and what is also removed entirely
sour, it is to fertilize with manure noted for source and slimeing land taken in its
generality; which it consists of ash pomegranate, human excrement and dung.
Know, he adds the same author, that to every corrupt land, either by what may
be its corruption, brackish, hot, pungent, fetid, thin, heavy, sticky aspect, sour, for too
styptic, fertilizes the murky water of the streams , impounded it sometime, much dust or
silt that lets you; the more turbid water which it may the better for the earth, because
that washing and cooling it (though he needed this drink), leaving it a different sweet
land (for no other carries water but more subtle dust and better ), with this strengthens it
if it were thin or weak, it has a place for her good manure. If it is salt cleans and loosens
the salts with moisture, takes them with her sweetness, and her coldness off the heat. If
it is hot, this is properly the best fertilizer of all to her about her coldness that will turn
off the heat. If foul-smelling, corrects this vice sweet and turbid water is introduced, and
good and soft ground that this lets and mixed with it; and that is to miss the whole, if
these avenues are some years in a row ; Although you should give to the ground after
deep plowing back, and fertilize with some soft and sweet manure. If it is source or
slimeing, dust fertilizes it makes murky water; but it has to turn four times, once each
month from early June to early September; as well as the sun and the earth that is mixed
completely consume one or other kind of secretion.
According to the author he cited the general remedy for all land declined any
good and regulate their temperament is light and gentle twenty-four hours continuous
rain: at which follows fertilizing the gasal call or laundress, which is more abundant at
twice; ; which improves brackish soil, bitter and sour when it comes to fall on them.
The third fertilizer is the storm of the avenues if left in the same land that brings other
ground; which fertilizer is also for every caste of land in general. Although, mediate
Allah, be fertilizer for the land said two rains; but do not benefit fully, unless very often
repeated, that is, having rained twenty-four hours, and stopped after rain, strong winds
shake the earth for two or three days, then return to rain as much as before continuing
this alternative sometimes.
ARTICLE III
Of fertilizers according Nabathea Agriculture the soil mixed with stones, bricks,
pots, plaster, clay and debris that have pieces of cloth and various other things it
benefits, such as collecting in the house, of the ways in which small stones and gravel,
diverse and contrary to the taste of the powder substances such as salt, vitriol, different
cuesquecillos (or nuts) is contained; whose dust is very cold, very hot, or part very dry
and wet part to the extreme of getting an external manifest corruption and absolute:
and so it contains any other foreign substance powder as prosaws, chips cane, stone
fragments carved, plaster gravel, limestone and similar materials; whose amount lot of
things being in and forming a part of the earth, they make too corrupt.
Nothing prospers on such land out of the palm trees and large. The payment for
which any flawed for some of these mixtures, is to bring to her land of good soil known
for such; and the best that you can take is the viscous red that when touched by hand
stick to it like glue *;which it is incorporated by throwing it over after donkey dung and
manure mixing it all with that sort of corrupt land from your deck to the center as to
deepen the mites; since the good land together with such manure is a fertilizer if it is
incorporated it deeply.
After mixing is irrigated so back water that may stagnate even as a cubit high,
and so leaving it for a few days until it drain, then returning it to mix the same things, it
is sometimes irrigated, and then planting eggplant and all kinds of vegetables; among
which if most regardless of good grass, it will be very advantageous fertilizer, except
sea kale, cabbage, radish, turnip, carrot, leek Syriac and the like. It is good for
vegetables and eggplant this land; but it is not planted in it any odorous plant,
vegetables, and fruit trees. The land tainted by the crowd that contained human corpses,
it is such an excessive degree; and the remedy for this corruption is the same as for sour
and fetid earth, which should be invoiced in the fall as winter approached to come to
receive the rains soon this improvement.
Know, fellow brothers and my friends, says Kutsmi, that all corrupt land,
whether she or corruption of whatever kind, is improved fertilizers described qualities,
considered and in particular with respect to the benefit of certain plants and seeds , or as
generally in relation to the plant genus all together; except the sour odor and land
improvement never any fertilizer, unless it rains a lot and getting that water or another
such repeated years.
ARTICLE IV
The qualities of the porous land, dock, tough, tight, compressed * and other than
those mentioned above.
*
These three castes of related land, but each slightly different, are called, in the
original motlazez, motlabed and aktnaz, or moktnezat.
The packed earth, says the author of Nabathea Agriculture, not on purpose for
planting; whose quality is known to be doubtful doing in different parts of her three
holes cubit and a half deep each; whose land kept apart respectively and carefully
collected in earthen vessel, it brings another porous compact soil from which no doubt
not be of such quality, and balancing it with the extracted from the pits to be equal in
weight, is thrown into the thereof, and in them is stepped and board feet; which if left
some, it is understood that the land where such holes are made is lumpy and very hard,
and not provided for plantations; But if it is to grow vegetables and grains. But if the
second land enters the site occupied by the first without her absolutely nothing left, it is
good for planting of trees, such as the porous soil; and not the hard and lumpy, which is
only purpose for sowings.
The ancient land distinguished dogged tight, because although they are almost
equal status with each other; but the first is the most tucked into each other more tightly
locked to the second, and is closer to the hardness of the stone and the same lumpy.
Even little to differentiate themselves these three species of land, yet tight and lumpy
have some closeness and mutual brotherhood that has dogged for being something
different.
With regard to the soft and porous, is not the same as the other. The porous
approaches the fatuous, and the difference between the two is that the porous
pARTICLEs is discontinuous in composing, whose meaning considered is consumed
parts; well yes these are some well hidden or locked with other soft-absolute continuity
is what the constitution of its parts resembles the tough, having served softness of their
gender combination; in what clearly he is opposed to that. Already mentioned above
that all land is soft sandstone by the sponginess that communicates the sand; and the
thick substance is very soft due to their condition (or nature) or whatever wet spring.
The land has an average between very tenacious and porous is apropos to vines,
the signal that is such is whether stops in the center with some of the water it receives,
and evaporates after the speech of the stations. The land has an average between very
tenacious and porous is apropos to vines, the signal that is such is whether stops in the
center with some of the water it receives, and evaporates after the speech the stations.
Such it is not a good land for vineyards. The land is particularly porous to the most
convenient of all vines; and if I had together with this quality of being thin, it is best for
them; which they are raised in it very robust and very good lineage. The land of very
tough and tight texture to the hardness of gravel, whether that is by its very nature,
implies the retention of water on its surface; which cannot imbibe much quantity or
engage it at the center. It vines are lost; but it is ideal for vegetables and similar plants.
The one who drinks all the water hiding in its center and depth, and it is dry on the
surface, it is not good for vineyards and softly or muddy, such as it may be introduced
into the center for some water and some remain on the surface.
ARTICLE V
Of the signals to see if the ground is wet, we will say something in the third
chapter of this work, where it will be the properties of the land indicating its proximity
or distance from the water, whereby also known moisture or dryness the same.
We have explained fairly and competently, says Kutsmi, differences in species
of land, convenience or inconvenience of some for certain plants; which come near to
understanding which has already understood what the main plant science, respective to
their cultivation and conservation.
Sagrit appoint in the Nabathea Agriculture, cultivation and planting of trees and
other plants, and how to preserve them from the calamities is not equal in all regions,
but this varies according to the diversity thereof; and so on it is advantageously a
breeding what other fails equal prosperity. He adds that it comes in this book, as
appropriate to the climate of the Chaldean in particular also for the climates and regions
of similar temperament. For which reason I have copied of the work into the present
what has seemed to agree on the west side of Spain; and also that the Chaldean is in the
fourth climate, and it is said that part of Spain also it is; and also because attending to
what is said in that work on most dominating temperaments there, I have found that in
our region are equal with short difference. All this because I moved to transfer in this
book the content of the work.
ARTICLE VI
The signs of good or poor quality of the land according to others authors than
the two aforementioned books of Ibn-Hajdj and Agriculture Nabathea.
African Anatolian says that, is fertile ground in which there be large and tall
plants with tender, thick and green leaves, linked together and thick roots; and this is
also very good land that you see large wild trees that nobody has already planted, which
though they be medium, it is also the land; and feeble, if you saw that the same are of a
diseased vegetation, small, thin leaves and branches and thin roots that quickly dried.
And also it is not good in which any thorns and wild joyos, whose trees were small.
According Kastos is a sign of good land if they take much increase their trees are
of the kind that may be; middle, if not grow much or have linked branches; and less if
they are thin and weak, according to the quoted Anatolian, the best land is that which is
not much rigor cracks in the heat, or the rain with the many slides or softness are made,
or where the water dries quickly, or does not stay long time on the surface. The same
author says, it is good land, and even better, the black who suffer the many rains and
waters it is not on purpose for vines. According Kastos is a sign of good soil if water
saturates the continuous rains and does not crack with the heat.
Jah said common Writers of Agriculture indicate the different species of land
described a white called, to other black, and to the other sandstone; and they say it is
thick as that of a viscous mud and wax forms, and dock the same thick mud which is not
of this viscosity. Discarded in much the white dock and sandstone; of which the first is
nevertheless better quality than the second. Other species must be more or less that or to
this approach, and others who have a perfect medium between the two. But this has
already been tried up with some timely extension.
Show yourself also the quality of the land by their smell and taste after pitch and
soaked in water; This is done by taking a handful of her surface if soil for sowing, or in
deeper until both cubits or something but when it is planting, and throwing in a wide
mouth glass or new glazed clay, it is covered with rain water or sweet, and bobs to
dilute it. Then allowed to sit that dust or dirt on the bottom of the glass, and if
registering it then floats in it by way of gross filth or murky, the land is good indeed;
and if not, is weak it can only be improved with the much manure.
Also, if testing it to taste and smell is found sweet, so is the earth; and it is said
that if the water is soft and sweet, the land is pleasantly soft sweetness; bad, if it
whatever bitter or brackish; and of equal quality and absolutely nothing good, if it be
fetid. Kastos says, though it be salted land is fertile or liberal.
According to Abu-el-Jair, if the smell of the water and dust shall please and soft,
that land is very good because he signal his good temper; and bad, if be ungrateful odor.
Also, the languor and corruption that are therein indicates to be corrupted and altered
their smell. Flee entirely, they say, of dirt, sand and salt water; whose material having
discussed above, there you can see these maxims; it would be redundant to repeat them
here manifest. Also, if the mud of the earth mixed with the water is tough like wax, it is
a sign of being good thereof; and inferior, if it were not.
They also say that one of the means by which test whether the earth is thick and
dense, and if it differs from the thin and exhausted, is digging in which he wishes to
make this test a hole in one cubit deep, and after having cleared to return to him all that
excavated earth; which if something is left over after filling, such land is thick; if
anything, of average quality; poor and thin, if after entering all, would remain part of
the hole to be filled. But according Ibn-Hajaj is not sure this test, look for vegetables the
land that is thick, substantial and non-rough, and in no way the white, viscous or which
resquebrajare in summer. In another, the most suitable for them is not harsh or weak,
compared to the first does not suffer much water, and the brittle and weak softens in the
winter and dry in summer; which it causes it to wilt quickly (or narrowing) vegetables.
Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel says that whatever good land on the surface and in
the center bad seed is sown; but if compels the need, it is only planted those trees extend
their roots at ground like peach, apple and the like; although these same sterilized and
lose, then that rooted in bad ground, and even the grass that she was born at the
beginning of the year and dry air becomes heated; unless to be preserved through
watering.
Digging the earth with all diligence and care or deep plowing, the bad comes to
the surface; some say that staying with her flawed and incapable of wetting, must
benefit rotted manure good: which is indispensable for him consist fertilizer such land.
It is said that good land should be used for seed, and inferior to plantations.
Doctors Abu-Abdallah Mahomed Ben-Ibrahim, Ibn- el-Fasel and the wise Abuel-Jair trying knowledge of the nature of the land on beam with respect to their
suitability for sowing or planting with fertilizer requires everything, and trees and
vegetables that thrive in them, talking about white, says Abu-el-Jair, that this earth is
naturally cold and dry, Abu-Abdallah, Enb-the-Fasel, who is petite the grass that grows
on it even in the time of his greatest strength is when throw and preserves the flower;
which produces in abundance, unless otherwise thick and fertile part.
That otherwise need this much land cultivation to be hard; that if you work and
dig repeatedly and benefits with much manure (as required quality cold) trees that are
therein will be high, robust, large, cup-shaped. If still level after shaped and benefited
from manure is soweth, thrive on it any seed, which plants require lots of copy hot and
muck, and much work; but that does not suffer much water back because of his
coldness. In this same land thrives fig, olive, carob, pears, pomegranate, almond,
quince, pistachios and grapes.
Almond grows particularly excellent, and so fig and carob; of which the fig and
almond trees here have no need much work, or are of such magnitude as the other trees.
Although well bred fig and vine in other lands; but this grape is very sweet and juicy.
Also species of wild dill, woad, indigo and blonde dyers are advantageously raised in it.
For this kind of land is much fertilizer the palomina without thereby resulting to the
trees that are in it any harm, as says Abu-el-Jair.
This land is qualified with several qualifiers, according to another author; as it is
called from mount white earth, white bare of grass, white juicy, thick, strong, meaty,
sweet, salt and white; which it is not an advantage, and must be dampened after wiping
water; whose quality is known also by testing to taste.
This kind of land is another, according Jah, parts of slimeing, not thick, powdery
color, which is a mixed vermilion, white and black which again appears in it; which,
according to Abu-el-Jair, is amenable to cultivation. There are also thick and stubborn
fat as usually found in the plains and in the mountains; which it is better than white, nor
need much work. It prevails olive, pomegranate, oak, carob, alfonsigo, pear, loquat
aronio, common medlar, almond, vines, fig red long, hairy mixed * figs, and all black
fig tree species.
Also there montesina and flat, that being tough, strong and unruly to the work,
before using it much toil and hardship has much growing need for attenuating toughness
that has softened; which thus improved after once sown without preparation of manure,
and suffers much water, which retains moisture long time. Far from it need a lot of
manure, says Abu-Abdallah Ibnel-Fasel, we throw so little, attended his heat, which just
is discovered, and so out of respect to the trees any. It is enough for a single work; well
if any seeded repeatedly add some manure is irrigated before being it: the very same
copy of the substance and weakens; and the opposite happens, they say, if it were little
and beasts and two years rotten. If you remain uneducated, alone it produces that kind
of grass that lacks greenery.
According to Abu-Abdallah Ibnel-Fasel prevails in this land fig, walnut, almond,
Mulberry Tree, pine, juniper, cypress, citrus, carob, alfonsigo, the myrtle, the jujube, the
aronio medlar, the serval, apple, plum and common porthole (or black), and rose; which
here leaves a vivid flesh. It is maximum cited author, the reddish soil is good for
planting and not for sowing; although it is said that this same color and stony tree is
more convenient, as well as the too black. It also says that the reddish land is good for
vegetables and in it the onion, garlic, eggplant, radish, carrot, turnip, mustard, cress, the
axenuz, caraway, rue and similar plants prevails.
The land called the ris, which is reddish with little sand mixture, is weak and
thin, and nothing in it prevails; It olive out if much is manured with pigeon excrement,
and its till sometimes. There is another kind of viscous reddish who does not drink
water fast, also known as the ris, and in it the olive, fig hairy, carob, oak, pear, serval,
the medlar aronio prevails, chestnut and the like. This requires the same work and
fertilizer than the last.
The black earth, say Abu-el-Jair, naturally hot and suck is a little bit docile
cropping and plowing; and in which this (gender) does not prevail any cracks tree,
unless after very tilled, irrigated and cultivated diligently.In the same from mountain
tilled good, it prevails olive, carob, oak, chestnut, serval, pear, plum, cherry trees and
the like; But the fig tree and the peach are here durable, and very fruitful. Here prevail
the crops of beans, barley, lentils, millet, millet, cumin, caraway, black cumin and the
like, and also cress, coriander and mustard. Another from mountain, hard blow that
resists peak to break with her; another similar to the brown colored ash; and a wet. The
too black, says Haj Granadino, it burns up its decline to just intonation lacking moisture
coming he had, that the decline of the trees still. The payment for these and it is the old
manure therefore ceased to be warm, keeping only moisture.
According Jah, which this kind of thick and viscous whatever is released quickly
with water. And according to another view, which is cracking in the hot season the trees
do not prevail; but wheat, some vegetables and many thorny bushes as alcarehofa,
cambroneras * and the like; although it is of poor quality which will abound much
alcarehofas. The lands of this kind that they be good, medium or vile known by signs
listed above.
The lands of this kind that were good, medium or vile known by signs listed
above. The almdanat earth (or oiled), so named for being along or near villages and
that this has mixture of manure beasts and the like, even the bottom is good for this
cause, and the color of its surface becomes very black . But if it is of good quality,
damaged one this much manure to plants after the heats yesterday. If sandstone, white,
Thekla sucked, rocky or rough, or of those species of land that benefits much manure, in
this case a lot of them fail the copy.
The land contrary to it is called barniat (or countryside), and which is far from
the villages. The almdanat (or oiled) must be plowed repeatedly so that the top is
incorporated well with the lower and acquire a good temperament; in which the grains
and vegetables that were planted prevail; and vegetables being irrigated land. All trees,
that should and can suffer much manure prevail advantage in this kind of land. But
those who do not suffer as hazelnut and the like are not here long life, and so the peach,
which is not very fruitful.
The yellow earth, says Abu-Abdallah, is by nature such as cold and dry as the
white, The yellow earth, says Abu-Abdallah, is by nature such as cold white and dry,
although inferior, and it is compared to the mountain black; which she is most fertile. It
is therefore weak and soft, but not improved by dint of many tasks and very large copy
of ancient beasts and sheep on that one year has passed without which produces
absolutely nothing useful manure. They say that there is no goodness in it these species
namely the mocddanat which is similar to tanned leather, and moist; a tie to the white,
which is muddy and is called elbir, which cracks, and is softer; and the highly viscous,
which is not of good quality. Of these, according to Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel, it is
good only the first, in which there prevail trees root but robust, as theft algar, almond,
medlar aronio, oak, chestnut, walnut, palm, citrus, the Mulberry Tree and the like, and
this tilling and fertilizing too much.
The harsh land called mosdrmena and mohdyena says Abu-el-Jair, is by nature
cold and dry, and is two species; one with a mixture of coarse sand, and other plaster or
of little stones. Also there mountain and simple: the mountain that under its surface with
a large amount of stones hath resists work together and not good quality. The flat, which
hail person was at ground level, it has plowed repeated times to join it with the earth
from the center; thereby it is improved. Making fruitful the work is necessary to
cultivate and irrigate a lot, and enough fertilized copy of sheep manure and pigeon
excrement; and so all mountain land. On rough earth prevails walnut, alfonsigo, the
cabrahigo, the dikdl fig, rose, plum, grapes, (which is extremely robust breeding),
apricot, almond, bay leaves, juniper, cypress , myrtle (Myrtle or arraihan Moorish), the
Aromatario, common medlar and all the big and small trees that usually grow up in the
mountains.
According to the Nabathea Agriculture, prevails in this land the red fig.
Vegetables, pumpkins (planting before the tasteless), eggplants, species pennyroyal,
rue, the lily, the Almoraduz, the maro (or Stachy) and the like. Legumes lentils, beans
and chickpeas, especially late planting these beans; whose plants were cultivated with
all diligence and care, because cultivation as it will shorten the product will be much
less; and they may also suffer from the difficult times and contrary winds. According to
Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel, if this molted to another moist earth, pumpkins are grown,
they are early and tasty achieved.
With regard to the sand, there are three species, according to Abu-el-Jair, a very
small, soft, another thick without consolidation that is not of good quality and nothing
occurs, and another petite with much soil mix, known as the land hartrat (or hot).
According to the Author of the Nabathea Agriculture and others, the wet sand
gets his weakness any alteration of the air, and so in cold weather cools, and in hot
weather warms. Otherwise it is cold; and likewise declines to such quality sandy soil
composed mostly of sand, even without altering much the air, they say; which, if it is
the best part, gets less cold, whose trees are quickly fading leaves and fruit, believes
Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel.
The best kind of this land, says the same author, is composed of equal parts,
which benefited with lots of copy softens manure cultivation: does not suffer much
water, and it is best to dry to give irrigation in this disposal. Since fast drinking water
that is irrigated correspondingly on the surface is dry and moist in the center. It prevails
palm, pine, tamarisk, cypress and other trees that breed in moist sand, and vegetables
purslane. The harrat land is to margins of the great rivers, whose dominant color is
powdery in fair proportion, has soft sand mixture without being this much of which is
made up.
The land of this kind as may be moist and tender is the best temperament, says
Abu-el-Jair, the more docile to the work, and to give more angola to plant, to all air
and to all water. Does not suffer from much manure, and only fertilized in cold weather.
It is convenient to the old and rotten, either pure sheep or human excrement in the same
form, or mixed. Here prevail the various species of fruit, arraihanes, ocimos (or basil)
and jasmine, all kinds of vegetables, dikl fig *, White Cordoba and open, hazel, apple,
citrus (or toronjo), the orange , jujube and pomegranate.
Also it prevails in this land (and other) Lupin, and Mulberry Treeity, rose,
walnut, jujube, medlar, peach, zerezo; Although this tree is not here long life ready to
reach an end, and because its branches being a little gnarled, surprises and cold damage,
while still tender. Also, the mature fig here late so that the rains to surprise him.Also it
prevails in this land onion, wild leek, linen, Henna, rice, indigo, cotton, beans, sesame,
millet, millet, saffron and all Lawn vegetables. In short all those genera and species of
vegetables and trees are planted and planted in orchards prevail on this earth.
The land called thick has, according to Abu-el-Jair and others, the white to
yellow, and is crass, strong, viscous, without moisture. The work is unruly, and cracks
in hot weather as deserts or barren land, although close to their slots when it rains. It is
hard and does not penetrate water by much grass and having viscosity. Copy suffers
much water, and there is no doubt that the manure that is appropriate oxen and sheep,
rotten.
The thick earth, says Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel, acquires ease with ash, dung
and crop to quibble and soften. Some say that this land is good (like all that cracking of
large cracks) to seed and not for planting, radishes, turnips, onions, garlic, caraway or
similar plants.
Kastos says that no tree is planted in healthy soil but without harshness or
stones, or the cracking of that; and the same is said of the fields that may be found to be
of the same species, and consumed at most.
ARTICLE VIII
Of land that are not good for sowings or plantings, and none of this prevails.
Such, says Abu-Abdallah-Ibnel-Fasel and Abu-el-Jair, very yellow (or ocher)
land that is used to color the wood and dyed cloth; the land of a vermilion ocher loaded
call; three species of land of the same name called burka, which are a tight yellow to
white, and exhaled an odor of alcribite; the gravel pit or stony, which is below
containing white rough limestone (or Calinas) thick, rough and sand blinded torrents;
the land of blue that mixed with colored clay pottery jars for oil and wine are made;
yellow skin color similar to the wet stone of the same color; the brackish land, mineral
orpiment, alcribite, copper, iron and the like; and so those kind of very viscous mud,
like the soft, Armenian, Roman which is the main (or thinner) and the bricks are made;
saluki land; the mud, the mud of the rivers and the like.
Some call this mhmalat land that is useless or insignificant.
Attempts have been made because of the thick fertilizers lands, slimeing, source,
salt, sandstone and other species that together mention was made in the previous
ARTICLE, according to the doctrine of Nabathea Agriculture has been extracted;
maxims which you can see and join with the alleged above, taken from the books of the
two Doctors Abu-Abdullah, and Abu-el-Jair; in which you'll have far enough in this
area with the help of Allah, who is the convenience and utility commands with the
influx of secondary causes. He is the supreme Lord, whom alone adoration and worship
is due.
CHAPTER II
Of manure and useful species, preparation, method of use or apply.
Referring to trees and vegetables, suffering, or not,
all manure from the book of Ibn-Hajaj,
that under the name of sirjin is about manure.
Dung says June makes the good land of better quality, and to the poor the
benefits a lot and strengthens. The quality does not need much manure, and a just
intonation unless she needs something, let the weak and thin. None of manure the earth
at once, it should do this gradually and at different times, as well as land not manured
remains cool, so it burns the receiving as much manure which it corresponds.
Whoever fertilize the plants should take manure to the foot of them, covering
them with earth first, and then the same manure. In doing so, plants do not burn with the
immediacy of manure; whose heat is gradually penetrating the roots behind the middle
ground and the other covering it, and preventing this heat evaporates, turns it down.
Says the same author, that the best manure manured the earth is all birds except
the geese and other aquatiles; which corrupts by its humidity, not being mixed with
other species of beneficial manure. The best, he says, is the pigeon droppings by its
heat; it has the advantage of fortifying the weak earth, and her influence on vegetation
and robustness of the fruit it produces, and also to kill the lobster (many insects that will
abound). After the manure is taken for good quality human excrement to be similar in
strength to the pigeon droppings, and have special virtue to kill some species of herbs.
Donkey dung is third in quality, and this because by its nature promotes and
strengthens the fields, and is good for all kinds of plants. Goat manure is the fourth
order for its excessive acidity. After the sheep that is thicker (or fat) than goats; and then
the horse. The weakest and vilest of all is pure horse and mule, which if mixed with
other species strong manure is however good and helpful.
Such is the specific graduation that June make of manure. Kastos says, the best
bird manure is the pigeon droppings, which kills weeds with its heat: then the donkeys;
and then the sheep; and ultimately the ox. The best ever for plants is the common horse
called clumsy (or steam); and mixing manure is good for the olive more than any other.
Cassian gives preference in an article of his work to horse manure, celebrates and care
of their use to the farmers.
According Sidags the Hisphahaniense, heat or moisture of manure is in
proportion of animals temperament, because if they are warm temperament, the same is
also their dung. For example, pigeon droppings is warm and dry, because this
temperament are animals that shed. And this rule will guide you to know the quality of
all other manures.
The usefulness of manure is that revives (or excite) the natural heat in plants and
widening (or open) with his pores of the earth to penetrate to the roots. So far Sidags:
who then returns to send us to the view June, claiming to be convenient to all things
avoid the use of manure from a year, and this refrain the farmers for not being helpful at
all, and because together has produce damaging insects. But that is of very good quality
three or four years, because spending time for him, and ceasing to be recent, lost
(contracting new smell) all roughness had and softens. We said (adds) enough in the
matter. Till here the mentioned author.
The aged manure, says Solon, is soft and cold, and then (or in this provision) is
best for vegetables; and so from that manure should use for trees about which he spent a
year or less, as these and the weakness of those may suffer with respect to that of fresh
manure are many worms that occur, damaging to vegetables.
Also says this author in an article of his work that greatly influences pigeon
droppings on fruits, and thus who claims that the tree could fructify should abundantly
fertilize with her; it causes this effect by branches flowering good. And that intends the
tree to take root, especially the weak and old, the dung with cattle manure and compost,
as they have a special virtue to this effect.
Dung, says Kutsmi in Nabathea Agriculture, is applied in two ways, pure and
mixed with something else, that is, a different manure, or soil provided. The most useful
among the simple to the corrupt land ceased to be of good quality and lost its sweetness,
is the cow dung; whither still goodness for the same effect or deer dung mountain goat,
wild donkey goat, sheep, buffalo, horse and domestic donkey; and also pigeon
droppings, which is among us all the best manure. Other poultry manure are disposable
for being less virtue; although good quality are made by mixing other.
Human excrement is better temperament and warmer than the manure of pigeons
and other birds; it softens or subtilizes all manures, and incorporating well with land,
encourages and takes its hardness * and much coldness and dryness. It is very helpful
for the palms, trees, vines, and many small plants; thus making them vegetate, the
redeemed of damage. The aged human excrement, mixed with tiny black earth is more
useful for some things than other manures; which they are for other than him: all of
which explain in their articles, by Allah.
These are the simple manures; and so it is the straw of some plants, leaves, stems
and fruit, all dry and ground. These are the simple manures; and so it is the straw of
some plants, leaves, stems and fruit, all and ground dry. The first and most useful is the
straw beans; after the barley and wheat, pumpkins, brambles, hollyhocks, roses,
wallflowers, violets, lily, marshmallows, turnip greens, carrots and lettuce, sticks and
leaves to any fig branches, common palm leaves and called walnut India, and the fruit
often called bolja or dates to mature.
To manure and straw continue the ashes; because of it, which straw is taken to
fertilize, burnt after dry ash is collected useful to benefit plants and fertilize the land.
And so every tree ash applied to benefit those whose species was. The same is said of
the vineyard, palm, legumes, vegetables, and sum of all large or small plant, to which
advantage and gives strength. These concepts are as the foundation and basis of this
chapter.
According Kutsmi is essential that maximum cultivation of all plants, whether
small tree or plant, some of it is mixed in with manure that fertilized respectively. Also
says that the ash of burnt bones from the fruit of the trees, the branches that bear no
bone and other plants, makes prevail very well that tree species will fertilize her: and
also heal plants and trees with their ash of their same parties together with the manure,
as indeed is the vineyard medicine with ash of her branches, and the kernels or grape
bones; and so the other trees and plants. All of which, in the absence of this ash, well
rotten with convenient manure, also it serves as manure.
It is a universal principle, .dice Kutsmi, which is helpful to use manure from all
animal kind, and so the ash of every plant. But we have named these three simple
basics is
more
virtue
corrected and improved.
than the
other; which, when mixed with
Sagrit believes
that the
them, are
best manure is
generally all the pigeons, and every bird, except the aquatics and the duck.
Says that in most Chaldean climate, mix pigeon dung, dove and wood pigeon
advantageous for wheat, barley, millet, rice, millet, lentils and beans; and that with this
manure they sow the seed when they want to born and bear fruit quickly; especially if
the land is thin or weak, slimeing or source: and the same effect arises because poultry
manure on fruit trees. Bear in mind (adds) that kind of fertilizer for the land and all
kinds of plants, human excrement continues to poultry manure, as is constant from
experience.
It also has special virtue to is not born grass, thistles and other herbs contrary to
the vegetables, and even the other gender. Susado describes how to prepare human
excrement before applying. He says, to be dried his first moisture to be perfectly thin
and black; and then placed in a hole which will be discussed later, and spraying fresh
water twice to stir a lot, and mix until incorporated: after dry there will whisk ash
branches, and fertilize with him vines , being the thing that suits them.
If the same were used to fertilize other trees distinct of vines, vegetables or
plants, it mix part of the mentioned ashes of the same that you want to fertilize. He adds
that this is the best manure; and that if the farmer is offended by the smell, it break with
hot reddish earth dust of good odor mixed with bird excrement; which built with human
excrement, removes the bad smell that has, after many days remain dry.
Donkey dung follows
this online of
good
quality fertilizer
for trees and
plants; although it is not suitable for vines and olive trees and so these trees should be
avoided their use, with regard to whether they are cast forth below, they would be born
at the foot of them within two or three days plants lousy quality that would hurt a lot.
Such as manure must be mixed with another different if necessary to apply to those
trees, with as much of human excrement, bird manure, soil, manure or with others. This
follows the sheep manure; which it is especially useful for new trees and other fragrant
plants, and vegetables that are transplanted from one place to another.
Know (still the same author) sheep manure is the thickest of all, and therefore
the largest fertilizer for, brackish, bitter, hot and sour, and to plants that are in such
lands. Then follow the mule and horse manure. The common people prefer dung
manure of goats and sheep, and placed after the donkey dung. Experience has made by
pig manure and has found that burns a lot the roots of large trees, palms and all kinds of
plants; so it is no advantage.
The best manure of all, says Susado, is the pigeon excrement; which continues to
manure from other birds, except aquatics. Then he follows, and is the third human
excrement; the fourth is the goat dung; the fifth the sheep; the sixth the one of donkeys;
the seventh cow dung; the eighth horse manure and mule. The remaining following
these are regarded as of equal quality close together, while doubting his nature, or in
them no reason preference is discovered where they are gradually distinguished.
According Kutsmi, these manures are made (or prepare) with straws and ashes,
and rot until being as drug compounds that men use to medicate. With them the tree
heals, palm, vines and all kinds of plants from all calamities and harm; certain remedies
for plants with blood and urine are also provided, as blood has prodigious virtue to
revive (or return) some trees and plants.
ARTICLE I
The way to make manure
According to the Nabathea Agriculture, whoever wants to make profitable
manure for trees and plants in general in the appropriate land, and what manure must
use to preserve plants made calamities, do some deep ditches (which the more wide and
deep they may be, the better it will be), and pouring on any manure it with human
excrement, pigeon droppings or manure from other birds (except aquatic and ducks
whose manure is unusual in some way), stir all well, by adding a few sheets of marine
and branches cabbage, and also black and wet slime of some river or well, and
scrambled all with a long stick, so that they are incorporated parts, sprinkle on it some
lees and human urine , which it is the best manure especially for vines; and then stir it
well every day, or three in three days until issued a foul odor, and then when it became
black and then stir it well every day, or three in three days until issued a foul odor, and
then when I was black, adding ashes of vines and branches, stir and continuously
incorporate it every day in the manner stated (whose ashes as it were greater the amount
will be much better); and then there is present all mixed, leaving it in the same place,
then why is there every day urinate without intermission, till it came to smell very bad
and blackened and does not distinguish at sight anything that is separately mixed; in
which state I spread it on the ground, and the remainder in the same hole, so that
everything is dry, exposed to yesterday; which verified, and reached the end of its
perfection.
Such is the manure that fertilized the vines free of calamity; to which repairs,
strengthens and reserve much damage, by Allah.
Manure for fruit such as pomegranate, hazel, apple, pear, loquat aronio, peach,
apricot, jujube, the sebestn (or serval) and similar trees, whose fruit regardless of cold
quality, is made the same ashes of them and any black mud below, lying above and
stirred well with her, incorporating a lot of dung of wood pigeon and home pigeon and
bat or swallow; which is incorporated with a long stick or wooden paddle until well
mixed, and is infused over camel urine, or men urinate there, stirring continuously until
it is black and rotten.
Then you mix a lot of ancient human excrement of the same color, incorporating
all with shovels, and urinating on it every day until more rotting, smelly contract. For
which purpose the camel urine is better than human; which if there is no hand-over
amount of the camel lie down, adding stems and leaves of radishes; which makes
quickly rot and stink everything involved with it.
After rotten, it stirs up and down continuously, and extends through the land to
be dry or remain with very little moisture; with whose manure covering after the feet of
those trees or similar, it is improved and restored.
Indian dung convenient to round melon and other species of the same figure, the
dung is mixed donkey dung and thorns ash, often raised in uncultivated land; on whose
mothers mixture infused wine, stirring everything so that moisture is incorporated with
it, and so is left until it rots and black: in which arrangement will mix other distant land
with petite soil, or rising dust from all dusty site; all of which built with shovels, it is
then thrown into the bottom of the melon; to which plants are sure to benefit and
strengthened.
Manure for fig, citrus, almond, alfonsigo, walnut, bitter almond and other trees
like warm fruit, consists of dung, of what remains of wheat and barley after the harvest,
the dry grass born from these same grains and the tares straws and other small plants
all of which together is left well spread in the stables (or pens) where cattle is collected
so that they wet and dirty it, and stepping on it, it crumble so that it looks like salt and
incorporated with dung; and no doubt well and soon rots; whose layout and where it has
been blackened, stir with iron shovels or wooden fort, incorporating red earth of good
smell; whose whole mixture is left extended so that it remains wipe or very little
moisture: and such is the manure with fertilize the above mentioned and similar trees.
Manure generally helpful for all small or large plant, consists of ash from the
short straw with its roots in the stubble of wheat and barley, thorns, briars, sticks and fig
leaves, adding to this as much dung, and pigeon droppings part, beans straw,
wheat,
and barley, and dry stalks pumpkins, all in the same species and unburned branches and
some sticks and roots of the vines, aquatic moss collected from rivers and the shores of
ponds and ditches, and small straws with its roots torn.
All this together in the trenches as above described, the rainwater it rots (in
which arrangement the peasant people also urinate there); so it will make this water
flow and go to stop in such places being known that such currents cleaned roads
manure, silt, mud, subtle and thick earthy substance, which coming to give in that
manure , there remains; and stagnant water which has been absorbed into the earth turns
what is contained in those trenches, and shaken with sticks to it well built, everything
rots perfectly. It already blackened, and dismissing him a rotten smell, with blade
moves continuously, stirring up a lot until remains incorporated their stay as a mass
party. And such is the useful manure to every tree and plant, and with it all manures,
except melons.
The same blend of old human excrement manure befits cucumbers, pumpkins,
turnips, carrots, leeks (or Damascene) and similar plants bred underground, like the
roots; Although cucumbers are also fertilized with cow dung, donkey manure and
human excrement, all mixed with another portion so soft and good ground.
Eggplants, the soldanela or sea kale, the common kale (or cabbage), kale,
radishes, onions, garlic, and similar wing, fertilized with human excrement mixed
donkey dung and ashes, whatever (although it is better willow), adding to this leaves
some thin branches and roots of chestnut, and then put everything into the referrals
moat, where it infuses and sprinkles fresh water to rot well, stir and pulls there after
rotten, extending well spread as trite thing. And this is the manure to the
aforementioned levels, which rise and prevail.
Manure for small vegetables such as peppermint, endive, the snakeroot, chard,
Nabataean leeks or Chaldeans, rocket, cress, taro (or actual basil), purslane, celery and
the like, comprises human excrement, pigeon droppings, donkey dung and cow dung, so
that human excrement is the majority, adding to all the other both good and petite
collected in such places dung and earth; all of which is put together in the trenches
mentioned and therefore any blood that is infused; although better human, the camels
and sheep.
It is also sprayed with fresh water mixing and turning it well so that it is
incorporated; and if any rain before, so and so much stir, corrupted and quickened, and
it incorporates each other to rot and black. After having done silt and dried, mixed with
any tiny dirt or dust it, and thus the mode referred vegetables are fertilized; putted
beside which sustains and makes greening.
Lettuce are fertilized with manure composed of human excrement, pigeon
droppings, chicken manure, lettuce leaves, some swallow manure, tamarisks ash,
acacalis and the like; so that one half is of human excrement, and the other of other
things, as a conjectural, not mathematics. All of which put in the mentioned ditch, and
infusing blood (whatever it is) and rain water, is left until blackened, rotten odor
contracted; in which arrangement moves the dry ditch and applies to lettuce manure
through their roots, sprinkling their branches together with the same in the way that
after say, by Allah.
Such are the modes of dung that rot enough to know in this area. Things that
occur to rot ferment them is the chairdrek or swallow manure, urine and human blood,
which causes things like manure effect on the yeast in the dough; thus benefiting them
and increasing their heat strengthening or the rot and make good temperament.
ARTICLE II
Goodness of manure over time.
According to the Nabathea Agriculture is very good two-year-rotted manure,
better three and four that lost its foul odor that smells nothing, is better than all these
manures short time. For this the custom, Kutsmi says that any kind of manure a year
earlier to avail themselves have built and rotten, about which if applied before going
through it a year, hurt; and even after last this time, there is not be perfect quality.
The oldest of three or four years is the most advantageous. The more time is not
used for lack of virtue, having lost force. The damage from that used before the year is
completed, produces bad bugs and worms of various sizes; and sometimes if it is
fertilized with much watering plants, spring water or land and eats feet (or stems)
thereof; so it should not apply until after one or two months, completed the first year.
The manure that came to the five, or that pass this time is not good for anything.
However, it takes place from that manure mixed with powder that brings water from
other land; although this is of better quality. Manure to seven years ago and pure
powder is held by good and substantial land as has been the open; But if any has been
under the same roof under the manure, since it retains its good quality until that time,
and does not become dust to last ten or twelve years.
ARTICLE III
In the way of manure trees and vegetables and manure dust to some of the latter.
All these trees that have been mentioned, says the author of Agriculture
Nabathea, foot dug little or much in proportion to his size or smallness, were filled those
excavations with any of these manures. But none are given powder; because while all
respectively advantage to the trees and plants being at the bottom; but they are harmful
to the end if they fall on the leaves and branches, particularly fruit and vines; of whose
plants to suit any powder but is eggplant, cabbage, sea kale and vegetables generally
large; to all of which should dusting lightly with manure out to be particularly small
vegetables, and also fertilize the foot with some portion thereof.
In the Nabathea Agriculture its refer various opinions about the powder in
vineyards; because some say that fill them with manure dust is for them a useful
statement about Refer powder various opinions about the vineyards in Agriculture
Nabathea; because some say there that fill them with manure dust is for them a useful
statement about being this the same as other land bring different place, and thus dust fill
them, and helps them fail to bear fruit. Others say that is very worthy dig the earth and
put it together; others say that fill much manure dust, they cause extreme damage;
others that wont give dust to the vines with manure but just those vegetables and small
plants so that it be convenient, mixing before with petite land; which benefits them, and
others say that before you must spray water so dust can settle on them.
Susado say, when you have to fertilize the trees foots or stem of the others
small plants with these manures, specially warms, do not throw it inmediatly but
bringing and droping first extrao dust of another land to the foot, then you put above
the manure, in the way that it be between two layers of said dust; which follows the one
that mix with manure and in the ruins of deserts houses.
According Sagrit, the land that stops manures warm is brought it from of vacant
sites and wilderness for being the most convenient and profitable for all kind of trees
and palms, and for all small or corpulent palm. For this places that Sagrit calls
wahchiat, understands the same, Abu-Bikara ben says, are the spacious fields where the
winds blow a lot. Also says, (this author) that troeing the manure between the two dirt
reserves the palms and trees of the damage it could cause surrounding them. Eggplants,
cucumbers, cucumbers, melons, and all that we call big vegetables, need the dust and
that fertilize in the roots. Adding, says the Nabathea Agriculture, to the big vegetables
cabbage, sea kale, chard, lettuce, spinach and cress, first you throw the manure between
the dirt before covering with dust, which must be from another good quality land and
also the one that mis with the manure and ruins; further the one collected from the
jungle and deserts, as Sagrit said. Also it is usual to throw the manure in the water that
flow to the vegetables, to introduce it this way in these plants root, whose practice has
the people as better.
Many farmers want to make manure while pouring some water on the roots or
the skin of trees, and that they are irrigated and manured later, as customary. Nabathea
Agriculture says that if the manure retains its strength and roughness even when it
dusted the leaves of large trees, are heated much more to give them the sun, which cause
burning and chipping them, they loose with this, part of its robustness.
So vegetables
and whole slender plant as the root or foot of the large plants are to be covered jointly
of livestock manure: this is befits small plants throw it in the roots and branches, and to
the great only in the roots and not on branches or leaves; being this the media that the
leaves and branches of large plants receive the utility of manure at the same moment.
ARTICLE IV
Of the utility of the manure for the lands and the time that must fertilize,
according to Nabathea Agriculture
The manure, whose quality and utility above mentioned, Sagrit says, are
profitable indifferently of the land where they had, and for the bare of any tree or plant;
because if it is throw in a bad land they abandon it, and if it is good, it make it of better
quality and robustness; and the same happens when to the plants and trees, having them
cover of the bad impression of damage airs, too cold or too hot, dryness and the
corruption of much irrigation. It is also profitable to the moderately good and the fetid
land, some strange accident reduce them to their good temperament. Ultimately, it is
necessary the manure in those kind of sick lands, called thin, source or slimey.
ARTICLE V
The above mentioned manures benefit generally to all corrupted land, and
further this common utility has the particularly respective to trees and plant. The weak
land of grove and other big or small plants must be fertilize to many times, and still
must need continuous fertilize from autumn till early spring. Which consists, on that
land plowed every two days, the third will take manure for ten, fifteen or twenty,
according seem good about the degree to which corruption had come, decline of good
quality; since if the amount of manure over usually be increased, this would corrupt
both land plants, burning and weakening that and apply these to be necessary to remedy
this corruption. Unlike moderate use corresponding amount will not burn in any way
soil or plants: so if throwing much manure on a stretch of land so that everything he
does seem otherwise, shrink so much strength and heat spoil to many plants to be
required to repair such damage that land mix quite another copy quality that benefit, or
freshwater irrigation, which produce the same effect, it remove the fortress. It should
not need much manure for the earth; whose usefulness is to help the heat of the sun and
air, and to oppose to cold or cold excess plants contract from land or water. Manure
communicates its usefulness to all united under the tree, palm, vine and other large
plants; thus warming the earth until his deep, thence the roots and foot (or stem) from
the tree and the plants extends to branches according to the Nabathea Agriculture
manure heats the surface of the earth in cold weather which clogging it comes from the
air, and also a cold deep warming it in hot weather, causing damage to plants and trees.
According Sagrit, the land of perfect quality, as well continue, you should not
need to fertilize; but and in full amount to his manure, the fetid, as the degree of decline
of good or bad quality. The land between good and bad must have continuous manure,
as we said needed to repair the thin soil of his weakness and be strengthened. Some
manures also have utility ward off insect crops.
Kutsmi says that if mixed with poultry or swallow manure, which is the
mochairarek and dried blood, shredded or ground this, the seeds must sown together,
mostly in thin soil, weak source or slimeing, is this benefit the same and to plants;
whose vegetation and increased also ahead, and preserves them from harmful insects
that eat them, such as mice, bugs, worms and other insects that corrupt the seed or take.
Whose mixture falling into the ground and receiving slime from tainted water, and the
same land that is incorporated, and the same land that is incorporated, and toes or stems
of the plants, extending the soil surface and dismisses himself an unpleasant smell of all
kinds of birds and to every other kind of bugs such as mice and various insects.
ARTICLE VI
Of virtue and strength of manure
Some are warm, and other fresh, greasy and soft; and respective use of each
species is done to medicate the earth or ground contrary quality; that is, warm with
whatever fresh or cold , the cold with warm, fat (or juicy) with consumed, and so do the
rest. According to the Nabathea Agriculture, with the warm manure it is composed of
human excrement, of so many parts of pigeon droppings, sheep dung, manure swallows,
turbid oil (so amurca or vegetable water), all mixed up rot and reared in it worms, and
drying after, it fertilize the vines to fought the cold and similar calamities. The soft
manure is he who has no mixture of human excrement or pigeon droppings; but the
compound of cow dung and manure of sheep along with the small dust of the dunghills.
When you need, says Kutsmi, aggressive and strong manure, mix them with
ashes of warm things, and so shrink too hot and such quality; as ash peppermint,
jasmine, canines roses of axedra (or wild serpol) real basil and celery, which has
special and prodigious virtue for this effect. From whose ashes, or other similar warm
plants, it is used, mixing, rotten and incorporating them with the manure. And these are
the ones that must be applied to the affected plants from the cold and similar calamities.
The thick manure, also called sweet, consists of manure, straw vegetables, green leaves
and plants mucilaginous part of them.
Cold quality manure is made by mixing and rotting with him as much leaves,
sticks and roots of two species of wild poppy and Hortense as could collect. It is also
said that rotten it with human excrement, manure donkey and cow dung, is made of all
this a profitable manure to every overwhelmed of calamity from strongly heat plant, or
of that disease called hictericia or combustion usually happens to trees and vegetables
by the burning of certain high winds; for which purpose it is, by Allah, in a useful and
powerful virtue, as cold and juicy manure make up, you can see it in the ARTICLE of
rice seed; and how hot manure in the sowing chard.
ARTICLE VII
With these warm manures you wont fertilize the vines because it burns their
roots nor contract that disease that dries the fruit. For every tree or plant that dont
suffer the burning manure has to appeal to them instead of, rotten straws, edible grains
and livelihood; of which the more convenient and useful to the vines is the beans, barley
and wheat without them prove to be feared that the vines of scorching manure.
Abu-Abdullah-Mohamed-Ibn-Ibrahim-Ibn-el-Fasel and the wise Abu-el-Jair and
others say, that animal manure that is made to agricultural use, are seven species, which
offer testify later. The condition of manure in general is to be warm and juicy; in the old
stands latter quality rather than new, and in this most the first. That latter manure, not to
be good, no use is made until last a year or more; but if the necessity compels him to
make it ferment mix it with pigeon droppings or ash, which also has the virtue to cause
the same effect on him; whose manner of composition will be discussed onwards, by
Allah.
Manure from all species of pigeons and francolin are extremely hot and dry,
both old and new; with which cure the plants of the damage occurred from the cold.
Offended plants from the heat, are cured with human excrement. Manure moisten
parched ground, loose hard (or thick), warms the cold, in the exhausted thick, and does
best quality. Straws beans, barley and wheat together or by themselves or rotten, are soil
fertilizer.
ARTICLE VIII
Of the birds manure
These, according to Abu-el-Jair, are deadly poison for the plants, except pigeon
droppings; which leads to all, and is by nature too hot and dry; While Abu-AbdallahIbnel-Fasel denied the quality of dry, attributing the excessively warm and very humid.
According to Abu-el-Jair, manure from aquatics birds, chickens and geese is harmful to
plants; and with the pigeon droppings it vegetate, grow quickly and the same rise, if the
cold or ice has been delayed after the born; in which are repaired throwing it dissolved
in the water with which it is irrigated. It is also suitable for every tree and vegetables,
and is prodigious virtue for Alena and olives.
According to Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel, it is help for plants stunned by the
force of cold, throwing it crumbled into the water with which it is irrigated. Which has
only executed if necessary. It is said that also avails the flimsy ground, and by its very
hot belongs to the second class of advantaged manure. Kastos says that all poultry
manure, ducks, among others, avails every tree, lentil seed and fertilize it with him. But
the most effective and removes to them and to the other plants the calamity which they
have contracted, is the pigeon droppings by force of its heat. And this is where it says
that Tasmid is the same that fertilize. Accodring to Nabathea Agriculture, the pigeon
dung, turtle dove and wood pigeon birds are equal in quality.
It is made used of the human excrement from the sewer according to Abu-elJair, dry and crumbled. It is warm, moist and fibrous nature; or moderately warm with
these two qualities, believes Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel. The rotten is said to be cold
and wet; whose ultimate quality is, according to Abu-el-Jair, rotten in the sewer. AbuAbdallah and others say, that human excrement is good for summer vegetables like
squash, eggplant, purslane, onions, soldanela, amaranth and henna; for whose plants
have special virtue and lettuce; and also it has unique and wonderful for the palms.
It dissolved in the pond water with the vegetables are irrigated in the hot season
is very convenient, useful, and nothing harmful to them; and applied equally to many
arid parched withered plants or heat, they quickly cause the beneficial effect they need .
They say that human excrement is better manured to fertilize the land, being the
warmest manure and that ends more harmful to the sowing plants. It is said that offends
olives; but it is very useful to the vineyards, and online advantage belongs to the third
class, or follows of the pigeon droppings.
The manure of sheep, goats, camels, deer and dry rubbed down the block where
livestock is gathered, they have each other (according to Abu-el-Jair) affinity. They are
hot and humid and below pigeon droppings.
Of them it does not use, unless rotten and
after dead the grass seeds that had. because without being so, would these be harmful
when they got to be born; and it will be more profitable and better for the earth benefit it
with them before sowing of wheat and pulses. Also good benefit them brittle, loose and
waste ground. They mixed with some other manure and rotten, they are good for them
as it is fertilized, either vegetables or other species of plants.
According Kastos, the best of these manures is the white sheep and goats; then it
is the cow dung. The camel is useful as is fertilized with him, mixed with ash. It is said
that goat manure is hot in fourth grade; the sheep is less strong than him and then
follows the cow dung.
Pig manure is, according to Abu-el-Jair, poor quality and a deadly poison for the
plants. It's bad, says another author, for every plant is fertilized with him, except the
bitter almonds, which in this way becomes sweet. Manure of animals such as horses,
donkeys and mules, says Abu-el-Jair, are of a kind, hot and humid nature. Although
significant, they are inferior in quality to those above mentioned and use them as they
become, before cleaning to straws, dry grass, stones, bones and the like that are mixed.
But according to Ibn Abu-Abuj Dalah-the-Faselalthough manure worthy of
appreciation, should not be applied but simple and after cleaning and rotten in the
winter, unmixed with other, tables or pictures of pumpkins, eggplants, cucumbers and
similar plants; and properly apply juicy (or recent) according to his natural disposition.
Kastos says that the best manure is the one of donkeys and then the mule and
horses. Others claim that the latter beast is best, as it simple and pure unmixed with
anything. But this author add be of good quality, if it mix warm manure. It also says that
the mixture of manure from cattle and sheep, camels and birds is the best with the olive
manures, and the same manure compound of garbage from homes; which although less
than that, is however, according to Abu-el-Jair, good for trees, vegetables and crops, as
it is rotten, loose and clean, and has been a year for him. It has special virtue for
purslane called farfn, for yarbz (or amaranth) to the sarmak (or armuelles) to cabbage
or carnab, for halimo or similar plants.
The compound manure, says Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel, is hot, humid, brackish
and rubbery; and some of it is equal to much other. But it is not used until one year of
its composition and after having cleaned; for otherwise produce weeds and pests
noxious to the plants that were surrounding to these or to those. Even the best and the
most profitable manure to the land are not much but after they passed one year. Who
passes on this time is of regular virtue; and well over within two years. They say the
three is the most adventageous of all. To rotten fast and benefit, say some, to be added
as a third part of new sand; and others to sixth pigeon droppings ash. This is nothing
more, according Abuel-Jair, than manure mixing with ash and debris from the rooms,
which is brackish, dry and lacking in moisture, and applies only to give freedom to the
thick earth, or expand their pores if it be of this quality or rough. It is not convenient for
vegetables, neither use it alone is good, but passed it after a year or more, so that
moistening the air becomes less brackish and warm. Before corrupt and rotten has
special virtue to kill insects that are born on earth as the worms called tarthn, and
others of a similar nature that corrupt the stems of plants.
According to Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel, pigeons ash for being dry and brackish
reserves the roots of the land the damage caused to them vermin that breed in gardens
and other places, like worms and insects, making her tables beds of the thickness of the
palm up and throwing manure after planting the seed in those tables; for seeing the
animals lying under ash plants, fleeing from it, which is like an intermediate fence
between them and plants.
Ash gives freely to the thick ground until soften; and it is said that it takes the
cold to hot to all that is fertilized with her. June quoted in the work of Ibn-Hajaj says
that the ash is better than all the manure for vegetables. And the reason is, because being
subtle and very warm by nature, feeding off them, also kills worms and other insects
that are born in the land of manure or other things. But Ibn-Hajaj feels that Junes
review wraps error (or wrong); because the ash being exceedingly dry lacks moisture,
and it is still hot; and so when spread over land to reach the point of exhaustion,
attenuated and lose some of their moisture, producing no other effect proper
consideration to kill the insects and worms; for which reason should throw it on the
ground, mixed juicy rotten manure to remove it dryness damage.
It is the opinion of Cassius, that the best thing that vegetables are fertilized is ash
because of the heat, and that kills the worms and herbs. Online after convenience pigeon
droppings follows, provided it is not in a large quantity; and so sheep manure; that
outside these manures use of others only when force you to dip into them the need and
in order that the manure cannot be wet about what produce insects and worms.
According to Nabathea Agriculture, sheep dung and cow dung are good for
sows; the beats for trees, and human excrement for palms. The pigeon excrement is,
according others books doctrin, profitable to all kind of trees; and if it is mixed with the
seed, this is sown with it at the low moisture land, it is really helpful for the sown; as it
is not good for the dry lands. Also it is used some manures; which are applied when you
cannot find the common others: and Abu-Abdalah, Ibn-el-Fasl and Abu-el-Jair explain
the way to do it.
They say that joining the chaff from the ground of lofts and dry grass, put all
together in a pit proportionally to the quantity, mixing with it ash and also earth; as
Abu-el-Jair say. And cover with some of this latter, spray it with hot water if it is
possible, or with cold water till the rain season; and also if it could be, with human
urine; and leaving it after it passes a year, then it cut and stir a few times, and clean of
stones or other things that hath mixed, stirring much; which contributes to its early
rotting and recollection, and to dismiss to bad vapors; whose manure used after the year
is desirable, not only to the vegetables in all seasons, but also and more profitable for
trees and olive trees. The manure is composed of more power than this, believes AbuAbdallah Ibn-el-Fasel.
Other way of manure
Put variety of mixed manure in a pit with ash above and drained all the sweet
water, stir sometimes till it rot; which is a really good olive and lavender manure. So it
is to the fields, if a load is added and incorporated it three earth.
Other way
Take, says Abu-Abdalah-Ibn-el-Fasl, a freight of manure compound; or according
another author says, any manure that is a load or more, and mix with three goals of land, and
according to Abu-el-Jair, a part of ash and sand; all of which cut and well incorporated in this way
let it go through it a year, and spray it sometimes with hot or cold water if any rained; as well as
cutting it sometimes becomes a very kind and applicable to all land manure or plant that needs
fertilizer.
Other
Take, says Abu-Abdalah-Ibn-el-Fasl, a load of pigeon droppings and twenty of
earth, according to Abu-el-Jair, another from olive pits, and mixed everything, cut it
sometimes; and so all this will become a good manure and prodigious quality, helpful to
trees and vegetables that fertilized with it, passed a year. I have had experience in
manure, says Kasros, one thing that does not make mention of the Nabatheos or other is
that having used the ash of burnt common manure, found to be the perfect quality and
fertilizer for trees and vegetables. And it seems to me that pigeons ash that may have
been burned manure will be of equal quality.
It is the opinion of some authors, according to Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel, that
do not use the manure before it ssed a year. But whoever wants to use it before having
reached the time, collecting the appropriate amount of manure, spread equally in one
place, and doing among different shallow holes throw in each pigeon droppings of
which have a part to twenty or more manure, and covered pits with the same, leave it for
a month, and will be collected to the point of being like three years. I put together an
evening manure of cattle, garbage room, black earth soil of dung and ash compound and
spread throughout a large wattle of reeds on the ground, after having rained cut with
shovels while still retaining that humidity, wiping stones and other things that had
mixed.
Thus gathered in heaps, and stepped well, and a few days after having
scrambled, were found everything to break and crumble their piles in the same color and
constitution as the pigeon droppings, and exhaling that same smell. In this arrangement
I took to him an average small charge each of olives large trunk, and to the medium or
small, fewer, and I saw that it was this much advantage having thrown the fruit very
early and much abundance; whose operation having executed many consecutive years,
always found convenient, and that little of this was equivalent to a lot of manure simple.
ARTICLE IX
Manure time by the Arabic months
In the Nabathea Agriculture, says that it is not convenient fertilize the sow,
palm, tree or any small plant on the first day of the month or after until passed the full
moon. And then fertilize the land and each plant, in the waning of the moon or since the
tenth or sixth day of the lunar month till de last. But the vines say they have to fertilize
in crescent moon in the early to mid-month; of whose practice, find it useful manifest
and not hidden, like the night of the full moon appears in plants, both in strength and
increase them as the most elegance and good view: which would not happen if this were
done waning moon.
ARTICLE X
Manure time by the solar year will be discussed later in their respective
ARTICLEs and the general chapter, insha Allah.
ARTICLE XI
As was said above, some trees and vegetables do not suffer manure and others
suffer. Trees and vegetables that do not suffer, nor need, nor prosper with him, are,
according to Nabathea Agriculture, walnut, hazel, accalis, the Syriac carob, oak,
chestnut, laurel, cypress, wild olive trees, which gives the fruit very often, the rose and
similar plants, which in itself is much raised in the forests, and are rough and coarse
nature, and to which also appropriate thick and rough land. Such plants have no need for
manure; because although they fail you fertilize with manure any of the aforementioned,
but not for this it is necessary even if it is omitted and raising robust as agreeing to these
trees the warm earth, hard and whitish, have no need of frequent cultivation although
this does not stop benefit them, if they are applied.
Nor has need of manure, as Kutsmi, any oily tree, although the manure
advantage it, and nothing will harm. And such are those who receive the insert of other
trees that do not suffer manure as the root, jasmine, citrus, orange and muse. The trees
that lose manure, and this is poison to them, are quince, cherry, apple, rose, laurel, pine,
apricot and all four rubber trees (or aromatic). Fragrant plants, also losing manure, are
the muse, Almoraduz, violet, peppermint, the arraihan and real basil; and vegetables,
radishes, turnips and carrots. Trees suffering manure are olive, fig, almond, palm, pear,
pomegranate, jujube, the alfonsigo and the like.
CHAPTER III
Water
and
In
which
what
way
species
with
trees
corresponds
have
opened
and
to
the
vegetables
each
wells
(or
of
wells)
are
irrigated;
these
species.
in
the
gardens,
and atraillar (or match) the earth so that water can run and watering all.
Refer
signs
where
it
is
known
if
the
water
is
near
or
far
from the surface of the earth, and everything else on this matter.
Describes in Agriculture Nabalthea, held that drinking water is called sweet, and
in which no flavor whatsoever stands, and whose sweetness is certain blandness.
Crappy bitter water; then the salt, and lately in projecting the taste of any mineral.
According to Abu-el-Jair, six water species; of which the sweet is lighter and more
convenient to nurture men and plants. The rain water is a blessing, is good for irrigation
thin plants such as crops and legumes, vegetables and all that rises above a stem, and
whose root person was at ground level; and also for irrigation and to increase the
transplanted trees. According to Abu-Abdallah Ibn-Fasel, it is the most significant and
excellent water, and with it for its sweetness and humidity prevails every plant, and so
cabbage (or cabbage), the oraches, eggplants and the like.
The fresh and crystal clear water of the rivers, says Abu-el-Jair, water is good
for all vegetables like squash, eggplant, garlic, onions, leeks and all kinds of vegetables
Lawn, and for some field crops such as flax and every kind of fragrant seed and
caraway, cress, and the like. For these vegetables it is much needed water from the
rivers as has been manured them much; and also for many vegetables that have weak
roots and earth flower; which they have need much water and manure back and more
prevalent with river water to a different.
Says Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel, the water of the rivers is of various nature on
drying, moisture or roughness; and taking the soil moisture * need the flimsy
vegetables, which they were watered with it, lots of copy manure as a result.
* This seems repugnant to the nature of water. But it is not because she stop
absolutely moisten the earth; but because leaving sandstone puts state after losing all or
much of the moisture. Trying to this subject says Herrera: "Because the water destroys
and dissipates much land, that the flower she wears, "Leaving only sand, earth and stiff
and hard and hardened, so the land is irrigated has need much manure, and even remake
of good land." Lib. 4 c. 4, p. 183.
The brackish and bitter, as he says, are good for some vegetable gardens as
carfah or purslane (otherwise called) Rijlat or bkalat el-yemniat or yarbz, for baklat
el-dsahbiat, or spinach, to lettuce, endives, violets from invading the halimo (or
salgada) and similar plants. They are also good for watering flax, pumpkins, eggplants,
henna, basil species and ocimo, and the like.
The freshwater sources said Abu-el-Jair, is good for watering all planted in the
gardens; plants outside mentioned before. According to Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel, this
water and wells are suitable for vegetables and large underground root, as long carrots
and turnips; whose plants are raised them only with perfect quality. Moisten or not such
land (plants) with rainwater; but the wells and fountains is in the rigor of the cold
shakes vegetables, if then regasen with it; which healthy breeding.
Vegetables as they have necessary spring water in three seasons of the year, (to
wit), in the winter, autumn and spring. In the winter vegetables such water shaking with
moisture and subtlety, the heated watering them also with her then. For which reason
the absence thereof must fertilize more copy of manure. It is also consistent advantage
received by watering them with such water vegetables in the fall and spring seasons.
Salt water, says Abu-el-Jair, which is that salt freezes, and seawater, are not
good for watering a plant; before losing all tree species and vegetables. I add, water
from iron ore, alcribite, copper and the like, are not suitable for plants; and so the best is
the sweet as aforesaid.
ARTICLE I.
Signals where it is known if the water is near or far from the surface of the
earth.
One of the signs, they say, to whoever wants to attend open the gun well is to
plant species that produces the earth; to the color, flavor and odor of the surface of this;
and the rest that were then say, by Allah. It is said in the Nabathea Agriculture
in the plains and foothills of the mountains where there is plenty of water near
the surface of the earth, a certain juiciness which clearly perceives the touch and sight
appear to way
slime or dew, especially the first and last hour of the day; and so when wilt make
sure that you take a little dust, with which, if dusting the surface of some stones of the
mountain and of the earth itself, and watching for water, thou shalt see that there has
been moistened, is this sign that the water in that hill is near the surface of the earth;
because according to the copy of it in him and his closeness to the surface, it will be the
lot
that dust moisture; which will be little or dimly wet, if the water is low at this
site, or far off. Keep this understanding, which is also known for water in the caves of
the mountains by the murmur is heard of it; and also it is shown by the same powder
quality the surface of the earth, smooth, rough or different disposition.
Also, as to the ordinary fat that shall appear on the surface of the earth, or the
lack of this fat, which is the outer aridity know, that if the surface is watching sees be
the fatness of the earth dark colored or very dusty on the site of exploration, the water is
nearby, if it happens it; and also that this is a land of water, and contains much at its
center and depth. But if being viscous, black, thick is found, amassing a little dust, this
gummy be even much more water is contained therein; and if harsh, arid surface, be
understood that the lack of water is much greatly.
Also, if you saw the lumps of the surface are loose each other, and very arid, and
besides this the dark color of the surface is a tie for light colored straw, assumes,
missing in the land the water entirely. If you see the color of the lumps that are in the
arid land is so dry mud alfahareros, know that such land lacks water; and if the mud
from their land regardless as mentioned, this is the safest short of moisture and water
signal.
About know the immediacy or distance from this for the taste and smell of dust,
dig a hole in the land of cubit deep, and taking from the depths of some and putting it to
soak in fresh water in a clean glass, try on after and examine again and palate; whose
taste, whether bitter strip indicates that such land lacks the water at all, and the same if
pulled to a sharp brackish; but if this light that barely taste it may be perceived, it is not
far from water, and the very close to the surface if there is no such flavor is; and the
same area of the plain of the earth indicates the tie to off-flavor.
Dust that also smells; and if the water surface is far from the short side, there
was found to smell the same way that land has extracted streams and rivers where water
run continuously. Also, the smell like rotten eggs or thing shown to be near water. The
author Nabathea Agriculture, Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel and Abu-el-Jair say in their
respective works, which is also shown to have water in the spring near land, cypress,
turpentine, or turpentine trees, brambles and small thorns in it give suck. Abu-AbdallahIbn-el-Fasel said, the latter plant is called Halabi; and according to Agriculture
Nabathea, especially the small hawthorn is indicante water plant, regarding the big rises
in her troubled and distant land, and the small and thin in the damp earth that has a
shallow depth.
The tamarisk, the Papyro or junk India, zumanque, yellow dock, plantain
breeding sites that are both wet and brackish, the reeds, the drunk, the pennyroyal,
chamomile, marshmallow, maidenhair well called Tarchia -wichan, the rush, the
program, the actual sweet clover or clover, the infernal fig, reed mats that are made, the
malca, the clover or trefoil born in the meadows, the lowest knapweed, and small
always-alive ; all these plants and the like, although breeding in damp places little
water; but its robustness, plenty of leaves, branches and roots, and permanent green
water back manifest in the interior of the earth where are born, and so its proximity to
the surface; and vice versa. Also the reeds and grass are indicative of nearby freshwater;
a copy in the center of the earth especially stations indicated in summer and autumn,
according Kutsami the crowd and firmness of the roots that remain on this same land.
According to Nabathea Agriculture and other books, one of the signals which
shows and knows the area and taste of the water is, which made a hole about three
cubits deep, especially in the land who produces the first mentioned plants, eaten a glass
of copper or lead a way to accommodate large bowl of ten or nearly ten pounds which
according to some is to be mud, and by way of a ball half, according to the Agriculture
Nabathea, and twenty Fitted site and a pound of water, and taking a well-washed wool
vellonde until absolutely remain taste of anything, lean and dry it is tied with wire in the
middle of the vessel or to one side inside, without being able to touch the ground put the
cup upside down; for which they say has to be smeared inside with melted tar, fat or
butter, especially if mud; which admits of no doubt.
Then they say that since the sun, this glass is placed face down in the depths of
that hole and be covered with fresh grass and earth like an cubit, or land only to be a full
hole; and that if I removed this morning before the sun rise, and recording the bare glass
wool, this wet he were soaked in water, it is a sign of having close at that site; if only
moist and juicy, which is the medium; and if another provision, which is distant from
the site; and if you found that lean, there is no water at all, or that there is filed under
hard rock where cannot copy a lot of water, however there maybe.
Also water wool indicates proven to taste the taste of water in that place;
because it is similar or almost similar. All of which having proved and experienced,
says Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel, we have found as to what the authors report. And
about knowing the taste of water from the well before opening, we have also seen that if
the site where you want to open a hole in one cubit deep is made, and taking from the
depths of him a piece of land you put this in a large bowl or pot of new green with fresh
water as rain or other similar, or well in which it is dissolved, and allowed to stand there
until the next day; if tested after that freshwater is found, the same flavor is what would
in that place, and this proportion if it were different flavor.
ARTICLE II.
The way to open wells in gardens and homes.
Says Abu-el-Jair and others, round bottom, and extended through the opening
well known for Arabic, and blind in both parts whatever the latter figure. It happens that
the round hole of the bottom water contains more prolonged, as the roundness is
equivalent to that length, by reason of being wider mouth.
Describes in Agriculture Nabathea that if doing well last saw land, do wider than
usual; and narrow, if the earth were loose or soft. I discovered the source of water, a jug
of it to be taken if proven there is found to taste sweet, work should be continued; or
suspend a little, if there be found another flavor. Like that back then, and if that truly
altered taste brackish'll throw it, it ceases to work for it without taking it. Though it be
bitter salt, cover the pot until the next day, then turns to him to finish blinding. The deep
well, says Abu-el-Jair, big mouth yourself, in this form or proportion. If depth is five
states, or ten yards, the rim has sixteen feet long, so that it enters the plane and two
cubits, leaving out nine spans.
If deeper, more become the curbstone to manifest major figure in the circle of
twelve hands. Kutsmi says that if digging the well few springs or springs be discovered
and as contained or entrained water, and wilt this in greater abundance, do the digging
too deep without neglecting or omitting to do what was said above on this subject. If
you want to increase either water, you do another well off, but not next to each other, up
to find that, as shallower cubit and a half than the first, by then another something
separate well and shallower cubit after of water found, concluding the operation to make
a fourth well, so that the former is deeper than each of them; whose waters gathering in
that communication ducts must made in the background, to come to double that of the
first and principal.
Says Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel, if the springs in the well come by between
little stones, water flows abundantly of them; with less force, if sand; and if by
persistent or packed earth, not out but by slime. One of the things that greatly increase
water springs or foreign sources, which is good also do little water wells, is to take a
little common salt by measure, and last night watchman in the open mixed other both
phlegm taken from a dry river, then sprinkle in the morning venerate, or throw it in the
pot every day only seven scattered handfuls; fact which clearly is the water flow more
abundantly. Other than that, if you want to dig into the well to increase with the water
by this means, ask yourself this when they come down or sit waters in September and
October before the rainy season in the seventh, twenty-one and twenty- Two lunar
month.
Says Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel and others who seek to do well in the top of the
garden or vegetable garden near the door or in the middle of it, if possible; the first for
which there can be watering all; and second, that those who go in, you have immediate.
The well is open in the months of August, September or October based on the quality of
the land from which any immediate to the place, its depth and back water, or signs
which they shall show any.
Excavators when they bring up water, take out and continue their work to find it
in abundance. If in the depths of the pit give into hard, yellow, slightly moist soil,
something tight to white, yellow or white tie to call almothbal, water will be low. Also,
if the land of the depths of the pit regardless thick or stony, or manare water by way of
slime sides to sparingly and not then, caves to break that covered the springs and reach
the water flowing through between the little stones. He says the author of Agriculture
Nabathea, that if in the stone pit to prevent the excavation is discovered, it lights the fire
to break with the force of its heat and smoke.
Abu-el-Jair, that's well done quickly rather than slowly in the soft earth says; and
if ark shall need, be it twenty feet long and twelve wide; of which the smallest should
have twelve feet long and five feet wide. If you recelareis says Nabathea Agriculture,
which is in the pit evil vapors that deter entry to the jobs that have to be made in it, this
will be known within getting hung a lighted candle; which if not I'll put, it is a sign that
is free from them; and if otherwise, they stir the air with a big blanket or any such thing
(what is known) will be extracted, tucking inside tied a rope and pulling hurry towards
the mouth, and lowering the same way to the depths repeatedly; running this same by
many and some blankets, regardless if the well width, depending on the area any. After
which the test is done with the candle, and if this does not go off, it indicates that those
evil vapors and vanished.
Or do yourself a bundle of reeds or such a thing provided the scope of the barrel
of the well, and putting his hands on some tied to a string in the depths of it with restless
movement, upload it to his mouth, then let it fall headlong into the depths, If they wish
to grind there as anything, still moved or shaken that way going up and down, and down
and up; and then dropping slowly into the depths of the well, then upload it rapidly. And
this is the way to extract the bad vapors well stand up to the wellhead ten men or more,
depending on the scope of its circumference, having hands full glasses of cold water and
place ten pounds each and pouring them all together and even time, immediately stir the
air with what we said, or something similar, and so will the vapors, by Allah.
It is said that water sheds that there must be very hot, and then plugging the
wellhead with a thick cloth, removed this then come away vapors. It is also said, that
getting repeatedly into the pit some glasses filled with straw burning and smoking, the
vapors go along with the smoke.
Says Abu-el-Jair in every state or every two yards of rope to the waterwheel
there are five aqueducts, pails or buckets, and that the more were teeth on the small
wheel together with the greatest circulates said rope, this will become lighter and lighter
machine, and so if the crossbar post was long; which harms not nearly thirty or twenty
feet.
Easy course that is also given to the double rope to cut off the right post what
stands above the crossbar Horatio; and the same if the slices are or where lie the heavy
wooden were aqueducts; for which purpose they have to be thicker and heavier than
usual, with respect to that effect is achieved as well. They say that to hinder the meeting
of the steps of the ladder with the aqueducts in the well water is made to each of these in
the background a small hole, thereby swaying, are free to break with each other, or the
expansion of the well; which also emptied to stop the rope, for this reason it lasts a long
time.
ARTICLE III.
The way to level the ground with the instrument called the-marhifal (or
pendulum) or another so that the water flow through it.
This instrument is well known, said Abu-el-Jair; and mode match with it the
earth is this. Look straight three or four sticks of equal length on a table shaped table
with their bases also equal, and placing the right one without decline near the wellhead
or the tapping of the pond or pool from which to draw any water for irrigation, will be
the second front and away from him, and so the third, and the fourth in the ends of the
pipe that desires to match with the wellhead or with the runner pond. These sticks are to
be distant from each other equally, and their bases were loaded with stones or anything
like that do not fall or twist. Then I pulled a thin, very strong cord from the head first to
the last, this instrument of him hangs in the middle of the first two sticks; and if looking
to lead assay balance, falls on this perpendicular line dividing into two halves that
instrument, the portion of pipe comprehended between these two poles is the same; and
if either declines towards either of these same rights or perpendicular sticks, it comes
from that part of the depression, and the elevation of the other; whose inequality is
removed soil from the site taking up and throwing more at the lowest up to equalize and
drop the thread level or assay or on the dividing line through the middle that instrument,
and was all the same. The same operation is performed between each two of the other
clubs. And matched the land to the place at this level, it will serve the land from shore
to where any of conduct water remains lower than the immediate to the wellhead or
runner, at least six fingers on extension hundred cubits, which is the measure that sets
Filemon in his book of the Directorate of waters.
Levels gives the land in this way, it also matches well with the astrolabe. Get to
the wellhead or a table runner pond same, and stand in it the instrument so that its end
or tip up and drop one of the two holes in the sides to the part of the wellhead or tapping
the pond, and the other to where it was intended to go water. Then take a table or square
wood and in one of his paintings make up and down a large, together circles, of a size
and in the same series; or go forth therein different signals with anything any to hand, so
clear that the viewer can see them from afar, and look after this table, or tree stand,
without turning or to decline any of the posts to be equalized to give effect to the water.
Put those circles in front of the astrolabe, the man put his cheek between the
tapping of the pond and the astrolabe, which itself approaching, look through the hole
he has at his side, and the other will face towards the circles given color straight line,
until the hearing, which will tightly and equally by those two holes at the ends, to play
in one of such circles; which known and noticed by their color or distinctive sign, going
after him will be known as far from the surface of the land at the site where it is secured
that post; and therefore that this elevation is the same as has the hump of land from the
tapping of the pond.
Thus at that post the lift as it is necessary to lower removing land from there to
throw in the low place until entering the line of sight of the viewer through the two
holes in the sides of the astrolabe, is known to reach in the first circle of those close to
the surface of the earth, which is the signal to get just the intermediate site and from the
tank to said pole stick. The same operation continues both front and sideways left and
right in proportion to the distance of the sites; and the intermediate pipe equals earth
moving higher up room for the low end there pave ground space is wanted. And these
are the maximum that among other similar Filemon brings in his book of the Directorate
of waters.
Astrolabe other is pulled through a long table in a side with a thread in a straight
line, and making two holes at both ends, in either two rings of iron nailed equal in width
and elevation, so that their eyes come down facing each other on the line; which use the
same instrument Astrolabe by pulling the eye between the eyes of the rings toward that
same suit is made.
Also take astrolabe instead of two tiles and placing one's back on the floor, the
other is placed on top so that it is formed both as a conduit drilled; and looking through
the top hole in the side of the runner to the other, hence the post, the rest was said above
is executed. Equaled the earth, as applicable, are identified and open it in the usual
distances corresponding ditches along the tables, ensuring that they are lower.
The pictures must be leveled well, so they are not lower or higher than the top of
the bottom; lucky because otherwise the water would take from that to this the seeds
and manure. According to Abu-Abdallah-Ibn-el-Fasel, the picture should be twelve
cubits long and four wide, (whose measure is always understood to be mentioned in this
work); although it is not bad to be smaller. If you want to ditch out right from the
tapping of the pond (ie any other) takes three stakes size wilt and setting one on earth
with that site so that it was like a foot, nail on his right the second by the wall of the
pool at a distance cubit or more of the other, and left put last just as the first, and an
equal distance from it to the second.
After taking a slender thread, made a loop at one end, and start one of the two
side poles extrude it to the other and tie a knot right there, and he grabbed figure half
circle on the left; and then moving to the same stake loop, the thread extends to the
other where it was before, and half circle to the right another figure, so that both come
to be in front of the stick from the middle to the runner.
After tying a rope loose bat Environment from the runner, spread it to where
they are or touch the two circles, and likewise the stretch from this point of assembly
without separating it from him; as well it goes straight to the term you would. You do
the same operation respectively to include ditches must exit the other.
CHAPTER IV
About the Orchards and the disposition or order
of the plantations of trees on them, according to the book
where Ibn-Hajj works this subject.
According Junio to the orchards of seedling must be chosen, the places with a lot
of water, close to the owners house, if it is possible, so it is appropriate to keep the air
healthy, and the same to the eyes of the specters, beside the happiness that causes lay
the eyes on them. Wont be plant the trees mixed, but with separations between each
species, because the sturdy dont take violently the irrigation that will decay on the
weak. Also the distance between the plants must be proportional in virtue of the quality
and sturdiness of the land; in which matter, with the grace of Allah, will face latter.
According the same Junio and Kastos, it must be know, that the plants putted
from seed are commonly the weakest of all; very good the transplanted; and the best are
the trees plant by branch. Kastos, that concurs with this on Junio, adds, that each species
of trees must be plant with his similar, and not with those of contraire or different
nature; and that not even the smalls must be with the tall, because giving this big
shadows and covering with it the small neighbors, will hurt them by taking away or
avoiding their sturdiness.
According Casio, the best spot for the orchard, is flat that allows to irrigate
having water in the high spot. Good possession is, say some farmers, the one from every
tree that can be irrigate in the summer; the ones must be cleaned by hand from the
offshoots that will grow at the feet or around, when they are early before getting hard,
until they begin to give branches so in this way all the strength finish in there or the
nutritive juice that causes that freshness.
The tree that rise twisted straighten, says other author, with sticks or cords, until
already harden they persevere straight; from which they are very susceptible while
young. Also they must be served with manures several times.
Look preferably, says Abu-el-Jair and others, for orchards and gardens the best
kind of ground, which underground water is very sweet, and regular, besides this; it will
pave before plating equating later so the water will on all over it at the moment of
irrigation; that if is executed after the plantation of the trees, they will show some roots,
what will damage them. The orchids, been possible, must be facing at east, and in them
will be put the trees by order on straight lines; in which the big ones wont be plant with
the ones that werent , and those that become naked with those that dont from their
leaves, been this more gentleness and beauty. Of this last kind must be plant close of the
door and the pond the laurel, the myrtle, cypress, pine, cedar, jasmine, the orange, the
zamboa, lemon, madroera and those similar.
The pines must be plant where is of dense shadow, and also in the middle of the
orchard; and the streets, angles or corners from squares, cypresses. In that way close of
the well and pond or pool must be plant rowans, margosa, dadis, elms, black poplars,
willows, pomegranate and similar, and in the biggest must be hanged vine trees, in their
shadow the water will refresh, in reason of the convenient and useful that cold water
irrigations are in the summer. The trees of big shadow, and the thorny as the jujube, and
pine, hackberry, elm, willow, and similar must be placed next to the walls of the orchard
to the north, and also at the entrance so their shadow dont hurt the vegetables. Each
spice of tree must be separated in the big gardens, and those who give fruits by seasons
will be plant together in a place that can be custody with less job; and those are as
example the apple, plum, pear and apricot. The rosebushes will be plant at the sides of
the orchard. In places humid, spacious and exposed to the dew will be planted elms,
willows, bananas, citrons, hackberry and laurels; taking care that citrons are in a
reserved place of the north wind, west wind and exposed to the east. In the chapter
twenty-three, will talk, by Allah, about the choice of good lands for vegetables, in
which matter was say something before that you wont omit remember.
CHAPTER V
Of the plantation of trees in drought conditions, and watering the gardens.
Refer that there are trees whom the gardener shall not water if he plans to
partake a direct benefit from them.
It is known that some trees are planted for their fruits, others by his aesthetics
and/or the smell of its white or yellow flowers; others just for the utility of its wood. All
of them are planted from the seed, for those who had them; from the fruit, for those who
didnt had the seed; from the best ripped or broken twig, coming from a good part of its
body; from the leaf bud of the twigs upper part; from a stake made from the lower part
of the same twig; from the sprouts that are born at the foot of some trees or near them,
from the most exquisite way named nawmi (asleep or taken down); and from united
twig (not cut or separated from the tree). The plants, including the persa, taken from its
roots and foot are moved to the place where they would take a rise in these, and if they
didnt had roots they would grow up until they have some; from their respective
regimen named tagtis and astaslf, and whom it particularly has each species in its
planting and crop well talk about later , by Allah. These plants pinned, they later grow
roots and their wood hardens up, what comes to happen around their third year or
almost; in which status the move to the place it believes its useful to lay its fruit with
Allahs favor.
Junio named in the book of Ibn-Hajj, about the species and similarities of trees,
that not all are planted the same way; which means, that each one is planted by a seed,
or a twig torn from the tree, or from a stake; choosing for this purpose the ones who
looked big, for these the ones who grow vegetation or bloom better. And as long each
plant has its special nature, it comes into convenience having utmost attention in this
test. The trees, whose planting must be done from the seed, are the walnut, almond,
chestnut, peach, plum, palm, pine, cypress, cicely, bay, and the male pine. In this class
there are also taken into account the apricot (by Demcrito) and Kastos adds the
alfonsigo. This author says that, when the seeds are pinned in its place, they be moved
to other one searching for the best; which, according to Demcrito, must be done at the
two-years mark; and Junio also speaks of them being transplanted; and in the same
converge, according Ibn-Hajj, the smart and industrialized farmers.
The trees that are advised to be planted from a torn twig are, according to Junio,
the apple, cherry, hazelnut, myrtle and the aronio medlar; in which Kastos also counts
the serval. Junio says, that some take twigs from these trees while theyre still
connected with them and put them into the ground until roots come out, and later
transplanting by the plants nature. The form of this operation will be described later, by
Allah.
The trees planted from a stake, says the same author, are the berry, citron,
quince, olive, tamarisk, and the white poplar; the ones whom the author confirms best
up when they are transplanted.
The trees, by Sidags, that do not rip apart from the leaf or that remain too long
in the ground, and that dont grow old until a long time has passed, or that detach the
leaf slowly, we know to be of thick and gooey matter, and not subtle and rare; and
likewise, that the tree of low subsistence, and that doesnt takes long in detaching the
leaf, are of thin and subtle matter that doesnt grow weak. By said reason I am of
dictating that the planting of thick-matter trees be by a smooth and new stake than a
tender twig or green, for the last ones matter being more dense, more thick and richer
in glucose than the first one. Of these there are the berry, quince,, olive, pear, citron,
pomegranate, and myrtle; those that if planted with said stakes of thick matter, the roots
to be born are the ones most suited for these trees to have. You will also be able to, if
you want, to do this twig planting; as the expressed method its the best and the most
comforting. The trees that take a while to grow, and the ones who anticipate to the
bloom, we know them to be of subtle and thin matter, like the almond, peach, apple,
cherry, and similar; whose planting is done by the means of a tender twig. On the case
of the fig tree, even though it is a tree of slow vegetation , it is suggested that, for the
bad quality and weakness of its wood, the planting be done by a tender twig method,
because if it were made by the stake method, being this one big, the wind and humidity
of the rains would penetrate to the core of it by the place of its cut, and reach its still
weak heart (called marrow) , wouldnt grow roots and, dragging like this, it would be
lost. So it is by the author.
Says Solon that the stake of low sweat and lean by nature the torn twig and the
renewal are preferred for being juicier. Carmno says almost the same; but Kastos
explains it more, and opposes Junio; whose max are reduced to this: That it is better to
know which tree is planted by seed, and this one must be planted broken up using the
hands: and the twig plantation to be done, using from these the ones who are born at the
trees feet. All of it varies (or opposes in between); because sometimes the seed planting
is best, and others it is best to do it using the last twigs of the tree, each one of these has
its particular method, and doesnt have another one on purpose. Like this, the trees that
are planted from the seed are the alfonsigo, walnut, hazelnut, almond, chestnut, peach,
cherry, pine, citron, bay, and the palm; the ones for its good to transplant to another
place once seeded. Of torn or broken twig, the ones planted are serval, myrtle and the
apple: for its good to all of them to be transplanted to another location after being
planted the first time. The ones planted using the twigs born from the buds and the
stake, are the almond, pear, berry, citron, apple, olive, quince, myrtle and the serval;
whose transplanting done in the same way is very good for them. The trees from this
species that requires extreme care are the berry, citron, olive, pomegranate, white
Montesano lotus and quince. The plant species that, taken from their feet, are later
transplanted by hand are the Barbados of the vines, pine and willow. The trees whose
plantation comes best be done from the seed are the apricot, all the species of cherry,
almond, alfonsigo and bay.
Says Ibn-Hajj that, according to what has been seen, Kastos points that trees
from these be planted in a single way mentioning them in a particular ARTICLE in its
bokk: that in others it acclaims the ones who are planted with two different ways,
explaining after together in an special ARTICLE about the benefits of each way, having
repeated it already nevertheless.
About the way of planting, says Ibn-Hajj, that Junio attempting the use of torn
twigs and stakes, orders for them to be put on a place named thormadant to transplant
them there after; and that thormadant, according to what this same author in its book,
its the name the Greeks give to the place where the plant is first put on and from its
transplanted after; that the first operation is best be done in fall like this: dig up the
place first, put some manure on it and then apply whatever you want to grow there, be
them twigs or stakes, at the distance of an elbow one from the other; these will be
covered up with dirt and then watered until they are transplanted to the desired place
three years after. They must be cleaned up with a sickle of the little twigs that they
may have around them; and, when transplanting them, it is convenient to tenderly dig
up the ground in order to avoid harm to them with the digging, and to also avoid mud
falling over them which, to accomplish must be tied up in the surroundings. Likewise,
this same author claims rules about the seeds; and those are: that some plants are left to
dry too much when they are taken to faraway lands, some do the planting this way; to
know, that, seed taken from the seasoned fruit in the tree, they leave it to dry, and in this
disposition its planted; warning that isnt convenient to leave to dry in the sun but in
the shadows; to which effect some spread up a handful of ashes: and that it is important
to water and apply manure to the place where they would be planted , and dig in those
the holes, each one of the size of a seed; the one, which covered with dirt, is watered
each day until the rain season arrives, so that when two or three years have the plants
endured, and some aridness appears on them, they are transplanted into holes with its
roots, before their stem sprout; and leaving out of the dirt only their hearts, some stakes
are put at its sides. But some affirm for this method of planting to be tenderly done.
The aforementioned author adds that, it must be known, a tree grows of the type from
which its seed was taken, except the olive, from which it blooms a wild plant named
carthanum acebuche that does not have a fruit.
Sidags says, about this matter, that it is convenient to spread ashes in the seeds
when we want to move them from a region to a faraway another for them to not be
swamped with humidity; which if it werent done, many would never sprout or get
rotten: nor a part of them to be left exposed to the sun because the outer aridness would
not damage them; given that, losing its subtle humidity and juiciness, they would get
sick by this; except the seeds with a shell like the almond and the hazelnut; ones whom
the sun doesnt affects, but its better to leave them in the shadows nevertheless.
In another part of its book it says that, when the plants are transplanted from the
tormadant to their final rooting place it is convenient that they be taken along with its
mud, without removing it; and that, when we plant them, bury three quarters of its body
leaving the remaining quarter outstanding of the dirt; experts in the matter assure its the
best at that point.
Junio says, that the planting ground must be done in a never-plotted land, this is,
one where nothing has been put to grow before, and also exposed to the rising sun and
winds. That it must be able to turn accordingly for the roots of the herbs to be well torn.
That the plants be put one feet of distance between each, and half foot deep in the
ground, which, if done, makes them easier to take out with a gardening shovel; if it may
be well for these to be wide and not too shallow for the sun to bathe them all the time.
The canes or sprouts that are to be collected for the planting are those of thick buds for
them to lay roots, and must be at least foot and a half of length. Some are dictated to be
planted one each month for around six months, starting from the first; and for it to be
done with very small instruments to avoid meddling with the ones already rooted, being
these one right beside the other.
He adds the author that the twigs thatd be born from these plants along with
the buds to be cut down while still green in color, before they harden up, to avoid extra
difficulty of said work. It isnt convenient for the plants to have more than one foot out
of the ground; and if that were the case, theyd be cut down for them to grow thicker;
operation that must be done with the hands and not with a tool. At the second year, the
holes are dug up another six times in the same way as the first time, leaving two buds
in each one, and the same respective procedure to their twigs. That, correctly done with
them where they are planted, be moved to where they are to be transplanted; action
which some execute at the third year, because they would take long to grow up if it were
done in the first year. For this cause, the good farmer wont move these planting pots, a
year past; because it would make them weaker and cause a lack of steadiness if they
were transplanted when theyre just beginning to lay roots and growing up.
Says Junio that some water the plants while they are on the pots; but it isnt wise
to do it until after transplant; which, according to Ibn-Hajj, confirms the rule of
Sidags that claims that we must exercise utmost care to not move the roots, twigs or
stakes placed in the watering spot or of continuous humidity but to another equal in
conditions to the one where they were. According to Ibn-Hajj, it is of common talk in
the farmers that it isnt bad to water the plants in that first planting ground, being too
much the heat and the dryness of the land.
Junio, again, states that theres difference between the planting using the roots
and the branch that are cut by the time they are planted, called heady ; because the one
thats left with all the roots and then planted, it is said that transplanted after it bears
better fruits, and Katos comes up with an almost equal suggestion. The same author
says that it is convenient to clean up the places where the plants are to be placed, of all
the plants that are rank or vicious in the vicinity, not only by digging them up, but
sometimes plotting them; throwing them out of there, specially the hard ones. And the
reason is, because the stones that are over the dirt burn the plants in the summer with
the heat they get from the sun by this last one lasting more in the hard materials; and
also because in the winter the stones that are frozen damage the trunks of the plants
growing near them; besides they cause a contrary effect when they are found in deep
ground, because the refresh the trees roots in heat seasons.
He adds that care must be taken into account into plotting the land as soon as
possible. Other than this, it is necessary to test the land before hand to know if it suits
the type of tree thats going to be planted there; it must be well plotted sometimes when
juicy and tender, cleaning it from the herbs and other stuff it may had, leading to the
conclusion that the more dedication it is given, the better it will be; and the same if
these were deep, because that would make them preserve more juice over time: in which
in given disposition , were of watering, are planted after the trees, with Allahs favor.
The time in which this should be executed and other stuff related to the matter are going
to be talked about later, by Allah himself. According to Nabathea agriculture, for the
transplant of trees and seed, places with large quantity of soil are to be picked, soil
where nothing has been planted for over a year (if possible) or two, not plotted, and an
area where winds pick up regularly. It matters that the dirt holes where the plants are
going to be are closed or similar in quality or disposition to those in which they were
first planted, avoiding a transplant from good soil to bad soil.
ARTICLE I
About the times to do the torn twig, bud and stake tree-planting, by Ibn Hajajs
book.
Sidags states than in warm regions it is convenient to plant the trees in fall,
especially if the land were low on water, in order for the rains to hit them just after the
same fall, winter and spring. It is also usually done after the rigorous cold has passed,
and when the branches are next to blooms. The planting of these trees will be a valuable
possession if the grid works, and together with the grooves; because like this the earth
retains the humidity in benefit of what were in it. In the cold regions it is convenient to
do the planting after the cold has lowered since winter when the branches were near to
revive and bloom. But if you want, you could do the planting in fall, paying deed to the
opinion of those that claim that in this station the roots get vigorous and strong. Soften
the land in order to undo what the sun does with its heat; and if the colds havent froze
it, it is softened after being prepared for whatever will be thrown into it; which
disposition its the best for this effect.
Says Junio that many are the times to do the planting, according to the variety of
climate and regions. Some advice for the planting to be done after the harvest and when
the branches gets torn from the tree. Others do it in the beginnings of spring, or the 7th
day of February. But it is better to do it in high places in lean and flimsy, after the
harvest; in tender and plain or semi plain fields, in the starts of the spring, from March
1st; and in the other seasons, in the temper fields. In the brackish lands it is convenient
to do it after the harvest because the following rains wash the land from its bad
properties. When taking care of the dirt of this species it is good to throw manure
towards the plants trunk, which removes its brackishness. The lands that were to be
thick are known to be left to be sunbathed and then softened with the rains to receive the
plants. It isnt convenient to dig beforehand the thin dirt because it would leave it
vulnerable to the suns heat. Its supposed to be dug up in the moment of fall, for the
planting to be done in that land in order to take advantage of it.
Same Junio adds that others think that its generally convenient to do the
planting in fall in the warm lands starting from mid-October until the firsts of
December; and leaving them there until February 7th, when it should begin again then,
when theres some heat already. In cold climate, especially in the mountains, it must be
done in the beginnings of spring; to which places, if the plants were transplanted
without letting the air heat up, would be lacking the energy to grow vegetation. Its
because of this that the planting should be done in fall in warm places, because the plant
would not be busy trying to grow out but extending its roots; being in spring, with the
hot air, when it focuses in exactly the opposite. We must do the planting starting in the
3rd hour of the day and finishing in the 10th for the vehement winds that usually rise
up in the morning or afternoon. To do it, the land must not be humid or muddy, but
neither dried up.
Its already been mentioned, says Junio , from the planting of olive, and it has
been said in several other places that its convenient that the land be humid and warm;
because if one of these were missing, the fruit in the branches would not get its best
flavor. Its because of this thats convenient to do it in fall or spring; in which last
times the lands warm due to the sun, and humid thanks to the rains, or It having heat
and humidity for the good pacing of the air in these seasons; and, equally, starting in the
spring beginning to heat up with the cold that came from the atmosphere being
suspended, and the sun rising the water the land had, with the diminishment of its
humidity, boosts the plants growth. Its important because fall its the best season to do
the planting in order to get this effect; one which must be executed by the time of the
rains after the sunset until the clod strikes; from which moment its suspended until the
start of the spring before the leafs resurrect and the branches bloom because of the time
since there to the spring being one of much cold; in which it begins anew being
executed in days with abrego wind and suspended on days with a strong north wind.
Kastos sayings go as far at this point as to say that fall is the best season to
attempt planting, mostly in low-water landscapes in order for the plants to receive all
the humidity of winter; in which wise men agree: It isnt bad to do it in spring. Very
same Kastos says that in other lands planting is done in fall; statement that I support,
and is also followed by others; people who are delighted with the success of this
method. The wise men prefer the planting to be done in fall rather than in spring;
because the vegetation of the upper part of some trees, and others with their lower part
(according to the times when they were planted), verifying the first in spring, and the
second in those planted in fall; the best time to do the planting will be in fall for the
plants to grow both roots and body in equality. And here ends the citation from the
author.
So much is the opinion, says Ibn-Hajj, of three famous wise men in this field
about the plating done in fall; these which are preferred in this matter over those
aforementioned. The trees, which planting we have described, are to be planted (says
Marsial the medic) not in the cold days, but in the warm ones of spring, starting from its
fecundation moment in early February. But this, says Ibn-Hajj, is contrary to the first
opinion, as visible; because it forces the planting to be done in spring; if it well says so,
that the trees planted in fall bear more fruits than the ones of spring. According other
authors, the hard-wood trees like the olive, alfonsigo, jujube, holm oak, elm and similar
are planted in winter. Those with medium-hard wood like the apple, peach, and apricot
and alike are planted in early spring; which must be before they grow leafs. Other
suggest the planting of all kinds of tree to be made when its time for it to fecundate
again, which, would be, in the middle of January; making the almond and similar ones
the exception because of their early blooms, those that must be planted before. These
must not be planted after the tree has renewed its leaves, the pomegranate being the only
exception, which prevails being planted that way. It is also said that it doesnt affects
the plum nor the fig tree planting them in the same way: the fall season being the best to
do it, winter after it; and that plants placed from the early spring onwards, getting them
to get warmer when green and tender without having been rigid, are corrupted and
loses; and the ones who escape, the cold applies the same effect: That in the warm
countries the planting is done earlier, and the same in the cold landscapes and farms,
particularly in the meadows; because here and in the lands with high water humidity
isnt good to do in the fall nor winter; and it is good to do after the water has dissipated,
leaving only the earth in an ideal temperature: to summarize, after middle spring no tree
shall be planted in high lands. It is also said that, the first thing to do is a bud, stake and
torn twig planting because of the winter in high lands or dried ; and that of all the other
watering trees in the three
remaining
seasons, especially in the early spring,
particularly the one where one extracts all, or most all, of the plant with its roots from
its own land, without skipping on the watering. Says Abu-el-Jair, that the best airs and
winds in our region to do planting are the one from the west and the one that covers the
sky with clouds and .; but that no tree be planted in a rainy day, the olive being
the only exception; and that it is necessary to transplant the seed and granite a second
time from the place they initially were. Ive seen trees, says the same author, of almond
that did bear any fruit because they werent transplanted. Be done as said, that the
planting must not be done either Friday or Sunday. The time the planting of each kind
of seed, granite, twig and stake, will be discussed later, with Allahs favor, in the next
ARTICLEs.
ARTICLE II
About the time to do the planting of trees with seeds.
According to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl the time to do all types of planting is
generally when its respective fruit is about to bear, after having a good growth; and
also in November, December, January and February, being the very last moment to do
it. The ones planted after this time are lost due to the heat or burned because of the cold.
Most of the seed plantings are born in March. The ones regularly planted in our regions,
like the peach, apricot, almond, walnut, plum, olive, carob, hazelnut, pine, cherry, palm,
alfnsigo, cypress, holm, chestnut, aronio medlar, margosa, and similar are planted this
way. Let their seeds be chosen fresh and healthy, not harassed by some calamity, of a
mature fruit from a known tree or own . The ones that werent of similar quality arent
good. According to Abu-el-Jair, the fruits must be from the first harvest, and be planted
in corresponding holes, that has been said, and also in big new holes of mud. Those
mustve been plotted and befit with manure and water: in which the seeds are to have
two third parts of its body buried into the ground, or a little less, later covering the
surface with dirt. The distance from one hole to another will be that of an elbow, if they
were to be transplanted with its same mud: and higher, if they were transplanted in that
way, that will be said later. After that they are watered, avoiding bleaching of the lands
because of the poor watering, until they are born and are as taller as a hand or more;
reserving for later its ulterior regimen. In the next ARTICLE it will be said, by Allah,
the way in which the seeds are to be planted in the holes.
ARTICLE III
The planting of granite into the fruit of trees that lack seeds like the quince, laurel,
grape, cypress, pear, apple, citron, orange, cherry, fig and similar ones that have it in
its fruit.
From these beans we will take those that correspond to the qualities that were
spoken in this matter, which must be ones from the first harvest of the tree for being the
one with the most flavors, and will be planted in the aforementioned months in order for
the plant to have grown and hardened by the time summer starts; fearing that the heat or
cold from their respective seasons nullify the plants growth because of their
weaknesses.
The method to plant them is to put the seeds from the desired species of tree in
big and new pots of mud, with holes in the bottom, with good-quality dirt or other of
similar quality, mixed with manure, in a way that the pots are a little below the full
mark, because of the watering that would later be applied. The seeds are to be planted
according to their weaknesses or sturdiness; this is, thicker the flimsies because of the
fear of some plants to rot; y thinner the sturdy ones because of the security that they will
prevail after being covered with manure as thick according to the power of penetration
that they could have over it by the time they start to spread roots, and throwing over
them cut chunks of wood or esparto in the same way to preserve them from drying up
because of the air. After, they are watered by means of a piece of esparto, or similar, to
avoid that water moves them to another place; and, if it is possible, water them before
sprouting by spraying them with the hand, which is very good. This is done with the
weak seeds from which are cypresses, resume, cherry and similar; and the same is done
with the weak seeds like the ocimo and related species; the delicacy in said operation is
proportional to its sturdiness or weakness. The watering must be done frequently until
they start to sprout; less, near the winter; and totally suspended if the rains are
continuous, because they would get enough water from there; and the watering applied
before the heat seasons must be light for them to grow hard and less vicious; which, if it
came up to them while they were still tender, would damage them; and even if they
managed to live through the heat, the cold would burn them later. If the seeds are
planted in the mentioned way, their procedure should be executed the same way as
talked about in the raising boxes, and it would be good to cover them up with sand.
ARTICLE IV
They will not be left in the basins for over a year, and from them they are to be
transplanted to where they are supposed to grow. Leaving them in the basins for longer
would make them weak; and the same would happen if they are transplanted before that,
especially if the trunk hasnt got hard or neither lost its green looks; and from the
raising boxes they are transplanted to the place where they would get their
corresponding size.
According to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, the tree planted from the seed reach its
maximum, and bears fruit at the age of seven; and seeds at the age of four; from which
they are transplanted at the age of three when they reach perfection. Says Abu-el-Jair,
the orange tree isnt transplanted until its as tall as a grown man, because it would
slowly rot if it were transplanted before. From that it must be observed with it in its
successive, well talk about later, by Allah. If you want the tree to hasten its harvest, to
be useful in shorter time, and that that wish that the raising boxes where the seeds are
planted not to be idle, plant right there some vegetables before these are born, like the
coriander and similar.
ARTICLE V
The planting done from torn twigs, and the choosing of the best
According to Ibn-Hajj in one of his works titled La Suficiente, is of common
opinion in farmers that he who chooses to do planting from torn twigs, or cut stake, not
to torn any of these, but from the part of the tree that faces the east. One that refers to
this is Junio; whom says that twigs torn from the upper part of the tree must be two
years old, and that the planting be made of these plus the ones torn from the face of the
tree that looks to the east. Marsial says that the torn twig and stake must be taken from
the face of the tree that looks to north. But shouldnt be in any way from that first part
because the best torn twig is the one that faces the east; then theres the one that looks to
noon and the one that faces the west; making it seem like the ones that face the north
provide no advantage.
Sodobn says, that when you are to do the planting with your chosen method,
you should only choose the pots that have been receiving sun light, that being because
the heat has already prepared them, and for this they are the best ones, the ones with
higher possibilities for sprouts, and those that harden their trunk while blooming several
new buds; which are preferred over those that grew in the shadows. By that, the pot that
looks north must never be taken, for having low possibilities for the plants to grow roots
and good fruits.
It isnt convenient, according to Junio, taking for the planting the branches born
in the mid of the tree, and the ones from the upper part are. They loathe the farmers, say
Solon, what was born at the foot of the tree for being low on sun light and not ready to
receive it since having its source naturally blocked or sunkened with the humidity; in
which disposition barely blooms. He adds, that it is common opinion among the farmers
that such pot of weak and few fruit is like that because of the dominant humidity and
scarce heat that it has in the beginnings of its planting. And I said, continues the same
Solon, that even when it blooms, the few fruit that it lays are going to rot; because
planted and bloomed manifesting itself to the sun, and dominating this one the heat it
bears, takes the same pot, too much sturdiness and growth; which shows refuses its few
roots, especially for being of few heat or lazy and not having a total fermentation or
corresponding digest.
It was already said before which trees prevail with the torn twig planting;
leaving for the election the planting of the others, the thick ones and also the ones that
carry fruits, of knotty trunk, of soothe and healthy crust, and form the trees that bear the
more fruit. The twigs exposed only to the shadows arent good; and even if the lay a
bloom, the fruits are few. Be taken the branches from the middle of the tree and not
from the upper part, the ones that aim to the east, if no available, then the one that faces
noon; and when these two are missing, from the face that looks to the west, and never
using the ones that look to the north because of them being low on blooming fruits; and
because, if they were, the fruits would fall before even reaching its mature stage. The
same goes to the ones that aim to the west. The time of picking them is after being
sunbathed: and are picked by hand, if possible, or cut up with a sharp tool, which should
be at least two elbows long, not affecting anything if they have more. The time to do
this is when its veins are filled with humor, which is when they start to fecundate again
and flourishing, and when planted in the pots they are given its corresponding watering.
The method of planting them is to do holes in dirt placed in squares, longer than
wider, and with the deep of two hands, if they are to be transplanted; or more deep,
proportional to the magnitude that the torn twigs have; which are to be placed in a way
that the heart is hold up with dirt, dug up and refilled , that is his signal; in a way that it
stands out from the earths surface by a distance as big as a finger, mixing in it some
dirt with manure, and leaving the hole a little less than full capacity after being well
compacted with the feet. The torn twigs are also planted besides the irrigation ditch in
the mentioned way, to know.
In the chapter about the planting of big trees and vegetables will be about these
dried branches with everything else relative to this matter and also the care that must
later be held to it. Said branches must have a distance from one another an elbow or
more, if they were to be transplanted without its defensive pack of dirt; and if they are,
should be planted a greater distance away. OF those that must obey this and the ones
who are to be planted dried well talk about after, with Allahs favor.
ARTICLE VI
The planting of the buds of the branches of the trees, such as apple, jasmine, fig tree,
vine and other fruit trees of much humidity; and the choosing of the best for this effect
Haj Granadino says that, for this, new knotty buds are to be used from said trees,
observing the other stuff addressed in the planting of torn twigs; and that the time of
planting is between February and March (in the same way as torn twigs and stakes) next
to the irrigation ditches in lines.
ARTICLE VII
The planting of stake and torn twig, and choosing of the best and of greater gentleness
for this effect
According to Ibn-Hajj, the torn twig is to be taken from the two-year branches,
and its also good for the stake which can reach up to three years; the which, planted
right above the earth, lays bloom. If it is necessary to bury the whole branch, it isnt
convenient to put it too deep or leave it nailed to the ground, unless its going to be
transplanted after that. The small stake blooms and starts to grow; and the big one dont
have enough energy, says Solon. Another author says, that the form of the stake has to
match the form of the torn twig, looking for it to be as thick as an arm and longer than
an elbow; it must be cut with a sharp tool, watching out in order to prevent any damage
to its crust at the moment of the cutting and when planting in the time mentioned above.
The orange trees stake must be planted into manure. The way of doing this is taking
one wooden stake from a holm oak or a similar one in sturdiness, a little bit thicker and
longer that the one being planted; the one which fixated in the place where the stake is
to be planted until buried into the ground or the desired dept, in its place the planting
stake is placed, being fixated a little, around her the remaining dirt or sand is spread
until intermediate holes are filled, if there were any. Watered and then let to be, its
repeated after the same operation to avoid any empty hole. The stakes should be put in
lines, with equal distance between them, as with the torn twigs. If nailed with strength
into the ground in an attempt to fixate them there, care will be applied in avoiding the
crust being damaged, especially the citruss stake and similar.
Another method
Youll dig the holes for the stakes next to the irrigation ditches, each as long as
the stake; in which, stake placed and ground replaced, what is about to be said in the
ways of planting of vegetables and trees will be done, placing them in order lines
having the same distance one between another as it was said that should be between
the torn twigs.
ARTICLE VIII
The planting from twig named el-nawmi (asleep or lay down), laft (inclined) and
lawhek (or related)
See which are able to be torn with its roots, and be torn with that, be planted in
another spot of the ground, or in that which they should bear fruit (if the place was
cared for that exact purpose), in the corresponding time to the planting of that same
species. If its not available to torn with its roots, they will be inclined for them to grow
the said ones by means of an operation called al-tagts (submersion), or by another
operation named el-astaslf (loan), choosing the best method for the situation.
Of the operation el-tagts, also called el-takbs (incubation with submersion of heart)
In first place, chosen
or signaled
the most sturdy plants from the
aforementioned, the longest, the straightest and free of any kind of damage and
calamities, are preferred the ones with these qualities that were mentioned in the torn
twigs section, saving those that are plants that grew in the foot of the tree. Likewise, the
torn twigs, buds and stakes must be well cared if they bear fruits. The best and main
planting is the transplanting of the barbate. In order, to the branches, for each one, a
hole will be dug up that measures two and a half hand, and as long as the branch itself;
one whose extreme that has a bud will be left out of the ground, that is its signal; and
without separating it from its foot it is left to feed, the earth treated; remaining like this
until its roots are grew, then doing the transplant. This operation is done in every stem
that is able to; which if it were a branch, and you wished to extend to where it can reach,
it will be done with him what was exposed above; or if you want it to remain on its
same vine, and feed with part of that juice from where it fed before, youll incline it a
little by the part that is joint with it, youll sink it then in the hole. Said operation is
really advantageous to do with new vines from the dried and in all the watered plants; in
which the branches sunk one year or more, after a slight incision be made with a sharp
tool for them to lose some of that lushness that caused the feeding matter of the vine;
and from the tree to five years, according to the vigor and sturdiness they manifest, they
are to be separated from the from the vine to feed on its own foot; or transplanted, if
necessary. The branches that dont reach the corresponding place will sink again the
following year; action executed in the vines that carried fruit the same time, before the
bloom of the buds; it isnt bad to do it after. In the other trees this operation is made all
the time without separating the stems from its respective feet. Ive sunk the resume and
jasmine (says Haj Granadino) in summer days and in winter when hot air was present,
and they preserved very well. And he adds, that if they are cut from the ground near the
foot, some trees dont bloom again because of some damage been done to them, for old
age, or just because of another accident, they vegetate throwing new branches, with
which the process made is the same as with the pots; such trees are the orange and
similar.
Another operation similar to the last one
Let a green, and bearer of fruit, branch be taken from the tree that produces lots
and juicy fruits, so long that it reach the ground, and that gathers the qualities expressed
in the torn twigs section, or better; and knotting to its stem a string of palm leaves or a
strong thread, it will be inclined until it reaches the ground, and the thread will be
knotted to a steady stake to avoid the branch from rising until what we wished to do
with it is done; for the heart one large hole as deep as two hands or more, in which dirt
is thrown again, that is then very well compacted with the feet according to that said in
the operation of takbs swelling (from which this comes to be the last species); and
care is applied when watered and harvested until a year has passed. After its fecundation
and sturdiness it becomes visible that it already fees from the roots that it laid in that
hole and that doesnt needs the supply vine of its first foot, its separated from the
same with a sharp tool; and if its the contrary, naught is done until a change is visible.
After a year from the separation it is transplanted moving it along with its roots
safe in that chunk of earth, if it were from those trees that need this defensive way, such
as those that dont let go of the leaf; and later transplanted in the corresponding place,
where they are to bear fruit with Allahs favor; which is accomplished advantageously,
being place of watering. It would be convenient that this operation be made in the fig
tree inclining the branch until it reaches the ground, and doing with it what was told
above. It is also torn from the fruit tree a big branch that stays united to it without
separating it; whose heart, reaching the ground, its buried in said way to avoid the halt
of its feeding from the tree, until it doesnt need it anymore due to the new roots that it
lays, and then it would be separated with a cut. This branch prevails better than renews
born in the feet or close the tree due to the reason that it bears fruit sooner. Also, the
renews that are in the foot or far away from the tree that arent able to sink by said
operation, they are covered with dirt again, gathering a pile so big that theyre able to
lay roots on it; which will be watered frequently until this is verified, doing all the other
stuff expressed before. And if the renew is put into a new mud pot by the operation
astaslf (loan), in which the one full with dirt is frequently watered, is also good.
The operation called el-aklb (turn or reversal) and also tagts (submersion) are
done in the branches of the vines and in the vine if it were tall. By this, if the vines are
very wide with big holes in between them and with many branches near them, the holes
will be made with as much capacity in them as it requires to totally hide and to where
its desired to sink, if it were necessary; avoiding cutting the foot nor the big and main
roots. Exposed that and the other big roots, the holes are made towards those sides from
which its pretended to pull them out, and later taking down the vine in that hole
without tearing it up, in it its hidden and branches are pulled out toward the empty
corresponding holes, or in the same place of sinking; from which the (cut down the
unnecessary ones) are replaced and earth compacted, as done in the planting; whose
branches, not stopping in its feeding from the vine and this from its roots, take a big
growth and bear fruits within a year, vines being produced in short time, the first one
rotted; and the same must be understood from the vines.
The main thing in this operation consists in attending to where to do the cut,
especially the one of the main roots. The time for doing this is before the first trim, and
the same that its recommended for the planting, that being the first fall season. Same
operation is done in the vines, laying their body in the hole, and doing the same with its
other branches towards the empty spots, leaving their corresponding extremes
outstanding from the ground: and thats how they prevail, doing in them the
aforementioned. I add, that if in the sturdy parts of the body or trunk of the vine some
branches were inserted before covering it up with dirt., leaving outside their extremes
where it corresponds, with some changes done to the operation described in the chapter
of insertions, they also prosper (by Allah) advantageously just for being planted and
inserted in the same time; and because it prevails well the whole branch because of the
takbs operation and similar, as long as theyre frequent. This operation is done in fall.
Likewise, if some vine, when sunk, is left out or inclined where it shouldnt be, they are
to be left like that, and after some time will be cut.
ARTICLE IX
Operation called astaslf, by which trees are multiplied and one where everyone is
used, similar to the last of takbs
Let new mud pots be taken, saucepans big in the mouth or similar,
corresponding to the number of branches in which this operation is wished to be made;
and doing in each a drill of a size that its able to enter through the branch of resume,
jasmine, pear, citrus or any another species of tree, go after to that whose operation is
about to be applied; the one which, if it were a fruit bearer, the renew or branch will be
picked in the best way, corresponding the mentioned in the twigs section, taking it
from where it were available, be it the upper part of the tree, its trunk or foot; an
clearing it from the little branches that it could have, it will be reduced to a single bud in
its heart, which inserted in the drill via seating of the pot, it will be out over the mouth
of that same drill going down until where it stops; or until the place one wishes,
sticking all or part of the branch; or until the ground if it were in the tree, or be born
from the ground. A seat will be made of thread for the pot for it to rest where it should
reach; and if the tree could not carry it or is feared that the winds move it from one
place to another because of its distance from the ground, a wooden bed will be done
below it that measures four feet, or the best possible, with a table over that holds the
pot; which will be tied from it and the close branches with strong knots to avoid being
moved by the wind; after which, the drill being finished from the inside, done in the pot
to stick the branch in, with wooden slivers, plaster or sticky dirt, from this same taken
from good grounds and mixed with old manure of the same quality will be put in a three
quarters way, in a way that it has some space remaining for when it is watered.
The branch must be in the middle of said ground, compacted with the hands
regularly, will be watered with sweet water. The foot of the branch and the earth inside
the pot are to be watered frequently without letting this to be left to dry, continuing the
watering long time until, roots grew, the transplant is done. Which, after, the branch is
cut up with delicacy below the pot without letting the earth in it loose, and then be
transplanted into the hole thats to be its new ground in the same pot; the pot method
usually doesnt let plants rot. If the pot is in the ground or near it, youll find that (the
branch in it broken) in the same spot there are one or two new sprouts from that same
foot, the operation on them will be done after they reach the same qualities as the first
one: which wont stop being repeated until you reproduce one tree into all the ones you
wish. If that branch were in the upper part of the tree, in the trunk or in the place where
the pot couldnt be buried, it will still be strongly tied to the neighboring branches or a
wooden bead be made below it as expressed before, because of the fear that the winds
move it from one place to another, and removing whatever part starts to rot. Likewise,
watering will not be avoided nor it will be left to dry up in the time of a year, watering it
at least two times per week in cold seasons; and also the pot must be checked in order
to ensure that the winds do not move it from one place to another; which, if it happened,
would pile up enough quantity of dirt around. After a year said branch should already
laid its roots below the pot, which indicates that roots are a common sight inside the pot;
and also shows that she has vigor to attract the nutritious juice from the earth of said pot
by the means of the roots born in it.
Be careful when sticking the branch in the earth, that part of it remains green or
knotty, from where the roots would bloom. Its also good to separate the tree from the
pot after two years have passed. Kastos and other authors talk about this, mentioning
another way of operation that they describe like this. Separated from the tree the branch
of this species, and already a barbate, it is put with its whole pot in a hole that resembles
a grave, in which lays this, and that same sunk or laid , and straight up its extreme
along its dirt pillow, earth is compacted again. Frequently watered, and discovering the
pot two years after, realizing that enough roots already grew inside it, not needing now
the ones which were planted with him, cutting the plant from the trunk upwards to do a
transplant and re-taking care of the pot with the chopped trunk for the second plant to
bloom from there by means of frequent watering; with which the second plant finally
blooms, plant thats going to be objective of the same operation.
Pot again back into the ground, the third plant is born; and repeat this until you
have the desired number of trees. These mentioned operations of sinking, reversal and
loan are done with all trees, and in both warm and cold seasons. If over these pots a
bigger one is hanged filled with sweet water with a subtle hole from which a slight drop
will fall in order to maintain its humidity regularly, it will prove to be the best method
for watering these plants, and also the inserts, form which matter and similarities are
going to be talked about later, with Allahs favor.
ARTICLE X
Disposition of seeds, torn twigs, buds, stakes and branches, and the regime and care
plant that they need until perfectly raised
Says Abu-el-Jair and others that their planting concluded an extended watering
is to be done, not allowing the ground to bleach due to dryness; but that it gets watered
alternatively one day and one day not as long as eight days, and from there, four days
for each fifteen days. That discovered the sprouts in the stakes, these be watered each
eight days until the rain season arrives; those that, if missing in the winter, are watered
in the same way in that time every fifteen days; and every eight, this season already
passed. They are to be watered when the ground whitens; and four months after its
planting, when there are no doubts about the roots and sturdiness of these , a good
digging done and a well-treated ground, those that have difficulties will be applied with
manure, ashes and human feces in third parts, mixing it all with the earth obtained from
the digging (excepting the orange and its species, which should only be exposed to
human feces with their dirt); and youll water each eight days, after that the watering a
plotting will continue. In all of this (that has already been talked about, and also the
article for the planting of each individual species) consists the well-being and growth of
them, by Allah. With the stakes of the quince, pomegranate and similar before they
manage to bear fruits, those species of vegetables that need lots of watering, like
eggplant and similar, which take advantage of the stakes, because they get defense form
the sun if they cling to it. It has already been said up that in the boxes of seeds coriander
be planted, and all other similar that stay in the ground and are born directly from the
ground. The quantity of watering that corresponds to the plants mentioned will be talked
about in its individual sections.
ARTICLE XI
It is very good to plant in pairs of two the seeds, torn twigs, stakes, buds and
branches in each hole, so that if one rots, the other doesnt. The stakes of the
pomegranate are planted in a threesome way or more in a same spot: wanting these trees
too thick would mean the grenades would be less and not sunbathed; which would
happen, if they were afar one from the other. These stakes and the ones from the olive
and quince arent damaged when planting by sinking or laid down and or with torn
twigs; its said that, also, to no tree that were similar to them. All that was mentioned,
after it has acquired the perfect and corresponding form with visible sturdiness (which
would be at the age of three), is moved to the place where it would lay fruits. The
regime of the plants while in the pots has been already said before; with which, and with
what is wrote in this same ARTICLE, come to join in its size, with Allahs favor.
ARTICLE XII
The space or capacity that is necessary for the holes of the plants to have
The length, width and depth of the holes is varied, according to whats going to
be planted in them, and in proportion of whats about to be planted in them. The depth
is the first step, for the works that were done there or the air to not reach the roots; and
to avoid that the winds take down the trees, especially those that are planted to be
watered in that same spot summary, not being transplanted . To the torn twigs, stakes
and similar that are meant to be transplanted, their hole mustnt be too deep, for when
the suns heat creates a need of water, it reaches it accordingly, boosting its growth.
About the hole of the olive planting, the widest, longest, deepest one is the best for it; it
is done one year before the planting, in a way that it is planted in the second year,
something that came with very good results for me. In thin soil, its said, that the plant
is to be put just after the hole has been made, to avoid the sun removing the humidity
from it, becoming weak. Its also said that he who would wish to fast-forward the
planting in the hole before a year has passed, light a fire in it, and leave it like that until
the rains come; and the planting should be done right after this. The plant must not be
put in a hole without good and rot manure, mixed with ground from the surface, which
should be spread above the roots. According to the Nabathea agriculture, la depth of the
hole for the plants should be decided according to how deep the heat of the sun
penetrates in that ground. It is also said that the holes should be one foot deep and one
hand wide. Other assures that foot and a half of depth plus four fingers wide.
Meanwhile, other authors state the same width but with a three feet depth. Others, who
say that the important thing is the hole to be at least three foot deep.
Others, that in warm regions the depth must be of four foots, and three foots in
cold regions where it usually snows. According to said agriculture, the sun goes down
in porous earth to bigger depths that in hard earth; for which reason in the extra soft and
thin ground, and in the cracked, the heat goes down up to five foot deep, and, in those
that dont, three and a half foot are its maximum. It is also said that in all terrains the
depth of the hole should be of an elbow and a half. But in the following sixth chapter
things will wrap up about what has been said and illustrating the points where doubt
could arise; if there were to be repetitions, theyd be in order to attend to the best
convenience of the reader. In the ARTICLE of the planting of each tree well mention
the capacity of the holes, and about what must be done in this matter.
CHAPTER VI
Of the plantation of fruit trees and vegetables, according to reciprocal
convenience in some common maxims, with the explanation that need to be
illustrated. The way of benefit and cultivate the land before make in her a
plantation, and pull out the noxious plants. Of the capacity of the holes for
seedlings and torn. Of the plantation of seeds and their transplantation. Of the
distance between the trees. Of the choice and transplantation of the same. Of the
airs that are appropriate for the plantations, graft and sows. About the
irrigation, manure and cleaning, and the best moment to do all of the mentioned
operations; on whose subject was treated up; to know that it is better to plant the
fruit trees in autumn, according to the Ibn-Hajj book. Of the way to do the
plantations. Of the capacity of the holes to each tree. Of the preparation of the
land to this effect, and the distance that must be between the trees.
I have read, says Ibn-Hajj, in some agricultures books, that the one that want to
plant, must start tilling the land diligently, with three or four deep and together furrows
plowing, which work as more it be, more advantage and force they will have; and also it
must cut the grass, thorns, caahejas and other such noxious plants, letting the air thin,
and warm their pARTICLEs; which one, if you leave it for an entire year to the air,
suns heat and summer pass through it, will be so much better.
Casio says, that the holes to the trees that you want to plant, must be done a year
before, so the sun, air and rain that reach them take root and deepen best in the land.
Almost the same says Junio, which maxim is that the better plantation is the one that is
made in holes excavated a year before the plantation; which if you execute, the land will
have a beautiful color for the heat of the sun, the rains and the variety of air: what will
cause the plants to grow quickly and also burnt the old grass, and the land acquired
permanent softness.
In other part of his book says that it is convenient dig the land that you want for
planting in hot times, and that behind the diggers go some collecting the roots of bushes
and grass torn, extending them up to dry, which must do in June being the sun in
Cancer, and sixteen of the moon, being in Capricorn; in the way that dries the grass,
also acquire removing it from there; which executing in the mentioned days anything is
left to take root.
Kastos says, that for clean the grass and other noxious plants in heat times, must
sow Roman caterpillar calls lupins, which when born are pull out from the root and
throw to the harmful plants to the land and sows, and letting them there for twelve days
till rotten, then thrown manure above, and tumble the earth, the one that after planting
Allah will free from those harmful grass. And till here the maxim of the
abovementioned author.
According to Ibn.Hajj, how more you dig and till the land that you want for
sows, it will be better, which is the more exquisite way to clean it. When you want to do
the transplantation, the holes dig for the plants will be deep enough to hide a man till the
hips putted on it, if it is transplanting trees. For three reasons the farmers review that the
holes to transplanting must be deep; first, so it do not surprise them the lack of water in
the suns heat; to when the cold come to their root wont be offended; and also it can
stay firm against the strong winds. Torn from the trees will be put into the
establishments, until being large seedlings form holes a span up to cubit deep,
depending on the variety of regions about air, digged the land sometimes before, after
which it won't stop the benefit of the holes, cleaning and cutting the grass so they can
preserve the moisture. And therefore does the fear that dry for the heat if its excavation
was at ground it is also appropriate to make this much deeper than usual.
About the seeds and eatable grains, it is better for them (according Solon,
Marsial and the ones that follow their maxims) planting in big pots or jars after filled
with old rotten manure, that after a few years it has refined, mixed with surface land,
and from there it is irrigate till it born, always separating the bushes they had around,
without stopping until they are ready to transplant.
According to Ibn-Hajj, the farmers prefer plant the seed in pots because they go
with their defense when transplanting; this is, for when it is the time to execute it, put
into the planting hole with soil contained in the pots; which must break, staying them in
their own earth. Defended well (as they are youngsters), then must throw the earth
above according the way that we will explain (by Allah), concluded this ARTICLE;
which executed this way do not spoil. Solon talking about the land that is throw above
the pots where the seed are planted says, that must be a mix a third part from another
good land, from other oh trodden dust at the roads in good soil of sunshine, and another
of rotten manure without production virtue of some vegetable. And till here the maxims
of the mentioned author.
The cause of moving the seedlings from torn branches, seeds, cuttings and other
from one place to another, is to be the best to do so, and harmful leave on their site (as
all those authors agree), with regard to seeds, cuttings and rooted does not torn because
of its smallness as we said above how deep should be the trees: therefore there is no
need to repeat it. It is important to move them to deep holes (for the said reason) also
taking them trimmed of ground for this operation.
And if someone ask this question: What then is the purpose of making the use of
stakes and small torn in the planting, after having taken care work and transplant?
What? They would not grow in height? Thus, leave it in the same place, not being
necessary this operation. To this we answer, that that is how it is done with some (as it
will be said at its time), for example with the long stakes and olive branches that are
planted in places where it do not need to be translated, having put them really deep. But
the most secure and successful is to make use of every tree planting, small torn and
small stakes; the reason for the maximum (held by essential among farmers) is because
the new branch of two years is that it should be torn, according June.
The green stake of two or three years set at ground roots quickly into the contest
subtle matter lowering it with the more subtle parts of the thick, warm earth; whose
branches are little remaining and firm, if they are cut from hardened tree; which if one is
to be cut off, much of the slime would flow would be small because of it.However, we
keep on planting use thick and long branches that may be found in a good turn, putting
entire, that is, when we see that are very successful.
If it is convenient to plant the entire new branch, is not bad put it deep in order to
remain in the same place. Beyond that, albeit small body short branch, making increase
soon to perceive the nutritional juice land; which dividing by the body of Long Branch
cannot communicate much virtue to sprout, as to the other, as maximum of Solon.
According Sidags we should aim carefully not moved from the camp started,
branch, or stake seed and grown under irrigation or continuous moisture on site but in
another similar place; about which if moved to earth whose plants did not have more
irrigation than rain, far from taking it increase not flourish regularly; and this is the most
common: neither is there any harm in that the transplant will have been to do what we
do in irrigation.
But what is appropriate at this point is transplanting from irrigation to irrigated
land, and from rainfed to dry land, and that this is the appropriate for the work is not
lost. And here the author quoted maxim.As it regards the plant, and this is placed lying
on a long hole (or trench), which (if not one branch) must have a deep cubit, having to
remain there without transplanted. The other groups that may have been transplanted
should be at the same depth of an cubit, making it exposed them up until the time of
transplantation. The choice of branches to extensive planting and dutifully be treated in
a separate chapter should occur as I say on this matter, with Allah's favor.
About the variety of holes in point of depth with respect to the differences of the
land, says June in the chapter that deals with the holes for planting vines, which in high
places and hills that are intended for this purpose, just with three feet deep, and in the
plains it should be his depth of four feet; and this because we want (say) that the plants
are so deep that it gets the suns heat. The ancients said that does not lower the heat (or
not penetrates) rather than to that extent exempt very hot lands. So if you put your
seedlings to less depth of that, no utility vines were formed them be achieved; because
not getting much land nurturing juice would dry in summer, and quickly be lost not
getting the moisture in the center.
June also said, trying the olive tree, which should be the capacity of every hole
according to the nature of the land. In high places must have two cubits and 12cm deep,
and the same in width. In the plains it will be deeper, and the same width as the
aforementioned author says. Ibn-Hajaj says, that June does not explain exactly
shallower in the highlands, and the largest in the flat; and yes Sadihmes which he
states that the hole to plant it deeper into the plains, except in the highest places in the
mountains or hills to, and at least one third of the hillsides.
The reason for that is because the depth of the plants should be such that does
not reach the roots dry air, or the offense to the heat of summer; and the mountains are
cooler than the plains nature. And also, because the water penetrates more the latter sites
because of its softness; and less in the mountains because of the hardness of their land;
and because water down the slopes so precipitously that diminishes or takes part of that
same land, no plants would get wet with rain, if they should do the deep hole; and also
because if we came to stony and exhausted ground deepening, it would not have roots
that feed nutritional juice.
Someone will say, that if you do not deep holes for plants that have set
themselves on hillsides, carrying water from the little land covering their roots, just
these would be discovered, so you may come to tear the trees. But this is answered, you
owe to take care of them often visit and replenish the earth rains had detached, throwing
it on the roots and the emaciated sites also putting under and the decline part, mixture of
shrubs and stones. And here the saying of that author.
Then will indicate (by Allah), added Ibn-Hajaj, measuring distances in planting
trees; which it is various, and corresponding to the size of them; of which some are
more pompous than others; and should be proportionate to the quality of the land, of
which the best produce large trees and breed them exhausted or weak consumed.
So I try to distance that must exist between them in the lands of good quality and
in the low substance; which is set according to the teaching I have seen in the books of
the Authors who have treated this matter , or by comparing the same principles, when I
do not find maximum of decisive that end. Equally it will be the same case at the end of
this book. It should be known that the undesirable provision that shall be placed trees
the often prove two damages; One is that if the branches are close to each other,
obstruct the Sun enters the interior; and even the same from the outside should be very
linked, so that charge less fruit; many of which do not air out for its multitude same in
the tree, are too flexible, and not standing up straight, before declining towards the
ground; for this reason they lost in much of the fruit.
The other damage is that roots being near and neighboring each other
reciprocally extended to search oppress the juice that are attracted to the earth. There are
also third calamity that if the land is not thick not toast with the hot sun for very grim;
untying whose parts do not thicken and thickened, and contracting coldly, comes the
land corrupted much, if not manured. Mind having known, says June, the winds dried
plants and every fruit; and that as the strong are those that do well also a temple like
blowing with softness are convenient to many trees: and I say that to all kinds of plants
especially the olive, whose distances should be spacious for easier entry of the winds.
Said Author says in another place, that the distances of the trees are equal on all sides
by also agreeing to this effect.
He also says that some older making it subtle about plantations, looked at the
position that the plant had that wanted to move from one place to another, and so they
placed, that is, each side opposite to where it had this or that wind; so that the eastern
side look up to east, the west to the West, and so the other two, because it flourish so
greatly. Which adds June is not difficult business, smearing red ocher side of the plant
falls to east before starting and while some do not observe well; but it is undeniable
straight in the practice this shows great diligence and accuracy in art.
All farmers, as Ibn-Hajaj, agree that only throw surface soil in the plant pit
without mixing of another one, being soft and warm. In others they disagree much on
having enough land for one, or in mixed manure; whose last review is Kastos, and
Solon's first; which adhered to it for the reason that trees torn away from their sites
when they move in others are weakened too much; and thus the manure then fell on the
roots, perhaps the dry up and leave them certain impressions on the strength of its heat.
For whom June is to appear must throw first surface soil, and over aged rotten manure,
to this way go with moderation and gradually penetrating heat and substance of it to the
roots behind the layer from the earth.
This maximum would be for me the most neat and admirable, if Kastos was not
of the opinion that the land should mix with rotten manure. About the pressure, the
authors also vary. June says that the roots should not have much weight on himself, or
that the earth is to be burnt or too tight, so that it will penetrate to them as continuous
heat from the sun, but rather vegetate and flourish; for which reason, he says, the plants
must be a foot or so deep in the seedbed to flourish shortly by what we said in the heat
of the sun: and this is his opinion. But Kastos says that the planter must strongly push
the earth with your feet after filling the hole, leaving them moved to the surface
surrounding the plant. For me it is wonderful, says Ibn-Hajaj, the maximum Kastos; and
this is what we intend to do when we started to gather together course or tighten While
the earth with the roots, as she is his food; do not convenient temple there is any empty
between them and that: which how could agree? And as you saw above one of the
causes of this emptiness the future weakness of the plants from their roots and earth,
where the juice feeding attract. Thus matter it is stuck to them the land, and also has the
corresponding intermediates with respect to the regular entry of heat and air, so that
these do not increase their languor and weakness; But in attention to not pressure and
earth connection with them, no longer get through the pores in the same heat from the
air that is enough for them to turn.
His expression that leave moved with his feet the earth's surface, is very good
maxim; in which follows the view that it is working so that the plant does not dry out.
They all agree that to fill the hole earth must bring the best quality and that does not fill
at all, but remaining one way to empty a big bowl where water coming together, from
there to strain the roots. The more wide were holes the better compared to that being the
land of the best of the surface and in sufficient quantity (that can never be missing) to
fill, throw away the plants roots everywhere.
Monharis also says that when we want to do the tree planting we wished and
propose, the hole becomes a state or two yards deep, round and four to five feet in
diameter, that filled half earth good surface, it put the finishing plant fill with the same
quality of land; whose tree, turning to cast good, thin soft earth to deepen and extend
its roots everywhere, and soon takes height increase. And here the author quoted
maxim.
This is because the time (or appropriate location) to set the spaces that there be
among the plants. Olive to olive must have the distance from fifteen to twenty-five
cubits, which is the least they can be, about not being far less prevalent among
themselves advantageously. Almost at the same distance should be the fig. The vines
ten to fifteen cubits. Small vines six to eight spans. The pear trees fifteen to twenty
cubits. Apple trees from eight to twelve. Plums five (that's the last they can be) seven
cubits. White poplars from fifteen to twenty five. Almond ten to fifteen; and so the
hazel. The Mulberry Tree of fifteen to twenty. The cherry trees fifteen to twenty five.
Citrons ten cubits; and although also are planted at equal distance to the cherry, but this
is the best. Pomegranates from eight to twelve cubits. Apricots fifteen to twenty; and so
the pines. Quinces six to eight. Palms five to seven; and so the murtas.
The hackberry to fifteen to twenty. Chestnut trees twenty to twenty five; and so
the oaks. These distances are the most that can be arranged planting in gardens and
orchards, considering the purpose for which the trees are placed. Small of these same
species planted in the more open countryside good were the better and become more
corpulence; while some authors of Agriculture are not of the opinion that among the
citrons and pomegranates are the wide spaces; whose matter will treat later, by Allah.
According to other authors, Ibn-el-Fasel, Abu-el-Jair, Haj Grenadian should be
chosen for planting the most fruitful trees, and more delicate fruit. But if the care and
cost of good planting species and grow them discomfort or fatigue were the same, the
best planting to be the first to know, the more the trees that bear fruit. Which are not
planted but the offspring of courtesy, not moth-eaten or weak.
Of those who are transplanted, they will pick the one that produce tasty fruit,
vegetate well, and they be of medium height and one foot; which sit, if long green like
the olive tree and the like, the bottom will lie down in the depths of the pit, that for this
is to be by way of the tomb and raised right top near the nipple or mound excavation,
otherwise expressed above will be executed; whose practice is the same as seen in the
planting of the branches.
With regard to large trees; if they have many branches are cut off leaving only
one and the most right, or if they be more robust, in proportion to their strength, so the
matter and juice of the cut will go to the rest. The branches were cut with sharp tool,
and if the site of the cut might fall into the hole they are planted, be this very case. A
olive seedlings were cut all the branches; because there is no doubt that planted them
and their leaves are raised wrong or miscarry; which I have proved by experience.
According to the book of Haj Grenadian and others, the hole for the tree to be formed so
that the standing and roots of the baggy coming in and two feet or more of the trunk.
The hole must be wide so that the one who does the planting can pull the land
over the roots with his foot; in which since the tree, firm, right and without decline, it is
poured some land above those of the surface, pressing his foot in those gaps.
Everywhere must be discovered the hole, filling of land halfway or more; and if the site
regardless of irrigation, will give a good watering point, and so left for a few days, then
watering second time and third time last equal; after which the hole is filled with good
farming land, squeezing right foot.
In the drylands is left hole halfway bare in the same way until washed up well
with repeated rains and so left the land, then equals or is filled entirely of peasant land;
whose operation a month ago after running the plantation: which have experienced have
been achieved happily, having disposed in said form, without irrigated in the hot season;
in which, if nevertheless needed irrigation, it must not be given by the foot, but at a
distance, so that the same comes under ground water; regarding otherwise, lowering the
water between the roots and the heat of the sun to enter those gaps, damaging thereto.
We have experienced, says Kutsami, the Nabathea Agriculture author, that if the
manure is thrown dry in the plants holes and the wet, or throw right there in having high
humidity, it is perfectly profitable. But it seems there is some subtlety. Kastos says, to
be put under the tree two new clay pots filled with fresh water with a small hole in the
seat of each, where the water flow subtle and followed. Without the drill touch the soil
so the clay does not cover it, and then that either them missing to fill water, continuing
to do the same in the course of two months. A year that the tree is usually inserted in the
same way if it had remained in first place, often irrigating with the other trees; to be in
this good practice to moisten the graft site with fresh water.
ARTICLE I
Every tree and plant must be transposed with all its roots, if possible. The rubber
tree is kept tearing them, especially older. Does not damage to the aqueous cut him
some; and the olive tree is not bad cut them all. The aqueous tree seedlings thrive more
and soon comprise more than others, and so their torn and stakes. It must not move any
tree of good and freshwater site to another bad and diverse water.
Every tree used to freshwater irrigation has not irrigated transplanted brackish or
salt water; which would be harmful and nothing helpful. Nor has moved the tree good
and fat land to sandstone and weak; or from cold to warm earth, sweet or brackish, plain
or mountain. More if necessary to move him into sandy soil to retain moisture long
rains, the hole is filled to good land that he brings.
I have put olive seedlings in Alxarafe in very sandy soil sites, where there was a
lot of moisture by rainwater, with another good land that took there, and advantageously
prospered; although earlier it had planted sometimes the same kind of plants in the same
land sites, and did not grow up in that quality. Describes in Nabathea Agriculture, which
filled the bottom of the bearded vine planted in sandy soil brackish taken from
freshwater rivers, the land is removed of salt damage.
Some farmers are of the opinion that the trunk of the planting, of rough and
coarse bark, you peel as two thirds parts of the land which is to cover it up to the thin
bark and then plant; which especially it runs on palm bark if there is had coarse. No
immediate land at the foot of the tree is to be moved, even with blunt instrument; which
offend the roots by the weakness they have, especially the olive planting because having
them near the surface of the earth, until it affirms and fortify before which, fading
weaken. And indeed some roots while the work would be cut, particularly the olive
planting and the like; so it does not touch on the digs and the work of the olive ditch to
the planting shortly planted by fear of cutting off the roots; which I have seen myself
have harmed it.
According to Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel, and others, some seedlings must move
trimmed their land attached to the foot and surrounded her roots. And such are those
trees whose leaf does not fall in the winter, except the olive tree that needs no such
defense; which it is held by juicy and greenery. Execute mode is go to that plant species
that require crossing, and also the tree already fruitful in the autumn season or make the
appropriate tree planting that same species, and watering the soil around the foot of the
plant after it was wiped something the surface, extend the land around it tamping with a
thick, heavy wood, or something similar, so it is tight, then digging away the trunk
where you are not able to this work cut any roots. This digs around the foot must be
deep as the roots extending through the center of the earth while approaching it beneath
him and stretched its roots at ground level, reaching most of which fall center, driving in
this with such gentleness that reaches readily started.
It burying land that has to cover him and taking her roots everywhere and below
this defense is extracted from the hole with touch to this will not peel from those; whose
defense must become lighter, if any, to be carried far site so that it can be easily carried
with him around a firm tying with ropes matting that he was not detach the earth.
Having put in the planting hole, right there you remove the mat, running after
her plantation and regime in the expressed above. Is also very good move seedlings of
the other trees, fruiting to non-fruiting, with the defense of their own land. Haj said that
having started in Granada peaches in May with outbreaks, and replanted regard forth
above in this field and frequency of irrigation and regime, were not dropped their leaves
or buds, and fruitful; and also having transplanted citron, arraihanes and jasmine for
irrigating by August, running the same in them, they did not as plump or weakened. He
adds that having done the same thing twice in a fruit tree and flowery, running the
expressed above, fruit that year without knocking out this year nor be rushed of disaster.
Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel and others before making transplantation is planted
and sows in the earth species of vegetables by reason of the very shady that it needs;
and the same is made run after transplantation, if irrigated, planting or sowing you need
little water, if there were seedlings that need much. The trees they move from the jungle
to the gardens have to be with some of that land that is raised (and the same wild seeds),
transplanting in autumn with weight or fruit that is left to them. The wild pear
transplanted likewise prevails; but he is having transplanted in early spring, renewed
and their buds by fertilization, did not prevail in some way. They say that if the trees
Hortense land where they were contracted and its specific or individual temperament,
advantageously prevail.
ARTICLE II
The regime to be observed in plants.
Says Haj and others, that when you plant a tree shalt put entire care to irrigate it
(be away from your foot on dry land, or near heavily irrigated) in which lying land on
the bonded or glued to the foot of the plant remain so there is no gap where between air,
and left this provision until mid-March, the ground next to the grass that had grown,
through a shallow trench is then cleaned, and they are covered by earth. The plants are
dug in autumn sunsets four times around his foot, passing twenty days between two
works; which they have to be as deep a span.
To the planted, after this time it is not given a similar dig until they have set and
entrenched, At this time planted after such cava it is not given until they have set and
entrenched, keeping time to cut off some of the work on account of weakness; if it be
mostly olive tree or similar those whose roots are laid at ground level; which always
have to carve grating or other similarly until those security ruggedized not hurt them
with the tool to dig them available; whose work should be so deep and wide spade. If
you want the plant fecundate the year of planting, peel it slightly in August to the
ground, if he has sheltered place, and to achieve this effect. Which if omitted to make
immediately comes to fertilize the second year in April or around that time.
Which if omitted to make immediately comes to fertilize the second year in
April or around that time. The buds that are born to them at the bottom and forks are
torn with the hands, not with tool, leaving the corresponding on top, so that the full
force of juice directed to the high branches. Do not touch the tree with tools that may
have been sterilized until two years or more; otherwise it will cause serious damage or
that know out. I have seen the same in the olives trees, which were burned in the cut
part with the tool before fruiting; because they were lost and blighted, especially the
transplanted the first year after born. But this and similar matter was addressed above,
where you can see it.
ARTICLE III
From the air it as experience are good for planting and sowing insert.
Irrigation, fertilizer and logging, and the best time for these operations.
Many Ancient farmers and others agree that you should not plant, start or insert
any day of especially pernicious cold or windy. Similarly they should not be grown
legumes, seeds, or seeds nor planted anything on very cold days or when running the
north wind; just as prevalent as it is planted or sown with such a wind, especially the
olive tree, which stood at ground, the body part of the plant that look up north would
dry up: and the reason is because when they run such cold winds and harmful dissipate
moisture from the tree roots and earth. Thus we take care to do these things when the
south wind blows in temperate day and in the morning; or the west wind passing
through the seas to the west of Spain and such places. Everything sown or planted with
the wind grows healthy and good. If at time of planting happens to be wet or drizzly
day, it is good to plant olive stake especially in drylands.
Suspend the planting of trees to get up and run those winds that are not suitable
for the above, or when he turns very cold air, burying ground that any torn seedlings to
good temperament achieved. They should not be placed in water in some way; more if
they had been buried a long time on land, posts will have in that one or two days and
then planted with some moisture. Which is not to run on Fridays and Sunday being
contrary to the practice. The principles of the Arabic months or rising moon and the full
moon are also the best times for planting.
According to some, the moon is cold and wet, and gives the name of badra the
perfect full moon, which is the fourteenth day of the lunar month; at which time it is
noticed take increased sowings and vegetables, such as cucumbers, the melons,
pumpkins, eggplants, beans, flax and the like arraihanes flower, and the fruit of the
trees; and also they take extension branches of plants expressed and the like; which
suffer diminution in the waning moon of the lunar month and the end, so wanting Allah.
Cause, because they want rather to make some planting vines and all the trees and the
crops in crescent moon; they say that what is planted or sown in this time, is more
graceful and better than what you sow out of it; and that more trees lit and soon sprout,
they grow in height, greatly thickened, and charge much fruit, if they have been planted
at that time; and the opposite happens, if the planting or sowing was waning moon.
Thus, they are of the opinion that the planting of trees in the growing is done;
and with regard to flax seed does not prevail on you or dwindle in the last days of the
month, and we have experienced ourselves and clearly seen, says Abu-el-Jair. They say
that the best time for some is from the fourth day of the lunar month until the end of the
fourteenth thereof. They also say other than the twenty-fourth day it is a blessing for
planting in irrigated from birth until the sun sets. Other disapprove the planting done in
the new moon to falls in the month of March.
In the Nabathea Agriculture, Kutsami says, which is David-Nidan maximum, In
Nabathea Agriculture says Kutsami, which is maximum David-Nidan, Lord of Bachdr,
not insert any plant or tree, nothing is planted, and that nothing but good vegetate plants
is growing moon until after five days of the waning; so that in his judgment extends
more time to make the plantations; the maximum (that is also the author of glorious
memory Adan), added Kutsami, having made her experience, has come true and sure.
Know, continues the same author, that the best time for all operations of Agriculture
relating to moisten with water plants and trees, whether by means of spraying or by
other modes of moisture, is it in the crescent moon or from after their conjunction and
disjunction of the sun until a few days after the opposition; of which the first is the
thirteenth and the sixteenth the last; After which time absolutely nothing to be done.
Says Kutsami, if planted or sown trees and palms that we wanted on the first day
of the new moon until the moon reaches the site from which the sun there are ninety
degrees, which is the fourth first, almost nothing is spoiled, he turns around well,
always bears fruit much; and the same happens with the manure, if we make this
waning moon. In effect we see in these plants some strength and extension that is not
noticeable when manured in crescent moon.
This has to be the time of the operation if the highest point, which is the mansion
(or grade) fourteen of the zodiac. If it is in the water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and
Pisces; or windy, which are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, is extremely good. If any of
the land, is also good but not both; declining fire signs, which are Aries, Leo and
Sagittarius, at birth, or if in them the moon. Which if the time to cultivate these things is
in opposition or in conjunction with them, or any of their methods or directions is the
best and most advantageous.
But some ancient cared anything about this, stating that it may plant and sown
from early to late month. Others said the planting of trees would make the first and last
day of the month. Which other disapproved and prohibited. According to Abu-el-day
Jair distributed empty of the lunar month with this order. Five vacancies, and the
following five occupancy. Four vacancies, and as many of occupation. Three will sing,
and the same occupancy. Two seats and two of occupation. One vacancy, and the last of
occupation. Such was his opinion, believing that the work done in the days of the first
class is not managed; and other (by Allah) the facts on the second.
ARTICLE IV
Some older preferred to do logging, the cutting of branches for the insert, and
the vintage in the waning moon, fearing that too much slime and those grapes are filled
again increased; and felt no moth-eaten wood roofing houses or other uses were cut off
in the waning moon, especially in the last three days of the lunar month.
CHAPTER VII
About the trees that are usually planted on the Spain provinces. Aptitude
of each specie and description of some of them. About the planting of each tree,
and specie of ground appropriate. His irrigation and praise, what is the manure,
with everything else that is required for each one in his respective regimen.
ARTICLE I
About the Planting of the Olive.
Two are the species (of this tree); one wild that is born in the mountains, and not
at the margin of rivers or where his roots reach a lot of continuous water; and the other
domestic, which gives more olives and oil that the first.
Juno quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj says, that the thin land is exceedingly good
for the olive, and in that way are raised excellently in the stigi (or Ecija) territory, been
such land alike on quality. In which if they are planted, they produce more than they
could in a different; because according Ibn-Hajj, what is required on this tree is, not the
multitude and freshness of the branch; but the abundant copy of the oil.
As well the white land is good, according to Junio, to plant olives, especially if
is soft and wet. And indeed those who are in such land carry the fatter, tinder,
substantial, and with lots of oils olives. The dark land, the scree especially. Is also good
for them the salt less sandstone and whose lumps where whitish. The deep land must be
discard for this trees; which is good for seedy, which fruit is raised on it with big size:
but the olive grows with lesser oil and with a lot of slime, which without retarding his
maturation increases a lot the Amurca in the oil. Further the land exceedingly viscose
is not good for olive trees because of their coldness, and because also gets too hot in the
summer even more than the others, also the big cracks it is use to get make it colder in
the winter.
Demcrito says, that the olive must be plant on land with white soil, bare of
grass, dry and without moisture; and shouldnt be planted on the soil of rose valley, or
sand with lots of salt, which is the brackish, or land that gets too cool when is cold, too
warm in the vehement hot and dont ventilate air on it; neither on cracked land.
The best place to plant the olive, says Kastos, is the sam (or hard) land, bare of
grass. The sam land is the dry without any moisture. But it shouldnt be plant in
brackish land, or deepness red clay which gets too cold, or that narrows too much with
the hot; neither cracked ground. But is used to be plant on good quality thin land.
I have plead, says Ibn-Hajj, the most I have found of three famous agriculturist
over the land that must be chose for plant olives; which are similar between and not
opposite. For me the most exquisite of the same and others that have published works is
the land that gets discard because of the quantity of water and the amurca which
provides to the olives of trees transplanted on it; also because his oil been highly thin
gets disturb easily because of his amounts of slime, and more in very wet land. The land
they mention as suitable for the olive is against the qualities referred. The big olive from
the best specie prevails on low lands of good quality.
Kastos says the same, and in this point ends majorly: that the olive keeps his
freshness early with land aiming to the sea and continuous moisture; but (the olives)
grow more in other grounds. Where he asserts, that the excellent place and best to plant
olives trees is the dry land, bare of grass.
Agriculturists agree that ventilation is worthy for the olive, and this is why it
must be planted on mountains and hills with bare snow, ice, cold winds or excessive
hot, because the warm keeps is the reason of their fecundity. Is easy extract the oil (from
the raised olive) in warm places; which is hard for those raised on cold places, or it cant
be done unless by lots of work. The oil benefits from the air a little cold; because of this
they suggest to put it on ordered jars in rooms aiming to the north, with this the oils gets
a good or sweet taste. The hot from the sun causes in it the opposite effect, as says
Casio.
About the time for planting the olive and space that must have the holes, says
Ibn-Hajj, that this topic was embrace before in a general way: but that generality must
be reduced (been inadequate ( his doctrine) mostly ) on this specie; ( according to this);
says Junio, that (although) is convenient plant the olives in autumn or spring; but the
first is better for this planting, which must be done then at the time of rains until the
rigorous of the cold; in which is suspended until the early spring, beginning again then
in days when the north wind blows.
Further, says that the best planting is the one of hole; that the best of this is the
formed one year before as was say up; and the space of everyone must be proportional
to the nature of the land, as was also said, about the depth and width of two cubits in
high lands, and more capacity in flat lands.
Some, add, do the hole big for the olive in the flat ground, because raising it
quick in those places, and loaded with a lot of fruits for the moisture, is a risk that the
winds will overthrow it.
The same says, Ibn-Hajj, confirms the most of Kastos that the juicy land makes
the olive get load with lots of olives; and because of this the quality of the oil in this
land is usually more appreciable and the best of all.
Anothers, says Junio, cleave the root of olive, and that cleaved part is the one
they plant. Others put the seedlings of bearded. And others plant bunches that rip up
from the tree; which specie of planting was used a lot by the curious agriculturist and
diligent anon; this is, take the bunches and planting them in the place that must be
breed, moving it later after they sprout. Every seedling must be taken from the best
species, and must be smooth and take from a new trunk; this is, of new tree. According
to Demcrito, bunches of olive must be very smooth taken from young trunks. Mostly
Chamayos, puts the olive from seedling, of stake, and of aajr. The seedling (is made)
of the stake, and this is take from the expressed tree; which is cut each one with once
cubit of length, and the thickness of a full hand. Corresponding to the aajr, this is like a
species of egg that is found in the big olive, fruitful and very old; which cut with ax (or
sword) and booted from the foot or root of the olive, (this way) is plant. The bunch
related that uses to have, cut with it and plant, is the best stake, and the one that sprouts
in lest time. And the maximum from the quoted author finish here. Karur-Aafantaaus
says that the stake of olive must be plant lying, inverse, and also straight and fixed.
I, says Ibn-hajj, planted a piece of wood from olive that haves aajr (or egg),
which lying in the hole, and filling this with soil and letting nothing outside, sprouts
very nicely and fruitful. Also I have seen bunch so thin as the little finger fixed in the
ground (not as is usually done in the planting) that sprout very soon without aajr ( or
any egg). Some against the use of this specie in the respective of this tree, are proposed
to take the thick bunch with aajr, which cut at 7 cubits long more or less, bury in deep
hole, and when sprouts is not transplanted. And they dont mind if is smooth; before
they plant the very rough (or rude of cortex) and thick. But they want it to have aajr,
having on it in a condition of egg. (With all), I have seen bunchs of this roughs ( or
rude) without any egg, but with a piece in the bottom part booted from the trunk by way
of sole, which when was planted sprouted. And in this way I have seen other branch
very smooth and new in one side, which cut by the other one piece of rough wood,
planting in this way, also sprouted.
Lets get back to what Junio says; which maximum is that the one that makes the
planting must transfer the land from the depth of the hole; and that the best is to irrigate
this two or three times before, then throw it in the soil mixed with manure, like four
fingers, and smear the seedling with cow manure.
I have say before, says Ibn-Hajj, that must put sand in the holes of the seedling
with no roots, as the dry stakes and similar; which practice is really good, according to
my opinion, respecting that the sand doesnt make them weak because they are much
more hard that the bearded; they use it well before, and is a help for they to root, if there
were moisture that undoes that manure, coming from the irrigation or rains.
Is not convenient, says Junio, irrigate to much the olive because do it too much
is exceedingly prejudicial. But it is important plant it at the moment to rip it of his place.
The seedlings that were taken from the trees must have two legs long, ripping with it
along some of the trunk of the tree that sprouts more, and must be smooth and healthy.
Healthy, in Junio language, is the same that not having any clave in the cortex. The
branch been of the referred quality grows and raise in short time; then the olive that
becomes corpulent and even, is because the way of raising it was according to what his
nature demands; by the other side the one that is thin or weak, is because was raised in
the opposite way, this is, vilely.
According to Junio, the old plants and with cleave cortex are difficult (or takes
long) for vegetation; because (according to Ibn-Hajj interpretation) Junio points the
plant without the aajr (or egg) referred; because if it have it, sprouts fast and well.
Junio adds that the stroke that was planted in high place has the longitude of cubit, and
52 centimeters, which must be plant in low. Solo says, that must be small the stroke of
olive that will be planted in mountain grounds and high hills; and even bigger the one
that is plant in flat grounds; because, the seedlings are attracted from the high ground
because of his toughness and less nutritive juice in comparison to the flat land. To this
practice is similar to what loggers see, the ones in the good quality land and more fertile
they leave more forks and more longs; and less and more small in the weak land. And
here finish Solon. Returning to what Junio says is not convenient plant upside down the
branch because then the plant will spoil. In which maximum, according to Ebm-Hajj,
is opposite to the opinion of Carur-Atifo (and others), which incite that the bunch of the
seedy must be placed inverse in his planting, and this is the practice they prefer. And I
by myself have see tree that prevails very well and fruitful the inverse stake.
Some people advice, says Junio, put rocks next to the seedling of the olive, and
stand on them by one cubit of deepness, putting soil over them after because on this way
the cold of the rocks will refresh the roots in the summer (been this helpful for them),
and foment in the winter; which both effects will cause (respectively in each season):
which must be done in the sandstone mostly than in others, beginning to put the stones
from the depth of the hole. Adds (the quoted author), that bury in the ground three
quarters of the seedling, leaving the rest outside; and in the place of the superior court,
cover it with mud of white clay kneaded with straw.
Also says, that is convenient for the good farmer to know the exact proportion of
the olive rows, and that this besides the fertility of the terrain (consist) for the tree to
become more fecund; since his fruit comes to be more abundant and rich, entering the
winds in the well sorted rows; which direction must be from east to west, y and in noon
to north in equal distances; respect to that planting in that way this trees, makes easy the
in and out of the winds of east and noon, that are those who grow healthy plants. Also
says, that the thin ground planted with olives mustnt be plant; because this will weak
their toughness. He adds, that in this land must be the plants more immediately than in
other different (not having to plant as we have say). Also there is another reason, says
Ibn-Hajj, and is that the plants must be put in that ground at distances more close
because is not growing in them fat or pompous olives.
As much as Junio says that the plants grafted are better and more fruitful, the
best will be form the seedlings from the cothinn or ranbh (which is the acebuche(wild
olive tree)); those which taking root and growing more quickly carry their fruit graft at
the third year or the next; and grafting in them fruitful and rich olive trees(as we said
before), they sprout much more quickly than the others. The same author says, that the
most part of the trees planted from seed produce the fruit according to their specie,
except the olive, which from his olives sowed in strong land grows the olive called
cothin. This maximum, says Ibn-Hajj, I believe is truth; because our lands of Sevilla
in the mount of Alxarafe, because of been to close and in quantity the olives, and fall in
the ground lots of olives seeds, I havent see another thing that wild cothin in between
the small trees and others bigger that already gave fruit: what does points, that the crow
of trees, comes from the seeds of the olives; of Allah knows (the real reason). But
nevertheless, not because of it, I affirm that all the wild olive trees that are there come
only from the olives (that felled). But I do admit, that a lot of them grow in the mounts
and hard lands, in the same way that other trees like the oak, carob and similar. Also I
dont deny, that grows olive-trees too, as Junio says, from this seeds (and I have seen
them in the village of some friends of mine), because I affirm are cothin the majority
of them, as Junio said (the same). Returning to what is said about this author, a lot of
people are used to make the holes they want for this planting, wide, square, and big;
(although very wrongly) in each they put for seedlings in the angles; from which when
they all sprout, let the better in there; and if we want to move one or two or the three we
can also execute that. But even if that way of planting is very used by us here in the
mountain quoted up, is not good (says Ibn-Hajj, according my opinion), not even in the
olive-trees schools.
Is convenient, says Junio, that the branch that where put in the schools where
take from good, news, and very fruitful olive-trees, and they should be of proportioned
corpulence; and shouldnt be take those born in the trunk, but in the superior part of the
tree; which must be cut oblique by a saw avoiding the cleave of the cortex. At the sides
of each one is fixed a reed that works like a signal to the one that have to do the digs,
executing their plantation in the way expressed before. The ancients dig around of the
plants one time per week, if the ground allows it, not cluttering the mud. In three years
are raised this plants in those places, cleaning them in the fourth year from branches that
where cluttering, they are moved after to the land where was planed their plantation; if
is take with them some of the ground in where they raise the planting of the branch will
be the best of all. This entire maximum are from Junio.
About the frequent cultivation of the transplanted olives, says the same author,
been this the way in that the seedlings putted in autumn on the land they want, letting it
(without moving anyone) until spring; and that digging with hoe, at least four times,
where made grooves around them to the water of rains reach quickly the roots, and
doesnt get lose on the sides. Those planted on spring, he adds, must be after dig
around; because we are persuaded that they will root better irrigating them in the first
year, especially in the summer, if it is possible; those which, after root and reinforced ,
they were ripped with hands the bunchs that were clutter; which, been still tender, is
easily done. The second year by autumn (keeps) digging around the plants, you will
manure them throwing soil before the manure, so it wont burn the roots; and if coming
the rains before the winter you ding in the same way one or two times, I will be very
helpful, forming in that way grooves for those waters flow to them. At the third year cut
them with tool, most of the superior branch letting only five or six of those who sprout
more and better, manure them later, and repeating the operation at the fourth year.
Keeping the same topic says Junio, that the manure convenient to the olive is the
one of goats, sheeps, and cattle, ass, horses and more beast but the human excrement is
not suitable; and that wont throw manure over the roots, but a little far from the trunk,
in this way mixed with soil, flows slowly his heat to the roots. Adds, that the good
farmers are those who obligatorily throw first soil over the roots, and then manure and
over that more soil.
Says (the same author) that manure (this tree) every three or four years,
particularly at the time of irrigate it. That in moist places should use very smalls
amounts of manure, and lot in the bare grass ground; and the dry places where the plants
grow slowly, is helpful use more quantity.
Kastos affirms, that all the manures, but the human excrement, is worthy to the
olive, and that the manure should not have fence at the feet, or manure it more than once
each two years. All the manures, says Demcrito and Casio are good for manure with
them the olive, besides the human excrement, and this manure shouldnt be done more
that once every three years. Whose opinion, says Ibn-Hajj, are all smart farmers for
reprove the human excrement, and the same the excessive in the manure of the olive;
(whose doctrine) is illustrated in the dark way that Marguthis (or Muricio explains
himself in this topic).
(The same author) says, that the immediate manure to the olive hurts it a lot, and
slime (alpechin) in his fruit; been also bad for it the excessive moisture that his branches
acquire again after. The reason of this is, because with the manure at the foot the
branches lose, once dry, a lot of the slime for the dryness of manure; causing that the
winds will chop down or cut many of his buds, according to the impulse that wiped
them, letting only few and bad .(This way), the ancients dont disapproved make the
planting of the olive in juicy land, wet, and soft, but for the reason we just said before.
And here finish Ibn-Hajj. Who adds, that the cleaning and cut of this trees will be
treated later in his own place with Allahs favor.
According to the Nabathea, the places convenient for the olive are those that gets
close to a temperature equal with declination to the cold, and which ground is viscous,
very sweet and spongy; but even if they dont hurt them, they make them thrive, even if
decline from such temperature to the hot one, as long there is not a lot of hot. The time
to do his plating is since the sun is placed in the last half on the Pisces until Taurus
raises, and this in days of crescent because those are the most convenient for this effect;
in this way the olive will become darker (in a healthy way) or discover his truth and
own color, and reach over the thirty years old at one big age that any man get close by
healthy or robust it is, especially if is farmed with effort. Ther have is opinion infused
in the feet of the olive, when is planted, two ounces of good oil mixed with another bit
of sweet water; which improves and removes all calamity. Also is infused in the same
place (after begins to fructify) any oil mixed with water taken with the mouth and
spraying it as if were spinning around the tree, which gives a quick growing, raise and
good quality to his fruit in the successive, and freshness to his branches.
Planting to the branch smooth with the thick of a leg; the one saw in different
spots at cubit distances and half at two, (not at all but the third part), and done a groove
in the ground, there is placed lying covering with the soil the long of a finger to spans,
and placing it around to irrigate it once at day. In this way is how it sprout by the saw
place; which is renovated removing what will be weak, reaching the height of one cubit,
let the fresh and robust to transplant it when reached this disposition. Otherwise, to the
olive is convenient a dry land, and raised, even and not too moist. And if was planted in
good land of sown not crackly, beholds and is abundant and with a very tasty fruit; even
if this is of little oil, alterable taste (and that is corruptible), passed in little time. In the
land wild, sandstone and haze does not prosper the olive as in other different qualities.
Says Abu-el-Jair and other authors that the oily trees refuse the very moist land;
the same that the oil declines because of his smoothness the mix with water. The olive,
that is a tree of blessing, is planted in many ways. Bearded or not, from branch at any
thickness, and from stake without bunch or any leaf. The seedlings when are fixed must
be at top down with his defensive as mat with the height of a men to keep them from the
damage of animals, so in this way the beast will not reach to eat them. Also is sown that
piece of foot ( or root) where it feeds (the tree), that is a not that they use to name aajr;
that is like is say where translated the olive-trees from Africa to Spain after the big
dryness that make perish all his trees and plants. I have some experience of this
(planting genre), says Abu-el-Jair, and his good success makes me approve it. The
deepness of the hole for the seedling of the olive must be proportional at the size of the
tree; which will be six spans, or less or more, if was necessary. But anyway must be the
hole big, depth and thick for any tree that will stay on his place without been
transplanted. If it was small the plant, big and depth the hole, or the soil in the down
part where bad (of quality), will be put there another good in the surface mixed with
good manure crumbled in the corresponding quantity. Says the same, that the distance
between the olive-trees, ordered in straight rows must be of twenty four cubits or little
more, so that in one marjal (equivalent to 528,42m^2) that Is about thirty fathom, have
nine foots of them. Stretch this measure is leave idle land, so tighten will hurt the trees.
In the flat land, called (arable or) of sown, must be at the same distance until fifty
cubits; or of four to six olive-trees in one ground of the same extension; which must be
equidistant by the four sides. About the fifty cubits is opinion of the Syros and the
Coptos; those who dont stretch more this measurement, but they do narrow it until
fourteen cubits. The principal to be attended is the good quality of the ground; in which
raising the trees to much pompous must be at ease; and the opposite in bad quality
ground.
Even if I already treat this topic upside with extension (where you can see it), I
am of opinion that holes must be made for the seedling of the olive amply capable and
bigger than the expressed, because it is convenient not reach to it at gain with the
digging, and dont cut it with the tool the roots, been weak and so close to the soil;
because if the hole of his planting were big enough, is not hurt with the work for been
free the soil on it. Which practice I have found been praiseworthy and convenient for
experience.
Says Kastos, that the olive-tree planted in spring and not rainy times must be
irrigated every day two or even three times until it sprout. That the branches that must
be planted were keep (after cut) in dust soil seven days, and at the eight day be planted
without more delay. But I have put a seedling of Olive after two months of ripped
without any injuries. Is best to put the seedling, the stake and branch before it throws his
fruit that execute it after picking it up.
ARTICLE II
The olives bones are planted by October, watching in this the same way
expressed upside about the plantation of the bone (in general). This, according to Abuel-Jair, must be as said Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, and must be grafted (his seedling)
after four years. Is said that this must carry, at plating, puddly at the feet with fresh
manure mixed with ash of Holm oak dissolved with water, they also says that is worthy
throw in the depth of hole some wet gravel, and over that soil from the surface: that will
grow quickly if are throw around some lime beans; and that must not be manure before
the two years of planted. Is also said, that committing the order of this cultivation and
regimen of the olive, to a honest male, pure, free of dishonesty and corrupted habits,
will carry for this more and plenty fruit; and if the owner was happy and contented with
the will of Allah for him, because of this will shower him with all genre of goods, and
will be propitious to him. Don't get close to this tree, particularly when is planted,
measured dirt, or male with legal impurity, single or adulterous (or impious), because it
will give little and small olives,( salutes Allah's will); neither the oil already defecated
don't get close but caste person. Doesn't hurt the olive the absence of water, neither the
irrigation. Must graft in his same species, in the cothinn and other trees; (which matter)
will be speak in the chapter of the Grafting, Allah's willing. The graft of escutcheon is
done in it after the cuts of the top by January the tree that is wanted to graft, doing it in
his second branches what was done in the first fig tree, and in his graft what was done to
the fern tree. The time to do this operation is by Mach
ARTICLE III
If happened to the olive-tree be burned at the feet, will be cut that part with
sharpened tool, removing also the land who was burned too; because according the
Nabathea Agriculture, this takes the fertility of the tree. If the tree were ripped by the
winds in his superior half, the middle or part of it, will be leveled and equaled the ripped
spot with the cutting tool, and when it sprout the weak stems must be ripped off by
hands, leaving only the enough robust ones, without touching it with tool until passed
the two years or more. If where ripped by the feet (burning what is left), must be done
on him what was said up.
ARTICLE IV
Never wipe the olives in a rainy day, because it will hurt the tree. The time for
wiping the olive-tree planted in mountain, especially those who are very fruitful is
around January. The sing of been seasoned the olives is when the slime on they is redlike. The planting in the flat lands mainly on farms must be wiped when the olives are
red-like without waiting for it to become black and finish the growing. Is in the month
of January when the oil gets perfected in the healthy olive from the mountains; which
wasn't withered or dried, must be wiped on February; which practice (approved by me)
is very good.
Says Ibn-Hazn that the olives are eat when there is an obstruction and not
diarrhea.
ARTICLE V
About the plantation of the laurel called gar and also dahmest
According to Abu-el-Jair, there is a lot of unfruitful male, and female that
sprouts the seed black and out, which (specie) there is another very leafy. According to
the Nabathea Agriculture, this tree is raised in mountain grounds is not convenient to
him the brackish land in any way; such is those who haves more sand than dust. Is from
a beautiful prospectus, and adds grace to him the fact of been close to smelly trees and
of some myrtle . One of his prodigious virtues is that runs from any poisonous animal
without even getting close to the place where the tree is, and the same about any specie
of snake.
But to the places bathed with the smoke of this tree, this last animals come up quickly.
Hanging a stick of laurel to the place where was the breasted crying kid and scary, it is
very helpful for him.
Otherwise, is suitable for this tree the harsh and stony ground, and prevails very
good in soft and warm ground. In the brackish gets damaged. According to AbuAbdalah and Abu-el-Jair, the planting of this tree is done by the offspring of the foot
ripped off with all the roots, and doesn't thrives planted in other way. This one is placed
lying in the hole with sepulchral shape next to big ditches. Also is put his branch of
bunch (or inversed) in the same spot to transplant it later. They say, that the ripped is
planted next to the big ditches, doing on it the exposed up. In a way of planting his seed
is sowed in autumn, but also is say that in February and March. The seedling is fixed in
a hole of three spans depth at a distance of ten cubits in between each others, doing this
operations as was said before. Must not get close to it any manure, because harms it in
cause of his heavy odor. The irrigation wont hurt it. Is grafted in his own kind; the
olive-trees, the walnut, the mastic, the chistan (ash) ,the terebinth; which are all oil
trees; also is said that, the almond, the quince, and the apple-tree, according to Abu-elJair. His leafs are throw in the pickle of the olives make them some aromatic smell.
ARTICLE VI
About the planting of the carob-tree
According to Abu-el-Jair, there are some species. The Spanish that haves two
castes; one male unfruitful, and other fruitful, which carob is long and wide. Those very
smooth. The mouse tail. The Syrian, which fruit is small and round. The golden shower
tree; and the wild carob-tree. They are destined to those lands in the flatlands that are
alike to the ground found in mountains; and is discarded to him the one of vantage
quality and the thick. His nawami sprouted with his roots (without ripping it) is planted
inversed in his own place to be transplanted after. His seed is sown on the land of
mountains mixed with sand and rotten manure in third parts, with this mixture is cover
to the thickness of two fingers; irrigating it immediately is transplanted at two years by
January or February, putting the seedling in a hole of four spans of depth at a distance
of twenty five cubits in between each other, making in this operation the expressed
upside. Don't prevails (planting it) ripped off. Is grafted in his own kind, and outside of
them no other tree. The operation of his grafting is particular, and about it we will speak
(with the will of Allah) in the chapter about this topic. The mosquito doesn't get close to
the trunk of the carob-tree.
According to th Nabathea agriculture, the pods if the carob, green or dry, jolted
(or well crumbled are mixed) mill with his own seeds; which incorporated with some
flour of barley or wheat is kneaded all with flour yeast, and half fermented (this is,
sometime after the kneaded), is baked in a pan, and (prepared this way) is eaten with fat,
oils and sweets. The carob is eaten (only) says Abu-el-Harzen, in calamitous times.
ARTICULO VII
Of the planting of myrtle called el-las
Says Abu-el-Jair, that is from mountains, hairy and haves two species; wild and
from orchard; the one is subdivided on many others. The hachmi that haves wide leaf.
The haiar and the yarsafi, which is of funny and tender leaves, and more aromatic than
the hachmi . The charki (or from the east) that haves a very slight leaf. The chari (or
hairy) have three species, one of wide leaf which gets darker,(another called) mr,
which exist of wide leaf, and slight as the charki. All this species generally are raised in
way of wool ( or hair) very white in the summer by May or June. Is said, that of the one
from the orchard there is a specie called the hamir and onisa that haves a round leaf. In
the Nabathea Agriculture is said, tha the myrtle (the principal one) have three shapes
with three colors. One is green, which is the vulgar big. Another turquoise (or light
blue) with the same shape than the last, called by a few romano; which, have this same
color very vivid, is from a very sutil leaf. The last one haves a color yellow (or strawcolored), and haves three genres. The smelly with a soft and heartwarming odor have
two species. The zarnnb and the chrasnico that is from wide and big leaf; and the
third with turquoise color and is the one we said be the romano. Because of his shape,
the one with subtle and wide leaf haves it big and long, which is the vulgar myrtle (or
common). Of those with subtle leaf is found with long and short.
The myrtle is born in all kind of lands, except in those very brackish; and is
(plant that) suffers some dryness. According to Ibn-Hajj, is convenient the sandstone
ground; even if in the other quality of lands he uses to remain. Last planted from ripping
and of stake. The moment for plant it is on February to half April. The ripped after it
sprout is transplanted for what (as we said before), is better the stroke. The time for
they to sprout n our regions is on June. Another author says, that is convenient the
flatland alike to the mountains in where (some) specie (of the same) born from it, as like
the gravel, the hard land, and the sandstone. Prevails in soft land. But in it gets hurt
quickly (coming) from the cold; of which can be defended by burying stones around it.
Also in the same is offended and burn by the heat, the one can be fight with lots of
irrigation. Plant it from stroke or rip, in his bunch (stem) related and from seed. His
seedling ripped by the root with his land is placed in proportion. Also that bunch and the
branch tender (or fresh) is planted from a shoot; which is placed also in vessels by the
(the operation) astaslf (described up) until become seedling. From stake is plant at mid
January, and his seed is planted on vessels; which effect is picked by November black
which mature seed, and well dried is keep in a new vessel of mud in a place with no
moisture to sown it later in the expressed form by early January until mind April, in
vessels full of soil of mountain mixed with sand and over rotten manure; which two
things, they say, must be mixed also with ash. Been how it is his seed small, shouldnt
sow it on water. But born must be irrigated every week three times; which seedling is
moved by the year lined of soil in the places that will be raised at a distance of three
spans in between each other; after that at three or more is translate in the same way to
his corresponding place, planting it in a hole proportional at his size by early February
until half March, or (as is said too) since half February until half April, or in November
according to other opinion. Abu-el-Jair says, that the good time to execute this operation
is on January; and on respect to this the fact that this plant throws a lot bunches, will be
very good put them close between them so they grow at the same size.
The operation in this is all conform to the expressed up. Suffers the myrtle of the
excess of water and should not cut him but let him complete because his beauty consist
on this. Must not who take care of his plantation touch it in excess; which sterilizing it,
also stops his grow it. According to the Nabathea Agriculture, is not necessary in his
cultivation more operation that clean the ground from brush and the variety of grass that
embrace the neighbors plants. With the myrtle seed (that is the fruit it carrys) are made
some buns; which is pick after very mature and black, and very dry at sun, crushed after
by mortars and dried again at sun again for one day, finally smashed in a stone is made
with it a delicate bread; but before dry it is necessary scald it well and drip the water and
this must be renewed sweet, in which is scalded long time, after that, is dried with the
sun, milled and kneaded with yeast of wheat (letting it like this by a few hours) is baked
in a oven or a pan, that is the best; which bread is pleasing to the palate, and food to the
body eaten with fats, fat meat, lard, and sweet things. One of the properties of this grain
is that is sowed in bitter land, takes this quality picking the (pARTICLEs that cause it);
since the roots and feets (of the tree) use to spoil the land, causing on it the expressed
taste. The utility of the grain for the hair is common knowledge: for this is smashed
green, and then after dried, milled, and wet with oil is glued to the hair, which gets
curly, dark, gets longer and keeps from any damage, taking away anything that may be
prejudicial . Also the mass of their leafs milled and of his burned wood, mixed on equal
parts, glued to the hair makes it a lot longer and even more if is moistens with common
oil with ten drachms of mirobalano, and placing it (all) at the heat of fireless logs, use
to be very good and perfectly defecated. Which smearing it on the hair, dyes it black,
making it strong and longer and also curls it. Making continuous use of this juice, which
was mixed with alcohol, make them black. According to other author, the fruit of the
myrtle drunk with wine works against the bite of the venomous spider and the scorpion.
Says Hj, that the wild myrtle must not be planted close to the house or the orchard;
which will bring him ruin.
ARTICLE VIII
About the planting of the Strawberry, called madsrfat in the exotic language and the
same that the athlb o kathlb, which fruit called alhenalrmar gives the vulgar name
of kabel-omah (or receiver of his mother).
This mountain tree, that never is naked of leaf. In the Nabathea Agriculture is
said to be the tree of orchard land. More according to other authors is convenient the
flatland and soft land similar to the mountains in which is born. Planted on valleys (or
low places, out of) give seasoned the fruit, it keeps with his greens leaves.
According to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl and others, the seed of his grain is put,
sowing it on mud vessels and mountains land, moving it by the year, translating it by
the two years guarded by his own soil. Also the mountain, been plant again and gentle,
ripping it with his own soil and covering with it his roots, is carried to the orchards; in
which holes, that must be of four spans of depth, the soil is placed brought along with
the ground where it was raised to be plant on it by January at a distance of six cubits
each other; those will be irrigated frequently until they sprout; and the same the other
trees that were transplanted. They said, that the principal and best is to transplant the
wild tree on the orchard by autumn, dressed with some leaf, and it the little irrigation
wont hurt it because of his wild nature. This tree shouldnt be planted by inverse
branch, ripped, or from stake. His seed is sowed and transplanted in the way said before.
According to my observation in the same way is transplanted from the mountain to the
orchards the mastic, the burning bush and the terebinth, that the wild myrtle.
ARTICLE IX
About the planting of the Chestnut-tree that is the Chah-balth
I have various species, according to Abu-el-Jair. One of chestnut big and wide,
know by amlisi (or that one very smooth). Another of small chestnut knows by the
name of borji. And other which chestnut inner shell (or membrane) is glued to the pulp
and peeled without fire. This tree says Junio quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj, grows
well in the thin and high land; because if it was necessary plant it on a flat place. Will
be better put it on sands. The margins of rivers are the best place over any other that are
convenient for this tree, been this trees lovers of the cold air; and (reason because it is
fruitful) on this ground where the north wind blows. Planting it bearded and from seed
since the autumnal equinox until the vernal, and also as the olive; this is, from branch
ripped from the tree, and bearded.
Some adds the same author opine that his fruit carrying in the middle of the shell
called fanfed (or hedgehog) is the best (can be used) for the planting, and that must be
bury twelve fingers depth, placing his tail up, which operation is executed (in the
expressed time) since autumn until the equinox of spring. And here finish the maximum
of the quoted author.
Demcrito says, that the chestnut is plant from his branch and fruit, and his
seedling is moved at two years by March when the day and night are even. Kastos Ben
Amtsl says that the place of the chestnut must be firm, high and cold. That planted
along with seed and branch, will be fruitful at two years. Anyway, the time to sow his
seed is since autumn until spring, placing in the hole his thin side to the sky, as is
planted the walnut and the almond. Ibn-Hajj says, that Kastos refuses the first
maximum, how will be saw in the ARTICLE about the planting of the walnut and the
almond-tree. According to other authors, the chestnut-tree is a tree from mounts where
was moisture (coming) from the water. In the cold weathers prevails in mountain land
where the winds blows a lot; not is bad, even if there are on it some stones and wont
prevail in the hot weathers. According to the Nabathea Agriculture, is tree that is born in
the deserts and scree; and is said that delves in rough lands and fields of red soil, and
naturally refuses the white land. Is better plant it from branch than from his fruit. From
the mounts is translated to his new seedling with all the roots trimmed from his own soil
around November in a hole of four spans of depth in which bottom must be placed think
sand or gravel with the mix of mountain soil of the surface.
The chestnuts are planted fresh and well grow in new vessels of clay and sand
mixed with mountain soil of the surface, like the one where it is raised (which is
executed on November and also on January on crescent), placing his points down, (even
if others say, that must be up watching the sky); and moved at the year to the seedling
where it must grow, both are transplanted on early March in the corresponding place at
distances of twenty cubits in between , because it will be a pompous tree; which
planting is as how it was said upside, or (according to the Nabathea agriculture) this and
the one of seed, same as the Walnut or Almond-tree.
This tree, says Haj, must be irrigated with lots of water, (if it is possible) at begin
of September until the moment of recollection of his fruit. And if happened to have
water at his feet by day and night, gives fats and pulpy chestnut; as is said, that been
wild, wont hurt him leaving it without irrigate. Grafted with his own kind, (as long as is
done) while were small; because when is big wont graft. Having a lot of time in the
water the dry chestnuts, are become wet and soft at good temperature, and are a healthy
food. Also are eaten cold with honey, or hot with sugar. If you want to do, says Enoch,
breath of chestnut is not necessary more than put them broken at the sun one day along
with a little panic grass, which milled and kneaded with wheat flour yeast can make a
very good bread, and (according to other author) best than the one from the acorns. IbnHazn says that the chestnut is of maintenance.
ARTICLE X
About the planting of the Holm oak
It exists in various species: of long acorn, and not long; sweet, and bitter, which
is wild that wont grow in meadows (or valleys) o at the margins of big rivers. The
planting of this tree, opines Demcrito (as reported Ibn-Hajj), that is done by February,
and those from the high hillsides suits them cold places, and with thick and strong soil,
manure with cow excrement mixed with dust.
Annon says that the target ground for the Holm oak is the dry and strong as the
one in the mountains, and the sandstone; and also the red clay, that staying hard after
the rains, is similar to the slag of the iron. The Holm oak of good specie is planted in the
orchards, if is irrigated in the summer and manure with cow ding, produce good and
sweets acorns.
Mauricio says, that if someone wont see necessary do the planting of acorns, do
it from the seedlings raised in the mounts, putting after another group of those who
where advantaged, if he wanted and were more easy to him. The Holm oak is a wild tree
that is born itself on the mounts between the stones and in hard grounds or soft; witch
feet roots more and becomes more corpulent on land with water. Others say, that is
convenient the land alike the mountains where they born; that is placed from his
nawmi (way to call the seedlings raised on seedbeds); and in the vessels of his acorn
fresh, healthy and perfectly matured with the point up, subtly cleaved the shell; and his
seedling must be translated too from the jungle, executing in all regimen the expressed
upside; which grows in height, and wont hurt him the irrigation.
According to the Nabathea Agriculture says Enoch of glorious memory, that
must be who wants to do bread of acorns, pick them from the tree after well grow, not
letting they dry on the tree, or been picked before growing up, peeling they (because of
his freshness), with the hands or with a wood tool; and that the acorns of rough taste
cause that the one who eats them in disposition, such enormous damage in this health.
That this bread is made cook them at slow fire by six hours the acorns on sweet water
after have them swimming in the same one day with no salt, and cook them again in
another water; if proved by taste (warning) must have lose his rough flavor, they dont
need more cooking; if they havent lost it , they must be keep cooking 4 more hours in
new water (which is a lot); then draining it; lying the acorns in a spacious place where
very winded get dry, and mixing them with a third part of skinned chestnuts (which is
the most useful remedy find for them), after that, they are milled with stone until is
become flour; which kneaded with yeast and wheat flour makes after a very good bread
ARTICLE XI
The acorns to white and sweets, not new and greens, or to old and dry, cook on
water are easy and quick to digest; and one of the thinks that take the harm and make
them eatable is put them skinned at soak on hot water. Rasis says, that the one who eat
continuously acorn bread, especially not been used to him, wont be free of injuries
unless that eat it with lots of fat and sweet things, drinking wine of this same flavor. I
have experimented, say another author, that because of the acorns been of thick
substance, dry and cold, are obstructive for the liver and dangerous to him. And IbnHazn says that they only are eaten on dire times.
ARTICLE XII
About the planting of the tree Kumestra (pear-tree) or vulgarly called el-ajs.
Says Abu-el-Jair that haves two genders: wild and from orchard; and that from
this exist species; sweet or bitter, pumpkin like, upright and others. According Kastos,
there is a pear-tree sweet, bitter, little juiced, with a lot of juice, big, middle, and small
(fruit). Junio quoted on the book of Ibn-Hajj says, that the pear-tree wants generally
places, cold, fertile with lots of water. That there are in many species and is planted on
many ways; from bunch ripped from the tree, translated seedling, stake, and also
prevails as seed.
Junio adds, that some of them, execute something better, and is more like they
graft them before planting them; because bringing it from the jungle with his roots and
planting it in the expressed way, they graft after it sprout all they species they want.
If you planted a pear-tree says Karur-thikos, dry where he cant be irrigated;
execute it in early autumn; and if on irrigation, plant it since the eight of February until
half March. Is tree that wants places wet and cold or fresh, and not hard land Is
convenient, says another author the good quality ground, the thick and upraised, and the
cold with some mix of sand. Becomes a lot fruitful in the flatland not sweaty or
brackish, and refuses the black land and the pits. Some say that is not suitable for it the
rough land, and others affirm the opposite.
Is maximum of Demcrito, that clean the hole (where will be planted) of the
stones and other things that were in it and placed the seedling, cover it with screened
soil and irrigate after. They say, that this tree is planted from the bunch born at the feet
or between the roots, which is ripped off with the owns before or after planted inverse in
his own spot. That also is placed from seed and stake of three spans long and ripped is
planted on January and February to the big droughts; out of these places, on land where
the wet of irrigation is never missing been this fully necessary; and it take advantage of
it or even more from the common water that of the continuous flow of water. His seed
that is from a weak (delicate) class is sow in vessels; which seedling is put after in the
hole of four spans of depth or more respect to his corpulence. Is said, that when is
placed in the hole and this was wet precisely, and that must be covered with soil of the
surface. That the time to plant the orchard specie is from October to January, and the
wild in autumn: in this way, as the one from orchards planted in the early February until
the first day of April be on the record that quickly it prevails and roots.
Is maximum of Haj Granadito, that if the pear-tree was planted the third day of
the lunar month, fructifies at the third year; if is the day five, at the five year, if ten at
the tenth, if twenty at the twentieth and like this until thirty (with this proportion).
Thats why the most accurate to be proposed is to do the planting the third day, and not
after this time, so the fruit wont come late.
Been this tree, says another author, of late fructification, the quick way to make
it give fruit is graft him in the wild specie; also (is said, that) grafted the seedling born
from his seed in the one that already is fruitful, can get the same effect. Receives then
the graft, and he also is grafted in the quince and the apple-tree; in which, if cut one
branch and is graft in that place pear-tree, prevails without hurting the graft. But must
be irrigated and manure a lot, in what must not have any omission because his wild
nature. His branch to prevail must be planted before the hardening of his cortex, because
it will be spoiled in other way as I have experimented.
According to the Nabathea agriculture the pear-tree is the tree that quickly
receives the graft, and makes it prevail any that was executed. From the pears is made
bread on this way. Taking all the matured and to be mature, sliced all with a knife, at let
them dry by sun, after that clean the seeds and peel them, with or without do it you can
mill them, without need of skin them with hot water or keep them soaking; which flour
kneaded with hot water mixed with some oil sesame and yeast, is leave like that until it
ferments well, after that put some wheat flour or barley that wipe it, is done eatable
bread, Insha Allah.
ARTICLE XIII
About the planting of the anb that is the nbek and the same zifzif (or jujube)
According to the Nabathea agriculture, the anb and the nbek are two trees.
Abu-el-Jair says, that there are several species: one that gives a fat fruit and very red,
another that haves the size of a Sabina grain, and another smaller. One of the specie of
the nbek, says the author of the Nabathea Agriculture, haves his fruit very incarnate,
fat, oblong, and very sweet. Is a tree highly fruitful, and exist as orchard tree, and wild
too, which is grow in mountains, desert fields, and hard lands is thorny and with a long
live, and mountains ground suits him and the hard too. His longevity is close to the
olive. His roots must reach the water for his insatiable thirst. In the orchards doesnt
need manure; but if is throw to it manure from sheeps and pigeons, filling a hole of his
moved land and irrigating after, improves it and gives short increments; and his rot
takes a new vigor. They say that you cant cut a Jujube without it stops drying in a few
days.
Samans quoted in the Nabathea Agriculture says, that the Jujube is planted
from sucesor (that is an offspring raised with separation but close to the tree), and that it
wants soft and juicy land. Says Demcrito that the branch that was planted taken from
the Jujube, was very fruitful, it will sprout. And is said, that this tree is shouldnt be
planted by seed, the reason is that if it reborn from it, wont give the tree his fruit, but as
the way the wild olive-tree does (this is) small, with a lot of bone and bare meat; and
that is better plant it from a good branch so in this way (wont retrogress) gives the fruit
of his own specie every year. Which plantation is executed every Thursday in waning
moon in a hole of tree spans, placing again the soil with no manure, irrigating it every
eight days since the early November until firsts days of March. Is said, that from
cleaved bone is sown in vessels around September and January, cracking it out a little
and covering with soil with the thickness of two or three fingers, and that irrigated until
is born, transplanted then after two years. Is also said, that his seedling, and relative
(offspring born close to his feet) and the bone are plant on January, February and
March; and by stake on May at a distance of fifteen to twenty cubits in between,
watching his plantation the exposed before. Is not graft in his own kind or any other,
neither can graft anything to it because of his lack of material (or juice). Is the first tree
that loses his leaves, and the last to give the stem and fecundate. Suffers the high
amounts of water, and if is not irrigated is not harmed neither for this lack, thanks to his
wild nature. Is said, that is suitable the rough land and the scree. The planting of cypress
is similar on every aspect to the Jujube.
ARTICLE XIV
About the planting of the pistachio (or alhocigo).
Says Abu-el-Jair, that there are two species thin and thick, they both are farmed
in the same way; also (says) there is male and female. Junio quoted in the book of IbnHajj says, that the alhocigo is planted from his fruit without peeling as in the dry fruits
mentioned before and in the same moments. Is maximum of Kastos, that the pistachio
that was planted were fat and was cover in subtly carded wool, that guard the seed from
insects and with his cleave pointing up.
The sage Sadihmes says, that the alhocigo receives well the graft from the
walnut and almond; and is convenient plant this trees and the walnuts close to each
other. Solon (repeats the same maximum from up about) the pistachio that was planted
must be covered in carded wool to protect it of the bugs,(claiming the reason) that many
of them not been hard, are opened in the middle letting their guts uncovered; and for
this reason, been cover with wool, the bugs wont reach it. (Adds) that the suitable
ground for this tree is the red mountain ground.
Musl says that even if the alhocigo planted in dry place is not rampant, his fruit
is very taste. Other author affirms that even if it prevails in sandstones; other grounds
are more advantageous and convenient. According to the Nabathea Agriculture, the
alhocigo is like the hazel in the way of growing on mountains and hard grounds even
lifting the rocks with his roots. Yet, some people plant it on orchards, and prevail.
Sowed from his seed; and also is transplanted with all his roots, taking along the piece
of ground where he was. And that is best to graft it than plant it from seed, because
going the grain with all his shell, takes long time to sprout. But if is sowed of planted,
always takes long on give fruits, as the walnut and the almond-tree.
The time to plant it is on early March until the first days of April; as the hazel, a
tree of gracious shape. The alhocigo (according to other author) is planted from the
grain, stake, and seedling; which grain is placed on vessels (full of) White Mountain
soil mixed with old manure, or wild red clay ground; also in orchards of similar ground
(soaking the grains first two days with their nights), placing them at a distance of tree
spans in between each other, and covering them with three fingers thick of slight sand.
Placed then in each one of the holes made orchards four grains, two of them pointing
up, and the others two down, are irrigated at the moment of it plantation. About the
planting with inverse point down, the plant that will born is an unfruitful male; and
planting it with the point up the tree that will grow will be female that carry fruits; even
if some people says that there are males born with the point up. Is a tree susceptible of
male, that means that a female wont be fruitful until it haves a male close enough, so
the air can bring her his effluvia which is convenient with the palm.
The male of this tree is vulgarly known as barkn. The time to sow its grain is on
February until middle March. The plantation of his stem or stake is done as was side up;
even if some say, that It wont sprout from a stem (because it doesnt have), unless that
is cut or break the tree by his feet, in that situation sprouts itself, and placed backwards
his shoot in any potsherd according to what was said in the article of astaslf (or
borrowed plantation), two or three years later is moved (in any way it was planted)
without taking the vessel, or chopping any root is planted in a hole of three or four
spans of deepness (according to its needs), at a distance of twenty cubits from each
other; right after planted it must be irrigated according to the exposed before. The same
process is done with the cherry-tree, and the hazel. Some people says that dont prevails
any tree of this plant by stake or ripped bunch, and that the male and the female can be
grafted in between each other. Also is said, that can be grafted in the terebinth (which is
the male of the alhocigo) the mastic, the sheep bot (or infernal fig), and the almond,
which they say worked when they executed. Also they affirm, that must be planted on
discarded rough ground, without taking care of it if the terrain is wet; and finally, that
the red clay mountain ground suits him, preferring strong and wet places; and that is not
worthy for It much care or irrigation, because been the first useless, and the second the
cause of his roots rot.
ARTICLE XV
About the planting of the cherry-tree that is the royal grain.
There are two species of it; of black cherry or incarnated, and also there is from
orchard and wild. Some people give the name of royal grain to the big pineapple.
According to the book of Ibn-Hajj, is opinion of Junio that, for the cherry-tree
are good the very cold places; and gives bigger and more delicates fruits, if it was
grafted. Sadihmes says, that the cherry-tree is plant on January and February, and that
is tree that prevails well in mountains and very cold places; and his fruit is thick with a
delicate taste, if is grafted. Adds, that the planting thats done in the months mentioned
before must be from the stem born at the feet, or ripped off; and that is despicable the
planted by seed. According to other author, the cherry-tree is raised on wet, flatlands in
cold mountains, and sandstone or stony grounds, and high places with strong fatty and
red clay. Is not convenient the black toast (by sun) land because his lack of moisture.
His planting is done by seed, shoot and ripped off branch, (warning) that the second
wont grow from the bottom, but far of the trunk; which planted inversed, after his
transplant. Also the same is transplanted from the mounts by January or November been
very careful when is ripped that is not cut any root; because it wont vegetate. The same
practice must be done in the seedlings of rubbery trees. They say that, to plant it on
orchards must be pick the shoots smooth from a good spout and six spans long, and if
ripped off must be planted on holes of sepulchral shape with three spans deep and
fifteen cubits of distance in between. The seed, must be plant on big new vessels of mud
by June (which is the time were the fruit is eaten) until early January, after have it in a
brew of water twenty days not letting it dry before plant it. That planted in autumn or
winter is born on March, and sometimes takes until the next year; finally, at two years
of been transplanted, executing the operation mentioned before.
The seedling of branch or of seed shouldnt be irrigated on excess, but once
every eight days, which is when by his dryness suits it well the big amount of water,
opposite with the manure, which make it lose the plant even if is close; and even gets
dry if receives too much manure. Who wanted to brag about having a pilgrim specie of
this tree, plant it inversed, placing the superior side of this in a vessel (in the way
expressed before) by October, without moving it until past three years; which operation
will be done on early November. Graft this tree with his own kind, marjoram and peachtree; which also can be grafted on the cherry-tree. Is also said that can be grafted on the
almond and the medlar. Which brought from the mounts wont reach a good quality,
must be grafted after two years, when should be vigorous and robust.
Who wanted a quickly fruitful cherry-tree planted by seed, graft the plant born
by it the next year, and after two years will reach this effect, is better if is done with his
own kind.
ARTICLE XVI
About the planting of the medlar called zarur, according to Haj Granadino,((or
the mostajo)
According to this author, there are two species. One which fruits matures in late
June and does not get harmed by being kept for forward; and another, which fruit in any
way is seasoned until winter; which picked green in October and hanged it is getting
seasoned successively, with a quality that makes it one of the most delicate fruits. Some
use to keep the medlars from June making with them lamps (or clusters). The early
medlars have much more branches than his brother of winter. Raises from the trunk and
finish (as pyramid) like the pine. The land that is convenient to it is the mountain,
sandstone and the warm and soft; the last one works better to give flavor to the fruit
than making it on abundance. Planted by seed, branch, and ripped off new of six spans
long; which is done on January and February and the same about the stake. The mixture
with will be used to manure it must be composed with good quality soil, over rotten
manure, ash and sand. The transplant is placed by January in a hole of three spans of
deep at the distance of fifteen cubits in between seedlings as was described up. Must be
planted close to the ponds for his gallantry. Slowly fructifies, and wont give big fruits
until the twenty years of his planting; which fruit they say is not eatable before been
seasoned in the houses. Raise this tree by Granada its vicinity; which cannot be grafted
or cant be host of any graft.
ARTICLE XVII
About the planting of the hawthorn (or espino de majuelas).
This is a wild tree that looks alike to the buckthorn. His fruit is incarnate with a
lively red color, with the size of a fat chickpea, sweet and please the palate; which
contains inside his belly, little grains alike those of the Herb Paris. About the incarnated
nature is said: that is more incarnated than the hawthorn. Planted by stake, seedling, and
seed by September in ground mixed with over rotten manure and ash. The seed that was
left to be plant after this time must be placed on a brew of sweet water by one day and
night to sow it in this way; which plant will be translated by the year in the same way
that the medlar. His fruit is not of a good quality of abundant until is grafted, or eatable
until been matured on houses. Does not suffer this tree the lack of water because of his
wild nature.
ARTICLE XVIII
About the planting of the pomegranate
Is said that there are various species of the pomegranate; hairy, smooth, obese,
and the oblique also called dalui (or juicy), costis (or aromatic), lenticular, murciana,
rosy, citron-like. Which species are all of sweet flavor. Also there is the moruna that is
corpulent, pulpy, and with a low incarnated grain; also there are bitters. There is a male
pomegranate, the jalnr (or balaustria). They add that a sister of Abd-el-Rahmn el
Djel send this as gift to Spain, the hairy pomegranate in between others, that forwarded
from Bagdad, or Medina (as others want), and that was the same pomegranated that
Mohammad planted by his hand on that city; which was the reason of the imposed name
of safri (traveler). Although others say, calling it with this name sfer o mosfer some
male that planted in Crdoba this specie of pomegranate, by this reason was imposed
that name. Finally is said. That all the species of this tree are cultivated in the same way;
Junio quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj affirms, that the pomegranate loves the white
clay ground.
According Kastos, the best spot to plant pomegranates is the dry places, free of
moisture; and according to Solon, is the mountain land and the others dry grounds; even
if the thick irrigation of the rains is good for them, because, if is not irrigated, produce
their fruit with their skin cleaved. Lanacio says, that in the wet fields are raised big
pomegranates, and the planted in dry mountain land, if they are very irrigated, give a
very graceful pomegranate, but acid in taste. Is maximum of Sidags, that the mountain
land with a lot of irrigation is suitable to the sweet pomegranate; and the fields and
valleys suitable for the bitter pomegranate, which loosing on them some quality will get
close to the sweet flavor. Another author says that the pomegranate of this last kind
prevails on the sandstone, without missing his irrigation. Common opinion between the
agriculturist including Kastos and Junio, is not convenient transplant any tree after the
sprout of the leave from his buds, except the pomegranate that is planted in this
disposition, because his nature peculiarly claims for it.
The pomegranate, says Bandon, is planted by stake or ripped off by February
and March, and also is born planted by the bone of his fruit. Sadihames had the opinion
that the planting by stake, must be done since March 15 to forward, in reason of the
little moisture that this specie of tree contains.
If you want to plant pomegranates says Demcrito, put them from braches of the
tree cup because those are the first on be fruitful, making them roots profoundly on the
ground. Also adds, that been between the pomegranate and the myrtle some
brotherhood , if you planted together, they both will be very fruitful and their roots will
join together.
According to Mauricio, some people want to plant in close distances the
pomegranates to make his fruit be guarded by their shadow; which skin if was exposed
to the sun will burn (or toast), and the grain become whitish and bitter. According to the
Nabathea agriculture, the seed of the pomegranate must be sow in small holes by
February, throwing on each one from seven to fourteen, which will be irrigated, manure,
when they have a span high, with sheep and pigeon manure mixed with slight soil on
third parts. Cared like this with short and continuous irrigation until the high of to spans,
after that gradually are increasing until they are moved with their foots and root and the
mud it haves around, throwing in their holes some portion of the mentioned manure; for
this the land must be juicy and wet, suggest Sagrit that should wet this holes with
human urine, and camel or ox which is even more useful than the manure for this kind
of planting.
Adds, that consisting the life and increase of the pomegranate on been very
irrigated, should give to this every day since its plantation, and after born until It gives
fruit, and also after this time, because it is necessary. And that planted with a separation
between holes, about six to nine seeds or twelve maximum, irrigated just after the
plantation; and even a little at the beginning.
Is maximum of Susado, that the branch that could be planted, should be crushed
with the teeth the point to sprout the fruit and tree from where it proceeds. Adds thatone
of the things that give more increase is throw in the hole at the moment of plant it by
branch or put the seeds, a handful of milled lima beans with their skin, or milled
chickpeas moistened in recently milked (or fresh) milk. That if is smeared under the
bunch to plant, four fingers of good honey or throws the honey over the seed and plant
it, sprouts a sweet pomegranate without bones, and the bugs and snakes naturally wont
be at the feet of this tree, specially the black stained snakes, the snake, and that specie
stained with black and white; which animals we have saw to have aversion for the
pomegranate, and also run the snakes and other species of bugs just to not been close of
it; those which even the smoke of his wood, shell and branches, scares them. One of the
proprieties of the sweet pomegranate is to take the taste of smoke from the vianda;
(because of this) if the cooked of the put would have smoked, take a pomegranate of
this quality, throw its grains on it with some cow lard, what will take that smoked taste
and any disgusting taste.
In so far everything else, is convenient for the pomegranate that kind of soil that
declines to sweet, and soft red clay, the thin and moist, and sweet sand. Prevails in thick
soft land and moist places, in the grounds of good quality matures well the
pomegranate; but the tree will give less fruits. They say that is showed by experience,
the good raising of the pomegranate and olive in arid places; and also is said, that the
seedling of the pomegranate and the balasturia (or male pomegranate) must be placed
on dry spots, and irrigated at the afternoon of the second day of his planting with a
pigeon dung brew. Plant it from branch ripped, stake and bearded extracted with his
roots, and also inversed from those shoots or stems born next to the feet. Also place the
bud in the middle of the operation called astaslf and the others ways quoted upside,
and from seed. From stake is planted by January placing tree or more in the same spot,
if wasnt going to be moved; which, if were the need of transplant them, must place
them with a separation, and in the same way it is by ripped bunch. Also is planted by
March the stake of the pomegranate; and his rip off by February. From branch inversed
is planted on December and not more deeply than two spans. About the seeds, de
grained and squeezed the mature pomegranate, best of his specie, washed them with
water, and well dried after, are keep in a new vessel; which as are of the weak seed
class, are sow by January in new pots and good surface land mixed with old manure,
sand and ash. Which transplant is made after three years in proportionate place, placing
the plant in the hole of three palms deep; about this been one of those trees which roots
extend at ground level. The land where was planted must be mixed with some ash, and
from a seedling to other will exist the distance of six to eight cubits by the high weight
of his fruit and for the reason Mauricio expressed up. Is very good move the plant
guarded of his own soil; which will be manure at the year of the planting with crumbled
manure, with a mix of pigeon dung and sand in the way said before. The stake that were
plant must be an old branch, and new the bunch ripped so the pomegranate, wont have
a cleaved skin, as they say, even if others say, that plant them in this way the trees
barely keeps their fruit which falls easily, without a way to fix this issue.
I have see pomegranate, says Ibn-Hajj, grow well and fructify quick from
inverse stake, and fructify his seedling even small. Should not cut this tree while
carrying a good fruit, because isnt convenient let this exposed to the air. Neither is
good plant eggplants next to his stakes, meanwhile they stay without raise (any height).
The pomegranate wants and is convenient to it, a lot of farming and irrigation. Which
even if is short wont hurt it; and for it to be very fruitful must be farmed with the
biggest effort. Receives well the irrigation every five days at late June until late
September. His fruit is picked up at middle Octubre, and is not convenient the sand.
Is a tradition said by Mohammad: take care of the pomegranate: eat the
pomegranate; because she vanish all the rancor and envy. Also refers of Ali-Ibn-AbiThleb the same words attributed to Mohammad; and this: eat the pomegranate with
his bones; because is the tanner of the stomach. The grain that falls in the belly of the
men by fortune isnt it the light of his heart? And what guards him from the malign
adversary by speech of the forty auroras? refers to Jrets: I saw widen the heart of Al
after eat one pomegranate, and asking this, he answered: it cant be, Jrets! Come this
from the pomegranate without having it any grain of paradise. When someone has eat
too much of them and needed a doctor? also is tell that Ibn-Abs, that having found a
grain of pomegranate and eating it, said: O Ibn-Abs you have found a grain of
pomegranate and then eat it! He answered: there is not any pomegranate that doesnt
fecund with any grain of the paradise, even from this one. Of Abu-Abudalh is said
that he spoke: not having a pomegranate that donst have a piece of the paradise, I dont
want to give to anyone a piece when I eat it.
ARITCLE XIX
About the planting of the Balaustria (or male pomegranate).
This specie of the pomegranate; exist as wild and from orchards. Is leafier, and
gives more thick and red flowers than the female (pomegranate); which some are pink,
and others white. They say, that with them is fecundated the pomegranate. As it lacks of
seeds, is planted only by stake in the same way as this tree. Who wanted to make a
Balaustria pomegranate, must plant its stroke inversed by November without sharpen
the ends, and rip it off at the year, cut the little bunches that it have with sharp tool and,
then plant it again inversed, repeating the operation four times over the years, stop at the
fifth year, and in this way will give more flowers than the pomegranate, without jellify
on any way. To what is necessary place several stake, because in the overall process
some are injured.
ARTICLE XX
About the planting of the almond.
It exist of thick almond, and from sweet and small pistachio size, and all must be plant
in the same way. Junio quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj says, that the almond requires,
soft land; and Kastos affirms that the best places for it are the islands (meaning the
Mesopotamia). According to Samnos, the almond is planted in mountains because of
his love to cold; and in the soft lands the tree grows too corpulent, and gives abundant
fruit on here.
The almonds that will be planted (is maximum of Junio) must be three days on
very wet manure, and will be planted one on each hole after throw in the bottom of this,
surface soil, placing them on narrow distances in between. Its tail will fall pointing
down without touching the hole bottom but the soil throw before, covering them with
manure mixed with soil; which deepness shouldnt be more than one span. Next to them
are fixed straight sticks for the plants climb up. Also says, that the almond is planted by
branch, taking it from the middle of the tree. Is varied (according Kastos) the practice of
plating the almond; because some plant it from the seed with his shell, others bearded;
others from a ripped off branch, and other from the superior branches, (which genre of
planting) is the one that he prefers (Kastos). Is maximum from other Author to Plant it
from the stem that is born around but separated of the feet, which is done on autumn,
and not on spring because the leaf sprouts on this season; but that from seed can be
planted on both of the mentioned seasons.
The time to pick the almonds, according Demcrito, is when the outside shell
begins to open; which must be placed on brine and exposed to the sun, are then dried so
in this way they become white. His seedling is placed on at middle November.
According to the book of, the seed wont born from the almond that was bury on the
ground more deep than four fingers. The almond-tree is one of the first trees to sprout;
and needs to be manure with cow ding mixed with his leaves and some branches (all
rotten), with slight soil, and some human excrement, pigeon excrement and some birds
manure; which if wasnt available, should mix with the cow ding with almond shells
and leaves from the same tree in a hole, and over it will pee the workers until rots and
become blackish, which after dried and mixed with slight soil is manure to the almond
in his feet after the rains, and not as dust; which operation will be executed on
December only in the sweet, because the bitter must be manure just once. There is
almond bread, mixing with it some of the eatable grains; that when is all milled gives a
very good bread (of a delicate taste).
Others books say, that the almond is raised on the tops, cold and high mounts,
and its slopes that look to the noon; and also is good for it the irrigation land that was
similar to the before mentioned, excepting the black. That is planted from seed, and
seedling ripped with his roots, of an inverse branch lying in a hole if sepulchral shape,
throwing on it and under it soil and sand at equal parts, irrigating it every four days on
November; in this time is also planted by stake to the big dikes or in places of common
water; and if before plant the almond were they placed three days on mead, will born
from it sweet almonds. The almonds, according to other author, are placed in pots, with
his point to the sky and his base to the ground; according to Anatolio Africano, must be
placed three on each hole and fix them straight. Which seedlings according to others ,
are moved after the year by November (also is said that on January), from the pots to
the orchards where they will raise, transplanting them there after the two years in
corresponding sites without cutting any root at the moment of rip it of; be careful also of
touch it with tool, and placing them in proportionate holes to their size, at a distance of
twelve cubits each other. Is maximum of some that is very that is very good to not
transplant it; (even if others) affirms have seen almond wich tree not been transplanted
was not fruitful.
Does not suffer the almond the chop or cut, or the excess of water because of his
wild nature; which is the reason that also doesnt need too much cultivation, (but in
fact) better do what was said up. Graft a bunch of shoots by the autumn on cherry-trees,
apricot, peach-tree, black plum, any rubbery tree and the pear-tree; in which tree grafted
it gives a lot of beautiful and big flowers.
ARTICLE XXI
About the planting of the pine.
There are three species of it: one wild, that is the female and that gives thick
fruit; another infertile called male, and also rez; and the last that is the ksdem of the
Koraisitas, alike to the cypress; all of them are plant by the same way.
Demcrito quoted on the book of Ibn-Hajj says, that the pinion placed three
days before on water is planted in the first half of March, and that transplanted after
two or three years, prevails very well on not farmed fields. Solons assures, that the
sandstone are suitable for the pine been this a seaboard tree; and even if he can be found
on orchards is more common the first case. Marsial affirms that it prevails on coast and
fields.
The pine (says Junio) is planted as and in the same time that the hazel; and been
(according other authors) a sandstone wild tree, is convenient for him the ground of
similar qualities, the rough. Doesnt have flower, but (a kind of) spike, in which place is
discover after the pinion. Plant it by seed; his seedling is transplanted from the mounts;
and does not prevail on planted by rip, bud or stake.
To plant it from seed (they say) is taken from the same bone hitting it with a
rock, or with a tool designed for this, and without fire touch it is planted on big new
mud vessels with surface soil mixed with manure, covering it the seed with two fingers
thick of it and irrigating it after; what must be executed in the first fifteen days of
January and also on February or the last fifteen days of this one, according to other
author, without letting it for later; even if others says, that if was pass the occasion, do
this planting by early March and in this way will born by April.
Is maximum of Demcrito the roman that placed the pinions tree days in water
throw three on each hole, placing one of it inversed, even if others say that must be
planted with the point up. Is maximum of some, that before plant it must be placed on
kids urine during ten days or five according to others. That at the year should move his
seedling guarded by soil of the vessels to the orchards and after two or three years
transplant it equally guarded to his corresponding place. That the one that is
transplanted from the mounts, should be do it by January, ripping it off when it throw
lots of roots, and that treated carefully without chopping any of them, be planted in a
hole of ten spans of deep and a distance of twelve cubits in between, more or less, to
grow in height. Others adds, that eight days continuously after their plantation be
irrigated, and after that at the third day the same the same amount of time, and every
eight days passed the month; and that the squares where they were, shouldnt be manure
been this harmful for them. When they sprout the branches, straight them up every year
by spring, with the objective that his cup finish at the same way of the pinion; with this
regimen the tree grows bigger, irrigating it every third day. They say that spreading
grains of barley next to the pinion, or at the feet of the seedling when is fixed, this
increases his vegetation and fructification, growing in height in one year more than
others on three without the barley. That in the hole where it will be planted, throw
manure and from the ksdem of the Koraisitas, which is similar to the pine, and gives
fruit of small size as the pine of this specie; which is planted as the same way as does
the others.
ARTICLE XXII
About the planting of the rez, that is called cypress.
There are two species; one similar to the taray, and other to the enebro; which is
know by Chinese, and is common tree, called rez in Syria. Kastos quoted in the book
of Ibn-Hajj says, that the seed sown of the cypress, should over sow barley, and that
his plant will be transpose when were ready for it, and that is convenient plant it by
seed. I have read, (says the same Ibn-Hajj) in some agriculture books, that the cause of
sow barley with this seed is because is attracted from the soil to sustain his viscous
moisture by the hear; the one they want to extract by the barley, so from the tight and
arid land reach some of it to the cypress for the convenience and proportion that haves
with its nature.
Another author affirms, that is good for this tree the rough and sandy land,
specially for his plantation of seed; that this should be done by this and not strake, or
offspring burn along or close to the feet; and also can be done of low branches, which
bud touch the ground, burring it in grooves done on porpoise, with two or more spans
deep, by the month of October; and in this way can be planted by inversed branch
(fixed) in the vessel, by the operation called astaslf. Those about its seed take the fresh
gall and mature of the tree in the last ten days of February, take of the grain and sow in
red rough sandy land, or in sandstone as the squaw mint, covering it with screened sand
with the thickness of the cover. That been this seed of weak class, his plantation should
be done as the myrtle or similar; and that those vessels must be placed in a place
exposed to the sun; even if other author reproves this practice, claiming that only
should be defended of the rain before born, and irrigated two times at week with sweet
water.
Sown it, says (another) this grain with some barley, and when his plant reach the
height of the barley, move it ripped off at the year to the orchards until been available
guarded by his own soil, and bundled his roots around the feet, fixing it in the hole
proportional at his size, at a distance of six cubits one plant from another; where should
be irrigated every four days frequently until they finish their growing. They say that at
the year dig around the feet, in autumn should be manure with human excrement dry
and crumbled, and irrigate after, also is said, that in the same spots should be hurled
manure and thick soil, and should be shaped constantly according the regimen
established upside, cleaning the trunk when one cubit of the branches close to the floor,
which will made a very good foot wear. In the Sabina and the enebro will do what
seems convenient; which trees are the male of the cypress; of which the last they say is
the same wild cypress, and of him there is big and small
ARTICLE XXIII
About the planting of the tree fersd, that is the mulberry-tree, o the called arbigo or
of silk
Kastos quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj says, that the Mulberry tree is planted at
early spring or by autumn, and that the planted on the last one should be done after the
harvest. Adds, that the planting by seed gives fruit only if is till. According Demcrito,
is planted by stake with the thick of a cane around February; and according to Karur
thikos, is plated ripped off, and from a very thick branch since the twenties of that
month until late March; and is suitable for it the sandy land exposed to mist or dew, and
the soft and wet: further prevails good in thick that doesnt lacks of water because this
tree naturally requires irrigation.
They say, that there is a specie of mulberry-tree that carries a whitish fruit and
middle sized; that there is also the same with colors, black, yellow, light blue, dusty and
from several flavors, sweet, bittersweet and insipid. The manure is very convenient to
this tree and dont ask any determinate specie of it, they indifferently take advantage of
all, whether or opposite qualities, which he uses to increase its size and become more elegant,
the best mulberry is born of the grains of the very mature berries eaten by the birds, and tossed
with their excrement at the margins of rivers or places with moving water; which plant if is
manure well at the same time, is raised more quickly; what also helps the juice that is extracted
from the close water. They use to rise naturally big mulberry-trees in the fields, but the raised on
places close to water or at the margins of rivers are more corpulent, pompous and elegant. The
mulberry-tree is susceptible to grafts of trees similar or analogous to his nature. Is brother or the
pear-tree says Susado, which in the raising is very similar in many things is convenient (as
maximum of other authors) the dry ground with little moisture and not very exposed to strong
winds because his lack of feet; those that if blow even harder than he can resist will turn it
down. Further is convenient, all genre of grounds but the one with dark color. Prevails in the
very wet, and also big amounts of manure are helpful to him. Suffers with lots of water; and
been planted with his shoots close, from ripped of bunch and without cortex and smooth of four
spans long, and from stake thick as a cane or the ankle of the leg; and also is sown by the
seed that contains his fruit. With stakes or rip offs must be placed in order or rows the
ditches.
In this way chopped the thick branches on three spans long slices those who were too
think must be sown cleaved in the orchards by the month of May; which covered with
one span of soil must be continuously irrigated, watching in them what is also seen on
the olive and trees alike, transplanting them since early November until mid April; even
if others say that on February until middle March.
About the seed been a part of the weak class, must be planted as was said before
with its similar. They say that picking very matured the berry, wash it with the hands on
water, and squished and dried at shadow, keep it until the moment to sow it; which will
executed in vessels, in where after the year will be moved to the orchards, and from
there to a guarded seedling as the first, with his own soil and further the bearded and the
inverse planted branch and ripped off carefully so it can go with enough roots what is
done about January. What is done around January fixing it on holes proportionate to the
size o, distance of twenty cubits in between each other (according to the pompous that
this tree gets) irrigating it continuously until they sprout, and one time every eight days
after that.
At the second year of his plantation, the mulberry-tree gives leafs to the silk
worm; but must be left with some buds because cleaning it all may harm it. Is very
useful to this tree clean it every year; tear the enlaced branches to let him breath. The
old one can be renewed or fixed by cutting by January the top side or whatever higher
than men, smearing the cut with white and sweet mud, and taking it off the new and
weak buds, letting only the more robust and better, leaving it continue his labor. Is isnt
common to the mulberry-tree dry; but falling or breaking is something very usual on it,
as the opposite respect to the olive.
ARTICLE XXIV
About the planting of the walnut.
There are various species; of smooth nut, fat, and thin of shell, also tarhin or
small nut and hard shell. Junio quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj says, that the walnut
wants spots with continuous water, also wet and cold grounds, nothing hot.
According maximum of Sadihames, the mounts are suitable for the walnut if it
were on it water or (slime) so their roots will extend. Sodion says that the walnut
requires cold temperature grounds. But Demcrito in on the side of not putting his
seedling on places cold of warm. His nut is planted on February, and by autumn, to
transplant it when there are disposition for it. Also can be planted the walnut, according
Junio, by branch ripped off from the tree to make a bearded (after is transplanted).
Marsial says that the best planting of the nut is if the two shells are placed up
and down evenly.
The wise Barur-Akthos, says Kastos, had the habit of crack subtly the nut, taking
it off the guts complete and healthy, covering it on wool to keep it from bugs, he planted
it like this in the spot where it should sprout and fructify; doing the same in every fruit
with double shell.
The seedling of this tree is placed before the spring and before the sprout, also in
autumn or February (according to Demcrito) n the same way as his nut. The one of
wilds trees raised naturally is planted on flat ground to transplant his seedling after,
sowing two or five nuts in each hole, in wet land, even, clean and free of bad tastes;
which covered by soil grow with a few irrigations. The moment to sown them is in
March until first days of April; and in the same time is done the plantation. This tree is
very procerus, and gives out a nice smell; as the dream of whoever decides to sleep
under his shadow which is very soft. Is not necessary to work a lot in his cultivation,
and is hurt by all the manures. But if was from orchards, is necessary to dig the feet, let
it like that two days and then cover it with the same soil. The eaten nut takes away the
bad smell of the mouth, and banishes at the moment the head vapors; also have the
virtue of drive away any poisonous animal of stinging tail. Fresh food is less warm, and
with a delicate softness because of the meaty that it is. The dried placed in water a little
warm is softened and like new. Throw it in the pot with the meat takes all his bad smell.
If the cooked had too much salt, put on it a little of milled nut mixed with honey and
this will make it lose the salty flavor.
According to other (books), the walnut raised in ground next to water prevails
with a lot of robustness in the cold regions. Also is good for him the red ground, the
rough, stony and sandstone having close the water. Is said that planted on wet cold
ground; and that the black ground is not convenient to it, that it grows slowly in the
sandstone; which; if was placed by seed on it, cannot be transplanted: that the place
more suitable for is the cold arid of surface ground; that prevails placed from seed in a
soft ground, soft and rusty; and that if, when is chopped or cut by the feet, if happened
to have any shoots, should be done the same as the other threes mentioned before.
They say, that taken the nut from the best specie, big, healthy, and thin of
shell, of a whitish color, of smooth taste and new, be soaked on urine of boys that
havent reach the puberty, or in good and wet ground by five days, and after is planted;
from which tree is born gives the nuts thin from shell: and that the same operation is
done in the almond. Also say some authors that soaked before plant it on mead, turns
sweet with a good taste; which planted after on big vessels or squares of good ground
mixed with old manure, is covered with the same thickness of four fingers, planting it
with his point to north, and the two cracks one up and the other under, and next to that a
wide rock or something that works as sing. Planted in a place capable and wide and
wont move to another site; and in each hole must be placed two or three, because if one
is spoiled, the others holds in there, pointing his respective spots until they are born,
irrigating it later until they sprout.
The best time for this operation is the month of September; and that if it was too
late, in October when the fruit is picked up, and will be born on March. Also is planted
some after that time in February and spring, which seedlings if are available are moved
at the two years, or more, by January in holes with no less of four spans of deep after
ripped off completely with all his roots without brake anyone (because this is the reason
of his good prevalence), and at a distance of twenty four cubits in between. Say, that
transplanted with their own soil are irrigated and farmed a lot until they sprout; and that
is very convenient, dig the feet, mix the soil with some ash to replace it in this
disposition; which contributes also to the growing of the fruit; and also is useful for
them spread ash over his branches. Others affirm that breaking the nuts with a touch, to
take his guts, and plant this one covered on wool or in a pompano in early March in soil
mixed with rotten manure, the tree that will born of it will give nuts of thin shell;
executing the same as the almond and the pinion, as was said before. Also is said, that
the walnut transplanted three times in three years is raised very beautiful and fruitful.
Hemirah says that the irrigation loses and dries the walnut that was small or
big; but that four or five copious by year will be useful. That it doesnt suffer from
chopping or cut because it shouldnt be touched by tool. That all the trees planted
around him are bad to it, but the fig tree that have concurs with it in some things. That
in him or from him can be done any graft and that lives two hundred years. Adds, that to
keep it healthy, chop the feet (or roots) when it was available for it; which if is omitted,
spoils blackish, and damage the fruit, if it is on hot grounds, with only dust, without
mixture of sand or rocks; because in the stony, rough and sandstones, there is no
damage to do this operation by long time.
The way of execute it is by cut the roots that were going over the trunk without
letting anything of them, because if there was let something it will rot and do the same
to the walnut. Which cut done in the tree, make to this to sprout better shoots; even if it
stays weak six or eight years later, after the raising, a lot of cortex and those roots are
followed by another one that are much better.
Without cortex, is replaced their soil,
and right next are gifted with a copious irrigation, especially if were on summer. And if
you rip from rennet all the roots of the walnut with the cut, you will also have to chop
all his branches, because if you dont the wind will make it fall. To dry the removed
cortex, is hang, opened at the shadow of the house, and close of a place where the winds
of east reach them, been this very suitable for it, keeping it from the west wind because
it turn it black if was exposed a long time. The best cork is the one debarked in the
autumn and early spring, because those debarked on winter become black, and the same
gets rot.
ARTICLE XXV
About the planting of the fig tree
Although there are a lot of colors and species, all of them are cultivated in the same
way. Kastos quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj says, that the fig tree is planted on autumn
and spring; that the legitimate places to do plant it are those of strong and thin ground
with moisture that comes from exterior water, because the excess of water and moisture
is harmful to the fig tree and its fruits; which get weakened until they fall off with too
much manure; and finally that is convenient to the fig tree the sandstone because of the
sweetness they give to the fruit. Other authors agree with Kastos saying that these
grounds are convenient because of his freshness on the summer; for which reason even
if an excessive heat comes unaware it wont get harmed by the hidden freshness that is
communicated from the rots of the tree to the top side. (The fig tree) takes a big
extension in good quality ground: in white ground and very thin red clay gives a very
sweet fruit; even if the tree wont reach a lot of height. Plant it from ripped branch in the
way said before and also can be sow by the seed that keeps his fruit to transplant it later.
According to the Nabathea Agriculture, is worthy for this tree the soft land and barely
porous that (cant be called) hard.
To place it by seed are picked the best figs from the specie wanted, mature and
dried on the tree (on young or middle aged tree) and soaked in fresh milk of young
sheep or woman (that is the best) until they are acid, after that are sow three on each
hole covering them with little soil; which is done since the ten to the twenty day of
February and whole March until the ten of April. Irrigated with little water until they
born, until they have one cubit of height are moved (which if is not omitted they prosper
as the other plants), and are manure without dust filling the ditch with cow manure,
mixed with ash of mulberry and resale, and covering and evening with soil if were
missing space; which makes them prevail very well. Some use to plant the seed without
soak it on milk, and manure it with cow ding mixed with pumpkin leafs (both rotted);
which gives a big plant that grows healthy, irrigating it constantly and been manure
continuously after the transplantation. These and its plantation by branch are done at the
same time pointed to sow the seed.
Often is happens , says Sagrit, that the fig tree born by soaked on milk fig
cleaves his feet on the ground; but this can be remedy with moving the soil of that place
after dig it and throw there another soil in equal quantities. At the beginning is
profitable for the fig tree, been copious of water, and harmful when old; requires to be
cut on the same moment as others trees.
(Are Maximum) of the quoted author, that mostly the fig (and other fruits) are
not eatable before the complete maturation of the tree (because it loses the most part of
his pernicious quality); and that must be peeled because his skin is hard to digest, but by
his nature is milling and laxative. Be careful those who eat it, of drinking wine because
when those two things are mixed on the belly cause illness. That the dry or green stick
of fig tree hurled in the pot, makes the meat to cook quickly; and equally three mature
figs hurled in a pot make tender what is on it. That if three figs, soaked on oil by twenty
four hours are tossed to the pot with meat that needs be cooked with anticipation they
cause this effect. That the green stick coagulates the milk, if placed in the fire dont stop
wagging with it; and that if a dried fig picked from the tree in this way, is milled until
make it dust, the more slight as it can be, and is sprayed over the fresh milk, letting this
last in a tempered place, it coagulates perfectly. That scrubbing the teeths with ash of
fig three, they become white taking away the yellow or black color: and that also can
whiten and polish pearls by covering with it and cleaning it after.
An eatable bread of fig can be done in calamitous times; that picked first the yellows,
that are the hard, and with them is done what we said with the acorn and similar fruits,
soaking them first on sweet water, cooked in the same, and dried to be milled after; with
this (Insha Allah) they lose their regimen of ardor, sharpness and acidity that they have
along their sweetness.
Says Rasis, that shouldnt be stew or roast the meat on firewood rods of fig tree,
oleander, sheep bot (or infernal fig), or similar; neither with it warm the oven. Others
say that the fig tree born naturally on mountains and scree and transplanted to flat lands
makes the tree as the humid ground; and as long the moisture increases by the irrigation,
more seasoned and delicate will sprout the fruit; unless that the alteration of air harms it
on some way. Dont mind to make his planting on good and fertile ground because
raising it with delicateness, when the cold reach in will burn it finding it on that
disposition, and make it live less time. That is good to it the ground that is alike to the
austral region of Damasco; and finllay, that if is done his planting in high discovered
places, place them with a long distance in between.
According to Abu-Abdalah, Ibn-el-Fasl and others the fig tree can be sow, by
seed, rip off, bud and stake and from the shoot born by its feet, and ripping it off with its
roots, or placed before inversed in the same place until raise anothers, according to
what was said up about the topic. Sowed in dry lands and irrigation places; which
ripped off and buds are placed by January, when they can be saturated of the common
waters, in holes of sepulchral shape. Of stake is placed before of this time. If each fig is
penetrated with a bramble thorn, it matures after a day. According to Ibn-Hazn, the figs
are a healthy food.
Along with the Nabathea agriculture, the hamr (or red) is a kind of fig tree and
is subdivided in another two, which fig is warmer, with a more scathing taste than all
other species. The way of planting and sowing and all his cultivation is the same as the
common fig tree,(even if) is more corpulent that it; but his fruit is harmful to the
stomach, purgative, and easily molded in a bilious slime. The male fig tree (or
cabrahigo) is plant in the same way as the female fig tree, but from seed which it
doesnt have. This last is grafted in all the species of fig trees and himself.
ARTICLE XXVI
About the planting of the Rosebush
It was said by Abu-el-Jair, that there are rosebush of different colors, incarnated,
white, tawny, and lapislazuli (light blue), and this same color outside but tawny inside.
Also there are many other species; wild, double-red, double-white, and Chinese. The
wild also haves a deep white without any mixture of red; and another color know as
magical; which is from orient, also from Fenicia and Syria that carries a five leaf flower.
The double (that is the superior species) displays the rose without open it completely,
which is white with a mix of red more deep than the wild, and each one haves fifty or
forty leafs at least. Is not exposed at any harm and is the best specie for (distilled) rose
water, because of been the most pleasurable smell. The bunch of the double is more
thick that the others rosebushes but the wild; which planted in thick ground gives thick
branches. In orient there are yellow roses and light blue roses, and yellow inside, which
rose is very common in Trpoli of Syria; and the other yellow can be found in the
regions of Alexandria; which are all cultivated in the same way with little differences.
According to the book of Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, are four the species of
roses; double white with an exquisite camphorated, know by that generic name, and that
from only one calyx displays more than one hundred leafs; tawny of the color of the
yellow narcissus; obscure violet; and incarnate, that is the most common. The whiteincarnated haves an soft smell and penetrating, and is more juicy than the tawny and the
obscure: which whole species require the cultivate and irrigation. According to the book
of Ibn-Hajj, for the rosebush are suitable the flat lands of mounts for being similar to
the bramble; and I the sandstone sprout roses of a very penetrating and aromatic smell.
Plant it from bearded, and also sprouts planted by branch. Those who stands out too
much on his place, is necessary mow it, or burn it (as some practice). Giving light
diggings prevails well, and sprouts a big part of his flowers by April.
According the author of the Nabathea Agriculture and others, prevails the
rosebush advantageously in flat lands, mountains and valleys of soft and wet soil
without dust, and irrigation in any place; also prevails in soft ground, wet fields, and
cold whitish ground.
It Must be planted (according to Abu-Abdalah Ebm-el-Fasl) from his seed,
ripped of branch, complete or in pieces, from mowed bud, and bearded. Also is planted
by inverse bunch to transplant it after raised the roots. And is done on it the same
operation, laying it by the place where it was wide and comfortable. Is very extended
the (space of) time in which can be done its plantation; because the early is planted from
bearded is planted bearded since early autumn, October and November after the rains,
and when the land was landfall from them, in dry land or irrigations, which blossom and
gives a lot of stems that year; and is not bad that carry some leafs at the moment of
planting. The last time to execute this operation is at early spring when is close to
sprout; even if others say, that the last moment to plant it is January. The buds mowed
are planted on October and November without any delay; which operation of mow cant
be done on January because the harmful it is for it, the same that if it was planted n the
next. By seed is placed in a irrigation by August which according to Abu-Abdalah Ibnel-Fasl and others, is sowed in vessels by January in the same way that was told for the
weak seeds.
They say, that sowed as the wheat and the barley, must be cover with one finger
of screening manure, over it and irrigate it at the moment, do the same two times each
week until autumn when is not necessary anymore the irrigation, and that must be
translated with the flowerpots in the ground when it was robust and grow. That sowed
in the squares and staying there, or transplanted (if is wanted), blooms at the third year.
That the high bunches mowed by October and November, and planted lying by the
summer in wrought land, become very beautiful plants with continuous irrigations. That
chopped his branch in pieces of four fingers long or more each one, and planted straight
in holes and in corresponding rows, be irrigated right there. That when is fixed the
seedling, the rip off o bunch, let the bud outside of the surface of soil the long of a
finger until a span, planting everything in wrought ground squares and holes of
sepulchral shape, with a span of depth for the long, and less for the shorts, or in rows
with a distance of two steps one from each other in good quality ground, and more
narrow in other different; with a cubit of distance in between holes. The bunches of the
rosebush are transplanted in bunches of three or six bunches each, or more if was
possible; which, if were long, are placed lying, and straight, and if shorts; and replaced
very well stepped on the soil, are irrigated in the moment after its planting. They say,
that in the expressed squares were placed three rows of them by wide, and ten by long,
and that if were irrigated in the moment of the plantation, Allah will give them increase;
which is done from there two o tree times at week until it roots, and then once every
week, keeping like that until August, and after this time every four days when they were
thirsty; stopping the irrigation by autumn, and in the winter because the rains feed them
in those seasons. Which were sprouting by the month of May (after) the twenty four of
June are dig by hand.
About his plantation in dry land, very well wrought the ground, done in the
holes, and shaped the rows in the form expressed before, with a distance of a cubit so
the plants wont be clear. There are placed the same in the way mentioned before; which
operation is done early (especially if are not bearded which were going to be planted),
which comes to be at early autumn to be feed by the rains.
The rosebush double is placed inversed if there was space for that, opening
grooves in the empty places of a span deep, and the length according to the size of the
branches of that rosebush; in which knocking those who were around, and taking out
their buds to the empty places, in those is executed the same that the takbs mentioned
before. The branches of the rosebush or woven plants simulating a crown and planted
(in this way) give roses in abundance. If ripped the rosebush to be transplanted in other
place, or ripped for been very procerus should be plow and irrigate to the point that soil,
born from the strain and roots that there will stay a lot of rosebush that will bloom at the
second year. If were in dry this operation is executed earlier, evening after the ground to
eliminate the remaining roots with the autumn and winter rains, and bon from them
many rosebush, Insha Allah. The rosebush is plow with thin grid, which work cant be
omitted (in any way). After which, passed some time, is spud and clean of grass, which
operation will be treat, willing Allah, in the general chapter. The old rosebush lost his
robustness, grows in height, and gives few roses; thats way if in that place were another
tree of any specie, rip off the rosebush, executing in that soil the expressed; and if it
wasnt, burn it up by October, staying dry, to plow it after with thin grid and washed up
after with the rains, it rejuvenates and gives lots of roses. Also for decoration of the
orchards is planted on them by October in different spots as bundles make of six or
eight feet: which after sprouts are threaded by the superior half some aqueducts as the
vessels called anabiths (or the dwarves), full of color, of two cubits long each, so over
their mouth protrude a lot; in those vessels (that must be fixed straight and fill with soil
and sand) irrigated sometimes the rosebushes, when they sprout they look like painted
trunks trees.
The excess of water doesnt harm the rosebush; having I placed them bearded
over big ditches prevailed well; and in the same way some mowed bunches, planted in
irrigations fields. Is said, that the rosebush is grafted from thorn in the apple tree; and
grafted too in the almond, gives big roses. According to Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasl, is
grafted in the jujube, apple-tree, almond and alike trees; taking the underground thorns,
procuring they be from rosebush of thin branches and the gentle and thin, been dig
already, are cut the thorns in the harder spot; which grafted together and kept on vessels
full of soil with some sand, prevail with the continue irrigation and the participation of
the cultivate of the tree they were fixed.
ARTICLE XXVII
About the planting of Jasmine.
According to Abu-el-Jair, are five species of this flower, ; one of white flower,
another yellow, not aromatic but alike in his smell to the apple, another brown, and
another purple which are from orchards. The wilds are two; one of yellow flower and
other of white flower that is the thsin, know in the Africa and Syria by harmi (or
holy), which are all planted in the same way.
I have seen, says the quoted Abu-el-Jair , been one standing up taking shadow
under a jasmine as t can under other pompous trees. According to Ibn-Hajj, is
convenient to plant it on April by branch raised the de past year, which is irrigated
continuously until it sprout, and the same in summer, and when it reach the right height
is transplanted. The jasmine must be covered in cold time, because the snows burn it.
Never is without flower; but in summer is when it gives the most of them. Is suitable for
it, according other authors, the rough land; and is planted by seed, ripped off fresh and
green, stake and seedling by February, March and early April; and in the cold grounds
is planted at places that look to the east. The rip off must be take of the new sprout in
the branch last year, planted in big bowls by April, or before in template regions, and in
rough land mixed with manure and wet sand, is irrigated right next, keeping the same
irrigation until it sprouts and grows. The stakes are cut in the referred time from old and
whitish branch, and must have two or three knots because it sprout from them; what
wont happened if dont have any, placed on squares (also in big bowls), at three spans
of distance in between, are left out of the land as a third part of a span with a knot,
burying the rest, then are covered after the water; which operation is repeated when the
soil has become whitish and cracked in the surface; and the same at the fifteen days. At
the three months of ripped and weeded the grass, is manure with a compose of four
parts, with pigeon manure, and human excrement incorporating it all with a hoe to the
soil; and irrigating it every four days, are manure with the same mixture at early
October, and also at early June of the second year. Prevails well the jasmine planted by
stake in big boils, placing three on each one, irrigating it several time by week to
transplant it at the year guarded by his own soil in the squares, where after raised are
ripped and translated with equal defense to the corresponding spots.
Says the Haj Granadino, that the stake of the yellow jasmine formed as was said
up, and fixed to the currents of water gives the buds in very short time; that if in it is do
what is done to the white one, is done as wanted, and that must be transplanted with soil
and without t: but when is ripped from the seedling must be guarded by his own soil
(which is done by February until early April), and sowed in a hole according his size,
with a distance of five spans in between so they can enlace. His seed is sow in bowls or
similar vessels, as was said up about the other class.
The seed of the jasmine is, according Abu-el-Jair, that some black grain that is
similar to the grain of the juniper in size, with little shells inside. The jasmine requires
mid irrigation, and little manure over rotten. Sown it, with good success to the ditches,
using sticks to reach them. Is harmed by cold and snows; but can be defended covering
it during the whole season of winter; and blooms almost the whole year. The thsin is
the wild jasmine, and is transplanted from the jungle, doing the same that in the jaizirn,
that will be treated latter. Is alike the jasmine, and have the branches linked. His flower
is yellow the same size as the jasmine but more slight. That is the wild jasmine. Is said
that exist with white flower, and it hangs sprouting all that is close of it. The thsin is
called also hawa, and in exotic language farik-ekrted. According to the Nabathea
agriculture, the jasmine and the nisrn (or Chinese rosebush) is so alike that they seem
to be brothers.
There are two species, yellow and white; and also there is a species of one and
another that have the bigger flower of the both called jasiin through having under
(other) species (subaltern). The called jasirn have the rose white, and bigger that the
one called nisrn (or Chinese rosebush). Te bush of the jasmine is thorny as the rhamno,
and is suitable for some the sweet dust ground and soft mud. The first takes advantage
and enlivens the sweet water, soft and little weight; which been different on quality,
destroys it and looses it.
ARTICLE XXVIII.
About the planting of the Jaizirn
It haves two species, says Abu-el-Jair; sylvan and wilde, which genre is the
majlb. The leaves that haves in its tinder branches are of the size of nails and sharp;
along with them they have little grains red and rounds, as the kermez; and his flower
dont born on the where the leaf do. Doesnt get so high in our regions as the majlb;
and prevails a lot in inhabited fortress. Is said that the jasmine grafted in it prevails, and
that can be transplanted from the jungle to the orchards because of his beauty. For the
grafted jasmine is suitable the flat land similar to the mounts as the rough from those
places. To transplant it is ripped off the ground by February and March, and kept in the
same way is placed close to the mouths of the ponds and currents of the waters ,
because it needs it on abundance; which planting is executed as was say upside. The
sylvan should be raised in salty places close to the sea, it takes the same extension that
the jasmine.
ARTICLE XXIX
About the planting of the citron.
The citron, the orange-tree, lime-tree called (zamboa tree) and the lemon-tree
safari are, according to Abu-el-Jair, the same specie and they all are planted and
cultivated in the same way. The citron is known as tofh-elymeni (apple-tree of happy
Arabia). There is sweet and sour, the difference in between them is that the sour one
gets his leaf, leaflet and wood darker and has big and long thorns; and the sweet
becomes yellow in all the quoted parts, and his points are small at short. There are
several species of the grapefruit; big and pointy, known as cordobesa; round, big and
smooth, know by kosti (or aromatic as the costo); plump with the size of an eggfruit,
and sour as his pulp; which receives the name of Chinese grapefruit. (Further) there are
round and red oranges, that is common, and another specie golden with the size of the
grapefruit round, plump and pointy.
About the lemon there are round by the size of the colocynth, or bigger, which is
avirolado with a yellow color; and other specie of the same color, smooth of skin, with
the size of an egg of chicken; the other specie is the bastana (or bastambm), which is
bigger than the pointy lemon with some mix of red color lower than the orange. The
azahar (or flower) of citron is uncovered in the spring, summer, autumn and each
month, so him and his fruits reach each other. The flower of the other referred species is
white, and is uncovered by spring by the months of March and Aprl.
Junio quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj says, that the citron is plant by autumn,
and in the vernal equinox, and that is of the trees that take advantage of the noon wind,
and that the north wind harms it; because he adds to be convenient plant it close of walls
that guard him from this last wind, covering too in some times when he was with
flower.
Kastos says, that must be plant the citron in early autumn and in the spring on
template places and exposed to the noon wind, and not the north wind; that acquires his
natural height where there is a lack of water; and that must be defended with walls of
the north wind. Tharicio and Sadi say that a lot believe that in close places exposed to
the north wind should be placed the citrons at close distances so they guard each other
of the ices and cold winds; and also because if they were planted too far away, the wind
will rip their flower, shaking the branches one against the other. And until here speaks
the quoted author.
According to Demcrito, is plant by stake with a cubit long by March; which
according Sfanos (or Stfano) must be juicy and green more than dry, hard and small;
and also (according the same), is planted by tender branch ripped off with the hand.
Adds that planting it by the seed on his fruit, as is executed by some, prevails and grows
very well. That the land suitable for it is the flat land alike the mounts, a little hard and
tight; finally, that shouldnt be let without irrigation, and must be richly irrigated
because been one of the trees that mores needs the water.
The Romano Varron says, that is not convenient let without irrigation the citron
in any of the four seasons of the tree for been an aqueous tree that suffers his lack. The
manure that is more convenient to it is the one of sheep. That in the rigorous of the cold,
dig around his feet, and fill that round hole with hot rags and soil over, and guide it
there the water after, as we have say little before.
Solon say that should not be plant the citron by stake, unless is spring time;
because if this was done in autumn, as many opine, will be weaken by the colds and the
ices that come soon after.
According to the Nabathea agriculture, the citron (that Adam with glorious
memory give the name of pure tree) is suitable in weathers that get close to a medium
temperature, and is good to sow it in September or February; which if have sprout and
vegetate, barely gets hurt. His cultivation consist in the continuous care of cut the
branches, ripping and lightening of the branches (that overwhelms it) with his weight
and length and excess of foliage. Neither the fruit after seasoned, yellow and grow must
be left on it because otherwise it will harm it by sucking his juice or substance. (and so),
when the citrons were of a size that cant hold the branches, will be helped with sticks
of wood as with the vides that hold big clusters. The contact of the menstruating women
is offensive to the citron, even if is by cutting it, shaking some leaves or fruit; because
that no women should be close to it unless she was pure and free of this and others
aches and pains.
Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl and other authors say, that is convenient to the citron
the flat land of good quality soft and manure, and not the brackish; and also that is
suitable the black and hot land. That the planting that best prevails is the one of stake,
then by seedling, and finally by seed of his fruit. That about the stake, must be one cubit
long and as thick as a handful, and be plant on March and April until mid May in
worked orchards and beneficed with manure, at a distance of three spans one with the
other, and that irrigated, move after two years guard by their own soil; which operation
as maximum of Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, can be executed in every season, because his
own heat keeps it. When is planted the stake is good if it is cleaved and open the cortex;
the same with the orange-tree, lemon- and bastambn (or zamboa).
Adds the same author, that the grain of its fruit should be sow on bowls or others
vessels by February as was said up before about the weak grains, and that this plant
should be moved at two years or more after September to late January guarded by his
own soil, (planting it close to walls and (spots) similar that keep it from the north wind,
been this contraire, and not the east wind that is helpful to it) in a hole proportionate to
his size, and at a distance of six cubit one from each other, because placing them more
close will affect their fructification (the same for the orange, lemon, and the zamboa),
watching in their planting and regimen the way expressed up. Dont prevails by ripped
off bunch, and if (Insha Allah) by stake and bearded placed close to ditches where can
be bathed with sun, watching in this planting the regimen pointed up.
The citron needs fresh manure and wet, as the rotten human manure, with which
loads with many fruit of big size and soft pulp; and if is not manure, it will weaken.
Also is worthy the manure of goats and if it wasnt, any soft rotten manure; that mixed
with a six part of pigeon manure is the best way to manure them in autumn and spring.
Must not be touch this tree by tool three spans up the feet (neither the lemon); and if it
gives a lot of fruit, throw away part, letting stay the biggest, the healthier and best
quality. Is said that f the grain is plant next to it gives red fruit, and if this is smeared
with gypsum kneaded with water, this conserve it the whole winter in the tree without
harm it; which also is kept with a defense of stalemates and reeds covered of mats,
because that it lost the calamity for it.
For the operation astaslf described up, are placed on vessels, and also by the
nawmi, (or of pulling down), the same that the orange-tree, lemon-tree and zamboa, for
which especially is cut the tree by the feet, and doing in it the inversed nawmi as
expressed up is guarded and cultivated with all the care until become seedling with
roots by this way. (as regards) branch, placed in a vessel full of soil, or around of it until
raise the roots, after is transplanted, executing this operation with (the pertinent)
delicateness, without omit cut along a piece of the body of the feet if it was possible.
ARTICLE XXX
The planting of orange
The orange, says Kutsami in the Nabathea Agriculture, it is an Indian plant, and
prevail properly into many regions, especially in warm temperaments. This tree grown
in heights and have smooth, soft and green leaf, and their fruit is round, which juice
have the citrus tart, from who is son every orange, as it show the similarity that have
with it. It suit every kind of land, except the corrupted mixed with ash, plaster, white
lead, brick, knackered, or the like. Which does not suit to have besides the foot, for the
reason that their root would not extent in it. Take advantage of the east wind and the one
of eastern and midday. Their flower is white and fires a soft smell when it opens. In
some particular cases, results to have flowers with a light blue, which is of softness
smell than the white; whose flower is usually oil removed as the wallflower and violet,
extremely soft as the Jasmine in the tree, and joint fortified for the virtue that have to
expel the air. It is usually left some oranges on the tree for the set and variety of colors;
which is not benefit (like any tree) because when they are picked, they got strongest
consisting robustness to download them and their corruption, weight and damage leave
them.
According other books, the black earth, greased with manure, sandy and rough,
are good for the orange. Plant it from seed sowing it in big clay vessels through January
in the said way; which must be irrigated till it is born without letting dry the land, and
the same in the one where will be transplanted, until had acquire the according
robustness. The vessels must be put in sheltered from the rain places, and the seed will
be born in March; whose planting transplanted at the two years or more it moves lining
their own land in three feet deep holes; which according Hj the Grenadian, should not
be executed till at least have the tall of a man, six cubits putting away a seedling from
another, and making their plantation and irrigated regimen and more, the said above.
Adds the same author, that this tree must be plant from stakes in this way. It had
cut this from a smooth stick along two and a half spans, from it will hide the two spans
in the soil (stay a half outside) in the worked and benefit with manure land; what must
be irrigated in the next eight days four times alternatively, and then it is irrigated again
each four in the course of fifteen; where having started to sprout, will make a light dig
without getting close or move the immediate land; after what is irrigate when the cover
turns white. To the four months of their plantation, make a good dig, it is manure with
pure human excrement, mixing it there with the peak and incorporating well with the
land and left it like that for eight days, irrigating till the winter. Coming the spring and
making another good dig, full it with crumbled excrement from quadrupeds, with whose
regime give exquisite fruits, by Allah.
Their transplanting must be executed as said above, and the same the bearded
plantation. Do not plant near the rue or citrus orange, banana, maro (or torongil),
uphorbio, or any similar plant that transmit that odor for being this harmful.
ARTICLE XXXI
The planting of bastambn which is the zamboa.
Abu-el-Jair says, that it is similar to the orange, apart from the width fruit,
pimply and yellow; which is all eatable, (the inside and outside) and strongly sour. It is
good for rough ground fertilized, and seedling and reverse branch, and also say that
stake; whose move to sit two years, standing in locations exposed to the rising sun, in
the hole provided to its size, six cubits distant from each other, in the manner stated
above. It is not inserted into any tree, or any tree is inserted into it.
ARTICLE XXXII
The planting of lemon
According Abu-el-Jair, it is similar to the small and pointy citron; even if their
leaf is more yellow and close than the citrons. According Nabathea Agriculture, the
hasia is the Persian lemon, which produce a round, yellow and soft smell fruit, similar
to the orange and citron about being green first and then yellow; and there is another
specie that with the yellow turns a little orange. Although the plant of their seed without
transplant could fructify, sometimes it is move from one place to another. Suit it the soft
land a little brackish, and the porous reddish with some mix of sand; and there is no risk
of getting lost in bloom.
One of the things that suit and robust this tree, it burning some cotton grains
with orange and citron sticks, and mixing the ashes, knead and mix with wine lees, and
after dry and ground, spray with it their leafs and the foot; which repeating
continuously, preserves of calamities, giving it robustness, elegancy and more fructify,
having being profitable until the end. The lime collected from places with loose soil
mixture of black it is also profitable, filling the ditch with it and that it is his manure.
According other authors, the woman who eats oranges, citrons, lemons or zamboa
wouldnt evil desires (or cravings); and both the shell and leaf small orange species is
antidote.
ARTICLE XXXIII
The planting of rowan who is the sebestn.
This is, says Abu-el-Jair, a large tree with small, whitish leaf, and the same as
the mochtahi, whose fruit is given the name of lofah (or Mandrake). Others say that is
the wild hawthorn, and is also said to be the tree called the haudr barbarian, with
whose roots are tanned hides. According Nebathea Agriculture, it is the smet with
which have relationship the Mandrake and it is planted in orchrads. Their fruit, as the
Hackberry has eaten some seasoning, has very viscous sticky and rubbery shell juice,
which quality is all the tree, such its branches, leaf and roots as in their fruits; which is
also cool refrigerant quality. According other author, the rusty, soft and mushy earth is
suitable; and sets of sit, bearded and stake, and the seed of its grain; which it is executed
in January.
The Haj Granadino says that the broken off branches of some bark (that hangs
by way of bearded) without being cut with a tool, the plant sprout in this disposition.
That the grains shell must sow mixed with earth, rotten manure, ash and sand in vessels
full of the first one, when this fruit is eaten; whose operation is similar to all the above
mentioned; and are transplanted coming the appropriate time, in three spans deep holes
and twelve cubits between each one. It is planted near the ponds for its elegancy and
beauty when the flower displays. That sprout in March and flourish in May; and it is not
inserted*, or he becomes insert of any tree.
*Herrera is of the contrary opinion; he says that the rowan are inserted in themselves, in
quince, hawthorn and apple. Book 3.c.39.
According another author, the rowan it is mainly raised in desert and jungle, it
preserved with prosperity in hot regions, and has need logging, as the other trees. And it
has the virtue of changing the heart.
ARTICLE XXXIV
The planting of Dadi*.
This tree, according Abu-el-Jair, have a reddish and big flower called
metonymically with the name of the color. It suit the mountain and rough land; it is
planted from a stake, the small bone of its fruit, and bearded, which plantings are moved
in February and March, distant twelve cubits one from the other. It is said, that their
flower throw in wine sweeten him soon; and also says that in the Iraka (or Caldea) it is
the custom of drink them with pass or dates wine. This tree does not have eatable fruit
and it is planted for decoration; which operation is similar to the above mentioned.
Ibn-Harr says that who suffer acute abdominal pain, dizziness or delirium, if
drinking the weight of two drachmas of this kind of wine called Dadi not get relief, shall
die after four days.
Between us, in the Axarafe is a tree, whose leaf are similar to the quinces,
brownish bark and reddish flower that is found in the offspring, and come to be two
flowers together in one place; which displays some days before the leaf sprout, and
bears fruit thin as carob with two tiny bones inside, to which the name Dadi is also
given; whose fruit and flowers (with a little sour) are edible without damage.
ARTICLE XXXV
The planting of Kadi*.
This tree is similar to the palm, which is appropriate to the soft and rough earth,
and is grown as the Dadi in the manner was said above.
ARTICLE XXXVI
The planting of the Quince
This tree, said, it is called Indian Almond, and it is a kind that produce a big
round fruit, and also small; and other that produce something lengthy called monhad, of
which
*
Avicenna quoted in the book of Ben-el-Beithar says that this is called a grain similar
to barley; although longer and thinner, or dark brown color and bitter taste.
* It has all the properties of the palm; although it does not rise so high as it. See what it
says AA. Cited in the book of Ben-el-Beithar.
there are sweet and acid. According the book of Ibn-Hajj, the low, juicy and
moisture land it suit to the quince; and according Labathio, it suit the sand, provided
that it is mixed with manure and continuous irrigated. Democritus says that must be
planting by stakes and bearded in February whoever has foot; and Annon assert
that
plant torn lying in the pit, as well as successor (or stem) born near his foot; and that time
to execute is it in the month referred. Some will also plant grain contained within its
fruit, from whom trees of great stature.
Have understood that the quince trees planted wants to be close distance by the
fear that if it were exposed to the sun, it would burn, and make him rough shell and
styptic.
According the Nabathea Agriculture, there is a garden and a wild quince, which
is a really small size, for being this tree raised in arid and dry land regarding their
necessity for continuous and abundant water.
The grain taken from rotten quince, does not born or prevail. For which reason
must be taken from a healthy and sweet quince and sow one near the other. Susado says
that the put the quince grain in soak in fresh water to extract its mucilaginous mood will
be the best and most convenient. Adds, that the quince becomes eatable bread in
calamitous times, taking to this effect mature and to mature and making them what was
said above with the pear and the like fruits.
According other authors, it suit for this tree every sun-drenched plain land,
sweet, smooth, moisture, reddish, oiled, juicy places and cold ground, discarding for it
hard and rough.
That planting is done torn stake, bud, seedling, and nawdmi or seedling
torn from its roots, put before reverse until reared in the same manner expressed above;
planting all the mentioned from December till last days of January, and sowing their
seed in vessels in October; and that all those parts prevail in every way it was planted,
right or inverse. That its plantation it is put in three spans deep at six cubit or more of
distance from each other, according to the good quality of the land; which operation is
in the same way as the expressed above.
This tree need a lot of irrigation and cultivation; which if missing would be lost.
You should not touch it with a tool, or manure for being a venom. Insert in the same
species and fruit trees all similar to him in light mood; which are also inserted in it, as it
receive each of them. In the land where their stakes are set, you can sow vegetables that
need a lot of water like eggplant and the like, working in this according to the word of
the stakes of the pomegranate.
I entered, say Ibn-Abs, in the N..s house, he was eating quince and he told me:
eat from this Ibn-Abs, because it is a thing that purify the heart It is said that having
also presented to N from the city of Tyef (from Arabia) a portion of quinces, asking
him what this was, it was answered, they are quince or N! and then he said: Take
care of this fruit, as she removes the darkness or obscurity of the heart. That having
asked, and what darkens the heart? He said: The cloud of sorrow and sadness that
oppresses the mood.
It also refers to Jaber-Ibn-Abdalah have said that presenting to N.. quince from
Tyef and eaten them, he affirm that clean the heart and remove the sadness from the
chest; or as another relationship, sadness faded from the heart and mood reigned; adding
that you should eat them. Lately it is said that the same N said to Jaafer: Eat quinces;
fortifying the heart and make him courageous. To the one that eat quinces, say AbuAbdalah, Allah unleashes his tongue wisdom speech of forty mornings.
ARTICLE XXXVIII
The planting of the apple-tree
They are several its species, say Abu-el-Jair, sweet, sour and tasteless; their
names are the painted, the marked, the azurronado, the marble (for its smooth
whiteness), the chaberkan, the reddish and others. The azurronado does not flourish and
their apple do not have seeds. June, cited in the Ibn-Hajaj book says the apple-tree needs
fresh and moisture places and black earth.
Kastos says almost the same; which maxim is that the most advantage places to
sow apple-tree are the exposed to warm winds in summer. The best places, say IbnHajj, (according to the common for farmers) are the moisrued valleys and camps; and
there is nobody who is opposed to this. Plant the successor apple-tree near of it,
extracted with all their roots; and it also brings torn bunch, according the above
mentioned regimen in the chapter about all the ways of plantation; as well the most
common is the seed and stake sow; which is executed, according Kastos, in spring and
autumn.
According Nabathea Agriculture, it is suit to the apple-tree the same lands and
winds as the quince. Seeds taken from well-seasoned apple on the tree and left to dry in
a cool place, then it is sow in the middle of February spraying so much water over t
until the water had come to the grain; which is continued until it is born. Since which
time is irrigated slightly as other plants; then medium, and when they have grown to the
height of half a cubit, or little more, we gradually increased the water until it just grew.
Sow and plant in crescent moon because it contributes to better raise the plant; which
also fail to manure with cow dung mixed with leaf and some apple-tree fruit if it could
be possible.
It is also good to mix with both mentioned things, some of sweet almond, and
leaf or fruits from one or another tree, all rotten together and then dry; with whose
crumbled manure it fill from the first day of plantation to the last one the ditch that must
have at the foot. According to others books, the apple-tree is benefit from sweet loose
and warm land and reddish from the last quality. Does not suit the black because it does
not prevail in it. It is raised well in coast; as well it prevails more in the cold regions that
the hot ones.
It is not suitable the brackish land. Putting bouquet torn stake, bud, bearded (or
branch planted before) reverse until the roots grow back, and also of seed, planting all
this through autumn and March in the cold places, except the bearded, whose plantation
is executed in November until the last days of March, or according Abu-Abdalah Ibn-elFasl, in January or February and twenty spans from distance between each one.
Other saffrims that you should do this in November in the drylands and the
irrigation in February; and that the best place to sow the torn, stake and bud and where
prevail, it is to the bigs irrigation ditches; and there it is inserted the pear for the
nutritional juice from the water that flows together with it, as I have experimented. This
maximum of the cited Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, that while it is in the orchard it wont
skip the water, and when will be transplanted to dryland or irrigate the plant must be put
in a three spans deep, twelve cubit of distance between each other.
Its seed, (that is of the weak kind) must be put in vessels, according to the
exposed above. That having to till the soil of the apple-tree, this could be used for
vegetables and the same with the place where it is planted from stakes. Finally, this tree
does not suffer from any manure, or being cut while big, but small.
It is suitable, says the Haj Granadino, that the cultivation and irrigation (not with
too much) while their wood prevails smooth and without worms. Ans must not till the
land and irrigate it continuously when standing out; what if it is not executed like this,
will be lost or does not grown in heights.
The aazurronado, because it do not have seeds, it is planted from its own parts.
It is said, if you see that the apple flower appear before the sheet, it will bear fruit this
year. What is this tree that receives insert, and he also inserted in others; in which his
species like Inserts, or to be nigh a lot. According to the book of Abicena, apple has the
great virtue of cheer and strengthen the heart. It is aromatic and sweet, edible and
medicinal.
ARTICLE XXXVIII
For the planting of hackberry
This is the fatfat and a kind of elm (as it is said) the female of this tree; which
the black is the male. Its fruit is a black and small grain and round with bones, that it is
eaten by October and have sweet. The wood of this tree is good for baby carriage and
horses chairs and other uses. Moisture places from any kind of land are suitable for it,
and prevails in every place; but the dark and hot, where it does not subsist, and therefore
it is not purposeful in any way. Put the bearded and torn branch starting Autumn, and
the shell in similar way.
The small bone that ate thrush with its fruit and threw in the stool, born in the
spring; whose plant (who want to) can be transplanted when it is for it; and it is not bad
leave it in the same place. Which transplantation it is made in the hole corresponding
the size, in a distant of six cubit between each one, to the north part of the gardens and
in the unnecessary places. The wood of this tree is of advantageously quality. In it, you
do the expressed. And it is benefit from the so much water and logging; and it is well
calculated to build him hanging vines.
ARTICLE XXXIX
The planting of acedaraque (or cinnamon)
According the Nabathea Agriculture, it is suitable for this tree the hard and
reddish ground, the tight, black, white and all strong land. The plant born from its grain,
does not move to another place until it is perfectly grown. Although the transplant it
continues to be strengthened; but it is better the one that was left in the place where the
seed was sow. One of the virtues of the cinnamon is that its seed and fruit has the virtue
of darken, strengthen and increase the hair, whether man or woman, taking off any
damage that it had; to which effect, you must crush the leaves and green branches, they
squeeze the juice, which gets condensed in glass whetstone, or from another specie it
imbibes nothing from him and infusing for every pound his other oil; could be the
common, sesame or flax, It is cooked on smoldering charcoal fire until the water
consumed, leaving only the oil that virtue communicated to him; which in this
arrangement causes the expressed effect.And for how his face turns black so you can
hardly remove this color, if it were continuously smeared, save it for who will used it to
slather the hair.
According others books, it is suitable the rough and stony ground, the thin and
cold wet to the cinnamon. Requires a lot of water, for which reason prevails in low
ground and to the waterwheels in the gardens. Put it with the small bones and seedling
tear it with its roots, and also the stem that stood inverse to that they will breed. First
two, are plant in the first days of autumn, when the tree it has been stripped of its leaf,
and in February too; and as it is said, in distance of six cubit between each one so they
can grow in height.
It does not prevail planted in stakes or torn, and the propose must be planting 8as
the others similar) near the waterwheels and wells, so constructing orchards, the beast
and the machine can have shadow, and the water so refresh them. The fruit of this tree it
is not eatable, because it is harmful for the chest and sometimes deadly.
ARTICLE XL
The planting of mchmech, called apricot or Armenian apple.
It is from two species, say Abu-el-Jair; of small and fat fruit; which must be
planted and cultivated in the same way, and are the rubbery kind. According the IbnHajj book, oyt the seed or bone of successor (or born at the foot rod), and from the
same rod raised with strain at the tree itself; to which it is convenient the wet landand
according Maurice, the sandy, for breed advantageously the cultivation in it, and better
than in others kind of land, although it prevail in them too. The best apricot is the one
planted by seed taken from the fruit that having fully matured on the tree he came to
take their extension (or expansion) of parts, perfect maturation and legitimate color;
which it is sow in the first day of February till the last of March, putting in each hole
four to six bones, which since they start grow they will have covered and protected until
it passes the cold; which plant move to another place when are ready, are excavated one
month after its transplantation and fertilized weekly continuously with one of the
manure indicated for trees. The transplanted bearded and the old tree branch fertilized
less than these plants grown from seed.
Sagrit says that the transplantation or sowing of the apricot should be done in
crescent moon for largest increase, robustness and takes advantage running so.
According Nabathea Agriculture, eat a lot of apricot is harmful and cause fever, but
eaten once in a while, do not cause any damage, for which reason you should not eat it
continuously. It consists of other books that it is suitable for this tree, the rough to
smooth land.
The small fruit comes in the stony and sandstone, and the tree do not come to big
corpulence, and if in this last land had almonds, peaches, black plums, it will be inserted
de apricot in them. Which, according Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasel, it is raised in decline to
loose earth; and insofar as it will heat quickly overwhelmed, there will be planting only
bone (and other gummy trees) in respect of not torn branch, stake or bearded prevails;
which bones planted for November in vessels and surface land mixed with rotten
manure and in the time that eat its own fruit, it is transplanted to the year on the campus
where acquires its corresponding increase, and both are moved from there to where it
must fructify, caring of not cut any root, as the rubber trees.
It is good, add the same author, move it cover it its own earth and put I four
spans deeps, distant twelve cubit between each one, or more if the ground it is smooth.
The Grenadian Hj says that must move the plant when it have the tall of a man,
and if exceed this tall, should not transplant; which operation is as expressed above. Not
suffering manure for the early damage they cause, and it suit the irrigation. It is said,
that planting stakes sprout if it is frequency irrigated; and inserted into almond and
peach.
ARTICLE XLI
The planting of peach called persian apple.
It is of two species, says Abu-el-Jair; smooth without fuzz and reddish, called
bald, which is Egyptian, who is also called wintry, and the common people of loofah (or
mongoose) and it is similar to the heartburn. The other specie is the fuzzy, called for
this, hairy; which one it closed and the other open, and in all of them is the same regime
and cultivation; and it is said that one of its species is the apricot. The close peach is
better than the open; and the most advantageously, the sweet with aromatic smell, of
soft taste and juicy, kwon as zahri (bright or flowery).
Junio cited in the Ibn-Hajj book says that the peach planted in so much watered
land, produce a big fruit; as well it is not convenient to irrigate continuously. This tree
grows quickly, and if it is inserted in plumor almond, it is raise cleaner. Some have the
opinion that it is convenient move a lot the soil of the foot; and that if it is inserted in
the plum, produce fat fruits. And till here the text of the cited author.
According the maxim of Kastos, the better place to plant peaches, it is the
moisture land or running water, in way that the who take care of them, can irrigate it
just when it is necessary, compared to the fact that they produce fat fruits in similar
lands. Maurice says that it suit the sand, as do not lack of humidity or irrigation, and do
no prevail in good land as in the same. And till here is the maximum of this author.
According Surios, the peach must be planted from the seed, and the plant bron
from it must be move after two years, which is made from the first day of January, till
the last of February. According Democritus, the seed of the peach must be sow when
you eat the fruit, in August, and must be irrigated, what contributes to produce a fruit
with bigger size, transplanting in January the plant bron from it.
Sadihames says that planting from torn, sprout very well. According the
Nabathea Agriculture, this tree is brother of the apricot in so many things, but not the
long life; because fructify a little and strengthens at the five years, it is planted and sow
at the same time, at in the same way it is cultivated. It is suitable, according others
authors, the rough and gravely land, because there produce good quality fruit, thick and
easily whiten with some softness.
In the loose and manured earth do not live too much time, and it prevails in the
not stony sandstone; it is not from long duration nor produce a big fruit in the oiled, and
the same with the black. It is suitable the natural reddish land, and prevails
advantageously in flimsy as continuous cultivation does not lack, and also prevail in the
drylands. Plant it from the seed, or do not prevail of torn, stake or bearded, for being the
rubbery tree kind.
The seed is planted from August and September (that it is the time where the
fruit is eaten), and in the orchards in January and February, and in vessels with surface
land mixed with old manure and sand, in thirds parts. Born quickly with the irrigation,
and it is move from vessels to plantations after a year, throwing over the foot of each
plant a basket of that mixture (of land, sand and manure); and irrigated two times for
week, after two years it is move for January (acquire its corresponding perfection)
fixing it in three spans deep, distance of ten cubit between each one, for being pompous
this tree; which do not grow in height or have a long life; as well, some have the opinion
of planting them near from each one so mutually sustain, if loaded much fruit.
The Grenadian Hj says that the peach plantation born from the seed, must be
move after two year having it tied; and if it is transplanted flourished do not have this
disposition; and that it is good move it cover in its own earth. It is said, that if under it
had planted some rosebush, it will reddish the fruit of the peach. And that this tree must
be inserted in its own specie, the plum, cherry and almond; whose trees are also
inseryed in it.
I have seen peaches planted in good quality land next to big irrigation ditches
that produced too much fruit and of big size, and also lived longer that other placed out
of it. According the Nabathea Agriculture author and others, you should not drink cold
water after eating peaches, which makes them more harmful; or eat them after pure
wine or vinegar. The thirst. After eat any fresh fruit, is a corrective to it, and means for
prevent the damage and speed up your digestion. If you leave this fruit cut with tools, it
will corrupt the smell quickly for this cause.
ARTICLE XLII
The planting of plum, known as porthole
Abu-el-Jair says that this are its species; fat black plum known as thari (fresh
ans juicy); very common black and wintry; of the small black also called thari; of
verdant fat black, called aayr; white, yellow and pink, and called karmesi (or purple)
and Saihi (or fluted); and that all are planted and grown in the same way.
June, cited in the Ibn-Hajj book says that the plum wants fresh and moisture
places; according Solon, it is convenient to plant it in moisture wells, in places with so
much humidity and cultivated camps. Sadihames says that pointing the manners of its
plantations, that put of bearded, torn and bones; which operation must be done in
February, according Democritus.
In the Nabathea Agriculture it is said, that being this tree of cold temperament, it
is necessary fertilize it with cow dung, human excrement and dust brought from far
away; and that it is good, excavated the foot, fill the ditch with dust taken from strong
ground; for which dominant viscous juiciness, the mentioned dust is the most suitable
for it. According other authors the suitabes lands for the plumb, are the moisture, the
smooth, the thick sandy and the loose; in which produce fat fruit, and in the last one
very tasty. It is also good for it the reddish and rough land; as well in the last one and in
the sterile produce a consumed fruit. It prevails in every land except in the warm black
for reasons of the last quality.
It is well breed in low grounds with a lot of juice from the water, and in oiled
white land; and it is also said in stony and sandstone, and if planted in others must mix
this land gender, ingrain the tree and accelerate its fructify. Plant it again, that only
born at the foot, or between the trees roots, booted with it; which if were weak, it is
planted inverse so it can raise others; after transplanted.
It is put of bone too, planting it when the fruit is eaten and for January or
February (according others), in plantations benefits with old manure and vessels; which
bones, put in one span between each one, are cover as the thickness of three fingers with
dust and rotten manure, and are irrigated immediately after its plantation, continuing till
it is born, what it is from beginning of March to finals of April. After the year it is
moved from the vessels to the plantations, from where passed the same time it is
translated to the place where will be produce fruit.
Booted too its nawami (or bouquet reborn) with all its roots it is planted in three
spans deep holes in October, January, February and March at twelve spans between
each one; and if to the time of execute this operation you throw cow dung, it will sprout
well and soon, as everything executed as said above. Irrigate this tree two or three time
for week, because irrigating it continuously produce a corpulent and good fruit: the
opposite happens with the drylands and when it is not irrigated frequently. It also says
that must be put of turn bunch and stake in December, and that irrigating a lot the
plantation they are well breed; what is safe and constant by experience. Insert the
apricot, cherry and similar rubbery trees, all of which are also inserted in it.
ARTICLE XLIII
The planting of the palm dates
There are so much species, and the same their names; barri (or wild); ajuat (or
select from Medina), chahrir (famous or vulgar), kasenat and others. Junio cited in the
Edn-Hajaj book says that the holes must be two cubits deep and other much wide; and
then fill a half cubit of earth mixed with manure, then put the bone of the date in the
middle of the soil, fixing it, not up but lying, and then throw earth mixed with manure
and salt till cover it; that after filling the hole with branches and irrigated everyday until
is born, transplant it to another place.
Some use to leave it in the same place, if the ground is brackish, as arrangement
to the maxim mentioned above. For which reason, if you want to sow it in a diferent
ground, you will throw next to it a great amount of salt (as we said), and the same with
the ditch that must be make every year, according to the fact that with that remedy
quickly fructifies the palm and carry dates.
Democritus says that opened the hole of one cubit deep, fill it with earth and
manure, put the date, sunken its bone in the middle, paste it to the ground, and spraying
earth and manure mixed with some salt, irrigate it until it is born. Some move it after
born. But others letting it there and excavating every year, throw salt in the ditch so it
can preserve. And although Ibn-Hajj says that he saw dated planted without mixing
with salt in the land and grown until become good plants, all the other authors agree that
the salt and brackish land is the better for the palm.
Beware, say Sagrit, that make this planting vile person, or bad mouth and
melancholic mood (and the same, everything a man do, must be executed with
happiness and joy) respect to receiving the moon, participates of too much strength and
vigor. If you plant a bunch of small bones of a same kind of dates or one palm, the ones
that come from it are of a lot of species, which if replanted produce dates of the first
specie planted.
The palm replanted produce a date similar than the other fruitful of which was
taken. Of the fresh dates, or its heart unshelled, bread is made; to which effect, if were
juicy, white and tender with finely cut its shell with tool or knife, and well dry after the
sun, mashed and ground, its flour mixed with barley or wheat yeast, let it long time to
ferment, and then mixed with hot water and plenty of copy salt, you make eatable bread;
and will be very good blanch the dates before in salted water twice or three (which is
best), moving one in each. The same operation is executed with the other similar fruits;
which to made bread of them, blanched twice in fresh water and salt, if it tastes bitter
hath mixed, or others; or water alone, if they are too rough or styptics.
According other authors, the palm is born in sandstones and plains of the loose
land, and it is suitable the brackish land, plant it from the bone of the foot renew born
with separate root; and the stake and torn do not prevail. Sometimes it is planted taking
the seed of the better fruit, sowing it like that, as it is taken, sandy or brackish land; for
whish digged the hole one cubit deep, fill it with earth mixed with salt and human
excrement or beats dung, according Kastos; whose mix (according Abu-Abdalah Ibn-elFasl must be in this proportion; four pounds of salt for every two baskets of earth and
manure, being the basket of space as a half cordovan cahiz. Put the bone in the superior
part of the mentioned hole and lying in the middle of the earth, and not raised, to point
up the spine, and the peak (or tip) down, the cover the thickness of two fingers together
with the mix; which operation is executed in the months of March and April, and also in
February (according Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasel), and must be irrigated two times by
week until it is born; what do not happen in any way, if it were planted it placed on its
back.
Take the bone, says Mahrario (or Macario), and sagging it in the middle, put it in
a holes, making that the sunken side is firmly attached to the ground with the tip to east;
as well this is another authors maximum, that the said side fall into this part. The dates
for mature say the planted must be depriving the opposite movie to the peak or tip they
have in the back. Further it is said that having put the dates bone in water for five days,
it is planted after placing the loin towards the sky and towards the ground point with
respect to the palm planted so prevalent great and is bearable fruit; and if planted one
with the point that covers the film down, I'm male palm of him born.
The planting of the palm, says the Haj Granadino and others, put in hole not lees
than two spans deep and irrigated immediately after replacement the soil with manure
and salt, and the same every four day for a month, sprout and quickly fructifies,
watering ater with salt every fifteen days, and further to the foot, and irrigated again,
thereafter once every eight days until late spring; as I have seen executed (says
Ibn.Hajj) in a geen and fresh planting. It is said, that the same operation must be
executed with the bearded, taked from the foot of some palms.
The palm (according other author) it is used to the salt, throwing it in the foot on
time at the year; and if instead you throw mothers of aged wine, its fruit will be softer
and better quality. Others says that having the palm some analogy or conformity with all
the sour and brackish, do not forget to visit it with salt twice a year until fructifies; after
which time some wants to continue throwing salt and others want to stop, while being in
salty land, it is enough. Others say that throwing salt in the foot and irrigating
continuously, give a sweet and seasoned fruit, adding that you must cut the branches in
the vernal equinox at middle March or all the month (occording other opinion) not befor
or after.
Abu-el-Jair says that that to sweeten the styptic date (as is that of Spain), and
making it eatable and soft taste, it is cooked in fresh water (after caught in season) to
extract its styptic, then leaving to dry, that water discharged. The palm fecundated by
male at the time that flourish, produce juicy and tender dates.
Having fecundated a wild palm in the Alxarafe while deploying the flowers with
some male grinded sprinkled on it, cast at that dates of equal quality; ehich operation I
executed just one time in that year; but it is necessary repeat it some successively as it
does to fertilize the fig tree.
As a tradition, Mohammad broke or gave end the fasting with dates. The spirit is
recreated (says Abu-Abdalah) with that fresh and juicy fruit! The same Allah gave to eat
dates to Mary of glorious memory. He adds that eats seven dates of the select species of
Medina palm before bedtime, you will kill the worms in the belly. It is tradition that the
first one planted palm was Seth, son of Adam of blessed memory.
ARTCILE XLIV
The plantation of the hazel that is jilauz in Arabian, and according to some the
narjil; or the faukl, according to others.
Abu-el-Jair says that are four species: amlisi, tarjin, baarar and mosadi, and all
of them are planted and cultivated in the same way. June cited in the Ibn-Hajj book
says that the hazel it is planted for the same time that the haudam or haudar, and
require the same regime, and love the white land of much water. And finally, the hazel
can be round or long, and although they are planted at the same time, the first are born
before the seconds.
According the Nabathea Agriculture, the hazel it is raise it grows naturally in the
mountains, and more in the deserts and hard lands for being wild tree. Transplanting the
foot with its roots from the mountains to the orchards, it prevail very well provided it is
in such land to uncultivated in hardness and bad tastes. It do not need fertilize or more
cultivation aside cleaning some branches at the same time than the vines, specially when
it is big, grown and robust. Is said that just take refuge in this tree the worms, snakes,
scorpions and other venomous animals, and that the Scorpion runs away from the man
in hand hunteth one or two hazelnuts for special virtue they have, which is always
effective.
Sagrit says that bondok (or hazel) called jilauz have this virtue; that if you have
three or four hazel hidden in your breast, put some tide where you sit, ot bring a stick in
your hand, the scorpions run away. According other works, the hazel prevail in every
wet land and the running waters (for which reason must be planted in soft and flabby
land through which pores is introduced the mentioned, in the humid valleys, and in
wells; it is convenient the white land. Its plantation is from seeds and plantation formed
by astaslaf (or a kind of branch of vine), thus in the top part of tree as in the low part.
That is planted in vessels in October, that is when it is eaten fresh, putting the tip
down, and it is also planted in January and February, and the same the branch, lying it
in a four spans deep hole and ten cubits of distance between each other because they
are not so pompous; which requiring so much water, never must have the dry land; in
what case, if it were disregard, it lost, specially the plantation. According Abu-Abdalah
Ibn-el-Fasl, must irrigate it every day, you advantage the cultivation and hates manure.
The Haj says that when the foot branches were cut, be carefull of not letting any cut so
it do not fester that part. The hazel it is discovered in May, and seasoned and taken in
September and first October.
ARTICLE XLV
The plantation of the vines
Theere are so many diferent species of grapes; black, round, long, middle form,
reddish and yellow; earlier, late, and not early nor late. About its plantations and how to
executed; I have tried (says Kastos cited in the Ibn-Haj book) making it all the time, and
I have found convenient for every plant in autumn, especially in land with low
humidity; because the branches planted by this time after the vintage, being hard (or
stiff) and clogged, are free with the next water of the cold damages and robustness; for
which reason must be planted in autumn, and then you are responsible to executed it in
the lands of the mentioned quality, to effect that with the water of the winter root until
the spring, as well as actually it happens. When I executed the new thinking (continuous
Kastos) of make this plantation in autumn, those who were present flunked it; but after
praising the success, they adopted and still in the day.
The same Kastos and June say that some plant the branch in first spring starting
the seventh day of February, and other when it start to sprout; and indeed, Marsial
affirm to be convenient make the plantation of branches, stakes and torn in the time of
its fecundation (or sprout). I like a lot this chapter, Ibn-Hajj says that, the maximum of
June and Marsial, and I prefer it than of Kastos (though specious) by reason of being
desirable that at time of planting branch, torn and stake go all tender, juicy and green so
it roots by the union of its juice with the land; in virtue of what I have as better the stake
for the plantation, being necessary to breed the roots of the mentioned matter; without
thereby already held bearded old is discarded. Having set up the respective time to make
plantations, I do not have to repeat it here. About the plantation of the vines in autumn,
having them then very little juice, It will be convenient propose to executed in spring
than in the said time; although (according the Kastos experience and others) you can
also do so.
Some, say June, abstain of do the branches plantation with the sprouted shoots
for being prove that it do not prevail in any plantation made after the sprout (while
others do not refuse to execute it on that provision); at to the time of ill (or cover) the
branch, it is convenient to decline to one side as to which to placed like that yields
better roots. Adds Kastos that in this disposition fructifies with swiftness and
abundance, and the same transplanting it from the first place, after sprouted, in other
different. Guess which together plant several vintages in a single vineyard with the
purpose that if it fool some in the hope of its fructify, do not happen the same with the
others; and you've known than planting its vine of a vineyard just be a lot of weakness
and damage vines; although it is affirmed the contrary.
Finally he say, that although it is good to plant the right vine; but it is better to
plant it in the hole with some declination. This practice (say Ibn-Hajj) is the preferable;
and the reason is because then the farmer when tread the ground can leave it well united
(which maxim, common in every plantation, as it was mentioned above in the section
on the various ways to execute); and also because being buried many sprouts with the
decline of the branch, the more rooted, especially if you add to this the united soil
When set the bearded, says June, it is convenient for more rapid growth, that
mixing good quality land with dry manure, its roots fill and are left buried in manure.
Which opinion about this two things is common, as it agree Ibn-Hajj. Who say that
fixing a stake in the soil, introduce in that hole at the branch foot; but the one that
execute it like this, do not do it on purpose or rightly, according Betodun, regard to the
buds of the plant are weakened and the air dry it a lot, which penetrates them for not
having the well united and tight land.
Kastos say that if you plant linked branches in each hole, it will fail the virtue to
the earth to support each one, coming to be like to breast child that raise a woman, that
do not have enough milk to feed them.
I am not of opinion, adds the same, that to be defeated the vines roots, the hole
must have less than two cubits deep in dry land, hard and without moisture; otherwise it
will aging fast and would yield little. And also because penetrating the heat of the sun
till its roots, will dispel the soil moisture or juice nutrition.
Put the seedlings (say June) some in holes, and others in jaris (or grooves): the
first mode in the field of good quality that does not need a lot of work; and as the
second, in the warm who is not of remarkable quality. The jari (or groove) it is done in
this way. Open a moat along the site that it is pretend to plant, of two foots wide and
deep each one, and then when you think in doing the plantation, you will make in the
bottom of it a little holes of eight fingers deep in the places where it is appropriate to put
the branches, executing the others operations in the first two years, until the third,
registering the land which has been detached from these sites, replenish the sides of the
pit, mixing it with the immediate and stirring one with the other; and filling then in the
little holes of the moat the branches as much of what they were buried, you will throw
in that soil enough manure, leaving equal the surface pf the ground after all that
operations.
This moat plantation (say the cited author) is useful for the thick land, regard to
what is ventilated well and gets mushy like this. Which manner of plantation, mentioned
by June, says Ibn-Hajj, it is very founded and safe, although our contemporaneous do
not appreciate it for the reasons of the difficulty that is exposed, and thus I have never
seen anyone mentioned.
The jari is properly a big lino, apone in the azadon land, wider than the groove
of the work back. The earth extracted of the bottom of it is putted to its shores by way
of piling ridge, in which deep are done the holes for the plant, not fixing them in it after
the sun heat the land, slimming it the air and rains, and staying the dust in disposition of
receiving them well.
The jari, says Ibn.Hajj, is a greace diction that means the lino assembly putted
in order, which each one are called huna. I have been assured that similar practice is
observed in Jamat-Saljetnssa about the irrigation over the lands that cannot be irrigated
continuously for being raised. Dig a groove where putted the branches are irrigated until
are well fixed and then rained the land, stop the irrigation since then, returning the land
to be dry as it was before. June cited in the Ibn.Hajs book says that the place where is
pretending to do this plantation must be cleaned of any plant or grass that were there, as
it was said above.
Is maximum of the mentioned to do a ditch around the vines after sprouted,
passed the first year and then pulled the roots that were al ground flower with the
billhook, for which reason that being habit of the plants extend the root everywhere, this
impede that the same deepen quickly, and finally, that the same work of dig of a foot
deep and three wide, it is suitable to make them around the vine, second years after.
And till here the text of the cited author. And the same must be executed in the
entangled parrals in the trees.
If you plant that vines (continue June) to long distance, you could sow the land
every two years. The last elevation that the tree can have to mount the vine must be of
sixty foots (which height do not damage the parral if the ground is good) and in the thin
must be eight foots elevated so the tree do not consume all the earth juice. Adds, that we
must extend the possible the branch to the east and midday, deviating from the west and
north; which should be quite long and bearded stand for.
That some take this
disposition moving them from tormadanat (or plantation) to the holes which you
purpose to plant them, and if you do not move them from the mentioned place because
planted from head after; but the first is better.
Must know that when prune this vine, this is, the armed parrals in the trees, it is
accurate to left some branches, less than two cubits. That the mentioned must have
fifteen cubit between each one, in which middle can be little root fruit trees, as
pomegranate, apple and quince, and even olive trees, provided that are planted to long
distance, as well some do not approve this. Others have the opinion that the figs are
profitable to the vines; in which they are wrong, neither happens so, according what the
experience offer. For what reason the best and most profitable will be plant said trees
around or around of the vineyard.
We see in our countrys, say Ibn-Hajj, figs planted between the vine in good
quality lands, namely in ours camps neighbors at the great river (or Guadalquivir), and
however these are well grow, the same as other very fructifies dinstant from them. But
this happens for being the land of good quality to raise both genders of plants. And in
fact, I have never seen in the Alxafare mountains, figs planted between the vines, that
stop being very weak among them, for which reason they no longer plant there because
the fig got weak after the acquire some corpulence for cause of the thin land of those
mountains. For being then the land hard and wild grass it comes to happen what June
said; which maximum is adjusted and true, and notorious among us in the farmhouses of
Alxaraf, what the common people do not ignore for observed it a lot about the good
quality and suitability of the land to the vines, says June, that the most suitable for them
is the loose black, in which deep must contain regular sweet water: and the reason is,
because the ground of this specie when receive the rain water do not absorb a lot of it,
containing it in the surface; which dammed rot the foot of the seedlings.
You must examine, adds, the deep of the land, because a lot of time is black in
the surface and white in the center, and also the contrary. The most advantageously
lands are the one that wash the river; for which reason is celebrated the Egypt. In
summary, it is said that every dark soil, not being compressed or tenacious, but
moisture, is for the vine most suitable than any other different. For which reason it is
suitable to plant the vines the dark, juicy or moisture land, mentioned before, that fir its
hardness and density it attracts lots of water of nutritional juice, according the difficulty
or slowness that is received. In the dry, thin and sandy land, it is say, that the vine do
not prevail, but in the thin, it is raised with great quality with more subtle juice than
others. That the grape of juicy quality must be planted in a warm, elevated and dry
place, and the succulent lean on, so the predominance of these qualities compliment
what naturally is missing. In summary, do not plant the vines in thick land that soon or
easily receive the nutritional juicy; but the opposite quality. That is suitable to plant the
weak and dry skin vine in the dark earth, which is unable to attract all the necessary
juice of the land, because it do not take so much time from splitting the fruit that easily
receive the nutritional juice when are plants in thick land, in which further is the stout
branch. The weak vineyard that is in dry land, produce a fruit of the same quality. For
which reasons you should pay special care to know clearly the temperament or quality
of the plants and ground.
You must also know, that the most suitable placed for the small vines that are at
earth flower are the slopes of the mountains, the places a little pending and the one that
are raise a little from the slopes, according that the planted vines in the mentioned
places suffer more the heat of the sun in summer for the ventilation that they have. It is
also good the ground of big plains extended over the hills, and the same, the inmediat at
the mount foot; at which places flow a lot of nutritional juice of the land that go down
there coiled or precipitated by the rains, and thus it is not convenient to plant them in
the summits of the mounts, by that washing away the same land, their roots will be
uncover without absorbing the nutritional juice. The vine is planted in flat and similar
places, juicy and moisture, specially the warm not exposed to heavy wind, as being
armed in that places over the trees, with the blow winds gently they vented and feed.
Whose maximum are of the cited June.
Who also says that the immediate places to the sea are very suitable for the
vines, for the heat and the little humidity that is there and is useful to feed the plants;
and that also the sea winds are very profitable for the vines. It is a mayor opinion that
shloud not be near the rivers or where are lagoons for reason of the impure and cold
vapors that raise from there, which breed worms that are harmful (as to the sows too);
and that for this discard such sites. Over the form, election and way of guard the
branches, when you cannot make the plantation at the same time that is cut, says
Democritus, that for this effect you do not cut the branch of the old not new vine, but
the middle age, according that the not one or the other fructifies abundantly. Kastos says
almost the same; to know, that so not suit the old nor new branch of the vine for being a
little fructify, but make the plantation of the middle aged. Adds, that it is neither
convenient the wide, light, rough or long duct branch, but smooth, heavy, long and thick
knots; and that in all of them go part of the born in the previous year: that to born
healthy must be planted at the same time that are cut and before the air injure them; and
if this is not possible (having them already cut, bury them in not wet nor dry land, or put
them in vessels where are protected of the air with earth that throw of good quality: that
if you have to move it from a place to another, will be okay if were in the same moisture
land and in vessels; although between its cut and plantation have the time of two month;
and sprout, if after cut and before planted stay in water twenty four hours (what must be
executed in case of hard land and without humidity) but without leaving it so much time
that conceive bad smell in the wet land nor the water; because it will dry and do not
sprout in a similar disposition. And till here the maximum of Kastos.
Democritus says that having cut the branches you cannot plant it then, bury them
tied in bundles in not moisture or dry land; and if brought it from different places,
suspect that the air may injure them, put them in sweet water twenty four hours and then
plant them. According Junio, does not prevail well in plantation the branches taken from
the inferior part of the vines or born at the foot of the same; neither suit taking them
from the weak part or the extremes, and if to the middle of the vine; which although
must be tender (for not being the hard to purpose fot the plantation) dense shoots, solid,
thick, smooth, and round to be disposable the wide, rough, flabby, (or porous), the
exhausted and separate sprout; must be (also) for this effect very sprout, and carrying
part of the raised the last year in way of a cut of the bone. Adds, that is not good take
wild vine branches, the new ones or that have less than six years for the plantation. And
till here the maximum of June.
Kastos bring other more to the ones mentioned above like his and the others
authors that accompany him. He say that it misses the one who intends to make pieces
the branches to plant about not being suitable for this purpose those without in its long
seven knots from the foot after cut its arrows or peak; adding, that like this it was
practiced by the first wise.
We want, say Ibn.Hajj that the branches have seven knots; and being taken
from the plantation to go to the bearded, to be transplanted in other place, and by no
means stay where they got first, for the small that they will come to be the vines. Solon
says the same maxims mentioned before, and in summary, it is not suitable take the
branches from old vines, nor vine that have not pass the seven years; the reason of that
is because old with its temperament the spring, and being weak the natural heat of the
second, lack the influence of both heats that (or already lost) or do not have enough
energy. For which reason must discarded the branch of vine-like quality; and what
respect to him of the new, is in the same way disposable by the predominance of
moisture that is smothered or weak by the sun; for which reason not sprouting in
land, it is not suitable to take it but from the middle vine. As an example for this, the
lamp with a little oil, I which disposition, dont you see how light is dimming, and the
same is true if a large amount of oil that you throw come to cover it? Is not good to use
in the plantation hoarse bark branches that is so dominant in them dryness, nor light for
being this prove of the little substance and the dryness predominance.
The look must be then, to choose branches that have a lot of offshoot, because
wishing us that from them born a multitude of roots so they can attract the juice from
the soil by them, by the offshoots is where it is quickly spreads. Further, it will be
important cut the branches (if it is possible) with the twigs that has been born,
respective that by that zone the roots grow fast for the knots, and the earthy substance
there is, thick and similar to the temperament of the same. But if there is no willingness
to cut with the foot of the branch no old twigs, it will be very good (according Annon
and other wise farmers) not only plant the middle, thrown the both extremes up and
down, from being that weak and thin, and this rough, hard and low humidity; and if to
sprout the branch must be moderately juicy, the middle part is most than the extremes:
and if well some not taking care of this, plant it depending on what the found, and
offshoot without none of this it harm, with all that we have said, is for the mentioned
reasons and the best and preferable to root. And till here the maxims of Solon.
I have argued in this chapter, say Ibn.Hajj, the maximums that I hope (or I have
seemed) be enough to attract attention to the ones that I do no mention, and compare
them with the ones I mentioned in different places; of which if I have repeated some I
was only for please the reader, making see that the antiques where of the same opinion
in the matters that I have explained; and for becoming apparent that those clever sages
carried the same opinions, these are adopted in practice with the conviction of his
authority; and finally, because if I would claim the maximum of one without
mentioning others accompanying him would not believe would be taken for safe
without this confrontation; and so I have argued their maximum as I have found (or
literally), to support well and check more opinions.
Treating the Nabathea Agriculture of the parral plantation and others, say that
the most provided and suit land to sow and plant the vines is the thick (and the one that
in the most part is dark); and that also is without a doubt which mediates between the
very tough and tight to flabby, which naturally receiving and drinking rainwater
contains some at its center. The land whose status throw the hardness of the stone,
retains water on the surface, not suck much or attract it to the center (which lost to the
vines); but that is for vegetables and similar plants. That is not suitable for vines lands
that hiding and embedding water depth at the center and harden on the surface. An
others having some medium between the water introduced in the center and be on the
surface, are muddy and good outdoor; but at the deep of one or two cubit have a color
that indicates that is a bad quality land, and like that, to know the real quality of it, you
should do holes in different places of three cubits deep, which if the depth is the same
quality of the surface, then it is a land of good quality; and it is not good for vine if vary
the parts, either the color or other signals and provisions.
Demetrio says that it is necessary that the vine have some juice near the foot.
And about the quality land that suit for every kind of vine, affirm that being them
various, each one have their own specie. So porous and thick a little dark land is
apropos for white grape vine, whether long or round figure. And to the round between
white and green suit the smooth, sweat or moisture land; and such is excessively thick.
That for this kind of vine and the mentioned before, it not suit the thin land. The
crumble land in warm and cold times it is not suit to the entirely white vine. That the
mixed with sand it suit for the big ones, provided that they are correct the bad accident,
having to manure them with sheep dung, which takes away the lands bitterness. And
being accurate, the quality land must be contrary to the vines quality; the soft grape
must be planted in strong and har ground; and unlike the grape of this nature, in dock
and soft. The dry or hard (what it is indicated by the roughness of the skin) in moisture
land, and the naturally very juicy in hard and dominantly dry land, consequently being
intended for intermediate to these two qualities the ground between dry and wet.
Sagrit says that for the black grape vines (long or round) it is suitable the dry
surface land; and that the same, which color is more reddish with some roughness, and
tight latter color are planted in thin earth, and also in the land whose dust have a mix of
sand. In the land where grapes flourish black and reddish does not prove in any way the
white; and that among these is a specie that suit the thin and sandy land. That the yellow
grape vine (that is the more juicy of all) to plant it for the same in warm and dry land,
far from the cold and moisture; at which the field is also intended up site, wanting with
this that the place where it is located must be dry and have some distance away the
water.
That the vid of fat grape (which is such graft) do not plant but in thick and deep
land; and plant in the same the porous one, thins a low humidity. The weak vine, branch
and small branch and subtle juice, is planted in dark earth by communicating this juice
slowly and in small quantity, which is what befits such vine; which it is very subtle,
small, hard grapes, in any manner that is in the cluster, either together or separate
grains. That regard to the vine grape quality between black and reddish, si which have
more black than the latest color, as the moderately reddish od middle size grains, part
separate and part united in the cluster (that is also good), these species befits the not
very hard ground or less ease than hardness. That the grape of these two species that is a
little reddish and round is eagerly coveted by wasps and bees, as a food that is for them
pleasurable and soft; being its skin of soft texture, fixing in it he view, then it is knew to
be of exquisite taste. To these two gender of vines is helpful, thinning and throw them
relieve the branches that are sick; what executed in them sometimes during spring,
summer and autumn, they vegetate very well and take much increase.
The weak vine (the one with small and subtle or low juice fruit) it is planted, say
Kutsami, in moisture places, which humidity consists most in being strong and thick;
which is also good to have a mix of sand; because it the mentioned vine is planted in
arid and low nutritional juice land, will be more flimsy, and fruiting little, nothing (in
the end) would yield. But the robust gets better planting it in the corresponding quality
land.
The vine (according the Nabathea Agriculture) it is transplanted from soft to
hard land, from hard to soft, from thick to thin, from thin to thick, from dark to reddish,
from reddish to dark, from fertile to sterile, from sterile to fertile, from wild grass to
flat, from flat to wild grass; for being natural to the land strengthen and provide food to
what was sow in the contrary land. About the choose of the branches and the way to
preserve them until the plantation, it is say that must take the one that have one span of
elevation from the ground and to the middle of the vine from six to twenty years; and
must have the offshoots together, and intermediate smooth, compact, round and short
beads; being disposable the flat, rough, flabby (or porous) and tight offshoots. That is
also advantageously the branch that going out of the vine have been raised in a wide
place and offshoots similar to the bone slice (which are not of radical origin vines in
them we discover again).
The branches and its pieces must be planted without delay, and if the necessity
forces you to do this operation, keep (until you can execute it) Loose remaining tied in
the basement of the house underground, where they are shielded from the air and the
cold, with water spraying those before.
Enoch says that digging for this effect a pit in the vine where the branches were
cut, put in it with separation, being the boot of the pit without humidity or arid, in the
perfect temperament. We know for experience (says Kutsami) be nothing vicious
practice to put the branches in the piece capable not take them where the wind blows
toward this or that part, after dry the ground of the same of a light spray of sweet water
that must be given before. Other say that if where so little the branches that can have in
vessels, put water in them, which poured at the two hours, make in the bottom of it a
bed of good soil remaining in accordance medium covered on all sides thereof.
If befall defer planting vines (say Adan) and take care of the air dry them, keep
them in sweet water a day during twelve hours, and then plant them when still have de
humidity of the water; and it is still the better and nothing harmful, if in the mentioned
plantation you see the practice of put two or three in each hole. Mentioned in the
Nabathea Agriculture of the time to cut the branches for the plantation, and the size and
long they must have, it is said that must be done in the first five days of the lunar month,
because it hardly any is spoiled planted in those days, likewise it is its good quality
fruit: that the most suitable season to execute it is in autumn for the big and firm roots
that grow the branches then, and because when start the spring or the warm tome, take a
lot of increment and gentleness for at well entrenched that are; which plantation in the
sandy land must be executed by that time: that the branches for the vine must be cut in
the first three hours of the day, and do not differ planting (if possible) from the time
they are cut, or two or three hours later, or when more, two days and one night
(executing it) in the first four hours that run from the dawning: that this branches are
long from eight to twelve sprouts if were together, or from six to eight if are separated,
and planting them tilted and not absolutely right; which tilt, according Enoch, It must be
to the east, and have planted in holes two feet deep; and if in each one plant two, you
throw among them land so that you do not touch the other: that when planted in the
holes or deep pits, it is good to let buried or cover of soil two or three offshoots and
other four uncover in the surface: that the vine of white and black grape should not be
planted in the same place; and to plant every branch it is moderately tighten the earth,
not with his foot, but with hands (that's enough).
Masio says that not indiscriminately planted the vines in holes or in pits, in
regard to the land that is suitable for that will make the plantation in the first, it is not to
execute them in the second, for the reason that in the smooth land it has no need much,
and yes little work (which is sufficient for this reason), is where must do the holes;
which have low capacity and be round if it is possible, and two foots deep or a little
more, with three of aperture: and fixing the branches in them, fill it with earth and
manure without tightening or trace in some way so that it can (being flabby) by pores
vented their land: that the pits where the branches are planted must be in a thick and
matted land (that commonly is the thick), and the same long of the vine where the
plantation must execute, and narrow width or three feet with equal depth; all of a same
form and distance among each one, there is good to plant Lino between the two: that in
the bottom of them make one and a half spans deep where the branches are fix, (which
reciprocally distance will be pointed later) and passed the first year, or starting the
second taking the land from the surface next to the pit where are the plant, fill it with the
same covering it the foots, as the rest empty of the bottom, with some quantity of
manure mixed with dry land until leaving equal its plain with immediate to him; whose
operation is executed at the time of pruning the vines.
I.
Of the space that must be distant from each other armed and unarmed vines (or
the parrals and crawling vines).
The linos of the small vines that are laid on the surface of the earth and are not
assembled on something, must be six foot one from the other and four each other the
same vines. The armed over the trees are twenty foots distant, and these seven each
other; and half of these distances respectively on cans armed, and not over trees: from
which the most suitable to arm parra are (according Sagrit) the ones of a bark, and
(according Kutsami) are better for this effect the first males and elms, and not the trees
with a lot of branches nor too high of just over twenty to fifty cubits high, according
others; which are manure and dig, and they are given the same work the vines; as well
should be less manure and dig. Vine arm is planted with its roots (or bearded), muddy
bottom of it, at three cubits of distance in the long hole (or ditch); which after
continuous work have sprout, grown and got thick, lying it in the ground it is going little
by little closer to get close and hang him as if he wanted to do something that nobody
perceives; and threadbare fingernail the sprouts which they may have sprung, leaving
just one (from all the the little bunch) that part of the parra that must hang from the tree;
and when it is long past time has come near to prune, you should cut most of the
branches, leaving the robust, that will be a few.
It is said, that the specie of white grape, and pulling to this or another of the
same or another color (except the pure white) is very convenient arm it, that contribute
to the best thrives and quality of fruit. Some have the opinion that the vine arm over a
tree is more robust, elegant and better than the armed over tin and pole. Others give the
advantage over the armed to the lying on the ground (or crawling) because of the love to
land of this plant. It is said, that do not suit the cold places for the armed branches, and
that the not armed must clean of the sprouts, leaving one or two in each one picking out
the other (which is executed the first year), and fix a stick at short distance it rests on
tying to him with palm leaves, so that sustained not come down, in regard to how much
this harm it,
and contribute something to take root more firmly; and passed the year will
dismember the ends with iron nails so this operation contributes to its growth, and to
which the earth attracts juice that vegetate with robustness.
About the move and transplantation of the vine from one place to another, Masio
says that what strengthens and restores is move them from where they planted their
seeds and elsewhere that it was raising them with irrigation, at the place where the must
fructify; which operation is done at the third year, or second (according others) who
claim to be healthier transplanted at that time. The same adds that do not move it from
good to bad quality land; and that do not start fructify vigorously till the ten or twelve
years; or till the fifteen according others. Claim to be constant from experience, that the
transplanted vine it is raise in less time, and it is not exposed to calamities; and that the
same happens, (by Allah), if among his seedlings of broken stones boulders set
themselves.
Susado says that to robust the arborescent vines and plants, especially in the start
of its plantation, the branches come together with their sticks, mixing everything with
squash, beans and marshmallow leafs and since the moisture is removed very well to the
sun is then shake with sticks, and then throw pigeon and human excrement in same part
with some cow dung, and all that mixed and sprayed with water and left in this
arrangement to move its color and odor, put spread the moisture to dry; after which
incorporated with some garbage dust, which meets on the roads compound of manure,
and a good portion of lino straw, all well mixed, you shake strongly and incorporated
so that it looks the same thing or small dust. From which manure gender must fill the
ditch made for this effect to the vines, spraying in the same way over the water on its
foots after irrigated, for the new force that connects to that land, very useful for the
vines; which dust is also given to new and plants shortly.
II
How and when must sow the seeds of the grapes and raisins.
Demetrio cited in the Nabathea Agriculture says that take among the fat raisins
the ones that you suspect to have three or four thick seeds, that must bury all of them in
little holes from middle October to middle November, and if you are afraid of the cold
to damage them, cover it with mats fixing it at the grating side. According Adan and
Enoch, must sow them from middle to last days of March or first days of spring, and
this in all the regions from east to west; to which effect must take from the raisins, and
(according the first) also infused in oil seven days; after which you put in each hole
from seven to twelve seeds, that are cover with soil like every other seed, spraying
enough quantity of water; and irrigating again at the four days, keeping irrigating in the
same way; with which it is used to throw in the holes any milled or crushed barley. It is
also said that if the raisins were to dry they are infused and put to boil in hot water and
earth. Every kind of vine it is sow, according Masio, in the thirty day that run from the
first to last day of November for being this the time to sow and plant, especially the
first, which must be anticipated some days to the second.
If the raisins from a long time (says Susado), such as the passing of the year, are
open till uncover the seeds, they are speedily born; to which effect putted in capable
vessels and a clean place, spray with water sometimes in the lapse of twenty hours, or
with the same hot (which is best), or are taken in this one hour to fleshing all the seed at
the same time, which in this disposition are sow every five or so on each hole,
fertilizing it at the two or three years with the manure gender that was pointed above,
then are transplanted in its timely.
About the trees and plants that are usually sow among the vine, Sagrit cited in
the nabathea Agriculture that you can sow cucumbers, pumpkins and purslane, all of
which claim to be very helpful. Other affirm that the best you can sow among them is
broad beans, peas and beans; and also the greens, coriander, and small seeded
vegetables among them communicate them known advantage.
Kutsami says that at the second year sow among the vine in the wet ground,
plant that do not grow a lot nor big roots that oppress in the center of the earth, and that
his very shady hinder them sunbathing and ventilated. That at the first year plant
absolutely nothing among them, also caring that not planting any cabbage in the vicinity
by special virtue to damage them or chickpeas for what salty they are, or turnips or
radishes for that attract a lot of juice of the earth. That neither figs among the vines
(unless by cold ground) are planted, or olive trees and pomegranates; whose last trees,
according to some, refuse to approach them; while others say it does not follow from
any harm, having among the vines and trees space from twelve to fifteen feet. That
about the armed over the trees vine, being the space of them more as twenty feet up,
may well be planted between them every two years all these things, except cabbage (or
kale), radishes, turnips and chickpeas; but the first year should not sow anything. Then
we bring other doctrines with which it runs perfectly illustrate this matter.
By making the site among the various species of land that befits each vine,
comprises another authors books, that the vine prevail in smooth land, and more
advantageously in the one that being white tends to dark or some reddish, and further
humid; and also in white juicy and oiled.
Are Kastos and others maxims, that suit for the black and reddish grape the dry
land well manured; that the thin is for the yellow and green; the very small and tender
grape is planted in plains; and the hard one in juicy land: that the vines also prevail in
warm wet land mixed with thin sand and close to rivers and meadows (or valleys): that
in the thick land more vicious breed than fruitful, and finally, do not be planted in the
land of bitter taste for not prevail in it in any way, either in salty or odor.
III
How and what day and time of the lunar month in which season should made the
planting of the vines.
Put the vine of his most fruitful branches because of stubborn, or reverse to
transplant it then when have grown roots in the same way of the other bearded. It is also
planted from stakes of fructifies branches, of bunch and of little bones of the fruit,
executing this kind of plantations in different times, and always from the beginning to
the middle or the twenty four day of the lunar month, as said above trying such matters;
although Kastos say that as the plantation as the regime (or works) must be done in the
second middle of the same month. About the seasons, it is said that the vine plantations,
especially in sandy and brackish land, must be done in October by harvest time. The
opinion of the Copts is to be done in February and March (according to others) in this
month and in April in the plains areas.
ARTICLE XLVI
How the vines are planted in Seville and nearby.
Such are the maxims in this note. Take the branches, the stakes and little bones
to the plantation of the more fruitful and better shape vine, and from seven to ten years;
and with regard to the first, they are taken from towards the middle and not the superior
or inferior part of the vine, which they have yielded best bunches, and at the same time
are fairly thick, juicy, heavy, thick knots and strong; from which if are long, plant only
the half. Kastos says that you should not make two stakes from the same branch, but
throughout the entire plant, or just the half. Noting what vines that are bearable and
prodigious output, and attended the abundance and quality of the fruit, the branches of
elegantly appearance are chosen, and marked with ocher are cut later arrival the need
for planting: this operation must be executed immediately after cut, and if is not, keep
them entirely buried (just the cut extremes) in moderately juicy ground to planting it;
but that had not left in the same, or water until get to sprout, because it do not sprout
planted in that provision.
I
How the branches for transplantation are planted.
Plant it near one from the other in squares (or campus), beside ditches and
vessels, and in drylands; and after two years or more are transplanted in the way
mentioned above. But if they have to stay on the site of its plantation to fructify, there
will be done this in two ways, in holes or stake, called auger; with which is good to
execute this plantation in the ground flat and soft, dust-like sandy and islet, and near
rivers and similar places. The auger with it is planted is with this way.
Make a stake of dry oak wood and other similar, of five spans long and thinner
than the arm, in which superior part a short stick crosses to have that figure and with it
are made at sites where desires to plant the vines, drills that after full and well-drained
water is reintroduced the same, leaning upon her to hide all entirely; which extracted,
gets the branch in its place after straightening and clean of bouquets (that hath) with
sharp tool without touch its knots.
Fill of earth with the same stakes everywhere until let the drill set to snapping
after (or squeezing) around the surface of the earth with the back foot. Others say that
with this throw on the drill some dry sand, or thin dry dust and water above, to fill the
gaps that leave the stake; and leave it like that, throw again more dust, equally to
obstruct those same gaps. After ten days you give to that land a deep dig, which work is
good to reaches the end (or depths) of the branches (while the middle ground is best)
collecting well the land then, which ditch (although less deep) they are repeated several
times, that is, one in each of the winter months, if possible; because with this they come
to be rights linens (or rows) of vines: whose spaces and distances we will treat later.
II
Planting of vines in holes.
It is said, that planting in this way is better than with stakes, and that that must
be the gender of plantation in every kind of land, especially in the strong, wild grass and
the like. To which effect sepulchral pits contained are made, in right lines, of the long
and space that must distant among the vines (whose direction some want to be from east
to west), and three spans and a half deep. The distance between the planted branches,
thus in holes as in borehole, must be seven spans in the middle quality land; and till ten
(that is the most) in the very remarkable and juicy ground. Plant two branches in each
hole, so that the exit end of one side and the other on the opposite (each in their
respective line) without get together at the bottom of the hole so it does not become
narrow (or compress) his roots, lying each one right there, if was long; or a part, if
short: its top rising right along the side of the hole, will be out of the surface of the earth
(cut the weakness of the bolt or tip) one or two offshoots, and they tighten the earth with
the foot, as said above.
It is said that in the hard land is good to cover the branch with manure after
trodden and tighten from its lower end to the middle. Regardless if the branch is along
and had together the offshoots, being the purpose to leave buried eight or ten. The soil
of the hole for the plantation must be in the perfect temperament of not being to
moisture or to dry; and that this operation should not be done in windy days. That if the
planting is did on mountain or hill, choose for this effect the thick branches, and the
holes where will be planted have six spans deep, so the roots do not go bare if the land
go away; watching the same in each plant gender that is down in these two places,
especially the drylands, so that summer dryness and land not overtake its roots, as said
above. That the holes of the branches that are going to transplant after breed have less
deep than the said to have the holes for its plantation. That the branches of wild grass
vine or highland planted in moist soil very well prevail. That the stakes be of the
advantageous branches of the cited qualities, and the side of the cut or to that part of or
the middle, and that each one have three or four knots.
That the ones planted by September in big vessels new clay with surface soil,
have one or two offshoots, and irrigating them continuously without the land goes dry,
transplant them after year cover in its own earth to the camps, the same when they will
set themselves on tablets and irrigation, for being such a good practice.
III
The way of sow the grape seeds
Take the seasoned and best grape seeds after squeezed, and washed with water,
then keep them dry into new earthen vessels until the time of planting; and also take the
raisins in the manner expressed above. The time to sow them is in September when the
grape just mature; so as coming to birth in March, his wood being found hardened when
the cold comes, this will not cause any harm; which sow is done in new earthen vessels
large as of wheat and barley watching in attendance the above scheme up until they
reach, as some would, to made plants. Also planted in boxes or orchards in the same
manner, having regard to said above until the time of its transplantation, which already
said what way must be executed. Who want them to fructifies quickly graft its quills to
the second year of planting parras in armed or in vines and fruiting; executing the same
with the born of the stakes; with which operation it is achieved that effect.
At the beginning of this book was described the inverse planting, whose
seedlings (or bearded) and its stakes and little bones are transplanted from September to
march in proportionate holes to each one. The transplanted vines become in less time
the betters, and more fruitful than which are not; and they say the same thing happens to
most of the trees. The vines that may have been weakened, so sprout again with force,
have to sink in the same place and lie down, or planted in reverse its branches in any
empty sites as were said; which operation must be executed soon after landfall the
ground with the rains through November in the highland or drylands, and by January
(according Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl) in the irrigations: all which having been
explained above there is no need here to repeat. Plant also the largest vine with all or
most of their branches and all its roots in the hole quite capable and proportionate to its
size for it to be extended by spacious (or unemployed) sites of the vineyard; where is
buried entirely leaving out the branches in the sites provided and executing this early in
early autumn; whose vine is very good to water continuous (and the same transplanting
covered with their own land if possible) about what does not prevail with much
advantage unless irrigated.
The grape vine is softer and more beautiful than the vine, and that more fruitful
than this; always outstripping the transplanted vine to which it is not, although it has
planted first. The dryland parra it is planted at early November in hole sepulchral figure,
corresponding to its size, and four spans deep; in which plucked before sprouting (or
root) too, and cut its roots, which puts strong leaving one finds the right branch with a
stick; and if it be young together take part of the bark. Which part with the branch that is
on top tends and lying along the hole in the manner stated above should executed this
plantation.
The outstanding branch must put lying all of it in the hole leaving out only the
rod; which, if any broken will remain on the surface inch of your body (or nark) to
sprout there, after two years make a dig around it so deep it reaches its roots without
injury, and is clear of the grass and bushes that hath filling her then ditch earth, and
squeezing the with the foot; with whose regime fructifies the second year after planting,
always taking advantage of the irrigation. Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl says that you can
plant this last any time you want: that in the good quality land it arm at the thirty foots
high, and the same in the yards of narrow enclosure and warm atmosphere; and in the
small field, in the cold and windy not be armed at this point, but at six feet, as some say:
that in the good land must distant between each one fifteen cubits, and ten in the one of
inferior quality: that the parra without being separate from its root (or foot) plant it lying
it furrow, leaving its end and its branches in places which have a need out: and on how
to prune, is opinion was left alone three shoots; to the four years, two spinning wheels
(or forks) with four shoots each; and to the six, four) forks to each vine. Pruning of the
vines was then treated by Allah in chapter of pruned (or clearing).
ARTICLE XLVII
The plantation of sugar cane, also called sweet cane.
Accordong the Ibn-Hajj book, plant from its roots to the twenty of March. As to
what else is on purpose to it (as common opinion of Farmers Spain) the low land east
having the water nearby. Plant its roots, and from itrself, having prepared before the
very juicy ground with three different cellars, or ten bars (as they want others), fertilized
with a lot of subtle and rotten manure (or cow dung, as others say) and spread on tables
(or orchards) twelve cubits long an five wide each one. If the planting is come of its
roots, says Haj Granadino that plucked and made the corresponding holes in those
tables, them to cubit and a half away from each other are planted, and covered with
earth and manure thickness of three fingers were then irrigated every fourth day and
sprouted at the one span height then dig very good, and sprouted at the height of dig a
foot is fine, and fertilize with plenty of copy sheep manure, and continue irrigating once
every eight days until early October from which month onwards are not re-to water,
compared to that otherwise would go reeds less sweetness.
For planting where this is done of the same they have to choose the most knotty
and thick, since The first are more sprouted, and the second more juicy. These freshly
cut reeds, or shortly thereafter, are buried in the earth entirely, leaving them there until
early March, where taken then cut into pieces two feet long, and three knots according
to some, or six (according others), each one; which peeled by hand, not with tools, are
planted in the eras mentioned, burying of them four knots at the distance of a cubit each
one, and then spraying some cow dung; which is executed in autumn by September or
October, or by December (as some say) continuous watering them until they are born.
The Haj Granadino maximums and others, that opening a square hole in the
shape of a lute, in each four lines are laid, and cover the land the thickness of four
fingers, doing the same with others until complete the planting in places this planting is
done in places facing east and solariums for the month of March, or in February (as
others say); and irrigate them with sweet water every eight days one time: and they are
cleaned very well in May repeating to the same operation eight days: thereafter that are
irrigated when they have become noticeable brown of green they were; and cleaned in
August, pulling that any weak or stunted to thicken the robust. Otherwise is also
executed the plantation, and whoever wants to can use, to wit, setting right the pieces,
and cutting these by January every year; whose existence (or duration) is three,
according to Abu-el-Jair. Hj quoted says that after cutting the canes are a good work to
its roots and fertilize with manure of sheep, cattle or this walk through the lands of the
cane to the same effect achieved, that soon the earth cave manure and irrigate well in
November to let water reservoir, and it does not omit to keep the same scheme every
year so in this as in manure and dig, compared to the great utility which continues to
execute so.
On how to make them sugar, says Abu-el-Jair, in the reeds reaching the end of
its competent seasoning, in that period of January are cut into small pieces, and that
these well-trodden (or shredded) in wineries or wring similar sites in the mill; its juice
to boil fire clean boiler, and left until be clarified, then cook until it returns to the fourth
part; that he filled containers (vessels or forms) particularly made of clay (or conical)
figure is put to curdle in the shade, and to put it to aerate the sugar up out of there: and
that the reeds residue after squeezed be kept for the horses to be very tasty grass for
them; with which fattening.
ARTICLE XLVIII
The plantation of the mussa
This plant, say Abu-el-Jair, has the extremely large leaves, rounded edges, and
some thin, and each leaf can have twelve spans long and wide. According the Nabathea
Agriculture, it suits land between the dark, tasteless and mushy, and requires a lengthy
and frequent cultivation. It damaging winds especially the west and north, and take
advantage of the noon and lift. Plant a kind of onion that is formed from its roots, and
also comes making the same seasoned and ground fruit with banana roots by way of
ball; which buried to this effect on the ground must be irrigated continuously. Another
way is there to make it born, that then we will try to please Allah. According to other
books of Spanish farmers, this tree does not prevail in cold regions, it suit hot (or warm)
It grows well in low, juicy and sunny shores of some land. Hj and others say, that
planting is made of that kind of onion you have, and also the stem, like banana sheds his
foot. Are Abu-el-Jair maximums, of the same Hj and others authors, that prepared the
land of cited quality with good work, to be made the plantation near walls that look to
the East, in which it fertilized and moistened with water it is planted that booted with its
roots in the month of March in holes two or three feet at a distance of six cubits from
each other; taking care at tender that are not tighten excessively by covering them with
soil and manure: which is then washed, thereafter they will execute in the same day
once every quarter to end March, and from this time every week.
That more manure and
irrigation have covered at night in the winter to protect them from the cold, snow, and
calamities of that season, leaving uncovered to the sun by day; and that just as onion
planting its roots, that its renewal (or stalk) becomes.
Others say that this tree is planted on juicy land, and irrigate it a lot to have the
height of ten spans, that is both rising, according to the Hj and others; (the ones affirm)
fructifies two years discovered in their cup a cluster typically weighing commonly fifty
rtolos (or pounds) to a fourth part or a little less of this weight; which cut still hard (or
unseasoned) mature little by little hanging in the rooms. They add that this tree
reproduces a lot; because although the point is dry, then the fruit is cut, another happens
again: that do not plant it in reverse, plant that does not reverse, and that requires a lot
of water, so that not only it is missing or wipe moisture. Others say, born in taro (or
banana whose root is round way to turnip) expressed by the operation, and out of this,
as ingesting it; of which will be discussed later, by Allah.
ARTICLE XLIX
The plantation of the cane called arrows and other species.
It is said that cane arrows is the same as the shutter, and it is suitable for wet and
sandy terrain near the rivers, whose prodigious margins prevail, and so did the canals
and juicy low places.
But to write cane** suits dry and hard land for at thin that it is
breeding more than in another.
*This kind of Cane is solid, according to Dioscorides, who distinguishes Nastos name.
**Arab instead of pen used in this kind of cane to write his books,whose own name
among the naturalists is calamus, or cane fistula. See, among others, Laguna cap. 94 of
lib. 1 of Dioscorides, who describes this kind of cane, saying it is very fleshy, all full of
knots, and own to write.
Necessary canes for thatching houses and other uses are therefore very useful;
which do not prevail in the very cold regions, as well as sugarcane, they planted
themselves and their roots; which are pulled to this effect in January and February
without defer for later; before which is tilled very well the ground, which formed a
fathom lines distant from one another, and in them the distance to hole two feet, They
are planted in the same roots and soil cover thickness of three fingers, then giving them
irrigation of its planting. Which say that it try to do so and on cloudy days of autumn,
and fertilize with manure of cattle and cow dung, they are sometimes watered until they
reach birth.
Abu-el-Jair says that every fourth day until they sprout, and then every eight to
end of summer; that taking care to clean (or cut) the cane are cut in early autumn
without letting them after October in some way for at harmful that this delay would be
in the following year; nor be left to cut anything off the ground by the damages that this
will cause it. They also planted green cane; which purpose taking thicker pieces and
making two knots each get laid in lines (or rows) observing the regime set up; for thus
rooted and beautifully reproduced (or with much vigor). If you want, add the same
author, without left an idle ground the cane field after cutting the canes, fire boot his
stubble by October with straw or dry shrubs that throw at it, if there are none there with
which to execute; without after digging the earth, planted in her green barley and beans;
which reaped, dig later without fertilize it in any way. You should not plant the canes
where they smoked, compared to insects that engendering in them, would dry up as a
result.
ARTICLE L
The plantation of the dardar (or ash)
Abu-el-Jair says that are three their species, one fruitless, another to check the
thickness fruit, and one that often occurs, some doctors call language of birds, which
use for effective medicines. Some say that this last tree is just like Ash, and his leaf
resembles the almond.
According to Abu-Abdallah Ibn-elFasl, Haj Abu-el-Jair and
other farmers in Spain, is to aim for it to be moist soil such as by water, or by being
valley between mountains and plain: prevailing on the margins of rivers and streams to
water or near it.
May plant stake planted first reverse branch and plucked later with its roots; and
seedling in the jungle garden with its roots covered with soil are also transferred. Also
you put its grain (or fruit), sowing in pots for January and February; which seedling and
put reverse branch moved in the same provision, they are planted in the expressed
quality land or similar, in corresponding holes, and at spacious distances because of
their pomposity. The stake planted in the eras (or pictures) or beside the canals is
transposed at timely, careful to do this in autumn by the nutritional juice then and then
supply it rains; The stake planted in the eras (or pictures) or beside the canals is
transposed at timely, careful to do this in autumn by the nutritional juice then and then
supply it rains; It is a tree that prevails only with plenty of water for being spring, and
claim to be the same as the black elm and the more corpulent of all.
ARTICLE LI
The planting of Safira, which is the banana.
According to Abu-el-Jair, we are of many species and breeding near water, the
blade is like the mulberry Lawn with the difference to be somewhat smaller. There are
infertile and fruitful, whose fruit is inedible for being all poison. The Safira dyers that
help us is bring from out. Banana, according to Nabathca Agriculture is wild tree as
hardwood it is hardly amenable to the ax. It takes a lot of height in the winter, and the
fruit not edible or useful. Suffers the water, although not necessary irrigation; and its
wood is strange quality. The incense of the leaves and green branches flee beetles and
bats, and his scent is deadly to all worm especially those who grow in the gardens
between the vegetables, and you are just about most of the vermin.
According to other Spain Farmers books, According to other books Farmers
Spain, at banana suits the ground beneath, the edges of rivers and places where running
water. Also it planted in places where they can conduct the same towards the fences. Put
of seed and seedling; which moves from campus sites to silty rivers. Put then in vessels
and tables for February; which seedling is transpose in the corresponding hole in March
which it transposes seedling corresponding hole in March, and at the distance of fifteen
feet or more each other by the pomposity that has this tree. It is suit so much water; and
not plant stake not reverse branch. No active or passive admits of any tree grafting. Its
seedling brought from the edges of rivers or other places where by October there is
robbed of all or most of the leaf; and the same is done, according to Abu-el-Jair, the
elm, and the like wild oleander trees.
ARTICLE LII
The planting of oleander.
Abu-el Jair says that this plant is deadly to man, and to most of the beasts, to
which kill the extent that eat; and washing her hair and body with a decoction of the
leaves, nits, lice and the like they are killed. Oleander, says the Nabatean Agriculture,
called for antiphrasis bush blessing, contains certain death for the dog poisonousness,
the mule and the donkey, and does not bear fruit that can be made useful application in
medicine. It has embodied flower (which is the most poisonous and deadly part to such
animals so that they reach the stomach), and has no need of a lot culture not tedious
work.
If you want it grow lush and improve temperament, infused at the foot water
mixed with any kind of urine. They say it's very unfortunate tree; and someone else who
has the white flower and wood ashen, is sterile.
ARTICLE LIII
The planting bchemo, white and dark bchemo, and sifsf (i.e., sause)
Abu-el-Jair says that the sifsf or jilf is the one called salix by latin. About the
jilf species, say Ibn-el-Jazr that the grab is called salix in exotic language, and its of
so many species. Of which one has the highest sheet than the almond, white inside, and
a green-light outside; and another that is between blonde and yellow. Willow wood is
porous and flexible, and has consistency so its branches are tied not arming the vines.
The jilaf has rough flower, according to the Nabathea Agriculture, and its leaf is as the
olive tree; though wider and higher. No fruit; but it is useful for use that is made of
wood. According to other books, to the sauce and to every kind of bchemo suits the
low ground, the wet, the pier, sandstone, juicy and where waters run: for which reason it
is planted into the canals and near the wells and ponds. Put on duty and branch,
choosing to this end the new, smooth and very sprout, and discarding the rotten, the
gnarled, and lacking any good quality. And the same is to be understood with regard to
poplar plantation; which (according to Nabathea Agriculture) like the strong, sweet
land. According to other works, the best time to plant trees in these two regions little
cold is from early February to late March; whose plants are put into the canals (which
are watered every three days) close to each other so that this regime will grow in height.
Its entire branch planting is made of hole as the vine, putting it and fixing it in
the hole that was made, driving this whole operation, according to the above up with.
The dark and pompous willow, which does not bear fruit for being male, and for the
female (that is the abab) agree mentioned sites; and both he and the white are put on
duty, stake, torn branch, bearded, and reverse branch torn with all its roots, and either
planted in autumn when they are stripped of its leaf, or in January to another view,
planting them near each other, or at six cubits away from each other, so that their trees
grow in height; in which executing everything mentioned above, are armed (or hang)
the vines. The dark sauce is sort of white, and is the only tree that is cut for what that it
is harmful to his body (or trunk). Poplar wood of much use in woodworking is done,
and almost as much of the black and white willow.
ARTICLE LIV
The planting of the bush and wild rose to defend the vineyards and gardens, or
to graft roses in these bushes.
The bush is known plant. The wild rose, and the doggy, known among the
medics as nisrin it is (according to Abu-Hanifa) similar to common rose, and something
like the bush in her figure. Its resemblance to the pheniz fruit (wild barley joyo or mice),
called Dalik, is russet and also resembles the fresh phenico-balano (or by maturity date)
While it is pointed, and contains in its center as a species of wool; and its flower is a
white Rose.
According to Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel, Abu-el-Jair and others, either bush
prevails well in similar to places where land breed naturally. Transplat from its
respective places, as well as branch and seed; which purpose taken the fruit of that
wishes after mature, squeezed and washed with water, and planted seed containing after
drying in dry land by October (when the rains can irrigate) in small grooves as those
made in the hedges (or fences), and covered with a little sand or earth, giving it
continuous irrigation to rain. They also say it can be planted in January. Similarly
seasoned seed and pasting to a rough string (or rope) is sown and burying this lying on
the ground where the ground response above is continuously watered until it is born.
The transplantation of these bushes running on a whole as above cited. If the
roses are born light or away from each other, some of its branches towards the empty by
the investment operation takbis tend sites; which is good execute in autumn by the juice
then communicate them rains that day and the following.
ARTICLE LV
The planting of hawthorn
This tree is breeding in mountains and between rocks and stones, and bears the
very red and yellow fruit; whose grain contains a tender paired bones in pairs. Needs to
be relieved (or wipe) every year (and even the entire tree usually do this operation)
taking away the leaves with figure of a tool, smooth, sharp and cutting, which if it
stopped within the branches some rust would spoil withering. This tree suits not in any
way any kind of manure. One of the diseases that often befall is brought to an all or part
of its very yellow, wilted leaves, and also to discard the fruit; whose vices are corrected
(if lawn) with digging around and fill the earth ditch from another mountain or hard
ground with a mixture of gravel or sand.
But if it were transplanted into the garden of mount or place where he grew up, it
will put around land of the same place, about which with it repaired; or if raised in the
garden as seed and transplanted into another similar, or from one place to another
thereof, any weak, your remedy will be strengthening it with sprays of hot water and
blood, and strengthen land where was sown and transplanted; which it is necessary to
repeat it several times, digging around and filling the ditch and removing the soil to pile
it up well to the trunk with the land on which it was first, passing ten days of operation
to another.
ARTICLE LVI
The planting of the rhamno (or cambron) to surround the vineyards and gardens
There are many species of this shrub. One has white flower, another incarnate,
and a fruit whose use in cooked stews made; which usually occurs when very old bean a
lively incarnate, the size of chickpeas, and very pleasing to the palate taste. In this third
species of hawthorn called Arab Mosag (or hawthorn Majuelas) that already was treated
above. Planting and regime on that shrub is as expressed before the bush.
CHAPTER VIII
About the graft of some trees in others,
reciprocally analogs in many useful qualities
and way of execute on them this operation,
according their particular differences.
Says Ibn-Hajj in his book of agriculture named el Suficiente, that the graft that
Demcrito calls fixation, Kastos adding (or association), Junio incision, and Marsial
imposition, is of three genre. That the first called by Junio graft of bore, is the used in
vides, as we will explain in this chapter with the doctrine of that author. The other of
fixation is done between the cortex and wood, when the first is very thick and flowing
juiciness in each other, is the one executed to us in the olive; and the third is a piece of
cortex ripped with the bud before sprout and planted in the debarked part of another
branch, is the one used with the fig tree. That specie more common and very used on
other trees, and is executed on this way. Take the tree to where is intended to do the
graft, and from the exterior branches exposed to the sun by the noon part or east that
were fruitful last year, make some pieces of a span or more length each one, which by
the down side are evened with a knife like half span or four fingers, not displacing it but
sharpening it, ad leaving one of the sides with the whole cortex, of wood that comes to
leave each piece, as a kind of knife, with cortex by the side where must go the handle;
executing this, are placed this feathers (or spines) in water so the air wont harm them,
and going after the tree where are supposed to be fixed, if was new and with smooth
trunk, is cut with a saw over the feet, and in the left piece on the truck is done with a big
knife and stone a cleave, in which placing a pointed tool, that keeps it open, is
introduced in the same way the spine to the cortex part, in a way that their own falls
very firm and adjusted over of the cleaved wood, and after is placed another in the
opposite side. Removed the tool that was in the middle of the wood, is a adjusted this
firmly with the spines with a rope of some palm leaves (or another string), and kneaded
with some viscous and white mud with a high amount of straw, is smeared in the place
of the cut and the entrances of the spines in the wood, after placed the cortex of the
branches of the tree by (the holes of) the cleave and where the spines get in, smear it all
in a way that only stays uncovered the part of the spines that is not in it, so this way the
water wont get in and rot them, attach finally over the mud some line rags that were
well glued. Which kind of graft is not suitable to execute but when the slime begins to
flow by the wood; which been something viscous makes the spines join and weld with
it; what finish doing the job, when the slime that feeds from them becomes more
abundant. Further is maximum of Junio, that the right time to do the graft are the early
spring by not having a lot of humor the ripped branches then, or been this subtle or thin,
but dense and viscous; and also are adequate for this effects the cold times, the graft
between cortex and wood (is tone in this way).
Debark the tree, and taking a dry stick is shaped as a feather, and introduced in
one and another with a lot of care of not cleaving the cortex; which operation should not
be executed until the flow of slime by the wood, in attention to how easy the cortex is
separated from it (in that moment); been constant that the juice nutritious, dense and
thick difficult the separation, and is a cause of the cleaving of cortex. After which
removed that stick, in the same place are introduced the spines accommodating their
cortex and wood with the wood (of the tree), and attach strongly with a string of palm
smearing the place in the way described earlier; which spines for this genre of graft
must be cut and isolated as the feathers to write. The graft in the cortex of the fig tree or
other tree is done in this way. Cut with a knife the bud with courted that surrounds it
before open (or sprout), and taken all without injuries in a shape of a small tube with the
size of the thumb, is introduced in the branch debarked of the other tree, that to this
effect should have been cut that year by the winter, and sprouted new, flexible and juicy
branches;(been careful) that the stick to grafted not been thinner than the spine, because
if it was, wont sprout or even join well.
When introducing this in the branch is very useful spread around a lot of milk of
the tree, so this gets glued to the wood and the air dont gets in. which graft if was
executed in another tree than the fig tree, beside milk use hard and viscous mud to keep
it from air, as we said before. Out of this, is convenient to have it covered from the suns,
make him a shaded area with the leaves of the tree, placing them by a side of the branch
in were was done the graft; and that is the way as you must drive through this operation.
Also taking understood, that the graft executed in a new branch and smooth cortex,
spouts and joints more quickly that the one done in a old brand. For which reason many
are those who say that it must be done in this and not the trunk, and also because doing
it in many of them even if some spoil, not all are loose; but this still will happened by
mistake or excess. The graft by fixation that is done in the vines is one of those that
prevails the most; which is done in the branches of the vide in this way. Take one strong
of the middle and making a long hole, then is taken another of a good specie, which
isolated equally for both sides, is fixed to the cleave in the first after cutting the thin
part, and covering with the cortex of this for both sides and attach in a way that both of
them become one branch. Bury in this way n the dig before hole, feeding by the other
branch in which it was graft, roots the same and become stronger that the others; which
after two years,(becoming virtuous enough to) extracted from the juice of that soil, the
vide is cut; executing it in all branch, that was grafted. After Ibn-Hajj pleads the
maximums that he have found of some wise ancient agriculturist about the grafting, so
who read this book can deepen more (in the doctrine).
In the trees, says Junio, which cortex was thick and juicy, and the slime were
attracted from the soil, is convenient to do the graft in between the cortex and the wood
of the tree, placing there (first) a stake of hard wood, and taking it out lather to place it
again; which is done with care and slowly so the cortex wont cleave, that is necessary
be very careful: which kind of graft is the one that is most needed in the fig tree, the
cherry-tree and the walnut. Further is maximum of Junio, that in the trees of thin and
dry cortex, the graft must be done in the wood because the juice is in the middle of it,
cleaving it first by the side that holds the bud; which must be done in these two ways,
fast and promptly. The branches that were wanted for the graft are cut with tool, taking
them from the trees of the best specie and very fruitful; which must be flexible, fresh,
elegant, straight, smooth, with thick buds and with one or two shoots been this the fruit
of this branches better than the others, and having they fructified already in the tree
from they were cut; and is very good take them to the side that looks to the east and
noon, and not to west and north; which thickness is not convenient to be bigger than the
little finger, so in this way the cortex of the tree were are going to be graft wont cleave;
which is executed in the place that was smooth, even, thick and without knots.
And when we look for the best one to graft, will happened sometimes find this
over the ground level. All the cleaved wood and opened in the trunk with the saw must
be flatten with the butteries, planted there in the moment of grafting; (which if was)
bunch will be convenient to reduce the end, avoiding to touch the cord (or heart), to give
it the shape of a knife; this is, complete and thick by one side, and thin and subtle in the
other, giving the cleave of the trunk where it should be placed the thin side; the one
must fall next to the wood, and the side of the cortex with the cortex, having first a stake
of stele placed on the clave at the moment of place it in the trunk, and take it out
carefully after to place the scratched (or smoothed) part of the spine; which shouldnt be
on there more than the time enough so it wont dry or spoil. Is very good to place in the
trunk of single cleave two of the bunches that in it were graft; and if these were too big
and were done on it two, should be careful when grafting them about tighten them too
much and suffocate the smoothed part that will be inside them; which must be not less
of two fingers long, and longer if were possible.
Placed this bunches and secured with strings are smeared with not cracking mud;
for this is not suitable the red clay, because it will burn them if they were smeared with
it; but the white does work, and also the mud that are at the margins of rivers; which is
more convenient for the ligaments quoted before, and even for glue them as much as
wanted. Some follow the opinion of not graft with north wind. If it was too thick the
trunk of the tree, will be better one of his branches to do the graft in them in the way
expressed. Must be know, that all graft done by the end of a tree, by bunch or bud,
makes the trunk thick, but that gets old quickly and sick; opposite to what happened
when is done in other place or in the middle of the trunk, which last longer; and that
must be guarded from bugs attach to them some net at the moment of giving the
branches, because been these thin and tender, the birds dont break them with their
flapping used to stop to rest on them; and further must be know that the bunches of the
graft must be cut of the tree before they sprout.
According Junio, says Ibn-Hajj, the graft of the vines brings some kind of
pilgrim that I have not seen before and besides him, nobody ever mentions it. Called
graft by drill, which he said to be exquisite by carry the vine along with his fruit of the
other that will ingest it. Which operation is done in this way. Pierce with a drill the
trunk of the vine under the ground and extending a branch of the one that is beside it, is
introduced without peeling it by that hole, so in this way vegetate, so the part of his old
feet receiving from him the nutritious juice, as the one of drilled trunk which was
ingested, which joining in a lapse of two years, is convenient in this disposition cut it
and serve it from his old feet, further cut with a saw whatever was outstanding in the
drilled spot, called cuernezuelos: and like this is how they can be introduced branches of
several species in a single vine to give bunches of equal variety.
Treating about the graft of the olives (says de the same author), because not all
these trees are of the same nature, about been some of thin cortex, others of rough, some
grow quickly, and others slowly; those with thick and juicy cortex should be grafted in
their own kind, and those of thin and dry cortex, in the wood by reason of been the
healthier (or better) graft the executed in the body of the tree. Adds, that are different
the times to do this operation on the olive tree; since in the warm places is executed
before than in cold ones, beginning the most (late), according the common custom, in
the vernal equinox until it is born (or uncovered) the constellation aguila, that is by the
five of July. We have already told several times, that the tree must be graft in another
with similar cortex. And here we finish the maximum of the quoted author.
Demcrito says, that the trees with thick and juicy cortex, as the olive and the fig
tree, should be grafted in it, and the trees as the citron and the vine and similar in thin
cortex trees as their own, be cleaved in the middle of the trunk, and there done the
operation smearing the graft with white mud, and not with red, by reason that it burns
the branches.
Kastos brings (for this propose) some proverbs, and (are reduced to) the
branches of the graft (of any tree or plant that were) livable and with the meatiest and
delicate fruit: that any bunch for the same effect should be cut with a sharp sickle; and
haves two or three shoots and the thickness of an little finger: that must be scrape two
fingers without touching the cord; and the mud that should be smeared should be white
and not red because of this last one will burn it.
Who wanted, says Sidags, have a pilgrim eatable fruit before time, take his
seed and plant it on good quality and manure soil, irrigate it continuously until it born
strong and fixed, the haulm must have the thickness of the little finger, and going to a
tree of the same kind cut it, and do a cleave, fit that bunch on it; and like that it will give
the fruit earlier that if it was placed on his own feet; what doesnt stop being a strange
and pilgrim thing.
ARTICLE I
In this article, says Ibn-Hajj, is about the graft about some trees on others
according the maximums that bring on their books the agriculturist, quoting the author
for each, and claiming them according what is on is work. Sometimes we repeat some to
show the concordance of the authors over these things. In this way, befall to quote many
times in this book some maximums of Junio, in which Kastos or others agree. But this
mention and repeat of the authorities that here were mentioned here translated (or
extracted) of each other, will be in favor and grace of the reader, which will confirm
himself seen the authors of the doctrines agree on the topics that will be exposed
solidly, supported and confirmed.
Agree the agriculturist (continues the same Ibn-Hajj) that is very profitable the
grain grafted in their own specie, which I by myself have seen also: but many of ours
naturals reprove this practice. The citron, says Junio, is grafted as the vine, in which is
grafted in the mulberry-tree; and the own citron and apple-tree reciprocally, which apple
grows naturally incarnated, and if were graft in the banana. The cherry-tree wants to bee
grafted, and is done in the vine. Is notorious that the peach-tree is a tree that ages
quickly; but if is grafted in the plum-tree and the almond, will last longer, and if it was
on the first will give big fruits. And here finish the maximum of the quoted author.
Demcrito says, that if the citron is grafted in the mulberry-tree it gives the fruit
blonde; also that can be grafted by seed, and the quince receives the graft of all trees.
And here finish his maximum. N other place of his book affirms, that the apple-tree that
was grafted in the pear-tree, quince and pomegranate; the vine in the black plum, and
the yellow plum in the apple-tree and citron.
The fig tree, according Kastos, is joined to the mulberry-tree; and the chestnut,
the hazel, the apple-tree and the pear-tree adapt themselves very well in between them;
which graft is use to be done in the cortex out of the feet, and also can be grafted in the
new seedling of the pear-tree. The trees that requires to be in this last one are the
pomegranate, the quince, the mulberry-tree and the almond; and if the pear-tree himself
was grafted in the mulberry-tree will give a red fruit. The seedling of the apple-tree is
joined to the pear-tree and the quince, and also to the plum-tree in which satiation gives
an incarnated apple. The peach-tree is joined to the plum-tree, almond, pear-tree, appletree, and quince. The chestnut-tree to the walnut, the Holm oak and the hazel-tree. The
quince to the pear-tree. The apricot with the plum-tree and almond. The very juicy
citron , been of thin skin, use to be join to the apple-tree; and joined to the mulberrytree, gives a red fruit;(and finnaly) all this trees can be joined to the quince. The Docto
Sadihames says, that the pomegranate is joined to the citron; and that the sage KarurAnthos affirms, that when is joined the branch with the vine of to tree jaksiah, that is
the cherry-tree, the whole vine gives the fruit by spring, and also the olive is joined to
the vine. I have present (adds Ibn-Hajj) that Sadihames claim be for the fruit trees the
best graft the one executed by seedling of the apple-tree in the citron and in the plum;
which grafted in those two species fructifies twice by year. That the pear-tree does a
good marriage with the apple-tree himself
and the quince; the fig tree with the
mulberry-tree; and with this the pomegranate, which sprouts very well on it, that is very
good the graft of the mulberry-tree on the holm tree and the chestnut; and that the
walnut is grafted in his own specie; and is maximum of the same Sadihames, that
prevails the pistachio grafted in the walnut and in the almond. Casiano
in his
agriculture book affirms that Karur-Anthos, having seen on some regions olives grafted
on vines and eaten his fruits, I found that in the flavor of the olives and the grape are
perfect seasoned.
Marsial says, that the vine is grafted in his own kind; that the apple-tree the same
and in the pear-tree; the olive on the sylvan olive; the peach-tree on the almond, the
plum-tree and himself; and the citron in the fig tree, sylvan fig tree and the pear-tree.
And here finish his maximums.
Is opinion of Samayos that the walnut is grafted in the fig tree, pear-tree and
plum-tree; the citron in the fig tree and the pear-tree; and the cherry-tree in the plum.
That the citron grafted in the pomegranate gives red fruit. That the pomegranate is graft
on the willow; the peach-tree in the pear-tree; the plum in the apple-tree, the quince,
apricot and pear-tree; the citron and the apple-tree reciprocally; which the first grafted n
the mulberry-tree gives a red fruit; the pomegranate prevails advantageously in the
myrtle and the willow; the pistachio is graft in the elm; and the almond in the pistachio.
Says Ann, that the domestic pear-tree is grafted in the wild and in the
hawthorn, the walnut in the plum, the apple-tree in the pear-tree, the peach-tree in the
almond, the plum, apricot and willow: and here finish his maximums
I have expressed, says Ibn-Hajj, the trees that I remember are refereed to can be
graft each other; which admits a nice extension. Perhaps will be say that some of these
trees are far from sprouting and joining in between usually, attended its analogy. But
who opposed to this we answer , that the ignorance that haves on this (topics) comes
from the little experiences that have also formed our nationals, and by the infancy (in
which is still) our century; and in this way ignoring them by this cause , is not reason
enough. What is more improbable to graft than the rosebush and the almond? And
nonetheless it sprouts and blooms by the autumn; which is true as the fact that there are
many close to Sevilla and other provinces of Spain. What is the proportion on these
trees? (I ask) also the branches of the vines grafted in broom sprouts and cast a bitter
grape, and further the fig tree grafted in the oleander gives bitter figs. Ibn-Arnn told
me, that having him grafted the olive to the apple-tree it sprout and prevails with
freshness, and also grow even more. Also the Alfaqu Ali-Ibn-Chenhb told me have
seen grow very well the graft of pear-tree in pomegranate. Which all been (as it is)
weird, and pilgrim, why must be denied (or doubt) some of the things that with luxury
of details were left by the wise men written on their books? Been this the principal
reasons for those who deny some of the things mentioned up.
The author of the Nabathea agriculture says, that the graft of any plant is
convenient to be executed in which were more close and similar in qualities. So, when
you graft a tree in another, do it in those who is similar in specie, shape, fruit,
corpulence, in effect to them react reciprocally; which when happens, they prosper and
vegetate by the similarities and reciprocal union. The ancients pretend with the graft
give some of this trees the nature of others, give them a mutual equivalence, and vile in
their condition or fruit, make them useful and appreciable; the same in the operations
ordered to their improvement.
Is said in the Nabathea agriculture, that if chopped a thick branch of the sebestn
(or rowan) is grafted in the olive, this gives the olives of big size, white, round, and
graceful to the sight and that gives a very white and sweet oil. That if the apple-tree was
grafted in a pomegranate, his fruit acquires the size and the same sweet flavor of the
pomegranate: and that if the pear tree is grafted with the citron, takes the pear the smell
and color of the fruits of citron, without on this two qualities can be distinguishes one
from another; that if the hackberry-tree were graft in a sweet apple-tree, gives an
hackberry with the size and sweetness of the apple (which is not common in all graft of
tree by seed); that if the pear-tree where grafted in a mulberry-tree, the fruit that
produces is soft and sweet, with an admirable taste, and more early than all others peartrees; for which is necessary a condition that will be treated later in another chapter.
Trying the author of the Nabathea agriculture about the time of grafting it say, that is the
heat is strong in May, the slimes get very thick in the trees and the vines, and their
bunches dont get along; in this condition is not good do by that time any graft. Others
agriculturist of Spain treating the topic, explain more and illustrate what was said before
saying, that the graft accelerates the fructification or about his utility more than the
seedling, and that comes to be some planting of branch in the trunk of another
corresponding tree; which shouldnt have a dense slime so the branch comes out from it
with gallantry, and fructifies as if it was in his own tree; which advantage consist that
giving earlier the fruit it overtakes his utility, or in that changes his color in another
more refined, or that comes to be more copious, or switch his taste from bitter to sweet,
or from small to bigger in the same kind.
Another (of the advantages of the graft consist in) been some trees which fruit is
manifested more abundantly in flower (or bud) that when is leaves that weak state as the
pear-tree and similar if is grafted the one that already fructifies on a new tree; this one
will be even more fruitful. The same happens with the apple-tree in which specie the
grafted is more fruitful that the one that isnt; and further the trees transplanted from the
mounts to orchards. The nawmi (or reproduced branch) of a tree of disadvantageous
quality is precise to graft it for it to be very fruitful. Likewise if is wanted that the plant
born from seed or fruit to fructify early become useful in little time, graft it when had
the thickness of the thumb finger in a fructifying tree of the same species, and the effect
will be reach. Also is grafted a tree in another to difference them; so the rosebush
(grafted) in the almond flowers at the same moment that this tree; what happens in al
graft with his improvement in the nature and taste of his fruit, taking one the nature of
the other, or becoming in it by equivalence.
The grafted more advantageous is the executed in the tree of the same species as
from apple-tree to apple-tree, vine to vine, olive to olive, and domestic to wild tree.
Also is grafted the tree in which was similar and analogous to him in many aspects, or
that concurs with it either on shape (or figure) or corpulence; which receiving it , joins it
very well. Further are similar some trees to others (beside the quoted qualities) on the
size o their leaves, the moment of the sprouting and falling of leaves, and the same
about the maturation of the fruit, and the convenience of their humor been heavy, light,
or milky in his substance, or having the same smoothness on their fruit, or been this
from seed or nugget, on the hardness or softness of the wood. Those (trees) are
improved with the reciprocal graft as testifies the experience. On the contrary that those
which proprieties have some variations, for example, those that for sight or exterior in
nothing said before were analogous or similar, are mutually contrary, and cant be
grafted in between, because they dont sprout; unless that his advantage and sprouting
was experimented before; which warning (as any that) was reduced to a principle that
falls low in the sense of view, must work as directive rule (only), could be maybe in
between them some sociability that the eyes cant discover. Those are the quince, the
apple-tree, and the pear-tree wild and domestic, which each one is well received in other
species even if prevails grafted in his own, which trees are mutually close and similar
one with other in many of their proprieties, be the fruit, the seed that this haves, their
taste, or juiciness, or maybe other qualities; in which even if the differ in somethings,
the experience says that they prevail grafted among them.
By been close in similarities of some of them the azerole, that have his fruit
round (even if with shell), grafted the pear-tree on it sprouts and prevails with
advantage. Further the peach-tree, the ajis (or plum) bull eye, the apricot, and all trees
that had any specie, prevails with advantage grafted in their own. And this tree trees
having a mutual similitude in many of their proprieties, (as been) of bone, have meat
that covers it sweet and smooth, been gummy and oily (their juices) milky, is constant
that they prevail grafted among themselves; in which is said that grafted also the
almond for some similarity that haves with them in some qualities, prevails very well,
also the fig tree, the wild fig tree, the mulberry-tree, and all the trees of many species
grafted in each others prevail, sprouting very well by the mutual similarities in many of
the quoted qualities, and by been milky; which is constant by experience. Also is said.
That the fig tree grafted in oleander prevails and gives bitters figs; without any
other similarity between this trees more than having soft wood, and be a little milky the
slime of the oleander. Some agriculturist procuring to show the convenience, contrariety
and opposition of the trees, bring some sing that place as principle that is frequently
used which never fails (or is true and sure). Is then, that having seen concur (some) trees
in a propriety, they have distributed in four class: I oily, that are all those that inside and
outside of the fruit contains a lot of oil as the olive, laurel, mastic, ash, terebinth, and
similar; II gummy, those of many gum as the peach-tree, apricot, bulls eye plum,
almond, pistachio and similar: III aqueous, which (genre) is divided on two, which
some say be of light juice, those who lose their leaf in cold times, as the apple, quince,
pear-tree, vine, the pomegranate and similar; and the IV those of heavy juice, as the
olive, laurel, the holm oak, the cypress and similar. Established then the quoted four
class by head (or supreme genre) that call mother of the species, affirming that been
each opposite to the other, any tree contained on one must be grafted on the others;
unless it is by drill, that is the graft called as fixation, or by the other operation known
as blind graft, that will be treat later. But that all the trees comprehended in the supreme
genre are grafts reciprocally (worth to know), the oily in oily and the same respect to the
milky, the gummy, and aqueous about their light or heavy humor.
Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl haves the opinion that all the trees that are close to
another genre prevail also grafted reciprocally, and like this is convenient to graft some
oily in others gummy, which graft prevails more that others; adding, that are more
robust and firm that the graft of the gummy that the aqueous. All the trees then, the
singular on their genre, as those who have mutual similitudes, prevail along grafted; If
this is executed in the time and air convenient, and have guarded the place of the graft
(so those of specie any common with others (as) those similar along in all or more of
their qualities) with good mud of potters, (except) those that were similar in some things
as the whiteness of the wood; which graft must be placed on vessels full with good
quality soil, or be underground; of all that were treated later Insha Allah; even if is very
good also have the graft of all specie of tree placed and guarded in those vessels.
Of the trees that prevails grafted in each other is the olive on all his species and
in the wild called rambh; grafting on makes it fructify advantageously and abundantly
every year: (this is why) wont omit execute this kind of graft. The laurel is in some
proprieties close to the olive, because both are oily and of heavy slime, and blossom,
give the fruit and mature it on the same time; with the difference that having the laurel
the leaf more long and with raised point (or straight). Whose trees say that raft
reciprocally sprouts and prevail. To this are close also the mastic and the ash, which
grain is oily; those are say sprout among them. And the same they say about the
terebinth also close to it in the similarity, but in the fact of losing his leaf and having of
them some quality to dye, Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl says be more convenient graft the
laurel in the olive than the olive in the laurel. Casio assures, that been the olive analog
to the vine prevails grafted in it; and according other authors, it produce along both
fruits.
According Kastos, if is grafted by drill a stem of them in the feet of the same
over the ground, gives sweet olives as the grapes, if was also the ground sweet: that the
seedling done by vine grafted like this produces the grape with the mixed quality of
both fruits; and also the olive add to the vine moves the flavor of the grape, making it
similar to the taste of oil; finishing, with should support the vine in a stick so it can
carry th fruit of the grafted olive. Those are the maximum (of the quoted authors) about
the olive and the vid, nevertheless if there are not the proportion of similarity on this
trees, because the slime of the olive is heavy and oily, and soft is the slime of the vine;
among them there are some virtue of sociability that is not manifested. Is constant, that
the olive prevails grafted in the apple-tree; and equally it is by experience, that the
pomegranate prevails in his own species, particularly if is grafted after the sprout and
little naked of leaf, further is grafted in the baluster, that is his male and one o his
species; which are very similar in between, but in the lack of fructification, that is the
privation of the last. The myrtle and willow are confused in this way as the pomegranate
and the baluster, but dont about losing the leaf; which is said they sprout grafted
reciprocally, and the same the pomegranate in the broom, Berber and buckthorn; which
grafted in between they sprout.
The pomegranate (says Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl) prevails very well grafted in
the willow and the same the pear-tree in his species and in the wild (that is the barjn),
in which use to fructify by the year; and also is grafted in the quince and the apple-tree.
Others say, that in the willow, the banana, elm, hackberry, and rowan; and this along
receives it when are grafted; and that also can be grafted in the pomegranate, as is
proved by the experience. The apple-tree is graft, in his species, been as him in some
common proprieties, and also in the tragacanth and quince reciprocally; that is tasted
than the sweet grafted in the bitter becomes bitter. They say, that the apple tree and the
citron grafted among by drill, when their branches are touched in between, prevails
giving along both fruits: that the best fruit trees that can be joined to the apple-tree are
the citron and plum; and if in one of them were grafted the apple-tree it gives fruits
twice at year, so his owner wont stop eating them by summer or winter.
The graft of the quince in the pear-tree, says Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, sprouts
without knotting differently in the place. Grafted the same in apple-tree, sprouts quickly
and stronger that if the apple-tree were grafted on him, and receives well any tree of
light slimes that were grafted. The vine is grafted in all their species; and some say that
grafted in the broom by cleave under the ground, as wants Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl,
gives a bitter grape. Others say, that grafted in the olive, and others that in the mulberrytree, which graft something was said up. Others affirm, that in the vine is grafted the
sumac, apple-tree, the pea-tree and the quince, and this reciprocally; that the pistachio is
grafted in the almond, the peach-tree in his species and the apricot, and this last one
grafted in fertile ground produces a very good and taste fruit; in that way is also grafted
in the cherry-tree and almond, in which gives the pip sweet as the almond, according the
book of Kastos; and that the same happens with the peach-tree, which graft is done in
January; that the cherry-tree and the black plum are grafted reciprocally the plum in the
apricot; the almond in the same species of plum and in the pistachio; and this last one in
the almond, and the willow as other want. Say that the almond in any way can be
grafted in the pistachio; the fig tree is grafted in all his kind with a good success, in wild
fig tree, and mulberry-tree and this one on it; and that grafted in oleander gives bitters
figs, that the black plum (ajis) can be graft in all his species and also in the almond;
and the yellow plum in the apple; that the sweet and bitter and sour citron can be graft
reciprocally in the same way that the vine; and in the same citron the fig tree; and
finally the citron sprouts at the shadow of the pomegranate grafted on it; even if the Hj
Granadio found not been this secure by experience.
The fersd, that is the mulberry-tree, sprouts in the fig tree (according to
Abu-el-Jair); but the worm of silk hates his leaf; and also in the wild fig tree (which
trees are grated along); and equally is told that the willow (or poplar), in walnut,
azerole, apricot, cherry-tree and plum. The wild myrtle is grafted on the pomegranate,
him and the laurel reciprocally; and the first in the mastic, this in the laurel, and at
contraire in terebinth, in which is not graft. . Is said, that the laurel is grafted in the
olive with good rate, in terebinth and mastic; and also there is the opinion that in appletree, even if this is cant be grafted on it. The rosebush is graft in the wild called nisrn (
that is the white or Chinese), and bramble; and is told, that also in almond, in which the
experience says that spouts before time, further in the baluster and the vine; for which
are formed the spines of the branches harden that are close of the feet bury in the
ground, in which effect is this is dig the more alike for his consistence.
The jasmine is grafted in arthi, that is the specie of the same but yellow, and
thin, that is the wild of the own genre, or the jaizirn. The oleander is grafted in the fig
tree and the mulberry-tree, and also is said that in the hackberry, ash, and vice versa.
The ash in margosa. The eggplant in the bush of cotton by cleaves under the ground,
and this one in the eggplant. The seed of pumpkin in Scylla (sylvan onion), which is
proved by experience. The seeds of sea cucumber, melon and cucumber in plants of
borage and pumpkin; is told, that the seed of the melon is grafted on the rhamno (or
buckthorn), lily, mulberry-tree, althea and fig tree and that the genus muze, with the
genus colocasia. Later will be told the way to execute all this operations; which you will
do successfully, having present and adding the explications of the book of Ibn-Hajj and
the Nabathea Agriculture, combine them wwith this maximum particulars or commons
(in which quoted authors discern or agrre).
ARTICLE II
About the time to graft the tres
Says Kastos, that the principal time where is use to do the graft in the most part
of the trees is since mid February until ten or mid March, as other author says; and also
is say, that when the slime of the tree flows in the wood; which is said that beginning to
flow by early January, is suitable at mid February, and flowing slowly by mid March,
and finishing April and May, returns to the feet of the trees by October, November and
December, all proportionally according the trees and the quality of their respective
slime, light or heavy. In total, the time to graft any tree is when the one who gives the
spines for the graft is about to sprout and display the flower, which is called
concupiscence (in his genre); which spines were grafted in the tree of similar
disposition, and is not bad if (by his natural constitution) sprout this before (of showing)
his concupiscence the other from where the spines were taken; and even s very good
about the trees that get naked of leaves. But those who dont get naked of leaf as the
olive, the laurel, the carob tree and similar be graft mostly since mid March until late
May, o until the twenty four of June, as I have prove and have succeeded with the olive;
the reason of it is, because the heavy slime of those trees flows early in some than
others; and is know the suitable time to do in them the graft, doing a small cut with a
sharp tool and subtle in the cortex of some of his branches by the four sides; which
ripped off carefully , if would notice on it the wood wet, this shows that the slimes
flows by it, and that it is in good disposition for the graft; and if happened the opposite,
the operation will be differed until it shows great moisture.
Some trees have their times (close to the graft); so its say that the fig tree is
grafted by tube and bud since the twenty four of June until mid August, and by cleave to
the feet of the tree under the ground, replenishing this after; or in his branches placing
them on big vessels filled with the same by the months of December, January and
February; that the mulberry-tree be graft on the fig tree since mid February until mid
April; the peach-tree in the apricot since mid January until mid March; the apple-tree in
his own kind since mid April until mid June; and that the almond in the rowan are graft
in January as virtue of fecundate and dress (with leafs) earlier than the most of the trees;
the pomegranate and the baluster in the last ten days of February by spine of old branch;
the pear-tree domestic and wild, which graft say the common people execute the ten
day of February, and chose to do it the first day of the lunar month, and the serene days,
not windy or cold.
ARTICLE III
How must be cut or cleave the trees for the graft, and the time for this operation
The olive must be lop by this (effect) letting it at the height of a men, or a little
more, in that moment must also be done the graft, which is executed immediately after
without delays; which practice shows to be safe by the experience. Some say, that for
this effect, cut it in January, and others on February, and smear the place of the cut with
white tough mud, attach it very tight over with some rags so the rains dont remove it,
and that after, at the moment of foing the graft be chopped again under the same spot,
like span or more.
Abu-Abdalah Ibn-elFasl and other authors say, that let in the tree the branches
and bunches that could hold in reason of his robustness or weakness, cutting all the
others that oppress it, with conformity that leaves the fourth part until the half of the
branches; because if in reason of that oppression were left one or two (only), the juice
will flow tightly by it, and this will harm the graft; and by contrary reason, if were
grafted all or most of the branches, the distribution of this juice will cause the weakness
of the graft. For which reason is convenient leave for the same the number of branch
corresponding to his robustness, apart from the others, looking to the first be the most
robust and straight and those weak and twisted; which should be cut by root of his foot
(and all equally without leaving any higher than others) with sharp tool and with
delicateness, so those that were left dont have any clave, or by this will cause them
perjury.
The vine, the almond the rowan and similar are chop in the same way like mid
span or little more, and until the whole span under the ground, reposing the same after
over the graft; which if wanted to execute in the trunk, cut the formed vine at the height
of a men or more, execute this at the point in that place, placing a vessel in that spot that
were will after with soil. The almond and the rowan are cut by a cubit or little more of
the ground, and done there the graft are reunited there covering this with soil, and been
careful to step on it, remove (or rip) the spines; o well placed the graft in the vessel of
mud, is fill this after with sol of good quality, and same for the graft of the fig tree and
wild fig tree, o were executed in cleave. The apple-tree, the pear-tree, the plum, the
cherry-tree, the pistachio and similar trees, if were going to be graft in the trunk, are lop
close to the ground as a cubit, or more until the height of a men, chopping the branches
of it in the same way as the olive, and will be done that at the moment according their
respective shape; which graft in the trunk and the branches is very good by the guarded
it will be in this conditions, and because there prevails in less time compared to others.
The cut of the fig tree and the wild fig tree to graft them by tube and bud is done in the
superior part by January if were weak or little weak, and by February if were robust,
lopping al the branches if were big, or is executed in the olive, leaving it on that state
until growing others will be done in those the graft, that (Insha Allah) we will treat later.
Is preferable the graft in cleave, were the best place to do it is in the branch that were
very smooth, even, fatty and soft; that will be saw by the best spot, cutting and
separating (first) with a sharp tool the place where will get in the saw; which iron at the
moment of sawing (if were stopped or stumbles) a wet rag is used to wipe, without
using oil in any way.
The cleave is done in the middle of the branch or the trunk with a knife of subtle
sharpness of with the shape of the butteries used to flay the beasts; which edge must
have the long of a finger, and be subtle, straight and even as the one in the secateurs so,
cutting more than cleaving, it is done straight; (which effect) having it firm with the left
hand is placed on the branch hitting it with a stone or a hard stick half finger deep; and
removed with care, is cover that cleave with a cloth so the air wont harm it until fixed
in it the spines; which is done quickly and without any delay. Which operation will be
treated in his respective article (when were speak of the way) of scrape or smooth those
spines, having further present what was say up, taken of the books of Ibn-Hajj and
other Authors.
ARTICLE IV
How to keep or guard the spot of the graft in the trees after the fixing it on them
On this subjects is said, on their respective books Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, Hj
Granadino, Abu-el-Jair and other authors, that the best to keep the places of the graft
after fixing in them the spines, is with tough mud of good soil and sweet, because of his
coldness, moisture and viscosity, or pure soil with any manure, after well kneaded slight
straw. Whose mud is planted over the necessary quantity since the very cleave until the
third part or more of the spine, or until were discover the long of one finger or less, one
or two buds if were a vine or similar plants, attach over all with rags very tight that keep
it from the burn of sun, and avoiding that the air dries it, or that get inside it water or
ants. The graft of the vine and similar is placed in a new vessel of mud filled with soil.
They say, that belting with rags the place of the graft after attach it tight with a string of
palm very twisted smear over it with mud, been sure also this and attach it with some
rug. The trees that in were this is done are those of hard wood as the apple-tree, the
pear-tree the quince, the plum, the olive, the pomegranate and similar; and in some of
the soft wood as the vine, fig tree and similar, this operation is done under the ground, if
were grafted by cleave replenishing the soil dig over the graft with half span or more to
the trunk since over the clave. The spines that were too big (are placed) in new mud
vessels drilled by the bottom, according to the branch gets across that hole, which are
filled with good soil mentioned before, or another similar of the surface. Preparing the
number of this vessels before execute the operation, and been of a size proportionate to
the trunk or branch so they work according the thinness or thickness, be careful that the
place them in the middle of the place of the graft, similar to the called almohabes, or big
pots; or will be make, if there were none, of esparto, creeping palm or junk with a hole
in the bottom where can join that branch; which introduced, will pass the vessel over the
spot of the graft, until that concluded the operation will be upload so the graft stays in
the middle of the cup, tied under the vessel around the branch a string very tight that
comes as pad, that impedes the vessel to fall, keeps it firm; which must be executed
delicately.
Filled the vessels with soil of the good quality expressed, will be tighten
carefully, avoiding to move and separate from his place the inferior half of the spines;
which soil must be continuously wet so it wont get overly dried, according a AbuAbdalah Ibn-el-Fasl maximum and other authors; should be, or irrigated every third
day or place over it a marine sponge or wool soaked in water since the evening taking it
out in the morning, especially in the in the rigorous of the heat; or place over the graft,
according Kastos, one cruet fill with sweet water drilled in the bottom (because if is not
drilled and filled with water cant be passed the graft of the olive in other trees), over
which is hang so from there it distillates the water, which once consumed is refilled
because of the dryness of the vegetation of this tree; subject that was treated before in
the article about his planting. The trees that requires vessels precisely are the rosebush
grafted by root in the almond, the vine, the fig tree and the wild fig tree, as well grafting
this two in between or with another of their respective species by cleave, or by steelyard
over the ground. The reason of which (according Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl) is because
the air quickly harms the wood of this trees; and by this is not questioned the need of
the vessels filled with soil (as it was said before) and that this should be wet with water,
for the graft of the fig tree in mulberry-tree or rowan, from olive to laurel, and from
laurel to olive, or new mastic, from apple-tree to althea, from almond and plum to
apricot, from cherry-tree to plum, from apricot, from apricot to peach-tree, from
pistachio to almond, from citron to orange-tree, lemon or zamboa, from vine to vine.
Those who doesnt need vessels, been enough the soil and rugs in the way
expressed up (even if the using of vessels gives them beauty and prosperity) are the
graft of olive and his own specie, the pear-tree and quince, and this two on it; the
pomegranate in his kind, and also in baluster that is one of them, and the black plum
now as bulls-eye in his kind; the same with the graft o the almond and vines executed in
his respective specie under the ground and in broom, and other similar trees. For the
grafts that were done late, past their principal and own time, is very good and essential
the use of vessels. I grafted some spines of sugar pear-tree in a big quince that because
his lack of even places that worked for the graft, but like a span of the ground, there I
executed and introduced by the superior side a big vessel as jar that was fill with soil
(according the maximum quoted up) sprout, grow at the year ten spans, prevailed well
and gave fruits; and after years later breaking the vessel and taking it off the ground by
the feed of the quince, here rotted all the root, others were become the spines that
penetrate by the soil of the vessel until hind in the ground, which were (the
graft)feeding the graft; but not been this able by his weakness take the superior weight, I
come back to apply the other vessel placing in it the graft and filling it with soil, and in
this disposition hold some years, I broke it later; and finding the same roots, I apply a
stick to help him hold his own weigh , which caused to it grow thick as the pear-tree,
and that keep giving fruits many years after. Which is the evident proof that for all trees
(be mutually analog or of contrary nature) is preferable the use of vessels before rugs
and mud.
I saw in Sevilla an illustrious man, but ignorant agriculturist, that having plated
rip offs of apple-trees next to big ditches in the ridges, and graft after in them pear-trees
close of the ground, smear them an cover them with straw, lifting the ridge of the
ditches until covering the most part of the place if their graft, and all them prevail good.
Also I have grafted pear-trees in the feet of big apple-trees. And they sprout growing
their shoots more than ten spans; even if they spoil and dry after with the worst heat,
because they werent close to the big ditches, or where they could be irrigated much.
However, I know by experience be little thrived the graft of the pear-tree in the appletree; even if the spot was close to the water or the big ditches. So, Allah knows (the
cause of be so contrary the effects).
ARTICLE V
About the principal that must be executed in the election of the spines for the graft; their
size in length and thickness; way of guard them when recently cut were not grafted; and
how must be brought from far places.
Take the spines for the graft, say (the agriculturist), from branches with no
injury, and from tree that gives abundant and delicate fruit to the middle of him (not to
the high or low part), or the sides that look the east and noon. Which beside the
expressed quality cant be dry or debarked, or other similar accidents; and if robust and
full of juice, fresh, new, but that carry fruits already, and with buts close and thick.
Kastos and others say, that must be two or three branches (or hairpin) similar, of
cortex similar to the tree in were they will be grafted, and that had more of two years
old , because those of quick vegetation forward the fruit; even if others affirm, that with
the quickness are spoiled. That each spine of bunch fruiting haves two or three buds,
and the porpoise be take the spines of the fruit trees with flower or when they were
about to display it, not after. And others want that the best branch for the graft is the
smooth, new with few buds.
Some, says Abu-el-Jair and another, think that the spine of the graft should be
taken at the moment of sprouting and when it has many leafs, as is done with the spine
of the olive and similar trees; and that also must be attend that it have give the same the
tree in were is going to be graft because of the copiousness of the juice that will feed the
spines. These, according to a maximum of Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, must have span
and a half long, taking care that they are not dry or weak. Which thickness (according
Kastos) must be as the index, or (as he says in another part of his book) of the diameter
of a small ring; the spine of the vine thick as a thumb finger with two cubits long, if the
graf were made in the root of the same under the ground; and with one, over the surface.
After that maximum, continues Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl saying, that must have that
spine the thickness of the little finger, because the thin and tinder makes a haulm
quickly, opposite to the thick; that the thin spine (by branch) that gave fruit many years
before is better for the thin tree, grafting it in the plump side (or trunk); that the thin
branch and the thick one are for the one that was robust and corpulent; that the branches
of this last quality were cut of his respective trees with sharp tools not taken with rust;
nevertheless always someone says, that is the best to break them with hand without
cutting them with tool; that this operation should be done in a calm day with template
air, and not hot or windy, and early in the morning; the same for the graft.
Cut these branches, says Kastos on waning moon, and place them in good and
juicy or wet with sweet water soil, or in mud with water, where they should be ten or
twelve days after cut, grafting them immediately after; which operation I was executed
at the moment of the cut, they will dry, and wont sprout. Adds, that is not convenient to
graft the branches at the moment when they are cut; but, smeared with mud or fresh cow
manure the cut sides, were placed after in a hole, were covered of wet soil, stay there for
nine or ten days with some defense that keeps them from the wind, and taken after will
be graft in the corresponding vines.
Will be very worthy to your graft or seedling (continues the quoted author) if the
rain reach to wet it, except the executed in the cortex of the tree; for which the rain is
harmful. They say, that if the air was altered with a very strong wind or with cold, raise
the hand of the graft suspending the operation until the day is calm and the air subdued;
because that in that disposition the graft will be spoiled for the dryness that will cause to
it in the soil and cleave, and if that happens the spines must remain safe until the
improvement of the air, burying them one cubit depth on very with soil of a shady
place, covering them all with soft soil carefully stepped on; in which disposition will
prevail even after eight days; but not longer says Abu-el-Jair.
Adds, that when are taken off of the mentioned excavation where placed in
water before and at the moment of fix them so the air wont touch them; which is
executed if they need it, when because been in big numbers wont be able to graft them
in little time; without let them n it more than a day or two, because the long remaining
in the same will be lost,(except the branches) as is known by experience. Also are
guarded the spines until improves the air the time necessary in vessels of mud of narrow
mouth that havent been touch with lard of oil, but had served sweet water; in which
placed without it and covered very well with a rag to avoid the wind to get on them, are
buried after in the ground; and like that is how are carried the spines from a place to
another; in the same way is preserved (if the tree in which they were form were of those
that sprout early, and the one where the graft was going to be sprout late) until spout or
gives leaves; and in effect, is opinion that the graft that is done in the tree already
spouted o with leaf is best that the executed in contrary disposition, specially for the
pomegranate.
Kastos say, that if the branch of the spine were taken from a place to other, place
them in a jar with wet o juicy soil, smeared outside. According to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-elFasl and others, the spines of the tree that dont lose their leaves must be take when the
one is loosed to born one new, or when for this effect is flowing the slime that were full,
because the spine already sprouted and with leaf is empty of juice, and is not worthy for
the graft of that year; the same with the rip off and the plant born by seed; except what
was told about the pomegranate. But if wasnt then spines ready ( or cut in that
disposition), and was necessary graft the tree after sprout the other tree from they were
taken, should go to the thin branches born at the feet or trunk of the tree, and sawing
completely their sprout buds and taking the leaves, will be left like that ten days until
flows by them the juice, and been about to sprout once again and renewed by this
reason, take it them the spines of the harder part of them; which grafted in a tree that
have already sprout and with leaves, sprout very well without spoiling Insha Allah.
To me is a prepared practice the one of execute the same in the branches that
were good for spines of graft before separate them of the tree; because their buds are
empty usually, and filled the others expressed. From the fig tree are taken the spines for
graft of the roots or the trunk, or the close part of those place watching for it the time of
the flow or circulation of the slime, preferring the branches of cortex already blonde,
road to be old, thin, and of little belly and cord, and that are around the feet or trunk;
and that in any way the buds of the green branches and flexible of the best sides of the
trees because they will dry too fast (the taken spines( by branches specially greens;
those which spines of vines wont harm have them bury in the ground some days; and
the same operation are suffer by those take by trees that drop their leaves by the reason
expressed up and the exactitude that induces them to that practice.
The spines of the olive and trees of similar nature that dont drop their leafs, says
Kastos, must be grafted in the same hour they were cut and little later, avoiding any
delay, unless they have been kept by some need, as was say before.
About the rosebush, says Hj Granadino, that if were grafted in almond, vine or
apple-tree, were take the spines of the part immediate to the roots bury them in the
ground, digging for that and removing this of the feet, and cutting the spines of the
harder part, as was say up. Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fesl is of opinion of, the spines of all
specie of rosebush be take from underground, picking for this the rods more subtle and
thin, and the lest corpulent; and cut those (or scrape) by the tough, and graft in any tree
of strong matter, as the apple-tree, the vine, the almond and similar on cleave, guarding
the graft on vessels full with mud and some sand, and irrigating it continuously; because
like this is how the rosebush prevails, giving it the same cultivation that the tree in
which were grafted. That the spine of the vine for the graft must be taken of thin
branches with the same qualities required for the plantation, and that have fructified that
year; or (according to Abu-el-Jair) of the bunches born from the thick and fruitfully of
thick buds. The graft of the almond is say that should be of the rods bon at the feet of it.
Anyway, with having present the maximum that upside were claimed together and that
are spread in the book of Ibn-Hajj and in the Nabatha Agriculture, will have (Insha
Allah) as much as you want of the business.
ARTICLE VI
How should be cut the spines for the graft, according to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, Hj,
Abu-el-Jair, and other authors.
They say, that the spines for the graft called romano, and that is executed in
between the cortex and the bone (or wood), is good to be cut as the feather of writing by
a side until little less of the half of the bone, and nothing more; which cut must be even
without reaching the cord (but close), leaving the other half with his cortex healthy and
complete; even if is not bad scratch a little the rest of it, especially been rough by that
place.
I believe that should be scrape and thinned the spine by the side with proportion
to the cleave in which is going to be grafted, been careful to not touch the heart,
because it wont prevail if looses the most of it; in which effect I have experimented
knowledge. Is said that in the upper half of the mentioned cut must be done and left in
way of notch over the bone. My opinion is, that even if is without it is good; because
having executed at one time of both ways, and scrapping a little the cortex of the spine,
I didnt see that it spoiled. (the authors quoted up) say, that the cut should have the
length of the thumb; others, that half of the finger, an others, that the same cut as the
one for the writing feather. My opinion is, that should be proportional to the size of the
branch in which was going to be graft; and Kastos affirms, that should have two fingers
long as the feather, and that shouldnt be thinned or reach the heart. That the spines
proportionate to the graft executed in cleave, know by nabatheo, be cot in a way of
stake, scrapping them in the side by the part of the cut evening them, trying that from
the thick scraped part to the thin fit perfectly with the wood of the branch; which cleave
must be open with a beaked tool, stake or similar instrument by hit. That been the cut of
the spine in a way of knife edge, when is fixed in the cleave of the branch, be placed
with the thick side out and the thin in; and in his cut that must be half finger long,
smooth and even, should not be knots that impede the cleave to fit perfectly on it; in
what there is no contradiction.
The cut of the spine of vine, says Kastos, must be of two and a half fingers
together, so the heart stays complete and healthy, without reaching it but to the
sharpened side of the cut, and be it equal to the cleave of the vine, not bigger or lesser.
Be careful that are on the cut a knot so it can fit better with it on the cleave. That should
be careful of not reaching the cord in the most part of the cut; and then place
successively in a vessel with sweet water until conclude the whole operation; having
present all that was said upside of the books of Ibn-Hajj and other Autos
ARTICLE VII
About the graft in cleave called nabatheo, and that is executed in the braches and roots
of the tree, according the books of Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, Hj, Abu-el-Jair, and
others.
They say, that this form of graft is used in the trees of thin cortex as the appletree, the new pear-tree, the quince, the peach-tree, the plum, the apricot, the vine, the
young olive or new with thin cortex, and the fig tree if the graft was done in it or other
similar form. This is executed in this way. Cut the tree as was say up, scrapped the
spines in the way expressed before, are cleaved in the trunk or branch in the way
referred, and fixing in the middle of the cleave a sharp tool, or stake done with pole or
hard wood, and holding it firm with the left hand, and by stone hit or stick is open a
cleave the long of the cur of the spine, cleaning it (after) delicately with thin tool the
sawdust that were in it; and placing by a side of it the spine, is placed up out of the thick
part of the cut evening it with the cortex of the branch o trunk in where it was graft, in a
way that the cortex of the spine adapting perfectly to the branch, they both will be fixed
so well that they will look the same thing, joined so close that barely can difference one
from the other. The very adjust must be done from wood to wood, according to the book
of Ibn-Hajj. Add that the cut is introduced with care in the cleave, so it wont be very
labored or too baggy, and that in it stays completely hided; and that if was not, place
again the sharp tool with soft hits until deepened more the cleave can be hided on it
completely the scraped part, or that this be shortened until reduce it to a size that fits in
the cleave; and the same to the other that were to be introduced by the opposite side.
That if the branch or trunk were the graft were going to be done, was thick do on it a
crossed cleave, as the one n the eggplant, in where are grafted four spines; and that I
were more, do two in each half, to graft been all the spines equal; and that taken out the
sharp tool of the cleave, fit them in a way they are well covered.
That if the trunk of the branch were too thick and there was the risk of the cleave
pressing too much the cut of the spines until break them or split the cortex of the wood,
introduce beside that tool a little dry wood stake with soft hits until stop the violence of
that pressure. That if the spines were long, cut the superior side leaving the rest inside
the cleave, and cover the void that was left with cortex of some branch of the same tree,
conforming to nothing in them. Others say, fill the cleave with ash, (or how Kastos say)
of dust soft, slight and dry, placing further two pieces of the expressed cortex along the
cleave by both sides, tied with string, and that is good that the cleaves fit well with the
scraped of the spines, not baggy or thigh; that if happened the first, adjust the place of
the cleave binding around very firmly the strings of wool, linen rags, or rope weaved
with this rags, so the cleave joins and adjust well from up to bottom with the scraped
part of the spine, without pressing it with the string or rope, because with those hard
things will harm the cortex in that spot, and will even cut it; and that this place should
be smear with mud of soil expressed before, or placed in vessels in the way mentioned
up.
Hj, Abu-el-Jair and others say, that a branch thick as the arm could carry two
spines, and four or more if were bigger; and for the smear is good make use of the rot of
vine called yuthnat in barbarian language (that is red according to Abu-el-Jair),
crushing it well until make it a mass and using it instead of mud. Others want, to do this
with fresh cow manure, and that is not necessary if the place of the graft was
underground, been enough replenishing this and pressing it carefully to no remove the
spines, and that along this fixe two sticks or similar thing that works as sing to the
people that pass by dont step on it or remove it; that if the place of the graft were a
little lifted of the surface floor collect and pile up the soil around stepping on it with
care, or introduce in a vessel that is filled in the same way expressed; that in the vine do
the graft in the cleave underground close of its root by the hardest spot on that place;
that the vines should be cut at the height of two rods of the trunk or by the branches,
and that its graft executed in the cleave were guard by vessels hold with sticks of wood
so they wont by shake by the wind; having present what was tell up.
Another way of graft the trees in cleave by some distance of their feet.
Dig, says Hj and others, around the trees far of their feet until reach the
roots; which choosing the thickest and cutting it, in each of its sides lifted a little graft a
spine in the way expressed, smearing, covering with rags the graft, or introducing it in a
vessel; replenish the soil in that dig, place along it some sing; with grafted seedling can
be transplanted to the suitable place.
ARTICLE VII
About the graft in between the cortex and wood, know by romano, according the books
of Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, Abu-el-Jair, Hj and others.
Say (this authors), that from that graft is done in the trees of thick and juicy
cortex as the olive (very specially the old), laurel, chestnut, fig tree and wild fig tree,
executing it in the feet underground; and also in the pear-tree, the quince and apple-tree,
and any tree of cortex with similar quality, cutting them by the up side or down close of
the ground, or underground when by be of soft wood were precise to cover it, as with
the fig tree and the wild fig tree and similar or kept them on vessels. (to which effect)
cut in the way said before are scraped by a side the spines, as writing feather a it was
say and in this form:
For which part scrapped is done the open in where will join that spine at
proportion to its length and thickness in between the membrane and the wood of the tree
in the cleaved place with a tool of similar shame to the edge of the scalpellum Latino (or
lancet) of thin pint as dart (the same by the sides), which cut and point must be of the
size of the feather mentioned; this is its figure:
Or is made of hard wood a similar instrument; which tool is introduced softly in
the between the cortex and the wood by the place where is wanted to fix the graft spine,
executing it with extreme care to not cleave it; and take it out in the same way, in his
place is introduced the scraped part of the spine fixing t with care and delicateness has
were told before, and is bind the place in where the spine falls giving some spins over
the cortex of that branch with a thick string of weaved wool, so it fix it very well in it
without cleaving the cortex in there when the spine is in between the it and the wood,
or avoiding to debark it; which well fixed as expressed before, is fixed well the spine
and the plant with care so it stays firms until hides completely its scrapped part, resting
well its mount (or notch if it had it) over the wood (but if is not bad even if its lacks of
notches); which scraped part must fall to the wood of the branch, and the cortex to its
cortex; even if inverting this position doesnt cause any harm, been indifferent one thing
or the other.
And in effect having I executed both ways in the olive, I didnt see it spoil; and
the same happened fixing the cortex at the moment of introduce the spines without any
hurry. Up was already told the way of cut and scrape the spines, their smearing and
introduction in vessels; and (even) we havent stop in the description of some graft, you
should execute them all quickly because this is one of their secrets. Is said, that finished
this operations should give an rich irrigation to the grafted trees.
Other way to graft the mentioned trees by the same operation, in their roots and at some
distance of their feet or trunk.
Abu-el-Jair and others say, that discovering the roots of any kind of tree
that are at a median distance of the same, and picking the one you find it with the
thickness you want, split it in the middle also with sharp tool so it have two extremes,
one in the side of the feet and other in the other side, and that lifting a bit each one of
them, sustained with a stick of wood or similar, are graft by spine in the mentioned way
or by cleave, according which is better, or by tube, that is a good way to graft as the
other expressed.
ARTICLE IX
About the graft by tube and escutcheon called the first Persian and commonly falbh,
and by tumor the second; which is on many ways, long as the leaf of the myrthus,
square or roud (which is common), according the books of Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl,
Abu-el-Jair, Hj and others.
Say this authors that these (graft) are used in the fig tree, the wild fig tree
and the mulberry-tree, if are executed on new branches of the superior half, and the
roots; and that also are the carob tree, in the fruit trees and the olive; which are going to
expose Insha Allah. Cut the fig tree and similar trees by the superior half in January and
February in the way expressed so there sprout new branches, in them will be executed
the graft letting it like that; and if by have at the feet some shoots that were afraid to
sprout, take them off so all the nutritious juice flows to the superior half. So when it
have sprout remove them by early June (that is the month of the nsart) the bunches
born or new shoots, is convenient to know, which are the more weak to leave some for
irrigate with their milk the grafts; or looking the side where they raise, if was this able,
are left the necessary enough, ripping the rest, about the magnitude or smallness, and
the robustness or weakness of the tree (so in the little leave more than in the big), in
which bunches, if were notice any weakness, or that their cortex doesnt get red (yet) by
that time, mow them their buds cutting the superior half and letting as long as it haves
three of four knots , or more if they were thick, and after eight or then days until close
the twenty four of June or little after, (if checked) again, some of the were becoming red
some of the cortex in the inferior half, (is a sing) that their disposition and suitability
for the graft; even more if all it becomes green, will be left those that were in the middle
of this until mid August, that is the last time for execute this operation; in which middle
space, if checking them (found that) their cortex is red to the feet as we say, be graft
then; (in which effect) will be take of the best tree of those wanted to be graft the
branches close to the ground of the east part or noon, or those in which knots begin to
open and show others smaller (that are called buds), and that they should be as thick as
the ones in the tree cut which is going to be graft.
But others opine, that is not necessary to take care of those buds, and that if the
branches of the tree were the graft is going to be make lack of them, dont doubt in
executing this in those; which is convenient take from the two sides referred before, and
that they be proportional in thickness to the new branches in which they will be graft;
(for that) are cut the sides (or buds) in the same tree for days before so the matter (or
nutritious juice) in those repressed make those buds sprout by their knots; checking that
are cut and taken the same of the cortex in the tube; which operation even if is executed
in many ways, they all are similar, and are reduced to taking the branch that had one or
more buds, cut it with a knife under the thin extreme of it by the bud, and sprout, cut it
by the other side the cortex over the bud reaching with the knife to the bone (with holds
the tube), in which middle must be procured falls the expressed bud, and haves half
finger long, or one (assures Kastos), or the long of the bud of the thumb finger,
according other; (who adds) that with the tool which execute the romano graft be in a
way of blade, and (according Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl) even more thin, and similar in
shape to its subtle extreme and flattened to the lancet, and wide by this very side; or can
(according others) make similar instrument with a piece of red if that tool was missing.
Which point introduced in between the cortex and wood skin it from the wood
by either sides, or how it was easier; and rolling around that cut cortex (that is the
tube), a string twisted, that is fixed in the first fingers of the feet, and pulls violently and
strongly from the branch to pull it complete the tube in a way of ring, which is placed in
a clean vessel with sweet water. Others say, that cleaving by length that tube by where
wasnt a bud, after cut from up to bottom, rip from the wood, and bind with a straight
string be placed in water; and that also is good take it the more easy and comfortable it
could, always that were no harm to break it or other (which tubes change in their
capacity according the shape of the branch of the graft). The way to take out the tube
form the fig tree and other similar trees is, according to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, cut
the branch where they are close of them, (choosing the one with buds) not sprouted yet,
and with the described tool placed in the middle of the thin cortex and the wood do
delicately the cut, turning over with it around in between the cortex and wood, and
returning with the (tube) of the other half, execute in it the same operation penetrating
until the cut first, so separated the cortex from the wood that covers it, take with care the
tube; which extracted in this way is used Insha Allah.
After which, says another author going to the best branches born in the high of
the tree chopped in where was wanted to do the graft, and which cortex were already
red by the inferior side where must be executed, will be if trim down if was necessary
until left each one with three or four knots, according the thickness of it, and the length
and size of the tubes; which must be very careful that fall in the place where the cortex
was already red, and not over the place that was still green. Cleaved in this way from
the superior part to two or more halfs, will be ripped until reach the knot where already
is red, which place (as we said) is proportionate for the graft, without separate the cortex
is introduced the tube that in his size was corresponding to the thick or thin of the
skinned, after placed inside it, introducing it by the superior half; which if worked well,
will be placed tight as long it doesnt cleaves; in which case will be replaced with
another smaller or bigger until it fix well. Reached the bud the tube is pressed to remove
the cortex of the bud and occupies its place, corresponding the place he left to the
skinned branch which cortex covered the bud, fixing and adapting it in this way so it
stays in the place of that cortex as if it was the same; in which consist his secret; if the
bud that is in the tube fixed well with the wood of the branch, is better this that if it was
placed inversed. Which (and the same the inferior half of the cortex disunited of the
branch) hold and a little tight with a string of wool or linen, is irrigated from up to top
with milk of fig tree of the same branch already grafted, or of his leafs or other braches;
(for which) are cut obliquely (or oblique) where it was still green or fresh with a well
sharpen too, approaching the superior half to the tube to the skinned branch so from that
cut flows the milk over it, repeating the same operation until consolidate the tube with
the wood and the cortex; which if was smeared inside with some milk of the skinned
branch, will join easily in it; and if then is been placed n the same tight you fear to
cleave the cortex, tie it before very adjusted with a string of wool without twist; and will
be good to irrigate the next day with the same milk, and do a shady space for it the leafs
of the trees, putting together and placing them one over the other, placed by the branch
skinned until reach close to the tube for keep it from the sun and wind, also will be, if
by the side of the branch you introduce as a little hat that defends it from the burn of the
sun. all this operation will be executed in a calm day and very hot in the middle of the
morning; and should be careful of cleaning continuously the stems born in the branch of
the graft, as in the body of the tree or in the bottom of this; which cannot be omitted in
any way, because this will make it lose it all, weakening the tree; to which tree, they
say, must be irrigated with water, concluded the operation.
Abu-el-Jair says, that after irrigated the graft with the milk tale it to white soil
very slight that glued to it guards it. Others affirm, that placing by a branch two tubes,
one over the other, and doing in them the exposed up, they sprout at one time, and if
they are of diverse colors, gives the fig of his respective color. The figure of the tube is
this:
In the middle the white spot represent the expressed but. Notice the maximum
quoted up of the book of Ibn-Hajj, from which meditate lecture will take even more
illustration and utility.
Another way to graft by tube in the rots of the fig tree, the wild fig tree and other trees.
Says Hj el Granadino and others, that removed the soil from one or many roots
of the fig tree or wild fig tree away from his feet, cut and separate of this the one that
was thinner to be feed of the other extreme that goes down in the ground; that taken out
of this like half span and peeled, introduce in there the corresponding tube of fig tree,
irrigating it with milk of the same tree, and covering it with leaves in the way expressed
before; because feeding it like that by the part of that extreme, sprouts raising from it
one grafted plant that can be translated to another place in case of be that one dark and
narrow. According my experience, the same operation can be done in the other side of
the root in the feet side.
Another way to graft by tube in the branches of fruit trees and similar, like the
apple-tree, the pear-tree, the quince, the walnut, the mulberry and the willow and other
of equal condition.
Go, says the Granadino and others, to the tree with thick cortex, that is wanted
for the graft, and chopped the branch that raises fresh, healthy , new, thick as rod of
spear or a little more, attending that haves a lot of knots (because of this be fruitful), and
cut in pieces two fingers each one or of the length of the tube of the fig tree mentioned
before, and with a knot where it sprouts, drill this piece by the side of the cord (or heart)
with a thin drill bit, and repeat the same after with other more thick widening slowly
and with care with the drill or with the point of a knife or another sharp tool
proportional, until remove all the wood and left complete the cortex in a way of ring and
also is (usual) do the tubes as the expressed with the fig tree.
In my opinion, that in the middle of the operation infuses continuously fresh and
sweet water over the hands of the executer so their heat wont dry the moisture in those
tubes. After which, says Abu-el-Jair, going to the plant that raises alone over its feet or
the stem born from the ground in the same way, similar in thickness or thinness to that
ring, and in one of the species convenient in what was want to graft, conforming to the
exposed up, cut the bud and take some cortex separating it and then gluing it down,
which thrown (opposite as how is practiced in the branch of the fig tree and wild fig tree
in equal operation), do there the graft placing the mentioned tube as firm as was say for
the fig tree, so his inferior side sits well fixed over the cut cortex and disjoined from the
branch with any aperture, and ordered in that way so one dont looks more or less thick
than the other, following in this the opinion (in cases of be the tube more wide than the
place peeled of the branch) of scrape the cortex of the branch a little down until adapt
perfectly each other and unite in between (the two things), by consist this in its secret;
and placing something more under the knot of the tube mass of the root of white vine
mentioned before to guard that place from the cold air, hold it strongly with threads, and
smear it with white mud fixing it with some rag, with this, and doing it a shaded area
and the rest exposed up, it spouts and prevails, Insha Allah; and shouldnt be wet with
milk of the fig tree o any other, but before of plant the tube in the peeled part of the
branch it will be passed by the same mass of the root crushed from vine and very well
milled after, so with his viscosity sprouts well that.
Treating Abu-el-Jair, and (the author of) the Nabathea agriculture of that topic,
they say that over the graft must be hang a vessel of mud fill with sweet water with a
little hole in the bottom where this flows drop by drop; and when the water is over fill it
again until it sprouts and prevails the graft, or until the rains of winter feed it, and that
this must be executed in the time expressed up.
Article X
About the way of graft from escutcheon that is the Greek graft, called commonly of
tumor.
Upside was already said that this is executed in three ways. One is from
escutcheon with the shape of the leaf of myrtle; the other is round and the third one
square. Which greek graft uses the fig tree, the wild fig tree, the olive and the carob tree;
which to other trees is more convenient properly, and not the one of cleave, or tube, or
roman.
How is executed the escutcheon, similar to the leaf of myrtle.
Chopped the tree in the shape expressed by January after that have give already
robust buds, hardening the cortex on them, and when becomes reds this one in the fig
tree, the wild fig tree and the mulberry-tree, cut the buds by the month of June to the
branches that were suitable for the graft, and cut also by the same the more weak,
irrigate in this disposition then days for that compressed the matter in the left part of
that new bunches had the enough energy to open (or sprout) by their knots; and going
then to the tree in which is wanted to do the graft, and taking the braches which buds
were about to sprout in the same disposition told upside when we were treating the graft
of the tube, cut them in the same the escutcheons with the shape of the leaf of myrtle,
almost as long and a little less wide than the bud of the thumb finger, according that
each one haves in the middle one knot, and bud on it; which effect cleaved (first)
lengthwise the cortex with the point of a subtle knife and sharp by the right and left of
the bud (as the figure expressed), place it after by the inferior side of that tool the graft
romano or another similar, and take it out with care and delicateness so the but stays
healthy and goes out without cleave or cut the escutcheon. In which and successively
the others that were made will be placed on new vessels with fresh sweet water until
complete the necessary number; and going after to the new bunches expressed that by
the (many) slime inside were about to sprout, will be attended those which have knots in
place which cortex were red (what is indispensable), and doing from up to top with the
expressed tool, or with the point of a thin and subtle knife, or other similar instrument,
cleaves in between the knots as long as the mentioned escutcheon, and penetrate until
reach the wood, rip off then carefully the cortex with the tool or its point by the right
and left of that knot without disjoin it or separate it from the bunch; before well
prepared under the same spot the mentioned escutcheon, will place on this with care, not
too tight or baggy, introducing first his sharp extreme in the superior half or the inferior
opposite of the cleave, how it was more comfortably, and each side under the
corresponding of the cortex of that branch; placing as well the concavity that haves in
the middle and where s the bud over the convexity (or prominence) that there is on the
wood of the branch and in where has this his own, taking care to adapt very well (those
two spots) and keeping from left the escutcheon crooked of the place that is corresponds
it (because before must be so naturally in the spot of the cortex, n which place and
under it was introduced, as if it was the same; in which consist his secret, and conform
to what was say up of the tube); and attending that the escutcheon stays inversed from
up to top, over him will be accommodate the cortex of both sides, evening well and
attach it with tread not twisted selvedge (or some equivalent) conforming to the exposed
about the graft of tube; and before and after of attach it will be irrigated with fig tree
milk until it coagulates over; guarding it with many care that the tie falls over the bud of
the escutcheon, continues irrigating it with milk of the own tree in which was grafted
until it coagulates over, and will be covered with some leafs; executing in all this
species of graft all the prevented before. If the tree by his robustness was sprout many
branches, will be done in all them equal and similar operation, and will be good smear
the spot of the cut in the circumference of the bud that haves the escutcheon with the
mentioned vine well crushed or the expressed poison. They say that grafting in the same
way escutcheons of many colors in a single branch, planting one in each bud, gives figs
of different colors respectively. The shape of the mentioned escutcheon is this: In which
middle the white spot represents the bud that must be on it.
About the round escutcheon.
Take (says Abu-el-Jai, the Granadino and others) a round tool well sharpened,
hollow, in which belly and hollow fits the little finger, and similar to the chisel (or
shaper) which is used to make holes in the leathers and similar things; and going with it
to the fig tree where is going to be the graft, see what branches of those that look to the
east and noon are with their buds in their knots as the expressed before, and placing that
tool over the bud (been precisely this one in the middle of the bud) push against it with
strongly with the hand, giving soft hits over, until cleaved the cortex reach to the wood
the tool, in which retired from it is discovered the bud surrounded by cortex like a round
coin and with the bud in the middle; which removed with care of that tool, will be
placed on water (as was said up) and keep the same operation in the other buds until
collect the necessary amount of them, and going after to the tree where is wanted to do
the graft, with the same tool in each knot of each branch will be done, and set in the
expressed way in the graft of the tube and long escutcheon, the same operation that was
executed first in the branches where were taken those buds similar to coins in their
shape; and removing the tool, and taking from it and throwing the cortex will be plant in
the place of this one of the taken from the tree that was going to be graft, setting them
with care in the hollow that have in the middle with the prominence of the wood or bone
of the branch; which executed with all the possible care consist on its secret; and putting
attention to the escutcheon falls inverse up to down, and irrigating the same with milk
of that tree and from the one in where is done the graft, will be tied with threads ,
executing both operation as the way expressed up and repeating the irrigation of the
same milk until it coagulates over and everywhere; and will be good glue it with the
referred white vine well milled without covering it the bud, and do the shaded area with
some leafs of fig tree as was said before; and also will be plant two or three escutcheons
in other many buds of one branch, of one or different colors. This is the figure of the
escutcheon:
In which the white point in the middle represents the bud that is on it. Which
specie of graft, say is used in many trees as the olive and similar.
About the square escutcheon.
Cut with point of knife well sharpened, or similar instrument, squares with buds
of the branches that had them, of the best tree (of his specie) wants to be grafted,
placing them in water as was said up, until have of them the quantity necessary; and
taking after the corresponding branch that was of quality and disposition that we
expressed before (treating the tree where the graft is done), place the escutcheon over
the bud in which is good graft it, and make a sing around it with the point of the knife,
and ripping with care and quickness, throw the marked spot, plant there the escutcheon
that was of the best specie, been careful that the convex place of the wood of that branch
adjust to the concaves that haves inside that escutcheon and where used to get in the
prominence (of the knot) of his wood, which tied irrigate it with fig tree milk, if the
graft was done in this tree, in wild fig tree, mulberry-tree , or another milky; or glue it
with the mass of the mentioned vine, or with milled tsigo or similar thing; doing in the
rest of his regimen the prevented about the tube and long escutcheon. Which operation
they say, is found also in the olive. The shape of the escutcheon is this:
In which middle the white point represents the bud contained in it.
Another way to graft by tube the citron in the superior part of the laurel and the olive,
according to the Nabathea Agriculture.
Take from the citron some branch smooth and straight, and from his cortex make
the tube like a span long, in the way referred in the graft of this specie, from the appletree, quince and similar, drilling the place of the cord and taking the wood out until left
only the cortex empty in a way of ring or tube, and graft in a branch of similar and equal
to it in corpulence of the tree already topped of his branches. In which remaining branch
or simple seedling fresh of olive or laurel is done the same operation to the one said
about the fruit trees grafted in this way, and of the fig tree and other trees, or another
similar to the same without any difference, taking care of joint and adapt well the
(escutcheon), and smearing the place of the join with mass of white vine root; Abu-elJair says that red; and that tie around some rag of line, or fix it with threads or similar
things in the way expressed up; and taking a new jar of mud and making on it a little
hole as the eye of an needle, fill with sweet water hang it over the place of graft so it
drops water drop by drop continuously. Which graft executed with Allah blesses,
sprouts the citrons small about the size of the olive seed, or the laurel if the grafted was
this tree. It was mentioned up without mentioning the time to execute it; but been small
the utility that this trees give to each other I reprove it for it.
ARTICLE XI
About the graft by drill (o bore) know as inchb (or of fixing), called also of arracada
for the analogy that haves with this ear decoration.
Inchb, say (the athors) worth the same that asimiento, this is, from a tree to
another of different genre, analogous, or not, to it. Which specie of graft is used in all
the fruit trees useful and sociable, but of opposite and of any affinity among them, as
those that belong to many class (genre or supreme species). By the regular this graft
doesnt bring forward the fructification that were late, or is used with the end of make it
more abundant (or bigger fruit); and if only by way of badge. Is opinion that is propriety
executed in the next trees. The vine is graft from bore to itself, in black plum, willow,
myrtle, and apple-tree; the walnut in itself, apricot, terebinth and fig tree because it is
close in nature, robustness and heat, also the mulberry-tree; the citron in apple-tree;
(which graft) takes both fruits from November to February; the peach-tree in willow (in
which gives the fruit without bone), almond and apple-tree; the feet of which, even if is
one, carry the both fruits different, and its graft is executed as the peach-tree on willow,
according Kastos. Who adds that the fig tree is graft in the cherry-tree (called) grain of
kings, and n the mulberry-tree; which offshoot, says also, is grafted in fig tree by spring,
summer and autumn (except winter) in the superior part of the two trees, which feet, at
least one produce both fruits different; and the same happens with the graft of the peartree in the quince, which is executed as the one of peach-tree on willow, and after will
be treat Insha Allah; which bore is done with stake of pomegranate.
According the quoted author, this last tree is joined to others, in a way that
united to them in just one feet (comes to give the graft) the both fruits different; the
same is said about the quince. The rosebush grafted by bore in the cortex of the appletree and the almond, flourish (respectively) when fructifies the first and flowers the
second.
About the graft of bore of the vine in his own kind, in black plum of bulls eye, willow,
and myrtle.
Been then these plants close to each other, or procuring to place them
like that, will take the branch remaining over his feet without cut it or separate it, and do
the bore in the feet of some of the expressed trees or others similar, will be done a the
feet of the vine a groove of two spans or a little more of deep, until it reach the tree in
which haves the branch lying, will drill the point of it a hole proportional to its
thickness, that must be done to the tree in that spot, and then will take out and pull to the
other side carefully until it reach his maximum length , or until stopping n the drill this
cant handle it by thick, and lifting his extreme straight next to the trunk, will be
smeared that drill with mud of good quality, and replenishing the soil in the groove
where is the branch and also to the feet of the tree, will step on it very well and irrigate
it continuously keeping an eye in not harm it when working the ground, because f it
stays like this is joined with the bore, coming to stay as if in it where planted , or was
one of his branches; and like that shows by his state of vegetation, more length and
corpulence that receives from that (part) the nutritious juice, will be cut then the tree
over the bore, and after this that branch by the side of his feet; (in which disposition
dont stop) producing his own fruit.
And if the porpoise was to execute this kind of graft in the same trunk, done on
it a bore with the size of the branch that is going to be graft, not bigger o lesser, in
where will be introduced the superior half, making it pass thought and pulling from it
with care by the other side so it remains chocked in that bore, fixed like that is smeared
by both sides, and the same with the trunk with soft mud of white and sweet soil, will be
tied around some rag fixing it with threads; and placing it in some vessel (if was
possible) that was filled with soil of good quality, remaining some years in that
disposition; in which (according Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl) must stay two or three
years feeding it by his own feet without separating from it by this reason, even if have
grow and wielding on it the bore, until well obstructed this there was not hollow space
in between them; in which feet is known not have any need so it forms a bad odor in the
trunk of the tree, It feeds of it, had grow thick his extreme that goes out, been thin the
side of his own feet and joining with the trunk of the tree; which happens after the
pointed time, or more, then is cut by the side of his feet with tool, trying to it be smooth
and even with the tree, as if it was planted on that tree, cutting also the feet of this over
the graft. In this way, not leaving anything, comes to feed from that tree (says AbuAbdalah Ibn-el-Fasl) as if in it was planted, and fructifies as it does first without the
lack of any juice, because been that feet as if it was its own, is in a place as natural graft;
and (like this) is chopped that tree in effect that all his strength is going to that branch.
The same author says, that the vine grafted in new black plum keeps his fruit
with the same sweetness without alteration, and that produces this earlier than the
others; that grafted in the willow gives it less sweet and with an altered flavor, even if in
it prevails better than in the plum, and in the myrtle, gets the same flavor of this plant.
The walnut is grafted by bore in him (according Kastos) in this way. Been close
in between the two trees in a way that some of their branches touch the others,
executing on them this kind of graft, they spout mutually. Some ancient wise (adds the
quoted author) believed that neither the walnut nor any tree of cord with soft smell
sprout grafted in a tree of different quality; but I, even if have read this, havent see that
it is like that. About the graft of bore of the walnut in pistachio and terebinth, if they
were close of each other, or were planted like that on propose, to the year or more of the
walnut will bend to the pistachio (been this possible by the flexibility of the plant), and
in the feet, trunk or robust branch of this last tree will do a bore in which will be
executed the operation equal as was said to the vine, and will be give frequent and
continuous irrigation; which it will prevail (the graft) very well by the heat and the
sharpness of the walnut spirits.
The graft of bore of peach-tree in willow (that is when the fruit grows without
bone executed in this way).plant a stake of willow branch, and sprouted, form with it an
arch burying their bud under the ground, or from the begin of his plantation form it,
fixing a time of his two extremes at one time in the ground; and after grasped by both
parts, take a little bone or two of peach-tree or a little seedling of the same, and fix it
under the arc, or plant it along with it in the same year; which seedling grow like that in
height comes to give over the arc, do in this way a long cleave of a size that gets in on
it, in which effect opening with care will place by the inferior side of the same, taking
out and pulling with delicateness by the superior until its straight; which, fixing the
cleave of the arc with a thread of wool or other similar smearing it with mud of good
quality, is secured with rags, and after with ligature, and at the second year of this
operation will be cut their feet, when its seems to not be necessary. (in which
disposition) is told (according Abu-el-Jair) that feeding the arc gives fruit without seed;
and also say that, when is grafted a tree in other, be irrigated with sweet water.
Junio quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj affirms, that with the graft of bore of a
vine in another are achieved along both fruits, if been close, the branch of one were
grafted by bore in the feet of the other by under the ground; and that in equal way were
executed the graft of bore mentioned before of the vine in the feet of the black plum.
But this advantage (if it really is), according to other author, if been the graft by branch
of a selected specie, was cut the other when one was going to give fruit.
Another way to graft the peach-tree in the superior half of the willow that gives a fruit
without bone.
If were found close the peach-tree and the willow called jilf, in a way that the
branch of the trees reach to touch, go to the willow in days of spring and cleaving by the
most thick the branches that fall from him to the peach-tree, place one branch of this in
one branch of the other, and tie them very firmly that cleave with a twisted thread of
hemp, and smeared with mud and tighten with rags, hang after over it one jar filled with
sweet water with a subtle hole in the bottom were the water pass to the cleave smeared
during all the summer (which operation was said before up how must be done); and
when the willow was bend of the opposite part, cut under the cleave the branches of the
peach-tree grafted in his branches, as was say of the graft of the branch in the truck of
black plum, and secure them by the superior half with the neighbors of the willow,
which, feeding themselves from those of this tree, produce the fruit without bones;
which operation is the fundament of the next, (to know). About the other of graft by
bore the branch of a tree in the one of a neighbor tree (so, that one and other produce
their respective fruit, as it happens in the branches of the peach-tree associated with the
almond or to the apple-tree, which feet been one carriers two fruits, executing his graft
as the antecedent of the peach-tree in willow called jilf); and in the other similar to the
genre of graft of pear-tree in apple-tree and quince (which in only one feet carry
different fruits); and in the other graft of the fig tree on the mulberry-tree, which feet
carry the two fruits of this specie of branches, grafting (equialy) as the peach-tree or the
willow by spring.
ARTICLE XII.
About the graft called blind, that according the books of Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl,
Hj, Abu-el-Jair and others is a kind of planting and seeding.
Say (the quoted authors), that this graft is the used in the seeds, and small plants,
in which they unite each other those belonging to the supreme species. Worth this as a
example of the others. Supposing that the fig tree, the mulberry-tree and others trees
were graft by this way in the olive, and the same other species, go to a plant or branch
of this last tree, and sow in the same way done for the graft, and in the place cut by saw
or similar tool, make after a cleave with the blade, as that which is used to skin off the
beasts, and opening with a sharp tool, as was said up (if is needed than that branch or
trunk stays cleaved as the eggplant), fix well two stakes done of the wood of the same
tree, each in one extreme of the cleave, as the spines of the graft, giving over them soft
hits, and (the same) over the peak so the cleave opens to them when they hide on it; and
leave them even by upside part with the plane of the place sawed.
Opened then that cleave like tree finger together, take a big vessel of mud as
basin or similar magnitude proportionate to the size of that expressed cleaved branch,
and bigger than the box of knifes (been necessary the high amounts of soil for this
graft); and doing on the bottom the corresponding hole, and that doesnt exceeds the
size and thickness of the cleaved branch, attach around of this some thread or rug in a
ray of pad of two third parts of span lower from it finish the cleave, place the vessel by
the branch until reach the pad (so it ) sits and straightly rest over it, as is executed in the
graft; falling in the spot cut and cleave in the middle of it or in his inferior third part,
smear it inside out the hole with soft glutinous mud as the one from potters or similar
until the void in between it and the branch so obstructed and closed, that doesnt go out
for it the soil or the water; taking after crumbled manure and soft that had lose his heat
and keep his moisture, or a part of human excrement and other of black soil well oiled,
and another of common manure, all it in equal parts along and well incorporated pass it
through the sieve and throw it like that in that cleave, filling with the same the vessel
(not completely to be able to irrigate); and separating it well with the hand, take after
the seed of apple, quince, grape, myrtle or similar, and sowing it in the dust placed in
that cleave, cover it with the enough amount of the contained in the vessel, according
the thickness that from it can suffer that seed or bone, and give it continuous little
irrigations so the soil on that vessel doesnt get completely dry; and also will be good
hang it and fixe over it a jar drilled in the base filled with the expressed water so this
gives moisture to the soil in that vessel.
(And like that) is how born in that cleave the seed, which rots penetrating it,
weld with it, without omitting the irrigations after this until it gets robust, and knows by
it that is been feed in that branch; removing (finally) that vessel after some years, and
when is visible that have sprout firmly and sucks the nutritious juice from that tree.
Which is proved that can be executed in all the trees as the myrtle with the fig tree; in
the olive and citron with the almond; and in the mulberry-tree and the fig tree with the
olive; not forgetting to clean (the graft) of the offshoots born close of that tree.
Another way to graft the same genre.
Who wanted do the same operation in the small plant of peach-tree, plum and
other trees, take the one born by seed or bone had the height of a finger, and ripped off
of his place with all the roots guarded wit h their own soil (if were possible, and is the
best), plant it in that cleave in the time pointed for his plantation when his wood is red,
that is by the year of sow; which blessed with continuous and shot irrigations of sweet
water without the his soil dries, will vegetate with robustness, Insha Allah; which put
forward its fructification.
Other
The same operation is executed too in the bones like the almond, apricot, black
plum, olives, laurel, peach, cherry and similar; which planted in that cleave as was said
of the seeds, with the difference that for this planting must crack them subtly before,
which covered of that soil the thickness of two or three fingers will be irrigated
continuously so this dont dries completely (with which) born Insha Allah, and welding
with the foot in that cleave, they feet by the tree and fructifies. By which method is
associated too the olive with the almond, and the cherry-tree with this last one, and the
laurel with the olive and apricot, mixing like that (of melting) some trees in another.
When execute this operation should be careful to plant in such cleave tree or more
bones of each species, so like that if some are lost , others prevail; and known obviously
the robustness of the same will be ripped off after we dont need them leaving only the
enough. The same is noticed in the first seeds of the fruits early mentioned, as the seed
of the fig and other expressed along it. Which operation if is executed in more than one
branch and in each a different tree, will result from it a thing even more pilgrim than the
one that feeds two trees from one feet.
ARTICLE XIII
About (another operation) similar to the graft, which is introduce the seeds and bones
in some kinds of plants like the sea onion, the borage the mulberry-tree and similar.
Those are the seeds of the sea cucumber, the melon and cucumber; which are
introduced in the borage by a kind of sow and graft. Like this, going to the root of it,
that should be good and with robust vegetation in the very place where it is raised, or to
the one transplanted to a orchard a year ago or more, where it has been continuously
cultivated for growing it with the same robustness, excavated the ground, cleave that to
length in a place or more with tool similar to the lancet of the bleeder, and taking the
seeds that are wanted from sea cucumber, cucumber or melon, introduce one of them in
the cleave after infuse them in sweet water one night, replenishing after the feet or rot of
the borage with slight sylvan soil of good quality, and covering with it the spot of the
seed with the thickness of two fingers, or with sand if it could. And if was wanted to do
in the upper part of that plant over the surface of the soil, or a little down , an equal cut
and introduce in between the cortex and the wood the same kind of seed covering them
with bare sylvan soil, is sure that Insha Allah, those there deposited will born.Other
operation similar of graft seeds of pumpkin in the sea onion, known as pigs onion or
mouse onion, according the book of Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl and other authors.
Rip from a uncultivated place the sea onion that was wanted, and without touch
it with tool, those that are close in a spot and not by their own, and ripped then throw
the third superior part of it, do in the others two a cleave crossed as the one of the
eggplant with a finger of depth (which will be good do with the point of a reed knife),
and place in the extreme of each cleave straight a seed of pumpkin preferable if was
infused in water one night, and attach that very firmly by the place of the graft with
wool thread, selvage, papyrus sheet or similar thing, plant it all the onion in a hole
proportional to its size in good quality ground well worked and dig; and covered with
sand or of that same soil three fingers at least, irrigate it infusing the water, not over but
close of it; in which the plant that born, without need to irrigate it a lot, gives pumpkins
of big size a little green, very heavy, and delicate taste without having any taste of the
sea onion. The time for sow the seed the seeds of pumpkin will be treated later in its
own place, Insha Allah. Having I grafted the same in the expressed way, they prevailed
and I eat from his pumpkins the same that others did. Some say, that they prevail well in
dry if are carefully irrigated until they get robust; and that executing the same operation
in the mentioned onion, prevails this in his own place with its roots without been ripped,
fructifies without irrigation.
Another way of graft similar to the previous.
See says Kastos (and its his secret to have pumpkins and sea cucumbers out of
irrigation) to a ground where was some root of some year, or the roots of a plant called
haj know also by akl, and digging next to it in a big hole and with three cubit deep, do
in the middle of it with a thin stick of tamarisk a cleave not penetrating with a size that
can carry two seeds of pumpkin or sea cucumber; which, placed there, when were
sprout and born, cover them with new soil the little that remains from them that have
raised from that hole with wet sol until reach to that spot, throwing over those more
slight soil from the surface so it covers the height of three fingers, and executing the
same when they were grow a span until later the hole evened with the ground; (from
which seed) of sea cucumber and pumpkin sowed in this way comes to form a rot that
giving his haulm every year, fructifies without any irrigation.
These few rules I have write and add can work as norm for executed other
similar graft; which done in the root of the sea cucumber, will give sea cucumbers very
bitter with a acid virtue (form the belly); if in the one of mandrake, will be supportive
that ill born on it; and if the red vine, so like this plant. Of which true someone wants to
verify, can try it.
Another similar way to introduce the seed of the date in the root of the parsnip, so
(Insha Allah) there born musa, according to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, Hj, and Abuel-Jair.
The operation is this plant the roots of the parsnip in solarium where they can be
irrigated continuously and richly, and where not rules the winds; and irrigated
frequently until born, remove them from the feet of the ground when they branches are
discovered, and doing in it with a fork of gold a cleave, introduce in it (hiding in a way
that dont discovers) the seed of the date soft of the specie called casbat or others of
more delicate species, and attach it tight with sheets of papyrus our wool thread, smear
it with mud that (by kneed) with barley have some viscosity and covered of soil with the
thickness of four fingers, give it until born and show over the soil copious and
continuous irrigations of sweet water daily or every third day,(with which regimen) and
planting it by January or February gives fruit of the musa at the end of summer, what is
weird and pilgrim. Is said, that the date must join crack in the cleave; but Hj affirms,
that not having do it like that it prevails.
A person of credit told me have seen execute this operation in the East, and that
about the bone of the date they procure that it was from female, which is small and not
pointy; and that planted in the root of the parsnip (similar to the turnip or the artichoke),
covered with little soil and irrigated with copious and continuous irrigations, come to
born musa. But this specie of parsnip is weird or not existent on Spain.
About the graft of the melon in the rhamno (or buckthorn), in the lily, marsh mallow
and fig tree.
Some, says the quoted author of Nabathea agriculture, sow in the feed of some
plants the seed of the melon; which, called by them grafted melon, sprouts with several
colors. For that, picking the feet of the buckthorn that were very big, of lily, marsh
mallow, mulberry-tree or fig tree, and cut it until let it over the surface of ground and
(the height of) a cubit or a span, which is the feet (properly), is done there a cross cleave
with a wide knife of good edge; watching, that in the buckthorn, cleaved the feet, be
sow three to five seeds of melon, and no more.
That in the mulberry-tree the seeds should be smeared with glutinous and a little
sweet mud, in between thin and wide, not too dry or juicy, covering them with the same
soil which will be used if they were sown in holes; that at the feed of the mulberry
before cleaving it infuse, like for clean it well, very hot water; and after cleaved and
done the graft in it, irrigate and wet immediately and frequently with a lot of water,
because like that it gives abundant fruit of good quality. They say, that it grows sweeter
and tastier that any melon grows (naturally); that the grafted in buckthorn haves
pleasurable taste and delicate, less exposed to harm, and barely alterable; that the one
grafted in the feed of the lily that emerges with big size and more sweet that the grafted
by the feed of the buckthorn; that the grafted in the marsh mallow grows with an
admirable smooth taste; that the grafted by the feet of the fig tree is not edible by the
sharp and piercing that is to the mouth, (which taste) comes to be as if was a mixture of
garlic and mustard; and finally, that this grafts are executed in the melon that is sown by
early to late spring or until July.
ARTICLE XIV
About some this that is necessary to know for execute the grafts.
The fructiferous tree, says (the authors), grafted in one fructiferous as well, gives
a constant charge of abundant fruit; (for which reason) shouldnt be grafted in those
who werent, or this one on any fructiferous, because that any of those mixtures will
fructify abundantly. Neither should be graft in weak tree or old, but in new, healthy,
robust, and very juicy and substance by the great increment that it provides, and how
much it fructifies, and so prevails advantageously when is sown in ground of good
quality. The graft of a tree with little juice in one of much juiciness is weak, even if this
suits with it and is not contrary either.
According Kastos, was commonly claimed by the ancients that, prevails the tree
of much substance (of any specie) grafted in his own kind or in those that are
convenient with it, and that in a year they use to raise its branches like then spans (of
height), and sometimes will be fruitful at the same time; what I myself have seen it
happen with the pear-tree.
They say, that all tree grafted in its kind, as the olive in olive and wild olive, the
apple-tree in the apple-tree, the quince in quince. Incarnates one with the other, joining
also very well their cortex; what dont happens if the grafted is of other different
species, even analogous (apparently) or in the exterior shape; even when the graft takes
corpulence, and the tree that works as feet for him doesnt help it, showing the
opposition that are in between. (so) in those trees is best to execute the graft
underground, or transplant it after hiding it under the same; which is well done, Insha
Allah.
I have seen graft of plum in quince, which wood become corpulent without been
corpulent the trunk were it was grafted, differencing like that each other. The olive and
the other similar trees that suffer from manure must profit from it one year, or more,
before been grafted, and be carved very well, in profit for his mass and juiciness; that
makes prevail well their grafts. When adjust the spot of the clave or the bore where the
spines are placed, will be careful of not pressing it a lot or tie them with linen thread or
any twisted string; which narrowing too much the cortex by that place will cut it and
this will harm the graft, and maybe will cause to lost it. Because of this the best and
better will be execute this in the graft of tube and escutcheon with thread of wool,
selvage (of rags) of linen, or similar thing; guarding them, when have high branches and
was the fear of the winds or the birds chop them down, with secure them with a thick
stick ramming at the feet of the tree, or tied firm to its trunk or its branches by the
inferior side of the graft, tilting it to the branch and attach it to it with care so it keeps
with that secure, and removing it after when is not necessary anymore. Further will tie
around spines ( or buckthorns) for the birds dont cause to it any injure ; and if was
necessary to chop some little bunches, this will be executed breaking them carefully
with the hand without touching them with tool. If appears in the graft weakness, and
checked (that all his damage consist) only on this, irrigate it continuously with sweet
water and good works, if the mud were detached or cracked, or the ants were in it,
smear it more and will prevail Insha Allah. According to the Nabathea agriculture, the
graft is acquired in the (tree that works of) feet the same taste (of his fruit), it smell,
color, good shape, big size and early (maturation), and even in the opposite in this is
achieved the advantage that the late tree grafted in early tree, and vice versa, fructifies
on middle tie.
They say that if are together two trees from specie in a way that can be twisted
one with the other they incarnate each other, and that chopping to one the superior part
over the spot of the union, uniting the juice of both, the part that is left keeps feeding of
its own roots and the ones of the other; which like this convenes so the fruit that it gives
comes bigger and thicker that it was before this operation. Having I twisted to old plants
of wild olive tree ant were close in between, they joined in that spot in a few years close
of the tops; and when one of them becomes weaker, I cut it remaining the other feeding
itself from the two trunks. Also I have seen two vines, twisted one with the other, which
were injured by this.
May work in this chapter the signals that show the reciprocal suitability of the
trees; is good to know, that been some of many, others of median and others of little
juiciness, some of hard wood, others of moderately hard, and others soft; of which
species is adapted commonly each one to his own better than to another. The trees witch
much juice are the vine, the fig tree and wild fig tree, the quince , the apple-tree, the
mulberry-tree, the black plum, the olive, the jaujo as was called by the barbarian(or
peach-tree), the pear-tree and the rosebush. Those of little juice are the citron, the
orange-tree, the lemon-tree, the Holm oak, the hawthorn, the arbutus, the cypress, the
chestnut, the walnut, the almond, the elm, the tamarisk, the hazel, the pine, the jujube,
and similar. Those of hard wood are the olive, jujube, the elm and the most of trees a
little dark (or brown). Further, those of soft wood are the oleander, the fig tree, the vine,
the margosa, rosebush and similar. If a tree of many juiciness is grafted on one of little
juiciness, this wont be enough; thing that dont happens doing the graft in the opposite
way.
Which also shows the mutual convenience (of the trees, besides the told up) over
his first division on classes (or supreme species), is that in the rubbery some are very
rubbery, as the plum, the apricot, the peach-tree and simiar; others moderately, as the
almond, and the terebinth, the pine and similar; and others very little as the olive, the
vine, the cypress, the quince and the walnut. In the oily group some are of much oil,
which is squeezed from the exterior skin of its fruit like the olive, a species of cypress
and his similar (in which are advantaged); and other which oil is squeezed by the bone o
seed, like the hazel, the nut and similar. Which trees prevail little, grafted in those who
werent rubbery, or agree each other in the few qualities referred; even if by other
quality they agree a l lot. Those of heavy slime, when they dont prevail grafted in each
other, as the olive and the Holm oak? And a trusty person have told me that grafted
olive spines in a new Holm oak, they prevail fixed more than a year fill with juice; but
without give bunches or dry until passed this time was done to the Holm oak a crossed
cut and the same to the spines. Examine, (say the authors), which trees are of long,
median, or short duration (because this will contribute to the economy of grafts); if in
the tree o shot life were grafted one of long, the graft will be less longer, and opposite to
this. Topic that will be treated in the next Insha Allah.
ARTICLE XV
About the age of the trees, according the common opinion of the agriculturist.
Is opinion of some Nabatheos that the olive lives three thousand years, the palm
five hundred, the Holm oak four hundred and the carob tree three hundred. Is told that
the jujube, the walnut, the almond, the mulberry-tree, the arbutus, the hackberry, the
elm and the willow live each one two hundred years. The vine, according to the
Nabathea agriculture, at the hundred dries and die; which at his early plantation or since
his first period, that is of seven years, lives free of calamities, vegetates more and haves
more vigor until reach to the seven periods, that are frothy nine years; since that time on
begins his decadence until it reach his old age, becomes useless since then and dries.
According the quoted book, the older that the hackberry gets is one hundred years and
the peach sixty. According others, the pear-tree, the rowan, the hawthorn, the
pomegranate, the quince, the plum, the apricot, the hazel, the citron, the orange-tree and
the cypress, last almost one hundred years; and like fifty the plum, the mistletoe, the
plantain, the margosa and the apple-tree. According Abu-el-Jair, the rosebush lives
thirty years, the wall flower two or three, and then falls; which the yellow grows less
than the red. The sweet reed lives three years no more. The marjoram six; and the alfalfa
twenty.
CHAPTER IX
The cut and cleaning of the trees and the time to execute it; and the felling
or pruning of the vines, according the Ibn-Hajj book.
Solon says that being the clean is a great benefit, it cut bouquets that have some
sick part, to reduce the juice to the fattest of that treeFor which reason it must also be
cut all born in no corresponding site those who harm others better; and also the inner
branches of the tree for what that they are weak and bleak; and because outside of being
an impediment to penetrate the air there are fruitless, the operation suits not execute but
is in the winter when the juice does not flow from the timber, so that this does not flow
around the bush; which weaken and make them sick. The ancestors were proposed
cutting the roots of the tree and discovered lying on the surface of the earth with respect
to which this provision it offend hindering to be plowed and digged; whose two books
consists their health and conservation; for which reason they are cut the same way as the
flimsy. And here the maxims of Solon.
Macario said to cut the tree roots that it impossible to dig and plowing in that it
comprises these tasks to their preservation; but not once and not weaken it, but in
different years to remove them all, as this short and with fluffiness acquiring the land
from that place with such work, throwing then to thre tree new roots by cultivation, then
take the place of those cut by the softness and fluffiness that found: which matter to
fertilize the place that contribute to the same effect. And till here the macimuns of the
cited author.
Still, I think that it may not be convenient and similar to olive trees extend their
roots at ground: and indeed since I have practiced so once in the Alxarafe that tree, I
saw that caused serious damage.
Kastos says that to give good shape at the fruit tree, you cut at the time to take
the fruit to the excess of its branches, and the branches will not pass over two years or
are from the top.
June says, it is cleaned with sickle each fruit trees were dry, and that will turn
out all lines that have for more, both born in the trunk, as the servants near the foot to be
lifted smooth, just and right, and with three or four branches only in his treetop
separated corresponding distance, and that planting the same regime is observed to have
their four trunks cubits high, compared to which while remaining tender are susceptible
of any variant form.
The same author adds in the chapter on the olive trees that with regard to the
remaining clean (or later) of these trees, it is run in November rather than in the other
months for being visible at this time have more strength and vigor; its fruit, do not
receive the rains of winter; which (when they happen) indicates that lack the regular
arrangement.
For which reason all still I am of the opinion that the time referred is the
most provided to clean and strengthen such trees this way. But when they refuse to
clean, will suit to them manure to the effect that the benefit of the same repair the
damage that ensues them clean, and better born branches.
Which suits cleaned cutting off those in the middle have dry, and wrest the
linked, and so very crooked, and too long; since all these things make them less fruitful
than others, as know by any farmer. Whose clean is to run every three or four years; and
with regard to the born branches off the trees, will be started annually for drying when
they are still tender and not come to take away their strength to the trees, weakening the
same trunk. And here the maxims of the mentioned author.
Casio says that do not produce less fruit the olive which branches were cut, since
the new fructify abundantly. And till here his maximum. It is a marsial opinion, cutting
down trees from twenty to begin November till the twenty four of December: that the
pear tree light pruning is done; the quince as wishes, without delay; at the jujube and
plum without any limitation; slightly to the fig tree; and the olive without limitation.
And here their maximum.
Betodn says, the fig tree have improvement with the pruning, and that does not
harm it much to be cut, and so the vine; and rather it helps one another tree grow
smartly. Which (says Ibn-Hajj) it is certain and undoubted, in my opinion, the
experience has been beneficial to me; so is suspected of falsehood what Marcial says of
the fig tree. He adds that just as cherry and walnut and almond are raised lush with
much shorter; and so hazel, in the opinion of Sadihames.
Other farmers say, treating the same, be necessary to transplant all the trees
when they small or wide to free sites; and it is opinion that if seed planting them in
irrigated it wishes to grow in height, they cut the branches and internal branches, and
the offspring born at the foot without executing this with tool seedlings until they are
four years; which being pernicious, they will be cut by hand, not with her until have
spent this time, since cutting them with a sharp tool, and not to blow. Thus becoming
the remaining branches colorful are strengthened to address them the substance (or
juice) of the cut; whose site is welded wounded far as is prejudice.
If the cut part was large, it will be filled with sweet glutinous mud from white
ground mopping it to join him well. When the camp exceeds the height of a man, he
will take care to wipe frequently, if it be from the kind of suffering pruning trees and
clean; and if those who do not suffer, you will skip this operation. Of the difference
from the trees to suffer, or not, the manure will be discussed later.
By being burned in the Alxarafe certain olive feet, I saw some pruned the
offspring born in place a year later; which they were wasted and lost, and so the cut the
following year, the operation was profitable and nothing harmful to those who were
pruned after four years and later.
ARTICLE I
Agrees the common farmers that som trees suffer the logging, and others do not
suffer pruning and clean: to them that this suits include dairy, as a fig tree and Mulberry
Tree; and especially the latter, as Hj Granadino, since their preservation is in wiping
every year from all leaves and cut the agglomeration (or many) of buds, keeping of bark
not splitting the body of the tree by cutting to it (and the same to others) the thick
branches. Which having being as kind of bleeding lose its robustness. So, the best in
this is to cut the branch first with saw or other instrument bottom, and then scrub the
site cut white clay to not woodworm or rot.
You will clean the jujube as you wish, relieving him of the weight of its
branches, as to which there is no hurt by its perfect welding. But you keep yourself from
it is split, since undertaken would be woodworm. Hazel to cleanse whatever you wish
without this nothing will harm, and so at the walnut.
Haj and Nahk says that if the tree is cut down by the foot of bark at the same
time its roots, will return to the state it had before; and if some branches are cut, there
shall grow as before the cut site. That restores and makes clean vegetate the Roman
walnut, and so at the hackberry. That at cleanse and logging the laurel whatever you
want; which, cut off the top, good regains its former beauty. That the olive nothing hurts
what he is cut off, and as it runs on the dry branches for what green and below the comb
(or knot), as well repaired back to their own state: which if cut being something dry will
not sprout from under that part in any way.
The olive tree, says Kastos, load more fruit cutting the surplus of its branches;
whose operation suits be executed after catching the olives; and the same vine, carob
and oak; According the Nabathea Agriculture, if the olive have given fruit and then
ceased produce, it will be cleaned for a good part of its branches at sunset with the
corresponding tool; to which after the man giving it some straight punches, tells how
talking to him: I have to rip and make firewood, if you do not give fruit; then
repeating this a few times will not fail to give it, by Allah.
According to other authors, the trees do not suffer in any way it suits them
cutting or topping are gummy if they exceed the height of a man; and when they cut off
small so precise, careful not to leave them with some cleavage will have. Whose class is
the peach, which if is old must not be touched with tools; and they say that is not good
to get the same any little juice tree. According Marsial, at the peach you can cut as you
want without waiting for anything: the quince has not reached with tool because it lose;
as neither at the old nor new cherry, or the apple tree; which if being old is lopping, do
not expect that this be repaired, since it is their extermination. But the palm returns to its
first state cutting it when new.
The plum, which is the Abkar, according Hj should not reach with tool when
old but if the need so requests, admits cutting; so if registering it shall be found to be
rotten, it cut to corrects this damage, returning to the first state that had before; but it is
not to be touched or cleaned in any way with tool while considers the smooth trunk and
new branches. Marsial says, that without such a suspicion how and when above said.
The elm will not be done any cleaning, as maximum of Haj; and if lopping not
born on the site of cutting thick branches that look absolutely elevation; because there
just sprout thin and twisted branches, knotting the tree, and causing this same ruin.
Which also happens to a palm tree lopped without ever can rise. The cut pine does not
return as he was, about what does not grow by the weakness of their offspring. The
orange, lemon, zamboa (or grapefruit tree), cypress, walnut, hazelnut, and the like, them
not naked its leaf, and bright trees as pomegranates, apple, plum, and alfnsigo must be
pruned little.
ARTICLE II
Says Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel that the maximum that shall be found scattered
in different books and can be added to these, should be reduced to just half that of him
(which is convenient) deviate.
ARTICLE III
Some want, outside the expressed system, if the tree does not advance in the
vegetation, if your top-dried calamity from external cause such as wind, or weakness or
old age, cut with a sharp tool (since lost all or cut tree branch with which it is not)
executing the cutting or sawing a cubit to the face of the earth, if there is no risk that
comes to it which can lose; or higher, if it fears that animals like cattle will cause
damage; also giving continuous work and risks until I come to fruition.
Abu-el-Jair say telling to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasel, that applied for it this old
remedy pomegranate and quince were followed by other new branches that bore fruit
long time: that after having sawed second time and care diligently with work and
continuous irrigation, followed by others with new branches, which came to fruition and
in this way to live more than a hundred years.
Haj and other affirm that the old cherry resurrect with logging, and and that this
effect is not achieved with mowing. That the sick Mulberry Tree, many years and little
fructify, resurrect been pruned back to its first state, especially being in place where you
can grow and irrigate, whereby shortly convalescing; and so the citron, the orange,
lemon, jasmine and zamboa, if for being old to be cut or cut down due to the land, and
they attends to work and continuous irrigation.
When you see the peach (says Hj) weak and little substance, with difficulty the
fruit of some of its branches, taking away the bark that follows the wood black, green or
turns red with a mixture of black, and that tied its buds, you'll understood that it has
many years and is close to perish. Whose remedy is to saw two feet from the ground by
October, foot very well cover with ground and irrigate every eight days; as well sprout
again on the fifteenth until the end of summer, and flowering and fruiting the second or
third year at the latest, also wiping of weak shoots, leaving the robust three or four
branches. Also if you think transplanting reverse execute so, returns the tree as it was
first, and load (by Allah) much fruit, remaining in good standing with this operation and
regime.
The pear tree, Mulberry Tree and similar fruit trees shed leaf, and have aged and
weakened, repaired with the benefit of logging, or relieving them and stripping them of
lying branches in proportion to what they cut of the upper part; although it is best to cut
them by foot. If very dry trees are pruned in autumn, preferring to this site where they
are not dry, rejuvenated by this operation and being on them continuously.Then it tells
you what is sufficient about curing the trees of the other accidents that may be
undertaken.
CHAPTER X
Of the work relating to the payment of the land of trees and its trees,
and the best time to execute the manure of the earth.
Designates are the trees to which could suit, or not, much crop.
Of the mode to extend the branches in the empty places.
And the quality of the laborers for working in agriculture.
Regarding of adult vines, the benefit they receive from the cellar, and how to
introduce young plants (or layering) in the spacious sites lacking these ones, says June,
quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajajs, are to be digged before sprouting its branches, regarding
making this work after that time, and when clusters are starting to being discovered, this
would result in the loss of much of the fruit with the revolution of the cellar, and for this
reason vines should be digged before, because a good cellar and sponginess of the
ground are the cause of the robustness that this vines acquire, and, providing food to
them, their fruit increase are the result.
He adds, that if the vines were to have been grown before concluded this
labor, it would be very good to stop it until the recently grown stems are robust enough,
doing the work, then, around the remaining vines: that at the time of doing this, its
convenient for one to be very careful of not uncovering the log of the vine, which would
be damaging, for if this happens the vine would not give any more fruits. He also
mentions that, if there were lacking any young plants (or if there were empty spaces)
between vines, the long and flexible branches are to be taken and leant down in the pit
that must have been done for them, laying them on the ground and covering them after
with enough amount of dirt; and giving them the same cultivation given to the other
plants, they are to be cropped of the vines after two years and a half. Here end the
maximals of the quoted author.
Kastos says, that made by the old vine's side, on the empty side, dig an
elbow-deep hole and lay, tend and bury a branch in the middle of it without cutting it
from the foot, leaving the end of it outside; whose new seedling comes to be then like a
child raised by two nurses, from whose breasts it feeds; since one of them is its first foot
which is joined to, and the other the one the raised again; which comes promptly to
become the perfect vine and fructify with abundance: that, coming to this state and
being ahead of its partner, cut the first foot of the vines if they're old, or leave it next to
it if the advantage was on the contrary.
And up to this point the maxim of the referred author June aforementioned by
himself where he talks about the time to dig vines and the convenience of using manure
on them, he says that those from the eastern regions don't cover them immediately when
they dig around them, instead they leave them uncovered the whole winter time; and on
the contrary of the southern regions, that some dig one foot deep two times, for autumn
and spring; and for which it makes another species of cattle that the strength of their
heat makes purpose of setting forward the vegetation; but noting that none of these
manures gets on their roots, rather four fingers of distance so that the heat comes from
afar; neither on the broken roots because(or being as..) it would burn them.
If there wasn't manure at hand, it will be enough with using bean straws and
other vegetables for being a preservative against the frosts and the icing for the vines,
and also a remedy against the insects that lose them. That digging entirely is omitted in
the cold regions; and that before on the contrary having frosts in such places, is
convenient to set aside the vines, piling earth around them. Solon aforementioned in the
Ibn-Hajj book about the care that must be taken with trees and their manures, of three
ways, he says, they are cultivated, plowing them or digging them, fertilizing them and
cleaning them or pruning them; and although some watering them with water from
rivers or wells, it lacks fundament; since we see many trees that don't need more water
than the one that comes from heaven; and so when we want to raise domestic trees on
the field, we plow them many times, with whose labors have enough without needing to
be watered.
Those three things (over said), are the ones that make the trees live for a long
time, vegetate and fructify well, and remain robust; which if clearly seemed to come
down with any kind of disease, it would be good watering them, specially the citron,
which continuously needs it, and then, the pomegranate. The other trees are better to be
watered in the summer and spring, and also in autumn if rain comes late: and it would
be convenient if in the summer they were watered in the afternoon, in order that roots
increase with the freshness of the water that gets to them, for with their sucking and
attraction for the juice, with the warmness provided by the sun that comes after that
humidity, they strengthen perfectly and greatly.
The plowing and digging, then, are useful for four things: first, for the rarity or
sponginess that earth gets by this means eases the dilatation of roots on it and these
same are refreshed by entering the air. And thats what an Author (Virgilio) said, that
earths sponginess is a relief for suffocated roots. Second, for being uncovered the
bottom part of the earth turned by the work, its encouraged by the heat of the sun and
then thins; and so, the ancient bearing by repeating better plowing, persuaded this
practice to the effect that the land softens by flipping and stirring; further then, they had
for a best quality the very trodden dust of the roads and sunny, saying that being found
and removed with the foot of the workers and horses, being parched by the sun, and
moreover being aired and moving from one place to another, (expressed contracted
quality) of softness (or thinness ); and also by the fertilizer given by the urine and
excrement thrown on him by the beasts.
Third,
for
tearing
the
grass
of
the
land
of
trees,
they
do not lose its legitimate and good quality, and the trees to be narrowly and oppressed
(or lacking the corresponding amount) of nutritional juice. Fourth, so that the plowed
ground retains its center with freshness, the juice and the humor contained in it, and that
they refresh themselves with it, and moisturize the roots of the trees in the summer. The
wild trees are conserved by making very deep grooves with the plowing in the three
seasons of autumn, winter and spring, and also with digging them and removing the
earth from the foot, opening round holes around them like long and wide centerboards,
which practice we recommend you follow for three reasons.
First, because us, knowing that the earth form the surface it's better for being
sunlit, we want that the one close to the roots is softened and thinned and they can feed
themselves from it; which is very advantageous, like good foods( or aliments) that
sustains the body, in it consist their wellbeing. The second reason is the sponginess of
the earth and the relief of the oppressed roots, like was said before; which effect is
accomplished perfectly with replenishing the extracted soil on the hole, well sponged
now by the discontinuation or separation of its particles. The third, because by
collecting and damming the water in those holes, none is lost, and so it goes to the depth
of the ground.
The old ones suggested that the holes were three elbows-deep, adding that is not
convenient to make them in the rigorous winter when the frosts and a lot of snow falls
due to harms it does to the roots; whence they must be done when the time starts to
quench, passed the best( o most) part of winter; and so it was Varron's opinion, that the
holes were to be made in the autumn, and that with the tightening of the cold, the soil
was to be replenished on top of the roots until the mild time came back; since it seemed
then that repeating the same process, and leaving the holes open until the air changed,
the piled soil was replenished; whereby with the sponging of that site the trees were
kept healthy, conserving their juice.
For what the manure does it is certain that it agrees with the soil; to which it
promotes, and like in the roots the natural heat, contributing to the engrossment of the
juice from the plant are made fruitful and throw off many colorful branches with a lot of
greenness. The leaning or cleansing also benefits a lot; and the maximums of Solon and
other authors about the care one must have with executing it have already been
mentioned.
Solon talking about the way of benefiting the soil with task of trellis after
it's tired, says that finding it in such disposition one should, grab the sow, plow it a few
times in the winter season until opening wide grooves in it by the end of spring, so that
they are clipped or torn with the many grids, none of them attracts the juice; and
permeating to the depth of the grooves the heat of the sun in the summer, concurring in
it with this labor, their pARTICLEs attenuated and overheated, the three qualities of
porosity, sponginess and softness, preventing after the same heat with which the sun
thins and warms it, that the herbs take part of its substance and subtle matter; with
which labor, called back, it benefits perfectly for being to this the most purposeful and
effective; which talked about later claiming the maximums in which this subject is
illustrated.
Up, according to the Nabathea Agriculture doctrine, the species of soil
and their respective manures were treated on the first chapter of this book, illustrating
this point with many maximums. It was also treated the way of digging trees; which
labor, called ventilation and sponging is executed around them, removing the soil or
uncovering them in the places where suiting them and replenish them after the same;
about which were claimed the maximums of Junio on the matter, that we add to the ones
that refer on the books of other authors. Otherwise Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, Hj,
Abu-el-Jair and others say in their respective books, that in the tillage of the soil certain
dispositions must be observed; of which one is the season of the year in the purpose of
executing it, and another is the state of the soil considered with regard of its humidity or
dryness too, to its right temperature between the two qualities, that is what must be
heeded, and also the hardness and softness. Attempting to execute the firsts labors of
plowing and digging well, the others are made easier. In the soils the till must be started
by the middle of January until the ends of May, repeating this same thing after different
according to the needs of that kind of terrain; which will be well cultivated after its dust
is thinned and its hardness softened. Ultimately, they say, that the foot of the trees
should be uncovered for January, making their corresponding diggings underneath.
ARTICLE I
From the crop that every kind of soil requires, and the proper time to execute it.
The strong bermeja earth, says Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, isnt docile to the
work until after a reckless and violent advance; and so are necessary many and repeated
works to be thin. The black (or brown), and the yellow as well, also need a lot of work,
with which their trees grow strong and healthy. To the thick earth sometimes the
process must be repeated in order to make it thin; and to the rough earth lots of crops
are needed. The docile and frank earth to the work and farming, and the same with the
powder-colored earth (and the ones similar, as the humid white), need less work than
the others due to their softness and docility towards the works and farming. The dead
earth, like the sandstone, loose and similar are to be worked in its right time, neither
early or later to avoid any burns and moisture removal caused by the sun; also, the
brackish earth isnt to be plowed deeply.
Kastos says that the limit in deepness to break the earth during the
plowing is that of a hand. And its a maxim from Abu-el-Jair and other authors, that the
earth whose surface where of good quality, and its center near to be bad due to
containing very rough sand, stones and similar stuff, wont be plowed too deeply
because, if done the contrary, it would lose its good disposition to being benefitted with
the appropriate manure, which is of utmost need. But that it must be plowed in that way
the earth thats of bad surface and of good center near the center, in order to improve it
with this incorporation or mix; which is of better quality than the one before. From
whose matter and similar weve already talked about in the two first chapters, and still
being talked about in chapter ten and seven, to what has been talked up to now, the
maxims that can be found scarce over the book are to be joint with in this matter.
ARTICLE II
The times for plowing each species of earth, according to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-elFasl, Hj, Abu-el-Jair and other authors
They say that the earth of good and strong quality be plowed early,
starting the digging and plowing in the fall, especially if ones specifically looking for
herbs, which is taken away with this crop; and that this very same after each station is
repeated because of the bad that the cold and heat do to it; and that the earth of inferior
quality is to be plowed after the springs equinox has passed. Its also common opinion
that the ginger, purple, the lean white, the earth from hills and steps are to be plowed in
winter. The brackish earth must have a plowing that isnt too deep, and that left a whole
year in this state, manure is to be applied to it in the time thats to be said. That the
flimsy thin earth, especially the sandstone, be plowed in spring after the equinox at half
grid, and that it must not be dug up with plowing; and that neither before or after more
work is done, because if it were plowed in cold seasons, it would cause spams in its
growth by limiting its access to the water from the rains (closing its pores); and because
if the plowing were made in the heat seasons, it would lose its substance soon due to
burns caused by the sun. The adipose and similar types of earth are to be plowed in this
last season, because the sun dries the roots of the herbs that, by growing next to it,
deteriorates the growth rate of seeds and trees; these last being dictated to be plowed at
all seasons. With the turn works, which will be talked about in a different ARTICLE,
one and another effect will be achieved, plowing in June the cracked earth and covering
its cracks to avoid the suns heat to reach the trees roots.
Says Ibn-Hazm, that trees that arent well raised or taken care of, are to
be dug and plowed deeply after the first rains of October, and the same in January, in
the starts of April and in June (the month of the nsarat); and that applying manure to
them later they are to be relieved from the weight of the interlaced branches; that the
vines get their branches trimmed; and that the intermediate distances between the plants
be left unembarrassed.
ARTICLE III
Out of what has been said, the several states of the trees referring to their ground
where they are will be observed; because some need lots of farming, if in some of the
first ones there were trees that required equally high works, it will be higher in this; if
the contrary, proportionally; and if it were reciprocal opposition, the first (or the main)
of them will be transplanted.
ARTICLE IV
The disposition in which the earth has to be in order to plow it, and execute the
seedtime and planting in it
Says Abu-el-Jair, that to achieve this effect the earth must be moderately
humid, eliminating the quagmire and the earth that doesnt has moisture at all. Its a
maxim from Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl that said earth isnt plowed nor cultivated from,
and avoid throwing something in it that contains ran water or from another source, since
it would get sick, if it were to be moved in said disposition it would cause damage to the
plants and itself. It also weakens if its left without dust between it and its pots when
plowing, digging too lean, or while opening the grooves and plowing. It also mustnt be
plowed or dug while being muddy or in similar disposition; said works, if not executed
with regular temperature, cause the sun to hard the earth, and later falls sick due to the
lack of looseness and juice: and because of this reason is that one mustnt plow or dig
unless its moderately juicy, and neither lean or humid. If the need to plant something in
lumpy soil came to being, first plant lupines there without the main seed until it softens
up due to the rains and wind. Digging and plowing it up with good wind (being
moderately juicy), and crumbling the small lumps of earth at the same time is how the
plant remains at correct disposition, granting that whatever is planted on it will prevail.
Also, its less harmful to dig or plow lean earth that the one thats loaded of water and
muddy, because the rains dissolve the lumps of lean dirt.
ARTICLE V
The trees that favor and those that dont favor, several cultivations
Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, Hj, Abu-el-Jair and other authors say in their
respective books that the tres that favor several cultivations are the olive, fig, vine and
cherry. According to Hj and others, there are trees of fruit that favor several
cultivations and watering when theyre growing, and the opposite when grown up: from
which category we can mention the apple, plum, cherry, peach and similar. And the
very same Hj says that the apple and pomegranate of old age and the similar are the
kind of trees that dont favor several cultivations, and that other require in this a certain
medium, and those will be mentioned later. Its a maxim from Abu-el-Jair and other,
that with the olives already bearing fruits, the same process of plowing used with the
vines be applied, ceasing works, manure and trimming, that little excavations be made
at their feet by the beginning of June, and that ashes be spread in August due to the
advantages that this presents to them and the good quality that it lends to its oil; that in
April the branches are trimmed, and cleaning them after picking up the olives, later
gathering lumps of earth at their feet.
From the quinces, says Hj, that digging them up well again and again in
the start of October, while the earth is juicy, are to be watered when ten days pass; that
in the same juices disposition be dug up a second and third time and giving them a
good work in March; and that the same cultivations are beneficial for the pomegranate
and hazelnut.
The rosebushes, says the same author, are cleaned of the herbs with the
hands while wearing gloves during October, cutting after that any plant or thorn that has
grew between them, eliminating them with a hoe, eight days later they will be dug up
again picking out the herbs they may have; and after its entries are closed, eliminating
any nuisances they may have again with a farming hoe (bigger than the first one
mentioned) in the referred month , all the dried and old white branches will be cut off,
repeating the same works of hoe in the midst of April, and cleaning the herbs away from
them. This is absolutely necessary, mustnt be overlooked because of the advantages
that it gives to the plants. Also, even when the flowers time has already passed, the
cleaning wont stop: since there, no more intrusions would be needed until the fall
season starts. Well discuss the watering, and also its medicine, in their very own
ARTICLEs. The almond doesnt need many works. This proves convenient for the
apple tree in its youth and not in its grown stage, has its already been said up there. The
muse must be given a good work in fall; and the sugar canes soil must be worked on
after the canes are cut and picked up. All the new or old vines need (according to the
Nabathea agriculture) repeated works; and the ones with ages below twenty years have
its circumference dug up, manure will be applied with feces from sheep, doves, and pat,
covering their feet after by these means, their vines will tend to be very useful; which
regime if we continuously observe in the new ones, we see its also advantageous for
them. The seedling plants that are over two years old (of any species) will require
digging a hole, at the third year, thats two feet deep and three feet wide, and will be reapplied with the manure weve spoke before, having done to them six excavations
between their first and second years of planting. Masio advices that the vines of seven
years or more be dug during summer in such a way that the center is left exposed to the
surface.
The intention of the action (says Kutsmi) of mixing the moisturized earth of the
center with the lean one from the surface, and the same process thats done with the
subtle pARTICLEs, is to make a single good-quality earth ; task thats accomplished
with the heat that the sun emits and the attenuation received from the air since being in
the direct surface; with said actions it loses the heaviness and hardness that it had
acquired in the center with the moisture, and with this upgrade and temperature it
betters the vines that are around them. Also, the deeply-rooted vines that are twelve
years or older must be dug up in the same way we said it must be done to the seedling
plants; must be executed before the rosebuds bloom and begin to sift, makes the earth
from the feet of the vine sponge up; which is a direct cause of bigger abundance and
gentleness in the fruit, and that the vines grow prodigiously robust because of the lots of
nutritious juice that they gather. The vines also mustnt be dug up when they are
beginning to bloom until after their stems have fortified a little.
To know, says Sagrit, that the many and continued excavations around
the vines sponge up the earth, with which swelling they get more robust and get their
roots dilated; and that this alternative of excavation and swelling of the diggings are
cause of its robustness, and that a lot of juice is attracted, allows that the fruit (through
Allah) comes in abundance.
Continues, the same author, saying that its convenient to have the
excavations exposed a long time to allow the vines roots to untangle, which is very
good for them, and clearing all herbs from them, small or big, without leaving a single
one there. He who does the diggings near the vines be careful of any cuts caused to the
trunk with the hoe or any other instrument of the excavation, absolutely avoiding that
the tool touches any part in a way that could cause harm, said harm being like poison to
the vine, the weakness and diminishment of the fruit following such act, and the
smallness of the branches due to the same reason. About the digging thats done to the
seedling plants in their first year, even though its an easy operation (or one that doesnt
needs something to be warned of) with all, its direct and most suitable execution relies
in not touching anything with the tools. Sagrit encourages the carefulness that one must
have due to the easiness with which the vines and similar ground-level plants are hurt or
start to rot by the smallest of cuts.
About the cultivation of the vines, say Abu-el-Jair and other authors that
are good to execute four or more excavations before the blooming of the buds, omitting
these works if theyre already bloomed, to be executed after the grapes well grown.
Thats also good to make excavations at their foot in the final days of fall season and in
December in equal rows from noon to north, separating the earth between the flax and
making them deep enough, and leaving them in said state until the early March, if the
year were with more rains than dry days; and if the opposite, lend the earth, after a week
or more, according to the intensity of the dry season, digging after and incorporating the
earth of the surface with the one from below, and to earth up the feet of the vines if the
soil were to be found with a regular amount of juice product of the watering; finally
giving them a digging in April and another in May. That in the second year the
excavations start to happen in parallel grooves, opposing the ones from the first year,
from east to west, executing what has been explained. That in the third year they be dug
up opposing how it was done in the last two years, executing after it what was foresaw
up there; and that a fourth excavation be executed opposing the last one done; and so
on, that the soil replaced in the holes like the first time be used with the vines and dug
up in April, and another in May. With said works and similar ones the earth sponges up,
and the vines have the legit and sufficient farming; one with which, clearing its roots of
the herbs that were in them with each work, would maintain an optimum status, and its
grape its raised healthy and of good quality.
That extending its harvesting to five excavations, these should be executed every
month since January to May, and that the earth isnt turned in the heat season to avoid
the hot air to enter its roots and remove their moisture; unless the earths cracked and
with some herb, in said case, a work done with a very light hoe that covers the cracks
and eliminates the herbs should be enough. Its also an opinion that the vines are to be
plowed in October and March, and that in April and July be dug up lightly, due to the
advantages that dust provides to the grape, executing this work in the morning and in
the late afternoon.
Economy and order that the workers must save in the works of excavation, by
the book of Ibn Bisl
This author talking about the works of the vines referred to the servants,
says that in fields of soft, tender, juicy and docile to the farming-type of fields, divisions
are made for the laborers that work there of sixty steps long, no less; and that in
opposing terrain, especially rough, lean and strong terrain, the divisions be made of
thirty steps long; and to what refers to the wideness, every man must have the
equivalent length of three shovels (which should be three hands) between each other,
nor more, no less. That each one of them carries their right foot in front and left foot
back, and dont raise the hoe over his head, rather throwing it pulling towards itself.
Its very good, says other author, that the workers are four; that in the
first division the one placed is the most intelligent during work and the strongest, and
the same towards the second and third man; and that if one of them werent intelligent
or strong in the plowing, be placed in the last division. That they are placed one in front
of the other in an oblique and followed line, so that the earths well treated as each
worker mimics the doings of the other. That the space of division of each one in the
plain and juicy terrain should be of four palms, and in the terrain of low moisture be
lesser the distance between them, and with proportion towards the three hoaxes that
each one of them should have in front of him. That out of this its kept in consideration
the capacity or stretchiness of the flaxes that usually keep a distance between seven and
eight palms one from the other. That the length said division needs to have in the plain
and tender terrain be of seventy steps long, and thirty in the opposing scenario. That in
the plain terrain three men can very well dig a marjal in one day: and that to open in
such marjal the drilling holes, that are executed to improve the planting of the vines
with stake, ten men are to be able to fit in each marjal, or less, according to what their
patron wished.
ARTICLE VI
The type of men that are looked for its qualities to do the works, plantations and
other rustic tasks
This point is mentioned in the Nabathea agriculture and it states that the
workers must be young, obeying the patron that theyre the strongest, happiest and most
expeditious and less lazy for the works, and that the diggers be working in pairs. That
the one in charge of planting the vines or other trees, the inserter and the trimmer be
young men between their twenty and thirty years of age or a little more, that watches
out for his personal hygiene; that dont possess any handicap in their limbs like a
dislocation or a fracture not well healed; nor that he had mumps, referring to that being
free of all lesion and handicap the men who are to do the planting or the inserting, the
robust plants will prevail and live more. These operations also mustnt be executed by
those workers that sustained a cut that makes them bleed from their arm. That he whos
sick in one or both eyes, or had ophtalmia or clouds in them, or were one-eyed, its not
suited at all to do plantations; if well it can be employed in other activities. It has
already been said in the article of the plantations of the palm that qualities must concur
in the one charged with the planting, the same with the olive, and to a lesser extent, the
onions. According to the quoted Nabathea agriculture, the owner of the estate must go
personally to it to check up on the workers and promote their work with a matching
prize; or to punish their laziness, to fix it as said above.
Advised by other authors, for the cultivation and hoaxing the youngest and most
upright men are to be chosen, for being the strongest for the job, of greater resistance to
fatigue, more animated and more docile than the old ones; the ones that are diligent,
good tempered and careful workers being the exception; with which qualities do not
stop being a must for such tasks. In the divisions there wont be more than four men,
and if there were more, they must not gather up in only one spot in order to haste the
works in that specific area; and because its usual to happen that during the work, some
liars and impure teach others how to cause harm while doing their hob. To hoax and to
store the ox herd the preferred ones will be the bigger men; and to dig or make the holes
and other similar operations the ones with medium height are to be picked first, that are
agile, strong and of robust composition; if well other say that these men should be tall,
as that they can do stuff that the smaller men cannot do. For shepherds its good to
assign anyone who was known to be an early bird, light, of good will and a vigilant with
patience.
Those that will be picked to be a foreman must be someone with earned trust
that takes care of observing and learning the occupations of each of the men, with the
jog of administrating them the corresponding reliefs: that worker must be faithful, well
educated in mannerisms and habits, of great probity and religion, veracious in its words,
and kind to its family. Must be awake and out of the bed by the start of the day before
beginning the works of the day to encourage everyone else to do the same. Mustnt be
sectarian of its passions, a compulsive eater nor alcoholic. The owner of the lands, along
with the foreman, will register the works after being finished to have knowledge of how
much was worked; and even if it was missing all the day, he will know the diligence
and effort of the workers in his absence, or of their laziness, if they were to be found
working less that whats supposed. Junio, quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj, says that he
in charge of the vine must visit it a lot and take walks around it to equal and correct the
stakes of the vines that were inclined, they must be moved to one site with a bare hand
(since they dont need to be totally erect) without minding if its his or my work; and so
on, because the many rains of fall causes the grapes to scratch and rot, due to this its
important to remove the pompanos that were above the branches to avoid any damage.
CHAPTER XI
The application of manure for trees, planting grounds and calm soil.
The kind of manure that best suits each one.
The benefits it gives to the brackish soils.
How much time and quantity must be given to this task,
according to Nabathea agriculture.
The same author of this book states that, this world being one of coldness
and dry seasons, because of the coldness of both the earth and water, the first one gets
lean, and the second one gets wet; if the air didnt apply a little heat to it, the sun a lot,
and the nights stars a little, plants wouldnt be able to grow in these lands, as animals,
and the vegetating process of trees would be very slow. The plants grow with heat, they
prevail and heal from their sicknesses, be it with the heat from the burned stubbles, or
with the manure. The smart ones execute little use of the first one mentioned in the
plants, because the method is risky if implemented without warnings and with a low
practice and information. So the safest way to apply heat is through the manure; and
according to the Nabathea agriculture, be them (the plants) small or big they are quite
fortified, its utility not being particular but general for both plants and vegetables, if the
manures are mixed with some other dust; by whom it spreads through different terrains
and windy landscapes under direct influence of the sun. When the manures applied to
the feet of vines and all other plants, nor rolling over the flows of earth in such place,
the first ones grow robust, give birth to multiple branches, leafs and twigs, the grapes
produced big and with prodigious abundancy, and without the slightest risk of getting
rot.
According another author, in the terrain thats mixed sand in it the vines
prevail; and its on that purpose that sheeps feces be mixed in it, later following the
same path the horses feces. To the earth thats white, strong and graveled the most
convenient is to apply the rotten pat in amurca due to its abundant fat; which should be
mixed with some hay of wheat and barley. The earth of brackish and inferior quality
should have applied manure composed of human feces, vegetables hay, burned bones
and vines ashes. Summary, to all earth thats thought to have a flavor different of sweet
its to be benefitted with highly fat manure. The earth thats sweet or flavorless must
have strong and active manure applied in it. According to other authors, the red earth
needs low quantities of manure like as aiming for the manure to avoid being noticed;
thats because a big quantity would make it weak and sick. The white earth needs a
utmost copy of this same manure; and in the first chapter, where the choosing of earth
for vegetables was talked about, it was said (quoting Junio) that the white earth that
hardens long before winter and that dries up in summer isnt meant for the grove but
after having applied a lot of work in its qualities and being mixed with manure.
The yellow earth, some other people say, needs a lot of manure due to its
similarities with the white earth, specifically the coldness and how lean it is. The thick
earth, according to Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, is spread with ashes and manure, and a
lot of each materials supposed to be applied to it if its the case that it isnt of a good
quality. The thin earth, lazy, sandstone, ashy and similar need much more manure than
that of good quality, and the doves feces its very convenient because of the virtues it
gives to them, and feeds your plants and trees; and because the manure warms the cold
sandstone.
According to the African Anatholia, by applying manure to the good
quality earth, its crops show an increase in freshness, and the same happens to the earth
thats less fat. The adipose earth doesnt need big quantities of manure. The beans hay,
from the wheat and from the barley are said to exploit the qualities of the earth theyre
applied on, be it each species by itself or altogether; with which hay its improved and
sweetened, and it gets a good status after having manure applied to it. The brackish
earths also corrected with said hay and sweet manure, being the beans hay the first one
exploited, then the barleys and finally the wheats. The very brackish earth must have
manure applied to it in fall with horses feces an pat, because of their sweetness. If in
said earth farming were to be executed, rivers sand will be applied in the bottom to
eliminate this flavor, or good-quality sweet earth.
Talking about the advantages of manure, some farmers say, that the
heated earth favors the crops, keeps the trees health, greatly improves the good-quality
earth and also betters the bad-quality earth. The middle-quality earth needs more
manure than that of good quality, taking in consideration how close or far its the earth
away from the good quality, using less manure if the firsts the case, and more manure
if the seconds whats in the reality. They say that the earth becomes cold if it doesnt
has manure applied to it; and is scorched if too much manures applied to it, also applies
to the same extent to the plants that were in it.
In each swamp of land its good to apply a load of manure with
proportion to its good quality, or thats similar to this one. The time for executing this is
the one were accustomed to; and thats already been talked about in the first two
chapters: with said maxims together with the ones referred to in this chapter there will
be enough knowledge of the matter. The earth thats warm and humid naturally is
convenient to all kinds of plants (not being able to be it without these two qualities), but
if the cold and lean earth got heated with manure and moisturized, it would not be
different from the natural-found first-quality warm and humid earth. In the juicy places
its convenient to throw very little manure in periods of many years; and in the lean
earth its the same, due to the lazy and cold that it is, making herbs grow slowly.
ARTICLE I
The applying of manure in trees and vegetables, time to execute it and quantity,
according to the condition of the plants and soil where theyre located
The farmers say that some trees favor the manure applied to the, some
other lose it and its a different effect on others, as stated in the second chapter of this
book. The trees that get benefits from the manure arent in need of it if theyre in a good
earth. But the ones that do need manure need a lot, keeping this in a certain
environment; something that the author of Nabathea agriculture comments that the trees
and the earth must have manure applied to them in regular proportion, not more, not
less; and the same to the vines, because these need a lot of manure, the amounts are to
be few and in low quantities. The author from quoted book states that if you wish for
the vines to bloom and have a healthy look they should have human and doves feces
mixed with earth, in corresponding third equal parts. But this, even if its beneficial for
them, if it werent, it would be lost. The way of applying manure is to do little
excavations around the foot, and throw in them a little layer of manure thats four
fingers tall, that should be covered later with a low quantity of earth.
Sagrit has the opinion that in no way the manure should reach the feet of
the vines, but a layer of earth should be between in order for the heat to get to them
through it, this because all kinds manure scorch whatevers directly around them with
their heat; said practice should be uses generally in them as with the big or small plants
that need them; the manure scorches the roots of the vines, not only with their natural
heat, but also the suns heat that boosts this first one. He who uses the acre-scorching
manure, the warm ones, should use in tits place the rot ones as the hay of the eatable
and healthy beans; and the rot or natural hays from the barley, beans and wheat are the
most convenient for the vines; they should be applied as said earlier.
He adds, that even when this type of hay doesnt has more virtue than the
ones contrary to all type of insect; but that rotten at the feet of the vines doesnt only
drives away them, whatever their size might be, but they also remove the damage done
to said plants from the sun, and a big part of the one caused by the snows. According to
Nabathea agriculture, the vines should have very little manure applied to them their first
year of plantation, and it should be gradually augmented each year as long as they
remain feeble; and the opposite should be done when they strengthen. These plants
begin to be vines at the age of 5, its observed that they start to get robust at the age of
six and become as robust as theyll be able to at the age of ten, and theyre called new
until the age of twenty four; said vines visibly take advantage of the applying of manure
during crescent moon. It should be add to the quoted book that some vines do not need
manure as much as the vines from the mountains, between crags or in naturally craggy
and mountain lands: these should have manure applied to them in their second year of
planting, throwing to each a foot of manure without leaving this to reach the branches,
after having cut up with the hands the twigs that surplus, and not with tools; and that the
vines with pat in white earth are made very fertilized when doves feces are applied to
their feet.
Other authors dictate that the vines must have manure applied to them after the
winters over when the earths humid, covering this one with the manure; that the
chestnut and holm oak should have pat applied to them; and the citrus with human feces
left to rot during fall and spring, this also has another sayings that its better to apply
sheep feces, same with the orange tree; that the palm have fresh human feces applied to
them; the muse with good rot manure during fall; the sugar cane with sheep feces; and
the jasmine should have a low quantity of manure of long rotting.
The olive, by Kastos, mustnt have human feces applied to it because
doesnt brings any benefits, but any other type of manure will do, near their foot; its
said that the four-legged animals feces are better for it, and the same the holm oak, and
also the one gathered according to the Nabathea agriculture. Others say that the doves
feces is the best manure for the olive due to its strength; and that goats and sheep feces
usually burns out the feet of the plant.
Its also affirmed that in the yellow, white sweet, rough, thin lazy or cold
sandstone the olives should have manure applied to them each year because of tis needs
in such soils, and less in the red or grizzly; that the corresponding quantity of manure
applied to the earth of good quality be small, and more in the earths of inferior quality,
and the manure must be applied in the feet, due to the shadow that the branches produce
prevents the feet from getting natural heat from the sun, it will get it from the manure,
so that it will generate looseness; the quantity of pure, not mixed, dove feces
corresponding to an olive is that of a dish or a little more (according to the magnitude of
the tree), and that the time to this is in January, specifically in days of rain, or in a day
when this last one is expected, neither before or after. Its said that such applying of
manure is harmful to the olive if its applied before or in bigger quantities; and that by
preparing the doves feces before applying it allows many fruit to be harvested, through
Allah.
In the Aljarafe Ive seen that all the old farmers do this process with the
dove feces, and that having applied it to the olives feet in a very rainy day, nothing was
harmed: likewise a trusty person has referred me that others have applied the manure to
the olive before January or in fall, no harm was done to the plant; from which executed
by me in through the passing of the years, I always rejoiced in the wide advantages the
they provide to the fruit, applying manure to them in the referred time with the
expressed quantity of pure dove feces, or a mix with other types of manure where the
doves the most influence. These maxims along with the ones expressed above in the
articles of the planting of olives a vines, and in the other of the planting of trees and of
the frequent assistance to what gives to the health of these, should make enough
information about this particular matter.
ARTICLE II
The time to apply the manure
Its said that the time to apply manure in fruit trees starts from August
until January, and that applying manure to the small ones in October with goat feces the
prosper and bear fruit, through Allah: that the vines manure is applied in September,
December or January, specifically in the cold regions, according to various opinions:
the time to apply manure to the olives is in fall; and that the vegetables get a little
amount of manure in the summer and in hot soils, middle amount in places of regular
temperature and with a big quantity in winter and cold lands.
CHAPTER XII
The watering of the tress and time that this operation should be done:
those that benefit from lots of water, according to the books
of Ibn-Jajj, Ab-Abdalab, Ibn-elFasl, Hj, Abu-el-Fair
and other authors.
The say after that some trees benefit from abundant watering, other trees
dont favor it and that other ones have a middle point between these two extremes. Its a
very good practice, says Hj, to water the trees during August, in the cold, and in
January; in which time, he adds, this operation mustnt be overlooked, through the
benefit that it causes to them the water from the watering (that enters its feet and roots)
of killing the insects and reptiles that lay in them due to its coldness and the one from
the air, when theyre filled of said moisture. From the book of the quoted Hj Granadino
where he explains about the times convenient for the watering of trees, that those that
are watered in proper conditions, especially in August, due to the heat in that moment
be extreme and continued all the day: in which time, no matter how excessive the
watering is, they arent safe from the heat, due to being constantly harassed by it: some
plants and vegetables should be watered in in end of the day with the amount of water
its thought necessary for them; and finally, that the lots of watering benefits the arid
and lean earth. Its talked in the book of Nabathea agriculture about the times when the
watering should be done, that the vines and other trees are to be watered with their
corresponding water (neither excessive or lacking) from the last day of the day until the
midnight, due to the plants and earth sucks them in until four hours past the day, it will
reach them; and that theyre left alone after their uncovered feet are swelling. That
about the way of the excavations (that Adams names ventilations or relief) the farmer
should head to their pear tree (in example), and digs and removes around its feet one
elbow at the depth of four fingers, after replacing the same in that spot leaving it as it
was and stepping on it a little; and that the same is convenient to execute in all types of
plants when one wishes to dig the feet, the benefit from this is that the earth from that
place turned around from up to down is equivalent to other earth that could have been
thrown there. Sagrit says that the feet of the tree should be left discovered one hour
(summary, eight hours, as said in another part), and that replacing after that the earth its
stepped on in order to achieve something similar to a quagmire.
In the chapter of the palm tree the same author states that the excavations
performed around it should have three elbows of depth; and in the vines, the excavation
should be two feet deep and three wide. He adds that in the place of the excavation the
manure that corresponds to that tree must be kept near, mixing said earth with it, and
later replacing it where it was; and that this operation is to be repeated from that
moment onwards for the benefits that it gives, expressed earlier. One of the benefits that
this digging also produces is that the air reaches the feet that couldnt get to before, and
that wasnt getting ventilation either because of the layers of dirt that covered, said
layers of dirt are then replaced in their same spot; and like this, Adam advices that you
execute this, to allow the tree to breathe, grow strong and healthy; and also to relief it in
order to harvest fat and thick fruit, of good quality and good for the eater.
We advise (he continues) that the farmer gently steps on the dug dirt
when replacing it again in the tree along with the manure to stop excesses of water from
reaching the places we wish that have good ventilation; which is accomplished by
slightly tighten it. This doesnt mean that the water there is harmful (except when is too
many); but that it isnt advantageous, and that the intention is to allow air to flow there.
Sagrit claims that the excavations makes visible, and with more security than any other
tree, that the pear tree convalesce: must be acknowledged that said fruit, says Kutsami,
that the juicier and sweeter it were, itll feed the men more. From the citrus, in the
Nabathea agriculture, that one of the things that makes it bear many fruits, thicker,
softer and sweeter, is to dig around it lightly and spray it with water mixed with a little
of human feces; with which the mentioned effect is achieved, because there isnt
anything more convenient to it. From the vine, says Abu Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, that
what makes it grow robust, colorful, its roots dilate and its fruits thrive, is spraying its
pompanos with a mix of ashes from a good portion of burnt oak branches and burnt pat,
or (whats better) powdery pat. And that the same operation be applied over the leaves
of the melon, pumpkins and similar ground plants that dont rise over a trunk, because
they renovate like this.
This powder, according to Nabathea agriculture, makes the vines grow
more robust and vegetate, rise up and stand ground, and be loaded of thrive fruit; and
also drives away the insects and mouse that could be living in them, especially in their
seedling pots; said insects are certain wide worms of white and green color, that
introducing themselves through the roots they eat it until they kill the vines, which show
this by slowly displaying a yellow-ish color, drying or dying.
Enoch said that what has the particular virtue to make the vegetation of
the pots of vines and other trees grow robust and quick, when theyre moved from one
place to another, is throwing an enough quantity of nuts reduced to the size of beans,
that process generates said effect.
Very same Enoch, Masio and Demetrio say that if some yeroes are
cleaned, broken in pots and reduced to fourth or fifth parts of its original size they are to
be spread around the feet of the seedling pots, or they could also be mixed with a little
amount of shredded pat, allowing a quick robust growth.
In this same chapter, says Sagrit, that if the feet of the seedling pots are
swelled with a mix of hays from beans, barley, millet, vine wood and pat, everything
brought to dust or small pieces and mixed with a heavy wood, this mix is thrown into
the ground and itll prove greatly useful to the pot due to how much it makes them grow
robust when it gets to the point its rot in its roots. Which says that, incorporated with a
part, equal to the others, of mustards leafs, also drives away the insects from the pots.
Its a maxim from Susado that applying the uncovered part of the feet
with fresh or lean pat moisturized with camels pee, human, from an ox, sheep or goats
(whatever is available), makes them grow robust and they rise lush, and the insects that
may be on its feet or branches are driven away.
Kutsami states that if the hays that Sagrit mentioned are mixed with these
urines, being the most convenient to achieve said effect, and that also is the most
effective the mix of all the first stuff the author mentioned, and the second that weve
referred to. If one, some, or the most part of these things missed your preparations, all
the new and old vines should be layered with a mixture from an ox feces and urine,
being one of the things that benefit, robust, sustain it one of the things that allow vast,
thrive and good quality fruit to grow.
On the same subject, Kutsami: we (he says) have beneficiated the vines
multiple times by cleaning and excavating them first, and swelling them up after while
we use our feet to tighten the earth, cutting the branches that portray an obstacle to some
activities and alleviating them from the pompanos, getting their branches clear from the
pilferers by shaking them a little, applying doves feces, manure of livestock and dried
pompanos; like this, the fruit tends to be more thrived than before and more vast,
according to the previous vines harvest of three or four fruits per branch, now laying
four or five. Such lush comes to be a proof of the fertility of the vines and this of the
fruit that they carried, or being signal of the thrived and abundance of the strain.
According to the Nabathea agriculture, its also of great and particular utility for the
vines to light up candles between them at night; and Sagrit states that in order for the
wort to be abundant beans of grape or raisins to be collected, and later grinded into the
feet of the pots and those of old vines; which prodigiously improves the grape, also
upgrades the wort thats extracted from it, having hastened its maturation. From said
effect, adds Kutsmi, weve experience in spreading grains of raisins through the earth
of the digging that was done in the plants feet, only of two fingers deep, and watering
them immediately after, repeating the same process a second and third time after many
days have passed; because we saw how the much the growth of vegetation and growing
of fruits was hastened, and the maturation of the fruit too, also allowing the wort to be
more abundant. And having repeated the same experience a time near the thirty days
after, the fruit grew simultaneously with the leaf in the springs bloom.
ARTICLE I
How to fix the low fruit count in trees, according to other authors
If the trees blooming low quantities of fruit, even when its well
seasoned, having been occupied in this later than in growing fruit, it will be cropped and
watered less, and some branches will be cut, and around the feet some stones should be
put, also it will be covered with dirt; and if this came from aridness, the opposite will be
done. Its also a remedy for the low fruit-producing tree to insert trees of well grown
trees of the same species.
Its a maxim of Aristteles, that introducing a stone in the slot executed
in the feet of the tree, this will make it lay fruit; said fruit will be left uncovered,
according to Kastos. Its also said that the tree that doesnt fructifies well should be
threatened with a whole cut, and the one whos going to execute it should land soft
blows on it, as if talking with it, said: Im going to cut you, since youre not being
productive to me; and that another person barges in that says: leave it alone, it will
fructify; and that leaving it, it will do it, through Allah.
This is confirmed by experience, according to Abu-el-Jair; and according to
another author, the authors of the Nabathea agriculture agree, and so do the practical
people; this is, if the not-fructifying tree was to be threatened with a whole cut, it will
carry more fruit the next year to compensate the lateness. According to the Nabathea
agriculture, to the tree that fructifies one year and the other not can have said defect
corrected; two men should go, one of them armed with a sharp tool in its hand and
saying: Im going to cut it, then the other man asks: why are you going to execute
him?, and the first man should answer: because it isnt laying fruit, to which the last
man will end by saying: its me who guarantees that its going to fructify this year; and
if it doesnt, you can have your way with it.
ARTICLE II
The love or aversion some trees have towards other trees
The author of the Nabathea agriculture says that all trees grows robust
like its kin and it helps it to lay fruits; and the contrary does the opposite, because it
weakens and sickens it. That the vine and the hackberry have such comfort and virtue
between themselves, that planting one next to the other, what happens is
(proportionally) the same as when a man gathers around a beautiful women whom it
desperately loves, whose spirits encourage each other when theyre close. That the olive
and the vine get and improvement when ones planted next to the other; but must be in a
close distance because were looking for the benefit of the vine; which has been an
opinion in many wise men. And that the convenience between the vine and the
pumpkin, each one serves as a support for the other.
Hj says in his book that existing a certain corresponding and sociability
between the hackberry (black, round bean with a bone inside and sweet on the outside)
and the vine, each of these trees gets a benefit from the short distance between them; for
said reason the vine assembled in it carries several fruits, and is free of any damage.
According to Casio, planting the apple tree near the pear tree or citrus,
one joins the other; which is profitable for both. The pomegranate and the cool mat,
says Maccario, love each other and they unite when theyre neighbors; and if the cool
mat is planted near the pomegranate, it improves its fruit. From such closeness, if before
it wasnt useful, the incorporation of the roots makes that one bearer of many fruit,
according to Kastos. And the same happens to the walnut with the fig and berry.
Its said, that the baluster and the olive receive mutual profit when
theyre immediate to each other due to the friendship they share. That the olive loves the
vines, and that from these two trees, the apple tree is a lover. That if next to, and around
of the feet of, seeds of waybill were planted along its circumference, they receive profit
from them in the quantity they fructify.
According to the Nabathea agriculture, being there contrariety between
the black and white vines, they dont remain together; because of that they arent to be
planted in this way, never one being a neighbor of the other; their grapes mustnt be
squeezed in a same effort because this would cause the wort to break. In other books,
its said that the bay leafs of the acre, when planted next to radishes and remaining
together for two stations of the year, its fruit receives a hint of acrimony and a fetid
smell.
Says Hj, that the walnut tree despises the nearness of most trees, the fig
tree and the berry being the exceptions, due to the reason that being too warm and lean,
it loses every near tree it could have near it that isnt its friend; and the same towards
any plant it could have below its leaves, excepting the green barley and some winter
vegetables, if this was planted in said place after the tree abandon its leaves; and that the
vine assembled in it dont bear too much fruit, and are weakened in extreme. Others
affirm that the vine doesnt extend its branches to where cabbage can reach, and detours
them towards elsewhere; if it well is an opinion from Casio, that the cabbages dont
present a threat to the vine, and this last one doesnt hold a grudge against it. Others
assure that planting them in the vineyard the y get along with the vines, and the same if
theyre planted where their smell is taken by the air: that the fenugreek planted along
the cabbages and chards is deadly to them, or the very same plants grow flimsy in an
attempt to grow away from it; and that if near a vine a sumac is planted, it will be dried.
Its also said thats an enemy of the apple tree, and that the white lupin dry the vine
where theyre planted: that if the peach drops its fruit before theyre mature, bones like
the leg and skull of dogs are to be hung up in its branches, this being for the better, these
wont make the tree fructify, but will correct it from such vicious: and it also affirms the
fruit to the branches, hanging in the branches some pieces of carpets found that are
found in manure-preparing sites.
Abu-el-Jair and the others says that the non-fructifying peach is corrected
from such bad practice by digging and nailing in its feet a new juniper nail, replacing
the earth afterwards; and the same happens to the apricot, almond, cherry and plum: that
doing a bore at the feet of said trees, and fixating in them a guirb stake, thats oak,
done by this the small bone; that the rowan gets fertilized by putting in the four sides of
the biggest root of its feet the weight of ducky in good gold by the time its flourishing;
and that if in equal disposition, and in the same spot dog feces is buried that hasnt
opened his eyes yet, the flower is sure not to fall.
From the cherry its said in the Nabathea agriculture that when its pot
fructifies, the first fruit should be taken and its bone removed, and this to be put in a
bore done in its feet, being the way of fertilizing it; and the same affirms Kastos. The
pear, known as ajs among common people, its said thats fertilized with gold,
introducing a little of pure gold when blooming in the bore that should be executed at its
feet, leaving it uncovered by all its four sides, replacing the earth after; with said
procedure its fruit is known not to fall and it will bear many fruit. Other say that taking
the fourth part of a gold coin of good quality and making thinner and then dividing it
again in four pieces, and the same is done to these new part, with digging again in the
tree until the crust is welded on such gold: and also, that inside a hole drilled in the
trunk the fourth part of a gold coin be hidden. Its also said that the same effect is
accomplished by hanging said metal in the superior part of the tree; and having I
performed the experience of fertilizing it both ways, the intention was accomplished, for
which purpose the quantity of gold is of no concern. Likewise its stated that the fruit
grows healthy when salt is thrown into the feet around January; and that if it doesnt
fructifies, holes should be made at the sides with a drill, and there, wooden nails made
from European larch, of length similar to your finger should be hidden in a way that
they remain unseen, same procedure must be done in the feet, covering this last one in
earth, this ensures that the tree bears fruit, and the leaf doesnt fall, tested by experience.
Others pronounce their opinion about the nail, requesting it that should be made of
juniper. Its a maxim from Apolonio that if the pear tree and its fruit are found
decaying, rests of good wine should be thrown into its feet, and that watering it fifteen
times with that and water, its fruit wont decay: said tree, other say, its fertilized with
spraying of tamarisk.
If you want, says Bolis, the pear tree to bear many fruit and as sweet as
the honey, you must do a bore in the inferior part along the ground in a way that this
one penetrates, and put a stake of pine in it de a way that it fills it completely (or that it
fits correctly). Other say that the same effect is achieved by doing a big bore with a
drill, fixating in it a sweet stick made from holm oak, and later covering it up with earth.
The almond wont drop its fruits when straps covered in garbage or manure and adorned
with small feathers from birds are hang from its roots; and that the flower wont fall if a
red strap is hang from it as soon as it blooms. Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl says that the
almond that doesnt bear fruit is corrected by digging its foot in winter; and the same
happens in other scenarios if you dig it and then drill it to place a stick of ash inside and
then cover it with earth, later watering it with urine gathered many days ago: same
happens to the walnut taking into consideration what has been said about him about the
fertilization of the peach. Kastos, about the walnut, that its fruit doesnt fall if redcolored straps are placed in them, placing some little feathers of birds on top. Its also
said that if the flower fell down, straps of color red should be hung from the tree; and
when it doesnt fructify, feet bore, one stick of dadi should be put in there, the
procedure of red-colored straps with bird feathers also works; like this, new fatter
flowers will bloom and wont fall down. Some say that the walnut that suffers the same
condition must have its feet dug up in winter, and a stick of ash should be placed inside
a bore made by the farmer and should be later watered with urine from many days ago
and the covered with earth; and its also said that it bears fruit if sticks of juniper (or
pieces of gold) are inserted in slots opened along its feet with a tool in two opposite
places, later covering them with earth: and that the apricot also bears fruit that doesnt
fall by applying bones, shells and stones, keeping in mind what was said about the
peach. From the olive, in the Nabathea agriculture, its said that if he rarely bear fruit or
was stroke with one of the many sicknesses of trees, one should head with a bag full of
mature olive in its right hand and with an ox in the left, the feet should be dug up in a
Saturday and leaving the olives deposited there (proportion dictated by the practitioner),
and after being covered of earth again, a good watering should be applied in the
beginning of the Sundays night, or in the first of such operation, as other says, watering
them enough in the other, and repeating the same two consecutive night, and from there
on each third night in the timespan of twenty one, the good effect of said tree will be
visible; said tree will bloom a leaf of big size and will bear more fruit (through Allah),
or will bear fruit two times the quantity of the last harvest and of good quality, laying
multiple, fat and thick branches and roots that extends its lifetime without allowing the
missing of a water supply to affect it. This is also one of the remedies for when the olive
doesnt go black, staying between yellow and white. Its a maxim from several authors
that the olives leaves and fruit wont fall down if at its foot one throws beans hay, and
watering it after; and that this very same is useful to fertilize all the trees. That the tree
that bears few fruits should have its roots dug and completely bored, from noon to
north, and there we must introduce dos sticks from another tree that yields a good
quantity of fruits, pulling from one of the extremes until its well fit, and later cutting up
the parts that stand out of the tree, the two poles now shall have applied a mix of barley
and with that the tree will bear more fruit. Said effect is also achieved, says Kastos, if
the two sticks are of holm oak or ash. The tree that lets the olive go before this last one
grows mature is corrected by throwing a mix of beans into its feet, and mixing the water
used for watering with ash and pat. The tree that has pomegranates or balusters tress
planted next to it is sure to yield lots of fruits. The tree that lets go of a fruit without
letting this one develop a flavor will be corrected burying fat beans in its feet, and
covering the hole with earth and manure. It will fructify if in the same spot a little
digging, as wide as a dish, is made and then its covered with earth, and after this is dug
up; and the same go for the bay leafs, pistachios, rowan, acerola and cherry. That
cutting it by the place where the branches divide the one of the middle, and doing an
opening in it in order to insert an olives branch, and later having it applied with mud
mixed with barley to avoid the entrance of water and ants. That the apple is sure to lay
fruit, if by the time of the blooming of the flowers some onions are hanged from it; and
fixating to its feet a very oily stick of pine through a drilled hole, this is the way to
fertilize it and also drives away the worm of the butterfly. For the hazelnut that has a
fruit weak or that falls, an opening in its trunk must be done (proportionate to its size
and/or magnitude) longer than wider, and penetrating all the way until the center, and
cleaning there to leave it uncovered to the air; from which abundant fruit a thick
vegetation will come. That the vines whose fruit comes out small are healed by
throwing at their feet ashes of several days; and he who wished for it to bear lots of fruit
should bury around them three horns of mountain goats (in a reversed way). Planting
garlic between the rosebuds assures the roses are going to bloom with a powerful smell.
The citrus and orange that have fruit that fall should be corrected by fixating lemon
trees stakes in its feet underground, and after that theyre covered with the same earth
they had: and if the desired effect is not achieved with it, let them be fertilized with
gold, putting it in four holes drilled in the very same feet, as said with the pear tree. That
the black plum is fertilized and yields good quantity of fruit breaking some of the
branches that are growing, and leaving them attached to the tree. The same effect of
abundancy with lots of sweetness in the fruit is achieved a stake of ashes is fixated in its
feet during the times the leaves are starting to appear or when the flowers are still
closed. He who wishes for this same abundancy of crops, sweetness and good quality of
its fruit, must make a bore in the trees feet and insert a stake of holm oak; this will
make the fructifying abundant. If the fruit kept falling down or low in quantity, a
digging from both sides of the feet should be made, two quarters of salt should be
applied to the holes made, if the tree were big; and proportionally until a half quarter if
the tree were small; and when the earths replaced and tightened with the foot, a
watering should be applied in the third day; said operation executed in January makes
the quantity of fruits to increase, and avoid the precocious detachment of the leaves and
fruit.
ARTICLE III
The method to generally fertilize the trees
Says Macario that leaves of cypress should be taken, and after being well
dried should be reduced to dust, and the spread over any genre of tree by the time its
flourishing, three or five times in the passing of fifteen days; with which it wont let go
of the fruit, and will be fertilized. Others say that when any species of tree suffers a lot
from this condition, they can be healed if we do a hole in its feet with a drill and we
introduce and fixate a stone until its hidden or it reaches its heart without being
discovered, covering that later with white, non-brackish earth.
Says Sidags, that if the trees fruit keep falling down, the roots should
be uncovered and the holes filled with white earth with high contents of gluten.
According Ibn-Abil-Ajuad, if the fig tree or any other had its fruit falling constantly, a
big excavation must be done around their foot thats three elbows wide and two elbows
deep. In a way that the roots are left uncovered, without cutting any, and it will be filled
with white, juicy, sweet and cold earth from the surface; disposing of the brackish earth
of the same color, that its the one that doesnt moistures with the rains or watering;
because keeping it away from such type of earth until its equal to that of the surface, its
leaves or fruit wont fall down: if such damage came from the earth due to it being
warm and of low quality, of an excess of manure, or of its heat and salts, Kastos says
that one of the thing with which the tree fertilizes by putting in the upper branches of
the tree cut up pieces of the seasoned fruit; this is a little black grain similar to the black
cumin. Others say that hanging from the throat of the tree the cumin from the wheat tied
in straps assures that the leaves dont detach. That if the fig tree or any other tree gets a
lead necklace twined to its lower party thats later covered of earth, is done to avoid the
premature fall of the fruit; and that the same happens to all kinds of trees, if digging to
the feet until its roots are uncovered it should have doves feces applied to it along with
water. And finally, the best way the practitioners have experimented about the matter of
keeping safe the harvest and avoid any of them falling down before having them
developing the best flavor possible, is to hang a sign that reads: Allah is the holder of
the skies and lands. And if another Allah carries the same importance as this one, this
will be added: And holds it in such a way that the heavens wont fall to the earth
without its permission; because He is clement and merciful towards all men.
Says Kastos that if the tree detaches the fruit, an inscription should be
hung that reads these four words from a psalm of David from glorious memory: like the
tree to the shores of the waters that fructifying at its time and not letting go the leaf,
gives seasoning to what it produces. With which, says Macario, finds defended like him,
it yields fruits at its right time and doesnt detach the leaves.
ARTICLE IV
The cultivation and excavation of the trees in order for them to yield lots of fruit,
with a sweet flavor and much juice, or more fruits per yielding; according to the
Nabathea agriculture.
The excavation with all thats related to it, says Kutsmi, is one of the
things that Sagrit mentions in order for all the trees to yield very juicy, tender, sweet
and convenient fruit, fact weve corroborated with the experience; and thats reduced to
applying manure to all the fruit trees with pat, horse feces, fresh leaves from leeks, all
that grinded and mixed with leaves from the tree you wish: to which effect all the
aforementioned stuff are placed in equal parts in a hole, the workers pee in there, its
also watered with sweet water, warning that if the intention is for the future fruit to be
sweet there shouldnt be urine in that manure; and that if the wishs for a juicy fruit, the
workers must pee in it infusing the mix with water from time to time; when its rotten
and blackened the process of watering it is skipped, its stirred in the hole two or three
days, until its a little lean, its extended over the earth for it to dry, and then its able to
be applied to the pear tree and other fruit trees. The small and frequent excavations and
swelling of the feet of the trees with the copious watering mustnt be enough; even
though its known that this procedure gives juiciness, tenderness and good season to all
fruits, with everything is more effective for the same effect (adds Kutsmi) that the
aforementioned process should be added to this to sweeten the pears, and that the
ancient ones prevent; with which we agree due to our experience. With said practice
you must understand that its prodigious for the virtues that has of introducing in the
fruit trees the true sweetness that its fruit can reach; and that, according to the Nabathea
agriculture, its one of the things that communicates more sweetness to the fruit of trees
and other plants, making this one retain its juice until its respective time. Addressing
this I will later refer to, through Allah, a way of watering the vid with water and arrope
of dates, the pomegranate with water-honey, and the same with the melon and the
cucumber; said practice will serve as a model to guess, through Allah, in the other trees.
In the Nabathea agriculture its said that one of the things that vie the more increment to
the pomegranate is throwing in the (same) hole as its seed a fistful of pulverized beans
with their shells; and other says the almost the same effect is produced, in a more
effective way, throwing in the hole pulverized beans moisture with fresh milk, infusing
the bean with that too; with which the pomegranates tend to be sweet and without stone.
He, who wishes for the same pomegranates to be bitter-sweet, put the clean part of the
branch into vinegar of good quality, and plant it like that. Others wish that the part
thats dipped in the vinegar should be heated through fire keeping it within certain
distance of it and the time it needs and no more, for the branch to absorb the vinegar it
was put on, and later be planted with such heat.
The pears come grown and sweet, according to writing from AbuAbdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, when drilling the trunk of the tree near the ground and
introducing a stake of holm oak into it until its no longer visible, deep inside the bored
done with a drill, later swelling that place with earth. In the Nabathea agriculture its
said that if the pears are discovered to be not sweet enough, lean and few on juices, the
feet of the tree must be infused of sweet water thats already passed through a heat pot
until boiling point, and spread over the branches and leafs, repeating this four times in
times of crescent moon through a timespan of twelve days, with its regime allowing the
fruit to be much more sweet and juicy.
Sagris says that rubbing and applying the trunk and feet of the referred
trees with honey makes the fruit lose all or part of its bitterness, and removes its styptic
feature when it sweetens it: said honey, if mixed with common oil, has even more
virtues to achieve the same effects, and benefits the tree and the fruit; the time for such
operation (I believe) to be when the substances from the earth go all the way to the
upper part of the trees, thats it, when the leaves are born. The Nabathea agriculture
states that one of the stuffs that are convenient to do to the pear and that mature its fruit,
preserving it from the worms, is the manure composed of human feces plus pat, totally
rotten with trees from the same tree, swelling up with manure the excavations of its feet;
to which the tree also takes benefits from and grow robust, making its fruit avoid worms
and rotting, applying the trunk and the feet of its thicker branches with a mix of lean,
very, pulverized pat plus dust taken from roads near to the towns and moisturized with
sweet water until fermented. He adds that what makes the pear bloom thicker, tastier
and juicier, and the tree becoming pompous, robust and yielder of many fruits, is to dig
up its feet constantly, leaving it in this position several days and later filling it up with
earth; a watering should be added to avoid heat burns caused by the sun, through the
opposite effect the water brings, and the dominance of the juiciness that the tree
acquires with the fresh of the night, regulating this watering based on experience or
observations: because it must be continued if lushness, improvement on vegetation and
robustness is found; or doing it less if the opposites found; and always with the amount
of water that manages to swamp in its feet. He concludes saying that this watering, as
well as the one that all plants require because of the contributions to their natural effect,
should be executed in moon time; this truth, says Kutsmi, weve been able to find with
the experimenting.
Its a must of Ibn-Hajj that the sandy locations dont be watered a lot
due to their inability to retain water, and if well some inexpert farmers in the agriculture
imagine that theyre never satisfied and the only drikn it, and from then focuses on
watering them, but this produces the loss of all that its deposited in them; because not
being needed in order for their parts to be left one apart from the others, the water
passes between them without penetrating. This comes to be evident truth; it can work as
a rule to other similar stuff.
Talking about the trees in the Nabathea agriculture that they improve
with constant watering, and of those that dont allow it, its said that the ones that dont
suffer from too much water are the ones from the mountains; from which we can
particularly look at the pear, pistachio, cherry, hazelnut, chestnut, myrtle and similars.
ARTICLE V
The time to water the trees, according the book of Haj Granadino
The olive must be watered in January and many times in August, and its
also good to water it (if possible) in the spring; this is suspended from the moment it
starts to bloom flowers until the olive is solid and the size of a bean, in which time
should be well watered. Said tree cultivated with work, manure and watering, yields
fruit every year, mostly if the fruit is picked up with the hand and without hurting the
wood; this would break the branches that carry the fruit.
Junio quoted in the book of Ibn-Hajj says that it isnt convenient to
make continued use of the watering in the olive because an excess of water can be very
harmful to it: that the bay leaf tree of the mountains doesnt take well the watering, and
that wont be damaged if they stop; thats useful for the pomegranate to water it every
fifth day from the last days of June to the finals of September, and lots of water keep it
healthy; but in some lands isnt harmful to water it on fewer occasions.
Its an opinion from Hj that the rosebuds watering shouldnt be
overlooked during January and that its watering in August is of utmost need. Some say
that it doesnt suffer from the excess of water: it prevailed very well when I planted it
along some very big ditches. The myrtle suffers from excess of water, particularly
during heat seasons, and the same benefits the chestnut. The rowans included in that.
The cherry requires many amounts of water. The jujube suffers from the same, and isnt
damaged by the lack of watering. The same amount of water is useful for the ash tree
and hackberry, which arent damaged if the waters are missing. The musa requires lots
of water, which is used to maintain its health. Hj says that with the same amount of
water an old apple tree is reestablished: that the quince tree suffers from excess of
water: the margosa, banana, ash, hazelnut, elm and oleander need big amounts of water,
thats because they are trees from rivers, and the same to the ones similar: the pear must
be watered regularly: the jasmine requires regular proportions of water: the citrus
requires a lot of watering; with which, according to some, must be the opposite, or the
whole year, according to others. Its also said that this tree suffers from excess of water,
the same with the orange: that the peach requires in great quantity: the plum requires
regular watering in normal quantities; and the vines must be watered late two times in
April, and a third one whens the harvest season. Other dictated that these should be
watered before throwing the pompanos, and another one when the harvest arrives: that
in January the fig tree must be well watered (doesnt matters how much it rains) and the
treatment must be the same until it matures; when it reaches this stage, the same
amounts of water will be harmful for the tree and fruit. The trees that dont suffer from
the excess of water are the almond, the hawthorn, walnut and similar; these are lost and
dried when the watering is continued, be them small or big. The pine is watered rarely
and without too much water, same goes for the cypress. See what was said about these
up there, adding these maxims to the ones exposed in this chapter to further expand
your knowledge on the matter.
CHAPTER XIII
The way to fertilize the trees so that by Allah,
give the tasty, sweet and very juicy fruit,
and in greater abundance:
and which of them have mutual love or aversion.
Some farmers say that all trees are susceptible to talkh or fertilization, whereby
they give very good fruit, and this will be less release: and so it is said, that being all
male or female trees, the latter are fertilized with the first. According to Nabathea
Agriculture, male fig takes a small, immature, of tie to whitish color and some very
green; which do not mature as female fig, nor are large and suffocate the person who
eats; and if they are seasoned and placed in the female fig, the fruit of this has grown
and ripe.
Other authors say that some of the trees called males give successively the seed
that fertilized female in need. Fertilization of the female fig tree is achieved by applying
the seed of males of their species in early April or soon after, when it find in regular
arrangement. Also the breval when for it and before hardening, is fertilized with the
male of the species, which is properly called dsokr; which is executed past May and
early June, reaching for it the well-seasoned wild fig; whose arrangement shown in
color moving into something whitish or yellow from green it was, and the small opening
is seen in its crown; by which come some insects that in them are generated from the
same seed, black, similar to mosquitoes, and so are called by the same name, and some
are reddish with tail.
Take then the wild figs and strung two or more in a sow, thread or thin reed, are
hung on the branches of the fig tree close to its small figs, when these are competently
arranged to receive fertilization, or if they be the size of the bean in certain species of
fig tree, also staying still soft, very tender and slightly longer, before hardening and
getting some asperity; of which they perceived advantage, especially if the fig tree is
free from damage. Whose injury is discovered showing their burning leaves (or split) at
the extremes; in which arrangement, and being rounded and rough fig, does not improve
the wild fig. Therefore when the fig tree is in the expressed readiness before, it will
fertilize different times until the day of nsarat (o June 24) in the later years using the
more bulky, hard and more seed to be the best wild figs.
According to the Nabathea Agriculture if at the foot of the fig tree, any kind of
ash is spread, it is the thickest and juicy fruit; and it is the opinion of other authors,
burying it at the bottom of a ram's head, ripe figs, and not emerge before seasoned. It is
also said that instilling three days in the caves of its foot beans infusion water, it is
fecund in this way and the same is, if cutting a thick root, it is there introduced a hard
stone and muddy with cow dung and earth; and that should not clear the hanging fruit
lilies. Kastos says that it not fall before maturing, if smeared with blackberries their
exposed roots and branches, and fill those and its foot with salt, so that its early ripening
is also achieved.
Others, infusing the foot of the fig alpechin mixed with fresh water, load much
fruit; and if I found the foot and cleft three sites with a sharp instrument, nailed there
crazy fig stakes, which do not release the fruit, after covering with land, is this another
way to fertilize. Of the pomegranate says that hanging to the late fruiting balaustria fruit
(the male of the species), will correct this defect; and hanging the already fruitful and
the one that produce the small fruit, it makes them produce the same rich, heavy and
juicy. That encircling the pomegranate with a string of molten tin and lead mixed
equally, it heals this weakens, and ensures the fruit without fall off her.
That plantain roots hanging such that dry it without fall out, or putting others in
their place, unless it has been fallen by wind or other cause, this prevents them produce
small fruit (or stunted) and discolored shell. Are also several authors maxims that the
pomegranate that let loose the fruit before it matures, will be charged of it without fall
out putting at its foot dog bones or quills bones and ram's head; which are also very
good for the same, and also perfume around with lavender. That hanging some pouches
with two drachms of cumin each, on three or four of its branches among them towards
the north side, will fertilize all your pomegranate, and if you put tin plates, or encircles
the foot along the roots with metal collar, the fruit will not release; for which also takes
(if not enough latter) make under ground on its foot three grooves with sharp instrument
and set them balaustria or barberry stakes. That drilling the same with the expressed
instrument, and fixing a tamarisk wood nail there, with this you give fertility; while
others say that the nail causes the tree fill of moths. That taking in June tamarisk
branches with leaves and flowers, and joining them towards the pomegranate the
morning of twenty-four of the same month (which is the day of nsarat) before the sun
rise, and putting in its branches, is this fertilizing; or taking roots of plantain, and
hanging from every tree five or seven of them strung on wires, in the opinion of others.
Which it is very convenient to throw at the foot of each pomegranate a load of any ash,
and irrigate three times in January and thus load very good fruit. That if you plant
albarran onions where unite with its roots, is improved with this and fruits; and likewise
arraihanes planting right there, it becomes more productive, and they are reserve of
damage by Allah.
The common palm, is said Nabathea Agriculture is undoubtedly the flower is
fertilized with male dust of the same specie; and the perfect time to fertilize it with this
is when the grains are manifested in clusters, separated by way of points, and split;
whose operation is executed taking and shaking the bunch of dates palm of the male
over the female. Having taken the first few branches with dates to way tips, and opened,
tied at both ends a thread (as is done with the wild fig), and so hung up on the female,
and having also dusted with ground flowers, matured some in such palm; which it was
female of the species called Barani. I execute this once, and I suspect that if I had
repeated some, had matured that year all the fruit.Thus it occurred in the Alxarafe you
can confront such practices. Of the carob tree and laurel there are male and female;
which leads grains that oil is squeezed, and is profitable fertilize with the male. Olive
seems to be raibuh the male, and is said to alfnsigo is terebinth (or cornicabra).
Take, says Democritus, cypress leaves and dry well, then grinding to reduce
them to powder, and spray it on alfnsigo from the top with any wind blow, executing
the same three to five days during ten in that casts the flower, so the fruit without fall
off her will curdle. Others are of opinion that have to mediate Ten days between each
operation: that the same effect can be the same and use of terebinth (or cornicabra) leaf;
and making threads strings in grains and leaves of the tree itself, and hanging them on
the branches of alfnsigo, is this a way to fertilize. That same effect is achieved with
pure gold without any league, taking the weight it seven or eight grains of barley and
nailing it (made four parts) on all four sides of the trunk, a foot excavated for it, and
then replenishing the earth; and at the alfnsigo that release the fruit, it fruitful with
pure gold of grit or well unblemished, introducing in the foot drilling with a sharp
instrument.
All trees have their opposite. Thus, damage to the orange plant it close beans,
maro (or Stachy), oregano (or pennyroyal), Euphorbio and similar plants of sharp smell.
Juniper enmity with the palm is well known, and so the tar. According to the Nabathea
Agriculture, is harmful to the vine, the proximity of the tar and naphta formed from it,
such as the proximity of the palm. The fig tree and wild cabbage lose it all, and are for
her a deadly poison, such as spurge, the pityusa and other plants; and domestic and navy
cabbage for special virtue for it are harmful.
Others say that in hot countries the fig tree is harmful to the vine; which it is
useful to its proximity in the cold, such as Rome and Greece and the like where it
usually snows. The same is said of the olive tree. Susado says that turnips, radishes,
cabbage and caterpillars plants are offensive to the vines.
CHAPTER XIV
About the healing of the trees and some vegetables, or how are them
removed and retire the weakness and damage that they use to be undertaken
according to the book of Ibn-Hajj.
When we saw, says Sidaggs, that the tree fructifies little, that his vegetation and
branches are weak, or that it gets worms or falls the most of its fruit in comparison to
his kind is seen commonly, and that haves stayed in that disposition for some years, we
will had understood that those calamities come from the ground where the roots extend,
or the weakness of the same; and we should do in the circuit of the tree a dig of four
cubits each side, and discovering with care the roots, embezzle the ground that they
have under with the feet or with a more subtle instrument until extract it all. Which if
when is checked, found it arid, dry and hard, and with any moisture, in his place we
shall place another good juicy land of the first layer of the surface, taking it to that hole
and stepping on it very well when finish filling it, whishing that the strong winds dont
drop down the tree; which we will irrigate then, if was possible, or execute this
operation in autumn, if was not of the kind of irrigation field; which is for them the
most efficient remedy. If we found that is matter of time for the roots rots completely,
we shall take manure rotted long ago, from horse and cow, and we will fill that hole
with it after cutting the roots and frayed from the cortex all thats rotten, checking them
very well to not leave anything; [in this disposition] the manure will make grow new
roots, and the tree reaffirms with them; which must be irrigated or do this operation in
the autumn season, as we say.
If when digging those, we found some worms in that spot, we will mix with the
manure some kind of ash for the special virtue it haves to exterminate them and spoil
them. If we clearly see that the weakness of the tree comes from the excessive juiciness
and moisture of the spot, fill the dig with dry red ground, or with sand of the margins of
rivers, mixed with very old manure; and if it drops the fruits too much, will be
convenient fill that hole with white soil a little sticky, is the one used on that kind of
situations. If the weakness comes from the tree by age and senescence, we advise that
should cut all the old, by cutting something or chopping it all to the level of ground, if
his weakness were too much; and after discovering the roots as was said before, was
filled the excavate with two third parts of old manure mixed with juicy soil of the
surface; which renovating the tree, makes it ingrain a lot. And until here the maximums
of Sidags.
Solon says, that when the moisture was dominant in the fig tree, his remedy is to
dig around it by each side four cubits, and fill that excavate with the soil of the quality
we said before; with which it gets old late, and lives long time. And until here the
maximums of the quoted author.
About improving the ground and health the damage that the insects that [are
raised] in the fig tree and in the feet of the apple-tree Kastos opines that digging under
the tree until discover its roots gripped in the ground, smear that and this with pigeon
excrement wet with water. And in another place say, that for exterminate the bus that
rush to the apple-tree, dig to its feet until find its roots, and debarked smear the peeled
place (if it haves worms or some insects) with fresh manure; and if with the fruitful fig
tree were attacked by bugs, his remedy is to dig in the feet, and fill the excavate of ash,
replenishing after the soil.
Is maximum of Annon, that if the feet of the apple-tree were attack by red bugs,
that also had nests on its branches and leafs, and the spiders weave webs in the firsts,
the ash keeps it from all those calamities, throwing it over the roots after dig, and over it
the soul; with which regimen fructifies again and becomes more green and more
gallantly his leafs; which is proved by experience.
Democrito says, that if you found to have the fruit of the pear-tree with broken
kernel similar to the manure, throw to the feet of the excavation a mix of soil and soft
manure, and then give a good irrigation to it. One of the things which according to
Apuleyo, makes fructify more the trees, is the manure, and throw over its roots beans
and spread it. Against the bugs is worthy to spread at the dig feet pigeon manure with
straw of beans, and irrigate them after; which is also worthy to all tree that was in that
disposition.
Varron the Roman opines, that if the fig tree or other tree clears his fruits and the
leaf, do all around the feet a hole of three cubits of diameter, so it shows the roots
without harm them, and fill them with white cold and sweet soil (of which color are in
the last qualities , and also hot and salty), because after fill that excavate with the
expressed soil, neither the fruit or the leaf will fall after; which vice came from the heat
of the juicy ground, or of the excessive manure, or the heat and salts that are attributed
to it, according the experience of our elders; and that also banish the bugs of all tree, if
dig the feet, spread pigeon manure around and is irrigated.
Is maximum of Mauricio, that if the trunk of the fig tree or another tree were rot,
take all the rotten until reach the healthy, and smear the place with a mix of sticky soil,
cow manure and many straw, or barley besides the straw (that is the best), checking and
taking care with huge diligence the tree in which was done this operation; with which
regime reaffirms, and fills the empty sides of the trunk.
Treating the Nabathea Agriculture about the healing o some illness that injures
the vines and others trees, as the excessive red color of their leafs, any genre of
weakness, languor or accident, cold airs, jaundice [or yellowness], and similar
calamities that (Insha Allah) will be treat; says, that about the first accident, called
calamity of the stars, happens to the vine since it start to throw the branches until late
September; which signal is that if this get red with a very incarnated color, and the same
some of the sticks from where hang all them, getting dark some bunches around the red
leaves; if the trunk of the vine and his more thick branches have the cortex like arid and
rough; if the grape gets yellow and lacks of juice and his grapes in bad condition; for
which vice is remedy, said by Enoch, spread the vine with oil, wine and water (well
cooked all) and still hot; and according others, spread it with oil and wine well mixed.
Is maximum of Sagrit, that doing in the thicker part of the trunk of the vine a
hole that penetrates through the other side, introduce there a stake of wood of Holm oak,
and joined to the feet lift it over the ground and infuse it right there with very watery
wine. Susado affirms, that the remedy for this calamity is infuse to the feet of the vines
alternating [or every three days] by a lapse of eight days, with human urine, spraying
with this the trunk, and at the three days of suspended this operation smear this and the
thick branches with a layer of date syrup well diluted on water and so scrambled and
incorporate that stays in between subtle and thick.
Having incorporated us, says Kutsmi, that layer of date syrup with very strong
vinegar in equal parts, and smear with it, was very helpful for it, and the same having
infused in its feet ash of some acorns burned and soaked in cows urine, two times. The
same calamity is heal (according others) with the expressed urine mixed with wine
infusing it to the feet and spreading it over the thick part of its branches. Some habitants
of the Caldea baja infuse aguapie to the feet of this vines and spray them continuously
until they lose their leaves and bunches of red color, with which regimen they grow a
new cortex, or lose with the new one the old that dries..
Kutsmi says, that healing this calamity in the cold places the remedy that
pointed Enoch and Thami-el-Kiani, and with others of the mentioned warm regions, live
after a long time [the vines]. About the accident called skom of vines, that is the sakm
[or kind of habitual weakness they use to suffer], is know that if the fructification is
suspended without produce anything, or that (as sometimes happens) born the seeds on
his branches with the size of the sesame and hempseed; which dry slowly until spoil
completely. Those for heal the vines with this illness, group the branches of the
trimmed, and adding some branches mix this with equal quantity of dry firewood of
holm oak or banana, and turning on and burning join and place the ash in glass vessels
or mud jars or similar stuff, where infusing the mixture with sweet water until it
becomes fluid to spay it over the trunk of the vines and the most thick of his branches;
which takes from the vine (Insha Allah) the expressed weakness. I advise, says Susado,
that instead of water use vinegar acid and strong; and Demetrio affirms, that suffers the
vine infusing at its feet human urine alone spreading with it the trunk from the floor,
and that with this repeat sometimes it heals.
Cut the vine weakened like this, says Sagrit, to a cubit until two from the floor,
and not more, and incorporating the ground that haves to the feet with the manure
suitable for vines, cover it lightly with this mix, not completely, and irrigated let it
remain in that disposition until sprouting haulms, leaving the strongest, cut them by
hand and throw those bad skinned; and that the remedy to heal the vine from this
calamity, from which the others dont do, as the ash and similar but relive it. I have
proved, says Kutsmi, that spaying with human urine the weakened vines on this way,
and infusing them continuously by the foot, heals it from this vice; and that with such a
good regimen they prevail healthy as they were before. The languor, that receives the
name of accident, is of two ways, one called with this last name, that is the biggest; and
other with the first that is the lesser. Sing of the biggest is the dryness of the grape;
because it seems hard with no injuries and with the size of a chickpea or a little bigger,
beginning to dry completely. The remedy for this vice according to Sagrit, is that when
the sick grape arrives, smear to the interior part of those branches (in which bunches
shows the dryness) with ash of vines wellkneading with vinegar; which we have found
by experience be its perfect remedy; and that corrects the vice and harm of the dryness,
if adding to that ash, the ash of branches and bunches of the vine, of the same plant and
bush of azalor, with the mix of one and other locked with very strong vinegar
incorporated with oil of olive is smeared to the thickest of the branches and all over the
trunk of the vine, and is sprayed with the same done broth to the thinnest part of the
first.
According to Masio and Susado the remedy for that accident is to spray the
inferior part of the vine and what rises from his trunk of the ground three times by days
in a lapse of seven days with camel and human urine; which must be very old, and if not
must be mixed some milled mustard, and rest with it tree days by sun.
Take, says Enoch, skinned and milled nuts, and the same amount of amurca, and
to the mix of this two things add a good vinegar of bud, until it looks like water and
spray this to the vine and its branches, keeping this operation by an space of twenty
days; because with this [regimen] heals from that accident and becomes robust that
vine, and the fruit (that produces very richly) is healthy and very juicy. Dig (adds) if
you want, the feet of the vine attacked with that accident, and infuse there a mix of
amurca and vinegar, been the first more abundant than the second, and after of one hour
give an irrigation with water, which getting in the first and sticking to the roots,
removes this illness and that dryness that attacked it.
These two remedies, according opinion of Kutsmi, are healthy in many ways;
which truth had showed us the very experience. The sig of mred [or languor], that is
the lesser of this to accidents, is if from the vine stripped of it branches flows too much
crude slime kept in it by a lot of time, which remaining there will harm it, and extracted
completely will weaken and injure it; its remedy consist in allow the flow of this excess
of slime retained on it to flow out; what happens doing some cuts in the trunk of the
vine out of the spot where the branches born, or executing them in the spot of in
between them, where was thick the wood, and in the middle of the thick and big
branches, because the slime will flow by the many cuts executed there. Nothing must be
clean [or cut] from the vine with sickle or rip any bunch, because if the slime that flows
by there will weaken it; what doesnt happened in any way flowing by those cuts; they
even are helpful for it. In the days of the evacuation of this slime must be manure the
vine with soft manure not warm (that is those that havent been touch by human
excrement, pigeon excrement or any burning thing); must be a compose of cow manure
and an equal quantity of slight soil picked from the dungs, filling the feet of the vine
with it; which must not be dusted win any way with manure or anything else, keeping it
with extreme care. To the twenty eight days of executed those cuts, taking the amurca to
be mixed with nuts or cracked pistachios or milled (what was available at the moment),
and some barley flour; which things if were available, the amurca will be cook until it
depletes a little, with which already cool, will me smeared the spots cut, and if some
days after this flows still too much slime will be smeared with the same amurca from up
to bottom and like that around; which with slime (if it gets dry remaining as a kind of
gum) will be smeared too some of the referred parts.
The opinion of Enoch, Demetrio and Susado is, that done those deep cuts in the
places near to the vine buds, where this weakness appears again, and n the thick
branches, median and thin, with a sharp knife of wood [of terebinth], and ripped the
cortex with part of the wood in the adjacent places and in between the buds, smear those
chopped and stripped places with a kind of electuary [composed on this way]. Take ash
of vine, birdlime and ammoniac salt on equal parts, and placing the birdlime until let it
free spray a little vinegar continuously, the same operation until all mix very well, and
throw over that slowly the ash of vine and the ammoniac salt with birdlime and drops of
vinegar until well incorporate cannot distinguish one from the other, without stop
wiping it and spray with vinegar until it looks like syrup of oxymel or similar thing;
which dissolved a little in water and infused at the feet of that vine, is very helpful to it
applying this medicine in middle March until middle April.
And if to this medicine is add, according to the opinion of Demetrio, oil and
water, al incorporated, contains a principle of life to the dry, arid, and death vines, and
that there is no doubt that they are ready for the fire; which with this they resurrect,
become hardwood, load of fruit, Insha Allah. The remedy, to heal the vines of the harm
caused by pernicious cold winds, and the damage that causes on them from the roots the
excessive cold, is the manure mixed on equal parts of human excrement, pigeon
excrement, sheep excrement, bat excrement and amurca; which letting it rot by some
time until it get worms, with it dry are manure the vines along with the soil, filling with
it their digs, and infusing over it hot water with a mix of oil incorporate and well beaten
with sweet water. With which are sprayed [also] their feet and branches [executing this
operation] with the mouth a number of persons that each one was older than sixty years
old; which spray executed in other way is absolutely ineffective. And if with the
branches burned from the stripped vines are filled the excavate of the feet and irrigate,
and filled the soil with water and been wet still, is spread the ash in the excavate of its
roots, this have the particular virtue for remove from it those calamities.
About the mists, bear in mind (says Kutsmi) that if they are too continuous and
from those that offend a lot the vines by been load the atmosphere of impure moistures,
the remedy for this is that taking an enough number of people give them burning reeds
and spin around with them around and in between the vines, with which repeated in
along that time, will be retired the harm coming from the mists. Also arm them around
over big trees keeps them from the calamity of the mists and all the impure and
corrupted vapors; and nor them or their fruit get worms when are armed in trees of
styptic quality.
The jaundice [or yellowness] that attack some trees, and many plats and sown,
says Kutsm, that is show in the vines, if is discover on them some aridity, looseness,
dryness and continuous extenuation of its parts, or if some fruit falls or part of their
leafs, or if they not drink the water they have on they feet, or if by night are found with
dew or too much slime, different from the one for that time, in a way that its leafs are
found splashed with it; if this signals (continues) are together or the most of them at
least you will understand that the vine has been attacked with the expressed illness. This
is used to be discovered in the palm by excess of manure, having too many the habit of
manure it with human and pigeon excrement that are burning in excess. The sing of it is,
if to the feet is to yellow, been a little green by the branches; for which damage the
remedy is to take leafs of the plant called sea cucumber and plants of the calamintha
genre with their bunches dressed of leafs, crush them all mixed with water very well
until extract its virtue, and spray after with that water the vines and other plants before
the sunshine, suspending after (it lays) this operation, that is extremely helpful to heal
and retire from them such calamity.
Is maximum of Sagrit, that the vines, the palms, the trees, and whatever that was
attacked by this illness convalesce from it, spraying them with ash of fig tree and holm
oak, cooked previously one hour in sweet water; and adds that is convenient have cover
the feet of the vines three days continuous with cow manure, specially mixed with slight
soil, removing this after. Reunite, says Susado, all the ash of the firewood of the fig tree
and the vines that were burn in the houses or anywhere else, and sprinkle it over the
plants rushed by the jaundice, which plague and harm, will be removed [Insha Allah] by
this method. Or if you want (adds), boil this ash in water, and with it already cold spray
the plants and their roots; which cause the removal of that evil from them.
Also are bath with smoke the vines according a maximum of Sagrit, with cow
manure, specially incorporated with bunches, roots, and some fruit of the citron (all
dry), from which plant is worthy all generally. This also was pointed by Sudado for the
jaundice; with which remedies are cured also the palm, the citron, and the wheat, when
are rushed by that accident.
The previous signals and indicators of this illness, according the Nabathea
agriculture are the afterglows that appear in the atmosphere; which sometimes are seen
to some spots of the horizon, and others are invisible. They appear then to the spectator
by night in the air, like a cleaved lightning [or burst], or as well like sunbeams spread by
it; which are invisible by day (even if there are still there), and only are discovered to
the watcher in the darkness of the night. Use to appear in the air as a kind of bubble [ or
foam] of incarnated water, or like specters that fleetingly and by glimpse are show by
night to the sight, and then they disappear; which signals use to be more [frequent] in
such time since the nine night to the nineteen night of the lunar month. If in another
time are saw in the sky the afterglows, are not of jaundice, neither the burst in way to
water foam, when they appear in the air in other days that werent the mentioned use to
appear the afterglows (which signals, are continuous and use to advice a new plague for
the men); by where, if they appear, must be guard with the time the damage of the
jaundice with the expressed remedy.
About the looseness (that is one of the calamities of the vines), the way to
discover t, according Sagrit, is that if the leaf of the vine that after losing its green color
begins to whiten since it begins to manifest, extending after the same color by all it; and
if [equally] is manifested a soft branch or more than regularly at least, that because of
his looseness looks like a strip of leather, which vice is healed with knead ash of vine
with strong and very acid vinegar until it becomes as a violet syrup, and smear with it
the trunk of the vine and the thick part of their branches and wood; and taking after part
of it and adding water until subtly it, pour it at the feet and spray after with it lightly all
the vine making it flow to the feet of it.
We have experimented, says Sagrit that is worthy for this vine the sea water [or
salty] poured by its feet and sprayed over it. That must the agriculturist cut in time, the
bunches of the vines or rip them (that is better), and also the little stems and branches
that had around, [executing this operation] which care; and if when are ripped the first,
spit on those spots in consideration to the size of the buds. Adds, that been the ash and
the vinegar, that were early mentioned, a efficient medicine for this illness, do of it
continuous use, because it removes of the vine that looseness and flow, by Allah will.
About the rotting of the fruit that (according Sagrit) is one of the illness of the
vines, happens on them when they dont mature enough, or change their color in dark or
other opposite to the one it must have; and the signal of this illness in the vine is, if
checking it well will see on their bunches and small branches like sweaty; which must
be late after pass nine hours of the day, because in the morning the use to appear in the
same disposition by the dew that they still have. By when this sings appear and begin
the bunches to rot with the sticks from where the hang, will be take a good portion of
fresh ivy, and squeezing the juice and mixing it with some fruit juice of barley, will be
smeared with this mix the trunk and wood of the vine, and the thick part of their
branches; and with the same without the fruit juice in the bunches in which was found
the rot, repeating this until remove from it this calamity. And if join with his medicine a
good part of ash of vine, and with it mixed on water smear it the feet of them, giving
sprays of this last, and are refilled their digs with pure ash or a mix of sand and ash, and
again with sand without this mix, this is a very good [practice]. And if beside ash of its
own wood is applied by the same illness ash of pumpkin and bunches of this plant, and
incorporated with the one of myrtle, all wet with sweet water, spraying this over the
vine, or filling their feet with this mix, or making use of the both things (to know) that
the sprays of the wet ash and the filling, is this very worthy and the most convenient for
the healing.
Kutsmi affirms, that in the vines raised in the wellspring ground and salty in a
very slow grade (that is the one we said was worthy for the palm) rots a lot by the half
of the bunches to the extreme, remaining weak [or sick] the part less hard or tight of it
until the spot of its born; which vice comes from the salty moisture of the ground. That
the way of remedy this is to clean the bunches that surround it, and the bunches that are
used to born in excess in the branches close of the bud where they raise, to let the wind
remove them easily in no time that accident; without this opposite to what [about other
topic] said Sagrit in been convenient leave some leafs over the heat of each bunch, so
they will keep it from the burning of the sun.
Adds Kutsmi, that if is not achieved that effect, take some mens each one in
their hands a bunch of five reeds of other equivalent thing, and burning them place them
close to the bunches where the corruption started, repeating this sometimes by a lapse of
a week. That rotting also the grape with the continuous rains of the autumn, cut them (as
was said up) all the branches immediate to the bunches so they ventilate and receive air.
And that if wasnt enough, burn a little fire that raises some fire around the vine without
letting the impetus of the fire or the roughness of its heat harm it, but it achieves, been
that soft and temple; and finally that letting the ash in the same spot, irrigate right there
the vine.
The excess of moisture is (according Sagrit) another of the illness that attack the
vine, and is showed in the multitude of haulms that are born and the quickness that they
raise; which illness attacks by equal cause that the rotting of the grape, to know, by too
much heat along with the excess of preternatural slime; which excess is correct by cut
first the longest bunches, and after successively those who follow them in length,
without taking too much time [from one cut to the other], using an sickle in the cutting
of the thick ones, and ripping with the hand the thin, according that only remain a few
and precise; which is enough to extract its slime from the vines. But is wasnt enough
and the vegetation on that branches keeps going, spread around the feet, and will be
replenish this ones with a mix of sand taken from the river and ash; and the best and
most effective will be fill the feet of those vines with those white stones and gravel of
the same color found on the water of this same river; because when the time of the
irrigation comes to give water over these stones [convalesce the roots of the damage],
because of the freshness they emit.
The harm of the permanent flow says, is prejudicial and even pernicious to trees,
plants, vegetables and myrtles; which happens, coming to discover in them some
corruption where they change the color and flavor when it is too copious in the feet,
which is quickly suspended wont harm the trees, even helps them. Knew that
corruption, when comes from that cause, by the alteration that suffer the trees and plants
in their natural color, smell and taste; which also is know smelling some of their leafs,
and other similar but good and healthy of the same specie, and comparing the smell;
which if was the same there is no corruption. Equally is known the difference that have
in between, testing the taste of two leafs; and out of this they have other signals. If the
corruption is little, can be correct; and if is a too much, there is no other way besides to
ripping that plant and placing another in its place. The little corruption coming from the
flow or another similar cause, is corrected with give to those plants irrigations of sweet
water after retained the flow, but even with the retention of this must be a light
irrigation, and shouldnt be the water in the feet but half hour, or less until a moment;
executing it like this the first day so it flows and retires to the feet, and irrigating them
more copiously after two days. Also is common to spay with water the leafs of the vines
and the trees attacked by this [accident]; and at the feet of the palm pour lightly the
same in small quantity, taking care after this trees with the corresponding work until
that, Insha Allah, they reestablish.
Kutsmi says, that using the vine to get harm or weak with the hoe or another
instrument, its remedy is that, checked will found lying over the ground, apply to it
slight soil as dust, mixed with goat manure (that for this is the best) or sheep, after
kneaded that with feces of oil and sweet water, smearing with it softly and slowly the
sore, and replenishing the excavate that must be done around the scarred vine with soil
and the expressed manure. That if the wound were at the feet of the vine under the
ground, cover it with the same, having done an excavate less deep but more narrow than
the others [that are used to be done], handling with care the wounded vine in
consideration to its weakness that by this cause has acquire. We have healed (adds
Kutsmi) vines wounded with water, oil and vinegar well mixed, and knowing already
this liquors, and boiling them (that is the best) and stirring them or shaking them in
some flask.
About the ice that use to attack the vines and other plants, is very big the damage
that causes in the new plants with less of six years and that are in cold places, and the
same in the planted by heady; and not so much in those by bearded, that are those that
along fructify more, have more robustness, and give fruit at the second year. Which
against damage (says Kutsmi) the regimen that we have experimented suitable is to
postpone the cleaning [pruning] until the time in were begins the sprout of the bunches.
Is maxima of Susado, that if you believe are going to fall some frosts, take some
sticks of tamarisk and myrtle, and burning it in a place until make them white ash, spray
with it the vines in the hour of the day you wanted; which been placed over the buds
and branches keeps them from the impressions of the ice, and even removes the damage
that they were acquire before.
And if you want, says Kutsmi, there is a thing confirmed by experience; [which
practice], even if is ancient, is not negligible; and is, that [with ash] of vines sticks
burned without leafs, well mixed with slight soil as dust, very sunned and brought from
the field or desert place sprinkle the vines, and in the feet dig and discovered of each
one throw also half pound of the same mix in small proportions, replenishing after with
soil; which causes that effect, Insha Allah.
Is maximum of Demetrio, that if the frost that falls over the vine sis such that
causes them too much damage, reducing their fruit or losing them all, is suitable (taking
those that still remain) clean them a second time and prune them short, this will cause
that becoming robust again, the fruit that they will give at the second year will be of
best quality and abundant. Some say, that what saves the vines from the harm of the ice
is why smoke baths the fourth night of the moon month with manure of beasts, in which
night by narrowing the cold is a reason to fear that damage; which is also something to
fear for them, if takes too much increment in autumn. Others affirm that the ice doesnt
harm the vines, sowing beans in between their strains.
About the corrosion (that happens according to the Nabathea agriculture to some
plants in the branches that point to the ground, and which soil have mixture in very
small grade of salt not fetid and manure) the remedy is, sow in between them pumpkins,
sea cucumbers and purslanes; with which convalesce that corrosion that corrupts them;
and for the one caused in the vines by manure o other thing, is the high amount of soft
manure as we already say.
About the worms, ants, the [bugs known by the men by the name of] borings,
and beetles, says Kutsmi in the Nabathea agriculture that these reptiles that grows in
the vines are of three genres. Some, similar and equal to the vegetable worms, but with
bigger mouths and more wide, with an aspect more deformed , and more green with a
mix of yellow or other similar color, which chop the vines by the softer side of their
extremes. Others that dont eat the grape or other thing more than the sticks of the
bunch; have a thinner and smaller body, and have a tail that carries some slime
continuously smelly. There are several colors of them; completely white, and in
between white and black; and some with little red points by both sides; and also
between dusty and white. About the third genre they eat the trunks, rots, and some
branches of the vines; which are less common, and more deformed in shape, and with a
ground color with some mixture of red. To kill this three genre of worms, take
colocynth, the kind of spurge called brown bush, and a squirting cucumber, and all dry
and well milled is cook in water, vinegar and salt until consume completely the first and
placing again water, vinegar and milled salt, then is cooked, and executed a third time
the same operation, will remain in the surface some trash; and repeating a forth time
will remain will culled cooking until consumed the water that mix remains as honey;
smearing with it the thick of the vine and the trunk, extending like that its virtue by all
it, will chase all those worms; which medicine, if when it looks like honey, add a fourth
part of tar, and with all that well mixed smear it in the trunk of the vines, this will
achieve the effect of case from it the ants, beetles and other reptiles that harms them.
And if to the side of each one are planted three or four plants called sambra [or spurge],
will chase from it all the reptiles, birds, worms and others bugs. For chase and
exterminate the ants, is maximum of Adam quoted in the Nabathea agriculture, that
taking wild oregano, sylvan rue and sulfur, and mixing it well, smear it well milled
around the ant nests; with which remove completely the ants of that spot by the deathly
that is that smell for all the bugs, and the ants, and all reptiles in general. About the
birds and foxes that appear in the vines at late spring says the Nabathea agriculture and
at early summer green binds that cause the huge damage of sucking the immature grape.
That to chase them and also all small or big reptiles, take sea cucumber, male bitter
apple and cow manure in equal parts, and after well milled all, infuse water shaking it
well and long time until looks like the last one, and with that spray the vines around
over its feet and branches by a lapse of three continuous days, nothing more; and like
that all those birds and reptiles banish and never return.
Adds the quoted book, that bathing with smoke the vines with some of the first
are chased those that left, which bath is even of bigger efficiency [if is executed] along
with cow manure; and that if are smoke bathed the same with roots of squirting
cucumber, carrying the wind to all its parts the smoke, flee from them those birds, the
wasps and others flying bugs.
Maximum of Susado, is that bathing with smoke the vines and vegetables with
any smelling plant as the rosebush, moss and similar, flee from them all the bids
because it is deathly to them, and all the good smells. That also the spiders flee from the
smoke of the referred things; and the same with the bugs noxious to the cabbage and
similar plants. According tho books of Kastos and Casio flee the birds from the vines
and trees smoke bathed with cow manure and bzirad, that is the fish. And about the
fasfes, that are little bugs like moles [or lizards], and use to be over the woods and
sticks used to arm the vines and [from there] are introduced to the fruit and bunches of
it, are exterminated smoke bathing the place where they were found with some of them
mixed with amurca; which chases them, the same effect but also kills them the smoke
bath with cow manure kneading with oil. Spraying the sticks of the trees and vines by
the places where those insects are with the water of cooked haulms, roots and leafs of
squirting cucumber, all milled , they flee or fall dead them all; and the same effect cause
the sprays of hot water of well after cooked one hour with a handful of salt. Which bugs
arent by the tree tamarisk or the cypress wood.
About the accidents of the vines and what is convenient for their healing, says
the Nabathea agriculture, that overwhelming quick the dryness to the roots of the plants,
that havent deep holes of sow, and the same to those that were places in slight ground,
the remedy for this is to dig them and replenish their holes with soil and a lot of manure
to keep their roots from heat and too much dryness, and gives immediately an irrigation
if was possible. That because the plants, that werent dig deep holes at the moment of
their sow, throw their roots to close of the surface after five years, or when they enter to
the six; the remedy for this is to dig them and cut what was show on them by the length
of one cubit or two since their born place from the feet part; and doing to them close of
this a hole of two cubits deep and narrow ambit, bend after with care the extreme of
those cut roots, fix them straight in the bottom of that hole, and cover them with soil;
because on this way all they will grow middle down like poles. That same operation is
executed in vines affirmed with seven roots (in case of found them in equal condition)
by the firmness that this gives them; and like that is convenient to check the feet of
those just planted when raised are medially grab, or when at the begin of the second
year or like two months after it they throw roots everywhere, cutting those all that were
discovered in the surface with a sharpened sickle ; which is helpful for them to go
deeper quickly and becoming well robust in that place, vegetate early their bunches, and
they affirm by foot; which been one and of a single trunk, makes them more robust that
those who hang from different, which virtue is divided and spread by all them.
About the slime that flows from the buds of the vines, is said in the Nabathea
agriculture, that this [vice] comes from the cutting of the bunches, and even there is no
such thing; and that using to be this flow cause of rotting and harming the buds, is
remedied this with smear in the place of the cut or flow of the same with amurca, and
leafs of yerbabuena without salt. That about medicate the vines planted in arid and dry
ground (what is used to do placing them in ground similar far from the high amount of
juice), are restored the same and fortified with throwing at the feet cow manure and goat
manure and irrigate them a lot. That if happens that by the water have washed out the
soil or happen to be landfall by other cause in the feet of some vines and other [plants],
are weakened the same and decayed degenerating its nature on the production of fruit,
and giving little and worse quality; the remedy to reaffirm the three and make it
improve, will be cover their roots with soil brought from other place (which will be
convenient to be near), which, mixed with manure will be better.
Maximum is also of the Nabathea agriculture, to repair the trees of dryness,
acidity, harm by the strong drought, diminution of the fruit and others [accidents], pick
some olives before they get fat (when they have the size of the haricot, or a little less,
and they remain green), and crushed in a mortar of stone spray some rain water in a
clean vessel, covering this and letting it like that fourteen days; and returning after to
crush them to get that juice in a clean vessel, repeating both operations until they have
no more slime; which left in the vessels placed in a fresh place and wet twenty eight
days, is used after, for his prodigious virtue for the trees and vegetables, and also for the
men. That like that, the one who want graft the trees, chopped the branch of that in
which were going to do the graft, smear first the spot of the cut with a little of this slime
[or juice] and do it after, and will grow as you wanted, Insha Allah. That throwing the
quantity of five dracma of the same in the water used to give a short irrigation to the
vegetables, flowing along with them, this ones comes more tender and soft, easy to
chew, and easy to digest; (warning that the expressed amount of juice is the
corresponding to the water used to irrigate the vegetables of one tenth part of the ajribat
[or measurement of ground of three hundred eighty four modios of seeding]; and
increasing or reducing the dose in proportion of bigger or lesser ground. That if the big
trees were a little dry and arid, by the amount of time they have, or another accident that
had them dry, take the same juice of five dracmas, and mixed with a pound of clean
potable water, give this mix to that tree continuous and very full spays every two days;
which operation, repeated then times, revives the tree and removes the accident that
have rushed to it. That if the olive, the palm or another tree or plant (whatever it was) is
dominated by all that damage that causes the strong dryness, or suffers decay in its fruit
by this reason, or by the excessive hot and burns from the sun, infuse at the feet, and the
same to other similar plants, the amount to thirty to fifty pounds of sweet water mixed
with two pesos of the referred juice; which will remove the combustion and becoming
green again and vegetating, prevails in better shape of green and robustness; and barely
gets harm by the water.
Treating others authors about the medicine of the trees, say that to the vine with
not abundant fruit drill with a pointy tool and cleave the feet, and introducing a stone in
that cleave, throw there over rotten urine, and refilling the soil all around the vine and
covering the place of the stone with a mix of old manure and surface soil, executing this
operation by autumn and that if their branches become incarnated, irrigate with water
were was diluted salt, or sea water (according some); or that drilling the feet with a
pointy tool (according others), place in that hole a little stake of holm oak, covering
after with soil.
Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl writes, that if the vine had this last incident by the
calamity that haves overwhelmed it, will be worthy to drill the feet by one side to the
other, and place in the hole a stake of holm oak; and to the one that was sick is helpful
to it manure it with straw of lime beans, lentils and other vegetables. Adds, that the vine
which ground were manure with pigeon ding becomes grateful, and that heals the weak,
spraying in the trunk with a mix of ash of vine or holm oak (the one at hand) and
vinegar; and also is of big advantage the human urine. That if in the summer were
burned its branches, dig deeply in January and since there on each month; and if this
wasnt enough to heal it, irrigate some times, if was possible. That the vines more
attacked by this damage are those that are in fluffy soil as the manure and the gravel,
also in the bad quality soil close to rivers, and valleys; and that arent those that are in
lifted places.
Abu-el-Jair says, that after of pruned the strains, take and rip the cortex that were
rough, digging after before they sprout, and that always after discover some, pick it with
the hand or a little stick smeared with oil, placed in a wide vessel with some amurca.
That if this is omitted until generate the eggs in the middle of the branches, cut them
and throw them out of the vineyard; which if is not done, will form worms from those
eggs that corrupt the branch and the grape. That the late vine (that comes to be like the
men who stomach cant digest the food) is reestablished by cutting the feet with a sharp
billhook; and if this is not done, cut its root more thick, smearing the spot of the cut
with the known olive juice cooked until reach the middle. That to the part that rots the
fruit, whiten and fall the branches, and that granulates their branches, smear it with mass
of ash and vinegar; and that smearing the feet with juice of purslane, and gives a small
fruit. That the one that was too fruitful and more populated of branches than usual, is
worthy to correct it[this excessive lushness], cut the branches that were in excess, when
they are tender, and replenish the soil of the feet with sand of river and ash; and the one
that suffers some alteration, spread to the feet ash of holm oak and branches mixed with
vinegar.
Some say, that the feet [or haulm] of the lily accelerates the vegetation of the
vine; and that if the fig tree loses its leaves be smeared its feet dig with milled lime
beans and mixed with water, and cover after with soil. Others opines that when you see
the leaf of that tree falling, executing a drill in the feet, there you will introduce a stick
of holm oak o other of those you want, and after cover it with soil.
Casio affirms, that the trees gets free from bugs and many calamities, If digging
the feet there is pour the water of the infusion of olive leafs; and Kastos adds, that is a
lot how much it fructifies with this.
Maximums are from several authors, that planting to the feet of the trees sea
onions, they get rid of calamities. That the weak tree can be repaired giving it some
irrigations of water in where was disposed the human excrement or manure of goats;
and the same does the pigeon ding equally applied in cold time. Also is said, that
against the camels, oxen and other beast that graze the fig trees and other trees is one
suitable thing to spray the leafs of the tree with water were was diluted very well the
excrement of dog; because like that those beast wont get close of them; or cooking a
head fat goat in water, spray with the fat that swing over it the leafs that the beast can
reach, or with the same fat of the same animal melted by fire with water; which two
things are better than the excrement, because washed with the dew and rains the leafs, is
necessary to repeat the application, and because if some fall over the tender buds will
burn them; [happening all] the contrary with the expressed fat, according my experience
and proves. Also is usual add to that fat, lard mixed with human urine or water, and
spray with this mixture the leaves of the tree; or hang on the tree a rag smeared with that
fat, from which smell the beast flee. [Further] irrigating it in the summer to a proportion
of his lack of humidity becomes leafy, and gives the fruit smooth and delicate. The
excess of irrigation and manure harm the sowed vegetables or planted under the fig trees
are harmful for the figs, which beside of sprout late become black and get worms,
unless that [those] are transplanted; and also the same die quickly by the weakness and
the worms that overwhelm their roots.
According Kastos, is suitable for the fig tree plant close to it at the surface sea
onions. Also to the mulberry-tree is worthy to infuse in its feed vinegar feces; which
makes maturate the fruit faster, and the leafs acquires softness for the silk.
About the olive, is maximum of the Nabathea Agriculture, that hanging of its
seedling an iron of any size, tied strongly of a wool string, help this to its vegetation
giving more gentle branches, and that guards it from calamities; and that if when starts
to fructify after the two years, until the five is pick completely all that fruit produced
before time and is buried on the feet, this makes it thicker, and forwards its vegetation,
and makes it throw gallant and gentle branches, Insha Allah. Adds, that when the olive
is manure, burn under it a big louver the Saturday ,Sunday, Mondays and Tuesdays
nights, and spray in the same days with a mix of oil and water, because like that will
return to his natural state of maturation.
Others say, that if was the olive sick without any medicine working in it, throw
at the feet fresh and juice olives, and removed from there after the year, and work very
well is soil, that will heal it. You should know( says the author of Nabathea agriculture),
that the excessive lack of irrigation in the olive is an illness that loses it, and the same to
all trees; and also gets some jaundice in the leafs of the thin branches in the top, and
many times the extremes of the branches get yellowish a little less than the leafs; which
sickness is removed by the high amount of rains, and also is worthy irrigate it with
sweet water of warm river by a lapse of few days, spraying en each one the mix of the
same and some oil.
I have seen in the high grounds seedlings of olive and fig trees, that having
acquired astonishment and losing some leafs, they form some beddings in way of fence
of ground, which I made lift like a pyramid like an inverse funnel by four spans of
elevation next to the trunk of the tree; which causes the profit of removes from them the
astonishment and heal then perfectly. Also saw seedlings of olive-tree and fig tree that
been astonishment, were worked deep by hoe and at the second year of their
fecundation, and even from it they receive benefit the last, the fist however get
astonished, without doing any help the repetition of irrigation; and having dig at some
the feet, was found that the hoe was harmed some roots by been so close of the surface,
and that the seedlings of fig tree were in any way offended by that work reason why
they have deepen their roots; before it was worthy. But they take life and evidently heal
the seedlings of olive to which I did the expressed ridges, remaining lifted many years
until they were disarmed by the rains. Of which practice is good also be used in the
other trees attacked by the same incident.
If the apple-tree were wormy, will be infused in its feet already dig goats urine,
and letting discovered four days, at the five and six day will be richly irrigated of sweet
water by the sunset; and if at the moment of fixing its seedling were smeared the feet
with gall of ox wont get worms in its fruit. Also affirms that the same happens, and
dont lose the leaves, planting it close of sea onions.
Are maximum of Kastos, that the human urine is suitable and gives profit to the
apple tree; that its fruit wont get worms and gets incarnate infusing at the feet rancid
wine of date and raisins that where in goat excrement; and that the sick and astonish is
worthy to infuse at the feet water with pigeon manure. Also is said, that is convenient
against the vice of getting worm on the frit infuse over the roots of its excavated feet
human urine mixed with manure, and at the seven day at the sunset give it a copious
irrigation of sweet water and that the same should be done with the pear tree attacked by
such accident. That if the feet of the apple-tree were attack by red bugs, and on its
branches and leafs spiders that lye their webs over them, removes all the harm digging
with care the roots without cutting anything, and replenishing the soil with a layer of
ash all around until cover them (avoiding to move them), and giving, frequents
irrigations; [which with regimen] they become green again and carry fruits; which they
say is very proved by the experience, and remedy that makes soft the pomegranate as
the melisiana and the zafrea; and finally that also is worthy to the apple-tree, to avoid
it from getting worms, is to throw at is dig feet manure and after irrigate it.
Is maximum of the Nabathea agriculture, that if the apple-tree happens to
fructify less, or other disposition with which according the experience they use to get
sick, the general remedy for all the species of them and the one that heals them of any
weakness, is to smear the cleaves and the more thick branches with a mixture of almond
shells or seed (which it better), and leafs of the same tree in expressed quantity; each
thing, or all together well milled and joined to fresh cow manure, according it throws it
the cow, without any other juice.
Is opinion of Kastos, that the apple-tree becomes sweeter infusing over the roots
feces of rancid wine and cover them after with soil. Others say, that what heals it, if was
attack by calamity, is with irrigate it seven days with a jug of water where was diluted
donkey excrement, giving after another irrigation of water [natural]; and that for clean it
from worms that had at the feet, digging this with some hoe until discover its roots, strip
it with care of its cortex, and if in that spot were found worms or some bugs, smear it
with juicy cow manure and replenish the soil.
Kastos affirms, what is convenient to the apple-tree and peach-tree is infuse four
times at year around the tree the amount of human urinate [enough] for wet the feet by a
span underground. About the muza [or banana], says the Nabathea agriculture that if
was withered or weakened, the remedy for all its sickness is dig at the feet and infuse in
it water mixed with its own leafs reduced to dust along with manure of wool cattle; or
spay the branches with watery wine or rain water, and sprinkle them with soil well
shredded.
For the loquat and the margosa, if they suffer some of the illness that weaken the
trees let them small or makes them get old earlier, its medicine is do around the trunk
une dig of one feet and infuse in it blood of sheep mixed with a bigger amount of hot
water, executing this on it three times, or more according its health; because in this way
the revive and get robust, and its fruit (Insha Allah) comes with a better quality.
About the pear-tree writes Abu-Abdalah Ibn-el-Fasl, that if it gets worms in the
fruit, smear the feet with gall of bovine cattle, and like this is repaired from this damage.
Treating in the Nabathea agriculture about the way of heals this same thing in this fruit
as in the quince and other fruit trees [is told that] the pear-tree should be manure with a
compost of excrement from cow and human, rotten both things with some leafs of the
same tree, replenishing the excavate if its feet in this mix and slight dry soil; or smear in
the trunk and at the feet of the thickness branches of the tree with mix of cow manure
well shredded and dust picked from roads full of holes, wet all with sweet water and
amurca, so it looks like wine; which been very useful because it keeps the fruit free
from rotting or getting worms.
About the sickness of the pear-trees that makes it give its fruit smaller or less
sweet, you will know that if the roots of this tree get too deep in the ground, when you
see that against its habit it suffers for this double ditriment , you will understand that it
comes from some nuisance that impedes it to penetrate the roots on the ground as it is
used too; or that if there is nothing that cant prevent the way of the roots, is attacked by
some illness. Because of this, if looking for signals, you dont find any, comes that
[impairment] of nuisance that have the roots by have touch in thing that they are not
allowed to penetrate; of which will be another sample, if was necessary bee the peartree of long time. Like that you will do at the feet of the tree a round hole, without
cutting any root small o big; and f when you do it you found in a stone or other thing
that impedes to penetrate the ground, remove it from the way; and if there was no
impediment, the same operation will be realized at twenty cubits of the feet, and if not
even there were the nuisance you will know than that alteration comes from an illness
that haves possessed that tree; which when is determinate, will be healed with its
respective medicine.
Says Hj, that if the quince was old, and its wood knotty o, or falls to land by a
lack of water and cultivation, the remedy to heal it from all that calamity, is to throw in
the hole at its feet done by January the amount of two fingers of human dry and
juiceless excrement with crumbled pigeon manures all mixed, throw over one load of
gravel, replenish the soil and irrigate it copiously six times with sweet water each month
after worked in the best way possible, and give it in march a good work. Not is the
quince a tree that suffers by manure. But this is the special medicine which heals it, if it
comes to that extreme situation.
If at the feet of the pomegranate are planted see onions they cause that the
grenades wont cleave, and that their seeds (according Kastos) be of a lively red color.
Also is said, that is not cleaved that fruit surrounded with stone under the ground by the
feet of the tree; that the same happens if is plantation was executed by inverse branch;
that planting it by branch it fructifies less; and if you were afraid of the skin cleaving,
irrigate the excavate at the feet with water mixed with pigeon manure.
And about the citron [or grapefruit], the orange-tree, lemon-tree and the zamboa;
that if some of this trees were weakened, throw in the hole done at the feet, black ash
and pigeon manure crumbled or similar thing, and replenished the ground irrigate it
after. That is advantageous for the orange-tree infuse at the feet warm blood of goat so
its fruits comes red and of a good quality; and also is worthy for it the human blood
[extracted] by the feet with lancet, or by leeches and also all blood; and that letting it at
the air like that for a few days cover it later with the darker part of the pigeon manure,
and all that after with soil.
About healing the jaundice that comes from its leaf, says Abu-Abdalah Ibn-elFasl, that the remedy for this is the ash, and also the dark part of the pigeon manure,
digging a hole by its feet and throwing some on its roots, replenishing the soil after until
filling it all that excavate;[which regimen] returns the green color and freshness that had
before. The same author adds, that if, however been this proved by the experience,
wont heal the tree with this, infuse by the feet goat blood, and if where wasnt any
goat, human blood extracted with lancet or leeches; and in that way will heal, Insha
Allah.
Is maximum if the Nabathea agriculture, that if getting sick the orange-tree
getting old earlier without swelling anything, the medicine for this is infuse in the hole
done by the feet, blood mixed with hot water or cold, and also milk of sheep; and that
even more convenient is to infuse to the feet some continuous days human blood in that
way extracted and mixed with water; which giving it life makes it grow.
In the book named Poetry and Eloquence says his author Ibn-Bisl. Treating the
remedy of the citron and the pomegranate against the jaundice that digging the feet of
the first and separating the soil everywhere, throw around over what was shown around
three almudes of crumbled chicken manure, and covering this with soil, irrigate after
repeating frequently this; which is worthy against the jaundice and makes It fructifies
more. The author of the Nabathea Agriculture says, that happening to that tree the
calamity of cold, vehement heat or another cause, its remedy (when comes from the
heat) is to spray the branches and leafs with cold water, and when is by cold, with warm
water; and manure it with pigeon ding mixed with the soil were it rots, incorporating
them both, spraying with water during the time of the rotting, stirring continuously until
verify this happens, and adding leafs of the tree and letting it rot; in which disposition
(what is show by its black color) is stir right there from bottom to top so it dries with the
wind and air; which (filling with this the hole at the feet of the citron, at the moment of
infuse it with the blood mixed with hot water), it improves it in less time that with the
manure of the expressed quality, and even in many ways is very useful.
About healing the yellowness that is show in the citron leafs, is maximum of Hj
and of others, that heals it perfectly of this harm, throwing in the hole around the feet
three almudes of human excrement dried and well milled, and giving it (replenished the
ground) a short irrigation, so it wont suffer an excess of water, and Abu-Abdalah Ibnel-Fasl says, that can apply chicken manure besides the human. About the lemon, says
the Nabathea agriculture, that if at the sight it was skinned, infuse to the feet blood
mixed with hot water, or this water, and after urines of donkey.
About cleaning the jujube or nbek of worms that it has, is maximum of the
Nabathea agriculture, that been one of its illness some little worms as kind of white
louse that gnawing the green of the leafs let them as a white and very thin scab (which
barely appear in the trees of perfectly sweet fruit), the remedy for this is smear the trunk
o the tree and the discovered part of the feet over the soil with melted tar, with which
smear dont shows those worms. Adds the quoted book, that is also remedy for them
and for the dryness that they cause to the leafs in where they show (specially in autumn)
spray the tree with the mouth a mixture of oil and hot water well revolted and joined
with it in some flask (beginning to execute this by Sunday after the sunset), infuse at the
feet in the morning of Monday the mix of water and oil, and spray with was left of the
mixture in the morning of the Tuesday; continuing the same way this alternating spray
and infusions by the feet by a lapse of fourteen days; which returns its green color and
lushness. That about the palm the remedy for what produces the small date on it is give
to its fruit a full dusting with milled roses, and [do ] that at the time of its fecundation
haves over it the male to when it is shaken with the strong wind fall its dust to the soil;
and that if werent roses available, [make use of this] leafs of myrtle milled, which
haves weird and special virtues. That if the date lacks of juiciness at the moment that
haves the palm, one of the things that then is convenient is to form a link of leafs and
green citron branches and introduce it as spiral in the heart of the palm.
According the book of Hj Granadino, for reestablish the rosebush that by its
age and become whitened their branches and bunches become useless and is not
convenient to let it stay in anyway, the remedy more opportune which achieves this
effect that effect is ripping by rennet in January, about that evening that soil and not
sowing in it nothing after, sprouts beautifully in April the root that was left, which bud
medially grow in May must receive a softly but deep spud and is cleaned from the grass,
leave it eight days, and after is sprinkled and irrigated [with which regimen] grows and
excels in no time; and if was double, it gives flowers by the year at early May beginning
to show the heads [ or buds] at the same time that the leafs.
Another remedy is for the rosebush, and the best for reestablish it in case of
found it where there are not trees or other plants beside them, is letting thirsty until their
leaves dries and the weed they had, reduce them to an state of extenuation (executing
this in the month of January) and burn them after in the month of October; which with
the irrigation of the rains that they receive, they sprout by early spring and flourish.
If happen become to scabby the wood of the plum called bulls eye, the remedy
for taking this in so it remains healthy, complete and smooth, is (according maximum of
Hj) manure the skin in the month of January with human excrement; and about the
sweetness of the fruit, is said that if you want it from this quality ding by the feet, and in
the drill that you execute on in fix a stake of ash, and cover it; which operation must be
done after the sprout of the leaf. That if gets worm the fruit, infuses by the feet feces of
date wine or of vinegar. That if the fruit of the plum was hold as a way of little stones,
dig the feet, and having screening and cleaned the ground of gravel, replenish it after.
That the peach-tree gives the fruit hard, this vice will be heal, if digging the feet is
extend that soil, and after replenish in their place. That if by the feet of the muza
[banana] is infused feces of date wine [ or raisins] covering after with the soil, comes its
fruit very sweet, and dont get hurt by worms. According to Kastos and others, if
happened to be this same fruit small and skinned by have loaded the tree with too much,
light it before matures, and it will swell and become of good quality those who remains
on it. And if it comes from an illness, excavated the feet with care to three spans close
the trunk, will throw smalls stones until will with it that spot, by which extended the
soil, will be irrigated each four days by a lapse of a month, and like that will come the
fruit of thick size; which bone according some will be small, if drilling the feet during
the excavate and taking with care the heart, were fixed there a stake of darnelgrass.
If you want that the bitter almond becomes sweet, you will do in its feet a square
drill over the surface of the ground, and this will give that effect, Insha Allah. The
remedy for the yellowness of the leaf and fruit of the walnut and by all illness that cause
them some alteration consist, according to the Nabathea agriculture, in irrigate with hot
water, spray with the same its bunches and leafs, and infuse to the feet blood (of
anybody); but the one of camel is the more convenient; and also is very useful and
worthy infuse the blood in such place with a mix of hot water. In other books is said,
that if after begin to fructify the tree is drilled the feet with thin steel tool, until make it
reach the other side, and there will be left fixed; the nuts comes with thin shell and
healthy.
The tafria or release of the leaves of trees and the yellowness of the same is
corrected (according Abu-el-Jair) doing tot those trees, when this happens, deeps
excavations, irrigate them and wok them early at the next year. Which if comes from the
calamity of branches or his high amount must be relived cutting some of them when the
leaf becomes yellow; and if by the excessive irrigation, should stop this one. According
the same author, the trees heal from the damage that causes the very cold air, the ice and
the pernicious wind, and the jaundice cutting whatever the cold harmed , working them
frequently, manure them and irrigating them with a high amount of hot water; but this
regimen only works in those who are new; because the olds been for this reason to dry,
must be cut or saw in the season of autumn by the green or an span over the ground
(that is the best); whereby and the frequent cultivate they rejuvenate. Is said, that the
straw of beans mixed with soil and throw at the feet of the vines keeps them from the
harm. If there is the fear of the cold freezing them for been in a cold place, there is
experience that they free from this calamity spreading over them ash of tamarisk, also
keeps them from the same and the frost , according Kastos, doing in different spots of
the vineyard in to where the wind blows, tons of manure of beasts, dry and burning all
them by the forth night of the lunar month (that is when narrowing the cold there is the
risk for those calamities to overwhelm them and the trees); so with that smoke spread,
they become free of the bad impressions from cold. Equally sowing rocket in the
vineyard and letting it be the complete plants with its seed, they get rid with this of the
cool for the vines that year. Which pruning is not convenient to execute earlier, minus
when the cold wasnt something to fear in anyway. Also is said, that the smoke bath
with manure of beast chases the locust away from the vineyard.
Maximums are from Demcrito, that if you were afraid that the vineyard or the
seed where attacked by jaundice, fix in the middle of that land branches of laurel, and
like this only they will suffer this calamity, leaving free the vines and the seeds. That all
the sick like this heals perfectly spraying water used to soak haulms of caper. That
smoke bathed the sown by the part where the wind of the north blows with bulls horn
placed in fire of sheep manure, will take that smoke, passing through it such calamity
and makes it grow higher.
The weak trees, retarded [or stunted] are healed, according maximum of Abu-elJair, doing holes far from the feet been careful of not touching with the tool its trunk
and roots, combing those that were thin with other that represents the hand of the men
with his fingers (which tool works too for rip the grass that was next to them); then
leaving the roots of that tree discovered to the air three or four days, and replenishing
after the soil and irrigating sometimes with the corresponding copiousness of water,
comes back to its robustness. If that [damage] comes from been a long time the water at
the feet of the tree or been that soil thin, stony, sandstone, or similar, the remedy will be
work it and move it many times with the hoe so now fluffy the sun toast it, and improve
it with the corresponding manure. Others authors say, that when the tree weakens infuse
by the feet a mix of pigeon ding and sweet water; that throwing over its roots
discovered manure of little animals and irrigating them, will be advantageous to it and
avoids also that gets worms; that about the worms that nest in the trees, one of the ways
to chase them from the fig tree, is form in the cortex of it with ugly pointers of gold and
in between them figures of themselves; that if it fruit was attack by similar damage, dig
in the feet until discover the roots and fill that hole with ash, replenishing after the soil;
that for get rid of the fruit trees of the worms that was discovered on their feet, throw in
the excavate two or four baskets (according to the magnitude or smallness of the tree) of
pigeon ding mix, a six part of salt, and two of manure, and many others of surface soil
of good quality, with all that well mixed; without omite the irrigatios of sweet water, if
were hot times.
Macario says, that if the feet discovered of the tree and it roots are smeared with
water that has disposed pigeon ding, or this itself is throw there, is not rushed by worms,
Insha Allah. Others affirm, that if in the excavated feet of the tree is done a cleave, that
doesnt penetrate to the other side, and is filled with milled salt replenishing after the
soil, all the worms in the tree die, which operation must be executed in the month of
January.
About the bugs called cleb that are long and green and offend the exterior of
the tree, and the others that harm from inside and dry it by gnawing the heart, says
Kastos, that be you secret to get rid of them your threes, is to smoke bath them with tar
and equal quantity of sulfur all mixed and burned; which smell makes them die after
they perceive, been inside or outside of the tree; and that dont get close the worms of
the first specie to the tree or vine that was manure with ash of fig tree.
About killing the insects that appears on the trees and vegetables, as are those
from the manure and the black pigeon ding, or the golden and yellow, [or like] the
insects of soil; says Abu-el-Jair, that the way to get rid of them the trees is to discover
the feet doing a deep excavation around, and been careful of to not cut any root, clean
those who were in there, and removed the ground without left discovered the roots to
the air, and throw after in the hole a mix of black pigeon ding in that have burn
manures, sand in lesser quantity, and a six part of salt, and soil of the surface; that the
smoke bath of tar and sulfur chases the insects from the trees and vegetables; that
spraying over this last black pigeon ding where some manures were burn little time ago
and irrigating them after, kills all those, Insha Allah; that before sown them must benefit
the squares with pigeon ding and manure both over rotten.
Says the Nabathea agriculture, that been overwhelm the marine cabbage of some
calamities in its plantation and after its plantation and fructification (of which class are
those bugs that appear in the superior part of it, like mosquitoes, aphids, lizards and
louses); the remedy against this last ones and the mosquitoes is the smoke bath with
wine and sulfur, placing the brazier in the middle of the planting, to lifting from there
and [extending] the smoke covers the place; or spray over its haulms vinegar of good
quality where was diluted sulfur ; which (as from those the bugs flee) exterminate them
from that place; which flee also of any place that was smoke bathed with dry cow
manure or wine feces. That about the lizards and big worms, what kills them (and the
same to all bugs of all size) is the amurca mixed with cows gall and sprayed over the
plants of the plantation; that the same effect produces the cooking of sliced and well
boiled plants of spurge [greens] or with its milk, infused at the feet of the sea cabbage at
the moment of irrigate it. Other authors say, that using to be the superior part attacked
by the aphid, this is remedied spreading over it sifted ash, proved by the experience.
To the pumpkins happen, according to the Nabathea agriculture some illness
called el-kad [because of it] the stop growing and raise in the height, their leafs
wrinkle, and give the fruit more small than usual; that if been too attacked, the remedy
against it is specially and against others illness is sour at the feet very hot water.
In other books is said, that of the worms or green and long bugs that are called
with the name of cleb, are reserved the trees and vegetables giving to them every day a
small spray of water infused with ash of branches. About dsia that is the small locust or
earth bug, gets rid the sown or orchard, according Kastos, sowing by its three sides
mustard, which smells makes it die after it perceives it. Others affirm, that dies the
mosquito and the aphid that use to attack the fruit and vegetables, giving small sprays to
all the sow with water infused with hemlock by a lapse of one day and one night, mixed
after with very strong and acid vinegar. The languor that uses to happen to the
vegetables is healed according a maximum of Abu-el-Jair, with excavating their feet
with a thin tool similar to the sickle for sawing (without offend or cut any root) so that
ground evaporates and ventilates, and irrigate them after with clear and clean water.
About guard the trees of the harm of ants, says Abu-el-Jair, that is impeded their
climb in the fig tree or wild fig tree, if smoothing and polishing well a span of the trunk
all around where dont have a rough cortex with bone or smooth stone, is smeared the
superior and inferior part with ocher diluted on water, because in this way the ants
wont get close. Others say that the same effect is done smearing in the tree a mix of tar
and crumbled manure. That if with the same is smeared the place of the branch or other
green place of the tree that was suffer any cut, it welds that wound. And finally, that
smoke bathed the place attacked by ants with roots of bitter apple; all that were found
by the smell will die.
Smoke bathing with the ants, locust and scorpion that respectively comes the
harm, the place where this bugs attacked, chase from there the others, according Kastos;
which adds, that happens the same doing the same use of the other bugs besides of the
mentioned, and that smoke bathing the ants with roots of bitter apple, they flee from that
smell. According the writes of some Agriculturist and Wzeg spraying pennyroyal well
milled to the mouths of the ant nests and the swarm of wasps, bees and horseflies, are
exterminated these bugs. The vice of cut and shrink the leafs of the trees, called
bkarad, that (according Hj Granadino) use to attack specially the peach-tree and the
plum, comes from the two causes; which one is to have too many ants in that tree or in
others similar, to know; the ones small as atoms of fetid smell, which hurting the roots
and buds spawns in them as [kind] of man glutinous nothing sweet, that sticks to the
hand, and that dont stop increasing until a dominant grade, corrupts them and dry them.
The second cause is have to many manure wrinkling the leafs of the peach-tree, plum,
pear-tree and similar, making them pass from its regular state to be lacerated; because
joining in them the heat of the sun with the heat of that manure they wrinkle, as happens
to the hair that haves fire close, which after wrinkled, burns. So the remedy to when are
discovered those antes in the trees will be form in its trunk of tar of mud [in kind of] cup
that surrounds it, so when the ants arrive to the water with what they will be filled wont
go more far than that, but repelled return to the feet. Or throwing next to these bones of
pigeons smeared with honey, so the ants will attach to them and they can be throw to
the water far away from the tree or to such distance that they cant return to it.
Or will be repeated another operation similar until clean those ants, without stop
to execute in the branches from they were hanged until they all fall,[worth to know],
spraying them with water in where were infused wormwood a day; and like that remains
free the tree from ants, and by this way they disappear. If this wrinkling comes from the
soil having burned them with too much manure or been the tree in surface of black land,
which surface haves burn with the excess of manure, or in a place with a lack of water;
will be healed that vice excavating before all and removing the ground of the feet and
roots, covering this with the residue of the ground of potters, specially the red clay (that
haves a particular virtue for that) along with the loose gravel, irrigating every four days.
And if at the moment of discover that contraction on the leaves are piled up stones to
the feet, will be chases completely those small ants. According to the Nabathea
agriculture, if the vessel that had honey or similar stuff that the ants look for, is covered
with white wool of ram, wont get close such insects, and the same effect is achieved if
is surrounded with the same.
Susado says, that placing magnetic stone attractive from iron to the mouth of the
ant nest they font go out and they retire to the center of the earth; that they also dont get
close to the pile of wheat, placing it in the middle of it; and that the dead bat haves the
same virtue.
See in the chapter twenty tree and twenty nine the relative about the matter that
treat the present, and what is found in different spots of this book over the healing of the
vegetables and other plants; and attend with reflection so the wounds of the trees heal,
and which useful is; with Allahs favor, smear them with a mix of tar and nitro the
blistered places.
CHAPTER XV
Some rare and ingenious skills executed in some trees and
vegetables as introduced into fruit trees at the time
of fixing their branches or small bone and seeds of its fruit sowing,
and the same in the seedlings, aromatic and sweet things
and laxatives remedies, making its fruits come from those
or other similar qualities, according to the book of
Haj Granadino and others.
Make this in the fruit trees according Haj Granadino, are of the kind they are,
vines or other, going to them in October or near that time when their moods down from
the top to the roots (the best time for this operation), which is known as the leaf starts to
fall off until undress entirely of it; as also shown rising from the roots to the top of when
sprouted and flowered appear: and then doing at the root of the tree that wishes
(whether to execute it in him under the ground) a penetrating slit until its heart with
sharp tool, it introduces what you want and have prepared, such as aromas, sweet things
, seeds and fruit such as almonds, laxatives remedies, taking to this effect to the big tree
musk the weight of one coin, as much camphor, five of carnations, and nine of
laxatives, which consists of three sips (or take); and for seedlings and branches fewer
quantity of each one of these things or other wilt, regulating by this dose of what we
expressed what we do not mention: to which gingerly crushed to powder in clean stone
mortar is poured three goals of tar and equal weight of white alum as a tisane, not
infusing musk on the tar (which must have had the fire) while retains its heat, so it
respect to corrupt; but having the mortar in the sun or to slow heat because the tar will
clot, and taking care not to get too hot with fire because musk could corrupt. Shake it in
stone mortar and pestle or any such thing, and done a whole body comes together and
forms one like it crooked, which is inserted into the slit executed in the foot of the tree
so that it reaches the heart; and planting over a piece of bark from the same tree, is
assured by tying firm that site, and muddy well with glutinous russet mud kneaded with
barley; and that's how it goes from there spreading that smell. And if it gets any laxative
medication, sweet thing or another quality together with the tar and alum, it comes from
the same virtue and taste the fruit of the tree that such things are introduced instead of
him.
This operation must not be executed when the mood rises from the roots to the
top of the tree (which happens in spring, in March or at that time) with respect to which
evaporates through that slit, would go with him the scent; whose odor would not lie for
this cause in the fruit of that tree. But if done in October or November, the spring does
not come without the groove and is welded closed, so nothing leaves the smell of things
there introduced. Where it has not carried out but expressed or two months at that time;
for then lowering the mood tree from the top to the roots, and participating in the virtue
of that aroma, sweetness or medication, goes along the most subtle of all attached to it
from the roots to the top of the tree, and although some time till flower and fruit show
that follows, it contains the medicinal or aromatic softness under any of the things there
introduced.
As to enter them in the fields and seedlings at the time of planting, says Hj
Granadino, who took in November the branch that is intended for this purpose sink
through the extreme of the part that has to enter it in the hole with thin pointed tool
without the slit penetrates the other side; that opening it until discover the heart
contained therein, take this (which is way wool) with the corresponding tool and the
twisted mentioned after that slit open with the first tool is put in place; and extracted
this, close it and tie that slit from top to bottom with twine composed of strands of palm
or papyrus, and smearing glutinous reddish mold mass and barley it will shelter with
some flimsy linen cloth; putting the branch in arcaduz (or bucket) perforated by the seat
so that the tied part falls in the middle of it, fill the same with stone and mud soft, and
then plant lying on burial pit figure (as the planting branch in this way) in the manner
indicated above; and being in the middle of the hole, you will go with frequent enough
risks and the corresponding regime for so is its fruit, when given, to breathe the smell of
scent that was put. And the same is done in the seedling at the time to set it.
Another similar practice runs on the vine, whose grapes if you want to be
aromatic, very sweet, laxative, or who has any taste and the syrup is done in house of
sweet fruits, or of any such thing, the best will be taken branch of fruitful vine of the
color that wishes, and plunging into halves along to the end that will cover the land, or
as a span, or all (according to various opinions), taking care not to mistreat the nodes, it
is cleaned both parties together to the heart content in the middle of its center, without
nothing left, and instead put the sweet things that they want to, or other like sugar or
honey, crushed almond seeds, tamarind, scammony, aloe, treacle, aroma of the species
that likes, as musk, camphor, carnation, nut or indian hazel; and joining the two sides
until reduce them to their first form will bind to many sites with selvedge or wool
thread, smearing with fresh cow dung; or thereafter with mass composed of mud and
cattle dung as small as dust, as Kastos think.
In whose arrangement planting the branch where you want, watering and caring
for it until sprouting with continuous work and irrigation until it becomes big, it is the
grape of that same taste, smell and quality profitable by Allah. I am convinced that this
kind of operation approaches the mentioned before, with the difference that is not linked
the aromatic or medicinal thing with tar as the first; nor does it mention that has to
introduce a branch in pitcher. So, I am of the opinion that it is better the first, Allah
knows.
Some argue that doing what was said in the branch at the time of planting
without putting anything in it of the aforementioned, is the grape without stone, which,
according to Abu-el-Jair, is checked by repeated experiences. Others say that if you
want that do not have stone the grapes will sink to the branchs part that must cover the
soil in half and gently extracting the heart that is in the middle with spicillo (or
instrument that clean the ears) or similar, keeping lacerating or scrape the inside of that
slit, It is tied tightly with a bouquet of papyrus (or Indian Junk) and planted directly into
the pit he is infuse the foot every eight days with syrup or wort mixed with water until it
sprout whereby this effect is achieved by Allah. This practice comes to the antecedent,
and what it adds is the irrigation water mixed with syrup, or with wine.
Another way to the rose brush produce the yellow or royal blue rose, as desired.
Go to the foot of the rose by December, says Haj, and leaving the trunk right as
it was and fixed on the ground, lift it out the black bark that covers the root without
taking it; but sinking over and after lifting the roots with subtle tool for each side
without dividing it up or down, please complete this void between the bark and the root
of the rose bush expressed with well and very aromatic saffron crushed in stone mortar
and wrapping a rag of linen, tie it down firmly and smear, and left in place refuel the
ground; and thus the roses that throw thet foot will be of the first color. Of which (adds
Hj) having made us experience, it was seen that they came from a flamboyant color
and graceful. And if you want to indigo color, it will be made of Faleh (the bright and
very aromatic indigo) the same use of saffron; and so come roses that foot outside of the
color.
I have been told by a Damascene says Abu-el-Jair, who having said indigo
dissolved in water and washed down with her the foot off the rose from early October
until the outbreak of the roses, they left those of a royal blue of funny sight. But this,
says Haj have for playthings. Sometimes watering the rose, according to the same Abuel-Jair, with water where was cooked dormouse, produce yellow roses, by Allah.
Another operation if you want to find roses out of time
The same author says that if you want blooms the rose in the autumn will stop
irrigation completely (if it was irrigated) long space heat until early August, since which
time watering repeatedly sprouts again, and blooms in the month expressed without
ceasing to also throw other roses in the spring.
Another operation for the same effect
Continues the same author saying that if you have burned the old rose in
October, and you want him to advanced roses in the autumn must be irrigated after that
eight days, and you will skip watering the next four, continuing this alternative five
times; as well as throwing stems and heads, flowers at this time, no less the roses you
have to throw in the spring for this.
Another operation equal to that expressed.
If anyone wishes (continues) pick roses in the station of the year you want, If
anyone wishes (continued) station pick roses in the year you want, go to the rose in May
while the strength of the outbreak and when it is discovered at the end of the Incarnate
cocoon color, and tilting and dipping their branches inversely in a new bowl, and
loading them with some stones to drop well let them down well covered, leaving the
heads of the rose 'vented untouched in the ground (as if she touched would be corrupted
and rot); and whenever roses, removing from there basin that leave them exposed to air,
with which opening, the catch at that time.
Another operation
The same Hj says that when if when the heads of the roses to open are cut with
its arajnes (which are the sticks attached to them), and half filled with subtle manure a
small new pitcher, and getting those sticks in melted tar are left in him in this
arrangement between sand, muddying the pitcher and burying it in the dust; when
removed from it some of those heads will cut what of them got into the tar, immediately
putting it in water and then in the sun; and thus manifesting those roses then when they
will be deployed.
Another operation
Anyone who wishes get roses in autumn or in the harvest, thirsty let the rose in
August and September, and at the times you want to keep them irrigate again and again,
and so sprout, buttoning, and discover in it roses by Allah .
Another similar operation to the apple.
If you want fresh apples out of time stops water your tree all the time in the heat,
and give continuous since early August and repeated risks; and so will shed new apples
or shall come to give them out of time, especially if it is wet autumn.
Another operation for the same tree
If you want containing inscriptions or figures in the apples, you will go to those
which by nature are embodied, and when they have finished growing and before
contracted this color, write and will form them (staying in the same tree) inscriptions
and figures desireth with common ink, or (as others want) with wool, egg, potters inks,
diluted ammoniac salt, gypsum or glue parchment debris in it, or with melted tar (what
any of it to the hand) and executing one and anothers with thick pen; and overlay so that
no dew or rain discover them, nor be cleared by the friction of the adjoining leaves, each
other. In which arrangement leaving them on the tree until fairly redden, and then what
was written or figured will be wash with water, will be that with or green site, but
nothing reddish, and this last color the rest of the apple; what is a funny thing. Such
operation is also running in the red plums and sloes, when they are green, before getting
their respective colors.
Also in the quinces, grapefruit, pears, grapes, cucumbers and pumpkins are
printed the same figures of the containers (or molds) nothing rude in that putting, even
if are of animals, whose shape represent or have recorded; although some say that there
is no disposal for this purpose but is in grapefruit. Which, according Kastos, comes
from the same shape and size of the phial, clay pot, if you put each before maturity in
each of these molds pierced subtly to be aired, tying them and fixing them with strings
to btanchs sticks in which immediacy may be placed. As to the grapes, if you want to
have them, so long that put admiration, says Abu-el-Jair and others, that they may go
into the clusters of the kind you want in this genre like black or white virgins; the
reddish date which is the size of the acute date at both ends; the one called virgins
fingers that is black and long, the early white, and Jijar (or heart kid) scarlet; the goals
even when not exceed the size of chickpea in writing cane ornaments, cut to the length
or almost the little finger and nothing else, each in his own, tying them to stick bunches
of conformity which are those not leave; through which they come, when they have
matured, with the impression of size and shape; whose ornaments if they are made of
metal are very good; where if some holes are made, the grapes come with certain bumps
the size of those holes.
Another way
The same author says that if you put a bunch of al-haydnit grape, which is small,
split and brown in good container or tube of common reed (that is, from the Hortense
useful), tying it at both ends is set to not open, or in a drilling small vessel; as you want
it it becomes narrower, during ripening, it comes to be as if it were a single grain, and
broken that vessel comes out of the same figure.
With regard to that pumpkins and cucumbers, known Syriacos, getting into
wooden mold or mud, which from this want, when still remains small, and burying that
under the ground without cover you much so that an extreme remains out of the earth
and any opening where between air, comes from the same length and shape as this hath
and print engraved effigy, figure or inscription on it has been executed; for which it can
be done, it has to consist of two halves.
Description of other practices for the vines.
If you want bunches of different colors with white, black and beans, take the
best branches, each grape different color when the liquid flows (or circulated) for them
and are green and crushing them gently with a smooth stick over another equal tucking
it on touch with its buds, settle after each other by the crushed part and tie back for
many sites selvedge or anything like that stay together, smearing the part with fresh cow
dung, dry or mixed with water. Some say, they have to twist for what crushed, as the
strings are twisted, threads or any such thing, and tied so that are not loosen the twist.
Others claim that cutting off the extremes and matching their knots each other
buds suit and tie well, not to mention before crushing; adding that that linked part will
be put for thick extreme in a bull horn or bone ring or rings, and filling these with fresh
cow dung, and planting them in burial pits figure of good land, it will bury leaving out
only two fingers, and three from the narrow end to every branch, which is where they
sprout, being of the same within the bone or antler four buds buried in land; in which
arrangementame with frequent irrigation come join them all; and so are found facts and
the same thing, when after three or two years (as others say) the land is withdrawn from
the bone, and this will broke. Then cutting off all protruding bone with sharp tool,
leaving only the bonded portion, left them off the ground replaced the part where they
have sprouted, and frequently irrigated and cultivated until that time; because this is
how a branch out from there alone, cut the others come the grapes of different colors
corresponding to those of the first.
Another operation for the same
Sinking through the branches mentioned being careful to reach their knots, and
(according Kastos) nor heart containing between; and taking one, couple with cleft,
proposing together with each other adornments; and squeezing and then covering them
with cow dung mixed with azufayfo leaves, smearing with sticky mud or crushed squill,
and plant in this provision.
Others say that sinking all with tact and gentleness so that the knots are not
mistreated, each with its otherwise fit joining each other and forming their joints with
such euqality come to give one against the other, and that tying it steady with papyrus
(or rattan) or thread, so that a branch seem alone, grease with cow dung, slather with
mud, and in this arrangement are planted.
Others are of the opinion, that sinking each branch without the mistreat knots,
two halves of different colors are taken, and breaking gingerly, with each other to come
together, and tying for many sites, grease with cow dung and planted inversely in good
quality land, adding it in a hole a cubit deep, and they let two knots on earth; and that
every day, or every three or five days, as others say, are irrigated with water and
sprayed until the time of the outbreak, as well as coming to take one branch, the grapes
are in their bunches they will be of various colors, as they were before. And it is said
that two years may will transplanted to another site, if you want.
Another practical to introduce certain virtues properties in grapes, according to
the Nabathea Agriculture author.
Having us hanged a foot or torongil stalk of strain trunk when he was budding
grape, and left there until the ripening of the fruit, was found in the juice of this, when
become a fortified wine, the same taste and smell of torongil; which he had the
advantage of not drunk much they drank it.
Another way
If you want the scent of grapes to be as myrtle, linked to the branch at the time
of plant a stem of this plant, and so the effect will be achieved, and those exquisite will
come. Others say that if you want grapes are delicate taste, spread the branch when you
plant with oil, or moisten its extreme in itself. In Nabathea Agriculture it is said that if
you want to come sweeter grapes, infuse the foot of the vine five consecutive days by
the time of harvest with dates honey diluted in fresh water; nourished as it continuously,
and thus increasing the other sweetness of their kind, they are of this quality in higher
grade.
Another operation for the same
Discover the bunch of grapes, when it is less excessive heat from the sun, which
being exposed these will come with more sweetness.
Other
It is the opinion of Ibn-Jazz that wine grapes reised near the black hellebore,
which is a purgative virtue.
Operations for the fig tree
If you want the branches of a fig tree produce figs of various colors, black, russet
and white or (it is said) in the same fig come pinstripe these same colors, take branches
or thin twigs (which is even better) of fig trees of all three colors, or two branches of
two different colors, and sinking to each bark on one side and detaching the bone (or
wood) without separating scoring one below the other; and united this way plant as the
manner stated above. Others say that breaking (as stated above in the branches) each
branch, twisting with the other and bound by many sites from twist, this smearing
himself with cow dung or with crushed squill (as stated treating vine) and so are planted
in early January on built land (as others say) with donkeys dung and beans straw.
Irrigated frequently become twisting gingerly with each other after outbreak, so that
they are like a single branch, and smeared with cow dung planted inversely, as stated in
the article of this kind of plantation; which joined as if they were one and after two
years transplanted to the site of their fruiting produce different colors figs. It is also said,
that can be twisted healthy and whole branches without being broken, and linking them
well are planted in this provision.
Others claim that if branches of fig trees of various colors together and well tied
in three places get into a pipe bored by the seat and filled with earth, and in this
arrangement are planted, binds everything within it is contained, coming look like if one
stick; and cutting them everything that protrudes from the container where the seam
ends when that sucker comes to fruition check figs of different colors, such as branches
together in which the statement was executed. Others are apparently getting into those
branches that a bull horn ring or anything like so that will narrow there, and where
busbars are transplanted after a year or two of their union to where they must fructify,
come with the same variety of colors.
Another operation for the same, according Nabathea Agriculture.
Take seeds of figs of various colors, and revolt with dry cow dung or human
excrement, tying together a linen cloth, which spread with cow dung, bury in good
quality land, watering and going with the same regimen and to the cultivation seeds of
fruit until they are born, twisting their offspring with each other when they are raised
and hardened, without separating them from their root, binding and smear them with
cow dung, plant inversely as executed in this kind of plantation, and where they may be
big and tall move to where it can fructify, burying in the ground the most part; and so
with frequent irrigation and cultivation (should not lack) will produce different colors
figs, by Allah. The same operation is said to be also implemented in the grain of the
grapes.
According to another author, planting fig trees buds various colors in one place,
and making them when they have some height the same operation and has the same fig
to produce different colors figs. And also it said that executed the same in the branches,
as each cluster, the effect is achieved.
Garib Ben maain ensures that if the aforementioned operation also runs on the
branches of the vines and vines of various colors when they are close to each other (and
the same in the fig); and standing on their roots without cut them, so there are nurtured
to join, thus inversely planted, and then transplanted when they are for it thrive longer
and are more fruitful, without being rush of disease.
Several operations for the pomegranate, peach and pear, as the book of Kastos
and others.
Sink the fleshless pomegranate less than a cubit, or the part that it has to hide the
earth; and gingerly remove the heart, tie tight after with rattan or any such thing, and
plant; and then to cast sheet is pinned, cut above the slit and often come with irrigation
and cultivation until over there sprout; and so the fruit when it occurs, will come with
no bone, by Allah. Kastos says that three fingers slit be left on earth. As for the pear he
says that running on the same seedling, not contained within its fruit by way of little
stones; and as regards the peach, if discovering and drilled the foot removes the heart,
and there will fix a stick of willow, is the bones fruit small as a result. As it was said
above, that extracting the heart of the branch, and planting it so come boneless grapes.
Operations for the wallflower, according to the book (entitled) Midianite
Properties
If you want wallflowers painted black and white, take a thin vermilion plant, and
another like white, or two plants each, twisting them by way of a cord, and planting well
together, often irrigate; and so the flowers come in that color, and very beautiful and
graceful.
Another operation for the same
If sowing seed of white and red wallflower in one place its plants are twisted
(when have risen) to each other, standing on their roots without ripping it off, and
attached in a ring of cane, wood or something else, then they hide under inverse of land
in the manner stated, leaving out the outbreaks; the flower that of them comes is a
beautiful color varied from black and white. I add, that for any operation you get it
right, you should be aware of the above on the introduction of flavorings, sweets and
medicines in the trees; and mentioned after his regime relating to the vine, the fig tree,
the pomegranate, peach, pear, wallflower and other plants, confronting each other and
driving the light solidly reciprocally lend.
An operation for orange, the arraijan, cypress, pine and other similar trees,
sustained of a trunk, are funnyview, and lush and greenery permanent.
If you want it in the middle of the pool or pond is a tree that provides pleasure,
either by its beauty, or by the shadow that lies, dig a hole in the depths of such sites, and
fix it in it a good seedling of these mentioned species of trees, or similar to those raised
on a trunk, and continually irrigate until their throw offspring. Or on the same site that
has been raised (if it is appropriate to do so), get the pool or pond, and then taking a
pipe, like the conduit of the shaft, height and capacity alike, all over a little thicker than
the trunk of the tree, splitting (up and down) into two halves, and setting these against
the trunk, each to his own, get together so that the pipe remains as before, and through it
the trunk of the tree; and smearing the pipe with a mixture of lime and sand, take
another wider and planting it on the first repositioning of its two halves over the other,
unite with mortar; and planting over third pipe, make sure the upper and lower region
with a sheet iron, according to snug and tight, without being then open at the bottom,
ensuring that its height is somewhat larger than the pool, for not to get water, when it is
full; and firmly seated those pipes, so that it is not introduced by their gaps. And this is
how you undo that tree is found in the pool, as if it were standing in the water, which is
funny thing.
Of care are usually made up on vegetables already treated by regard to pumpkins
and cucumbers. As to lettuce and spinach, Aristotle says, that if you want a single foot
of either of them has two species of herbs, you take camel dung or another equally, and
drilling until leave hollow, put two or three grains of each of the seeds of lettuce, celery
or similar, and burying them in tilled soil and covering them with good quality dust and
well-rotted manure shredded in sufficient quantity, as it was expressed in vegetables
planting, often give them the usual irrigation, as well as when they are born one foot are
formed; and the same happens, if instead of lettuce put chard. Or take, according to
Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel, goats or sheep dung, and sticking out the inside, and putting
into it the seed of lettuce woth other different, bury in pit two quarters deep in tilled soil
and mixed manure, covering them with little land, and give sprays water when they
have been born, and frequent watering when they have thrown bouquets; which, by
running in many species, makes grow up lettuce with what was sown together with
them. Some mix the seed with two or three chopped droppings, and a cloth tied around
so burying on the ground, executing the rest stated above. If you want turnips and
radishes are greater than the regular size, take a large pot and filling his bored half of
straw, and throwing up good quality land and manure some time, sow in it the two
mentioned vegetables, and bury this in the ground until it is equal to its surface; and so
they come radishes and turnips of a grown size.
Of the coriander is said that if you want to have unplanted, take a goat, and
spraying his testicles with water, the same is spray on tilled soil, and thus born in it
without having sown his seed.
Afriayos believes of the Dill that if you want to sow without seed, infuse hot
water in tilled soil, and passed a year will be born in that place. They say that if the
hemp seed is sown in juicy land sprayed with hot water, and covered with a cloth, will
born at the point or on the same day. Here I warn you, do not omit to record carefully in
grafts Chapter the cares that the incision of a tree on the other result in the change of its
fruits, or in the graft, so the muza is taken from a different root; since both this doctrine
as graft melons and gourds in various other species, and other similar plants belongs
also to this chapter.
The pilgrims and weird things as proven by experience, relate the Nabathea
Agriculture, one attributed to Masio is, who wants to know how many grenades charged
pomegranate that year, attend the first balaustria that it is born, catching and counting
the number of small grains contained therein; the charged for that year will be in
proportion of the number of grains that contains. In other books it is said that if splitting
a Granada and count their beads, you will know that the same number is contained in
each of that foot. And also said that those grains equal to the number of grenades.
CHAPTER XVI
The mode of keep fresh dry fruits,
grains, seeds, legumes and flour,
and to preserve some vegetables.
Places where fruits and other things are stored must be fresh, airy, clean and
nothing fetid. None of them has to be near the quinces, or stored with them; which
would damage to the moisture. Bunches of grapes, spreading over them leaves ash and
figs wood preserved time; and so those get wet with purslane juice: which are
conserved throughout the year wetting them with alum stone water and hanging.
Maxims are from Kastos that plunging them in boiling water with a mixture of mice
dung and fig ash after cold, and keeping them in barley straw after it pulled out and
dried, preserved time; and so any juicy fruit.
They also preserved, plunging into water in which they were beaten banana
prosaws, white pine or ash vine (whatever is at hand) and keeping them hanging in the
gazebo, or lying in a regular clean room. If vessel formed with mixed dung and a little
white clay, linked to not break out the bunches of grapes are made by smearing the
mouth and put in a clean, cool place, stored until early June. Kastos and others say, that
caught Invernizas grapes when they are perfectly ripe and sweet in the last ten days or at
the end of November (depending on how early or late the land); and whether they are
white or already black choose those with hard, thick and uninjured skin, cutting the
bunches with sharp tool after raised the sun a few hours and dissipated dew, on a good
day and waning moon, taking immature or rotten beans. Another author says, that the
stiff course of the grapes, they form new'll be spelled straw or barley, and putting them
layers of straw and grapes alternately to fill, and smearing to these vessels mouth with
the same clay enough to prevent air traffic, are placed where the sun does not reach; so
this is how fresh grapes are preserved for a year. It is said that also preserved the
clusters if soaked in brine are placed separately in straw lupine, beans, barley or millet
(which is to hand) and in a cool place where they give the sunshine or fire lights.
It's maxim of Kastos, that must put some bunches without rotten grape into
coarse pottery vessels, covering these with fresh hard clay soil; and that is when they
want to eat are removed and washed with water. Others say that if the new earthen
vessels that have put the clusters, you set them out mouth with leather and buried in the
earth, will bring those healthy when thou wilt; and the same happens taking the vessels
in water up to his neck. It is also the opinion of Kastos, that if cutting the bunches with
stems and leaves they were smeared with melted tar the site of the cut, and so hang with
separation from each other, they still remain so fresh and juicy all winter. Others are of
opinion that tending the grapes on straw beans mice do not approach them while remain
this way: not being close to one another long period of time are preserved; and which
are kept fresh and juicy, if covered with tar vessels are put alternately layered with other
sawdust built with millet flour.
Refers Ahmed-Ibn-Abu-Khaled, author of Reason of food supplies, that one of
the means to keep the grapes be preserved fresh so that none of them without spoiling or
wasted, it is that having boiled rainwater to undermine the third and throwing after cold
on glass of glass or jar of green paint, it can contain bunches, clean of rotten grain that
shall be in them are put; thus keeping them covered and kept in the aforesaid provision.
Much the same says Kastos. According to another author must cover their mouth to the
glass with plaster and put in place does not reach the sun, heat, fire or smoke.
It is said that the bunches are not rotten burying in barley, or if cutting them with
their sticks and smearing these with tar are tied and hung, or will tend to separation
straw beans, lupins and wheat, for not touching each other are preserved what is like;
and hanging them without each other or touch anything, they are preserved in time,
especially if you hang in stores of wheat. According to Ibn-Zebir book entitled Food,
lime given to bunches also hang; if it is necessary so that they can be eaten before
washing in hot water. Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel says that having them hanging on jars
of wine or oil, remain fresh grapes.
Others means
If the clusters are put in fig ash lye or of branches (which thou wilt) and then dry
that moisture is put in straw are kept fresh and juicy. If you want to stay grapes on the
vine to catch them when you pleases, doing some linen purses, put in each bunch of ripe
and healthy, and tie them at the mouth of the poles or the foot of the cluster, and thus
stay fresh and healthy grapes, which is proved by experience. But, as they say, it is
better than purses and not so expensive, wrap in woolen the bunches in respect to it was
of conserving for some time in the same provision, protects them from wasps and bees;
for which purpose they say that wool has greater virtue, if it is soaked in garlic juice.
If you want, says Kastosthat remain the grapes outstanding the branch until early
spring and then earnestly beholding that have fructified much, and it being possible tie
to bend it, will form at the bottom of that vine a hole two cubits deep and making a bed
of soft, clean sand, you take and stretch that branch until the remaining clusters
pendulums in the hole without touching the earth by one side, firmly tied to a stake or
something similar so that can not escape, you will cover the hole with lily leaves
spreading like powder over the flour in often for it to tighten and harden; because it
flowing the corresponding liquid to the time expressed and if you put in that hole a new
earthen vessel capable, put on the air, without being touched, the remaining clusters of
the same branch and then cover its mouth, stay fresh throughout the winter thereby also
waging that the beasts and dogs eat them. Also it is said that the cluster is conserved if
slope of the vine gets and keeps on drilling new tubes gently without touching in it the
grapes.
Kastos says that cutting and throwing his first vine fruit becomes very robust,
and continuing in this provision back to take another late bloomer; whose bunches after
mature, if put into small jars of clay, each in his own, hanging from the branches of
these so that the wind does not topple, and smearing plaster to protect the same grapes
containing, preserved so fresh until deimh or early spring without rotting. I am of the
opinion that the glass in the air you must do its drill, as stated grapefruit or citron
chapter of care, and does not touch in it any grape; which if it happens, the bunch rot on
that side, as person referred me to have seen that.
Way of using and storing raisins.
The practice that I have by better for this purpose, says Kastos, is that when the
corresponding grapes finished ripening were twist the sticks of its clusters until loose
and not perceive of his tree any juice and left until shrivel grapes arecollected these later
and hang until dry in the shade; and then put in earthen vessels (or jugs) on beds of dry
branches lying on its bottom; and that these vessels, smeared mouth, are stored in cool
room where the smoke does not reach them, and also reserve moisture; because in this
way they are these very good raisins and are preserved a long time, and (reportedly) soft
and juicy with some white. Others claim that the above clusters have been lying on beds
of branches until wipe and become raisins.
Collects the grapes for this effect, says one author, when, having reached the end
of its maturity and sweetness, no bitterness left in them or metallic taste; as not being so
come light in weight and little sweetness, and the same figs are caught with any
hardness; as it is said, clutching or shedding in such an arrangement would come
styptic, slightly sweet and light weight after dry.When on a ripening clusters are
collected the seasoned and others are left until ripen perfectly. That raisins and dried
figs rise up from the place where they lay by the dawns when still retain the freshness
owned the night air and dew; and if prior to this have, while on the site, covered by the
evening clean rattan baskets or any such thing, leaving them exposed to the sun by day,
thus more briefly dried; and the same if you tend to fallow or uncultivated land. That
roan and fat grapes are reduced after dry and made raisins to a third of what they did
before, and so fresh crimson after dry; and as to the fourth or less equally petite grapes
available. And such is the way of arranging raisins sun. For which the best place is the
scarlet uncultivated land, and whose surface is found clean of grass; in which they have
no place to lie on one another, or close to road or wells, so they do not turn white with
dust from such sites.
Another way to prepare raisins called blinds (or bleach).
If grapes are overweight, or have been cut late or are quickly wishes dry, water
was infused into ash or cypress beans and letting clock or longer; cooked which later
clarified until make three or more boiling, it so hot on the fire pending albardine or such
thing clusters shall go, and brought them before sinking the grapes and then tend to the
sun over dry grass (or hay) making them gingerly in the morning, and lifting them when
they find themselves completely dry: whose raisins if you want to be herons in color,
also put pomegranate shells in said bleach. The safe, steady and proven by practical
experience is this. Take a quarter by weight of cypress or beans ash (which is to hand),
and throwing in clean glass (that has served well if oil will be better); infuse the four
goals of fresh water and let it for a few days to be clarified; in which arrangement pitch
in a large copper pot (or cauldron) corresponding to the large amount of grapes, put it
after the fire boils put the bunches in albardine wide and clear or any such thing baskets,
according to is entirely hidden in the boiler water, tucking once grapes if he be very hot
and boiling; and two, if anything unless it is more convenient; after which they tend to
dry over reeds making them the very next day; and again, if then left until dry; will dry
well which is accommodated in respective vessels: Noting that neither grapes nor figs
have to lie where they are exposed to dust. It is very good for this operation beans ash,
and it is also and especially the cypress; and if they throw some good quality oil in the
water above, raisins come in handy with this.
Of the fresh figs
To save the recent figs have to pick something hard with the stick hanging, and
placing them separately without touching each other in new cauldron, will this rather
than some freshness; and if embitter you must perfume with incense of dry bushes
pumpkins below that are turned on. They say that if picking fresh figs are put on enough
of their own leaves, and covered with a large glass or lead bowl, or with tarp glass, are
preserved in the aforesaid provision.
How to dry and store figs
Grab the fallen figs on the floor after finishing ripening, and dry in the sun lying
over broom or dry reed; after which leaving them in the same provision dew overnight,
raising the morning before the sun born when they still retain the evening dew and
freshness of the air, and reserving from the sun after this, also beware of moisture in
homes. And if you heed in earthen vessels, they will rise from where they lay, when still
retain some juice.
Some claim that these vessels spreading in fig and cypress leaves, not filled with
worms that will not rot, if three tarp figs put one in the bottom on the glass in that
keepeth, another in the middle, and another on top of it; and giving them to keep a light
spray of brine, as if months of rose water, not eat away or suffer impairment.
The way to store apple, pears, quinces and ciders.
If you want to save which from these fruits you want, catch and release gingerly
from the tree to not be mistreated or fall on one another, which has to be perfectly
healthy seat, be of late species, and take your stick this being desirable. Whose fruits are
preserved long time, if each wrapped themselves in sheets of walnut or flax waste, tied
with wire, sticky mud smeared with sweet or white earth with plaster mixed with water,
and dry in the shade, get the orders (or rows) in a hung; or they hang their sticks (if any)
in a cool place where the sun do not give them no wind, smoke and heat of fire; or if
that provision is buried in barley which, coming the need to eat them, they are infused
in water to release that (with which they were smeared).
About keeping apples and quinces says Abu-el-Jair with other authors, that the
best species for this purpose are winter grapes as Roman, picking up in October with
their sticks. Otherwise there for apples, according to the book of Abu-Abdallah Ibn-elFasel and others; and it consists of hand picked in the said month, keeping of cut, put a
bed of dry waste linen in mud new glass bed of dry waste glass linen mud new store,
dry also and above bed of them, then another waste linen to prevent being next to each
other; although not harm them touch (as the author said), and are covered in such waste
disposal, and covered the glass, his mouth smeared with white clay or sticky mud, and
hung in dark and cool big piece; on whose site by registering once a month to remove
any rotting that are preserved until June and reaching each other. And in the same way
quince single itself they are stored without them together with some other fruit. If you
want, says Aristotle, preserve apples, keep them stuck in potteries mud the time seem
good to you, and find good and healthy. And if it pleases you, put the clay in vessels of
the same matter, dried mud, or any such thing, and there hidden apples without gather
each other; the storing them in the vessel which after drying, always juicy and when
wilt bring forth; and if you put them in jars, smearing a bit to these, they will stay fresh
long.
Pears are preserved by placing them in new glass over bedding laying ground
salt or sawdust in its bottom; and likewise they are preserved long time, having the
same there with honey. Maxims are of various authors, if you want to keep them recent,
wax the seat to each when fresh, and put in new jars of clay fill soft sweet wine, or
loose; whereby it said effect is achieved without rotting. If you put in new clay jar and
covering good the mouth, bury them on the ground, good and healthy when wilt bring
forth and likewise having put into water the pitcher up to the neck: it being understood
that about apples and other juicy fruits. And finally, that taking the immature pears and
smearing their sticks with melted tar separated put into wood sawdust, without being
next to each other.
They are also stored dried pears: for which purpose, according to Abu-el-Jair,
the best of them are split into four chunks or parts, and tend the sun on tables making
them four days to dry, and not to give them any moisture. After which they are put to
bedding, mildly shaking with hands in albardine baskets, and each of the beds they will
set themselves until filling mouth sprayed lightly and evenly with some honey to
moisten well, and retain good, sweet and soft.
Some, according Abuel-Jair, to keep the pears splitting them lengthwise into thin
slices that are dried, and thus eat in spring and winter after cooking; which run
especially if any damage noted. But eaten like this are so little food.
With regard to the quinces, each wrapped for storage in fig leaves smeared with
mud and fresh white ground, they are placed to dry in the shade after keeping them in
part where are no other fruit, with respect to the odor given off injures himself fresh
fruit, particularly grapes, either in this provision or very dry. They also say, that remain
buried in barley straw, and so on wooden sawdust; and even more (and similarly apples)
if put into a glass of sweet wine. Aristotle's maxim is, that you want to keep the quinces,
take them into mud potters.
About pomegranates, to dry and store them in this provision are caught with
their sticks or something immature perfectly seasoned (according to various opinions),
and tied with wire, or something similar, are hung in cool piece without touching the
wall, nor each other; which so long they are kept, and sometimes reach new, as is
proven. And if before it was buried in barley straw or wheat until dry the outer crust,
and taken from there hung tied with wire, also preserved some time; and so if wind
hung until dry the bark, rise later in this provision.
It is also said that if putting them in hot boiling water boiled on the fire in the
boiler, and leaving them there until cool water, then hang each with separation tied a
thread or wrapped in a piece of robe or any such thing, preserved a year without altered
or rot: and last some time, if hung, smearing the seat and pate with hot melted tar; and
equally dry by hanging after placed in brine. Infuse pomegranates, says Agriculture
Nabathea, in hot water so that the cover more than four fingers, and left there until the
water cools, take off later and hang up without being touch each other, and so will not
rot or suffer alteration, while remaining one year; and when you wanted to eat them,
either after having spray an hour before with cold water.
Among other things they say there too, if being dried shell you want damping
them, come near fire or goals in the oven after heated; it is clear from experience that
contract so that provision. Which is the ox eye (or black cimelas), the serbas, cherries
and peaches are sun-dried and stored in this provision. Whose fruits, according to Abuel-Jair and others, caught after well seasoned and placed in the sun, they become
sometimes to dry well, and then put into new earthen vessels; which, covering and
smearing the mouth with plaster, they stand until long enough to eat those, then rolling
them with water and having them wrapped in cloth until get some fresh and juicy. Also
they put to dry jujube and the service strung on wires; whose arrangement hanging them
in place where be vented, as gazebo, they preserved a whole year. With regard to
peaches, separating them and the flesh all around the bone with knife (like turnips
peeled) pursuant to stay as ring, leaving them strung on wires to dryness, and hanging
them or keeping them in glass glazed vermilion clay, are preserved throughout the year;
which need to eat arrival, wrap sprayed with water in a cloth.
Of the pistachios, almonds and walnuts
Says Abu-el-Jair, pistachios (or alfnsigos) with its shell, and clean walnuts and
almonds outside his sun to get dry, and that this provision stand in those new earthen
vessels. Kastos says that picking almonds in the days that were apparent when the upper
or outer shell begins to sink, wiping her by washing in salt water and drying well,
become very white; and if you like almonds, walnuts, alfnsigos, acorns and fruits such
as return after dry to green, bury which of them will appear in the shell, or tied without
it in clean cloth, will you hide in moist sand or mud of it, and give it continuous sprays
of fresh water, and leaving for a few days; with whose regime is to be as juicy and
fresh. Others say that leaving gingerly dry walnuts, in turning his whole heart in a clean
linen cloth, burying it in clean dust and watering it with water once every day for about
a few, again in a wet and swollen.
Acorns and chestnuts says Abu-el-Jair and others who caught the first after well
seasoned and blackened their color, nor to be weighed one above the other because they
do not sweat; which if they were done, they would be corrupted and repainted that
night, and soon the surprise corruption; but lying them in place where give them the air
and the sun, become several times a day until dry well.
Others say that once the sun dry them, after raising them in jars and smearing to
these mouth retained its freshness until Mays and then taking them out and putting them
away in baskets or any such thing, is shake gently with mallets or equivalent thing until
loosen the shell. If you want to eat fresh, as if they had recently picked from the tree,
stores clean, damp ground, and scattering tiny sand, spray them with fresh water for
eight days, once in each; with whose regime achieving this effect, they come as if they
had taken the same day: which are eaten after the sand clean and washed with fresh
water, or stand in the shell.
They also dry freshly picked tending to smoke wattle or cane wand, stretched
and open with them; in which arrangement remaining until thoroughly dried, then stand
without its shell, or with it as they are. And boiled in fresh water without ever cooked
term, remote from the fire, and left a little until dry well, it makes them shelled and
ground edible bread. It is the opinion of Abu-el-Jair and others that do not suffer from
dried chestnuts or that is made of them operation than in acorns; but if they are caught
from the tree still fresh and juicy, they are kept in this arrangement and as recent, in
burying the hole three feet deep upon layer of manure lying in the depths of it, which
are reserved for the rain, or where covering, matching, and defending well the mouth of
the hole, you can not get into them that water; and that portion out of there as necessary
to eat until they are gone.They are also stored in cellars, when they are many, making
them what was said above: and according to Abu-el-Jair says the same thing has to run
on acorns whosoever to eat them fresh.
As to save fresh chestnuts, acorns, walnuts and almonds, it is teaching the book
of Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel, who likes to to eat them fresh, dig a hole to this effect of
three feet deep, and tending him in the depths of a layer of sand, put there which wishes
them fresh, juicy, freshly picked until fill about a foot, and throwing sand on top and
matching the mouth of that hole with the surface of the earth, irrigate them after that
with water only once, and nothing more.
Keeping dry roses; and such is the way of drying. Lying to sun until separate its
buttons in different places without bunching or are one above the other and twist to
dryness: which if achieved on the same day, are better, more aromatic and more
beautiful color; with whom and its fragrance are preserved, keeping them in new vessels
of pottery with the muddy mouth; which weigh dry without its buttons tenth of what
fresh. It is said that early mid-April roses are the most apropos for drying, and for the
distillate. The first buds are withered in the month with buttons weigh almost the same
as green, and as a seventh of which the same are dried in the month of May.
Whose variation in dry and distilled do not consisting of nothing but the
proportional reason for juice and weight, obese (or full of liquid) are more convenient
than the dry. From whose distillate mode and try to save the pink water (by Allah) in
chapter thirty general.
The oil is stored in cool, dry places; and they say, to be put in a clean vessel,
where throwing (as maximum of Abu-el-Jair) a little salt or nitro, crushed fresh leaves
of olive, citrus and bay, everything is stir and incorporate; and are completely filled the
glasses and the shade, for contributing this to keep unchanged, and gently fragrant.
As to store food, Kastos maximum grains, wheat is enclosed in two ways: either
in stock and similar sites where it is sheltered from the wind, or in barns which are
being aired traspalen or move out of one place to another. In the depths of the stock
lying a bed of wheat thickness of two or more cubits store, and likewise into the mouth,
and some from the sides between the wheat and the wall to keep from touching her. And
as for the excrement; having loopholes to east, and north to sunset the wind of those
parts (which is acceptable to him) grain reserve of calamities that are in them; and none
at noon, so tough and strong the wind that part.
One of the things that kept wheat is a long time, if it stands on the same pin: and
say that it rising in its millet, preserved a hundred years. Kastos is of opinion, that wheat
gets rid of calamities, mixing it into a hundred parts of dry leaves of pomegranate,
plaster, sifted ash or oak, which this any.
Just as Kastos the Persians say; who added that spreading on wheat vine wood
ash or manure from sheep, all dry, waged with this of disaster, and kept with their
toughness. And with regard to preserve it and defend weevil, it is said that throwing
wild fig leaves in the stores, this effect is achieved; and neither is destroyed,
incorporating with it cypress leaves or dried spinach, the special virtue having this
effect. And finally, the citron peel and pennyroyal river (both deadly things to weevils)
prevent moth-eaten dresses from that set themselves.
Susado cited in Nabathea Agriculture says it is greatly beneficial to wheat and
barley lay on the floor of the place where a bed together all species of reed, or which
hath prepared is heed, and that this reserve to one and other grain of insects breeding in
them eat, and all the calamities that are usually undertaken. They also make it last for
some time the same things, and when the flour is kneaded will give a quarter of increase
for its hardness and increased copy of drinking water for this reason. The same increase
takes mixing barley with it any kind of ash or gypsum sifting quantity display its
whiteness from this point: which gets rid of calamity, burying in the middle a jug full of
good vinegar.
Maxims are of various that spraying an alpechin jug percent over wheat nor
corrupted or harm it rush: wormwood water streaming down and, is preserved without
corruption. If lentils, peas or any such species (of vegetables) is set earthen vessel that
has served of butter, or that she has smeared his own inside, and is poured ashes over,
get rid well of calamity; and the same sprinkling with sea or brackish water, put it on
glass after left to dry. That if you tend smoke night beans (and other legumes as they
say) to get wet with dew in the morning and picking them up in this provision, put in
jars, are kept by most high Allah. If around the stack of white wheat sifted soil is
sprayed, or ash in the same provision, forming it as a circle around him and not go at the
same ants. That about flour, one of the things that kept long without altered or be raised
insects, is hiding in it a patchwork silk pouches filled with that very oily part crushed
heart pine; and also it preserved uncorrupted, spreading over ground mixture of cumin
and salt in equal parts; or getting into different parts of the balls of the same mixture,
made with vinegar, then dry flour. It's maxim of Adam quoted in Nabathea Agriculture,
if putting the two species of salt and rue cumin, and tying it all right in many thin wipes,
hide those pouches in various sites of the flour, the reservation that is altered; and if
taking pennyroyal, rue, marshmallow seed and poppy, and making balls of this ground
mixture, the do them in different parts of it, the reserving (by Allah) of every calamity.
Other books has, that throwing in the same small pieces of wood from cypress, or of his
thick and red, the reservation of this damage; and not corrupted, if grinding cumin and
salt in equal parts, and kneading this mixture with water, it becomes granites as
hazelnuts or beans, and placed after dry tucked in different parts of flour. Which they
say is corrupted not having crushed to end of the month.
As the seeds are kept up to the time of planting.
It is the opinion of Sagrit quoted in Nabathea Agriculture, that should not be put
on the earth the seeds of onions, garlic, leeks, and carrots; but mixed with some finely
ground salt to the wall hang on vessels that have not any fat content.
With regard to other seeds, it is maximum of Abu-Abdallah Ibn-el-Fasel and
others, when the eggplant, cucumbers, melons, grapes, figs, garlic, and the like have
arrived at the end of their maturation serve and wash his seed with water, and dried in
new vessel raised this with the muddy mouth site no moisture must hang. The seed that
hath mixture viscosity as melons, cucumbers and the like, is put into glass stuck with
that same mood, leaving until rot, and then wipe washing well and store in the aforesaid
manner; and it is also set to pit so that dust that it drink and viscous juiciness.Whose
provision removing it from there, it is saved after drying expressed in the form, by
spraying above sifted ash (as others say) in the jars in which it keeps. You must rules by
which lead you to act wisely (by Allah) in like.
Some round root vegetables are also stored below ground and similar vegetables
in the manner I will describe. And as for onions and garlic, cut the barbajas that she has
to be the cause of the stem grows, hang them in strings each species itself where
moisture can not reach them; whose vegetables preserved in time, if the foot is applied
hot iron fire sometimes. Others say that a long time preserved onions, if having got
started in August, put in medium hot water and wiped moisture to the sun of that water
are brought to the barley straw without being one another.
Kastos says that putting them in salt water, then placing them in the sun until dry
the moisture of that water, and lying it with separation ove barley straw, so lengthens its
duration, and as to dalaa or watermelon, which making each network of jazem that is
rope woven from the bark of this tree putting in it and hanging it tied in a cool place,
stays green and juicy.
Maxims are of various authors, that long are preserved onions smearing with soft
mixture of manure, mud and good quality barley bran, mixing everything with cooking
of pumpkins juice. That putting the same and cucumbers in honey separately, are kept
for some time with its freshness: and so, if put into good vinegar.That if warming
pumpkins are put in fresh water in the glass with vinegar and oil, they are preserved
without rot: that fresh cut cucumbers and placed in brine, remain with its freshness all
winter; and that these same and by cutting cucumbers freshly picked into small parts,
and cleaning the land (if they have) with damp cloth and not with one hand, put into
glass or glazed with vinegar to suffice to cover them, and rise up until the time they are
needed, without putting much hand in that glass.
As to keep fresh sea kale and green fennel, who would like to eat these
vegetables out of time, store them in vinegar follows. Split the heart of the marine
cabbage by the middle and put in vinegar with some pennyroyal, raise the glass with the
muddy mouth and making green fennel, do the same in their stems cut. Onions, garlic
and leeks are put in vinegar itself as follows: Cut the onions to dry large head top and
down without extort anything, and washing them in water put at the sun to the same it
dry; and put in glass served of fresh oil take cover in strong vinegar, and throw a
handful of oregano, fennel equal amount, and some cumin and black cumin; whose
vessel, smearing and thus remaining thirty days, open later, and pouring honey in it,
spend those as well this kind took its marinade; and the same will run with the garlic,
and also with leeks.
Carrots, turnips, eggplant, pumpkins and cucumbers marinated in vinegar In this
way. Take the most robust carrots, turnips or sweet eggplants of the last time (and the
same cucumbers) and blanching in hot water with each species separation of the first
three vegetables after split in any way, or made four separate parts or together, in the
manner wishes, gingerly squeezing fluid and putting in glazed earthenware jar each
species itself, or in one turnips and carrots, eggplants and apart; and putting them in
good vinegar and pouring a good quality oil, smear or glass to the glazed earthenware
jar head with good clay or plaster until winter which is when they are eaten.Whose
marinades with vinegar, differing little from each other, they can serve as a standard for
like.
With respect to the olives, pickled are healthy foods, which purpose is stored in
various ways; as fresh and green are broken with a smooth stone or stick in accordance
with each grain of them remain broken, and these are called splited; three more ditches
are made even longer, and are called open: and others are left whole: and are also good
seasoned black, called mature; all of which they have to be able to eat it lost its
bitterness and styptic by water.
The way to marinate the split olives is this: picking fresh green thicker and
smaller bone take the same tree in October with tact and delicacy so they are not
mistreated, and washed in fresh water split over clean table or wood tree, how well the
games marinating olives is this: picking fresh green thicker and smaller bone cjanse
the same tree in October with tact and delicacy because they are not mistreated, and
washed in fresh water on clean table or prtanse tree, throwing them in water of the
same quality to the laundering, the operation is completed; and put into jars that have
had good oil, let it covered with freshwater for a few days; which poured, inspire them
other later repeating the same thing sometimes. Whoever wants them edible in a short
time, though not long conservation, cure repeatedly with water to sweeten them, and
take away the bitterness and estipticidad; and little, if you want long be preserved: and
if you want to brief, have them in hot water before all things sweeten and then cured in
the water that were covered, and take a twentieth of diluted salt water. To open the
marinade olives are picked in October, which are of similar quality to the expressed, and
making three slits along to every one of them it does what in the other in order to cure
them with water, as has been said, and salt them later. If you want to be very mild taste,
but short duration, will depart or will open when they are yellow, or later when
becoming reddish or black, still retain some hardness; which, running as expressed in
them, become very sweet; While corrupt, if they stay long.
For the whole marinade pick the same quality as those mentioned above, which
washing, curing them and covering of fresh water in the way expressed, and seasoning
with salt amount mentioned are edible. For the marinade whole the same quality as
those mentioned above, which washing, curing them and covering of fresh water in as
expressed, and seasoning with salt amount mentioned are edible are caught. Same
operation is done in black mature, less cure expressed with the amount of salt; which
are eaten when they are sweetened: even without putting them in water, they are thrown
a sixteenth part of salt.Writes an Israelite, it must throw salt to green olives in water
when cured.
For the marinade of the black olives called ripe, are picked the more fat and
smaller bone in good season, and after washing with water are placed in baskets of palm
clean without filling completely so that you can sew their mouths: in which arrangement
by placing these in clean room on each other full of stones or any such thing, and
leaving so for nearly one week, those are removed after pouring one twentieth of ground
salt and incorporating well with them. Others say that sweetened and to have lost its
bitterness not throw salt: and others that are put after this dry in earthen vessels that
have had good oil, sitting with the hand, and that they have to move out and shadow
with the muddy mouth. Some infusing into the glass where fresh oil of good quality is
keept throw them (and the same to green) savory (or oregano), quince jelly beans,
vinegar, cumin, caraway, thyme salsa and citrus leaves, ground is kept every thing by
itself, or all together, and good grass, arraihan and dry fennel sticks. Black olives
marinated with garlic contract delicate taste. The splits, sunken (or open) and to the
whole sweetened with water, poured this, throw them vinegar or sour wine in place.
Kastos says, that they pour vinegar or honey, according to what it wishes in this best.
Marinate mode for the edible Cabara (is commonly called capers), that picked
the most tender, is executed in them so in the open olives, sink them or split them less;
and the article can be his seeding mode prepare and arrange. Whose kind of sauces (or
marinades) must not approach menstruating woman or man with dirt or other impurities
present, so they not corrupt.
To marinate lemons in vinegar, taking those who are seasoned and sinking way
eggplants, they are sprayed ground salt into the slits, and put into clean glass used fresh
oil of good quality, they squeeze other fresh lemons, whose cloven juice are covered;
and this provision stand, whom they also pour for eating honey infused with saffron.
Allah is our sufficiency and friendly trust, and only Allah's power and strength
lies.
CHAPTER XVII
The method, time, advantages and benefits
of the turn works, and the fertilizing of the earth to plant in it
The farmers say that its convenient to turn all kinds of earth in
competent time, and the manure thats convenient to it should be applied. Its said in the
book of Ibn Hajj, that it must be plowed some times during the winter season before
plating anything on it, in order to wide grooves to open up by the ends of spring,
especially if the earth hasnt had any plants ever, or if it were the opposite and its
already tired and vigor less to plant something on it; with the repeated and different
grills that are done to it, the plants are removed in a way that they dont feed from the
nutritious juice that the uselessly perceived. In said disposition penetrating the heat of
the summers sun up to the center of the grooves, the hardness of its parts softens,
acquiring three qualities over time: sponginess, looseness and tenderness; in which
disposition the subtleness and heat from the sun denies the growth of herbs in it, that
could take some of its adipose and tenderness. This work will be called turn, when
given to the earth, and is wonderful how much it beneficiates the earth.
The earth can also gain looseness with this procedure by taking and
planting vegetables in it; this softens and makes it abundant with fat. The phlegm thats
planted in it also serves as manure, because whats planted in it will grow well and have
abundant fruit. Its usual to leave the land without planting anything on it nor turning it
for a certain period of time; in which, being baggy, whats planted after in it grows well.
Maron says that the sun scorches the thin earth, and that the ash removes
all the fat it has, thus damaging it; this happens because of the conditions left by the
heat; and is for this cause thats convenient to turn it with a grill in the fall equinox, and
apply manure; said manure, being in a big quantity, is of big help for it. In the regions of
Arabia the refrain from giving the thin earth such labors due to its low tenacity; because
the moisture comes to be dominant after being sponged up with the turn works.
Its said that the hard, strong and thick earth must be turned in days of
heat; and that the blond, white, black, lean, sandstone and the earth that has manure
should be plowed in days of cold: that the brackish earth must be plowed in the
beginnings of this same station after some rains, and hay must be applied; said hay, if it
were from beans, its the best due that it is the most convenient for such things; and
after that, the hay from the barley and wheat follow; said species improve and give
sweetness to the brackish earth, when in them theyre rotten, and the salt-impregnated
moisture isnt dominant in times of spring, as it was before: that in this disposition s left
a whole year until fall, and then should be fertilized with pat and horse feces, this due
that these are sweeter than the others: that after this the barley must be planted, or those
beans whose roots dont penetrate the earth too much. This makes the earth from the
mountains, of landscapes overly cold, shady, and the one that faces earth, they must be
turned in the summer, and when the heats are near; this is a maxim from Junio.
The earth of good quality, the thick, the strong and the succulent its
advised (by a maxim from Solon) to plow it on some occasions during winter, and
doing wide a deep grooves in the summer with the intention that the sun reaches its
center, softening its parts: in said earths, remaining in such disposition until the time of
the planting, they are born well, and the fruit it bears is abundant. This makes the black
thin earth (called Cinderella), the blonde white, the sandstone that doesnt smells bad
and the limestone advised to be turned in fall or winter with the intention of tis parts
sponging up, and that the air softens it; this work ensures that the low temperature of the
heat, that penetrates it in said time, is sufficient for them. In the ends of spring species
of beans that dont grow a stem are planted; its somehow convenient to prepare them
for the barley thats going to be planted in them the next year. These lands mustnt be
turned in summer, because the suns of said station would leave it lacking moisture and
substance, making the Cinderellas. The earth from the mountains should be dug up in
fall or in winter, plowing with big grooves in spring, and staying exposed to the sun of
summer; due to its hardness and strength, the intention is that its parts lose their bonds:
its convenient not to plant anything on it right after, in order to allow the unbind parts
to rot with the winters rains; even though some exclaim that they should be grilled
when theyre dressed with herbs, to avoid this last one removing the earths juicy and
fat, until vegetables of short stems are planted in spring, the corresponding seeds
following the next year.
The author of the Nabataean agriculture says, about the same topic, that
the earth must be turned with the usual instrument with the intention of leaving in the
surface the earth that was below it; this because the one below had juice, coldness and
moisture, while the earth from the surfaces dried and heated; when theyre turned,
these types of earth are mixed, leaving as a result an earth that has the right temperature
and of good quality; said improvement is achieved with a superior effect after it was
grilled a second and third time. The way of improving it is to take out plenty of earth
from the center; because we said this type should be cold and humid, as we said, but the
one from a layer below this last one, in which said layer theres a lot of density, and its
tenacious thanks to the moisture: like this, placed over the surface, and mixing with the
earth from there, it becomes an earth of good quality. He who wishes to plant beans,
vines or trees in that earth, must prepare it before by cutting and cleaning it from the big
and small plants, plow it and then turn it several times to sponge it up with the
cultivation, and also throwing away the stones and earth grumbles, or tearing up the last
ones if they were too big until theyre dust, this should be well executed with a wooden
or steel instrument; if said stones got heated by the sun, the roots of whatever is planted
there that are near it would be damaged. Likewise, when the earths surface has
hardened up, and hasnt acquired sponginess or looseness with the cultivations, this
damages anything thats growing in it, in the same magnitude of when the heat scorches
it or when the coldness of the air sickens it.. The brackish earth, styptic and of vicious
nature must be turned around in October to have the rain wash out its saltiness, and
likewise to correct the other two defects mentioned; and later when in the ends of spring
it starts to lean, another turn work will be applied to it before doing the planting. In the
first chapter we talked about the cultivation that several species of earth require, and the
on with which each one will be improved; youll diligently study from there.
Following the modern farmers, say Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl and others, the
opinion is that the earth isnt productive until its prepared with moisture from water
and heat from the suns; because there s no doubt that these two are necessary for any
plant, whose existence is perfected with them. Even if the earths lean and cold, by
nature, its status can vary in this same subject; because some plants get their heat and
moisture from the sun and water just so they look like the ones who were naturally born
with them, and the same disposition makes them acquire the mix of manure with water
moisture, said things make them hot and humid by acquiring heat and moisture, in the
same way as the water and the sun; an like this, anything thats planted on them will
prosper. All earth that has good ventilation and is open to the suns rays, and also access
to sweet water, makes the plants grow vegetation, through Allah, especially if it was
dug or plowed. But if it hasnt had any works applied to it in a long time, because it
hardens and grows low quantities of herb, with which halt of cultivations on it its
infertility and hardness rises until its watchable to the naked eye, as seen in the most
part of the rivers that do this, in open terrains, isles and other similar locations.
When the earths cold, dry and hard, it needs the doings of the men in
order to, by giving it heat and moisture, removes its hardness to achieve a disposition in
which it vegetates whats planted on it. After plowing it, the manure and rain water (or
from other source) visibly provide it with heat and moisture; and like this when the
manure integrates with the earth from the stalls, cow sheds and similar, along with rain
water, herbs becomes abundant in it.
They say that, in the earth that the sun bathes without grass or hay in between
them, plants are also born due to the heat the sun gives to it and the moisture the rains
provide, mostly if its been plowed or dug. The terrains of short extensions can have
manure applied to them when youre intending to plant beans, vegetables and similar
seeds, but it isnt possible to apply manure to a terrain of big extension; besides the fact
that there could be manure that isnt well rot, the big quantity of seeds from the herbs
would narrow and suffocate whats planted on it; instead of this, itll be better to apply
one, two and three grid works to give penetrating power to the sun, and that the water
falls in it, and the herbs that feed from it be removed. Like this, being easier for the men
plowing than applying manure, the farmers have preferred a work of proven utility
called turn; and its a proverb between them that He doesnt do turn works, doesnt
plows.
Said work, being done in the moment they decide is best, makes (through Allah)
the fruit superior in quality and abundant thats to be harvested the following year. Said
earth, if in the whole year (or part) the water and plow removed the moisture and heat
that was provided from the sun, especially being planted with wheat, and being of
medium or inferior quality, should be turned again at the mark of two years, or well one
year after the earths become fallow, in case it isnt of best quality, or after two years if
its of low quality and something was to be planted on it; with which preparation,
through our highness Allah, makes whats planted on it abundant and big.
Applying the turn works to the earth
Go to the earth thats been fallow for a year; if well, the oldest one would
be the best to plant it with flax, especially: but if it werent, it should be the earths thats
been fallow for at least a year after being planted; said earth will be turned in December,
in the intention were to be plant vegetables in the spring of such year; and will later be
planted with seeds of its corresponding crop in the next following year. Itll be plowed
in the referred month once for the expressed effect, and also to avoid herbs growing in it
that removes its moisture: said work mustnt be applied sooner, unless the terrain is
brackish so that the rains wash out its saltiness. If it were some earth thats to have
something planted on it the next year, its plowing will begin from the midst of January,
this is the best time for this and also the most advantageous one. The turn that must also
be applied in February should be less deep, and even less than the two that must be
applied in March. The last moment to do such work is when the heat starts by the ends
of May; between those times another turn is applied with a grid towards the ends of
April, a third grid is applied in the ends of May; and, if possible, a forth, starting by
plowing the earth in January, as weve said. For said work the earth must be tender and
mildly juicy and the sky clear, executing the plowing with a big grid to break the earth,
so that the grooves go together and deep. There something periodic in these turn works:
the first one applied to the earth is called quebrada, then media (light grid), done in the
month of March. The third grid, applied in the months of May and in the starts of June,
is called apertura (opening), name derived from what it means, since the plowing must
open wide grooves, and with a medium distance between one another. This work
mustnt be used with earth of great liberty when its heavily muddy due to the rains, or
lean: but it will be plowed when its juicy enough, and the air calm; in said disposition
two grids are far more advantageous than in another time.
When such work, says Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl, is repeated to the earth
several times, an excessive heat is provoked in it, its herbs are exterminated, its
hardness disappears, its pores widen, its fetid steams are exhaled, its superior parts
mixed with its inferior one, the sun penetrates to its center heating and making it
thinner, receives the rains that rests in it, its moisture and heat rises, and the some
prosperity also appears (through Allah) in everything thats planted on it: and like this,
its said that, the seed gets the equivalent to the best shredded and newly rot manure in
which theres no herb at all.
The best turn work is the fourth, because its in the extreme of the best
manure; and theres no other thing thats of equal value to the earth this, not manure or
any other fertilizer, after which the planting of wheat is done. If the third turn work was
applied after the rains, itll be very good to apply the fourth before planting; this is
better for the wheat in an inferior degree but not for the barley, which has enough with
just the third turn work, and since a single turn work is of low utility, always two or
three turn works should be applied; unless its given over stubble of a seeding done over
a hot turn work; because like this it will be more advantageous than any other crop, no
matter how good it is, and that the planting of vegetables, and even of the very same
baggy and fallow earth, even thought that itself is of the best quality.
This name of hot turn work points that (according to the explanation of a certain
author) its the turn work of three or more grids. Is healthy the stubble earth that had
seed planted after a hot turn work, mostly if it was plowed in the beginnings of the year,
some days before planting in it, in near grooves, and not separated, because if it were
like this, its utility would be low. This plowing is called retliat, and the planting thats
done above this is better than the one done in the cold stubble, the one where the
planting was done two years before; unless that said earth is of good quality or has
manure applied to it, in which case it isnt bad to plant on it. If the turn works done
where livestock has fed from, or in similar landscapes, its even more advantageous and
of great utility. In said earth lesser quantities of seeds should be spread, unless theres a
chance that too much herbs grow there; only because of that reason, more seeds should
be spread. The vegetables stubble, the place from where they were removed the past
year, is called modrrajo (gradual), its good for planting. From these stubbles, some
are easier to use in order to achieve the best improvement with the turn works, which
will be said later (through Allah). Its a maxim that barley must be planted in the
wheats stubble, and wheat in the barleys stubble, due to this alternative being more
advantageous than planting the wheat in its own stubble; unless it is earth especially for
wheat, and the same applies to the barley. Neither Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl or other
modern farmers point that the plowing of each species of earth related to the time, as the
old ones did; such maxims you will diligently study in the previous chapters they were
mentioned.
CHAPTER XVIII
The beans or vegetables that improve the soils and makes them baggy.
The election of these and the seeds for the planting, and the knowledge
of the best here are. Method of doing this test making them bloom
to know the ones that are healthy and robust compared to the ones
that acquired some kind of damage. The air thats convenient for
the seedling pots; and the knowledge of the genre of the earth suited
to each species of beans and vegetables, by the book of Ibn Hajj.
The wheat, according to teachings from Solon, consumes the adiposity of
the earth, removing its moisture. The barley doesnt get to this extreme; but it receives
less nutritious juice from the earth than the wheat, according to the status of adiposity
that the earth has. Both species leave the earth very tired when theyre planted without
any interruption or alternative. Because of said reason, if we wish of the earth not to be
so tired, well pass from the planting of wheat to the planting of barley; said practice
makes it remain robust longer periods of time. Because if we continued to plant wheat
in it, its juice would be drained, and the harvest done from the seedling pots wouldnt
bet abundant or of the best quality. So it must rest, and its nutritious juice should be
destined to the seeds of vegetables: such practice was celebrated by the old ones, as it
refers Demcrito in the treaty of the vegetables; where it says that theyre like manure
to the earth, due to its roots being shorter than the ones from the barley and wheat,
excepting the specific beans that have longer roots, and this concludes that the lentil and
peas are similar to manure.
Its the best to plant beans (word assigned to any vegetable seed that isnt
wheat or barley) in thin earth, according to the opinion of Junio; and if theyre planted
in dense earth, after having planted wheat in it, this is one of the things that makes it
become baggy, improving it at the same time due to the thinness of its roots, the
chickpeas being the exception: and this is as far as the maxim from the quoted author
goes. In order to what says Ibn Hajj, that it is a need to tend to the roots of beans in
reference of the first ones; and that hose, whose root is to be found shorter, well know
they wont attract big quantities of heat, adiposity and of the most subtle part of the
earth; but that they only take from the part immediate to its surface without reaching the
one in the center due to the shortness of its reach, and the thinness of the roots. Because
of this, between all the vegetables, the farmers deny the peas due to the length of its
roots; said root, even if it doesnt divides between many, like other similar vegetables;
but they contain certain nitrous quality that corrupts a lot the earth, nonetheless the
extract from it less juice than the wheat and the barley. Its true that the earth from
where peas were picked is, on purpose, for the seedling pots due to the treatments that
were proportioned to it before planting; but its always inferior to the ones that had
broad beans and similar planted in it. The earth that had broad beans, peas, lentil and
ervil is, with preference, the best earth for the planting of wheat due to the shortness in
its roots, and also because of the care that had to be given to the earth before planting
them. The earth that has cotton planted on it is good for seedling pots, no because its
roots arent long, but because that, due to being in earth well broken product of its grid
and plow works, its parts were left tender and spongy; said earth, even if the cotton
extracts its juice to feed, it still remains being the earth of best quality for anything
thats plant on it, and with enough juice to feed it.
Says Kastos that the roman worm, called altramuces (white lupin), are
the best that can be plant in the soft and thin earth, and that its convenient to plant it in
the obstructed earth because they sponge it instead of corrupting it. The humid earth of
bad quality, almost non-baggy and plowed many times is improved by planting white
lupin in it; due to this, whatever seeds that are planted later are benefitted with an
abundant and delicious fruit.
Demcrito affirms that the earth that has had white lupin planted two
times remains improved without the need of manure; this concludes that the white lupin
is close to be as good to the earth as manure.
ARTICLE I
Election of the beans for the plantings, and the description of the best.
Is of utmost importance not to jump into this without care, and planting
the seed thats true and healthy; because the care and well order is in doing the planting
in a proper manner and without defects; this is a matter of big importance, should be
attended to with effort. Its sure that the seed mustnt have any damage, and shouldnt
be planted when its rot, because it wouldnt get to bloom, and the care given to it
would be lost and useless. Its true that the point of the status of the seed is hard and
dark; but if separated from this, few will be born.
Junio quoted in the book of Ibn Hajj says that the best seed is the one
that has two years old, the seed thats one year old is inferior to the prior and the seeds
with three or more years is the worst. Let your seed be (says Demcrito) of one or two
years old; the one with three years old is bad, doesnt matter its species; the corn and the
rice being the exceptions. He adds that the earth receives well the seeds if theyre
planted in the noon or in a day with calm weather.
The same Junio adds that in the time of the planting its convenient to
avoid the days in which the wind blows north and cold, because if the earths rough and
frozen it wont receive well the seed; and that in the days with calm weather or of hot
weather, the earths open (spongy), and in the most advantageous point of its seasoning,
and the fruit that it bears is well developed. According to another author, the best beans
for the plantings are the healthiest and thickest, and the shredded and sickened beans are
not.
According to a maxim from Kastos, he who plows the earth must be sure
that seed selected to be planted is of top quality, avoiding and discarding the damaged
ones. He adds that the diligence of the smart farmer must reach up to pin, goblet and
other stuff that contained many and thick beans, and put them somewhere safe for
planting; being like this, the harvest improves in quantity. Its said that any genre of
seed that were washes with water, and planted immediately after, produces few beans,
ands also shred and small. And likewise, to the planting just as much as the preparing
of food, the chosen wheat must be healthy, full, heavy and with an oily texture. Its a
maxim from Demcrito that choosing better seeds, the ideal wheat is the healthy one
with good quality, with a color that resembles that of gold. He adds that the most
common thing that happens in the growth in thick earth and in earth freed from all bad
flavor is, that if weighting one hundred pounds of lean wheat, grinding it, and weighting
the flour thats produced, it will be of good quality if the final weights just below the
one hundred original pounds, of medium quality if it reaches down to the nineties; and
if goes down to the eighty-fives, itll be of bad quality; same proportions applied with
the barley. That the corruptions of these two species are known for its color, odor,
flavor and substance; and that, obeying the aforementioned order, itll be corrupted and
of bad quality if, by taking the bean in your hand and fretting it with the other a species
of flour appeared, that, blown, flies like dust. He also says that the best barley for the
planting is the healthy, white and heavy one.
Abu el Jair says that from the broad beans the best are the ones from the
Nubia region, the white lupin, and the Egyptian fat blondes; from the chickpeas the
soothe with; from the peas the species known by the name of mach, that has a fat bean,
blueish color, round, and very tasty; from the corn the white one, called aryfi; from the
lentils the ones of fat and reddish bean; from the flax the species knows as jaljal (subtle,
thin). About the seed of the vegetables says the same author that from the cabbage
should be chosen the curly, hung white (white cabbage); from the carrots the yellow and
red ones; from the turnips the Egyptian, long and from Syria; from the eggplants the
Syrian seed, those of white and red color; from the pumpkins the small white ones; from
the onions the white and the roman reddish, those with a cake-like figure; from the
radishes the fachtamli; and from the melon the sweet ones.
Likewise its convenient (according to the quoted author), to choose the
best trees and those with the most fruit; due to the costs of care being the same being
them either of good or bad quality. About the seed from the expressed vegetables,
distinguish the good from the bad, the healthy one from the sick one due to certain
dispositions and signals. According to Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl, the best pumpkin
seed is the one with the red extreme and thats full; this is one of the signals that
indicates its robustness; and its said that also the best sea cucumbers and melons are
those of full seed; that the best seed of onions is the new one from the same year, and
not the older one, nor the one thats partially eaten by mice; the new seed must be very
black in the extremes, very white in the heart, and with a sharp flavor; the seed of
spinach thats been eaten from mice isnt good either.
ARTICLE II
Method of making the seed bloom before planting them, called smejo
[germination] to know which seed is healthy, and to plant this one while discarding the
sick, corrupted ones
About the wheat and the barley, theyll be put in an infusion one day and
one night, and later planting numbered beans in earth of good quality, improved with
well-rot manure, attention will be put into its watering; and after they have bloomed, the
new plants will be numbered to know the exact number of healthy seeds in relation to
the corrupted ones.
About the flaxseed, take fresh pat, and add a little bit of earth from the
surface, of good quality, similar to sandstone and wet, just like the earth of the isles that
the water from the big rivers bathes, itll be put all in a new mud vase that hasnt come
into contact with oil, and there numbered seeds of selected species will be planted.
Without forgetting that number, in the same vase ash will be put in to imitate some
degree of the sun that hits it during the summer. After retired from there itll be left one
hour enveloped in a towel, and in the next day itll be checked to see if theyre already
born, which if it isnt verified, will be left until theyre born; and if its moisture got
together, theyll have hot water applied to them without letting them get dry; said plants
after being regularly born, are numbered to check if some seeds have rot or not: and the
same is executed with the similar seeds.
As for the hemps, that are the chehdnejo, a determined number of seeds
will be planted in a new vase of mud of wide mouth and moisturized (with sweet water
mixed with rotten manure) sandstone earth, so that spraying them some time with hot
water and having them covered with a towel, theyll be born in a close length of time,
and the plants numbered, its known the quantity of seeds that were taken care of but
gave no result. Its said that theyre born within a twenty-four hours period with this
method.
About the seeds from the onions, a determined number of the best seeds
will be taken, and remembering this number in the head, theyre to be placed in a flax
towel, and spraying this last one with water to get it wet it will be buried in hot manure,
and will be checked twenty-fours after, and if all the seeds have been born, its healthy;
and if a part, number the plants to know the quantity of sick that hasnt born. The same
operation is to be executed with the seeds similar to it.
In order to the seeds of the turnips, radishes, cabbage and seeds similar to
these ones, numbered beans from said will be taken, put in water one day and one night
(or some days, as others suggest), and will be later planted in earth of good surface
mixed with rotten manure, and in a sunny place; and giving it frequent waterings of hot
water, covering themselves from the coldness of the air with a towel; and if after having
them like this during four days all of them are born, is a good seed; if only some are
born, the plants will be cut to know the quantity of sick seeds. And if in all seeds the
same procedure of the hemps and flax are done, itll be a good practice, and will serve
as a rule for the other we didnt mentioned. In the general chapter itll be expressed the
operation for which environment the seeds that will prosper are identified from the ones
that wont, in the same year, according to the will of its highness Allah.
ARTICLE III
Resume of what the Nabataean agriculture says about the election of the best
wheat and barley for feeding
The quoted authors say that the most advantageous, flour-ish and the best
feeding wheat is that of the full, heavy, shiny, colorful red, hard (and not soft in the
inside) seed; this is known by cracking a seed, its interior is hard with a certain softness,
its solid without tenderness. But if its seen with an unclear hue and shred, and also soft
in its heart, there isnt any solidness. If the seeds like the sun to the naked eye, and its
colors between yellow and blond, in a way that the yellow stands out more, or with a
soft blondness, is of good quality, commonly being a seed full of substance. The smooth
without roughness is heavy; and free of corruption the one that has its middle hole
closed. Like this, the best will be the one that gathers these qualities; there is wheat of
different colors: soft red, red; brown, inferior to the red one; another whose color tends
to yellow to the sight and of heavy weight. The seed of this last quality and compact
produces more flour, especially the wheat that were really compact without a difference
between its insides or outsides; from which quality its a lot the one that produces the
strong earth that were lean and of low moisture. The shiny, red colored wheat is also
excellent, and from this quality is common to see it also in red earth, and also in other,
especially in thick earth and in earth free from all bad flavors.
The corruption of the wheat and barley is indicated due to their color,
odor, flavor and substance; and its corruption manifests by any of these. To what refers
to the color, if the ones that were altered are already beginning to corrupt; its
convenient to know if it tends to be black, white, or a mix of blue with a little of yellow.
To what refers about the substance, if taking the seed in your hand and fretting it with
the other, a dust-like residue is left, the seed is corrupted. To what refers about its color
and flavor, if these were to be opposite to the ones the wheat and barley usually have by
the time of the harvest season and two months after, or the smell of the wheat were to be
unpleasant to your nose, take it as corrupted. From which truth if you want to certify
yourself, take a portion of wheat and weigh it after being winnowed, cleaned and
leaned; if it weights twenty-two pounds, do bread with it, if it weight seventeen, the
wheat is healthy, and if it doesnt reaches seventeen, it already has begun to corrupt;
because the healthy wheat made bread weighs almost less that that quantity due do the
sap that expels, to the flour thats lost, to the fire removing the moisture that was added
to it, and another reasons. Kastos says that from the clean what, of good quality and free
of bugs, after grounded, diminished and amassed its flower oh flour and done a well
baked bread, every ten pounds of weight weighs one and a half less pounds. According
to the Nabataean agriculture, the wheat thats corrupted is improved in order to feed
from it, mixing with it the same amount of good what. Its also said in the same text that
the weight of the bread usually surpass that of the flour, ranging from one fifth to a
tenth and a half, so that in every ten pound there are two to two and a half less pounds
of it, and sometimes more in some flours: that the bread amassed of flour from washed
wheat boosts its weight two to two and a half pounds in every ten pounds, and a little
more: and that the flour grounded in water stone is better than the one grounded in
beast stone.
ARTICLE IV
Method of knowing the corresponding species of earth for each genre of beans
and vegetables, and the times to plant these and similar, by the book of Ibn Hajj
The opinion of Junio is that the planting must be done in advantageous
and plain earth. Sidags says that its best to plant the wheat and the barley before the
snow seasons so that when this falls down, enclosing their natural heat, they throw more
roots to the center of the earth, this because of the gathering of food thats done when
multiple roots are nearby: and this is where the maxim from Sidags ends.
Junio says that the snow sponges the earth that it covers, makes the bean
throw many roots, and consequently more pins. The same author plus Demcrito say
that the barley must be planted in earth of medium quality, because the good ones
already taken by the wheat, and also because the substance and yield of the barleys less
than the wheats; and also because the harvest of barley doesnt stops being abundant in
medium quality earth. For the other stuff, is true that the earth of good quality is
beneficial for the barley, since it makes more pins grow.
From the broad beans, says Junio, its convenient to plant them in
delicious and wet terrain, and early. And in the same quality of earth the chickpeas must
be planted, according to a maxim of Demcrito. The people has the tradition, says Ibn
Hajj, of planting them in flat lands and cultivated fields, with the intention of making
the earth grow tender and wet, and discarding the hard earth and the mountain lands. A
good fallow must be plowed, and then must have applied a grid work on it, after that
theyre planted with; in a way that the result is good. If youd like to harvest chickpeas
sooner, plant them (says Junio) in the same moment you plant the barley; these last ones
are to be eaten fresh. But the ones that you desire to store must be planted from the
midst of January until Marchs twenty-four.
The lentils (says Demcrito) are planted in thin earth, thats the ideal
earth to plant them; this, according to Junio, must be done from the midst of January
until springs equinox. Other says that they grow well if theyre planted in fall along the
broad beans.
For the selta (spelt), says Junio that the best would be sandstone earth;
must be planted near to the ground in superficial grooves; and also in barren lands. Its
said that from the seeds that dont require big care or work in its cultivation, without
this leading to a bad growth, the white lupins stands out; and it should be planted early
in the fall.
The corn is planted commonly in hard sandstone earth, which shouldve
been plowed sometimes before, and the same is done with the beans that are planted late
(like this), said planting differs up until springs equinox, due to the reason that if the
heat from the air overwhelms it, said earth would be left detached from its juice. Junio
says that even if few seeds are planted, the terrains covered; said plants need to be
hoaxed and well cleaned from the herbs, and also requires very delicious and salty earth,
if it were of watering.
The millet is planted in flat wet fields, and also in sandstone earth of
excessive moisture, and is planted late along with the corn.
The white lupins, according to Junio, are well developed in tender
sandstone earth; their harvest is abundant, even if they arent cultivated with too much
effort. Theyre planted before all other seeds in earth thats already been plowed, after
the falls equinox has passed. In not cultivated earth, theyre planted at the sign of the
first rains.
The ervils prosper in thin earth that isnt sandstone, whose planting is
delayed until February and March; and the same happens (according to other peoples
opinions) to the ones planted early in January.
The einkorn wheat is planted early in thin earth by the fall season.
The best rice is the one thats farmed in wet fields in April after the fields
are plowed with great care and diligence. And if planted over irrigation itll be later
transplanted from one place to other where the earths been hoaxed, making it prevail
well.
The sesame planted in wet earth from isles or cultivated fields tends to
have very good vegetation. Its planting is differed until springs equinox has passed, and
a low quantity of seeds is needed. It must be of knowledge that if the sesame, after
having raised from the surface from the earth rains upon it, and later the sun strikes it,
the seeds hardened, and pushes it so much that its harmful because it weakens and
corrupts it. The same happens to the cotton, whose seed and the sesame will require care
when planting at times of calm weather.
The flax (says Junio) desires tender shore sedge; and Demcrita states
that its convenient to plan it in earth of medium quality. Many farmers, says Ibn Hajj,
seem to think that the flax shouldnt be planted in earth of good quality, and particularly
in manure, because its stem wont grow thicker; this, if happened, would also thicken its
first roots and its thread, loosing part of its juiciness and softness. But when its think,
these are of opposite quality towards the referred one. Known as the best practice of
planting due that the seed shows good development in the terrain, with such method its
stem will also grow thin.
The hemps (according to Junio) desire generous earth thats continuously
wet, and is planted from the moment the rcturo is born, that is, the twenty six of
February until springs equinox or twenty four of March. Its also planted, according to
Ibn Hajj, in the midst of April, and is well raised. It belongs to the seeds that penetrate
deep into the earth to obtain its substance and juice, leaving it tired. Because of this,
many share the opinion of applying manure to said terrain to leave them prepared for
next years planting.
The planting of cotton isnt good, says Ibn Hajj, unless its in fields,
isles, and flat lands. Plant it in May after plowing many times its earth to make it tender
and break it; the more grid works applied to the earth before the planting, the better.
Must be hoaxed sometimes after born, tearing away the grass and other herbs that it
could have in its field to ensure the earth doesnt focuses on feeding other plants; this
makes it raise well, and abundant.
The peas (says Junio) are planted in the same time as the broad beans,
and its an order from Ibn Hajj that theyre also planted late in February. Demcrito
states that it belongs to the seeds that improve the earth, just like lentils. Well later say,
through Allah, the method of planting these vegetables in irrigation. Sometimes the
same maxims are repeated, when its about the seeds planted in dry lands, due to them
being more useful.
About the other seeds, says Kastos, that the wheat must be planted in
delicious earth, because if it were planted in lean earth, the worms would eat away its
stems, and would grow soft and weak when it gets rid of them, and the same for that
peas species that are thick and fat, and the broad beans. Others share an opinion that the
wheat must be planted in strong and wet earth, and the landscapes that present the more
advantages to it are those of great adiposity.
Some farmers say that in our lands and in region of Seville the red earths
convenient for the wheat, also the white wet earth with manure, and the wet black,
known as manejable; and form the red earths the wet flat fields, the deserts of equal
quality, and the isolated landscapes, these ones being the deserts that havent had
anything farmed from them in a long time. It isnt planted in thin earth, sandstone, or
gobble. The spelt of the wheat is planted in hot wet earth. The barley and its tharmir are
planted in the ring of populations, in earth of medium quality and soft, and over red
earth of wheat in thick earth. Its also convenient the earth that seems lean, and the red
and white with some degree of softness; and theyre not planted in fields of brown or
yellow color, nor in quagmire; and the same for the einkorn wheat. For the flax, the
broad beans, the chickpeas and the ervils prefer the delicious earth, and the thin earth
should be improved into possessing this quality. Its also said that the ideal earth for the
chickpeas, lentils and similar seeds that are planted late, is the rough earth; and the soft
and thick, if they were planted early.
CHAPTER XIX
The planting and the time it must be done. What must be seen in the wheat,
barley and einkorn what; and what number of these should be planted early, and
what number late, and the quantity corresponding the dispositions of the earth
theyre to be planted in, according to the book of Ibn Hajj
Several are the regions, says Sidags, judging by their air and terrain. Some are
very cold, other excessively hot, another ones with a calm weather. The intermediate
ones split into many species. Its an intricate matter determining the months and days to
execute the planting. With everything, the maxims that seem to be the most truthful in
the matter should be taken into account, as long as the strengths reach. Like this, we say
that in the hot regions the planting must be made in fall after the rains, and when the
earths arrived; and also in the beginning of winter for them to be raised with the
moisture of continuous rains in the three stations of fall, winter and spring, and grow
well with the freshness of the air. Like this, when the plantings differed among them,
the sun days surprise and corrupt them, drying before blooming fruit. In the cold regions
its convenient to do the planting late; with this they arent harmed, unless theyre from
the plants that dont fear the cold airs, like the wheat, barley, and similar.
The beans that must be planted with temperate air after the rigor of the cold has
passed, as the vegetables, find convenient doing early its planting in the weathers that
are too hot, after the wheat and barleys plantings been done, because this way its
harvest is done before the heat wave strikes it. The total opposite must be done in the
cold regions, this being, planting them late because the rigor of the cold is durable in
them, this due that they are wet. The same practice must be observed in the terrains that
had cold climate in temperate regions, in the hot ones, in those of lots of moisture, and
in the arid and lean ones; because the cold terrains shouldnt be plowed in a time that
isnt warm. The cultivated fields must be plowed before. Such are the rules that youll
have to attend to, and wont be effortlessly applied.
Sidags warns that the time for the plantation is determined by the months, as
the farmers in his book also say, referring to the temperate regions: and he adds that
people everywhere already have the tradition of planting some seeds before others due
to two reasons; either the ones planted early grow more vegetation, and the ones planted
later grow more prosper, or because some emergency makes them plant first the seed
thats more important, and the rest a time later; and if some corruption resulted from the
seeds planted later, its inferred that these arent necessary to be planted later than other
seeds. And according to this, the barley and wheat is planted before the vegetables in
any other region, this because the first ones are more important than the last one; and
the flax is planted early, not because its of utmost need, but because itll make it long
and of perfect quality, the things were after. Like this, when the need is what separates
planting some seeds sooner than others, the first planted seed must be the most
important one. If well its true that some of these late species, if planted earlier, grow
tall and big plants that rot and corrupt as they grow; for this reason, they arent planted
early. The same practices in certain lands wet and hot to the maximum; where the wheat
and barley is planted late fearing that they would rot after getting too high due to whats
deposited in them earlier. Because of this, if in any moment you plant early some seeds
and you start to notice that theyre going to rot, gather your livestock and make it feed
from there. Some of these beans are also planted in the same region, some early and
some late, following the most convenient wind for them. The ones that are planted late
are the corn, the pearl millet, hemp and cotton: and the reason behind the intention of
planting them late is because it has been observed that they bloom with superior quality
when they are provided with temperate air. In the same way its tradition to plant
vegetables with the intention that they finish growing in its places in winter. Due to
acquiring good and delicate taste with the cold weathers and the snow, opposite effects
of what they become when theyre planted in a season like summer; in said time these
arent raised with the intention of getting them rough; unless they are watered big
amounts of water, with which, even if its made in this last time, its flavor will get close
to that of the ones harvested during winter, but never the same. The radishes that are
eaten in times of cold weather and snow are of the most delicate flavor. The carrots,
being similar to these last two, must be planted in summer, with the intention of them
finishing their growth in the cold seasons to be eaten. The ends of the winter and the
spring season are advantageous for the cabbage, while the summer isnt due to the
bitterness they would develop. And here ends the maxim from Sidags.
Junio, about the same subject, says that the time to plant the barley and wheat is
early, especially in low terrains, its convenient to do its planting. Some old ones say
thats convenient to start the planting the twenty fifth of January until springs equinox,
which is Marchs twenty fourth. Others say that the wheat should be planted when the
stone skippings stop; said event should be around the twelfth of November, according to
what Ibn Hajj says while quoting astronomy writers.
Junio says that some dictate that the time when the planting is done should be
observed to refer to that precise time, in order to do one, two, three and four grid works.
But this is something that doesnt have more bases than the ignorance of its authors.
Similar to this purpose of recording the times of the planting is (according to Ibn Hajj)
the one that Lecacio brings, which is, that the farmer mustnt do its planting in one
species of terrain; but that it matter to him doing it a field of some elevation; because in
some years with heavy rains, the planting of fields and valleys is lost, freeing from these
rains only the farms that have some altitude; and sometimes raining a little, it
corresponds well the planting of the fields; here ends the maxim of the quoted author.
Found in other commonly books that in the landscapes of Seville is usual the
tradition of planting the white lupins early in the beginnings of the year, without waiting
for the moisture: that should also be planted early, after being moisturized the earth with
the rains, the flax, hemp, and the broad beans; and after, or at the same time, the tharmir
of the barley, and the barley joined by the wheat: sometimes the wheat comes well
around Christmas time, and the some its tharmir planted next to it; and that is also
planted along with vegetables, the spring season being the most common one for this
planting.
Some farmers says that the time for planting is connected to certain
dispositions, such as the earths recovered from some recent rain, in the proper time of
the year for the planting, observing the disposition of the weather while referring to the
temperate, the cold, or the medium quality in this; and the disposition of the terrain
thats going to be used about its quality; with which some jointly prefer to do it in the
strange and lunar months, and the specs of the air that surrounds it. They say that the
first time of planting is the month of October, almost the start of the fall season, and the
last time of planting is when the springs already started, the time to plant vegetables,
and the time to plant wheat and barley is when the earths recovered from the rains that
fell on it between the start and end of the mentioned lengths of time, this will be the first
time for the plantation. I say, that if the rains are delayed and the moisture that
originates from them until the beginning of the year or until the midst of January, if
after the earths recovered then the wheat, barley and vegetables are planted their
growth will be good and its harvest abundant.
Kastos says that the first time to plant is from the last third of September,
especially in thin low terrain, and that planting the wheat early one achieves more crops.
Macacio says this very same but from the last third of October. Others say that in this
the disposition of the earth must be observed, because in the earth of medium and low
quality, in the fields and cold years the planting must be done early; and in the
remaining lands since when the sun goes near them in summer; if these were planted
late, they would get sick and wouldnt receive well the seed. The earth of good quality
allows early planting, late and in between these times, even more if its hot, wet and
delicious. The temperate regions, like the coasts and similar fields, suffer from the early
plantings; and the ones that were similar to these, should have its planting done in
between them. About knowing which year is early, late or in between, its said that the
year will be early if the moisture from the rains came before the stop of the stone
skipping; if from this and on, medium or in-between time; and if after, late.
The seed mustnt be thrown in something else than regularly juicy earth. The
planting must be done after the earths been prepared with three or more turn works and
in calm and temperate weather while the air from noons blowing; because from there a
very abundant harvest will come, through Allah. Its said that the barley suffers when
planted into earth with medium amounts of juice, if the need forced it to do so; and that
the one that falls in a wet place is the one thats born, and the one that falls in a lean
place remains like that until the rains fall: it isnt good to plant wheat but in regular
moisture after heavy rains, and that this mustnt be done in a rainy day: said seed suffers
the heaviness of the earth, and the time to do its planting is more dilated than the
barley: that if need to plant it in terrain thats not wet rose, the lean terrains that are
docile for the plowing and absolutely no water are preferred, and that there the barley
should be planted raising the quantity of seeds, this because some of the seeds will
remain in the surface and wont bloom, or the birds will take them. Whats planted in
earth that lacks juice is born and raised unequal; whose practice, not being good, is
important to omit. If it were planted in earth with some moisture from water, only the
seed that fall near the sufficient amount of moisture will bloom, the other ones getting
lost. Sometimes part of the seed is born; but the birds eat most of it, due to its inability
to join into the earth because of its dryness.
ARTICLE I
The method to do the planting
Understand that the best and most convenient to do is to apply manure to the
earth that went through a hot turn work, especially if some herbs been born in it. The
retliat, this is the plowing some do to the first rains of grooves that are distant between
themselves, isnt good due to this same reason. The best will be that the plows deep,
and the grooves with a medium distance between them, in a way that the most part of
earth from the second falls over the first, and that between there isnt left any kind of
earth that the grid works didnt broke; about said work the planting that is done,
especially the early one, produces useful bean and of good quality. If its executed like
this in the red earth from where a third turn work was applied, itll be advantageous for
many seeds. The plowing of the planting ground must have deep grooves that are also
next to each other, in a way that the earth from one covers the other so that he who
looks at them can barely discern where each one of them begins. In the planting and its
work nothing must be forgiven due to the extreme attention and effort they request, not
proceeding without proper knowledge or laziness in any of the works; planting of beans
and vegetables wont be done until the objective earth has received the works that
legitimately correspond to it; because if its given ten turn works with grid in regular
moisture (which is the best), and if few good plowings make the harvest more abundant
and useful than many other medium ones, how would be the ones that are inferior to
that? One of the true proverbs about this subject is plow over plow is better than plow
against plow.
According to the author of the Nabataean agriculture, it isnt good for the land to
be in chunks at the moment of planting something in it, because these chunks get heated
from the sun and freeze from the cold; this burns the seeds and trees that are planted in
it. According to other authors, wheat mustnt be planted without turning the earth with
grid three or four times at least, being regularly wet and the air calm, and the barley
with two or three turn works with grid at the very least. For the earth thats intended to
host vegetables and similar seeds several good and diverse works must be given, being
this, ten grids if possible; and the same number for the cotton, flax, and similar seed; the
more the earth is benefitted with said works, the more advantages it will bring for the
plants in it (through Allah).
According to Macario its convenient to throw the seeds at three different times:
one third of the total quantity when the earths first plowed, another third when in the
middle of the total number of works and the final part when reaching the final work, so
that in case some of them are vicious or corrupt they dont harm the healthy ones. Its a
maxim from another person (according to Kastos) that the seed should be spread during
crescent moon; but Macario replies: Ive already planted during dwindling moon
without regretting it. Others say that it grows weak when planted during dwindling
moon and also in the three last days of the moons cycle. He adds that the flax planted
in dwindling moon isnt lost; we ourselves have found this true.
ARTICLE II
The planting of wheat and its cultivation, according to the Nabataean
agriculture
Its convenient, says the author of this book, to plant the wheat in deep earth of a
quality between the thick and the arid, this is the one we call docile earth; and also in
strong earth, whose heat together with dust goes a little to., to which we give the
name of tight earth, and is a little less than hard. All earth thats intended for wheat is
also for the flax. The wheat grows prosper particularly in earth that has a mix of little
stones, and the one from the mountains, that is the one that has certain middle between
the hardness of the stone and the softness of the dust. Its also said in the mentioned
book that the deep earth is lean or juiceless, and the bean of wheat thats raised on it is
tight, in its interior as its exterior, without any difference. The same bean raised in thick
earth, and free of any bad flavor, is of red color, and shiny and lucent at the same time;
this is better. The legitimately tight and heavy wheat is the one that gives the most flour.
Tight is, and at the same time of easy digestion, the raised in hot earth from the surface
due to having burned the herbs it had. The time to plant early the wheat is from the
midst of September up to the ends of January. The planting done before this time
doesnt prevail absolutely; and sometimes the planting in February prevails, even if its
a little.
The medium time of planting the wheat, barley and the other nutritious beans is
the one thats between its planting and harvesting, this is one hundred days or a little
more, from which length of time the middle is the best; the beans planted in December
and harvested in April are the best ones. But these times mustnt be followed word by
word, but should be taken into account when planting by the tradition you hold, being
indifferent that the medium be from ten to twenty days. Whats planted on January is
harvested in May; and sometimes whats planted in said month reaches what was
planted in the ends of September. But in our regions is most convenient to do the
planting of wheat and barley in October and November.
Susado says that one must start to plant the wheat from the last days of
September until the ends of winter season, and that then planted from the beginnings to
the ends of tichrn comes robust and abundant. Sagrit thinks that the planting of wheat
and all bean that nutritious that is used to be planted in winter is good, if such is done in
the earth that weve held as of best quality for such things, prepared already in moisture
by one single rain; in this disposition it receives very well the beans. He adds that in the
landscapes that are too cold the planting must begin in the midst of February up to
springs equinox, being this the twenty four of March.
A maxim from Adan is thats convenient to start the planting of the barley since
falls equinox, and the wheat since the midst of October until the ends of November.
And its true that what is planted in said length of time is robust, healthy and abundant;
because even if the time to plant both expressed seeds extends beyond this space, before
as after it; with all, in the time weve pointed out, theyre raised better and with more
robustness, and its harvest is more abundant. Even though the time of planting the
wheat and the barley are from the ends of September and falls equinox up until almost
February, its convenient not to plant these two seeds the last eleven days of January.
Its also a maxim from Adan that the one in charge of planting the seeds must inquire
into from what earth they were picked up from, to plant them in a similar one to such
original earth, because like this theyre improved and come with an overwhelming
quality. And so he adds that you must know that through means of this practice the bean
of the wheat, barley and other nutritious beans fattens to the point they look as the bone
of the date; this is achieved planting repeated times the expressed beans in baggy and
fallow earth, and plowed after in the corresponding form for each species; these, taken
in the from second harvest, are planted in earth thats also plowed and baggy, and
whose substance and good quality is similar to that of the previous earth, and the same
referring to its nature and flavor. Susado says that the very cold and wet landscapes
contribute to the prosperity and abundancy of the harvest of the beans and seeds; and
that when these last ones are moved from lean places to delicious places to be planted in
them, they lay bloom to heavy and abundant crops.
Contain your diligence, says Adan, in planting the wheat or barley in a day that
the airs cold, especially if its cloudy. The days of temperate weather during winter
seasons are celebrated as days of planting and spreading of the wheat; and even more
the temperate wind that blows from Spain (brego). He adds that if the wheats planted
in a calm and temperate day, the beans laid during the harvest will be many: that if the
wheat is planted during a cloudy, temperate day when the moons crescent, it wont take
any advantage like the good quality, robustness and substance the other one has when
planted in the expressed day or a similar one. Like this, aim to do your planting of
wheat and barley in a crescent moon, and the same for the species for the big and small
plants. HE equally affirms that when the planted beans throw their first stem, a work
with a hoax should be applied, their earth shuffled and covering the seeds that are
uncovered; that if the men could move all the earth of the beans of wheat and barley
after these already begun to grow, there would be a major advantage; and even major if
that earth could be dug up and shuffled more than once. But this was already talked on
the chapter XVIII to what the maxims from Junio refer, where you can review them
with attention.
ARTICLE III
The planting and cultivation of the barley
About this is said, in the Nabataean agriculture, that is convenient to plant the
barley in earth between thin and deep, and whose flavor has some saltiness: that in some
landscapes of Babylon the chosen earth is that of springs: that in all types of earth the
barley grows more prosper than the wheat: and that in the soft earth is convenient to
absolutely every nutritious bean, as the wheat, rice, barley, millet, corn, chickpeas and
lentils; as long as they arent too soft. The cultivation of the barley is like the cultivation
of the wheat, with the difference that the wheat is born and raised in a non-favorable
earth for it; because the barley is raised in salty, bitter, thin, soft, earth of springs and
many other; and its more patient about the dryness than the wheat. According to the
quoted book, if the barleys planted one year after another in salty earth, it picks and
extracts such salts; and the same happens with the earth from springs; but sometimes the
barley and chickpeas grow a little less prosper in thick earth. What weve said, he adds,
of being more advantageous of the product of these beans, are not because they stop
prospering happily in other types of earth; because the wheat, barley, rice, millet and
corn also grow happily in every type of earth, except the one thats very corrupted. The
man who wishes to achieve good nutritious beans in general, should plant them in earth
that was baggy for at least a year, plowing it with care repeated times, referring to what
we said when we talked about the qualities of earth.
According to the book of Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl, the planting of barley in
watering is done in the beginning of May, and is harvested between June a July, and is
in this way. Plowed for it the thick earth, and spread into planks, each one is benefitted
with a portion of manure, and watered; in which those very well wet the barley is
planted, and is shuffled with an iron shovel to be later left without watering until the
barleys one finger tall; from such time, is watered two times a week, and harvest in the
summer.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, in Babylons weather two types of
barley named colba and pearl are planted; but theyre similar to the wheat in its form,
and in its body as spongy as the common barley, and similar to it in its pin. According
to other writers, the colba is a bean similar to the wheat, and some call it roman barley.
In the chapter XVIII the maxims from Junio and other authors were referred to about
the planting of the barley in earth of medium quality between the thin and the thick; said
maxims you will read, along with the other maxims that relate to the subject.
Its also said in the Nabataean agriculture that one of the thing with which the
harvest of the beans comes abundant and improved is that, if filing with a rough file the
horns of an ox, goat or sheep, you mix those grounded filings in a mortar with the seeds
before planting them; and that if with these same you incorporated ground horn of a
deer, planting it along with the seed, every insect that approaches your plant will flee.
ARTICLE IV
The planting of the huchki
According to the Nabataean agriculture this species of bean is planted in the high
grounds of Babylon, and is what the Greeks call jondro. Is similar to the colba, if well
its size is bigger that the colbas; and even its smell is similar to this one, but its beans
are together. Its planting is made from the beginning of November to its end; and is
harvested in April, sooner than any other bean. From its flour bread is made. For it, the
convenient types of earth are the red and gooey, and the hard earth that doesnt has
sponginess. It needs to have applied manure with human feces thats left to rot again
with feces from donkeys and the trees of some trees, mentioned in the chapter of the
manure. Its bread feeds little, and obstructs the belly, skin and stomach.
ARTICLE V
The planting of the thormki
Its said in the Nabataean agriculture that this bean is planted at the same time as
the wheat; but that its best time to be planted is between the midst of January and
beginning of February. Is similar to the aforementioned huchki, and the type of earth
convenient for it is the strong rocky one. Prevails well against dryness, and doesnt
prefer watering or moisture, so it isnt watered too often because it would grow weak
and break later, while it grows robust and strong with the dryness. Its planting is like the
planting of the barley; as soon as planted a big dose of water is applied, and wont get
another one in a minimum of twenty days, and later is watered lightly; if this is
suspended for some time, is later retaken in the same way. Harvest it in the beginnings
of July. From it, bread is made, whose mass shouldnt have salt added, or it will end
corrupted. Its flour has a lot of bran, and its bread is of difficult digestion and of long
stay in the stomach; but when out of there is soon disintegrated and acts as a laxative to
the belly.
In the writings of other authors its said that moving the seed from a place to
plant it in a different other improves its performance, and becomes of better quality; and
that like this, the seed that was planted in mountain must be planted in a valley the next
following year, and the opposite is planted first on the valley. But the essential is to
move it from the lands without substance to other lands that are thick and good, and not
in reverse: this is very essential for the trees.
ARTICLE VII
The quantity of seeds while taking into account the quality of the earth,
according to the teachings of Ibn Hajj
This author affirms that in the good earth that has a lot of herbs major quantity
of seeds must be thrown, contrary to the earth that has no substance left; because when
it isnt done this way, the herbs that go there to grow harm the seeds, because they also
feed from the juice that the seeds take nutrients from. Like this, we must be very
diligent into executing said tasks in time to avoid foreign herbs taking advantage of the
earth. The thin earth should have low quantities of seeds thrown into it due to the little
juice it has; and also, because when the seeds there are few, the lay roots and grow; due
to this reason, if many seeds were thrown it would lack the resources to make them all
grow. One can find earth of good quality that raises few herbs, and this type demands
even less quantities of seed to be thrown; from which the low quantity deposited, they
will lay roots, grow and let loose many branches. I have news that in the region of
Egypt there is this type of earth, and that those (even natural) throw few seeds when
planting, its harvest are abundant and of good quality.
Is an opinion from Kastos that if the year were late the quantity of seeds should
rise, with the intention of a part remaining if another part gets corrupted. And its also
said that the same must be watched in the last times of the planting. Its said that the
right quantity of the seeds to plant in the earth is of seven-to-nine beans of wheat, nineto-ten of barley, four-to-seven of the broad beans and the same for the white lupins and
chickpeas. My opinion is that the quantity of seeds that the earth can carry must be
dictated by the experience one has with it, or from questions made to wise men in the
subject: this is a fundamental principle in which there isnt the most minimum mistake.
Others dictate that in the earth of good quality a certain medium in the quantity of the
seed must be saved; and the same in the months in which its laying roots, these are
November and December. The quantity of seeds must be equally remembered, very
clear, in the mountains where the hay has been burned, if in them the planting were to
be done in that same year; for them the name bricht is given. Summary, wherever the
seeds lays many roots and isnt oppressed by herbs, and especially when the plantings
done early, and more in the months in which the seeds dont lay many roots, as in
January and February; in the lands with many herbs like the isles and similar; in the
years with many rains and mud; in the cold terrains; and, to sum it up, wherever one
shouldnt be afraid of herbs oppressing the seeds, especially joining it with the pressure
of the earth and the late planting.
ARTICLE VII
Continuation of the previous article
Some of the most wise practitioners say that its a tradition in the region of
Seville, and generally in the most part of the lands, to plant in every marjal (wet terrain
near the ocean) one to two third parts of a bowl, talking about the wheat; of the barley,
half to almost a bowl; of the broad beans, one to a little more; of the chickpeas two third
parts of a bowl; of the white lupins, half bowl; of the flax, two bowls; of the peas, a
third or fourth part of a bowl; and of the ervil, a fourth or a little less. Other practitioners
in the territory of Seville say that the ervils planted are raised with blossom, and offer
low security of laying fruit, and that planted deep, they come from a very thick bean:
that from the millet a fourth up to half almud, and same quantity for the corn and
henbane; and its also said that from this last one its planted in a marjal a third to a half
almud; from the which if the seed is planted clear it finds soft, juicy and well plowed
earth, is raised blossomed and calm, and so thick that the higher covers the smaller; but
planting in it half almud in marjal, its plants equal each other in size without one
covering another, and offers more security of giving beans. From the seed of the hemp a
almud or a little less is planted; from the wheat two third parts of a bowl to a whole
bowl; of the einkorn wheat a fourth to a whole almud in the flatlands; of the sesame, an
almud; of the seed of melons, a third to a fourth part; of the cotton, two third parts to a
little more. By the expressed the quantity of other similar seeds that arent mentioned
will be regulated, done via a prudential calculus.
The cleaning of the herbs born in it wont be omitted; this operation contributes
to make the pins thicker and bearer of more beans. According the Nabataean
agriculture, when the wheat starts to show its pins the herbs that are growing near it
must be hoaxed, putting it together and throwing it out of there because this is of great
utility for the planting, this allows the wheat and barley to grow more robust and have
fatter beans. Junio quoted in the book of Ibn Hajj says that the hoaxing must be
especially done when the time of the pins to start being visible is near, this is very
useful for the cleaning of the bean; and also because the earth that isnt occupied in
other thing than the plant growing in it gives a more abundant harvest due to the vast
amount of nutritious juice it has.
CHAPTER XX
The planting of the mentioned beans in watering and dryness,
and maxims about its cultivation and recollection:
to say some, the rice, millet, corn, lentils and the peas
(one of its species), the string beans and the sesame
Some general maxims about the plantation of the mentioned beans have already
been mentioned. In our region is a common tradition doing its planting in dry earth;
well if the wheat and the barley are planted in watering putting their seeds a certain
distance away from others, their respective harvests come with the frequent watering,
hoaxes, and assistance in its cultivation. Plant them in planks in the orchards, towards
the ditches, and in terrain being watered, either by ditches near rivers or natural water.
All of these are planted in watering and dryness, the rice being the exception; the most
common for this is to plant it in watering, as it is with the planting of ervils in dryness
without any source of watering. In the next article well talk (through Allah) about the
planting of the aforementioned seeds, the operations in its cultivation, the corresponding
earth for each species, of the works, manure, and time to plant them, and the rest of the
regular regime; over such plantation in dryness has already been explain before in some
maxims.
ARTICLE I
The planting of rice in watering
According to a maxim of Abu el Jair, the rice (that is a species of wheat with
vanilla and a very wheat bean) is planted in the orchards, and also in watering fields,
and in dryness in wet fields. Its said that it doesnt prevails in dryness; that the most
convenient thing to do is to look for sandstone earth and full of water; and that its crops
are picked in good earth for the softness of its looseness, in which they are planted
early. Abu Abdallah Ebn el Fasl affirms that its with the intention that is planted in
harsh earth in where there isnt any moisture. According to the Nabataean agriculture,
of the species of the earth convenient for the rise we have the thick, gooey (from a
spring) and crumb type of earth, and that because of this reason its to be of such
quality; and also comes prosper in most part of the terrains.
The time to plant it (according Abu el Jair) is in February and March; and Abu
Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that in this last month is transplanted and later planted in
January. According to the book of Ibn Hajj (where the purpose of this matter is
explained), the rice should be planted after being inflated in the month of March in high
places with soft earth benefitted with fat, cut manure, and transplanted in the month of
May. The method to inflate its seed, according to Abu el Jair, is taking it some days
before its planting, and putting them with its shell in a new vase made of mud and
immersed in sweet water for a day and a night, or two days with its nights (according to
the opinion of Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl); and throwing that water, and leaving the rice
in the mentioned vase, it should be covered with a dense canvas, and leave the vase
under the sun during the day, and buried in hot manure during the night; and putting it
again under the sun in the morning, in the night it will be again buried in manure,
repeating this process until its inflated; and if hot manure was lacking, the vase should
be put in a temperate kitchen or a similar place. Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that
should the vase be near the place where there is fire, and where the air goes temperate
and soft. Both dictate that when the inflation is checked it will be planted in planks that
should be done towards this purpose in places that look east, forming them together
with the walls that must be near these same ones in a disposition equal of the one that
has been said of the banks of pumpkins and other vegetables, the width and length of
each one expressed in the prologue of this text, or referring to the vast or low quantity
of seed; said seed should have been benefitted with a load of old manure of good
quality, spreading in it and softly incorporating it with the dust, and giving it too in the
same way an immediate watering. After this is watered two times per week until its
born, in which regular disposition is hoaxed after the herbs that was born between it;
sais plants after having its roots well grown should be hoaxed with a hoax similar to the
one used to harvest, and when it is in disposition to move it to other planks in March
and also in May. For this effect watering over afternoon the planks in which they are, in
the morning early before the sun rises they are torn; and put in baskets covered and
defended from the air they are planted in the afternoon of the same day in well plowed
planks (with good, old manure applied) organized in a row figure and watered with
water. If the plants were weak they will be in groups of three or more in a same hole
according to its capacity, being the distance of each plant towards another plant that of a
palm; planted like this will be watered without delay, and likewise the watering should
be repeated (according to the Nabataean agriculture) until their roots grow a lot.
The maxim of Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl dictates that they should be left and its
watering suspended while the earths softly juicy, hoaxing and leaving them until they
are thirsty, signaled by grizzly stains; then theyll be watered, doing this two times per
week until August; after that the watering will be cut and resumed when the stains
appear again, watering them once again only one time, because if these were more, the
fruit would come late.
The same author says that if you dont wish to transplant the rice, even when its
better to do so, you leave it in its initial spot; that after its plants appear, they are moved
in a way that the expressed length separates them. According to Abu el Jair, from the
rice thats to be transplanted three pounds should be planted in ten planks, or four,
heavy lean (according to the opinion of Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl); who adds that, to
avoid being transplanted but remaining in its own place, eight ounces must be planted in
ten planks; and after its bean is entirely full and in disposition, should be harvested, this
comes to happen around September. Abu el Jair says that its lean pins put in sacks are to
be shaken by the strike of a mace until everythings separated, and that is left clean of
its hay; after should be filtered and put in the sacks again to be shaken again with the
mace to remove its vanilla; and filtered again is left to save up in new mud vases,
leaving with it the seed destined to be planted. Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl affirms that if,
joint with the bean, broke salt is put in the sacks, it is filtered faster.
I planted in Alzarafe whole filtered rice, healthy and not lean, and also without
being filtered and inflated, and being careful of its everyday watering, both types of
seeds grew, and also prevailed very well after being transplanted along the ditches; and
having repeated its planting sometimes, many sons were given in a way that some of
them reached the ones from winter and got lost. My thought is that, its to be planted so
that it can be transplanted in December; and it would be convenient to plant them before
that time so that some rains reach them. It has already been said in the chapter XVIII,
that best rice is that of the watering; thats also planted out of watering in wet fields
after cultivated with effort and diligence; and this should be executed in April, with
everything else that has been said.
The rice, according the Nabataean agriculture, is planted and transplanted by two
methods; one is mixing the unfiltered seed with dust of the same earth where it will be,
transforming this wet mixture into little balls, each one of them should be put in every
hole of the grooves that shouldve been done in non-equal slope terrain, and in the
entrances that shouldve also been made in the spillovers, theyll be covered with the
sufficient amount of earth until theyre hidden from the sight of the birds; and leaving
them one day, or one night if the operation was made in the beginning of this last one
(its advised to do it this way). Theyll be watered early in the morning. The other
method is cutting the earth in division, and introducing in them water until it is one
palm high and spreading over it the seed; and when the earths absorbed the water,
cover the rice with dust spreading it above the rice with the hands, until after some
hours have passed and the dust is wet, the water should be left in such divisions without
interruptions, due that this bean should be raised always in lagoons and where the water
is continuously embalmed. Its said that they rice not having its surroundings filled with
water, doesnt wants to have the water retired from its feet in any moment; and that like
this the planting in little balls in the holes, is convenient for them to be uncovered and
the water continuously still in it, so the holes should be bigger than the earth balls to
accomplish this; and having the water a place where it can enter in them and another
one where it can exit, itll be over the planted rice seven days, after said times from
there another ball will be introduced, repeating the same until its in disposition of
harvesting. The water that has been spread over the water is transplanted into another
place, and sometimes they leave it there to be raised; but the transplanting gives a lot
more performance and robustness, opposite to the one that isnt transplanted. To plant
the rice in balls it is done mixing one part of seeds with two parts of earth; from said
mix, amassing first the earth until its mud and later the rice with it, the balls that will be
planted in the holes are made; such holes must have a capacity that allows it to rise an
elbow over the balls. After the rice plants are born, the water will be taken out, theyre
separated one from the other, and are put later by planting in earth where it has been wet
for a day or a little less; said earth is introduced later (and no in abuse in a way that the
plants cannot get a grip on it), repeating the operation of introducing and extracting it
until the rice develops its corresponding seasoning. Its been said before that the water
should be over it seven days; but the fixed will be that itll be over it until is discovered
(by touch) that in it theres starting to be an alteration to throw it out and put another in
its place.
Planted two times per year, and the best is the planting in the summer rather than
in the winter; from such is the one that was planted in the beginning of the second
cann that is January, and from the summer the one planted after the last half of July;
and nothing happens if its done sooner or later by a few days. Susado says that it
should be planted in the midst of June, and that if this is done in brackish earth it
doesnt comes harmful, before it comes prosper in it; and the same in deep earth from
springs: that the earth where it will be planted should have a mix of manure, pat and
dust applied to it few days before, it wont need more manure than this occasion: y that
is convenient not to plant it in places where there are pomegranates, apple, pears,
peaches, vines or palms; nor near trees or plants or styptic or bitter quality.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, one fo the ways of correcting its nature
and diminishing its dryness is applying manure to the earth before planting it with a mix
of pat and things wet and fresh by nature, like leaves of sand plantain, cabbage,
verdolaga, plantain, and purple amaranth with some of its stems; leaves, stems and
branches of pumpkins and pickles, after everythings rot and jointly covered with the
pat until theyre black. This when dry and shredded is mixed with soft dust of thick
earth, and the earth where the rices going to be planted will have manure applied to it;
if some days before is mixed with pat, and after doing the operation is thrown along
with it, is also very good, and the most convenient that can be executed for it.
Its also said in the quoted text that the regular method to cook the rice is with
butter, oils, fats and milks, and the same with the beans similar to it and whose bread is
eaten with these last ones: that mixing it with sweet things, in which disposition
between sesame oil, and cooking all this with milk, the desired effect is achieved.
To do bread from the rice (according to Adan of glorious memory) it must be
ground very well and amassed a lot with water, that shouldve been heated for this
effect. He who amass must do it with patience because it contributes to the best quality
of the bread, spraying the same water little by little until it has started to take form, it is
infused with some sesame oil; after its put to bake in an oven.
Cook the rice in sweet and thick milk, to said effect the sheeps milk is the best,
and the milk from the fat and big cows follows. This is done first cooking it in water
(doesnt matter if the bean is whole, grounded or broke), and adding it more hot water,
as it consumes it, until it gets soft; after this the remaining water is removed, the milk is
added carefully, and is cooked until it reaches a good point. Another author affirms that
some wash the rice seven continuous times in very hot water, and later cook it with
sweet milk, adding it carefully and without stopping its twirling.
From the rice a vinegar that breaks the stones and vase where its put is made,
which is useless do to its overwhelming strength. Also made from the rice is a wine that
gets you drunk removing the reason and drying the brain; this one, when it naturally
becomes vinegar, generates so much heat that dissolves anything thats placed in it, In a
way that there isnt a glass that can contain it.
Is a maxim from Rasis that in a determined food the rice shouldnt be mixed
with vinegar or with something that has some clue of the vinegars taste, as the sauce
and the jelly, because this is very harmful. Abu el Jair says that in some calamitous
years bread is made from the rice, this one feeds little because it lacks substance and
gooeyness. According to Rasis, it generally transforms into the good practice of not
eating this bread but with salty food, very thick, milk or garlick; and also adds the sugar,
honey, and the grapes and dates bundled, because these make it feed more and of a
better quality, making its way out of our system easier.
ARTICLE II
The method of planting the string beans in watering
According to Aby el Jair, twelve are its species; the ajiat (ivory), this is known
among us; the arrfiat (guesser), that is the black one; the yactiat (red), lakit (hard or
compact), that is also red, with a touch of black; kakiat (black and white), alfaharea,
whose red color is as red as the mud of the potters; sheilat (black and flat, less than the
white lupin), it stands during winter and summer; seirkiat, that is black and of the size
of an olive; escalabina, same size but is white; abisina, is black and with, and with the
size of a doves egg; and the romana, is white with a touch of yellow, with the size of
jujube; who (the quoted author) claims he has seen and known, and also raised a few of
them.
According to Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl, its on purpose for the the rought earth,
the one greased with manure, and the cold juicy, as much as the thick earth; because in
this they are more focused in extending its duration than in laying fruits. Plant them by
watering during March and April in planks, and also in rows. They shouldnt get
manure because they dont suffer from its lacking. They also arent affected by big
quantities of water. The earth equaled and prepared for them with the moisture, in such
earth the beans of the string beans are planted keeping a length of one elbow and width
of a fourth between each other. Shouldnt be watered until after they bloom, theyd rot
otherwise. Like this, theyll be watered when its plants have gained some height: and if
it were late to lay fruit due to its viciousness and healthy looking, water supply must be
cut. Theyre also planted in the shores of the terrains, if there were a river or affluent
near it. In thirty planks of twelve elbows long and four wide a pound of seeds is planted.
This should be planted lean; if well others say that it should be put in water a day and a
night. If in pierced flowerpots some string beans were planted in soft and juicy earth,
when theyre born and the plants have some robustness theyre moved to the place
where they will lay fruit; to this effect, a hole will be made for each flowerpot, this put
in it will be broken with touch, and will be retired from there. Replaced the earth over
the plants of the string beans and watered prevail with these operations if they were
planted early.
Between the string beans we can find two species; red and white, and sometimes
in some of the first you can discover certain blackness, even if its a little. They are
planted two times per year, one in the spring and the other in the summer. The first ones
are harvested in the time when the second ones are planted; those are planted from the
beginnings up to the midst of March, and these from the beginning up to the twentieth
of June; and are plants that dont rise over their stem. The ones planted in spring, even if
raised slowly, they come robust and bear lots of beans. The ones planted in summer are
raised in less time; but they are softer, and its beans are wispy.
Susado refers that these arent raised by natural means in uncultivated fields;
that the delicious earth is convenient for them, and the one that has the deficiency of
being very salty; that they grow a lot when theres a high quantity of moisture; and the
one they receive from the delicious earth is taken even more than that of the watering;
that the ideal earth for the chickpeas is also useful for the string beans, especially for the
ones planted in spring; they need to have manure applied to them, and the most useful
one is the compost made of human feces, pat, leaves, branches and the type of things
that are left to rot with the manures; that their dose of manure is applied throwing this
little by little in its roots through the watering so that they stay there, and that with this
same lean and re-rot manure dust is usually given; thats also convenient for the string
beans to spray its leaves and feet with sweet water, in which water has been boiled up
many times, after being left to chill out for an hour, because this reestablishes and
benefits them; and the same when theres some kind of accident that leaves them
healthy looking, weak or thin, this operation must be done in the way weve said, its
plants sprayed with hot water, infusing as much as possible in its feet, this, out of the
growth and robustness it brings to them, eliminates many calamities from them: one of
the things that makes them robust and gives them life is taking its vanillas with its sticks
or its leaves, and (everything rot with pat and human feces) applying manure to them
after lean; this /through Allah) causes in them the desired effect. Finally, he says, you
should understand that Mercury and Mars have some kind of influence on it.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the bread made of string beans is eaten
only in times of need. The green cooked string beans with their vanillas and prepared
with vinegar, mura (cold vegetable soup), oil and some spice is delicious food that
feeds a lot after being digested. Planting the seeds of them between their spaces, they
are raised as the broad beans and the lentils; after being eaten with the species of usual
cooked vegetables, they are useful for the stomach, and are of delicate taste if theyre
accompanied with styptic and bitter stuff. If theyre eaten from the beginning with
bread, seasoned with vinegar and mura, and fish/meat above them, they make it easier
to digest for the stomach, making it pass swiftly of the intestines, without letting their
vapors to go from the stomach to the brain. Eaten with salty fish soup, they are delicious
and convenient. It isnt convenient to eat them alone, because they are cause of
headache and nausea; but eaten only with delicacies, as they arent the only ones that
stop in the stomach, they dont harm it. If cooked in sweet water until there is few left,
bread is eaten with them, and this with few salt grains, later drinking that same water,
they remove the heavy asthma; to which effect there a more effective remedy that the
cooked string beans isnt known. Its written in other books that the string beans
generate thick and slow smells; that he who eats it has nightmares; and that the mustard
prevents any possible damage, the same is applied to the vinegar, salt, origan, and if
over them strong date wine is consumed. According to my observation, the string beans
are planted in dryness in Seville.
ARTICLE III
The planting of the peas in wet and dry earth
In Persia theyre called jolr: from the which (according to Abu Abdalah Ebn el
Fasl) there is a species known as claudicativos, those that are the most wispy of all,
and whose leaf is similar to the one from the ervils. One of the bad properties that they
have is, that if over them after being harvested, or in its hay, one laid in order to sleep,
and being the moon in its crescent phase, its left as if kicked off, for this reason (where
no doubt can fit) are known the peas of that name.
Abu el Jair says that peas are the peas are the small French beans, and that its
species are the ones called chtlekos and sbelos: these are of round, bulky bean and
with a blue a color, and whose leaf is similar to the one from the broad bean, and
theyre called firj (of chicken) in the match of Sadka (San Lucar). Others say that
their substance is similar to the broad beans of Sidona, and that the best time to use
them is in summer. The same author along with others adds that the wet and delicious
earth greased with manure is the most convenient one, and the same for those species of
earth that are meant for the wheat. Others affirm that this species of earth is the rough
one; that they arent planted in low terrains and that this operation is made in February.
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that in this month and the previous; and that theyre
planted with stake in the planks with a distance of one palm between each bean. He
adds that theyre planted with the same method of the barley and wheat; and that if their
beans are mixed with doves feces, its vegetation and growth is accelerated: that when
planting them a watering should be provided, that wont be needed if its raining when
they are planted; that if not, a watering should be provided when its flower appears,
because its a robust plant that doesnt need to be watered in a regular manner: that in
ten planks a pound of its seed is planted, this (if done in dryness) is done in February
and March; and that has the property of not stopping that who eats them of being happy
that day.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, there are ideal preparations for the lands
where broad beans will be planted, and that the time of planting them is from the
beginning of January up to the final days of February. Some are planted from the
beginnings of July, the best and the one with the better summer. Plant them spread in
wide terrain, making holes of shallow depth for this matter. They need water,
cultivation and manure, just as the broad beans. Its plants are one of the things that go
into the manure, if they have been left to rot with it. Theyre a genre of good.
Making bread from these, according to the Nabataean agriculture; but he who
does it for feeding needs to filter it, and mix it with flour of wheat or barley, which is
better for this; this bread is eaten with milk, butter and fat, these are the most convenient
ones.
The chtleko, says Abu el Jair, is a species of French bean smaller and of better
taste than the other ones; for these the best earth is the greased and the wet black thats
full of substance, making with them what has been said before with the other. The time
to plant them in wet earth is in January and February, and a watering is given after they
are born.
The sbelo, says the same author, is the smallest of the beans expressed, and its
leaf is similar to that of ervils. The cultivation in the wet and dry earth is equal to the
last ones, and in twenty planks of earth three pounds of its seeds are planted.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the peas are winter seeds as well as
summer seeds, and from them, grounded, bread is made. Sagrit affirms that the first and
early ones must be planted from the beginnings of January until the ends of March; and
theyre harvested twice, one in the final days of April and the other one in August: that
they prefer the same earth and cultivation as the broad beans, and are equally exposed to
the same dangers as them; and that they also grow well and healthy in hard earth.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the peas have the virtue that, after being
put in vinegar, they fatten the ox thats fed with them, and also play an important role in
cleaning their body from any calamity. The ervils can imitate this quality; and if theyre
mixed, each one of them benefits them.
ARTICLE IV
The planting of the lentils in wet earth and dry earth
The best of them are the wide white, that doesnt blacken the water where they
are put to rest. From the theres a wild species of bad quality. The earth convenient for
them is the rough, the black with manure, and where good wheat is grown, especially in
dry earth. The time to plant them in wet earth is in the month of February, this is done in
moisture planks, as the wheat and barley. The dont need watering if theres rain falling
when theyre starting to bloom; if not, theyre only watered after discovering their
flower. In dry earth they are plant thick and late; and the early are planted along the
wheat. According to the book of Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl, planting in the mentioned
time in a turn work, they are raised well, and the come up better than the late ones; these
are planted in March after the rains in earth with medium amounts of juice. Its said that
if before planting its seed it was rubbed with lean pat, it is born sooner and the bean
grows more; and that in ten wet planks a pound of them is planted.
It is an opinion of Kastos that if the lentils mixed with all the other mentioned
beans are planted, the calamities overlook them, being free those that were planted
along it; you can see the maxim of Junio above about this. According to the Nabataean
agriculture, the lentils are one of the vegetables of common and ordinary livelihood;
these, if before of planting them pat is spread on them and then planted, the bean fattens
and comes with better quality. Planted after being in wine a whole day, its taste is
delicate, mostly if they achieve a good seasoning. They are a winter seed, and prefer the
thick earth that comes from a spring. They have the same demands of the broad beans
about the manure; and it isnt convenient in any way to mix them with manure, but to
follow the same procedure done with the broad beans. Planting them spread, and in the
same way than the broad beans, throwing some beans of them in each hole of the
elaborated ones. When they are born they should have a little more manure applied to
them as long as they are three fingers tall, and dont need manure when they exceed this
height, but they do need to be cleaned from the herbs that is born between them. Its
convenient to avoid planting them in snowy or hot earth; because acquiring the bad
quality from them, they are harmed. Low quantity of water is enough for them, and they
suffer from the dryness.
The way of cooking (According to the Nabataean agriculture) is throwing in
each pound of theirs four to seven pounds of sweet water, bathing them in oil before
that. Heat the water first, and after boiled, the lentils are thrown in it until theyre tender.
The more mature (or seasoned) they are, the less harmful they are; and those not mature,
will become tender more quickly. The way to avoid any harm caused it to mix origan
and spearmint, or one of these, and eating them with lots of oil. He who eats them a lot
will be victim of leprosy and other black diseases (i.e. scabies). The ervils have the
opposite virtue to the lentils. These, by opinion of other people, thicken the blood of
whoever eats them, making them happy for the whole day.
ARTICLE V
The planting of the sesame in wet earth and dry earth
According to Abu Abdalah Enb el Fasl and others, the convenient earth for
them are the greased earth, the black wet, the rough one and the sandstone; but the best
is the lean and hard earth in the surface, and sandstone in the middle. Thick earth
shouldnt be used due to its cracks, and also because it would suffocate them by
imprisoning it. The time to plant it in wet earth is in March. The same author says that
its also planted in April in the planks after theyve sprayed with water, and are left until
the plant is dry: the seed is planted in the earth with an equal quantity of manure; and
that this is done with the intention of its planting to go the desired way, and to avoid
getting it sick from the air at the time of the planting. Incorporating itself softly with the
earth without watering it in the same moment of this operation until its born, because
the anticipated watering that could be given would rot it. Maxims from the same author
dictate that planting in thirty planks of earth a pound of its seed it grows in the form of a
bush, that acquires pomposity proportional to the good quality of the terrain, and the
cultivation that were given to it: during the summer it should be watered once a week
until the midst of August, and then its water supply should be cut: that when it starts to
rise and has already a finger of height, the soft plants should be taken from among the
whole amount of plants, carefully watching that theres a distance of one palm between
each of its feet: that after being hoaxed a watering follows the next day, and that if after
this another thing is left, a second hoaxing will be repeated: that in dry earth it should be
planted in midst of March over a good work, seven grid being the regular; and that
when planting the earth should be moisturized by regular rain, lighter than that where
the wheat is planted: that is should be taken and harvested in the final days of
September, when the vanilla of its seeds already yellow in color without leaving it be
totally dry, making that the ones that are already forming lay over one another to avoid
the vanillas that contain the seed to be opened, or this last one getting rid of it: that
leaving them like this until theyre dried from regular means, usually eight days, their
beans should be placed over a sheet and stored in new vases of mud.
The sesame, commonly known plant, carries a wispy and oiled bean (according
to the Nabataean agrilcuture), which, by the virtue it has, corrupts the earth where is
planted; for said reason it isnt convenient to plant it two years in a row in the same
location. Is for his convenience that it should be planted in salty earth, and in the lean
and arid from the surface that isnt from a spring and wet. The time to plant it ranges
from the beginnings of May until the twenty of June, in which regime and cultivation
we recommend continuous appliance of assistance, removing some if its leafs and
straightening the inclined branches. IF any kind of damage occurred to it that caused it
to turn yellow, or if it itself being withered (this happens unexpectedly), some portion of
manure will reach its roots using the channels the water uses; in a way that after being
rot and shuffled many days, is dissolved on the water thats used to water the sesame, in
whose feet you should apply this mix, and give it dust mixed with earth different from
the one its planted on. IT doesnt favors the rain, it prefers the heats and dryness.
Susado says that what stops it from corrupting the land, and that also contributes
to the goal of laying lots of beans that also bring more oil, is that if before planting its
seed you have it dipped in water mixed with blood from hens and cocks, and spraying
very well the bean of the sesame with it, and equally incorporating it with the hands in a
way that everything remains bathed and penetrated of the same, its planted after this.
Look what has been said earlier in the chapter XIX about what is planted in wet earth,
isles, and in cultivated fields past springs equinox, with everything else thats also
there.
ARTICLE VI
The planting of the corn in wet earth and dry earth
Discuss if this is the so-called jawrx. According to Abu el Jair and other, there
are various species, white, (garnki), red, and black. Its said that one of the genres of
the drrat, and favors the thick earth, the adipose earth, and the earth from an isles that
has a mix of sand and were jointly wet by nature: that the time of planting it is in the
beginnings of March: that when planted in dry earth its put into well plowed earth,
having had grid works in it in the beginnings of said month, when its medium juice on
it, and isnt heavy or light; in which its planted after this. If it were in wet earth, it is
planted after the earths been watered and well moisturized; likewise watering the seed;
after born and grown its hoaxed, and is left thirsty twice, then watered after each one,
repeating onwards the same alternative of hoaxing, thirst and watering until it produces
the seed, and this is filled, which is hoaxed after, threshed, thrown and raised.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the dojonk and the jawrx are two
beans very similar in nature, figure and size. Both are planted and cultivated in the same
way as the drrat; and some same stuff is convenient or harmful for both, with the only
difference being that they get a head on in the millet by a few days.
Susado opines that these two beans must be planted in moisturized earth with a
lot of heat and juice in consideration to the lengths they extend to while filling the earth
of plants; to which one should be careful when cleaning the herbs from it, being this its
major cultivation, and what also makes all of the perform abundant. The time to plant
them starts in the twenty of March and ends by the final days of April: its fertilizing is
the same as the millet, its watering is also equal to or a little more than that of the millet,
and its damages are easier to heal. These beans cooked with milk acquire certain
softness; and he who wished to cook them should boil them long periods of time with a
lot of water spreading milk in it little by little, when the initial has already disappeared.
ARTICLE VII
How the bread is made from these seeds, according the Nabataean agriculture
Its flour spread with hot water, amassed with it without intermission, after
bowed its put to boil covered with water until all of it is consumed. After its amassed
adding starch, and the amassing continues until the end; from which the bread is made,
that feeds less than the bread made of millet. Having made in my house pieces of corn
flour and eaten part of them, the remaining bread was eaten in that same days night,
which after being baked in the oven was left juicy and soft. The bread from the
mentioned seeds eaten with fat, butter, oil and milks isnt harmful, because these are its
best companions; and likewise it has the particular virtue of converting the jawrx of
bad quality into jawrx of good quality.
ARTICLE VIII
The method of planting the millet in wet earth and dry earth, whose bean in
Persia is called jawrx
The millets consist of two species; a white one, that (according to Abu el Jair
and other authors) is the best, and a dark one. They favor thick, wet adipose and hot
earth. Whatever earth that is good for the wheat is also good for the millet in dry earth.
IT favors the watering with sweet water. The time of planting then in wet earth is in the
month of May; this is executed in dust, and in fertilized planks, throwing the seed in the
same way as done with the radishes, as the expressed author adds.
Ebn el Fasl says that it should be watered when its beginning to grow
vegetation because it would be harmful for it; the same goes for the rains that fell on it
during such time, just as the corn and henbane: should be watered after its vegetations
already a little bit bigger, and hoaxed when it has one palm of height, and its plants
cleared in a way that from feet to feet theres space of one palm or more, because of the
roots they produce: that from there onwards they are watered, stopping this practice
until ,the earth lean, the need for water appears, this need being identified by the certain
yellow color they acquire, and that executing this at least III times, its perfectly raised,
through Allah: that the twirled plants prevail very well after being transplanted: that the
time to plant it in dry earth is in the months of March and April, and in the beginning of
May in a good worked earth, and regular juiciness by rains that fell short before: that it
regularly grown itll be hoaxed and cleaned from the herbs, and so its harvest part by
part entirely when its pins are full and seasoned, shaking these after lean: and that if the
corn is planted in wet earth mixed with the dill, they are well raised in one same time
without one being harmful to the other.
The millet, one of the fruits of the summer, is plant by us in our climate (says the
author of the Nabataean) from the twenty four of March until the same day in April; but
the best is to plant it just as April beings; and if this were to be done before such day, it
will come with good quality. It needs continuous and moderate watering almost as
much as the rice, even though this last one needs them bigger. It also needs a discharge
of its leaves when its grown and tall; which is done every week, when these detach and
thicken its stem, until after its growth has finished.
According to Sudado, it should be planted in the final days of April and in all
May; which is done in two ways: one spreading and covering it with dirt and watering it
later; the second is that mixing its seeds with mud, after it has acquired some juice,
some balls should be made, and put in order to two or three or a little less than three
palms of distance between each other, and watered covering them with water, to whose
plants that have reached the height of a palm, or a little less, should have re-rot pat
(mixed with leaves from pumpkin, hackberry, marshmallow) spread on it; whose last
tree has the special virtue that whatever is mixed with it will reach the millet plants, just
like the wine mixed with water reaches the skin of whoever drinks it. Also with that,
after re-rot to the point of becoming black and lean, dust is given to the leaves of the
millet. Some want to plant it spread, which is easier and more comfortable compared to
planting them in a big quantity. Millet contains a certain advantageous virtue towards
the ox and goats, because when they feed from its green leaves, they get fat soon; and
the same effect is seen in the hens with the beans of the millet they pick up from the
ground. It also has the virtue of causing eternal thirst to whoever eats it, as the rice; so
one should be careful not to eat something salty along with it.
According to the Nabahtea agriculture, do from the millet bread almost as with
the rice, and is even tastier than this last ones. Its flour when amassed needs something
that locks its part; this is achieved mixing with it a little wheat washed in water two or
three times, or with starch, thats the best to achieve this effect. Such is the way of
amassing it and making it bread: put in hot water, over it flour from the millet is spread,
after which its constantly moved with a stick, adding more little bit by little bit,
watching out to avoid the water dropping its temperature; and like this is when the
mentioned wheat flour is applied, or starch grounded as dust, to correspond its big or
low quantity, this is, like a tenth, or a little more, shuffling it until its incorporated.
After more millet flours been added its well shuffled until the mass is pretty soft, in
this disposition its caressed with the hand until the mass is lean; from which, having it
covered before by length of an hour to allow it to ferment, the bread is made. The flour
of the millet mustnt come into contact with cold water and should have some yeast
applied in it, from wheat or barleys wheat. The breads made from millet, corn, rice,
jawarx, broad beans, lentils, French beans and peas are medicinal, if theyre eaten with
fat meat, fat, butter, or dipped in milk and putting some oil over it.
ARTICLE IX
The planting of the ammi (Estiopas cumin) in wet earth and dry earth
Its an species of the millet. It doesnt has shell, and from its bean the Etiopians
feed, and some other people that doesnt belong to the. Its eaten with milk because of
its roughness and dryness. With it you can make what has been said for the millet, and
in one hundred planks four pounds of it are planted. Refer to what was said before.
CHAPTER XXI
The planting in wet earth and dry earth of the vegetables
like the bread beans, peas, white lupins, ervils,
fenugreek, safflower and similar
ARTICLE I
Broad beans
Abu el Jair says that these are the bkalas; and that having some species from
them, the best are the bagadenses, which are black and thick; then the Egyptians, of the
same size and red in color; and lastly the Syrians, that are white and fat. According to
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl, for them the intended earth is the thick of good quality and
the fertilized; and its said that the delicious one is also one of them, like the places
exposed to the sun, uncultivated landscapes, and theyre planted in lean terrains.
According to this last author and some others, the time to plant them early is in
the month of October in dry earth, which prevails better than the late ones planted in
December and January. In wet earth theyre planted already swelled up, after plowing
the earth and distributed in planks of the quantity expressed in the prologue. The
method to swell them is to put them in a basket or similar container, and adding in it hot
water during the night, getting it out of there in the morning, and putting that basket into
another basket, covering until theyre swelled. Planting them in the planks with a small
stake, a palm long and thick as your thumb; and making holes two fingers deep in the
earth, in each one of the a bread bean is placed, with the holes having a distance
between themselves of a palm in length and width in the earth of good quality, and in
the earth of low quality, three fingers of space. The earth replaced and the planting
finished a watering is applied, with this theyre born stronger; and after theyve grown
as tall as a palm, they are hoaxed softly and with care to avoid touching its roots with
the tool. When they begin to bloom their flowers theyre watered a second time, and left
as long as the earths soft, theyre later hoaxed again. Planted in wet earth around
September and August they lay fruits in the fall; after which, if the snows hurt them,
they lay more roots and give fruits in spring. Its said that with this regime they last and
are eaten fresh in some regions of temperate air through the whole year; that in one
hundred planks twenty pounds of them are planted, weighting them before placing them
in water, each plank having almost two and a half pounds assigned to it; and that the
broad beans mature more sooner if before planting them, they are put into an infusion of
nitrate water.
The broad beans remove the smell of garlic from the mouth immediately after
being consumed. The hens that eat a lot of them stop laying eggs; but the sheep that
were fed with this produce lots of ilk, and this also useful for the goats and ox. Its
already said in the chapter XVIII that its convenient to plant the bread beans early in
delicious and moisturized earth. They are winter plants (according to the Nabataean
agriculture), and they are planted from the beginnings to the ends of winter; and most
part of the types of earth are convenient for it, exceptions being the hot, the sour
flavored, bitter, and the bad quality one. They need to be fertilized many times from the
moment theyre born until the moment of harvesting them.
According to Sagrit, he who wished early broad beans must plant them from the
beginnings of October until the last days of December, thats when the late ones begin;
from which the planted in the first half of this last month, and especially in the
beginnings of October and November, are the ones with the most robust and thick bean.
One of the things that benefit the most the plans are its very same leafs and hay,
incorporating all rot to the manure. If you mix its hay and rot roots with their leafs and
white fruit, pat and donkeys feces, everything well incorporated until blackened in the
way expressed above, and lean after, its spread in the feet of the broad beans when
theyre being raised, applying dust to them with the same mix four times as long as they
remain in the earth, they will come more healthy and grown. One of the very convenient
things for it, that contributes to what was expressed just before and the appearance the
plant acquires, is to infuse amurca in the water thats sprayed to it in every watering;
and if over the amurca you apply manure as described before, the broad beans will come
bigger and more robust. Its important (says the quoted author), that they should be
planted in the way we do it in the Chaldea, this is, doing small holes of low depth and
that in each one of them a fistful of broad beans (whose quantity should be ten beans,
this should be understood everything the number itself isnt expressed); which placed in
a distance one from the other, are well covered with earth, or with this same one its
holes are covered, which is the best. Planted them also doing in the earth and the
inferior part of the entrance of the grooves a line, in which length from one extreme to
the other broad beans should be thrown in pairs, one placing it and the other one
covering it. Theres another method and that is making mud balls, and putting five to
ten beans in each one of them and burying them in the ground, and watering them after
the earths been replaced. Another one is, that over the embalmed water of the planks
the broad beans should be spread, and earth should also be spread over them until
theyre entirely covered with it; this practice is a very good and fixed one. The broad
beans need to be fertilized while their plants are still developing, and theyre found in
the height of twelve centimeters, or even as high as twenty four centimeters, spreading
over them lone, dried and shredded pat. Left like that by a week, theyre fertilized after
with this same pat along with the vanillas, leafs and stems from it (already mentioned
before); and if with it there were also donkeys feces, it should prove very useful for due
to the convenience it presents for the broad beans; this is what Sagrit dictates in its
poems, where it says that the bad is convenient for the good, this giving us the
understanding that the donkeys feces is the best for these vegetables. They improve
with the rains almost without danger of them being lost like the other winter plants;
because even with its impulse they are pushed to the ground, the sun bathes them later,
reviving and standing straight as they were. Its medicine against the rigor of the cold
and snow is the manure we mentioned before. According to other authors, one of its
remedies is to water them with hot water, because like this they restore from any kind of
damage they couldve acquired ; but with this itll be convenient to water them with
cold water twenty four hours later without dilatation, because if the contrary happened,
theyd be lost. Planted in bitter earth they pick it up from there.
In order for the beans to come well in what its planting, its a maxim from Enoc
(quoted in the Nabataean agrilculture), that the convenient earth for them are the dark
delicious, and the dark that hasnt acquired lots of moisture from that species; that if
planted in arid and salty earth theyre raised lean and weak; that they love the
continuous rains and the heavy watering after its flourishing has begun; and that if
theyre planted early in the first moment that theyre usually planted (in the beginnings
of November) they should be placed in water with nitrate four days, and planting them
in the fifth day; which makes that they raise sooner and more robust. Susado affirms
that they should be only left in the mentioned water and later planted. Our fellowmen
(he adds) have experimented the best and most robust species of the broad beans that
the ones planted after the kalendas of January (that is the first day) until the tenth of said
month, because theyre raised very robust, and its fruit fatted, and free of worms, this
being one of its sickness; from the which when its overtaken, itll always come hard.
The remedy for this is to have the broad beans, two or three days before their planting,
placed in common oil or that from the sesame, but the common oils more efficient;
planted like this in the traditional times, its fruits are safe from any type of insect.
The people of or regions (says Enoc) plant the broad beans since the ten of
January until the five of March, and like this the last ones reach the first ones. He adds
that the plans of the broad beans should have their herbs hoaxed; one of them is born
between the plants and is very similar, but its vanilla is thinner; this one has inside a
dry, black and corrupted thing of foul smell. From such plants if a portion is picked, and
left to rot later with pat, donkey feces and hay from broad beans, they should be
fertilized with it through the whole duration of this, which proves of marvelous utility
for them; and likewise it is when theyre fertilized and have dust spread over them with
the ash gathered from the broad beans burnt, this is, from its plants with its leaves, fruits
and roots.
The author of the Nabataean agriculture says that one of the things that make
them healthy food is that if theyre going mixed with wild oregano due to their extreme
contrariety, this throws out its flatulence; and that this same effect is also produced by
the cumin, mint and pennyroyal. The safest way to cook the broad beans and all kinds
of vegetables is boil the water alone for a while and later adding the broad beans
cleaned from their shells, and the same for the other vegetables; this accelerates its
cooking. Bread can be done from them, and the way of ground and filtering them after
broken and clean is the same as the other vegetables for the same effect; this bread is
eaten with fat, butter, oils and fat meat, having mixed with its mass what we said is
mixed with the corn and millets mass.
Susado opines that the broad beans shouldnt be eaten together with fish,
because this causes needle pain, and croup: that if the broad beans are cooked with their
shells until theyre a little soft, and that from them broken in small parts the doves are
fed, this makes their dove feces get fatter: that if shells from broad beans are put alone
near the roots of any type of plant, be it a vine or tree, it dries them, or delays its
vegetation: that the hen that eats this totally stops laying eggs: that the crows and other
birds as the cranes and similar vividly crave for these beans, the remedy for this is to
mix whole or broken broad beans with something that harms them, and putting one or
other in vinegar wine, throwing it after where they eat it; when they eat this theyre left
without the ability to fly until one picks them with the hand, which shredded and
opened with are hung in a cross way from one rope between two straight sticks so that
when the wind moves them, the other ones flee.
The broad beans (according to the opinion of Junio) are planted in delicious and
wet earth, already talked about it before. The dry beans shouldnt be eaten (says Ibn
Maserhaweya dmeh) after having been placed in water. The best is to cook them and
that after this they should be eaten with pepper, cumin, oregano, common oil or another
sweet, because they become good. From the book of Ambry Ben-Bahr-el-Jahet, flies are
born from the broad beans placed in amounts in some place
ARTICLE II
How the peas are planted in wet earth and dry earth
Theres a species of white peas, blond and black, and to all of them (according to
Aby el Jair and other authors) the most convenient type of earth is the rough and salty,
in which they bloom early with delicious fruit. In the thick earth, even when its plant
grows healthy, the fruit comes late, whose bean comes very tender. They prevail well in
the earth convenient for the wheat; and the time to plant them in wet earth is in the three
months of January, February and March, that this is the last time to execute it. Planting
them late in the channels of onions, their bean comes up fat and with good quality. The
best ones to be planted are the smooth white, having had them before in water through
one day and one night; this operation and its planting is totally similar to that done with
the broad beans, and that the same distance said when talked about the broad beans
should be applied, or a little less. Plant them in plowed earth, having done one or more
grid works to it in planks moisturized with the water, and shouldnt be watered
immediately after being planted because this would rot them; but they must be watered
one time, when they raise and have the height of a palm or a little less; after this theyre
hoaxed, and left until theyre watered a second time when they show their flower,
hoaxing them after their earth has softened; with this regime they come with good
quality.
The peas dont suffer from the continuous watering; and theyre maxims from
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl, that the ones planted in thick earth should have four or five
watering, and those in rough earth just two or three: that in one hundred planks six
pounds of them will be planted, weighted before putting them in water; and that the
time to plant them un dry earth is in the beginnings of March right after the rains, and
over an earth with good works and moisture that allows them to grow.
Kastos affirms that if at the time of planting them theyre mixed with some seeds
of barley, these two seeds receive reciprocal benefits; this has been proved by me. He
adds that he who wished fat beans should plant them wet. Casio says that the beans
should be mixed with all types of seeds that its feared that some insects calamity falls
upon them and those others that naturally cause them every harmful wind. Its said that
when theyre being cooked some mustard seeds are thrown with it, they dissolve; and
that he who eats white Egyptian peas will be happy and with a calm mood.
Its already been said in the chapter XVIII that the peas should be planted in
delicious and wet earth; and from the authority of Ibn Hajj, that they encourage the
people to plant them in flat lands and low fields to find wet and soft earth for them; this
entire maxim you can read it where it belongs.
In the Nabataean agriculture its said that the peas being a salty plant, the salts
from the earth theyre planted on is attracted; that theyre planted when the French
beans; that the salty earth and the earth from springs is convenient for them; that if you
want fat peas or well raised beans, you place them in water a day before planting them
in lowly heated water until theyre a bit wet, and planted in this disposition. Sagrit
affirms that if theyre planted near salty water or earth, their plants grow robust, and
they give abundant fruit; because loving the salty stuff with lots of moisture, every place
thats wet and salty is convenient for them. If you want early peas to eat them fresh,
plant them in the beginnings of October and towards the final days of August; and if
late to save, plant them in December a January, in the ends of the first one and in the
beginnings of the second one; because the ones planted in this time are the ones that are
dried and stored, and the ones that are eaten fresh are the planted in the first time weve
said; which acquire certain softness if theyve been hold with vinegar and oil. Susado
says that its very good the plant the peas and the lentils from the first day until the
midst of January; and that also it is if you plant those with its shell leaving them
exposed to the sun the whole day in the length of three days before planting them,
turning their sides during night so that the suns heat bathes them in the day, and after
this they should be planted: that the ones planted early in this time come with a thicker
bean and its harvest is abundant, and are the same that are left to dry to hoax and pick
them in this disposition in the right time; and that the ones that wish them so, should
plant them from the twenty to the last day of November.
Susado quoted in the Nabataean agriculture says that if a point of peas is put in
the night when its crescent, and raised after in the morning before the sun rises theyre
put in into sweet water for two hours, and with the same theyre left until theyre tender,
they have the virtue that when eaten, cold or hot, they make the eater happy, lighten the
mood, make yourself forget of the worries, strengthen the heart and also move away the
bad thoughts: that they also have the property of softening and helping make the meat
placed to cook with them tender, removing some of its bad smell; and likewise, of
removing from the dresses the blood stains, washing it with them grounds and mixed
with soap or salt: that the black beans are usually destined for medicine, and the fat
yellow ones for food; over which it has already been quoted before the maxim of Junio
in the last chapter where you can see it.
The bread made from peas, says Rasis, is of slow digestion. But this is fixed if
eaten after throwing lots of salt on it, and with certain foods like meat, onion, oil, butter,
and dry cheese. Ibn Zahrah says that from the bread of all vegetables this is the best
after the wheat and barleys, and that it feeds a lot.
ARTICLE III
The method to plant the fenugreek
Named also cuernos and cuernos de cabra, according to Abu el Jair; which says
(along with other), that these are planted in wet earth and dry earth; that the time to
plant them in wet earth is from February to the midst of May, this operation and
watering is as said with the other similar seeds; and that in this last month is the time to
plant them in dry earth. In the chapter XVIII it was said that theyre planted in thin earth
from the midst of January until springs equinox, and that they grow well when planted
in fall with the broad beans.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the convenient earth for them is the
earth of regular temperature thats between soft and hard, and theyre planted in all the
month of November until December because the seeds planted after this dont prosper.
They need fertilizers, with which they grow, and its advised to cook it along cows
meat. Plant them like the vegetables, throwing them spread (most common method), or
throwing the seeds holes done in the entries (this is less used). Its most cultivation
comes from the frequent hoaxing and cleaning of herbs that were born with it, tearing
and throwing it to the sun. They need to be fertilized with some of the manures weve
mentioned, and they favor the big amounts of pat mixed with pumpkin leafs rot with it;
and they also improved, due to the vast robustness they acquire with it, by spraying its
branches with water where some of its grounded beans have been cooked, and infusing
this same water in its feet. The worst calamity for the fenugreek is the dryness; but if the
big patience of having them picked and closed when they suffer from it is there, they
will be safe from it.
The Nabataean agriculture says that if the camels are feed with plants and beans
of fenugreek, they grow fat and healthy because this grass is extremely advantageous
for them; and that the same effect is achieved hanging from the neck of the camel a
purse with sixty four beans of fenugreek, and tying another one near its lungs with some
flax lace; with which they are also preserved from many accidents, through Allah.
Quote this saying of Mohammad: if my people knew with the fenugreek has, theyd
heal themselves with it, even if they were expensive as gold.
ARTICLE IV
The method of planting the ervils called kesr, name derived from the Persian
root
Plant them in February and March in dry lands, in mildly juicy earth as the
wheat and the barley, and are torn in Junio. Its an opinion of the Persians that the cows
that are fed with ervils after being infused in water until theyre sweet become
producers of lots of milk. The same is said about the four legged animals and the goats;
but this isnt advantageous for the pregnant sheep. Theyre lost planting them with
seeds of vegetables. Its already been said in the chapter XIX that they grow well in thin
earth other than sand, and that the early seeds are planted in January, having chance to
be delayed until February and March. Its a vegetable of winter, says the Nabataean
agriculture, and its beans is round and triangular, dark in the shell, blonde in the inside,
and smaller than the pea; its plant is like a little bush of very thin branches that take the
bean in vanillas in a hilarious way. The plant and the bean are food for the livestock,
which fatter regularly with this grass, and grows healthy. There isnt a better medicine
for it than eating ervils; because besides the robustness they give, they also increase its
brain and bone marrow. For the ervils the ideal earth is the lean and strong one, and they
rot, in the earth from springs, thin earth, soft and spongy earth. They dont need too
many watering, but they suffer when dry; they also dont require great care in its
cultivations due that they later throw its flowers in the ground and uncover the fruit,
they are conserved naturally without the frequent assistance or medicine.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, from these grounded beans bread is
made; but its harmful for the stomach, in a way it shouldnt be eaten alone, but mixing
its flour with the flour of lentils and wheat. Likewise it should be eaten with fat meat,
cow butter, fat and milk, especially fresh milk; for this effect we use the white ervils.
When you desire it so, youll put them in sweet water in a way that theyre covered with
it, apply more water and replacing it in the day by the morning; after which put to toast
in a big pan in slow fire youll shuffle continuously, this is how they let go of their
shell; and they are amassed after being grounded, and the bread is made and after that
put to bake, from the which the man shouldnt use, but only in times of need; and this,
mixing flour of lentils and wheat with it once washed, and eating it along what was said.
About its properties, if doing balls of some of its flour the same were thrown in
wine pats and towards the sides of them, it guards them from the corruption giving it a
beautiful color, clears and makes its own color more beautiful to the one who drinks it,
and also leaves him with good taste in the mouth, avoiding him from getting drunk too
quick. In other books its written that the with ervils are less crushable than the yellow
and black ones; that when cooked n sweet water, this should be replaced many times
until, sweeting themselves, they lose the ungrateful quality they contained, only its
earthly substance remaining in them, which has not bitterness and is a lean food. Abu el
Jair says that when the man sees himself victim of hunger and forced to eat from these
beans, should prepared them like the white lupins, and eaten with honey.
ARTICLE V
The method to plant the white lupins called baslas
Can be planted in wet earth and dry earth; and they says that the earths
convenient for them are the thin, sandstone, rocky and similar ones; the same species of
manure that are beneficial for the wheat and barley also are for the white lupins. Kastos
affirms that theyre planted in weak, thin earth and that this is done early in September
after the equinox; and that also are planted in October, without waiting the moisture of
the rains. In the chapter XVIII the maxims about its planting in dry earth were already
mentioned, where you can appreciate them. The times to plant them in wet and dry earth
is in October, and are planted in the same way as broad beans. They suffer from big
quantities of water, and dont need too much cultivation. With twenty five pounds of
them you can plant one hundred planks, and its very good to be careful of not planting
them during crescent moon. These are enemies of all the types of trees, be them
neighbors or only planted in its surroundings. It was already said before, by authority of
Junio, that they grow well in sandstone, thin and weak earth, as you can check in the
chapter XVIII.
If the white lupins are hoaxed in water until theyre sweet or a little less, and
after being dried theyre mixed with hay, you have as a product a grass that fattens the
beasts and livestock. Likewise, if in equal disposition theyre mixed with barley, the
brad dome from both grounded seeds is delicate and holds good taste. According to the
Nabataean agriculture, the white lupins are a species of Nabataean bean, the same as the
Egyptian broad beans. From the earth, the convenient types are those that have mixing
of lots of sand, and the subtle, weak, thin one; and also many others are good for them.
Its planting is done throwing them spread and applying dust in a way that the earth
doesnt entirely covers them. They barely need cultivation and fertilizing, and also dont
require to be checked frequently. The time to plant them is from the twenty six of
September up to the fifth of November; and is a plant that grows very well, such plants
you can improve by tearing the plants that are born alongside it. Should be planted right
after the rains, and after its fruit has been picked up, when the earth still has that
moisture, and in the same way as the broad beans.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, cooking the white lupins until its
bitterness is gone, and later putting them to dry makes them good for food; and
effectively, when given to the beasts along with their usual hay it fattens them. The
method to extract its bitterness to elaborate bread from them is to have the dipped into
sweet water three days, proportional to the quantity of the white lupins there is; which,
when removed, are placed in another water with salt mixed in the same way as the first
one; which spilled in the same way in the third day, is later washed from its viscosity;
and later replacing their water, the same operation is repeated sometimes until
everything bitter is entirely removed. After dry mixing with them a part of wheat and
another part of barley, all grounded, is used to make delicate and soft bread. Theyre
also usually mixed with only barley or French beans, when there isnt wheat or barley
available, grounding it altogether. Its a maxim from Abu el Jair that to make healthy
white lupins and ready to be used, they should be first blanched and later put into sweet
water until their bitterness comes off, and are eaten as muria only or with vinegar, and
that theyre usually left good with only some salt. Rasis affirms that, if placed in water
and immediately blanched, this is repeated until its bitterness is gone, theyre left as
vegetables. Others say that putting them many times in water, and later cooking them
with salt, they are to be eaten with vinegar and muria, drinking strong date wine along it
due to the contributions it makes to its digestion; that he who usually eats them must eat
a lot of sweets and greases; and that the white lupins planted in bitter earth improve it
by removing this quality. See what was exposed in the last chapter.
ARTICLE VI
The method to plant safflower
You can find two species of it (according to Abu el Jair and other authors), with
and without thorns; this last one being the most suited to dye and the one that has its
flower picked easily. Planted in wet and in dry earth and the regions with temperate air
suit it the best. In the wet earth it grows healthy; and even if its flower blooms late, its
better. The time to plan it in dry earth is around the month of March; which is done in
well worked earth where works have been applied since the beginning of January with
consecutive and repeated plowings until the time of the planting, this being in the
beginnings of March. Plant as the other similar beans with good juice, and is hoaxed
when its plants are grown. The time to plant it in wet earth planks is in February and
March. Mustnt be watered but after being born, and that will be one time per week; and
should be hoaxed when its robust, watering it immediately after this, and making said
operation before each watering. Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that watering it when it
craves for water keeps it healthy: that its also planted usually in the flaxs channels:
and that in one hundred planks twenty pounds of it can be planted. Others say that ten
and six.
When its flowers bloomed the waterings stopped; from those flowers picked in
the morning and grounded in mortars some balls are made; which put over leaves of
wild fig, of fig or walnut, and covered with them they are dried in the shadows, and
raised in this disposition; and the same to ground after lean. From its plants you can
make aromatic confections; which harvested after its seeds full, or torn and threshed
when dry, this is pull out, and of it stored in new mud vases oil used in medicine is
taken. Its also grass for the doves.
CHAPTER XXII
The method to plant the cotton, flax, hemp, onion,
glastum, common privet and the opium poppy
in wet and dry earth
ARTICLE I
The method to plant the cotton
Abu Hanifa quoting some scenit araibans of Monte-calbo says, that in these
countries the cotton grows so tall until its as big as the apricot, and that lasts twenty
years. According to Abu el Jair and others, the cotton is planted in wet earth and dry
earth. Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl affirms that in Spain they choose for it the rough and
toasted earth, in which it lays bloom sooner to the fruit, in big quantities, and not after
the usual time. Planting it in dry earth its it favors moisturized earth.
The same author says that the Sicilians destine for the worst type of earth and the
same is made in the coasts of Spain: that in the rocky Arabia, Egypt, Ascalon and in
Bsora theyre planted in sand over watering, and are transplanted just as the
vegetables, putting a plant a distance to the other of eight palms; because there it grows
to be as tall as our figs, and isnt dried but after many years in which cotton has been
picked up: that its regime is the same as the one of the vines, and that with the works
and the watering its successively renewed in the following years, harvesting its useful
fruit each year: that the time to plant them in dry earth between us is from the
beginnings of March in earth plowed in the month of January with many and repeated
grid works, seven to ten, until the time to plant it, and it should be improved with
manure: that in it regularly moisture and filtered and in a calm day the seeds should be
planted after removing the cotton they had stuck with them, so that they dont get
tangled between themselves at the time of the planting, or the seeds to grow unequal;
for this effect the seed should be spread with water and spreading shredded dry manure,
and its caressed with the foot along in lands of clean dust, until it lets loose the
remaining cotton it had: that then it should be planted in the expressed earth in a way
that the plants have a clear path to grow in the correct direction while distanced from
any other seed one palm, and the earths replaced with the plow, so that its covered
with it: in wet earth its planted in April in well plowed and fertilized planks: and that
having sprayed these with water theyd be regularly wet and filtered; being this also
good; that they have water that comes from rains.
The same author adds that from the habitants of Syria one year before planting
them the earth is greased with soft, subtle manure cleaned of all types of stones and
other stuff, in which after well plowed some planks are raised that are later sprayed with
water, and in them (regularly wet and soft) the cotton seeds are planted (the earth being
between lean and heavy) in holes with a half finger in depth throwing in each one of
them two or three seeds distanced one palm and a half from any other seed; and
replacing a little amount of earth over it theyre left without watering until theyre as tall
as a palm: that then theyre to be hoaxed one and a second time, and when its risen a
little, its watered and then hoaxed, when for that the earth is in good disposition and its
dust lean, repeating since there the watering. Which must be executed (says Abu
Abdalah Ebn el Fasl) each fifteen days one until the beginnings of August, when it
begins to blossom. From there on the watering is cut to, suffering of thirst and being
less healthy, it grows fruits more abundant, which if string (or too much) their
extremities are cut with a cut, shaking with it what outstands until cutting so that,
backing in it via this operation the matter (or nutritious juice) the nuts coagulate more;
which are picked in the mornings of the month of September, when opening them the
cotton is uncovered, watching that there isnt moisture in them; and storing them away
from the sun so that this one is conserved, their cotton is extracted below shadows with
the fingers; this is executed with delicacy to avoid broken pieces of the shell to mix with
the cotton; after this is put to juice up in the sun, and risen. In the chapter XVIII it was
already said what Ibn Hajj refers in his book about not being good to plant it in other
earth that cultivation fields, in islands, and in flat lands; that its planted in May after the
earths been plowed sometimes, hoaxing and cleaning the herbs with which it was born,
and that like this it prospers and performs better.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the convenient land for the cotton is that
blonde and of gooey dust, or the black one that isnt salty in any way, of bad quality, or
sour; and widely prosper in all earths of improved quality. Its plant height raises less
than a mans, its trunk is thin, and its fruit round, which by many parts is broken to get
the cotton from its interior. The time to do its planting is in the final days of April, and it
finished in the ends of June. Its good to differ it until the ends of May, and its also
usually anticipated from the beginnings of the prior month, and is picked up by the ends
July and August, this last one being the month of the lion.
Usually cut with a hoax after the nuts are picked, grabbing the remaining cotton
in it from the beginnings of August until the beginnings of September. It grows
vegetation soon and extreme dryness harmful for it, just like the other planted seeds;
with the difference that when the dryness reaches it, almost all of it is lost; (for this
reasons) when overcome with strong dryness, its remedy will consist of spraying water
over tis branches and leaves, and throwing in its watering channels (at the same time of
the watering) re-rot manure with pat, pumpkin leaves and broad beans hay, and dusting
it before it loads the nuts it will carry, because when this is verified and the cotton
coagulates, no operation is recommended to do in it.
This manure that weve described is extremely advantageous for it, and it makes
it load many nuts and more cotton. Should be frequently torn the herbs that blooms
along with it, more importantly the one that looks like it; or taken when you find its
root, fruit, and leaves, lit on fire after being placed in piles of many of its kind; the
resulting burnt material from this is taken as a way to improve the plant, picking and
spreading it grounded over the cotton when its in half growth; this contributes to its
vegetation (through Allah).
ARTICLE II
How the plant the flax in wet earth and dry earth
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl and others say that the flax planted in wet earth
comes tender and softer, and the canvas made from it is the best; that the earth
convenient for it is the tender, thick, moisturized and the adipose; in which planted
while the earths dry it comes of good quality: that if planted in sand, thin or rough earth
these should be fertilized before with old manure: that the terrain should always be
exposed to the sun, because besides the effect that it wont grow as well, the flax will
come heavier and thicker: its plant in dry earth should be in earth where something
hasnt been cultivated in a long time, that before this it should be already burned in
January, plowed one and another year many and different times, and opened in May
through the work similar to the turn; which if done in earth that has had plants before, is
certainly good: that the set-aside are very advantageous for the flax, in whose earth
filtered from the fall season, and plowed with a hot turn with neighboring grooves
between themselves, and fertilized after the flax is planted in a good day of calm air,
finding the earth lightly moisturized, and the dust loose and not heavy, shuffling it later
with the seed with a light plow that isnt deep.
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says, that the seeds that falls in the deepest part of the
grooves doesnt bloom, that the time to plant the flax in dry earth is from the final days
of September until the tenth of October, and that this doesnt changes unless the rains
are delayed. Look with reflexivity what was said above about the book of Ibn Hajj
titled the Suficiente. The same author adds that the early flax should be planted after the
rains from the eight or ten of October, having turned said earth before in February with
one, two and a third grid work; and that if the rains delay, before any planting, it should
be begun with this, planting as soon as the rains begin: that if it were planted in a windy
day, it should be mixed with the seed some wimpy dust, and the hand inclined with it
towards the earth at the time of planting so that the wind doesnt hits it and the plants
grow unequal; and that if this doesnt get any rain until its born, this results very good;
which happens, the soonest, six or seven days later: that in a watering swamp not
organized in planks its planted the quantity of a bowl or a little more until it has risen:
that its convenient before and after born to keep it safe from the birds so that they dont
attract them: that the method to plant it in planks above watering is to plow well the
earth without the need of a turn work; but that if the earth where itll be planted were
weak or sandstone, it should be fertilized with old, juicy, soft manure. He adds that each
plank should have also added six hundred liters of manure of the aforementioned
quality; and that if the earth were good and thick, a little bit of the manure mentioned
before should be applied in its surface just that it just covers it lightly, and the seed
thrown in it will have its earth shuffled until its covered: that after the water should be
softly introduced so that with the strength of its flow is doesnt moves the seed from the
superior part of the plank the bottom of it; warning these should be equal or flat: that it
should be watered frequently because this accelerates its vegetation; and that should be
watered each day because its beneficial for it.
Its a maxim from another author that the time to plant them early is in January,
the late in the first half of May; and the in-between is squeezed into the gap of these two
times. But Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that the early is planted in the beginnings of
February, and the late one in the midst of May; that between taking one an another the
medium is a ten days space; that the early plant is of better quality, cleaner, legitimate,
heavier, and with a thread softer that the one from the late plant; and that the early plant
suffer more from the excessive amounts of water than the late one, should be left quite a
time in it when its burnt.
Other authors say that the flax favors the watering of sweet water just as the one
from the sweet wells, river and fountains. Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl affirms that the
most convenient one is the water from the river, and that for him the brackish, bitter and
salty types of earth should be thrown away, because they corrupt it, delay it and
destroys it, and the same with the earth from springs; that in one hundred planks of
improved and soft earth two and a half quarters of its seed will be planted, and only in
the rough earth: that its medicine for when its sick due to cold winds or ice/snow, or
that its withered because of this, is taking for each plank three eight and three quarters
of liter of doves feces and throwing it in the water used for watering it, or spreading it
in the planks well-grounded and later watering them: which I, having executed it in flax
planted in dry earth with any calamity over it, proved it was true.
Its said that the flax should be planted in crescent moon, and that it wont
prevail if planted during waning moon, understanding the crescent moon from the first
to the (almost) half of the lunar month. In the chapter XVIII of this book there are
maxim about the planting of the flax, and that it loves the muddy earth. Look them and
the authorities of Demcrito and Ibn Hajj contained there.
The author of the Nabataean agriculture says that the flax (plant known in all the
countries) carries some small, flat, wimpy and red beans, and is one of the productions
of the summer: that being a copt plant, the convenient earth for it is the one similar to
that of Egypt, that that has its dust mixed with sand, gooey, somehow swampy and wet:
that it also favors the one that is found between the soft and the hard, and likewise the
one convenient for the fenugreek (natural brother) because it favors the cultivation that
make the other grow healthy.
Maxims from Sgrit say that the flax should be planted in the beginnings of the
tichrn-el-wal, October, and until the fifth of the canun-el-tsni, January, or until the
end of the tichrn-el-wal, December: that its planted spreading it over water, and also
in small holes, throwing in each one of them some of its seeds, which is usually known
between the farms and the ones that plant it: that its convenient to fertilize it with
burned cotton (as we said in the chapter of this plant) mixed with pat, in a way that
joined with the water it penetrates towards the roots of the flax: that the herbs that are
born near it should be torn and thrown; and that its bean comes very oily, if over the
water used for the watering you infuse some its very own oil.
The author of the Nabataean agriculture says that bread is made from the
linseed, grounding it, amassing it and mixing it with wheat, barley or millets flour, or
some starch that can lock it; but that being this bread low on feeding capabilities one
usually ignores it.
According to the book of Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl, the flax shouldnt be
planted in thick, soft and wet earth and in the places from where it was taking away.
Two are the species of the flax: one opened (named abr), whose seed is wimpy and red,
and another one closed, that has a thick and yellow seed. Its said in other books that the
earth from where the flax of dry earth was taken, if before planted in it was well
plowed, is a good earth to plant wheat in it the next year, and the other one of broad
beans; and that is well given in it in the mentioned year, if after taking the flax it was
plowed.
The flax is taken after its yellow and still keeps some juice; which is made in
the mornings grabbing it and extending it in the ground in non-loaded roes to allow it to
dry, and covering the heads of some with the feet of the others so that the birds dont eat
them, and then are cleaned from any weird thing mixed with them. Return, and in the
fourth or fifth day after this it's tied in little handfuls, each one of the size a grown man
can take with both of his hands; these are caressed between the hands so that they
detach the dry leaves, and planting them standing to the sun these are narrowed ones
with others with the care put into looking that the seed doesnt detach after their vanillas
are open, specially the one of the open species; and after being well dried, each handful
is shaken in a clean place with a thick stick; which purged from the mix it had, is risen
until the time of planting it the next year, keeping it in new vases of mud or similar. As
long as the flax concerns, be careful that it isnt a victim of rains before or after being
cooked, this would damage it, especially if the rain were to be heavy.
To soak the flax, do this tying in groups of regular size the handfuls mentioned,
dipping them in still water in which theyve been in other times in the year, hiding them
below itself, and throwing stones over it, if it were possible, or a similar thing that stops
the elevation of the water towards the surface. If the flax is soaked in hot water, it
reaches a white color; which, usually having some roughness, theyre registered after
two or more nights have passed to know if theyre cooked and softened or not.
Even when you already know the amount of time the flax should be in said
water to be cooked, one night before it will be checked and examined, and if found
cooked in such checks itll immediately taken out of the water, and wont be left in it
because it would rot if you leave it there. The signal that it is cooked is that, if pulling
out two canes from the middle of a bundle, and twirling them with your hands in its root
and shaking them above the water sometimes, the flax is separated and detached from
the bone (body) of the cane. If it werent cooked, it will be left one night, and will later
be checked in the morning. Another signal for the same purpose exists, and that, if
taking a cane, and passing through it the fingers from one end to the other the flax is
detached from the stick in the same way described before, this is already cooked; and it
wont be if the opposite happened; this operation should be done in many canes. Abu
Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that if these are taken from the handful and registered, and
you see the loose, soft, and its ends dried, its already cooked. Its also a signal of its
cooking if the stick of tis cane is juicy and soft; and like this, when you see the
indicative marks of its cooking, youll hurry to take it out of the water. The quoted
author adds that when the flax has dried of the soaking and after cooking you put them
neatly one besides the other, remaining in this disposition one night because this makes
it acquire juiciness.
Others say that after pulling it out of the water, should be washed of the mud that
it could have stuck with it; that untied the handfuls theyre planted the easiest way
possible, and that when their water is dried, you tend them open in the earth towards the
sun, turning and shuffling them until theyre very lean. Others affirm that if tasting it
you see hardness in it that will be a signal that it isnt entirely cooked, dont put it again
the water for a whole night, but take it out and put it besides other and leave it like that
one night: like this it finished its cooking and softening, and such hardness is removed,
with if it was retained, could turn out rough; and that the overly cooked flax acquires
certain laziness, which if excessive makes it rot, and you need to keep it safe from this..
Its also said that the flax put to soak in embalm water comes with a very brown color
and moisture, mostly if in it many other repeated times different flax seeds where
thrown in the same year.
Its also affirmed that throwing fresh rats feces in the embalmed water, this
makes the flax, that after this is put in it to soak, to be very good and acquires certain
juiciness; that in the cold countries the flax must be left in cold water fifty days, because
then is cooked; and that in the temperate countries thirty days in the embalmed water of
the same temperature. Persons of my trust have said that me that having torn the yellow
flax an putting it to soak, and that still being sour in its plant the seed, it was cooked
during the time of fifteen days, becoming a very good flax. Its said that the most
regular time to soak it is when the fruit of the berry and blackberry has blackened.
After the soaked and cooked flax has dried, its handfuls are crushed with a big
smooth mace of holm oak over smooth stone until its canes are extended and well
broken; after which dividing those handfuls in little portions, these already broke
between the hands they are caressed, and the dust from its cane is shaken with the
appropriate instrument for it; whose last operation should be executed between the trees
and with fresh air, that its like the flax is separated from the corners of its canes. This
operation is called sheh (swording), and sahh what comes of it.
ARTICLE III
The method to plant hemp in wet earth and dry earth
The hemp (given the name of chahdnej) has two species, a male one that
doesnt carry bean, and a female one that carries a bean. Both have a flower thats
yellow and white and its cane is smooth, this one has its crust removed after it reaches
its end and being detach, its plants are put to soak. The operation of cooking it in water
is just like the one with the flax, and what comes from it after crushing and shaking it
also like the one from the flax, with the difference that this ones rough. This plant
favors the same earth as the flax and in dry earth favors those of good quality, juicy,
flat, and the ones next to the rivers. Planted in two ways, one with the intention of
picking its seed without paying attention to its thread, whos planting is made clear,
with distance between each bean; and also with the intention of picking up its thread,
and it should be planted thick for this. The time to plant this in dry earth is in the midst
of March, and in wet earth during April and May; and in this and its planting, works of
its earth and other operations, its equal and similar to the flax.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the chandnej in Persian (hemp whose
bean Susado names chinesco) is a plant that is raised over deep earth, and in the one of
lots of moisture, because it loves the water and the moisture that it comes from it. The
time to plant it is from the twenty of February until the twenty four of adr (March),
and its harvesting is made in the first days of Junio. It doesnt need other cultivations
than to hoax and water it with the frequency of a day and a day not, and every day (if
possible); this practice is very good, if well the water must go in lower quantities.
Reached its end, with it the same as the flax is done, taking the hemp that comes dressed
of its cane; from the which not a low portion is picked because of the big quantity it
contains. With it the women do the same maneuvers that with the cotton until theyre
able to knit it, from these, canvases are made, those coming to be very strong and of
strong duration. Paper is also elaborated from it, thin and thick strings, and threads
likewise. See in the chapter XVIII of this book the maxims of Junio about this plant.
ARTICLE IV
The method to plant the saffron onion in wet earth and dry earth
Its well given in the cold and temperate regions. According to Abu Abdalah
Ebn el Fasl, it favors the black earth, greased, sandstone, rough and rocky one, and
doesnt favors the big quantities of watering. The time to plant it in wet earth is the
months of May of Junio. Its born in October, and throws its flower before the leaf;
which dries in the station of heat. Plant it in planks in the orchards as the same way of
the onions and garlics; and if you want to plant them like the flax, doing them straight
into worked earth of two thirds of a palm deep each one, there theyre allocated their
onions by order (and the same in the planks) within an elbow of distance and the length
of palm between each other. Replaced the earth, its watered in the same way as the
onion, and doesnt need too much water when grown. No matter how much it grows,
nothing should be planted next to it; and its a rule that it should be torn at the age of six
(its productivitys already low in this moment) transplanting in another place the
sufficient quantity of seeds, and putting them in the aforementioned order.
The saffron blooms in the first rains, and shows the flowers before the leaves.
The leaf has a light blue color with certain blond threads in the middle (this is the
saffron), and are two thin flattened threads as the leaf of the iris. From those flowers
picked in the morning such blond threads are taken, and over thin boards theyre put to
dry under the shadow in a place where the wind doesnt hit them. Its said that
grounding those fresh threads along others, and making a ball with those that are put to
dry in new iron pans in low fire, makes its blond color more vivid. Its also said that this
onion doesnt allows the flower to bloom unless the onion weights an ounce.
Its a maxim of Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl that he who wishes to plant with it in
the orchard things that bloom before, he should plant pennyroyals and similar plants;
and also when its dried in the summer season, plant right there French beans and
sesame; because even if these two plants need to be watered, this doesnt harms the
saffron onion.
To plan it in dry earth the terrain should be very well plowed before that, in
which doing after some big rows with the plows, with a distance between themselves as
the one described above, equally in them the onions are put in order and the earth
replaced, or the operation is made in a similar way to this. The time to plant it in dry
earth is the same as the one to plant it in wet earth.
Having I planted saffron onions in wet earth in the Aljarafe, they prevailed
enormously; and Lakeria Jeyrah planted them in the east part of Seville, and they came
very well, but not as well as the ones from the Aljarafe. They were also planted in dry
earth in the Aljarafe under olives, and each one lasted some years.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the saffron as a leaf thinner than the iris,
and its onion is the smallest of the known ones: it carries its flower in a hazelnut, in
which long threads are contained, and sometimes short, of a red color that has some
touches of yellow, the yellow spot being the saffron. This being smelly enters in the
composition of some species of aromatic arrays, because this enhances the smell of
everything; but it isnt known if its roots are edible. Its raised select in the Holwn
territory of the weather of Babylon.
ARTICLE V
The method to plant the mehndi in wet earth
According to Abu Abdala Ebn el Fasl and other authors, it isnt well given in
the regions with excessive cold. Its quality, method of planting and regime varies due to
the diverse airs of the regions; because in the hot, wet and windy countries its made a
bush and lasts almost fifteen years, and in each successive year its leaf is picked.
Frequently applying manure to it, watering it, and the regime after the trimming, it
blooms again. In Egypt its seed is planted in the planks just like the pennyroyal, and
then watered; and when it has around a palm of height its extracted in a way that its
distance with any other plant is of six elbows. The extracted plants in another place
prevail; and this just as the other ones should be shaken with frequent cultivation,
watering and manure until theyre six elbows tall, and then its leaf is picked; these
harvested, after this, and cultivated, watered and its roots fertilized after the trimming
(just like with the vines), rejuvenate with new leafs and branches succeeding the old
ones. Such is their condition in the Abisinia, where it grows as tall as our fig. But it the
regions that arent excessively cold, its swelled seed is planted each year, in which only
the leaf is picked; and just like this is done in Seville, where (according to us) the type
of earth convenient for it is the , and its seed is planted after being swelled. The
method to given them this disposition is to take it and put it in a clean rag, and having it
soaked a day and a night. Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that it should be twice this
time to be softened; that after being caressed with the hands until free of its vanilla, and
as the clean seed of the figs; that taking after one thick wool apron three bags of the
capacity that the seeds can fit in it are made; and that this put in the same bags are to be
put under the sun over a white board inclined to a side so that the water drains from it,
covering those bags with the leftover of the apron so that the sun doesnt penetrates and
dries them, such apron required to be folded in the upper part and loose on the under
part. Abu el Jair says that the seed in the bag should be watered in temperate water, and
that tenderly squeezing the one left in the beginning of the night, its put in the hidden
with the seed under the bed over a rag that distances it from the floor, this because
through the heat it receives from the one who sleeps in the aforementioned bed, and the
repeated alternative of putting it in the day under the sun, watering it with temperate
water, and having it below ones own bed during the night, the seed swells up in the
bag.
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that before this the time the earth in it will be
planted should be plowed different times turning it up and down, and being greased
with the earth extracted from the wells and irrigations canals; in which equal and flat
planks are made with wide and flat hills in a way that you can be around them at the
time of its cultivation and watering; these are benefitted with lean humans feces, the
most convenient feces for it among all the other types of feces, or with doves feces; if
these two are missing, they will be benefitted with old manure cleaned of everything
that was mixed with it.
He adds, that spreading cut cans over those planks, and introducing the water
until its left embalmed in them, the swelled seed should be planted over the canes in
the same way as the basil; because in this way when the water doesnt appears due to
the earth having swallowed it, the canes gather with the seeds in the deepest part of the
planks. Others opine that planting in these the seed (still being wet and juicy) a rush
matt should be put over them, and softly walked on with the feet so that it remains
buried in the earth; and that extracting the rush matt with caution the water should be
introduced with gently, in a way that the seed doesnt get carried over to another place.
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl also says that it should be watered eight consecutive days
and after three times in the week; that when it has one finger of height it should be
cleaned of the herbs, and watered two times a week, and that when it has a palm of
height, hoaxed with delicacy and spread in the planks, in a corresponding quantity for
each one, doves feces mixed with pure, lean humans feces (this is very useful for it),
and that after this it is watered; that its cleared, if their plants were very healthy and
strangled ones with others, and that this genre of hoaxing should be done in the
shadows. Itll be said after (through Allah) the time to plant them in Seville.
In one hundred planks (or squares), of the length expressed in the prologue of
this book, the same weight of mehndi swelled as the mehndi before swelling is planted.
Must water continuously after being hoaxed and cleared (if it needs to be unloaded of
what weve expressed) until the end of the month of September, this being the time to
torn it; such handfuls are hung in the houses in tended strings or similar stuff, or under
trees in the shadows, or where theyre covered from the sun; or constructing artificial
covers over sticks as tall as two canes fixated in the ground, and tending from one to
other strings in order of one above the other, of them and over the same order the
handfuls of the mehndi are hung, luckily preserving their greenness being one next to
the other when theyre lean (shouldnt be put to dry under the sun because this would
leave them yellow and sick), and likes this the leafs will be shaken from their sticks
after lean, and these will be thrown away.
Abu el Jair says that spraying the leafs with little quantities of oil these should be
stored in new vases, and that tightening them covering their mouths with leather, and
splashing with mud, theyre to remain in this disposition until the time of their need
arises.
According to the book of Poesa y Eloqencia of Ebn el Fasl, the mehndi is
planted in the month of April and also in the month of May, and should be fertilized
with human and doves feces jointly with the water so that they grow greener and
healthier. According to the Nabataean agriculture, it favors and lives from the heat, and
doesnt favor the cold; prevails very well with the transplanting, and the contrary with
the planting. Its fresh and refrigerating. With its leafs the women dye their heads and
the men used them for sodas.
ARTICLE VI
The method to plant the dyers blond in wet earth and dry earth
Between us (says Abu Hanifa) theres three species of blond: one whose flower
is yellow, the major; another of a thinner leaf and of white flower; and a very small
other of subtle leaf that doesnt rises more than a finger in height, and whose flowers
small and light blue in color. The one used to dye rags is known, and is the one planted
in the orchards and cultivated fields. Put as a seed, of its roots and of its very own plant,
and they favor the greased, adipose, thick and dock earth.
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that they favor watering in big amounts, and that
before planting them the earth should be plowed with repetitive plows, improved with
good manure, and spread in planks in the way expressed before; and that in these
moisturized with the water and in regular seasoning the seed of the blond should be
planted in the same way as the wheat, in a way that in the time that it picks a palm or
the open hand of the man only three beans fall, and that these (which are small and
contain the seed) are shuffled with this very same in the planks with the end of the hoax,
covering with earth as thick as two fingers, no more; that in each hole three beans are
put with a distance of two thirds of a palm between one and the other; and that its
watering and regime is just as the expressed one: that the time of planting it in wet earth
is in the month of March; that when its regularly born should be hoaxed and cleaned of
its herbs, and that should have a second hoaxing applied when it has one finger of
height: that should be left without its watering until you discover in it signals of dryness
(starts to let go of its roots with a certain exterior roughness), and that then it should be
watered once a week during the whole summer station; whose watering should be
stopped in fall station due to the rains in such season and the freshness of the air: that
after this its ends should be hoaxed in August, and whats left in it is covered in earth
thick as three fingers before the icings come and burn it; with said operation executed in
it, its converted what the earth covered in new roots; and hoax it again after to pick the
seed after mature and seasoned (which comes to be two years after its planting)
covering again with earth the part thats left of it.
The quoted author adds that he who wishes to cover it a third time with earth in
the expressed way, this will secure its utility more; and that like this he who wishes to
accelerate this same, extract in September its root leaving of them the weak and thin
ones; which (replacing their earth and covering it with the same, remain well organized
in the planks and watering them) bloom once again: that having reached a second time
to its end, and growing the seed in its branches, the ends of these should be cut, and
what covers them should be covered with earth in the expressed way; that after the two
years he who wishes to accelerate its useful product will extract only the big roots once
again, because replacing the earth over the remaining thin ones, and doing in them the
same operation makes it born a third time, renovating itself and blooming each year
from the roots that remained in the earth, with these renewed plants the fertilizer and
water amounts are reduced to the quantity it had before, and that its like this how the
blond comes to last some years: that he who wishes to put it from its feet and roots, take
these (when theyre still tender), and doing holes in them with the end of the hoax, place
one in each hole, a distance of two third parts of a palm existing between one and other:
that the seed of the blond is planted in dry earth in the expressed types, after diligently
worked, in the same way as the wheat and barley, being convenient that (according to
what was expressed above) three beans of it should fall in what the extended hand picks
up over the earth in which it will be planted: that after it has laid roots deeply in it and is
found robust, wheat is planted in between them so that such land isnt left unoccupied,
because this isnt harmful for the blond; which extracted in the expressed way when its
in disposition, is once again reproduced from its small remaining roots in the earth, after
extracting the big ones it had and equaling the earth above them;; and such is the
practice used in the territory of Sidona.
ARTICLE VII
The method and time to plant the hydrangea in dry earth
The hydrangea (say Abu el Jair and others) prevails in the cold regions, and in
them the leaf is picked up three times, according to the succession of the blooms; from
which the first one is better than the second one and this better than the third one. It
favors the earth from mountains and sandstone after being well plowed in the month of
January, later applying a second and third turn work to it, in which its seed is planted in
dry earth in the last half of February and the beginnings of March; for this effect the
planter should take from it a little of its seed in his hand, and, moving slowly, throwing
it in the same way and alternating between left and right as if it were spreading it, and
after this softly incorporating it with the earth through the plowing. The quantity of it
planted in muddy earth is ::::. When it has four leafs, when its reached its end and
correct seasoning (this signal is seen by picking them), then these are picked and wellgrounded over smooth stones or a similar thing, are put to rot in baskets, frequently
spraying them with water; and leaving them like that four days and cut after with iron
shovels, watered continuously until they, rot, acquire a bad smell; in this disposition
they are shredded and amassed with the feet until its tasteless, and from them some
balls are made, that after being left to lean under the sun are used to the dyes; for which
its known if theyre in good disposition if a wall of plaster they are rubbed and the wall
begins to get dyed; because if not, these arent useful for dying.
Of what should be done in the planting of the fisfist (alfalfa), and that of the
Egyptian grass and the common grass
The alfalfa (says Avicena) is grass for all the four-legged. According to other
authors, this plant lasts in wet earth twenty years usually; because even when harvested
in each one of them when its available, watering it after that reaping its born from the
roots left in the earth. Favors the big amounts of water, and like this is planted in wet
earth in planks made in worked earth in the first half of February in the same way as the
basil. Reaped when available, and watered again, from there on its born once again,
and is grass for every four-legged animal. In the same way the common grass and the
Egyptian grass are planted, which also are useful as grass for the mentioned class of
animals. The last one, says Haj Granadino, is eaten by the elephant, giraffe and the goat.
Isnt reaped more than once, and like that should be planted again each year; and the
same with the common grass, in which two plants the same is done as with the alfalfa.
The common grass, as long as what Ive observed, is raised in some parts of Sidona in
dry earth without planting it; its leafs are similar to the one from the broad beans, and its
flower pretty red. According to Garb in its book of astronomy, the Egyptians started to
plant the kortho (their alfalfa) the second of October.
ARTICLE IX
The method to plant the milk thistle in wet earth
There are two species of it (says Abu el Jair), wild and in orchards, from the first
one a good use isnt figured. It favors the rough tall earth without moisture, and in it
comes with a very hard thorn. The planting in wet earth makes the thorn soft, this one
isnt useful. Plant it in planks plowed in the expressed earth, this is executed in
September, and is transplanted (when it is time to) in November and December. Its also
planted in January to transplant it in March, and should be watered until its grown and
robust. Its transplanted putting a plant distanced from one other by a length of a palm,
and is watered until it bloom, giving it only one watering when it has laid its roots; these
plants are also put in rows and in the shores of the watering channels in placed exposed
to the sun. Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that it favors the watering of sweet water in
moderate quantities, and that in August its thorn is picked, this is its thorny fruit.
ARTICLE X
The method to plant the opium poppy in wet earth
Its species are several, according to Abu el Jair and other authors. One of a white
flower and black in its end, and another one of red flower thats composed of opium.
The white one is planted in the orchards, and favors the greased and adipose earth. Its
bean is planted in planks or squares well plowed in the mentioned earth, throwing in
each one a basket that carries re-rot manure, and moisturizing it with water in a way that
when its dust has softened again and when mildly juicy the seed is planted in them,
which is done from the beginnings of November until February; and that in the
beginnings of this last month its planted late. Plant it just as the basil, and its seed along
with the earth that covers it is shuffled with a buckthorn or another thing so that it
remains integrated with its dust, watering it softly later one or two times, and cutting the
watering once it has born. Its plants when mildly grown should be left without watering,
cleaned from the herbs, and cleared extracting the week and thick, in luck that they are
distanced one from the other two thirds of a palm. The opinion of Abu Abdalah is, that
through the course of three months it should be watered two times per week, stopping
this in the midst of May, this is when it flourishes and reaches its legitimate flavor.
Raise it well planting its bean or putting its plants in the rows of the broad beans; whose
head when starting to dry are cut, and inserted in threads are hung in the shadows.
The poppy is a known plant that is raised in many countries, and has two
species; one whose seed is white, and the other one has it black. The white one has three
species of its own, similar in its seed stage but different when theyre a grown plant and
the black also has two species of its own. Plant it in November and in the ends of
October because its convenient for it to extend through the ground with the cold. Loves
the earth whose dust is mixed with sand, moisture and mud in a lesser degree, and that
can be found re-rot by the water, already evacuated from it. All the flowers of its species
are, excepting the white ones, the size of the red anemones. Doesnt need cultivation
due to the low quantity of calamities that hit it. Plant them in two ways, throwing its
seed over the water and covering it with earth after the waters filtered; and also taking
the seed between the fingers and is put in little wholes, then covering it with earth. Also
planted in another way; this is, burying in juicy earth one of the heads where the seed is
held; which executes like this he who wished the abrupt increase of the poppies, in its
abundant quantity of seeds as in the healthiness and robustness of its plants, because
planting them like this theyre grown bigger and of extended feet, that throwing
multitude of very productive stems, a head raises from each one of them that coins lots
of seed. This needs its earth plowed month and a half before planting it there, and then
thrown in the earth like that. The one planted from the head takes longer to born, to
grow, and to reach its maturation; but its more robust, and its fruit more abundant and
of the best quality, because the one planted from the seed comes with defects in the
things weve expressed.
From the seed of the ground white edible bread and food is made. But its
convenient to eat it with sweet things, like honey, arrope, whatevers made from these
two, dates, and that of similar quality. Mustnt absolutely be eaten by old people. The
one from whom the bread is made is the white seed of orchards; and the more white it
is. The better and softer the bread will result. This bread, even when it feed whoever
eats it, is nonetheless of difficult digestion. He who continuously uses it, or eats a lot of
it, has headaches, grows grey hair, and is continuously sleepy. In some way no one
should come close to the wild ones due to the poisonous virtue they have, because they
hurt with it.
This plant (according to the Nabataean agriculture) is one of the things that are
used to correct the caustic and hot earth, spraying it with water in which they burned its
branches, leaves, and trunks until extracting their virtue, grounding all of this before if
its green; through this the earth stopped from being productive is rescued. In the same
way, if not-extremely burning its plants, such ash is grounded and mixed with water,
then its sprayed over the ground that doesnt products, be it due to the strength of its
salts, or due to another of the dispositions that usually sterilize and corrupt it, spraying
and spilling in it the water repeated times, this improves it removing such vices.
Likewise, gathering the branches, roots and fruits of all its species, wild and orchards,
from the re-rot human and donkeys feces plus pat a beneficial manure for all kinds of
earth is made, that have survived calamities originated from the heat, and the accident
called irkn (yellowness), and also keeps the trees and vegetables happy against the
burns of the hot air of bad quality.
CHAPTER XXIII
The planting of the vegetables in the orchards,
its cultivation and assistances, and the remedies for its diseases.
The earth that you should pick for them,
and the species that each one of them properly requires
Abu el Jair and others say that the species of earth that are convenient for the
vegetables are the thick and the adipose earth that isnt weak or unstable; because the
rough earth being weak, it doesnt suffers from the low quantities of water, and the
unstable becomes lazy in the winter, and arid in the summer. In the sand its said that
certain vegetables grow, and that for others the salty earth is convenient, and the one
greased with manure. A part of this was mentioned in the first part of this book, where
you can recognize it.
About this point Junio says, quoted in the book of Ban Hajj, that the vegetables
shouldnt be planted near threshing grounds with the consideration that the winds would
take and throw over them the wimpy stuff of the hay. All types of vegetables, he adds,
is improved if when transplanting its plants these were sprayed with pat; and understand
that its a very well-known thing about the vegetables, besides the water they must have
below them, that they also need fertilizing; that the ash is better for them than any
manure, because it kills the worms and other leeches that originate from them.
But according to Ibn Hajj, the maxim of the ash being better than the manure
for the vegetables is an wrong opinion of Junio; because it being dried without
compassion, and hot without moisture, when it spread through the ground it grows
weak, grows thin, and is left less moisturized; but that being useful to kill leeches and
work, itll be convenient that when spreading it in the ground it should have a mix og
good re-rot manure, this removes its damage and dryness.
Its an opinion from Junio, that its convenient to plant the seeds of the
vegetables when the wind is calm so that theyre not altogether in one place, and giving
them enough watering until its grown plants cover the earth, watering less from there
on: that if they are to be transplanted, they should be extracted before the air withers
them; and that if this is done during the heat of the summer, they are planted at nine o
clock in the morning, because the dew that fell over them over the night wont let them
dry.
Sidags affirms, that if after watered the vegetables in the summer you guide
around the orchard the water that ran thought the watering channels, and with it in hand
its branches and leaves are watered after its normal watering, this will prove of much
usefulness, because moisturized like this against the heat and dryness of the summer,
theyll remain all the night with that freshness and moisture until the suns out, and that
its very essential to execute it like this: that the best water for them is the sweet
drinkable type, and the most advantageous for any kind of plant is the rain water due to
its subtleness, thinness and sweetness. And here it ends the maxim of the quoted author.
If you want, says Junio, that no leech harms anything planted in the orchards and
other terrains and also to keep them healthy, you must infuse them in water where
cucumber roots where cooked. The vegetables that arent planted in soft earth and in
dust free of anything that can corrupt the plants have low life expectancy; excepting the
brackish that can be found in many fields, in which many of them are raised.
Kastos quoted in other books says that the earth in which you wish to plant
vegetables should be plowed and turned up and down different times, cleaning it of all
kinds of herb that were in it; and that it should be near water free of the monthly period
of women, and other stuffs: that you should watch that the planks are left equally flat,
and that the watering channels from where its water will go to them is a little below
these: plant the vegetables in during crescent moon after the fourth day of the lunar
month has passed until the fifteenth of said month, and that you dont execute this when
the moon starts to diminish; that some seeds are covered with earth the thickness of two
fingers put together, as the cucumbers, melon, safflower and similar; others with the
thickness of a finger, like the basil, clary sage, cumin, watercress and anise, which
wont be transplanted from where they are born due to their weaknesses, and that should
be watered continuing its planting with water of soft current so that it doesnt moves the
seeds from one place to another, repeating the watering until they are born. Kastos and
others opine, that the water with manure dissolved applied mustnt be low in quantity,
because this would burn its plants; for these the convenient types of manure are the
horse, donkey, and lesser livestocks; and that the best manure for it is that old
shredded, excepting the pumpkins, eggplants, cucumbers and similar, these plants need
fresh manure; and finally, that with a little bit of doves feces you can scare off all kinds
of insects from the vegetables.
ARTICLE I
The fertilizing of the vegetables
This will be the way Ill put it; because the fertilizing of some consists of giving
dust along with the manure in the moment its being thrown in its feet, and in other to
only throw the manure with dusting it; there are some that require little quantities of
dust, and others that need it in big quantities; some that should be fertilized before, and
others after, the watering; some that must have it applied over their roots, and others
that dont need it in mentioned place; which (through Allah) will be expressed in its
respective spaces.
Its said that the radishes, long turnips and garlics dont need too much manure;
and that this loses the clary sage, marjoram, myrtle, basil and the violet; these will be
explained when each time is specifically talked about. Its necessary to plant the
vegetables in fresh weather, mostly if theyre to be transplanted from the initial place to
some other where the sun bathes them during the whole day, this bringing early and
perfect vegetation. In the heat season these should be constantly and heavily watered
with fresh water at the end of day, so that they can prevail from the damages done by
the sunlight and grow healthy. Some vegetables require heavy watering through the
whole year and low quantities of manure, because they would burn if the water
quantities were low; and such are the cabbages, oak fig, fresh mint, lemon balm, apple
mint and similar.
The watering of the vegetables must be proportioned to what they can suffer;
because some plants are hurt when the watering is heavy, and some are also hurt when
its too low, exhorting the farmer to look for the correct quantity for each. Watering
should be in medium quantities when the air and the weather are regular, and they must
be few and short in times of cold. The signal that the vegetables show when they need
water is that they appear arid and withered; in this disposition one must haste to water
them so that they dont die from dryness; this will be talked about in the respective
article for each plant, through Allah. The unstable plants born from seeds, especially
those of this leaves, as the orange, citron and similar, shouldnt be sprayed with water
when being watered, because this would damage them; but this doesnt harms then
when theyre grown and with good roots grown.
There are vegetables that are transplanted from their seedbeds to another place
where they will finish their growth and others that arent meant to be transplanted. The
first are the cabbages, pumpkin, eggplant, oak fig, onions, radishes, snowbell, collard
greens, chards and similar; which being planted with distance between each other, grow
big and of good quality. Those that arent transplanted are the sark (saltbush), spinach,
purslane, amaranth, anise, cumin, basil, the seeds of the watercress and the coriander;
its said from these that they also prevail if theyre transplanted. The biggest part of
these vegetables transplanted from their or feet or stems separated ones from the others
so that you can pick up their seeds, acquire great seed and quality; but none of them
should be transplanted in the beginning of the day due to the heat of the sun, but they
must when the day is finishing.
According to Abu el Jair, from the vegetables some are in the right season to be
eaten fifteen days after planted, and such are the purslanes, spinach, coriander, saltbush,
amaranth and similar; others later, like two months after being planted. And these are
the radishes, carrots, turnips, chards, and the collard greens for he who wishes to eat
them while little; others whose plants reach their perfection, discovering the seed in
some, starting in the forty seven day after being planted, as the amaranth, turnip, radish,
purslane, collard green and similar.
From the cabbages (the same author continues) some reach its matureness and
flourish two months after planted since the day they were planted, and such are the
chickpeas, ervils, peas, coriander, lentils, hemp, touch-me-not and others. The collard
greens, chards, and the turnips remain in the earth six months after being planted, and
then they are extracted. The turbid, saltbushes, and the spinaches remain in the earth
two months and are later torn. The radishes and the coriander almost the same time,
excepting the coriander for seed, which should remain more. The early flax lasts in the
earth four months and the late flax a little less. The sea collard green and the leek ten
months. And by rule of the expressed you will guide to know the duration of the plants
that we didnt mentioned.
The method to extract the green vegetables to transplanted to a better place, such
like eggplants, cabbages, amaranths, endives, chards and others, is that the plank where
they are planted on watered late in the day, and going for them in the early morning
when they still preserve the dew with the freshness of the night, a stake with sharp and
wide end should be taken, and fixating it with some declination with the right hand
under the roots of the plants, these are attached to the ones of the left, and extracting
them with all its roots and shaking them of their earth, theyre put in a basket
moisturized with water in plaques ones above the others, and sprayed with water and
covered theyre put in the shadow until the afternoon of the day of the plantation
arrives, not extracting a bigger portion of them than the one thats going to be planted.
ARTICLE II
With what some vegetables are preserved from the worm, ant, vermin and fleas
Kastos opines that spraying the vegetables three days, once in each, with water
where ash from vines was put to soak, puts them free of the long green worms that
damage them, the same is applied for trees. Its also said that the ash scares off the
worms from the vegetables, and that if over them ash of figs of olive is spread, it kills
them. If tying in a rag gum Benjamin tree and you soak it in the water with which the
pumpkins are watered with, all worms in it perishes; and the same if in the entrance of
the watering channels tar was spilled, because the water that flows with this flavor
generally kills every one of them. If with the seed of the vegetables you mixed ervils
beans, its flea perishes.
Kastos says that he who wishes that its vegetables are free of calamities must put
their seeds soaking with caper one day and one night, and after that must plant it.
Fumigating the vegetables with vines wood, deers horn, male goats nail, or Madonna
lilys roots, what you have of the aforementioned, no worm or vermin will damage
them. The broad beans with their greenness improve any vegetables planted along with
them. Talking about the remedies for all the vegetables in the book of Abu Abdalah Ebn
el Fasl (its said there), that one of the remedies is to plant every vegetable you wish to
harvest along with some ervils seed; that if the seeds are put before soaking them with
an infusion of houseleeks juice they arent damaged by birds, ants or vermin (through
Allah), and in the same way if they were soaked in cucumbers juice, or in the cooking
water of the roots of this same plant, no insect will mess with them. See what we will
say about this and other similar subjects in the chapter twenty-nine, as also the maxims
that, spread or together, are contained in this book.
About freeing the vegetables of the worms they usually fall victim to, its written
in the book of the quoted author, that one of the things that exterminates them is to
spread figs ash over them; and that if the worms are overpopulating the area, you shall
take ox pee and amurca in equal parts, and with this mixed cooked in slow fire and
sprayed over the vegetables you will kill every worm it had.
ARTICLE III
The method to plant the cabbages
Two are its species, according to Abu el Jair and other authors; some of a large
and sharp leaf known to be from Seville; and others of short and wide leaf known to be
from Crdoba, which suffer if theyre planted early, and the same happen with the ones
from Seville. There's also a wild species of them.
Junio quoted in the book of Ibn Hajj says that when the cabbages are
transplanted they should be put much distanced from each other, and that is very good
for them to be tied over the foot by the time of planting them.
Plant them in October, if early; and also through November, January and
February, and are of the vegetables that come around the time of spring; which when
theyre overtaken by the heat of the air, a certain bitter quality is discovered in them,
which stops its digestion. According to the Nabataean agriculture, the cabbages are
plants whose stem and leaves are edible; but they dont feed a lot and are cold. There
are three species, or four due that one of them has a subdivision of two. All are milky,
and theyre more of bitter taste since the midst of spring, or since the twenty three of
April onward.
The author of the quoted book says that theyre planted in September and
transplanted by the ends of October and through the whole November, and that they
dont grow good and robust if they arent transplanted; that the need constant fertilizing,
using manure with big quantities of re-rot humans feces joined with certain plants, that
we talked about in the composition of the manures.
The first species of lettuce that is mentioned are the edible ones, common in all
the regions; which are three species; some of big and thick feet, very wide and thick
leaf, and whose stem raises from the earth like an elbow more or less; from such edible
species theres one that entirely lacks of stems, its round in the feet, being its leaf not
too long, and its stem the size of three or four fingers. Also theres a species of subtle
leaf, of extended length, and that even tender is very lean, this doesnt grows or grows a
lot but in the countries of Greece, Syria and Mesopotamia. The leaves that are born in
its cane (straight, thick as an arm and squared figure) are four one in front of the other,
which have beneath them other ones equal in length, or smaller. In the tallest part of the
cane they carry as a flower, but it isnt, a certain holder for the seed, thats in big
quantities inside it.
When the cabbages start to have milk (in the spring when the weathers mild)
theyre less beneficial, because they weaken the body of the eater. Eaten raw or cooked;
those are colder and these even more, but theyre of easier digestion. Sagrit says that
they dont feed the body unless theyre eaten boiled; and that if eaten raw, they arent
valid as food.
For everything else, Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl and others opine that the thick
earth and sweet water are the types of earth favored by the cabbages, and no other type
of earths convenient for them: that if planted in rough and strong earth they become
yellow; and by this they crack with the lack of water, wont prevail in such earth if
theyre not assisted with heavy watering: that to transplant them theyre planted in three
times, early, mid, and late: that the first are planted around September in fertilized and
plowed planks, in places that perfectly face the east of a dominant sun, shuffling softly
its seed with the earth so that it remains incorporated with it, introducing the water in
the same way, watering them one or two times until theyre born, and watering the two
times in the week when theyre mildly grown: that being found in competent
disposition, they are to be transplanted around November in planks done in places
where theyre bathed by the sun in the day, not dominated by the winds, and that are
plowed and fertilized with heavy quantities of shredded manure, and with humans
feces (the best one for them), placing in them its plants in rows with a palm or a little
more of distance between each other in length, and palm and a half in wide, frequently
watering them until theyre seasoned enough to eat them: that its plants are also fixated
over the watering channels; and that in then planks two ounces of the seeds are planted
in said time: that those of mid time are planted in October in the expressed way,
throwing in ten planks two ounces of its seed; and that transplanting them in December,
when theyre in the disposition to, its planted are fixated in the planks and over the
watering channels, leaving some in the planks without transplanting; but that clearing
what were thick, theyre hoaxed and watered frequently until they are fully grown: that
the late ones are planted in November, throwing in ten planks two ounces of its seed,
and are transplanted in January, that likes this the buds are discovered in its plants, its
earth should be hoaxed, for this effect they should be juicy and soft: that being thirsty,
they will be watered later and the hoaxed a second time, when the earth has gained
some juice and is in competent disposition for this; follow this alternative of dryness,
frequent watering, and hoaxing with leaving the earth to dry completely; and that these
cabbages (that are the better and softer ones) are eaten in May. It is left expressed above
the planting of the cabbages in the planks, and above the watering channels.
Another way to plant the cabbages
Elaborate earth lumps one alongside others (say Abu Abdalah and other
authors), and having the water introduced in them via the intermediate watering
channels, fixate the cabbages in the tallest part of these earth lumps, one feet of distance
the space expressed in the beginning, and water it frequently until theyre perfectly
mature. This mode to plant them is very good, because they receive equal parts of water
through its feet, opposite to those that are in planks; in which washing and covering
them the water isnt slowly absorbed. If its ordered like this the planting of the
cabbages in all moment, some reach other ones.
Kastos says that if in a piece of citron a cabbage seed is put and planted in it,
these will grow with the same sharp smell of the citron. He adds that if the cabbages
bloomed gloomy without this making them less tasty, itll be your secret spreading over
them each three days some lean sand: that itll also be your secret so that they come
with big and tight leafs, small and not tall, that extracting them from the roots you
transplant them in another place, and when they reach a palm of height you excavate
their feet until its roots are uncovered, and you splash these with fresh pat covering
them after with earth so that it dominates and covers them; that you water and leave
them be until theyre standing well and discovers its feet over the earth as much as three
extended fingers long; that this one excavated you cut it open in the part that is
uncovered over the earth with an iron knife, and putting in this new hole a piece of
selvage rag the size of its capacity, after that covered with the earth and watered,
because this rag doing that the cabbages grow in their feet and wide, dont raise to a
high height.
Likewise its said that if you want the cabbages to be round, wide, and of thick
feet, you move them to a place where the sun bathes them, and watering them in the
early morning; and that when they vegetate, you put in each ones heart a little stone.
Others opine that if before extracting the cabbages to eat them you reap their leaves
equally, they will thicken its feet and come with a delicate taste.
The cabbages are useful to cut the thirst, fall sleep (for the one whos sleepless),
boosting (if theyre eaten cooked) the obesity, the venereal passion, and the milk of the
mothers. Its seed does the whole opposite. Its leaves eaten with vinegar reduced the
itching of the cholera; and its said that the same seeds put under the pillow of the sick
man, and towards his feet without him understanding why, manages to sleep (through
Allah).
Abu el Jair says that the cabbages generate better smells than all of the other
vegetables, and also a good blood, especially the ones that are eaten raw; and that when
they begin to flourish in the summer, they are put to soften in sweet water and eaten
with oil and vinegar, or another add-ons that make them of delicate taste. But the
cabbages are generally eaten before they start to bloom their flower, as I practice it.
According to my observation, the early ones are planted in Seville around January.
ARTICLE IV
The method to plant the endive, according to the book of Ibn Hajj
The endive, says the quoted author, is planted in August, favors the fresh
weather until the beginnings of spring and doesnt favor the hot air due to the bitterness
that it provokes on it. The transplanted cabbage just like the cabbage that was never
transplanted should be covered with earth until the leaves are covered only the ends
uncovered, and the same should be executed as they continue rising, not leaving more
than the end of their leaves; because like this, when its extracted, these are found white,
tender, and with a nice juice and good flavor.
According to Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl and others, the endive favors the
greased earth, sandstone, the white and the thin earth. Planted to be transplanted in three
different but consecutive times, early, medium, and late. The early is planted in October,
the medium in November, and the late in December; and the first one is the one with the
most advantages. In the planks two ounces of its seed are planted. This is also planted
by the ends of June, which isnt transplanted, and is varied the use of it in medicine. The
endive are transplanted in grooves done with separations, and also in planks planting
them in the deepest part of them in the way Ill tell (through Allah); and planted like this
the water should be introduce, and after covered with earth, because with this procedure
they whiten up and grow sweet. Such is the way; extract its plants with the stake in the
form expressed in the beginning of this chapter, and picking the leaves ones with others
theyre planted in the deepest part of those grooves; which covered with the earth or the
manure are watered frequently, and as they rise their earth is replaced, after its leaves
were picked in the moment expressed before, covering up to their ends with the earth;
this operation is repeated until those grooves are turned into earth lumps, and the earth
lumps that were between them in grooves and watering channels, where you should be
careful to apply water two times a week until they are eaten when fully mature by fall
season, and in the winter season. He who wants to eat the endive in spring season
should plant it in November and transplant it in January; in this time too many watering
shouldnt be given, because the rains provide enough water for them. One of the things
that allow it to grow healthy, when its plants are starting to grow firmly, is the using of
water where humans feces has been mixed. Also, when hoaxing it, its roots should be
uncovered and watered with the mix before explained, covering them after with manure
and earth. The early endive is planted in Seville around October, according to my
observation.
The endive (says the author of the Nabataean agriculture) is the main vegetables
and there are orchards and wild species; these two having other two below them. One of
the two orchards ones has the leaf wider, very little green and a little bitter, this is the
sweet; which in some orchards seems to throw the leaf as wide and long as the
cabbages. The other species has the leaf very thin, very long, very bitter and styptic, but
very amusing. As to the two wild species, one of them has the leaf a little wider that the
orchards species, and the other of a lightly slit border. Both orchards species are edible,
and also are used in the making of medicine. All these four species are bitter to the
taste; but the two wild ones are bitterer, and very styptic. Like this, theyre mainly eaten
due to their benefits, and not because of tis good taste, not being of delicate taste so that
one desires to eat it.
He adds that its convenient to plant the endive in the beginnings of October and
not before, without stopping its execution in that way until the ends of February; and
that suspending its planting the length of two months, the second orchards species must
be planted, the one we said has a very amusing leaf and strongly bitter. The other
species of a nice sweet is the one planted when the colds soon; in which cultivation and
regime of the winter and summer season its needed to fertilize it with re-rot humans
feces mixed with wimpy dust and ash from the same endive, burning its laves and roots.
The mix of these three things is very good, and also is limiting itself to only two of the
same; if well one of them should be the humans feces because its absolutely
necessary; and itll be much more necessary, if its fertilized with humans feces mixed
with re-rot pat with some leaves and roots of the endive. Many farmers fertilize it with
humans feces adding it only earth: others do it with the earth in its way, and not
without a good effect, its luck that you can fertilize the endive with anything you have
available; which is done spreading dust over its leaves, throwing it over its roots, and
consecutively watering it; giving a warning that the manure that should be thrown over
its root should be mixed with the earth that covers them; which should be dust; and that
two hours after this, or four (better), should be watered.
Sagrit says that the endive is a moon plant, and the method to plant it is to spread
its seed when theres crescent moon; and that doing this during the night is better than
doing it during the day; and the same in what refers to its fertilizing and watering. He
adds that there are four species of it, from which two are planted when the fall starts,
and the other two when the summer starts because of the convenience these two lean
stations present for it: that the two first species are soft, from the which one is called
white and the other is called yellow, that the others are rough; and that from the endives
of summer, one is called white and the other one is called green.
ARTICLE V
The method to plant the verdolaga, knows as conceited vegetable, blessed
vegetables and soft vegetable, according to the book of Ibn Hajj
The verdolagas (according this author) are planted in the beginnings of February
up until the ends of April. These are vegetables of summer, and are raised without being
planted with too much effort. Two are its species (according to Abu el Jair and others),
one orchards of wide leaf that rises over its stem, and a wild one. The black and greased
earth is convenient for them, and for the wild one the sandstone is convenient. The
orchards is planted in plowed earth and places perfectly exposed to the east, if this is
executed early, after beneficiating each plank with three baskets of think and old
manure, or (according to others) with four of old humans feces shredded, and mixed
with ash, which (according to some) is even more convenient for them than the manure.
According to Abu Abdalah, the early ones are planted in March, and then a
pound and a half of its seeds is thrown in ten planks or a pound if there were to be
planted in manure. Also planted in May (from the which the seed is picked), throwing a
little less than a pound in the ten planks, and of the planted ones for this effect from that
it should be thrown in the same planks half pound or a little less; whose planting is
continued until the final days of August, and shouldnt be planted in fall season, or in
the winter season. Should be hoaxed and cleaned from the herbs, if they have any. Its
seed is picked up in July and August, and should be stored in new vases of mud.
Others say that the early ones are planted in January and February. And the late
ones in April: that the method to plant them is to spread in the mentioned planks the
expressed quantity of seed, being the earth somehow moisture and filtered,
incorporating it tenderly with the earth using a broom or the hand, and giving it a single
watering, with which its born: that if it were taking too long to born, the watering
should be repeated a second time, removing it when theyre half grown, and not
watering them until the time of extracting them so you can do it easily; and that a tender
moisture from the water is what is convenient for it, having so much with low quantity
of the same because one of its own qualities is the moisture. Its also said that they favor
the salty water, and that that contains a little bit of nitrate.
Ive seen people, says Abu el Jair, planting in April a day in the afternoon seeds
of verdolagas, and having watered them they were born in the second day re-greening
the ground with them; from the which, not without admiration, I managed to know the
secret. The author of the Nabataean agriculture says that planting the verdolagas in
March, they are grown when the summers near; that theyre also successively planted
sometimes after said month in the expressed season, spreading its seed over the water:
that to raise robust and good they need fertilizers as the other vegetables; and that
theyre also raised without manure. An opinion from Kastos is that applying green
ground verdolagas over some thorn plant makes this become its medicine; and that he
whos thirsty carried its leaf below its tongue, being this one opposite to the thirst, this
will be kept intact until theres a body of water near it.
ARTICLE VI
The method to plant the amaranth
These (according to Abu el Jair and others) are the cash, this is the bkelat
alyemniat, and in Syria they are called harmz. These can be found in orchards, named
white, and dark red the green ones; and also wild. According to Ibn Hajj, these are
planted in March and also by the ends of May, being a vegetable of spring and summer.
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl says that they favor the greased, salty earth and that
they dont suffer from heavy quantities of water or manure: that theyre planted like the
verdolagas; and in January, February, March and April the early ones: that in ten planks
one and a half pounds of its seed are thrown, excepting those that are planted in March,
from the which you throw half pound into the ten planks due to the equality of the air,
and are watered two times per week: that theyre also planted in all the months of the
year but in November and December, in this last month no seed is planted, out of the
wild species of this and the hard beans, like the wheat and others: that the ones planted
in March are transplanted along the irrigation canals, and in the planks of the eggplants
spread between them; and that the seed is picked from them in August. In Seville the
early ones are planted in March. He adds, that the amaranths and orache are eaten, after
softened, with vinegar and oil; and that theyre harmful for the stomach when eaten
without vinegar.
ARTICLE VII
The method to plant the orache
These (Abu el Jair and others say) are the srmek, and the same as the bkel-aldsehbiat, the roman vegetables, and you can find them in orchards and in the wild.
According to the book of Ibn Hajj, the early ones are planted since the midst of
January until the beginnings of April. They have another time of the year, and this is
from the beginnings of August until the ends of October. These are of the vegetables
that come in the ends of winter and in the spring season, but arent tasty in the summer
or during the winter. As for the rest (Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl and others say) that is
convenient for them is the greased earth, thick, the very fertilized earth, sandstone,
rough and salty earth, sweet water and also the salty water, re-rot human and horses
feces, in equal disposition. These are weak plants (he continues), and the first that are
planted in the beginnings of January, that are the early. Theyre also planted in March in
the beginnings of spring, and usually reach one another planting them in all the months
of the year, November and December being the exception. In the winter season they
should be planted in landscapes that face the east, and each one of its planks after being
fertilized with two baskets of good re-rot manure. The seed that is planted in them
should be shuffled along with the dust until hidden in it; and watering them until theyre
born, from there on the water supply will be cut due that they dont require too much of
it. In spring and fall season they should be watered once per week, because them like
the other vegetables planted in the heat seasons are benefitted with the heavy amounts
of water, these seasons being the ones where they can suffer from it the most. Planting
them early one and a half pound of its seed each ten planks, and its cultivation is just
like the regime of cultivation expressed for the amaranths; less in the subject that the
early are planted in January, this is when theyre planted in Seville, according to my
observation. According to the author of the Nabataean agriculture, the favor the same
types of earth and cultivation regime than the spinaches, and come with good quality
after being transplanted.
ARTICLE VIII
The method to plant the spinaches
These, according to Abu el Jair, are also given the name of rays-el-bokl (queen
of the vegetables); and according to Ibn Hajj, the early ones are planted from the
beginnings of Octuber until the beginnings of January.
Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl and others say that they favor the greased and thick
earth, in which the planks are benefitted after plowed with good re-rot manure, and that
when planting in them their seed should be shuffled until incorporated with the earth:
they should be watered frequently, two of three times per week until its plants are
somewhat grown, and that after should be watered when they are in the need of such:
that planting the early ones in the beginnings of fall, around September, are eaten in the
midst of October: that in ten planks one and a half pound are to be spread without
putting them very together, because the rains of such season could rot some: that the
ones planted in November are eaten in February, and that from these the seed is picked:
that if they were planted as said earlier, they should be cleared in a way they have
distance one from another of a palm, watering frequently until you discover their seed;
that cutting the watering in that moment to let them dry, these are extracted later and its
seed picked, and this is well-stored lean in new vases, covering its mouths with mud,
and are held there until the moment of their need; which, he says, is very good and
improved without there being a difference from the male. The seed from the one planted
in January and eaten in March and April is also picked; and reach one and another
month by month and season by season. The ones planted in the fall favor sweet water,
and even when theyre eaten in winter, these dont prevail in it. The ones planted in the
heat season dont prevail either, and dont last long; if well the heavy watering keeps
them healthy. Its remaining regime, not expressed here, is the same as the ones just
mentioned; and should be planted during crescent moon and not during diminishing
moon. In Seville the early ones are planted around January.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the favor most types of earth, leaving
out the salty, bitter, the earth from springs and the hard earth, in which they never grow.
Plant their seed in little holes, taking from them what two or three fingers can pick.
Theyre also born spreading this one over still water, and need fertilizers when they are
three fingers tall. The time to plant them is between the last half of September until the
ends of November. He who wishes for them to be robust and of good quality should
transplant them from their original grounds to another place during crescent moon, and
shouldnt be planted during diminishing moon.
ARTICLE IX
The method to plant the berza (specie of cabbage)
This is, Abu el Jair and others say, bakalatol-ansr (Christians vegetable), from
the which the Spanish subspecies is named Nabataean cabbage. Many are its species:
pineapple, this is curly in its figure, small, joint and tight; the eastern, this has a big leaf
and also joint, this a common one; the faar, that has a big and round leaf, and the
trunks long and thin; which is also known: the round cabbage has two species, one of a
sour taste, known as Nabataean, that has small leaves of pointy border; and another one
that also has the leaf small and not in this shape, known as haj.
Junio quoted in the book of Ibn Hajj says that its convenient to know that the
cabbage wants to be planted in salty earth; and that if the one left in its place is dug
around when it starts to thicken, and splashing its feet with fresh pat its later covered
with earth, this will make it come with more substance and softer.
Mauricio opines that planting the cabbage in June and July these are later
transplanted when they need it, the best times being those of snow, ice, and snow due to
the sweetness these things make them acquire; and that is warm in temperate weather.
Some say that the early should be planted from the beginnings of May, and the
late one in the midst of August, that its, between us, the last time to execute it. Abu
Abdalah affirms along with others that the convenient earth for the cabbage is the thick,
greased, and the salty, in which it grows healthy; that its well grown in the valleys; that
its also planted in wet fields; and that the best places to plant it are in the types of earth
similar to the salty.
According to the quoted author, you can find two species of it, one that prevails
during times of heat (in which theyre eaten), and is closed, tender, white, trunks stick
inside one another, this one is the pineapple cabbage; and another one of separated
trunks, that grows well in winter (in which theyre eaten), and not in the summer; this
one favors the moisturized air, and the water from fonts and wells, and it will grow
bitter if the winters temperate. But being that time cold in both temperature and ir, it
doesnt favors the water from wells, and if the need to use such water arrived, some
humans feces will be dissolved in it, and in this way it will grow healthy.
Plant the cabbage in most of the months of the year. The one eaten in winter is
planted in June in plowed planks, already having fertilized each one of them with one or
two baskets of old manure of good quality, mixing it with the earth, which should be
according to the thinness of the same, because the thin earth should have more quantity
applied in it. In such planks planting the seed and shuffling it with the earth so that it
remains covered in it, its watered one or two times until its born, in a way that the
water flows equally and softly, and not with the strength that could move it from the top
of the plank to the bottom, watering from there on two times in the week and stopping
this when its plants are as high as a finger; these should be cleaned from the herbs
executing this when theyre thirsty, and transplanting them around August in the way
that will be explained later, through Allah.
In then planks one pound of its seed is planted. The one eaten around fall must
be planted in March and transplanted in May, for such plants the most convenient places
are the watering channels of the pumpkin plants, eggplants, onions and similar, because
of the continuous cultivation and lots of water that pass along them.
The transplantation of the cabbage is done in this way: extracted in the way
expressed in the beginning of this chapter when it deserves to be transplanted and has
the size of a finger, its put in rows in the afternoon in the cut planks, fertilized with old
manure, and sprayed and moisturized with the water, each plant having a distance from
the other of an elbow in length and half elbow in width; these are watered just as this
operation finishes, and giving them a hoax work when theyre very firm, they are
watered frequently according to the strength of the heat, favoring the sweet water and
no other. If the fall had many rains and the cabbage reaches it, the watering must stop.
The watering, being too many, make that specially in the heat season it throws good and
white leaves, and that harvested they soften when cooked; and being few, the cabbage
acquires rough and bitter flavor, and harvested is victim of insects; which, if by the time
of planting it ash from figs wood were spread over it, wont go near it, or will vanish if
theyre already there.
Kastos affirms that if when the cabbage has born and has the leaves separated,
you spread over them and its roots wimpy dust of salty earth, repeating this operation
five times, once each ten days, it will come with a soft taste and very tender. Some say
that a fifth part of breads nitrate should be added to this dust: others, that instead of
nitrate, ash; and others, that the cabbage will come bigger, of tasty flavor, and will
soften sooner when cooked, if when it has three leaves, its watered with ground alatron
(nitrates foam), and salt, in the same disposition.
The quoted author adds that if someone eats cabbage leaves with the empty
stomach and drinks wine over them wont fall drunk no matter how much he drinks.
Some say that if when the time of cooking the cabbage and before being soft its infused
with vinegar, its altered and loses its color, and doesnt get soft. Others affirm that the
seed of the cabbage that has four or more years of age, if after this time its planted it
becomes turnips (or turnips will be the vegetables that grow from them); and that
planting the seed from these, the cabbage will born; which the quoted author says, and
having it experienced ourselves we found true. The same is said from the seed of basils.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, if the seed of the cabbage is mixed with the
seed of turnips, remaining together three or more months, and later planted, from all of
them turnips will grow. Its said, that the cabbage not suffering from the manure, should
be fertilized with only seeds; and that in the place of its planting no women during its
monthly period should go near, because it would be lost.
The early cabbage (according to my observation) is planted around March in
Seville. In the Nabataean agriculture its said that three are its species; one called
orchard, other called wild, and another one the give the name of huzi (skirt): that the
wild is smaller and of shorter leaf, and the one raised in salty earth when old: that the
other two species need sweet water watering and good quality earth, in which they grow
healthy: its of the vegetables that are planted when the winter and summer starts; and
that the one born when this season starts is very sour and salty, this quality is even more
notorious in the ones planted in Babylons territory: that its seed is also planted
spreading it over still water and throwing the earth above it, as said before; but that this
practice is used few times, the most common practice being that that throws its seed in
holes made for such purpose, throwing in each one of them the quantity that two fingers
pick: that this ones born more robust, and that the one spread over the water also needs
to be transplanted; which, if not transplanted, grows very unstable.
ARTICLE X
The method to plant the sea cabbage
The sea cabbage, Abu el Jair and others say, is also known as Syrian cabbage
and has two species; one like a pineapple, that is closed and joint; and another one
whose head divides in many branches, known as open; which comes close to the
condition of the common cabbage. Along with others he adds that it favors the greased
and strong earth; that the time to plant its seeds are in the months of March and April,
making it in planks of plowed earth after having fertilized each one of them with three
baskets of rot and shredded manure, shuffling it with the dust until its covered in it,
and watering it softly two or three times; that when their plants are somewhat grown
and have the height of a finger, the watering should be stopped until they are thirsty, the
signal they show for this is withering with a blackish green color. The maxim from Abu
Abdalah is that from there one a watering per week should be enough, and according to
other two, two times, transplanting them when they deserve it.
In ten planks three and a half pounds of its seeds are planted. Its transplanting is
made in the same way said before when talking about the cabbage, planting its plants in
earth lumps, and also in the planks after plowed, having applied in each one of them
three to six baskets of good and re-rot shredded manure relative to the goodness of the
earth, increasing the quantity in the thin earth, this due that is good quality is directly
proportional to the major quantity of manure. Watered one or two times the planks,
while theyre still wet its plants are planted with a distance of two elbows between one
another, and are watered right after its planting, executing the same two times per week.
Some say that between them some orache and similar plants so that they keep the earth
occupied.
They favor the sweet water, and shouldnt be watered with bitter water because
this communicates and introduces them the calamities, and the watering should be cut if
the rains of fall season were frequent. When as tall as the common cabbage they turn
yellowish, they will be watered with water where humans feces where dissolved, with
which they are raised perfectly healthy; and if you want to make them big, dug their feet
and rub it with pat and cover them after, then youll water them.
The sea cabbage that will have its seed picked should be transplanted because
the transplanted one isnt the legitimate one. From the ones planted in the plank it
should be left in it with separation the most robust, healthy and of most amusing figure,
applying watering and hoax work until its blooms its flower. Pick the one that grows
yellow, from whose seed the sea cabbage is born; and from the white flower the
common cabbage is born, in which there inst any advantages. The time to plant them in
Seville is around January, according to my observation.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, three are the species of sea cabbage;
big, medium and small. The big one stands over the ground by an elbow or more; the
medium one as tall as the bone of the arm; and the small one a palm or more. The big
ones very yellow; the medium one is yellow with some touched of white, and the small
of white with some yellow. They favor the hard earth, and the delicious red one, whose
dust will have some mix of manure; unless that along with this its hard. Doesnt favor
the soft earth from springs or the spongy one.
The time to plant the sea cabbage is in April, and the time of transplanting is
some days before the midsummer heat appears, this being in July; and are also
transplanted once again in Iill (September): this, when executed, should have fertilizers
like pat and re-rot humans feces with leaves of the same cabbage, pumpkins and endive
applied to it; with which its lightly fertilized, because the fertilizing needs to be very
continuous until its extracted. This is done in three times; when its seed is planted, after
transplanted, and when its grown after the transplants. Keep it alive with cold water
watering, and the cold winds from the north and west. Its said that from the rotten sea
cabbage painted lizards and bad quality mosquitoes are generated.
In the Nabataean agriculture its also said that the humans feces insults and kills
the sea cabbage (when applied without mixing it with anything else); and that it favors
the human, horse, donkey and similar animals urine: that its seed is planted in small
holes made for such purpose, putting in each one of them four, five or more beans
covering them with earth, and that being watered its transplanted when its raised from
the grown: that the medium species are planted in August, and the small species in the
remaining days of the same month and in some days of September: that after its plant
has raised four fingers from the earth should be transplanted, doing this operation in a
day of fresh wind and that the skys clear; and the same is to be done in the
transplanting of the one planted in spring: that having transplanted one after another in
these two times, manure from re-rot humans feces and pat should be applied in equal
disposition, everything mixed with wimpy dust: that when its grown and raised, and its
stem outstanding and yellow, its cut by its feet, and that whats eaten from it is the head
that has on top and the insides of the stem, after its roughness on the area has been
softened: that he who wishes to temperate its acrimony and reinstate its own color,
should splash it with oil before planting it, or have it infused in honey, and or in honey
and arrope simultaneously, and that planting it later in the ground with this same oil and
honey from where it was extracted covering it after with the earth; this contributes to is
plants grown healthy and good reserving them from all their calamities, or that these
cause them lesser damage, through Allah.
ARTICLE XI
The method to plant the chard
According to Abu el Jair and others, they exist of some species, from orchards
and wild; and from one and another there exists white and black ones. Junio quoted in
the book of Ibn Hajj says that if you want the chards to come very soft and big, you put
pat in its feet, and watering them after being covered by earth; and that theyre usually
planted along with the cabbage, but that is transplantation to its own place is done
before the transplanting of the cabbage due to its soon vegetation.
About the other stuff its a maxim from Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl that the ideal
earth for them is the one covered by the shadows of the trees, the one thats exposed to
the sun the whole day, and the wet and adipose earth, discarding for them the earth
thats sandstone and rough: that the time to plant its seed is in the month of April,
executing it in planks of plowed terrain after fertilizing each one of them with a basket
of good manure, giving them a watering right after this operation, and doing everything
else said above about the cabbage: that after extracted in the mentioned way, theyre
transplanted in June in the afternoon in plowed planks sprayed with water, putting them
in ordered lines and with a distance of one elbow long and a little less than that in width
between each other; and the water convenient for them is the sweet one, with which
many heavy watering of such quality they come of good quality: that in ten planks you
plant two pounds of its seed, from the ones the better one is that of one year old, being
not too good the one of the same year due to the many stems present in the plant that
grows from it; this doesnt happens (its said) if this new seed is planted after being tied
to a rag as long as three days, and hung in a well in which there is water.
If you want the chards to grow big and white leafs, splash (at the moment of its
transplantation) its roots with fresh pat, throwing some of it below the roots, and
watering them just after you finished covering them with earth. And youll do the same
operation if you wish them to thicken its feet, digging it up and uncovering them for this
effect; or doing in each one of them a hole with a knife, introducing in them little
stones, and watered after the earths been replaced. The chards are planted in Seville
around March, according to my observation.
According to the Nabataean agriculture the chards are commonly known plants
in most part of the regions, and its leaves and stems are edible, using them cooked and
as aesthetics. They have three species, big, medium, and small; and are planted in two
times of the year, when they winters close or between October and November, and
sometimes some people plant them in September just like the winter ones. Theres also
a species of them planted in June. According a relation of Susado, the planting from all
these tree species is convenient to be done from September until the midst of November
and none of them in the summer, because when theyre planted when the winters close,
the cold and the coming of the rains is what keeps them alive.
Its characteristics are, that the ones of the big species have the green very intense
and also with some touches of black, and its leaf wide, big, soft, amusing figure and of a
loaded green; which are called black chards. The ones called small chards have very
small eaves, smooth, and much less green that the ones from the big one. The medium
ones have their leaves born a long stem, which is thin and tended in the upper side, and
curly in the lower side, lacking green color and that touch of yellow. The first ones are
very green.
The two species, medium and small, are planted in September. The big one is
planted in the last half of June, and needs many watering; this is planted spread over the
water and also in small holes. This very same and the one of the little species need to be
transplanted from the place in which they were planted to another different one, because
they dont grown but after being transplanted. The seed of the medium species, the one
that lacks the green color and has a thin leaf, is planted in holes; and even being left in
its own place the dont stop growing well, but they end up not being too stable unless
transplanted from their original place; and so they should need constant fertilizing with
old, re-rot humans feces, and mixed with wimpy dust; or with donkeys manure mixed
with humans feces, both rotten and mixed with leaves of chards, verdolagas and ivies;
or with the trash from the barns where the ox are gathered, extracting with it that dust of
the earth with which its incorporated the pat, mixing and grounding it with humans
feces, and rotting both thing with chards leaves, and joint with the leaves of the ivy;
which is very useful and convenient for them.
Sagrit affirms that the chards improve the salty earth in which theyre planted
due to the salts they pick up and extract from themselves, and that repeating its planting
in the earth of this quality entirely removes the saltiness, this earth becoming in a good
and healthy earth; and also its an advise from some farmers that its very same leaves
and rot roots with the manures fertilize it very well by mixing its gooeyness, this is what
is convenient for all the plants when theyre fertilized with them; and likewise they
accelerate the rotting of the manures mixed with them, which being blackened quick
acquire new sweetness; for this reason its convenient that theyre fertilized with
manure that has a mix of chards leaves, and also the vegetables and other plants that
were harmed by the cold, whose damage is removed through this method. The manure
that had a mix of chard is especially advantageous for the vines throwing it in its dug up
roots, because it keeps them healthy and is of biggest utility for them than all the other
types of manure.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, sodas are made from the stems of the
chards after washed, peeled, and rubbed. Eat them in seeds soup, and also only boiled
and placed after in them, or thrown in the pots and cooked with the meat; or grilled and
put after in oil; and also eaten after being boiled three times. Likewise after ground and
mixed some of the breads bread is made from them; but its not of good quality, or of a
similar one.
Susado already explained the method to make edible bread from the stems of the
chards, saying its necessary for the to be boiled three or four times when picked in
pieces and peeled, later splashed with sesame or olives oil when lean, and put in places
where the winds get hits them three or four days; that after that theyre grinded and
some flour of barley or millet added to them mixing also some starch, and later amassed
with yeast of wheats flour, because like this bread of healthy properties for the body is
made; except that in the chards theres a stinging virtue of the stomach, whose bad habit
is corrected from the bread eating it with butter, fat and oils, and also theres security
that it wont cause any harm when dipped into broad beans soup, and infusing later
common oil mixed with sesame oil; and like this, besides the expressed effect, is of easy
digestion and soon excretion.
The cooked chards, says Abu el Jair, should be eaten with mustard; and if not
eaten with such, I wont order them to be eaten with vinegar. Maxim from others is that
theyre eaten with mustard, pepper, cumin and caraway, and that they also are eaten
boiled with common oil or pink oil, caraway, pepper and vinegar. Others say that the
chards are the remedy to make anything born from the wound (or its scar, if its the
case).
ARTICLE XII
The method to plant the sorrel
The sorrel, according the Nabataean agriculture, is numbered between the
orchard vegetables, and is from the plants whose stem and branches are edible. Its also
spontaneously born in the jungles; and being five species, four of them are from
orchards and only one from the wild, this is the one that can be raised on its own; this
one is similar to one of the orchards species with the difference that this is thicker and
healthier. The stems from one of the orchards are brought from lakes or from where
embalmed water is (they enjoy raising there), which are hard, and very sharp the ends of
its branches. The other wild species has the plant small and the same the leaf, for the
which is like the leaf from the buckhorn, and less harp that the one we first described;
and the fruit or seed, that throws over the branches that are born over its stem, is red and
stabs in the mouth and the tongue.
The sorrel is planted at the same time as the sugar cane, and in the same way as
the chards; its more robust when transplanted, and healthier than the early that is left in
its original place. Whats convenient for the chards is convenient for it too, its fertilizing
is the same as the fertilizing of the chards, and they are improved in the same way.
Its washed stems, boiled up to three times with water and salt, and also spiced
(after this is being consumed) with spices are edible; and its also thrown over the
stems, leaves, and seeds what its good to give them softness along with the oil,
caraway, pepper and vinegar. IF gathering its stems theyre washed and boiled three
times in water, changing it each time, and after that dried and ground, from them edible
bread is made, of soon digestion, and of a laxative virtue; and the same if its eaten with
some delicacies that arent grease or sweets, and also with sweets and grease.
CHAPTER XXIV
The method to plant the vegetables of roots,
like the turnips, radishes, carrots, onions, garlics,
leeks, black pepper, daffodils and the parsnips
ARTICLE I
The method to plant the turnips named leftos
There are several species of them, according to Abu el Jair and others, long
romans, and Spanish rolls; the rolls also subdivide in others, Syrian rounds and
Egyptian whites. Junio quoted in the book of Ibn Hajj says that the turnips are planted
twice in the year from springs equinox until past the summer; that this is a vegetable
thats easily digested eaten in cold times and in the spring; and that in the heat it has a
spicy taste, and lacks softness.
Others say that the early turnips are planted from the midst of July until the ends
of August; whose maxim, says Ibn Hajj, being accommodated to the air of our region,
our natural townspeople stick with it.
Abu Abdalah and others say that the long turnips are planted in wet and dry
earth, that they favor the soft earth, sandstone, greased earth and the adipose earth, and
not the rough earth due to the difficulty in extracting them from such type of earth; that
they earth in which its seed is planted must be dug diligently, because they penetrate it
according to the deepness of the digging, and even this usually goes as far to touch
healthy and pure earth; unless its soft and very spongy. And the same must be observed
with the carrots and radishes raising in them the planks according to what was just said.
This species of turnips, say Abu Abdalah, doesnt need manure, and its planted
seed in those planks must be shuffled in the earth with the hand until its incorporated
with it, later introducing it the water softly; with which its frequently watered until they
are born after such earth whitens. After its plants are extended and above the ground,
the watering is cut, they are hoaxed and the thin and unstable plants are extracted
leaving only the robust plants; which, or the best ones from the extracted and others
prevail transplanted, and if heavy rains attended them in the fall, theyll grow with a soft
and delicate taste without the need of human watering.
The quoted author adds that they favor low quantities of watering, and that its
for this reason that theyre planted in greased earth and not given too much watering, so
that they grow more delicate and tender: that the early ones are planted in the
beginnings of August, and those of the softer taste are the ones planted in the last half of
the mentioned month: that in ten planks of the extension expressed in this book one and
a fourth ounces of tis seeds are planted, corresponding one pound to the quantity of one
hundred planks. He also says that those of this species are eaten through the whole
winter and a part of fall, and that its seed shouldnt be planted thick, because when
going light it will allow lots of turnips to grow.
Its a maxim from the same Abu Abdalah and other authors that the round
turnips favor the adipose and greased earth, and the sweet water of wells, rivers and
fonts, and low quantities of manure: that their earth should be dug according to what
was said above, and that fertilizing the planks with a little bit of re-rot manure and
planting its seed in those around August, theyre eaten in fall and winter: that the ones
planted in the spring or in the midst of March are eaten in May and June: that in ten
planks the quantity of seeds planted is the same as with the long turnips, and almost the
same regime of watering: that the ones from the this species will have its unstable plants
in a way that theres a distance of two thirds of a palm exists between the root of each
other, and the distance of a whole palm between them in the soft earth: that the
transplanted ones in other planks prevail well watering them two times per week; and
that when their plants are strengthened, their buds should be burst and the stems cut so
that this strength goes back all the way to the roots, making it thicker: that if the turnips
are watered few times, the come with a soft and tender taste; and that if they were
watered many times, theyll grow hard in a way that its taste cant be felt and with an
unnatural flavor: that these round turnips suffer from the heavy quantities of water and
manure more than the long ones; and that if in the ground in which it will be planted
there previously was a vegetable that needed heavy quantities of water, it should be
fertilized so that its moisturized, because the heavy watering removes the juice or most
part of it from the earth: that being the seed of the round turnips thicker than the one of
the long turnips, its the intention to plant clearer those seeds of the first ones, so that
the weight of the seeds that will be thrown in each plank comes to be the same: that this
seed is picked from the best roots leaving these its respective planks and transplanting
later in another place; and that picking such when its seasoned well, you keep it stored
lean in new vases. In the book of the quoted author its said that the turnips shouldnt be
planted in the place where the flax was. According my observation, in Seville, both long
and round turnips are planted around September.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the turnips (common and known plant)
are raised in earths from Syria and Mesopotamia higher that in the weather of the
Babylon, and that are planted from the beginnings of September until the ends of
October. For them the good types of earth are the spongy, thick, sweet and the tasteless
one with a mix of sand, and favor the heavy and frequent rains. Plant them throwing lots
of its beans in small holes, and theyre also planted by spreading them; these plants,
after raising and laying its roots, should be moved from where they are to another place.
Being several the species of the turnips, one of them has the roots smaller than those
who have them bigger, and its color has much more displays of red than those big ones;
which has a very thin leaf. If you want the taste of the turnips to come out wonderfully
delicate and soft, fertilize them with shredded mixed with wimpy dust, and spraying
some wine in the main part of its plants dusting over such plant with pat and earth,
repeating it the next month four or five times; the more of this operation you execute,
the softer it will come out to be. The magnitude and perfection of its root is shown by its
same leaves, which grow robust with the same pace of its roots and the main part of it.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the turnips are eaten after being boiled
in water, extracting them from it and leave them until they have filtered it, later infusing
them vinegar, sumacs juice, adding salt to them and lots of oil, and spreading them
with grounded caraway and cinnamon in the same disposition: its food eaten with bread
mildly feeds the body, more than any other edible roots that are under ground; and that
its feed is thicker than the regular, itll be convenient to cook the turnips in a way that
theyre left very soft, and by this mean digestible, because the more easy its for the
stomach to digest it, the best this food is. Two times is the max they should be cooked,
this being, that boiling them one time and after throwing the hot water away, theyre
boiled a second time in hot water and eaten after this water has been thrown away; or
that after the first boiling theyre thrown in the same pot as the rest of the food so that
they boil together. Doing this ensures the eater that he wont get gasses, if well they rise
and wake up the venereal coitus. Also boiling them two times theyre infused with
vinegar and oil, being sprayed with peppermint, sliced tough, basil theyre eaten with
bread. The carrots are usually boiled along with the turnips, and eaten in the way weve
just expressed.
Abu el Jair says that the people eat the spiced turnips of several ways until
putting them in salty water or in vinegar so that (being in this disposition) they can use
them through the whole year; but they are far more beneficial after boiled a second time.
According to others, theyll be if the goodness of its stew comes from the good things
mixed with it, and are eaten with mustard and hot spices.
ARTICLE II
The method to plant the carrots or the asfanriah
Abu el Jair and others say that they can be found species of orchards and wild
ones, and another male species that lays stems. Talking about them in the book of Ibn
Hajj its said that theyre planted from August until the beginnings of September, that
these are vegetables that come during cold times and in spring, and that arent the type
of plants that favor the heat because the acid contained in them grows strong with the
heat.
Abu Abdalah and others affirm that they favor the sweet, soft, sandstone and the
loose black types of earth, and that they dont favor the rough and thick earths, because
in those they extend in branches and that makes it difficult to extract them later; and that
they favor sweet water: that the earth should be plowed very diligently digging it very
deep due to the need of having loose and deep earth so that, extending in it, they grow
large and wide: that in the same the planks of the expressed capacity should be raised,
and in them their seed should be planted in the last half of July and through all the
month of August in the same way as the turnips, and are watered with water from wells
just as the last operation finishes, watering them with it until its plants are mildly
grown: that from there on the watering must be cut until theyre thirsty, and are later
watered once per week after the sunset: that if it rains frequently during fall, its watering
should be lighter but without cutting them because the carrots, round and long turnips
favor the sweet water from wells, and because the rains are a rare and accidental
watering; to sum it up, their regime is the same as the one of the long turnips (if planted
in wet earth) until bursting its buds: that theyre cleaned from the sprouts they bloom
because these dont grow a beneficial root; and that the quantity of its seed planted in
each plank should be the same as the one for the long turnips: that if you want them to
be smooth remove the hair they have, watered in December when the snows are falling,
and so they will come out of this quality: that the ones destined to be seeds should be of
the most robust and of the ones with the best roots, and left in the high plant of their
planks towards the watering channels until they produced it, that it will picked and
stored lean in new vases until the needed time. According to my observation, the early
carrots are planted in Seville in the last half of August.
The carrots from orchards, says the author of the Nabataean agriculture, are plats
of edible root but not of edible leaf. You can find species with two colors; some red,
that are very juicy and of a very soft flavor; and other green ones with touched of
yellow, these are very thick. Their roots formed underground are edible and feed the
body. These are eaten raw and cooked, even though these last ones are lighter, softer
and more beneficial. The time of planting in the weather of Babylon is from the twenty
seven of August, through the whole September until the five of October. Water them
each day with fresh water until theyre born, and later in the same quantity that the other
plants of edible root receive. They have the virtue to awake the urine, boosting the
desire of things ungraceful for Allah, inciting luxury and providing a good mood. They
favor the same that the radishes prefer about freshness, cold water watering, and
domination of north sturdiness. The snows, far from damaging them, are beneficial for
them due to the sturdiness and growth they provide. From these fresh compositions are
made, that are eaten with vinegar, oil, vegetables and some seeds. A certain election is
also made together with milk, dates arrope, and sugar; whose confection is very
delicate and enters in the sweets department. Some people also eat carrots instead of
bread, this lack is beneficial in a certain way, because they vanish and entirely remove
the hunger giving a feel of having the stomach filled and also feed the body.
Susado refers that its fellow people do bread from them, for this the carrots are
cut and placed to dry, and are mixed with some flour of wheat, barley, rice or millet,
and from this a very delicate and beneficial bread for the body is made. Likewise
theyre eaten with candies and also with salty stuff; if well with the candies theyre of
more delicate taste, of more sustenance, and more beneficial for the human body. There
are wild species from them, these are used more for medicines than for food, and the
orchard species, and these are the opposite of the wild.
ARTICLE III
The method to plant the radishes
Its said in the Nabataean agriculture that these can be found long and
bullheaded; and Junio quoted in the book of Ibn Hajj affirms that these and the turnips
are planted two times in a year, from the springs equinox until past the summer. These
are of the vegetables that are well digested in the winter and in spring; if well in the
winter they dont have a bad taste or lack of softness.
Its an opinion from some that the early radishes should be planted from the
beginnings of August until the ends of September; whose maxim (says Ibn Hajj) being
accommodated to the weather of our countries is common between us.
For everything else, the radishes (according to Abu Abdalah and other authors)
favor the greased earth, wet earth and that of generous quality, and the sweet water from
wells and fonts. Its earth should be deeply dug, in which (without being fertilized)
planks with earth lumps are raised, one next to the other, and with intermediate watering
channels that take their water from a main common watering channel; and in them the
seed of the radishes is planted with the ear of the hoax (and the same in the tall part of
the earth lumps placed between the planks, and also in those of the watering channels)
in a distance of something more of a palm between each other, like this in length and
width of the planks. Water these and the common earth lumps mentioned introducing
from the major watering channel the water through the intermediate watering channels,
and like this it receives it the seed planted in those earth lumps; whose upper part should
be flattened a little when making them and when the seeds applied, in a way that
theyre well done so that the water applied to them when theyre little can pass; through
these means the radishes come white, tender and without its first roots, which is one of
the best things done with them.
Abu Abdalah dictates that the watering should be cut when its plants are mildly
grown; that lightly hoaxing the ones that are in the planks and extracting the many that
were born in a same place youll only leave one, transplanting it the others to a place
where theyll prevail; that theyre left without watering until its need for the water is
discovered through their known indicative signals; and that when the earth is soft again
and with low moisture, theyre to be hoaxed and second time and watered again up to
two times per week, making these watering light if the fall had many rains.
The time to plant the early radishes, according to the Nabataean agriculture, is
from the midst of February up to the beginnings of August in the cold regions, and up to
the end of August if the regions temperate: which shouldnt be executed too early
because they would come hard and would grow stems before reaching the sufficient
taste to be eaten, this being in the fall and winter seasons. In ten planks three and a half
ounces of its seed are planted. Those that will be eaten in the fall are planted between
the manure in grooves similar to those where you plant the cucumbers and pumpkins, as
it will be said (through Allah) in their respective articles. Water them frequently, and
after its plants have mildly grown, a hoaxing is made, and are continued to be watered
in the same way because the several watering encourage them to come very good in this
season.
Its said that if before planting this seed this is placed in an infusion of honey
and water during thirty hours, and planted immediately after, the radishes come with
this same flavor: that if you want them to be thick, fixate a stake in the ground, and
extracted the same is executed in other different spots, and that filling the holes from
where it was pulled with hay or manure and throwing earth over it in each one of the
one or two seeds of radish will be planted, extracting one if both are born
simultaneously, and watering them until theyre born. Its like this that the radishes that
are raised in them come thick and of the size of the stake. Same operation is made with
the long radishes. In Seville the radishes are planted around September.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the long radishes favor the same earth
as the bullheaded radishes, and also the fresh and cold winds. Raised of superior quality,
thick and long with the many rains, they favor the watering of cold water, and arent
burned by the strength of the cold. Its planting is done spreading or fixating the seed.
Moving them from their original planting spot to another gives them more robustness
and makes them grow better. The time to plant them is from the beginnings of
September, and sometimes is done earlier in the beginnings of August in some
landscapes of the weather of Babylon. For them there doesnt exists a better medicine or
cultivation that the frequent hoaxes, and extracted the herbs around it, repeating this and
the hoaxing sometimes since the moment they start to extend until their final moment
arrives, and watering them every time theyre thirsty. Its fertilizing is made with rot
humans feces along with leaves of pumpkin, broad beans and Pidar, and with fruits and
branches of poppies, spreading it rotten, blackened and lean in the feet of the radishes.
This manure is also beneficial for all the vegetables due to the growth and robustness
that it gives them; and its convenient to apply it, this being over the water that enters
them at the moment of the watering or spread towards them likewise throwing on top of
it wimpy earth and watering them later.
The utilities of the radishes are that eaten following the food after the stomachs
very loaded of it dissolves it, helping the digestion of the whole meal; that eaten in
fasting remove the bad feel of the stomach due to a special virtue they have; that its
biggest benefit is that they dissolve the thick meals of difficult digestion and late exit of
the stomach, as the meat of the cow, bull and wild animals, the eggs and the hard broad
beans, and other similar stuff. They have another superior quality, and is that if theyre
boiled in water with a little bit of salt until soft, eaten like this they cure the old cough
that doesnt seem to go away after some days.
For what it does the radishes bullheaded (the Syrians), they look entirely like the
radishes, in their leaves and plant as in the root, but sometimes they come smaller.
These have a clean white and strong acrimony. The earth convenient for them is that
mixed with sand in which they come with a perfectly sweet flavor. They live and grow
with the continuous rains, IF they are thirsty, theyre grown twice as spicy until theyre
similar to the large ones; and of equal condition if theres little rain in the winter and the
cold winds rarely blow. Plant them in the same way as the turnips, whose operations
convenient to be executed from the beginnings of September up to the ends of October,
planting the late ones in part of November; which are also very good and very fat due to
the vigor that the cold communicates them, for the growth the winter winds give to
them, and for the good vegetation that the watering of cold water gives them. They are
warm as the turnips, stronger than these.
Rasis says that the sharpness or acrimony that there is in the radishes is corrected
when theyre boiled in water; that one of its benefits is that splashing the face with its
ground seed and shell they remove the freckles, that drinking its ground seed, the poison
is removed and the luxury increased, and that if the new moms eat it, their milks
booster.
ARTICLE IV
The method to plant the onions
Some of them are red and round (says Abu el Jair), others are white with an
equal form, and other ones prolonged. Junio quoted in the book of Ibn Hajj says that
they prevail well in the red earth, that theyre planted since the beginnings of April until
the ends of May, and that its seed is planted from the beginnings of November up to the
beginnings of January.
About the other stuff its an opinion of Abu Abdalah Ebn el Fasl that they favor
the greased black earth, soft earth, red earth, and the white earth similar to the red earth;
and that they prevail in the rough earth. He adds that they favor the water from rivers;
but others opine that the sweet water from wells is also good for them, being more
useful than the water from rivers due to the heat that they provide for them. The ones
planted early are eaten by the time of the reap, and the late ones are stored dry. The
earth in which they are to be planted mustve been prepared with three different grid
works, being softly moisture, after having been sprayed with good quality manure; and
that before this the seed of the onions should have been planted that are to be
transplanted for the place where they will finish their growth.
For it does to the early ones eaten fresh in the summer around the time of the
reap, to whom they give the name of little onion, should be taken care of being towards
east in safe places, well plowed, and spread in planks, having placed in each one of
them a load of good manure proportional to the goodness or thinness of the earth, and
incorporating it with its dust. In these the seed of good and select quality is planted
almost in the same way as in the other ones, taking care that it isnt thick so that the
cold doesnt burns it. Water them softly just after this operation (whose time is in the
month of October), and the watering is continued without allowing the earth to fall dry,
and when theyre born the watering is cut due that they can now take sustenance from
the rains and the cold air, and after the midst of January theyre watered again, doing it
frequently until the midst of February, in which time theyre transplanted, being even
smaller, and its also good (if they require it) to transplant them in January; because
they shouldnt be left to grow too much without being transplanted, because the ones
that were left like that would grow stems; this operation will be later discussed about,
through Allah.
The best time to plant the late onions, these are the ones stored dry (even though
some still preserve green until the ends of June), is in the last ten days of January. But in
general the time to plant them is from the beginnings of October until the ends of
November, executing this operation almost in the same way that was said prior; these
plants are transplanted in April and May, if theyre in the legitimate disposition for it; or
in August, if theyre to be stored.
The method to transplant the early onions, the ones of mid time and the late ones
in the planks, in the watering channels, in the earth lumps that divides the planks, and
the ones raised for it, is in this way:
Method to do the earth lumps in where the onions and other plants in growing
are placed, attributed to the Sicilians
Erect the earth lumps in well plowed earth, each one of them having a watering
channel between them from where they will take water; and having these minor
watering channels a connection to the main on, just like the planks, from where to these
and those the water enters, step over each of the earth lumps in both sides with the feet
so that they remain firm and the water doesnt destroys them; for this effect being two
men standing, each one in the watering channel facing each other, and having between
them the earth lump, each one of them will put his feet in front of the other one, and
likewise they will continue stepping the earth lump very well in each side in perfect
company.
This done and the onion plants extracted in the above expressed way, they are
planted (its roots and hearts cut) in the holes that with a stake thick as the cane of the
foot should have been made in both sides of the earth lump one after the other and with
a distance of a half palm between each other, in a way that the earth lump comes to be
between two rows of onion plants, and the same with the others, and the water from the
main watering channel is introduced via those secondary watering channels in the way
that (through Allah) I will explain. This is whats done with the onions that are too big
to be stored, which come fat, curly and with a delicate taste; whose form of operation
used in the onions natural from Sicily is very good, according to the opinion of Abu
Abdalah Ebn el Fasl.
For what it does the planks, being known the way of making them and having
expressed their extension in the prologue of this book, they will be done in such way: in
those fertilized with re-rot old manure the onion plants will be transplanted in rows, this
is, the ones that are to be eaten green by the time of the reap, when they are small so that
they dont grow stems (as we said before), putting a plant with a distance from other of
less than a palm; and that the ones planned to be stored, when theyre tall and big, so
that the heat doesnt offends them while being small, putting like a palm of distance one
from the other.
It was already said up the method to extract the plants from their pots, which
should be watered frequently until they reach their last seasoning, without letting their
earth gain juice in the heat season The ones transplanted in April better than the ones
planted in May, and the ones planted in this month are more than excellent compared to
the ones planted in June. After the onions, that are to be stored, are more thick and
finished their growth, cut their watering and their leaves removed with the feet, so that
the energy from them go back to the root; with this they grow perfectly good, remaining
like this until the time of its legitimate seasoning in August, this being when they are
extracted.
They say that if you wish for them to grow thick roots you should plant only the
wide and low plants, cutting their first roots and its sharp end, and putting below each
one a new rag; that the ones from these that are planted in red earth are born with the
same color; and white, the ones that were planted in hard earth of such color.
From the onions that are to be transplanted, in ten planks you plant two and a
half pounds of seed, each pound composed of twelve ounces; and the planks where the
late plants should be must be watered frequently after showing the height of one finger,
hoping that their earth doesnt get lean, which is the cause that they briefly grow. Plant
them clear so that they thicken after transplanted. They also prevail without watering
transplanted in dry earth and deserted landscapes, and in the greased and very soft earth.
Abu Abdalah and others say that the best and fattest onions are to be chosen as
seeds, and planted in greased, black and soft earth in rows and with an elbow of
distance between each other, covering with dirt as thick as three or four fingers, and that
the time to execute this is from the beginnings of October until the ends of January.
Some say that the best is to plant them early; and others, that the best time for this is in
the month of January: that if you want the planted onions to grow many branches with
several onions on them, cut the upper half or third part from each one of them, throw it
away and plant only the remaining part of the onion, and are to be watered frequently
when the need for water manifests the most, this is when their flowers are discovered;
and that when the seeds full, Ill be picked in its totality and kept in storage in new
vases until the time of their need.
They say that the onions roasted lose the strength of its acrimony, and the same
for the garlics; and that the act of eating them in such state encourages the appearance of
freckles in the face. According to the Nabataean agriculture, from the onions of
orchards only the root is eaten, and the most subtle and thin from its heart, its leaves and
their branches: which have three species, the first ones are very long and with a very
scathing taste; the second ones are very round; and the third ones are thinner than these
two and between round and long, which hold a certain intermediate in the scathe of its
taste. From the three species you can find them white and red. Its convenient to plant
them in September, October, and also in November, spreading its seed and throwing it
in holes. After theyve grown and its plants are sufficiently grown, they are moved to
another place, because they dont grow or lay birth to bigger heads if they arent
transplanted. They somewhat favor the temperate cold and the watering of cold water.
They require to be fertilized with one of the manures we mentioned in the chapter of the
composition of such; and they favor the tasteless earth, and also that of sweet taste, the
greased one, glutinous, and that between lean and wet.
Talking in the Nabatea agriculture about the meaning of certain properties, some
authors quoted there say that when you are going to plant the onions your belly should
emptied and without desires of expelling the foul-smelling things made there, and if so
you must retire from the place before touching its seed, planting them in any way you
like after being purified; adding, that if someone charged of some of these weights
planted it, the onions wouldnt grow as theyd be corrupted: that if you want to plant
onions that come slightly scathe and with a delicate flavor, you plant them in crescent
moon and in its conjunction Venus or near this last planet, because they come juicier
and of a flavor less scathe. There are also precious properties of the onions, that if
splashing their seed with oil before the planting, they come with a very delicate and soft
taste; and that if you splash them with honey, they come sweet and with very few scathe
taste in it. Some and others are very delicate when eaten raw; and if they have this
delicate flavor when eaten raw, theyll taste even better when cooked.
Sagrit says that the man planting the seeds of the onion should throw it to the
earth without looking at it, because doing it like this and transplanting the onions, they
come very big, throwing the heads soon with this making them unstable, and do not
cause headache when eaten: that when they are transplanted, the performer of such
action should uncover the head, this makes that all those come out dressed in the shell
like a thin shirt, because the onions that lack a shell that can provide a bit of cover are
very scathe in taste, of a soft body and display an altered color when cooked: that the
planters and farmers of them should execute these operations while eating dates at the
time, because leaving in the earth what they leave out of it, and having the sweet part of
it in their mouths, this is of special and exquisite virtue to make the onions acquire a
delicate taste diminishing the scathe taste in them, and removing the acrimony: then
when theyre dug after planted theyre swelled with the manure we indicated for them,
and after with earth crumbled to dust: that in certain times they favor the same types of
earth as the carrots, this is, that they are planted in terrain whose powder has a mix of
manure, and in black glutinous earth; that its very good to put near each head planted
some dates bones; and likewise, that if theyre to be planted spread, the performer of
this action should have in its hands some dates while having its palm splashed with it
and oil, and that in this disposition he takes the seed and throws it, and the same when
he does its planting; these particularities make the onions acquire an extremely delicate
taste.
Even when the most useful part of the onions are its roots (whats regularly
eaten), their leaves are also edible, and the juicy part of its heart and what surrounds it.
The root of the onion and its stem soften the meat cooked along with it, and softening
and removing its bad smell they give it a very delicate taste, avoiding gasses in the one
who eats the meat. He who wishes to remove the scathe taste from the onions to give
them a good flavor, and that they also are a moderate source of food for the body,
should put it to boil in water by an hour, throwing this water after the expressed time
and repeating the operation again and a last time; which removing the scathe and
sharpness, makes them of healthy maintenance; without such correction they would
damage the vision and the brain, and cause headache. The specie of this soup made is
equivalent the food made with bread and salt. Eating them raw an ungraceful taste is
kept in the mouth that grows with the time; which is foul (whatever the specie of the
onion eaten), and is removed by chewing radishes above them, taking the dust of some
flour of raw broad beans, chewing and swallowing some butter after being heated in low
fire, chewing some coriander seeds toasted in low fire, bitter bread of many days after
being a little heated, toasted chickpeas, or roasted olives.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, boiling the onions two or three times in
sweet water removes the scathe taste and sharpness they have, and arent a kind of food
harmful for the body. The cooked onions are less scathe than the raw ones, especially if
the properties of the water where theyre boiled arent always the same. He who wishes
to remove all the harmful properties from them should boil them sometimes with
vinegar and then eat them. He who wishes to eat them, should boil them with water and
salt later softening them with oil and spreading dry or green caraway. He who wishes to
eat them raw should wash them in water and salt, and later in vinegar sometimes to
remove its sharpness; or eat after this cucumbers heart eating from them the part that
doesnt have acrimony. The long ones are less warm than the round ones; the white
ones less warm than the red ones; and the fresh ones less warm than the lean ones. Rasis
says that they onions, garlics and butter shouldnt be mixed in the same food due that
this has taken to the grave many people.
ARTICLE V
The method to plant the garlics
You can find them in orchards and in the wild, says Abu el Jair, red bullheaded
(called mkahthanulos), sicanos, apuerrados, and sabnos; which dont possess a seed.
Talking about them in the Nabahtea agriculture Junio quoted there says that they prevail
well in earths of white dust; that its convenient to plant them in well dug spongy earth,
in which they grow big roots; and that the time to plant them is from the moment the
goats hide in the third of November until the ends of the same month. Others say that
the early garlics are planted from the beginnings to the ends of October, and in January
the specie that has overly wide teeth.
As what refers to the others, its an opinion of Abu Abdalah and other authors
that they favor the greased earth, adipose, wet, black thick, ferocious red and the white
earth; and that they dont favor the hard earth, because in it they dont grow heads due
to the inability to penetrate it.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, their earth should be fertilized with old
manure, and also in it (its read) the garlics dont suffer from heavy quantities of
manure in any way, but they can live with just one watering until the moment theyre
born, and then two or three times in its time of production; and that in the beginning of
the spring they were saw needing water via the signs expressed before, theyll be
watered only once. According to the quoted text, the time to plant the early garlics of
the species of wimpy tooth is in the month of October, and the late garlics in January; in
said moth the mochaksthanulos are planted, putting their teeth in the know planks and in
rows done in them of two third parts of a palm in depth, or with three fingers of distance
between the earth lumps earlier mentioned in the chapter of the planting of the onions,
attributed to the naturals from Sicily; in which this operation is made with the ear of the
hoax and also with a stake, the earth being in that time moisturized due to the watering,
and in each palm five teeth are put placing their ends up (if possible), and covering with
earth thick as a finger. Abu Abdalah warns that the mentioned earth lumps should be
somewhat flattened in their upper part by walking above them and stepping them softly;
and that in them the garlics will be planted, almost equal to the way expressed before.
The same author and others say that in one hundred planks six quarters of fat
garlics are planted, and three quarters of the wimpy ones; that they shouldnt be watered
right after its planting has finished, but theyre to be left without watering until theyre
born with their own juice: that when theyre rot, a light excavation should be made so
that they arent left uncovered, and the same when the earths regularly wet after each
watering; and that they prevail planted in dry earth like non-cultivated places and
deserts of greased earth, and of soft wet earth.
Other authors say that its planting shouldnt be made but in diminishing moon,
and that they wont come with foul smell if theyre planted in the last three days of the
moon month: that if before their teeth are planted theyre soaked in fresh milk and
honey, leaving them in there two days, they come with sweet taste: and that the early
ones are extracted by the time the barleys being reaped; and those that are to be stored,
in August. According to my experience, the countrys garlics (or common) are planted
in Seville from the beginnings of October, and the fat garlics from the beginnings of
December.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the garlics whose planted almond is
planted later, exist in three genres; some wild ones and some from orchards, whose head
is divided in small parts, called dientes de ajo. From these of the orchards theres one
species whose head is a piece united that doesnt divides. In many things and ways,
particularly to what refers to the planting and cultivation, theyre similar to the onions;
and its said, quoting Susado, that these are one of their species with the only difference
being their scathe taste.
The author of the quoted text says that one of the utilities of the garlics is that
when theyre grouped with any type of food, this doesnt alters, and it doesnt rot or
corrupts inside the human body; and that being well digested by the stomach, the
excretion is soon manifested: that in the garlics there a virtue contrary to the rigor and
damage from the cold, if theyre eaten mixed with the cooked garlic: that eating with the
rice or any other cooked that is many garlics, the damage from the rigorous cold is
stopped to the point that the eater almost doesnt feels the minor nuisance: that if well
cut garlics are put to fry in oil until extracting their virtue while always shuffling them
over the fire, and are later squeezed in such pan after having their temperature lowered,
the people who travels during times of rigorous cold splashing themselves with this oil
the parts of their bodies uncovered to the cold and air prevents any nuisance caused by
the cold to the point that you almost cant feel its damage, and that the limbs of the body
dont suffer alteration or damage with the snow.
Susado says that he used to do certain thing with the garlics with which he
extracted from them its burning scathe; and that when being under this operation they
lost the quality of that sharpness, they were left very useful and beneficial; that being in
this disposition, he grounded them to the bone in a mortar, and that adding to a part of
them a fourth part of wheats flour in which there was already a tenth part added to of
barleys flour, he amassed very well all that, and throwing it a little bit of salt or nitrate
(this last one being the best and the ideal), he produced bread from them and ate it
normally: that if someone only eats this bread during sometime, his body acquires
certain beauty, and isnt hit by fever in its life time, also freeing himself of all diseases:
that with this food he isnt strung with obstructions or what comes after them. Likewise,
that other similar utility of the garlic (which would take too long to explain) is that they
are good against the scorpions sting, that they make you expel your gasses, that they
give back color to the body; and that (through Allah) they enlarge the lifespan of those
that eat it as much as twenty five years: that if he who has eaten garlics offended
someone with the smell coming from his mouth will chew after them some of the things
I mentioned while talking about the garlics to remove their smell, this because they also
remove the stench of the garlic; and that they most efficient is to chew radish seed along
with its green leaves. According another author, the ground garlics applied over the
stings of insects and scorpions are very useful, through Allah. Its also said that they
purify the water, and that few garlics can achieve what many onions can.
Kastos says that your secret to sweeten the garlics should be to planted them
after having been infused in milk and honey two days and two nights; and that if in the
roots of daffodils and ground sugar and then mixed all the garlics teeth are put, and
with this they are fixated and planted, coming sweet thanks to this process: that the best
method to make them healthy for those that fear its scathe taste is to peel them, boil
them in sweet water with a little bit of salt once or twice, and after that waters been
thrown away they are put to fry in almonds oil, or in common, good quality oil; and
that after this they are eaten as you wish and in the way you like: that he who wishes
them for some food should boil them peeled in water, salt, peppermint, and infuse them
vinegar, sweet almonds oil, cumin, caraway and pepper; and the same should be done
with the onions, radishes and turnips.
ARTICLE VI
The method to plant the leeks
According to Abu el Jair and others, you can find them in orchards, called
Syrians, Nabataean, and in the wild. The ones from orchards are mostly used in food,
and the Nabataean and Syrian have more advantages in the field of medicines. The leeks
cause headache, produce ghosts that appear during bad dreams (which they also
produce), harmful for the stomach and eyes, and encourage the lust.
Junio quoted in the book of Ibn Hajj says that when you transplant the leeks
you shouldnt water them in three days, watering them from the fourth day onwards;
they prevail very well with this regime.
Demcrito affirms that the leeks come healthy and fat in the sandstone earth:
that the time to plant them is from the beginnings of January until the ends of February,
and the month to transplant them is August; and that remaining one year in the earth,
fifteen months the most, theyre in the disposition to be extracted and eaten, because
these are plants of late vegetation.
As for everything else, its an opinion from Abu Abdalah and others, that the
leeks favor the wet and strong earth mixed with sand, in which theyre raised visibly
healthy, and that they also like the greased earth; that being of late vegetation, should
remain in the earth almost ten months; that theyre planted in the same way of the
onions; and that in each of the planks where its seeds are going to be planted, a load of
soft and shredded manure should be put, and moisturized with water (if moisturized by
the rains itll be even better); and that in them its seed will be planted exactly like the
onions seed, being January the month to do this. The same author adds that, that
theyre planted in February, March, and even in the ends of May; and that they must be
watered softly and frequently right after its planting, and when their plants are as high
as a finger theyre cleansed from the herbs and watered two times per week: that in
August they should be transplanted into plowed, fertilized planks moisturized with
water, burying the most of its plants as to the half of its leaves, and according to other
experts, to the ends of the same, this is the same as leaving them totally hidden; through
this practice they come with long necks, very white and tender: that right after their
plantation they should be watered, and without letting the earth get lean youll be
diligent in watering it two times per week until November, stopping the watering in that
moment due to the rains of the season: that theyre cleansed from the herbs with the use
of a hoax, because with it theyd be left nude of earth; and that they must be extracted in
march when they reach the end of its seasoning. Its an opinion of other, that mixing the
earth in which theyll be planted with sand makes them come sweet and fat; and that in
ten planks of earth youll plant ten ounces of its seed.
Kastos quoting another author says that they leeks prevail that, if having planted
its seed in plowed and moisturized earth, and later pressing it strongly with the feet, it is
watered four days after the operation. The same author affirms, that the leeks thicken a
lot, if one person takes the quantity that his three fingers can hold and putting them in
an old flax rag, placing this in the hole where they will be planted; with this you achieve
the desired effect due that only one roots is formed. According to the book of Ibn Hajj,
one of the things that thicken the leeks is taking a big quantity of its seed, and tied with
a rag planted in this disposition, makes all of it blooms into a single head. Others say
that if you want the leeks to be of great size you will take clay and after filtering it you
throw it at the feet of each one, with which the desired effect is accomplished, also
fertilizing them with subtle manure, and watering them with sweet water: that if before
and after being eaten you chew cumin, their smell is removed from the mouth; and the
same for the onions and garlics, if after any of these things are eaten you chew green
leaves of a berry, green coriander, raw broad beans, dry cheese or celery; the cheese (he
says) should be grilled before, or fried in oil or butter.
The Syrian leeks, says the Nabataean agriculture, have a round root and a white
head, and are edible. Some of them are excessively big if you compare them to a regular
turnip. The leeks have a scathe taste. They are planted in the beginnings of October, and
their planting is sometimes fastened and done in the beginnings of September. Those
that wish the leeks to grow a very good plant and a bulgy root will plant them in the
ends of September and the beginnings of November until December of even after the
midst of this last month. Its seed is planted spread in holes, and its precise to transplant
them from where they were originally placed to another landscape so that they grow
well, with a bulgy root and a white leaf. The favor the cold and the watering of cold
water, and they need the excavations done to their roots to be filled of re-rot humans
feces with the wimpy hay of the wheat, dried and incorporated with another dust,
swelling them again with some of this, and placing the earth above; this manure makes
them grow healthy. They later require frequent diggings, fertilizing and watering, and
the herbs that grow in its surroundings should be extracted and thrown away.
The roots of the leeks are used in the kitchen, and from the same roots boiled
delicate refrigerants are made that are to be eaten along with several sauces. This is one
of those things that should never be eaten raw; but they are edible after being boiled in
salty water, refrigerated and softened, The method to make them healthy so that one
doesnt fears its harm, is to boil them three times in sweet water along with salt,
throwing away the first water and replacing it with cold water when theyre still hot;
this is, when they still preserver the heat of the first boiling, in which its pretended to
be hardened with the cold water; because being boiled there times and not hardening in
any way, they would soften or dissolve in a way that you wouldnt be able to pick
nothing of them. Like this, after the cold waters been applied when theyre still hot, so
that the coldness of the same gives them some consistency, its without a doubt that
they will be soft again after the third boiling. After which the leeks are left with a very
delicate and somewhat sweet taste, losing its scathe taste; and then they are a good food
for the eater. Its a maxim from Abu Abdalah that to avoid the leeks being eaten by
worms you will take fresh sheeps insides without concerning if they are clean or not,
and burying them just below the superficial layer of the ground, so that the worms of the
leeks detour towards this, leaving the leeks alone.
ARTICLE VII
The method to plant the habbozlem that (according to Abu el Jair and others)
is the black pepper
This is a certain bean similar to the sweet broad bean, which is soft while its
fresh, and very sweet when dried, but a little hard. According to Abu el Jair and others,
they favor the soft earth, sandstone, lightly sweet and soft, and the greased earth; and it
doesnt likes the thick earth due to its gooeyness and bad condition. Plant it in April
with stakes, in the same way as the broad beans in plowed planks, fertilized with re-rot
manure, and very well moisturized with water, putting its beans in them ordered in
rows, and with two fingers of distance between each other (according to Abu el Jair),
planting in ten planks a little more than a pound. Water them two times per week, and
they dont suffer from water excess. Plant them also in the earth lumps that exists
between the planks and in the earth lumps of the watering channels, they prevail there;
and that if before planting it, its soaked through a whole night in water, its vegetation
grows sooner. Extract it in October, and the method to do it is to moisture the earth in
which its planted, and take a hold of its leaves, and extract them with all it has, even its
roots, and shake it in the ground to obtain its bean; which, when eaten, overly enhances
the semen, making it an ingredient in the medicines intended for coitus.
ARTICLE VIII
The method to plant the achkakl (daffodils) in wet earth
Its a wild plant (according to Abu el Jair and others) that hangs from the trees; it
favors the soft, wet, greased earth and the low and shadowy places; and the sweet water
from fonts and wells, with which it should be watered a lot. Put its roots and seeds in
the places where its being raised (this operation is made in February, the time of tis
planting); this one cut into pieces of two or three knots each, plant them in order in
plowed planks, having fertilized each one of them with two baskets of re-rot manure
and incorporated with the earth, and the grooves done in it should be two fingers deep
each one, putting the cut pieces in these with a palm of distance between each other;
which, after the earths been replaced, are watered until theyre born, later continuing
with the same watering regime until its end arrives (this is after the two years old) when
they are extracted. Its roots are also used in medicines related to the coitus.
Its seed taking after being well seasoned and when its flower has fallen from it
its planted in the mentioned planks with the ear of the hoax, putting in each hole four
beans, and covering them with shredded and re-rot manure as thick as two fingers.
Watered frequently until its plants are very firm, from there on the watering should be
done when theyre thirsty, watching out not to do this once the winter season has
arrived, due to the rains that come in such season. Its said that he who wishes its earth
to not be left unoccupied should plant it with dyers blonde and similar plants.
ARTICLE IX
The method to plant the parsnips
This plant, Abu el Jair says, is raised near embalmed waters, and also in brackish
earth. It has a peregrine figure and is amusing to the sight, and doesnt bloom flowers or
lay fruits. Has round roots and some other ones have it prolonged. Its extracted in the
same way as the turnips, and is cooked cut to pieces with the meat. Planted in Egypt
with a lot of abundance. Its similar to the banana plant with the difference of being
much smaller. They say it can be eaten raw and cooked, and that in this last disposition
it has a taste similar to the egg: that it favors the thick, adipose earth, manure and the
heavy quantities of water: that is roots must be planted in some place where the sun
bathes but isnt exposed to the winds: that from them the bananas born; and that its
roots are planted in the gardens towards the water currents; this is done in January,
February and March, putting each other distanced by four palms.
CHAPTER XXV
The method to plant the vegetables with flowers,
and similar; this is, the cucumbers, melons, pickles,
mandrakes, pumpkins and eggplants; from which
some are planted in wet earth, another ones in dry earth,
according to our on-going explanation, through Allah
ARTICLE I
The method to plant the cucumbers
There are several species of them, Abu el Jair and others say; some with a dark
color, which exists in abundance in the city of Faro in Algarve; others that are yellow
and with a certain division, these are very common in Seville; others with a blueish
color, with touches of green, these are thick, have black spots and have sweet taste.
Theres also specie of thick body and holes; and you can also find them nosy, these are
long and thin, which are also found in Algarve.
Abu Abdalah and other authors say that the cucumbers favor the hot earth, the
delicious earth near water bodies, prairies, earth of soft dust, greased earth, and the soft
brackish earth; and the same author adds, that they also like the earth with stones and
the one of isles immediate to rivers, planting them in the ends of February; and that they
also like the earth of improved quality, doing its planting in it in the midst of March and
in April; and that in general (he continues) the earth picked should be one where its
roots can search deep easily when looking for moisture.
The cucumbers dont suffer from heavy quantities of water, manure or cold
temperatures. The time to plant them in wet earth and dry earth begins in February and
ends in May, according to the coldness and thinness of the earth where theyre going to
be planted. In the isles next to rivers they should be planted in February or near the end
of this month; in the greased earth (according to the expressed author) in the beginnings
of March; in the improved and wet in the midst of March; and you will know that it
shouldnt be planted in April, the quality of the earth or temperature being of no
importance to this. This operation should be done in a clear and serene day, without
clouds or winds; which if done early in cold terrain should have added to it the quantity
of subtle and shredded manure that corresponds to each plank, this quantity being a
basket; and the same if the earth where they are spread lacks adiposity.
Abu Abdalah says that in one hundred planks two and a half pounds of its seed
will be used, and that in a swam in dry earth a fourth part of a modio, this comes to be
equal to four ounces; and then covered with earth thick as a finger, and according to
others, thick as four fingers. Others say that that quantity shouldnt be too much,
because it would stop it from blooming soon; but also shouldnt be few, because the air
that will make its way in would dry it. Others opine that attending in this the state of
sponginess or density of the earth you should add more of the spongy earth, especially
the sandstone, because the air that penetrates it would dry the seed.
The same author affirms that if the cucumbers have been planted in wet earth
they should be watered when their buttons discovered: that they are planted in four
ways: this is, that in the dry earth they are planted in the way their earth is plowed,
called in boxes; that theyre also planted in these like the wheat and the barley; that in
wet earth theyre planted in grooves done in the planks, and also out of these. The most
used practice between us is to plant them in boxes; to whose effect their earth is
prepared with a good grid in January or December (if possible) cleaning its herbs, which
plowing again different times, breaking its earth chunks and deepening the grid as far as
possible, when the time to plant them comes its repeatedly plowed until its dusts soft
and its earth chunks are gone; in which shuffled up and down in this new disposition
and being regularly wet with the watering the mentioned boxes will be done, doing in it
different of an elbow deep or more; which should be in straight lines and exposed to the
sun, having in a small lump to the side the earth that the plow moved.
Towards the middle, or a little lower of each of these earth lumps, a hole is made
with the hand, and shredding with the hand the lumps that are thick, there the seeds
planted after being soaked in water one day and one night, and its covered with
shredded and wet earth, with sand in the quantity mentioned before. The seeds thatre
going to be placed in each hole should be in groups of six or more proportionally to how
early it is done. If the earths very delicious, or theres dryness in it, the number of seeds
will be increased, so that if some dont bloom, others do, in a way that four is the ideal
number of plats to grow.
The distance from one box to another box should be that of one step or two,
according to the softness of the earth of this quality, in which theyre raised excellently;
and should be more capable than the boxes of the melons, which will be talked about,
Allah wishing so. So the plants of the cucumbers when theyre grown as high as half
palm the unstable ones should be extracted, leaving only four or five feet of the most
robust ones, putting aside with care and between each one a little bit of juicy earth so
that theres separation between its stems. If the seeds planted there or the most part got
rot, the next course of action will be to plant some others near these, and where you see
four leaves or almost that quantity, all that earth will be dug up and their foot will be
reduced with juicy dust. If a signal of thirst appeared in the plants each box will be
watered with the amount of two watering of sweet water, doing this after the sunset, and
in the second day a light hoax with the tip of the reap or a similar tool will be made.
They shouldnt be left without watering because they dry with the lack of moisture or
for having it far from tis roots; which, when theyre very deep and have reached juicy
earth, dont need watering. Should also be hoaxed with the aforementioned instrument,
if their earths been tighten up if rain fell upon it before being born. Its said that its
digging shouldnt deep so that the heat of the wind doesnt reach them.
As to their method of planting, its done in the same way as the wheat and the
barley, and the quantity of seed has already been mentioned. When replacing their earth
with the plow you will be careful that this isnt too big. With the same instrument there
should have also been done big grooves in the expressed digging and cultivation, with a
space between them equal to that between each box; in which the seed is throw, be it
together with these, or separated (one seed, then another seed) replacing their earth; and
after theyre born the thick plants are extracted, digging them when they ask for this
work, and doing with them what was expressed above.
The seeds also planted in boxes in the wet planks just like the pumpkin, as it
will be expressed, through Allah. Others say that theyre planted in beds of juicy
manure, as done with the pickles, transplanting them when theyre in the condition for
it; from which itll be talked about in the article of the planting of the pickles.
The method to plant the cucumbers in wet grooves and also in dry grooves in
arable and delicious earth of dust similar to the wet earth, is to do each mentioned
grooves three palms wide, extension and deepness as you wish, and distanced four
elbows from one another; in which, fertilized with good shredded manure and being
regularly juicy, the seed of cucumbers planted in boxes with a distance of one elbow
between them, putting in each one the quantity of seed mentioned in the beginning, and
replacing the quantity of earth that was also mentioned before. When theyre born they
are cleared in the mentioned way, and later digging their earth, the juicy dust over its
roots is replaced, taking down its plants from both sides of the grooves, right and left,
and throwing above them the sufficient amount of juicy earth with which its
transplanted. Its said that if the seed of cucumbers, pickles, melons and pumpkins is put
with its sharp end facing down, they grow many fruits; and its also said, that if taking
one thorn the stem of its fruit is pierced, this comes of big size. The same is affirmed for
the melons and the pumpkins.
Before planting the seed of the cucumbers it should be put to soak in water one
day and one night, and the same for the seed of the melons, pickles, pumpkins and
similar. Its said that if these seeds are put in pink water or in where any aromatic stuff
was added, its fruit will expel such smell, and that its to be placed in water where
sugars been dissolved, or in fresh milk; in which its said that putting these seeds and
taking them out of it, and moving them later to a mix of water and sugar, they are to be
planted after.
Kastos affirms that having this seed placed three days in cows milk, its fruit
comes sweet; and that if the expressed seeds put on water where scammony or a similar
laxative has been dissolved, the fruit comes with the same virtue. According to the
Nabataean agriculture, if any of the seed of the cucumbers, melons and pickles were
soaked in honey, their fruit comes perfectly sweet; and if put first in strong vinegar it
should be dried after with separation so that the seeds dont reach another seed,
repeating up to three times the same alternative of putting it in the vinegar, planted after
this bears sour fruit; which comes bitter, if the seeds put to soak in vinegar only once.
If the sames put in fresh milk and planted, its taste becomes sweet, applying the same
milk with lots of water every time the plant shows signs of thirst. Its said in the quoted
text that the fruit also comes sweet planting its seed after being placed in vinegar, and
the same if it was put in honey.
The method to pick the seed of the cucumbers is to choose for this the ones with
the best figure from those that are born towards the root, and if by forgetting it the
occasion passed without one doing this, itll be done from the second or third plants that
couldnt reach the midst of August; because the seeds that come from the ones that
come after this time arent good to plant. The same must be done, out of the cucumbers,
with every plant that successively gives fruit. The needed quantity of cucumbers
expressed, leave them in their boxes until they grow yellow and mature, after which
these are cut in its leaf, after this each one of its gets its third part (towards the end that
was connected to the plant) is cut and disposed of. As because the seed they contain
carries certain water, itll be washed in sweet water and will be kept lean in new vases
until the time theyre needed to plant them; and this is the improved seed that doesnt
offers in vain whats expected from it. If the gooey viscosity that it has incorporated,
itll be left in a vase until it loses it, and then itll be washed and stored. As to the
melons, pickles, mandrakes, pumpkins and eggplants, its said that their seed should be
take absolutely from their first harvest picking from this the best fruit, which should
have been left until it matures in its plant; from the which (through Allah) itll be talked
about later.
If you want (Maccario says) seedless cucumbers and pumpkins, bury below the
earth the stem or branch of your choosing; from this operation we already talked about
above: for the which a hole of burial figure is dug but a little shorter, in which the
pumpkin plant is tended leaving its end outside, and the earth of such hole is replaced. If
after this the same was lengthened as much as an elbow, youll sink it again leaving its
end out, and if later it takes same extension, youll sink it a third time, and leaving it to
extend a little bit more youll cut it towards the part of the root; and is like this how the
end that was left out of the third hole with grow pumpkins and cucumbers without seed,
which has been proved by experience, according to Abu el Jair. Some opine that such
branch should be cut in the two places where it lengthened by means of the expressed
operation. Kastos affirms that the same happens with the melons and pumpkins, if the
sames done in them; the pumpkins dont grow small, the African says, if theyre cut
after buried.
Its said that if the earth where the cucumbers were planted is very gooey and
with moisture produced by water, they mustnt be planted early until that moisture has
become juice; and that if you want to plant them before, you move there lean earth of
good quality, and making of it little lumps in the place of the boxes, in the same or
similar form of them, you plant in the upper or middle part of them the seed if there
were a little juiciness, doing in this the same thats already been said about its planting
in the boxes; because rising from such ground the juice and the moisture up to the
mentioned earth, the seeds very well born in that earth; and its roots go deep and get a
good grip of the earth when they acquire robustness; to such land giving it an
excavation when its up for it and covering with dust those cucumbers, they prevail
advantageously; and its like this how they can be planted early in this or a similar
terrain. I having executed the same in a prairie of Aljarafe realized they came very well.
Its a rule for some that instead of dust, juicy sand should be put there.
Rasis opines that cucumbers or melons shouldnt be eaten after eggs because this
is a cause of cholera, abscesses and dizziness, the same applies with the eating of
cucumbers or melon along with fishes because this also generates cholera and stomach
cramps when they join each other in the belly.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the time to plant the cucumbers is from
the beginnings of February until the midst or final days of March as other people affirm;
along those plants re-rot manure fabricated from humans feces, doves feces, and rot
cucumber leaves. They prevail well if theyre transplanted from the wet earth; and they
favor the short canes, or long as some wish, or sticks of pomegranate or berry, or
branches of palm from where they hang. If after planting the seed of the cucumbers stale
wine with a thread of saffron is spilled over, melons are born from it; and that if
planting the melons seeds with the water that comes from squeezing pumpkins,
cucumbers are born from it; this operation should be done at the time of their planting.
ARTICLE II
The method to plant the melons
According to Abu el Jair and other authors, six are its species; azucarero, whose
necks similar in figure to the aguileo, which is of medium size, long neck, rough
shell, soft smell, and sweet taste, when its yellow and has grown mature over its feet;
aguileo, which is bulky, long neck, serpentine like, soft smell and sweet taste;
marsino; almohadado, similar to a pillow in its form, which has rough crust, dusty
color, lots of meat and big in size; caiseo, known among us as haru (derived) and
brings its origin from Caria where its planted a lot, which has a figure like the mix of
pears and pumpkins, with the difference that it has a neck, wide seat, and the head in a
conic figure; ajarrado, called like this because has a figure similar to a jar; palestino,
which is also the constantinopolitano, and the same as the indio and the sanda; which
has two species, one whose seeds black and with a green color with touches of black,
and the other one who has a very red seed, and whose green has touches of yellow; and
the nofj, which well talk about later.
According to Abu Abdalah and other authors, the same species of earth
advantageous for the cucumbers are good for the melons; and for the azucarero its best
that the earths juicy and lean, and they dont success in cold or delicious earth. The
border of the rivers, the rough earth, sandstone earth and the greased earth are very good
places for the remaining species of melons. Plant them in dry earth in the absolute same
way of the cucumbers, and around the same time. Its planting is also made in wet
planks, in the way that will later be explained along with the one of the pumpkins.
Its a maxim from the same author that the melon earth should be dug repeated
times, and then have their feet covered with the earth, executing it like this until its stem
are tended, and stopping this practice when you discover their button without letting it
sink a lot in the digging; that in reason of the repetition of moving their earth is the
anticipation with which they mature; and that when theyre thirsty, they should be
watered just as the cucumbers were watered. The same author says that all the species of
melons suffer from the excess of watering, the exception being the azucarero, which
only has its sweetness downgraded a little: that the transplanted melons are put to the
point of their extracting, and give them then a watering, without one differing from the
other to avoid losing them: that taking the seed of the first melons and choosing the best
towards the feet of the plants that fructify a lot, this makes them good quality melons
grow; to which effect theyre signaled by doing in them the same operation of the
cucumbers, with the difference that the melons dont have their third part cut and
disposed of, as done with the cucumbers. Its said that if one melon is broke and put
under the sun, it cools down, and the same if its placed in a placed refreshed by water;
and that if the seed of the cucumbers, melons and pumpkins are put soaking in
liquorices water and then planted, they get covered from the vermin.
Kastos and others say that if you wish to have early melons, cucumbers and
pickles youll plant in winter four or five seeds of its respective fruits in good earth
mixed with a lot of juicy and soft manure in a vase with a hole in its seat, and water
them with hot water; and that when theyre born and the times tranquil, you take them
from there and onto influence of the sun; and in the same way to take it out to the soft
rain when you see its going to fall, or give them watering when they show signs of
needing it: that if the winter were hard and freezing, you put it covered in a temperate
place, doing it like this until the time of its planting, or (according to the Nabataean
agriculture) until the plants have eight or ten leaves; after which, they say, should be
transplanted immediately: for this effect its done in plowed earth where theyre
transplanted to a hole bigger than the size of the expressed vase/jar, in which, already
put in it, its broken with care, and taking its helmets out, those are covered with earth
and manure; like this is how they have grown in that place and are grown and robust,
the ends of the stem are cut due that this contributes to the sooner appearance of its
fruits. All this is also done with the cucumbers, pickles, pumpkins and eggplants. Its a
maxim from some that if the middle of the orchards of melons, cucumbers and different
vegetables you throw skulls of domestic donkey this proves advantageous for them, and
is a cause of the soon growth of its plants; and quoting Aristteles its said about the
things that make the melons rot, that if theyre sprayed with some vinegar, theyre
entirely rot; that if in the melon or cucumber plantation a women during her
menstruation enters she completely ruins them, because it corrupts them and makes
them bitter; and its also said that it gets sick and rots. Plant the melons in Seville.
Sagrit quoted in the Nabataean agriculture says that there are so many species of
melons that we can barely retain their numbers, differences in figure, size, conditions
and virtues. You can find them long and sour, which are a very effective remedy for the
ardor of the bad temper, and also remove the thirst. You can find them big and round
with the pumpkins colors, which are very soft, they refrigerate and moisturize, and are
medicine for the one that suffers hot-blooded fever, and similar. According to the
mentioned text, the melons shouldnt be planted in lean earth, unless its sandstone
where the sands most prominent. The best earth for them are the spongy and the one
that has lots of sand mixed, and its very good if there is more quantity of it that of the
dust. Those raised in hard earth dont grow too many roots as in the soft earth, dont
come very big and also dont extend as they would normally do, if its roots penetrated
the earth; for this reason the melon plants are raised very well via common planting
standards, if these where planted in sand mixed with some kind of dust, and the same in
soft earth. The melons are a moon plant. But the planting of each of its species has its
peculiar time; from the which the two species, the one of the long ones and that of the
round ones are planted the first day of April, throwing its seeds in small holes with the
quantity being that one man can pick up with its thumb and index finger in earth mildly
juicy due to the watering or for the quality of such spot, and in such disposition that
earth mustnt become mud when its dug up, and are left like that until they are born. If
planted in wet earth, a normal watering will be applied twenty fours later, and will be
left with that until theyve risen and extended. The bigger part of its species are planted
in holes around the time of February; this operation is made by two men, one digging
and the other one throwing the seed in the hole and quickly covering it with earth, this
should be executed in the end of the day. And if this is done in wet earth, in the next
morning theyll be watered without delays, and the second watering will be four days
later. If the need to transplant them arises, theyll be watered immediately after
transplanted. To its sides canes two elbows long will be fixated so that the melon plants
grown leaning in them, so that they grow quickly. Due that the melon also fall victim of
the sickness called sark, as all the ground plants, caused by the prolong permanence of
water in its feet, its because of this that itll be watered with a special regime, less than
the other plants; the other vegetables that lean on its stems, are barely exposed to this
sickness.
This is the best time, and the melons planted in it are the first ones that mature in
spring, and the ones that are planted sooner. These are also planted in cold times, and
these require canes fixated in their surroundings and covered with a rush matt that
covers them from the colds of the season; and the same should be done with those
planted in times of heat so that they are kept safe from it. When they have eight leaves a
short watering is applied, and extracting the weak plants to transplant them elsewhere,
the most robust ones are left to grow there. Those are transplanted without delay, in its
feet waters introduced, and the next day they get a heavy watering. They favor the
manure from sheep, dove and human when its very lean, adding a little more of dust
like that of the royal roads, and mixing everything well with wooden shovels; with
which the melons are fertilized like in grooves that surround the feet, executing it like
this when theyre in wet earth, and applying manure to the after clean for whatever
shouldnt be in or near them; all of this and other cultivations must be done in crescent
moon from its fourth day until the twenty of the month, with this they grow excellently.
One of the things that make the melons to grow in big size and robust, and also in
abundance, is any genre of blood mixed with an equal quantity of water, that well
shuffled is spilled after being dug at some depth, later giving them a watering when
theyre somewhat thirsty: and effectively, the plats where this is executed carry a big
fruit, very sweet and soft.
The melons are improved with the neighborhood of eggplants, hackberries,
berries, and the apricots; and theyre harmed with the neighboring of the olive. If in its
surroundings there were roots of bitter cucumber, they should be quickly extracted and
thrown in a distant place. As what it refers to insert them in certain plants and trees it
was already talked about in the chapter of the inserts.
Its also said that planting the seed of the melon in a human skull, burying this
and frequently watering, it carries melons that enhance the wit of the earth, and also
improve their memory and understanding; and that planting it a donkeys skull and
doing the same thing make the melons infatuate those that eat them, removing their
intelligence and leaving them without memories to the point that they remember
absolutely nothing. Some refers in their rumors (that actually seem like mirages), that
its advantageous for the melons to sing, play drums, and to have fun in the middle of
the melon grounds due to the big and sweet they grow avoiding any calamity.
According to the same text and others, the melon shouldnt be eaten along with the milk
in any way, because when they two are together in the stomach theyre equivalent to a
deadly poison; and also shouldnt be eaten with strong hunger or with an empty belly.
The melon should be eaten alone, or properly (according what others say) with
fermented bread. Its said that every Syrian berry has a special virtue of guarding
against its damage he who eats it with the warranty and its malice wont be of any
concern; whose berry is sour and thick. Rasis says that the sweet melon and the honey
shouldnt be together in a same food because they are harmful.
ARTICLE III
The method to plant the dala, which (according to Abu el Jair and others) are
the watermelons
These were mentioned right above, just along with the melons. Plant them in wet
earth, and they favor the same types of earth and regime given to the cucumbers and
melons. Its seed, Abu Abdalah and others say, is planted in April; these plants should be
hanging from beds above the ground, each one of the twelve elbows long and four
elbows wide, a groove where their watering will be taken from must be between them.
Those grooves being mildly moisture, in the middle of them the seed of the
watermelons planted, when born, the weak plants are extracted leaving only the
necessary and sufficient quantity of robust ones in that spot; whose feet that are as long
as a palm or more, are sunk leaving their heart towards the side of the bed, with which
they grow good and healthy, through Allah.
ARTICLE IV
The method to plant the nofj, with is (according to Abu el Jair and others) a
certain species of the melons similar to the watermelon, sweet meat, soft shell and
smelly
Abu Abdallah along other authors says that they favor the same types of earth
mentioned in the articles of the cucumbers and melons; and are planted in the same time
as these last ones, executing it in boxes and wet earth lumps; to whose effect, he adds,
their earth is raised in earth lumps instead of planks, having a watering channel between
each two in the form attributed to the Sicilians (mentioned above), with the difference
that they wont be tighten with the feet. Water introduced in those grooves, and being
completely moisturized, in a single groove the seed of this genre is planted, leaving two
of them without anything planted on them; and that when theyre born their plants are
cleared and hoaxed if theyre in the need. After its stems have a length of a palm or
more, the half of their leaves is cleaned and is replaced over the part isolated of the
same the earth that is in the earth lumps; which then become grooves, and these become
earth lumps. The water guided along these grooves, theyre cleaned from the herbs or
weeds when they have the sufficient juiciness, and arent watered until they show signs
of thirst, which is executed only once.
ARTICLE V
The method to plant the pickles
The pickles (which are the Syrian cucumbers), says Abu el Jair and others, are
planted in wet earth, and dont prevail in dry earth without watering. Have two species;
some small whites and with hard meat, and others of citron color and soft meat.
According to Abu Abdalah and other authors, they favor the same types of earth as the
cucumbers; and their watering regime is the same as that of the cucumbers and melons,
with the difference that those need heavy watering, and dont prevail in dry earth in any
way. Its seed is planted in manure beds similar to the pumpkins, formed aside the walls
in places that face the east and safe, bathed of the sun and risen off the ground from a
palm to an elbow, four or five elbows wide, and the length you wish. In them the seed is
planted in the same way as the beans of the pumpkins, frequently spraying them with
the water until its born. After this the watering is suspended because they would burn
its leafs, in the same way as with every soft plant, and then are watered without letting
the water to cover its plants; from the which the ones that deserve transplanting it will
be done in April (only the best) fixating them in the planks in the same way as the
pumpkins. Also plant their seed in boxes as those of these last ones, which will be
treated later (through Allah). Likewise these plants are fixated along the expressed beds,
and also have their seed planted in drilled flowerpots, if they are wished to bloom early;
from this weve talked about before. The method to set up those seeds over the beds is
that elaborating these of canes of wooden feet five elbows wide and twelve elbows long,
five of them are transplanted from them to the sides of the beds; because hanging and
being armed over it, they prevail and fructify a lot. Its also good to plant around the
beds the ones who were born with defects in the flowerpots; and likewise it is if the
pickles, cucumbers, melons and pumpkins are hung from small trees. These last ones
also prevail hanging them in elevated trees; which being executed by me in the olive
and other trees was proven true. Their seed is picked up in the same way mentioned in
the melons. Also planting the pickles in August, theyre eaten in fall season and later,
and like that theyre eaten twice in the year. According to my observation, the early
pickles are planted in Seville in beds around January, and the late ones in boxes around
August.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, there are long and round pickles, and
those are juicier and of easier digestion than these. The ones that lean to a side are very
bad and hard. Its planting, work, regime, fertilizing and everything else is just like the
one executed in the cucumbers. When watering the water mustnt reach its feet in any
way, because it would rot it; for this reason, adequate watering in fair proportion will be
given mediating some earth between this and the plant.
ARTICLE VI
The method to plant the mandrakes in wet earth
The mandrake, Abu el Jair and others say, is called wild melon, and it favors the
thin earth where there isnt adiposity or sand, in which planting it around April is
watered only once when its need of water is discovered through the signals expressed
before. About everything else you will do the same you do with the cucumbers and
melons. From its pulp, soft and very white, you can find laxative medicines.
ARTICLE VII
The method to plant the pumpkins
According the quoted author and others, there are many species of pumpkins,
dusty, splashed, white, small (these are the excellent ones), long, round as a big leather
cushion, round also in its lower part and somewhat prolonged, long neck with its
superior part round, and also a little bit longer and much smaller than the inferior.
According to the book of Abu Abdalah, theres also a species of pumpkins called
Indians, whose leaf is similar to the leaf of the pickles, and its flowers yellow. They are
similar to the watermelons, round, green with green and red stripes, and so hard that the
fingernail cant do any impression on them. Its hard shell peeled; below it you can find
its tender and soft heart; these pumpkins are eaten in the beginnings of April in a time
different to the common ones.
According to the book of Ibn Hajj, the pumpkins are planted from the
beginnings to the ends of December, and also in January in manure beds, these would
come to be the early ones; and its planting is also extended to the ends of March, if well
its convenient to have them covered from the ervils. They are also usually planted like
the cucumbers, if their dirt is dg up many times so that they retain their juice. Must be
also be understood about all kinds of summer vegetables that these are planted out of
wet earth in a field of terrain thats already been plowed and dug different times, and
cleaned from the herbs born in it; because being like these, one shouldnt bother to take
care of its watering because the earth retains its juice and everything else.
As for the rest, Abu Abdalah and others say that the convenient earth for the
pumpkins is that of improved quality, the adipose earth and the wet earth, in which it
grows several stems: the earth of mid quality makes it lean, and the rough earth no
acquire in them this extension, but they fructify a lot and soon: that the time to plant the
seed of the pumpkins is from the beginnings of January until the ends of May: that they
early ones (the ones planted in the beginnings of such month) should be planted in
manure beds, and transplanted into the planks and also in the grooves when theyre in
condition to; and that the seeds that are planted between these times should be put in
box in the planks, and also in grooves.
The same author adds that the water they prefer is the one from rivers; the sweet
water from fonts and wells, and sometimes the rivers water makes them flourish and
button up without making them rigid due to the rigidness there is usually in the wells
water; but that when the pumpkins are watered with the sweet water of wells and fonts,
they come with a very good flavor because they give more attention to this than
buttoning: that not too many watering must be given while they remain small, these are
convenient for it when theyre big, in a way that theyre not damaged by being watered
each day; it benefits them from before because there isnt another thing that provides
more benefits as the heavy amounts of water, with which they successively fructify in
the heat season: that they way to form the expressed manure beds is to do them along
walls that look to the noon, so that there isnt anything between this part and the plants,
and towards west also without letting something to intervene between this part and the
rest, so that the sun bathes them all day; that the beds should be made of pure fresh
manure from horses and donkeys, without mixing them with earth, after being cleaned
of any dry part it has: that the elevation of each bed should be an elbow, its width three
or more elbows, and its length proportionally to that of the sit, and according the many
or few plants needed; and that sheds should be made with its entrances towards the east:
that in these beds the seed of the pumpkins should be planted (which should be select,
of good quality, and taken from the part of the feet( in the beginnings of January, a little
before or a little after, according to how cold and temperate the region is, throwing in
them the seed in straight lines, in holes with a palm of depth, and separated between
themselves by the same distance, and putting in each one four or five seeds each near
the other so that they are together; whose ends (the expressed author continues) should
be upwards because they are born sooner like this, and covered with that manure as
thick as three fingers.
Likewise, if the seeds planted in the boxes or grooves, this should be done in
the manure, replacing it from it and the earth equal quantities and covering the bed with
cabbage leaves so that the heat and steam of the manure doesnt dissipates. Each day
watering should be given until its growing, suspending them after; but one in a while
should be lightly watered. After it starts to grow the expressed leaves will be retired
from there, and when the pumpkin plants have four leaves, should be transplanted
having done their planks long in plowed earth with earth they favor before, with
prepared and re-rot manure.
Transplant them in some planks leaving others somewhat empty so that the
pumpkins extend in there. IF the earths adipose and wet, the plank of the
transplantation and the empty plank should have some distance between them. All the
planks of the pumpkins will have ten and six elbows wide; whose mutual distance
should be like eight elbows in lean and rough earth, and twelve in the earth thats
between adipose and thin. In each one of the planks where this transplantation will
occur, two holes will be made, or more with proportion to its length, distancing one
from the other six elbows, and one elbow deep; or four holes, according to what others
affirm, if the planks are longer than usual, putting manure in each one of them as if it
where corn. Extracting the plants of that bed together in groups of four and give with
the natural defense of the manure where they were born, and after watering late,
executing in them that operation after the dawn of the next days, and still being with its
dew and when the coldness of the night has already been perceived.
Should exercise carefulness when extracting them, because separating far from
them the manure in each side, below the same ones a stake with a flat end and with the
figure expressed before, watching out to not remove any root; and placing them with its
manure, separately in a deep groove or similar place reserved from the air and the sun,
they will be planted in the sunset in the holes that were made in the planks and in the
manure they were before; in which the manure that surrounds the plants encircled, and
with four fingers of the same without adding any other earth, because they would be
offended, giving them a watering so that, concentrated in it, they receive vigor and life.
The time to do the transplantation of the pumpkins starts in the first of March
and ends in the final days of May. Abu Abdalah says that until the beginnings of the last
month; that after this they should be watered two times, and with competent juicy
theyre hoaxed lightly without watering them until after its stems are extended and its
need of water is signaled, then they will be watered. Its a maxim from Hazm that
theyre put along these plants in that hole some seeds of pumpkin so that if one of them
falls sick and doesnt prevails, such seed is replaced with whatevers born from it. And
that he who wishes to plant in such holes this seed when it doesnt have them in handy,
he can do it planting it in the manure in the expressed way; this operation is good,
especially in the last space of time in which the pumpkins are planted.
The method to plant the beans of these in the grooves consist in doing these in
the expressed earth instead of the holes, each one with the aforementioned distance
between them and four fingers deep, and put in the same grooves enough quantity of
manure, the seed of the pumpkins should be placed in them with a palm of distance
from each seed; later covering it with manure or earth in the expressed quantity, this is,
the thickness of two to four fingers together proportionally to the heat and moisture of
the air. Watered frequently and delicately until its born, after its plants are somewhat
grown, hoax them a few times and give them soft watering; and when they begin to lean
to a side, replace in the feet of the earth lump juicy earth, being left done in both sides
of that groove another two from where they receive the watering, and the water reaches
its roots under the earth lump where these are located; this watering should be done two
times per week.
There are maxims from Abu Abdalah, that he who wished to plant the pumpkins
with its defensive manure in holes, should hide them in these grooves between manure,
if the operations done early; and the contrary, between a mix of manure and earth;
because doing what was expressed above, they grow very well; and that when the
pumpkins have finished to affirm in them, the watering will be increased according to
what was just said: that from this seed (which must be select and of good quality) one
and a half pounds or eighteen ounces in two hundred twenty boxes; from the which four
are made in each plank, that by this count they count up to fifty, throwing eight beans in
each box; and finally, that the early pumpkins planed in this way are seasoned around
April, and thirty days later than those planted late.
Itll be your secret (says Kastos) for the pumpkins and cucumbers to come fat
that you will plant their seeds upside down, placing their upper part pointing to the
ground and the lower part pointing to the sky. He also says that what fastens the perfect
seasoning of the pumpkins, cucumbers and melons is to put towards the end of each
stem thats born from these species a new small vase filled with water in a way that the
stem can reach it, which will make it comfortable as its retired, form the which if it
doesnt has water the stem will shrink; and that such is the method to give an impulse to
its own vegetation until it reaches its end.
Its an opinion of some that if the seed of the pumpkins and melons are put in
juice of liquorice, its preserved from the vermins, through Allah; which you can see
above in the maxims about this matter in the planting of the cucumbers, melons and
pumpkins.
If you want, Aristteles says, that the pumpkins, cucumbers and pickles grow
lots of fruits, and that beside this they dont need (according to Kastos) lots of watering,
dig in the earth when you want to plant those seeds some deep and wide holes, and
having swelled half of them with hay and dry herbs, fully fill them with a mix of juicy
powder and re-rot manure as tall as one elbow; and planting there that seed water it,
because by this way itll come good and with abundant fruit. The same Kastos adds that
only giving it good watering you later wont be in the need to water it but once a month;
and that the same you can also execute when you plant them in earth low on juices: that
if you want the pumpkins to grow without their seeds, you sink their branches as said
with the cucumbers; and likewise, that if you want to boost their sweet tastes and
smells, you do again what we said about the very same cucumbers: that if the pumpkins
grow bitter, you extract all the small and big stems that are in that or those box, and
cutting open with the foot or feet, you swell again that hole of salt, and mixed with
papyrus you cover it with earth; like this theyll carry sweet pumpkins, and the same for
the cucumbers; and that if salt is put at the feet of the plants before theyve strengthened
themselves, its corrupts them: this has been tested by me.
The method to pick the seeds of the pumpkins that are going to be planted
consists in picking the ones that amuse the sight the most from the first ones, and that
they come from a single foot, making them their mark; and if theyre past, from the
second or third ones as long as theyre from before the midst of August; because the
ones that come after this time arent good to be planted. These, signaled and left in the
pumpkin grounds to feed from their roots are picked up in October, when theyre cut
and dried under the sun; and later taking the seed from inside, theyre kept in new mud
vases until the time of their need or use.
In the empty planks and in the hills that mediate between the grooves where the
pumpkin plants those things that come out before they can be covered will be planted;
and you can also use pickles plant, because these live more than the pumpkins.
According to my observation, the seeds of the pumpkin are planted in beds in Seville
around January.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the pumpkins are commonly eaten
cooked and not raw. In the weather of Babylon two species are raised; one of them who
has a wide seat, and grows thinner as it grows tall, in a way that its head is thinner than
its seat; the other one is fuller and fatter than this one of the think and long neck like a
bottle, and is leaned to the tree it has near. These are of the plants that are planted in the
midst of February until the ends of March; this operation should be executed in small
holes. Sagrit says that in each one three to five seeds should be put; and that theyre also
planted near threes and sticks from where they hang. The same author refers that theyre
planted four times a year; the first one in the expressed time, the other times from July
to the twenty of August, another one between the remaining days of this month until
September begins, and the last time in the beginnings of October; and that those planted
in the ends of August and beginnings of September dont have substance, also applied
to those planted in the beginnings of October, which carry fruit only once, being useless
after: that the earth convenient for the pumpkins is the white spongy, and that where
there are lots of moisture that come from repeated rains, with which juice left in them it
should be planted after lean: that the bigger part of the ground plants absolutely dislike
the hard earth; but that the soft, sandstone and similar earths are ideal for the
cucumbers, melons, pickles, pumpkins, and plants of similar lineage that are tended
over the earth of lean landscape: that the pumpkins usually dont need fertilizing; but
that if theyre fertilized, the manure is still beneficial for them; and the best one for it is
the mix of human and doves feces, both rot with pumpkin leaves.
I am of those that suggest, Kutsmi says, that the manure should be applied in its
feet, but without covering with it: that they should also be fertilized with humans feces
along pat and sheeps feces, and some of their leaves and branches of these plants.
Sagrit advices that all plants tended over the ground and that dont rise over a stem
should be registered frequently, like the pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, pickles, vines,
capers and similar plants because they easily acquire alterations due to the smallest of
things and by the variety of air, in any way. But this was already talked and explained
about in the article of the saffron onions in the chapter of the inserts, where you can
register it.
ARTICLE VIII
The method to plant the eggplants
Four are the species of eggplants (Abu el Jair and others say): the ones from
Egypt, whose fruit is white and its flower violet, this is, light blue; another specie from
Syria, whose fruit has violet color and flower between light blue and red; the balades
(or from the country) that are black, and also have its flower violet; and the ones from
Cordoba, these are black with the same flower color as the previous one; all are planted
in the same way. According to the book of Ibn Hajj, the eggplants are planted from the
beginnings of January until the ends of March, and are a vegetable that doesnt like the
cold.
Abu Abdalah and other authors say that the convenient earth for the eggplants
are the greased, rough with stones, and the wet earth; and likewise the heavy watering
of sweet water because they dont prevail id theyre watered with another type of water:
that its good for them if the earth where their plants are werent dominated entirely by
the sun from the beginning of the day to its end, but that it bathes them mildly: that they
dont favor the cold regions: that its seed is planted in December and also in January
(these times are the early); and the same in February in beds of fresh manure, formed
just like the beds of the pumpkins mentioned before. He adds, that if the manure has lost
its heat, an eight part of doves feces will be mixed with it; and that if the seed of the
eggplants is incorporated with re-rots thin manure, and planted in that bed in the same
way as the basil, their regime will be just like the regime of the pumpkins.
Others say that the bed should be formed with a mix of fresh manure and re-rot
manure, after being both clean; and in the expressed bed (if it were of the common
capacity as the planks mentioned in the prologue of this book) four ounces of the seed
of the eggplants will be planted, this should always be in proportion of the capacity of
the plank; and that the bed shouldnt be watered a lot so that the manure doesnt gets
cold: that when they seeds are born and its plants are rising slowly, they should be
transplanted in April, or in the beginnings of May according to the opinion of Abu
Abdalah, when they are one palm high. He says that the transplanted ones come with
better taste that the early ones, and that their seeds should be put in soft earth in the
planks, and watering channels made towards the earth lumps, in the expressed form
attributed to the Sicilians, throwing in each plank three big bowls of old manure, or two
baskets, incorporating them with the earth: that refreshed with the watering of the
previous day the plants will be extracted in the already mentioned form, and in the
quantity that should be planted in the afternoon of that same day without letting anyone
of them to fall victim of the night, because they would rot if theyre weakened, and
ordering them in rows in the planks with a distance between each other of an elbow and
a little more in the wet earth; which, he says, if put thick they grow in height and give
fruits with less seeds, this one coming less bitter and unhealthy, thick and with a sweet
taste; and if theyre planted clear, their plants dont grow that much and its fruit comes
bitter and unhealthy, round and small; that right after its planting a heavy watering of
sweet water must be applied, repeating this three times, and two days being the space
between each watering: that after this giving them a light hoax they will be left until
theyre thirsty, when theyll be watered again, and repeating this same operation until its
juice is in a legitimate disposition; and the same careful and diligently when they are
firm in the earth and robust so that their dust rising and acquiring thirst they receive
water, this watering should be given three times per week.
The same author affirms that the frequent watering makes them delicious and
sweet; that if their plants are put in the planks while theres water in them, tightening
them with the feet and watering them again after two days, and continuing this until
they blow and get firm; and that after this they should be hoaxed, marking the planks
and rising them as they were, because no plant in them will be lost, happening the same
in all the plants that are planted in such way.
The method of putting these plants in the grooves that are between the earth
lumps in the Sicilian style consists (according to Abu Abdalah) in that rising the earth
lumps without stepping them in the way expressed above in the planting of the onions,
and introducing the water through those watering channels that are between them, the
plants should be put in flatlands the next day in the previously mentioned order; these
are watered once each three days, and like this theyve been known to grow roots,
breaking the earth lumps a little more each time, and throwing the earth in the feet of the
eggplants different times in a way that theyre in earth lumps, one whole earth lump
remaining from the initial three and to reduce into the form of the planks. The eggplants
put in the earth lumps grow robust and very benefitted.
When its time to pick up the fruits the feet of the plant shouldnt suffer violent
moves and it should be executed with a cutting toll and watered after this is done. The
eggplants that are left in the plants for seed purposes should be selected from the best
specie, and of the ones closer to the feet, these are the ones of noble lineage; which
should be of the first bloom, being raised without touching the earth, and doing them
some sort of marking to avoid cutting them when the rest are picked: theyre cut when
seasoned and yellow, and left its seeds are taken, that after washed and lean its kept in
new vases. According to my observation, the eggplants are planted in Seville in beds
around January.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, them as well as its leaves and stems are
edible, and is a genre that has other six species below it; which, diverse in figures and
sizes, are similar in taste and quality. Its convenient for them the spongy earth,
prevailing in the earth from the springs. Most types of earth favor them if theyre
attended with lots of manure; and they need fertilizers after its planting.
Many of the types of earth that are disposable for the other plants are convenient
for them. Its seed is planted is planted in two ways; spread and also in holes. But the
best way to plant it is the one thats going to be explained, and the same that the old
habitants of the city of Aquileia. Which take the mature eggplants and cutting their pulp
in a spherical pattern in the insides, are put in holes made of earth and replacing earth
above them after that; and thats how very well grown eggplants grow. The time to
plant those ranges from the ends of February to the ends of March, watering and doing
with them what has been said about the other vegetables. Its planting should be
absolutely followed by manure in short quantities, and need heavy amounts of it after its
transplanting. This fertilizing is convenient to execute it in all the methods; throwing the
manure in the feet of its plants, dusting these ones with it, and throwing it in the water
when they are watered. The eggplants are planted that are raised with the heat, grow
with the wind of noon, and weaken with the wind of south.
Youll be cautious not to eat the eggplants in spring or fall; but to eat them in
winter and summer. For this effect the method to prepare them well consists in half
boiling them in salty water, put separated over a thing of clear texture so that their water
slips from them, and are later fried in sweet almonds oil and sesame, or in oil and
butter, both things mixed; whose oils have the virtue of removing its styptic and bitter
taste, and give them a regular taste. Sagrit says that they should be boiled in low fire in
water, salt and vinegar after broken in four parts in they were big, cutting with a piece
of sharp cane, or with a knife dipped into sesames oil putting it in there repeated and
frequent times through the operation, so that they dont get a bad taste or harm from the
tool; that put in a vase with plenty of sweet water more of this will be added until
theyre covered, and continuously shaking it until the salt melts and the water blackens,
theyll later be put one hour in a wicker basket, so that their water drains a little, and are
later fried in a pan with butter; the cooked eggplants that are meant to be eaten after
their water has drained you should put them in a vase after half boiling them, where
youve previously applied oil first, after you add cut onions that were put before in salty
water by one hour, cutting likewise above them some rough, parsley and lemon balm,
and adding above it caraway, cinnamon, galangal and grounded melegueta pepper; and
that infusing them vinegar of good quality, and shuffling them with the vinegar,
pomegranate juice and oil, should be eaten after left in this disposition one day.
CHAPTER XXVI
The method to plant the plants from whose
seed is used in stews and some medicines, as the cumin,
caraway, fennel flowers, mandrakes, and anise and similar
ARTICLE I
The method to plant the cumin
You can find several species of them, Abu el Jair says; the common, with a
black color; Persians, with a yellow color; and Nabataean, those grow in many places.
From all the species you can find species of orchards and wild, and these are planted in
dry earth and wet earth. The earth thats convenient for them (according to Abu
Abdalah and others) is the rough earth, sandstone, docile sand, the red earth, brown, and
that similar to the ashs color; and arent planted in sturdy and strong earth because they
burn in it, in the very juicy earth or in the earth loaded with water. They dont like the
trees surrounding them, and they dont need too much watering, only two or three.
The time to plant them (according Abu el Jair) is the month of January, which
according another author shouldnt be done after February in wet earth. In the temperate
landscapes should be planted in march, having prepared the earth with two works
around November or December; in which there are planks done with the capacity
mentioned in this book, each one is fertilized with two baskets of shredded, non-greased
manure, and in them juicy but a little lean the cumin are planted in a calm day with
normal wind, shuffling the seed with the earth with a broom so that they incorporate in
it, and giving them a soft watering; this should be repeated and continued until theyre
born if before that their earth dries up, suspending it when the plants are regularly
grown, and cleaning them from the herbs they have. In one hundred planks two pounds
of its seed are planted. After its flowers been discovered they will only need one
watering, this is a requirement so that they come good and exquisite, through Allah. If
theyre going to be planted in dry earth out of watering, plow it well and add in them
low quantities of manure, they will be planted in the same way of the beans, and the
earth wont be replaced with the plowing as done with these, but taking a very thorny
branch, tying in it a string a putting a stone over them, they will be dragged around the
surface of that terrain so that the cumin mixes with the earth in this way; or the cumin
tied in the plow, the same operation will be executed above the mentioned terrain. The
cumin should be extracted after its seeds perfectly full and lean, its used after shaken;
and in its place its hay is also used in the stews.
According to Abu Abdalah, the cumin should be planted early in dry earth and
come very well in the regions of temperate earth that sometimes has hot air. Ive planted
them in wet earth in the Aljarafe, and they grew perfectly; except those that were under
the shadows, which rotted.
ARTICLE II
The method to plant the caraway
You can find two species from it, according to Abu el Jair; wild and from
orchards, and both have a yellow flower. Abu Abdalah and others affirm that they favor
the greased earth, wet, adipose, and also the heavy quantities of manure.: that the
method and time to plant them and cultivate the earth is the same as the cumin in wet
earth; but that as what refers to the watering and fertilizing, in each planks the quantity
of three baskets of shredded and re-rot manure should be applied, and after planted itll
be watered only once, and when the earths not juicy until its plants are moderately
grown, from there on the watering is suspended. The quoted author adds that its
duration is extended to the month of June without its leaves losing nothing: that from it
transplanting of postures is made if needed, which prevail excellently planted over the
watering channels and earth lumps: that when its grown as high as a finger, over its
plank a basket of thin manure will be tended shuffling it along with the earth with an
instrument similar to a hoax, but (the same author warns) bulkier than this, and whose
length from the beginning of the curve to the end of the extremity should be as a palm,
repeating that two or three times: that when it acquires dryness and you discover a
signal indicative of this it will be watered once; and when the terrains regular, the earth
will be shuffled with the hoax, and shouldnt be watered until the dryness becomes
dominant in it, giving it frequent watering until it flourishes, cutting it without any
watering.
In one hundred planks the pounds of the caraways seeds that arent rot are
planted. When they seed has solidified in its corollas when these go yellow, the
perfectly seasoned is picked without waiting for the ones that are not, because they
bloom continuously. Some dictate that you can (if you think its necessary) bury with
the feet the plants before it blooms its flower, and cracking its watering channels (as
done with the onions and turnips) extending over them good re-rot manure and watering
them; through this medium being born again and equally, all of the flourish at the same
time, continuous blooming not existing in this scenario, and they also dont remain too
much time in the earth. Some of the corollas taken when theyre yellow and full, and
others without any seed, are kept in mud vases; and when the bigger part has rot, then
youll use it in in stews. Such is the method to rot them: take some vases, and fill them
with the corollas that were continuously placed there, and load them with stones while
being covered, remaining like this until a certain fetid smell is discovered, and taking it
out of these they will be put to dry, with which the seed will be left black and clean of
its hay, then its kept until the time its needed. According to my observation, the
caraway is planted commonly in Seville with beans harder that it.
ARTICLE III
The method to plant the fennel flower in wet earth and dry earth
According to Abu el Jair and other authors, three are the species of fennel
flowers; one from orchards, this is the commonly known specie, and two wilds species;
from these two species one is similar to the one from orchards the difference being that
its seed is of a black color. The other one is known and wheats fennel flower, its bean
is round, black, and rough.
The fennel flower, a certain black bean (Abu Abdalah and others say) favors the
greased earth, adipose, wet and rough earth; but no the hard earth because it burns in it
and doesnt grow well. The time to plant it is around February, March and April, and
not after. Plant it in wet earth in planks raised in earth plowed in January; this work is
repeated in it different times, as the one executed for the cumin and caraway. Plant it in
the same way as the basil, throwing in one hundred planks two pounds of its seed,
which after planted should be watered lightly until its born. While it remains small it
shouldnt be watered heavily, and the watering will be suspended when its mildly
grown. When it has the height of a finger and its need of water arises, should be watered
and cleaned of its herbs, executing the watering two times per week. Its also planted
over the watering channels of the onions and flax, and grows well. In dry earth its
planted in earth of good quality and wet that was well plowed in January, planting early
in it. Sometime after this operation manure and dust should be mixed with it so that the
wind doesnt spreads its beans; but according to the Cabd and others, most fennel
flowers are heavy. Ive seen it planted in dry earth in Aljarafe, and it grew well. In
Seville its planted around January.
ARTICLE IV
The method to plant the mandrakes
Abu el Jair and others affirm that this is the nak, which is the horf, and that is
planted in wet earth and dry earth. They add that there are several species of it; and that
(according to the Nabataean agriculture) theyre planted in February, March and April;
in this operation and regime (according Abu Abdalah and others) you do exactly the
same stuff you did with the fennel flowers, mixing earth with its seed by the time of
planting it so that the wind doesnt spreads its beans. Extract them in May if theyre
seasoned. Planted between the flax in the earth lumps of its planks, its raised
excellently; and suffers from the heavy quantities of water and manure. Administered in
drinks or as dressing mixed with honey, its useful against the bites of harmful insects,
which flee if they are smoked with it. According to my observation, the mandrakes are
planted around January in Seville.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the need fertilizing and continuous
watering as the other vegetables; rains give it life and it grows very well after
transplanted. Also plant all of its species in October, extending its planting time
successively up to the beginnings of April, and are raised like the parsley, endives and
cabbages. They grow a big root on purpose to be transplanted from their seedbed to
another place; which is executed up to three consecutive times, giving them the same
cultivation than the vegetables around their time of vegetation.
ARTICLE V
The method to plant the anise
This (according to Abu el Jair and others is the sweet bean, also called white
cumin for others and Syrian bisbs by an others) has two species, wild and from
orchards, and is planted in wet and dry earth.
Its good for it (according to Abu Abdalah and other authors) the same earth that
the fennel flower favors. The time to plant it starts in January and ends in the final days
of April; these beans are picked up in August. They like the heavy watering, and also
the hoaxing when its grown. If planted in wet earth planks in well plowed earth should
be made and a basket of old manure thrown in each one. Three pounds of its seeds are
enough for one hundred planks, which is watered softly until its born. When its plant is
mildly grown (says the quoted author), the thickness of the plants is cleared after the
waterings been suspended, in a way that they have a distance of a foot and a third part
between each other, cleaning them from the herbs they have. About its regime and
dispositions, these are the same as the caraways, except that its seed wont be left to rot.
If when its plants are as thick as a finger and need water, they will be watered in the
occasion and two times per week when they are four fingers thick. After the flower
starts to uncover, the water should be cut so that it carries the seed with it; and its good
to cut it at once, and that the production isnt successive.
If you fear (the quoted author says) that it doesnt reach perfection, and discover
thirst signals in it, itll be watered only once or twice; executing the same in the planting
of the wild caraway. He adds that if the anise is planted in dry earth it should be
benefitted with good and repeated plowing, because if the contrary it wouldnt come
with advantages; and finally, that the anise has the virtue, if eaten, of stopping the action
of poison.
ARTICLE VI
The method to plant the orchard fennels
Abu el Jair and others say that this is the wide bisbs and the azeitn, this last
one is the wild one; that the one from orchards have its branches stems as thick as a
cane; that this is planted in wet earth, and the wild one in wet and dry earth. According
to the book of Ibn Hajj, its planted in its feet in October and its seeds also planted in
August, and are transplanted when its risen. According to the Nabataea agriculture, the
fennels are raised in wet and juicy landscapes.
Its seed, Maccario and others say, is planted in planks near the walls after well
plowed, fertilized and sprayed with the water; with which its watered after being
planted, executing frequently the same until its born. Transplant it into earth lumps
when theyre able to so that with it the orchards have a certain ornament, covering it
with sand if you wish to. With it the same procedures as the oak fig are done. The wild
fennel become very white covering in the same way, if it were planted in the grooves.
Some plants should be left in its place to pick their seed, which is planted in January
and March. In Seville, according to my observation, this operation is done in January.
The terhalit (this is in Persian the razi-ynej and has a very green leaf), says the
Nabataea agriculture, that is planted in March and April, and sometimes in September,
coming like this to be raised in two different times. It has a soft smell due to the delicate
matter it contains. It is born spontaneously with abundance in tasty landscapes and those
of good quality; but the cultivated one is bigger and more robust and healthy, and the
wild one is more disintegrated and thirsty.
ARTICLE VII
The method to plant the tmek, which (according to Abu el Jair and others) is
the wild anise
Abu Abdalah and other authors say that it favors the rough earth, and from the
sandstone the one near shadowy landscapes; and that it also favors the sweet water, if
well it doesnt suffer from its heavy quantities: that its seed is planted in October,
January and February: that its eaten in April like the anise from orchards; and that with
it you do the same as with the fennel.
ARTICLE VIII
The method to plant the mustard
Abu el Jair and others say that the mustard is the sabbo-el-berri, and that its
planted in the shores of the pickle grounds in wet earth. According to Abu Abdalah, it
favors the thick and adipose earth; and doesnt like heavy quantities of water, and
shouldnt be watered more than two or three times in all the month of May. Its beans are
planted in fall, January, February and March; and in one hundred planks three ounces of
its seeds are thrown. Reap them around May; whose seed throwing in low quantities in
the meat, lentils, chickpeas, peas, and similar vegetables, serves as a catalyzer to
accelerate its cooking; but corrupts these same beans if its added in great quantity.
According to , the mustard favors the sturdy earth and many others, but it
comes out more robust in the hard earth. If its transplanted from a place to another up
to three times in a regular winter thats not temperate but not excessively cold, its plants
grow very robust, and last one or two years. They have the same necessity for watering
and fertilizing as the mandrakes, and prevail very well when transplanted. Its ground
seed sprayed over the vinegar keeps it safe from worms and corruption, preserving its
strength at the same time; and such virtue the juice that comes from squeezing its
branches has.
ARTICLE IX
The method to plant the coriander in wet earth and dry earth
According to the Nabataea agriculture, the best and preferred time to plant the
coriander in the orchards is around February because they grow with more benefits than
those planted in other time. Abu Abdalah and others say that the coriander that is used
in the stews early in October; in this station it favors the thick earth, greased earth and
similar, and the water from fonts or wells, or another kind of equal condition; and that
the one destined to be used as a seed will be planted in February and March. He adds
that its also planted in fall, winter, spring, and summer; and that in times of rigorous
cold lots of manure should be applied to it; and low quantities when the colds lessened.
Maxims from the quoted author, that for the early coriander planks of the
expressed way should be raised, fertilized with shredded manure and planting the seed
around October, and that it will be watered until its born and its mildly grown: that
from there on, watering cut, its cleaned from the herbs and watered once per week
when the signs of its thirst appear: that seven ounces of this seed will be planted in ten
planks: that it should be cultivated just as the coriander planted in winter, with the
difference that in its earth a bigger quantity of manure will be applied because of the
cold; and as what refers to the quantity of seed, from it you should plant a fourth part
less than the one planted in fall in ten planks, because in this station it gives birth to
sprouts and grow mane leaves: that of the planting in spring, February and March, id the
one that has its seed following the same instructions as the one above: that the one
planted in summer shouldnt be fertilized too much, and the quantity of seed to be
fourth part more than what was planted in fall, because its raises over a single stem: that
the more watering it receives in this station, the better its for it: that in all season it
should be cleaned constantly, and watered frequently every time you see it thirsty, until
the time of the reap arrives; and that the one from whom the seeds going to be picked
will be reaped when it reaches its perfect seasoning, and its beans finished filling
themselves up.
Its said that if you fear the ants to destroy the coriander before its born, you
plant their beans broken; because this doesnt damages the seed but it does avoid the
ants taking them. According to my observation, the time to plant the coriander in wet
earth in Sevilles around . The coriander, the Nabataean agriculture says, enters in the
class of the vegetables and is planted and raised in the long space that is also used for
them; and that its also of the ones planted from October to January. Planted in June
makes it come prosper, and needs fertilizers just as much as the rest of vegetables.
Transplanting the coriander from one place to another in wet earth makes it come
robust, thick and big. Fertilize it with re-rot pat along humans feces, pumpkin leaves
and similar. In certain regions it grows as the vegetables, and doing in the earth long
and thick stumps, it throws many roots; this happens when because theyre big and the
favor being apart and separated from the group of other plants, theyre moved from the
place in where they were raised to another, in the same way the plants are transplanted,
fertilizing them with re-rot pat, and incorporated with humans feces, pumpkin leaves
and the leaves of any other vegetables. With these things rot along the fertilizers and put
to dry until theyre very dry, these segregated stumps are covered; and the same lean
manure is thrown in the water thats introduced to them in the watering. Which, if are
bulky, remain in the earth two years, and in each one of them they grow seeds to be
taken.
CHAPTER XXVII
The method to plant the smelly plants, as the wallflowers,
Madonna lilies, water lilies, daffodils, white buttons,
chrysanths, paeonia broteri (Chinese rose), the basils and similar
ARTICLE I
The method to plant the wallflowers
Eight are its species, says Abu el Jair along other authors; one common in the
orchards, with a purple flower, another with a white flower, next species has it yellow,
the following has a funny combination of white and red, another one turquoise, the next
wallflower has a very red flower, the next flowers color is tawny, and the last one has a
light blue color in its flower; all of these are species from orchards. You can also find it
with purple color and small in the wild, and another known as water wallflower, whose
flower (purple in color) is discovered around summer. The cultivation is equal for all
the same.
According to Ibn Hajj, the species of the wallflower are planted around August,
and are transplanted when theyre still small. They are also planted in February. The
most of its flowers come from January to the ends of June. Abu Abdalah and other
authors affirm that it favors the rough earth, the sown fields where there isnt moisture,
and the earth with stones; in which if ash and lime are mixed, becomes very good and
excellent for them. Doesnt need heavy expositions of water or sun; for this reasons the
shadowy landscapes are preferred for it, the intermediate of the trees and where the sun
only bathes it during a part of the day. Before planting it one must prepared the
expressed earth with a good work, in a way that its left reduced to dust. In which, the
planks of the mentioned extension made, its seeds planted; for this some of its species
have their different times.
The red seed of the wallflower, Abu Abdalah says, is planted properly in
August, and flourishes in part of the winter and through all spring. Planted in March, its
flower comes from the beginnings of fall until the ends of winter. Its planting is equal to
the planting of the basil; in which planks the waters softly introduce after planted, and
frequent watering follow it until its born; after this time its watering will be cut, only
continuing it when the plant expresses its need for it. The one planted in March
shouldnt be watered right after its planting is finished because it doesnt needs water in
that time, but itll be left like that until its born, and after this it will be watered.
Referring to the yellow wallflower, some say that it should be planted in October;
others, in August along the red seed. The yellow seed is very unstable; and according to
whats said, some of them dont fructify.
Kastos dictates that the wallflower must be planted in February, and transplanted
in May. Others affirm that it prevails and grows better if its left where it was originally
planted; and that if its transplanted to another site, it acquires parasites and fall sick.
Like this, if its going to be transplanted it will be along its own earth still around it, this
should be executed when its still small. The seed of the wallflower should be picked up
when its calyx turns yellow, which should be delayed so that it doesnt detaches from it,
and lean it will be held in new mud vases until the time of its need. In the chapter of the
caring a wonderful method to plant it was described.
Seven are, the same Kastos says, the species of the wallflower; from the which
six are well known, and the other one is somewhat rare; which, even though its similar
to them, its different in the color and smell, because that is brown discovering this from
the half of its flowers leaves until the end of it, and in the other half a white color until
its birth with a yellow strip; and its smell, even though its sharp, is very soft when
compared to the red seed, which is very sharp and strong; and is the one who endures
the most dryness and calamities, and the one from where you can get oil. It favors the
earth of red dust thats free of sand, and with sticky mud, and the black delicious earth
thats also sticky; if well the first one is more intended for it than the last one. Should be
planted in juicy earth, and shouldnt be excessively watered because this would damage
its plant over time. The salty water and that water from wells kills it. Doesnt need
scorching suns, because it weakens; also doesnt need in any way that the sun
continuously bathes it.
The farmer of the wallflower must be a clean and pure boy, in its teen period,
and that you know it wont get any problem related to women; and should also be
diligent to execute all its labors during the crescent moon. One of the things that is
convenient for the wallflower is to throw at its feet right after the watering some goats
feces shredded, infusing it right there with water; which besides being advantageous,
makes its smell prominently sharper. Its fertilizing also consists in applying pat mixed
with some powder on it, not in big quantities, but lightly spraying this mix each seven
or twelve days. Its also convenient to spread ashes on it; this is executed using some of
its lineage extracted with their roots (after the seeds seasoned), very dry and later
burned; this ash will be mixed with some wimpy and pure dust. But the straight thing to
do is to apply pat once over it, another one with the earth, and a last one with ash five or
seven days later.
The wallflower is similar to the violet in its regime and cultivation, but is more
robust and endures more. The yellow one usually remains productive three years. The
wallflower favors everything that the violet favors. Reduce it when it needs it, no matter
how its fruits going; this is picked in Marchs twentieth. Cut down it blooms again later
after renovated and with more corpulence. Receives the insert and the flower blooms
mixed in color and quality; but this operation is hard, its necessary to do it with care.
The five species, excepting the yellow one, are inserted in this last one, and are born and
come over each other. One of the things that damage it are the fetid and heavy smells,
just like theyre harmful for the violet, but the wallflowers are more susceptible to it.
Its a plant whose flower is lost and withers if a woman during her menstruation steps
on it due to a special disposition it has against her; and it also isnt convenient that a
woman, menstruating or not, is the one in charge of planting it.
ARTICLE II
The method to plant the white Madonna lilies
Its said in the Nabataean agriculture that four are its species; one with a white
flower, a brown flower, another one with a yellow flower, and the last specie with a
light blue color. Its a plant that grows a round and long root in the earth. According to
the book of Ibn Hajj, the smelly plants of onions, like the royal Madonna lilies,
daffodils, White Buttons, and the plant that the Spanish people call Chinese rose, all
these onions are planted in September.
But this last plant flourishes in our regions in the ends of this month and in
October, and is the first flower, between the usual ones, that the earth throws. The
White Buttons flourish in December and January. The daffodils in the ends of March
and April and the Madonna lilies in May. The flour of the Madonna lily comes in
August, planting its onion in October. According to Abu Abdalah and other authors, it
favors the sweet earth, soft, adipose, greased, and the thin earth; and it doesnt favors
the thick earth (according to the expressed author), unless looseness with ash and
manure is given to it until its subtle and soft, if the necessity arises to use it. The water
it favors is the sweet and the potable thin. Its onion is planted in the places of the
orchards where the works dont reach and towards the watering channels in the sides.
The time to plant them is around May, when its flower has grown perfect and retiring to
its foot the nutritious juice; and its also planted in September and October. For this
effect doing holes a palm deep proportionate to the size of the onions, theyre planted in
them along with some orchard manure, later replacing their earth. The distance from an
onion to another one must be like three palms considering those that grow sprouts.
Water them once per week through the whole heat season and part of the fall and its
waterings cut in the cold season.
Sometimes they flourish one year after its planting. If you want to multiply
them, plant spread and separated the shells of its onion; or put above the earth in the
same disposition, cover them with inversed tubs; remaining like this until they take
some elevation or they swell, then transplant them in the spring station in planks of
plowed and benefitted earth with lots of manure with a distance of half palm one from
the other, spreading above them a little of shredded and subtle manure, and covering
them with earth thick as two fingers; which watered two times per week until the grow
into onions, grow the flower after three years. When theyre narrowed due to being
many, some of them must be extracted leaving in that place just the sufficient quantity
of them separated by the expressed distance.
If their branches together are buried under a little amount of earth in shadowy
terrains where the sun doesnt hits the earth very much and left like that, one onion is
formed under each leaf in fall season; which are transplanted with the method expressed
above. If you want to plant its seed, some flowers will be left unpicked until they
coagulate, which rising in the part similar to the finger comes to be in the middle part of
the flower. After its dry you pick and store it, and planted around August, (the same
way as the seed of the fresh edible onion) in square planks, fertilized and moisture with
the water, carefully watering it through the whole heat season, in a way that the earth
doesnt get juicy. In the fall it should be watered lightly; and no watering will be applied
during winter. Transplanting it when its in the disposition of the method expressed
above, it lasts more than three years.
The Madonna lilies have their watering regime starting in the next year after the
beginnings of April, continuing this operation frequently until the ends of August. They
say that spilling at its feet feces of red wine its flower grows purple. According to the
Nabataea agriculture, the earth where the Madonna lilies should be cleaned well so that
there isnt any roots left of the plants that could possibly be there.
Adan advices that in the places of its planting between each ten feet of Madonna
lilies roots of peppermint must be placed, which being neighbors of it fasten its growing
and protect them from calamities. If in its juice (that is distilled in the same way as the
roots of the rosebush) some mothballs were thrown it will acquire a very sharp and soft
smell; with which if its jointly in the distilling cucurbita (genre of the pumpkins) it
acquires an admirable smell, and the softest smell is that of the white Madonna lilies.
After its followed by the two remaining species the one of light blue color, from which
water as from certain smell the people use in the same way as the pink water. When
someone sees himself forced to eat from it and its roots in the case theres a lack of
edible things, do with them what we said about the method to extract the bad tastes. The
roots of the Madonna lilies also have a special virtue between the things with which the
stews are seasoned, if together with it leaves of its same flower are cooked after the
most part of its flavor has been extracted. The plants that are similar to the Madonna
lilies in some things are of soft smell.
ARTICLE III
The method to plant the onion of the white daffodils
According to the Nabataea agriculture and other authors, theres a yellow
daffodil, white daffodil and a red daffodil. The one well talk about now has the flower
white and amusing: it also has an onion, and it isnt the one the medics know by this
name.
According to Abu Abdalah and others it favors the wet earth, adipose, greased,
and the rough earth from mountains. Its onion is planted towards the watering channels
and in shadowy terrain in the ends of April and in May, referring to what has been said
of the onion of the Madonna lily after fertilizing the earth with some shredded manure
moisture with water. Others say that is planted through all fall season, and that
blooming in August its seed appears in April, or in the winter according to Abu
Abdalah. According to the Nabataea agriculture, the daffodils raised commonly where
there is sweet standstill water in good earth with dust free of corruption. Its fruit is
abundant, bigger and better when its in crescent moon, the diminishing moon
bestowing the opposite effect in it.
ARTICLE IV
The method to plant the onion of the White Buttons
It favors (according to Kastos and others) the sandstone earth, greased, rough,
and the earth from mountain. It blooms sprouts a lot, and needs lots of water. Its onion
is planted towards the watering channels and ponds, in the shadowy places, around May
and June in equal and similar form said the in article of the Madonna lilies. Its seeds
also planted with method mentioned for the Madonna lilies, and flourished around
August. Among its species theres one called donkeys rose, and also awakener of the
burning love. It favors the juicy earth that along with this becomes entirely good.
Suffers from dryness, and the low quantities of water are enough. Is from the plants that
are planted from its seed. He who wishes it very vigorous will bury in its dug up feet pat
made dust, or throw there some humans feces mixed with very wimpy dust, which
proves beneficial for it. They say that impregnating the house with White Buttons
smoke the vermin flee from it, especially the fleas; and there are still opinions that this
kills and makes them disappear. The Persians keep this plant in high standards.
ARTICLE V
The method to plant the onion of the white Chinese rose
This (according Abdalah and others) has a white flower, in whose middle theres
a little yellow circle, and it commonly has a certain purple bean. According to the same
author and others, it favors the earth from prairies, salty earth, recovered earth, the
cultivated fields, and the heavy quantities of water. Its said that the one raised in
mountains earth is the best; and that the time to plants its onion is around September,
and flourishes in December, January and February. Some people dedicated to the
knowledge of the flowers cultivation refer to that when the leaves of this onion are dry
(which happens in summer season), itll be extracted and stored, until the time of its
plantation arrives, executing this in juicy and soft terrain mixed with old manure; and
that being cultivated with effort it blooms the flower earlier with a very good and soft
smell, and that its stem thickens if this is done every year with it.
According to the Nabataea agriculture, the onion of the Chinese rose is planted
in earth where it previously were standstill water by a space of ten-to-twenty days (after
this is retired, and the earths lean, conserving only a little moisture), and in a hole deep
as a feet; which is convenient for the thickening of its onion, and for it to grow with a
fine and soft smell. He who wishes it double open, take and cut open in the middle a
thick onion, and there plant garlic teeth still with their shells hiding them well in them;
because in this disposition, buried later in the earth, carries double Chinese roses. He
who wishes them with a very soft smell and that in its leaf theres a certain green and
white, be it fresh and green garlic, and plant the onion in a place fresh with lots of
moisture; because like this it comes double and green, as seen in Damascus land cause
by the coldness of that region, whose habitants follow this practice.
ARTICLE VI
The method to plant the onion of the yellow Chinese rose
Abu Abdalah and other authors say that this is the awz. According to the author
of the Nabataea agriculture, the ideal earth for it is the rough earth when its joined by
big quantities of water, the temperate earth, greased earth, wet earth and sandstone
earth. Its onions are brought from the prairies, and are planted in the planks in holes as
deep as half palm, putting three or four of them in each one and later replacing their
earth; this is done in May and also in June. Its seed picked up in May is planted in
November just like the Madonna lilies seed, doing everything else that remains to be
done just like youd do it with the white Chinese rose. The early yellow Chinese rose
flourishes at the same time of the white Chinese rose. Some are late, and the flowers
reach the spring season.
ARTICLE VII
The method to plant the Macedonian onion
Its a species of the yellow Chinese rose (Abu Abdalah and others say), and it
comes from Macedonia, province of Alexandria. It has a flower yellow in the insides,
red outside, and with the form of a bucket; in whose center theres another flower
contained just like it with an aromatic smell, amusing to the sight, and with a peregrine
figure. Its born in the wet places of the mountains, and its cultivations are as the one
expressed before this.
ARTICLE VIII
The method to plant the chrysanths
According to the author of the Nabataea agriculture and others, it has three
species; one from orchards thats between yellow and red as an apricot; and from the
other two that theyre very similar among themselves, one has a thick and vast leaf and
the other has it think and delicate. Its a maxim from Abu Abdalah and other authors,
that it favors the greased earth and the wet earth, and every type of water, sweet or not;
and that its seed is planted in January. Kastos affirms that its also planted in February
in plowed and fertilized planks, in the same way as the other seeds; and that
transplanted in the mentioned month and in March, it flourishes right after the
rosebushes. According to the Nabataea agriculture, the chrysanths favor the sturdy earth
of good red powder. Its also raised prosper in black soft earth; but it is very unstable
and has a short lifespan, not thickening in it as in the sturdy earth of good quality. Its
seed is planted in corresponding places, but it doesnt prospers a lot if its left without
transplanting; which if its executed makes it thicken and grow. Is from the hard plants
that likes dryness, and doesnt need too many caring or constant assistance where it was
planted. Its said that in some regions it grows until its as corpulent as a big tree, and
that in others it doesnt grow taller that an elbow. If its growing is delayed in its
planting place, pat will be spread around its feet mixed with earth different from the one
that surrounds it, with this its improved and extends.
According to the Nabataea agriculture, one of its properties is allowing the
woman in the hard birth labor, picking it in her hands when ones over the other, to
quickly let go of the creature. Its said that if the pregnant woman enters where there are
chrysanths planted and it smells them, she aborts; and that the sterile woman that carries
it with her becomes able to get pregnant: and that if with it dry someplace is smoked,
the mice and lizards flee from there, and the same for the vermin from where its flower
is.
ARTICLE IX
The method to plant the onion of the nisrn (paeonia broteri)
This plant has an onion that (according to Kastos and others) is small, has two
species; one with a yellow flower and the other with a white flower. Its raised in the
prairies, and its flower is discovered in the fall season around October; and these are the
first flowers that the earth produces. It spreads a very soft smell, and has an inward
flower.
According Abu Abdalah and others, it favors the prairies and similar types of
earth, and its onion extracted from the place of its birth is planted in December, or in
March (according to what others affirm). Shouldnt be watered a lot, the same as with
the similar rest of onions flowers; but in the beginning of its planting until it grows and
vegetates. This isnt the pant the medics usually know by this name; because that plant
is a certain wild rosebush, whose bush is similar to the common rosebush, and its flower
is also similar to this one, its regularly raised along the white rosebush. Its said that
theres a species of it known as zarza perruna, to whose rose is called montesion (from
mountains), this is a species of loquat.
ARTICLE X
The method to plant the violet
You can find two species of tis, the Nabataean agriculture says; from orchards
and from mountains with a wimpy leaf. The one from orchards has a wide leaf, and its
small stem that comes out of the feet dresses with certain fuzz has a purple flower in its
end with a very soft smell. According to Abu Abdalah and others, it favors the adipose
earth, greased earth, wet sandstone earth, earth from mountains and the rough earth; and
prospers between trees of low vegetation. Its also convenient for it to be covered from
the sun, in the shadows. Its seeds plant in August and no after it, because it would lose
its heat if done after that. Plant it in planks in sheltered and shadowy places, and also in
new drilled flowerpots, after having put in the surface of the planks, or in the mentioned
flowerpots, shredded debris of old brick walls or another material, incorporated with a
bit of doves feces. The author of the Nabataean agriculture says that from the same
dust mixed with some doves feces two baskets will be thrown into the planks, and
planted just like the basils, watering it without letting its earth get juicy until it has born
and grown regularly; and that from there one it will be carefully watered twice a week
in the week until its plants has grown and thrown well its roots, with this practice it
blooms the same year. According to the same text, he who wishes to transplant it in the
planks will put in each one two baskets of dust of an old wall mixed with some doves
feces, which in being incorporated with the earth and later sprayed with this, plant in it
when its mildly juicy the postures of the violet extracted in the way expressed above,
taking care of not detouring some from others, because the tangle each other. The
branches that hang from them cut with scissors are ordered there in rows, with a palm of
distance between each other. The ends of its feet shouldnt be buried, because the buds
are next to the roots, and dont a stem over which they rise. Water them right after this
two times per week until they grow and vegetate, after which their watering I cut. The
time to plant these posture is towards the beginnings of November, and flourish in that
year. In these plants some flowers are left until , the nipples arrived, its seed is
coagulated in them; which picked when its seasoned and full (around August), clean
and lean is kept in new vases. According to my observation, in Seville and in Cordoba
they are used to plant it .
Its the necessary for the earth where the violets going to be raised that it is of
normal temperature and taste, between soft and strong, and also cleaned of sand because
this one drags the vegetation of its roots; that if no matter what they grow week, theyll
need earth thats soft, and free of flavors opposite to the insipid; and the more opposite
the terrain is to this quality the corruption of the violet will be bigger. It doesnt favors
anything but the sweet and light water from rivers, and sweet font; and the water from
wells and heavy water weakens it, and sometimes loses it.
About the things harmful for the violet they say that what has a marvelous
property is that, in the time to water it some men get dirty in the water current, this
carries along it some of this strong feces, dies being sick, thinning, and withering.
Likewise they say that having winds hitting the violet, particularly when it starts to
throw the flower, it doesnt blooms anymore; and that weakened and withered, almost
nothing attracts from the water that its watered with.
They finally say that every genre of hay, feces, and anything of uneasy smell
isnt convenient for the violet, but harmful; which happens if its covered with it, and its
flower grows sick if its fertilized with the same. One of the strongly opposite things for
the violets are the canes, it barely prevails when theyre near, it doesnt grows, and dies
even before withering; because of this it must be planted with a good distance
separating it from them. Weve experimented, they add, that it withers and sickens with
the continuous mists from one day to another; that the cold corrupts it without being
able to be repaired later; that the strong consecutive thunders weaken and make it think;
that lots of dust falling over it and being exposed to the smoke also weakens it, and
sometimes kill it if theyre continuous exposures; and that it isnt convenient to let it be
touched with earth from cemeteries or similar places because this weakens it, and
eventually kills it if its continuous.
ARTICLE XI
The method to plant the lemon balm
According to Abu el Jair and other authors, you can find them from orchards and
wild ones. From the orchards you can differentiate two species, one that has a very hairy
and wide leaf, and another one thats the opposite, and whose branches are white. Both
have a white flower, which is discovered in April, May, and through all the spring. The
smell of the lemon balm is similar to that of the citron. Its said that the bees likes to rest
over this plant. Talking about the lemon balm and its similar plants, the peppermint,
pennyroyal and marjoram in the book of Ibn Hajj, its said that the peppermint and the
lemon balm grow planted from buds or postures.
About everything else, Abu Abdalah says, the lemon balm favors the greased
earth, wet earth, and the adipose earth, and that its seed is planted in February, like the
basils, in planks of plowed earth, having applied in each one two baskets of subtle and
shredded manure. Some say that it doesnt needs manure but a little, because it burns it
if its in big quantities. Those planks moisture with the water, the lemon balm should be
taken care of, after being with good roots grown, giving two watering per week. With
an ounce of its seed three planks are planted. He who wishes to transplant it will extract
its plants when theyre over one finger tall, and plant them in March and February in
rows in plowed planks refreshed with the water, putting three or four plants in a hole
with a distance of a palm between one another, which being well cultivated vegetate
through the whole year. Its reborn from the roots that are left under the ground, whose
reaped plants when theyve grown in height and later watered, rejuvenate. Plant it from
its buds, with which doing the same done with the peppermint (that will be talked about
later through Allah), grows very well. After the seeds coagulated (around July or
August) its reaped, which is dried and shaken to be stored in new flowerpots.
Its a maxim from some that splashing the hives in the inside with the leaves of
lemon balm makes the bees grow accustomed to them, going frequently there. From the
wild lemon balm (others say) we affirm the total opposite; which throwing it to the bees
makes them come out. According to Rasis, it is confirmed that the lemon balm is the
badarajuat; from which Avicena and others say, it has the admirable property of
making the heart happy and spice it up at the same time, and that besides its beneficial
for all the intestines.
ARTICLE XII
The method to plant the peppermint
The author of the Nabataean agriculture and others say that you can find four
species of it, one wild, and the other three from orchards; from which one is the true
peppermint, with has a rough and jagged leaf. The third one is known as sismbrio, also
commonly called sndalo and sembro by some; which has the leaf smooth, round and
spreader of smells, and the stem with a dark green color; which is common: its said that
the namm (wild thyme) has an aromatic smell, and the peppermint has a sharp smell.
This last one favors (according Abu Abdalah) the soft earth, the sandstone earth,
the earth from island and the low places of it. Demands lots of water and needs more
manure than the lemon balm. Plant it by its seed, its torn twig, and its buds. Thats
planted in January, February and March in plowed planks, benefitted with shredded
manure, and moisturized with the water. Water it frequently until it deserves to be
transplanted, which is executed in April; in this time theyre equally planted in the
mentioned planks its postures and torn twigs alike; and these, throwing in the holes
some beans of barley them, prevail and grow quickly. Should be put in rows with a
distance of a palm between each other, with omitting the use of grooves wherever the
water goes to the plants, which should be near the ponds and low sites. Its also planted
in fall season around September, but the one planted in spring is better. Reaped and
watered after this, its born anew very well from its roots, whose operation is executed
when the seed0s coagulated and full; which extracted from the reaped plants and dry are
kept in new flowerpots.
Its utilities are giving robustness and heat to the stomach, reviving the will to
eat, and being useful for the beats of the heart, and the bites of dogs with rage, for this
they hold special virtue; and also have the virtue of causing happiness. Its branches
thrown in the fresh milk, its preserved from going sour in a way that it isnt coagulated
when cooking, even if another one joins it.
According to the Nabataean agriculture, the peppermint is more attractive and
smelly than the wild thyme. Plant it in the midst of March until after almost two months
in the same way as the other seeds. When it has around four fingers tall its
transplanted, giving it then short and light watering. For everything else the peppermint
is the edible vegetable with the most subtle substance, is taken as a dessert after foods
because of its properties to help the stomach.
ARTICLE XIII
The method to plant the marjoram
Abu Abdalah says that its the maradkuz and the marzanjuz also, which is the
moll or the nkar, plant of a beautiful prospect and from who there are two species,
wild and orchards; one with a thick leaf and other one with a thin leaf. According to
Abu el Jair, it favors the greased earth, soft earth, sandstone earth, wet earth and adipose
earth. Doesnt needs heavy quantities of water or manure. But to plant its seed the
planks should be benefitted with a little bit of good quality manure; in which thrown its
shuffled along the earth with the hand or a broom, after which the water is introduced
softly and with delicacy. Water it two or three times until the plants somewhat big, in
whose time cutting its watering and finding it thirsty, theyre cleaned from the herbs
they could have, and watered, and once per week after that. The time to plant it is in the
beginnings of May, or (according to Abu Abdalah) from February to May, and lasts
near six years. With an ounce of its seed is enough for three planks. Transplant it when
its ready for it with its surrounding earth, fixating the plants by rows in the planks in
holes that are proportionate for them. In each one four are put, being the distance from a
hole to another like an elbow, and until they grow and the buds are discovered in it their
watering continues; after such time onwards one will be careful, when theyre thirsty, of
watering them once per week through all the heat season. This watering must be lighter
in the fall and totally cut in winter. It also prevails when planted from torn twigs; and
when its heads are discovered to be full of seasoned seed, theyre reaped and put to dry;
and that picked up theyre kept in new flowerpots until their time of need. This plant
doesnt detach its leaf in the cold season due to its own heat.
According to the Nabataea agriculture, the marjoram do certain things with its
leaf and seed, like the meats and fats, removing their bad smell and corruption; and also
has a powerful virtue against every genre of foul smells. If in the current of the water
with which theyre watered some urinates so that theres urine mixed with it, this has a a
powerful virtue to make its smell strong and sharp, with which its also conserved.
Likewise, if its spread with wimpy dust mixed with human, monkey or other animals
feces, this makes it robust, alive, happy and with stronger smell.
ARTICLE XIV
The method to plat the basil
Many are its species, according to Abu el Jair and others; the acalaverada;
apiada, this is the chehsferem; the hjini, this is the bedarj (common basil), which
has the flower with an admirable smoothness, and a leaf similar to that of the amaranth,
the size of the palm of the hand, and prolonged; ajedreada, that has a flower green with
touches of yellow; aclavelada; the eastern, that has a wimpy leaf and a flower of purple
color, somewhat black, or with a dark green; tarijni, with which name it means the
citrea or katoronjulada because its smell is similar to that of the citron; coroaica (real or
cesarean); Chinese; Roman; and that of the inward leaf: all of them are planted with
short differences in a same way.
According to the author of the Nabataean agriculture and others, most of its
species favor the earth from isles, soft, sandstone, adipose, rough, thin, white, sweet
earth, and the soft and adipose earth; and the good cultivation and sweet water. The time
of planting the basils is commonly from the midst of January to the midst of March,
leaving out the aclavelada, which is planted in the last half of April and May. This does
the aclaverada, which has the white flower and a calyx somewhat black, its seeds is
planted in January and transplanted in March. The seed of the apiada (flower similar
to the aclaverada, but with a dustier flower) is planted around May in vases with earth
mixed with manure and rough ash; these plants are transplanted when theyre up to.
This species prevails improved planted from torn twigs, and likewise the torn of the
Sicilian because its a subspecies of it, but smaller. The apiada has branches more
pompous and big, in a way similar to a broom. According to Abu el Jair, this species of
basil its similar to a pineapple in its aspect because it doesnt has its branches divided as
the others, and its green without any black spot. The chehsferem basil has its leaf as
long as a mouses ear. The hjini, this is the bedarj or rain basil, and is the hauco
called commonly tharthr-el-hjeb, favors the greased earth, soft earth and rough earth;
and its seeds planted in March and April. Likes lots of shredded manure, but not the
big quantities of water. Its postures are planted towards the watering channels and in the
earth lumps.
According the Nabataean agriculture, the bedarj (common basil) is of three
species; from which one is called aclavelada, and has a sharp smell like that of a
carnation (or nail). The time to plant it is from the beginnings of March until the final
days of April, and also some late ones are planted in the beginnings of July; which is
executed spreading the seed over the water in the plank, and covering it twenty four
hours later with some earth. Maccl refers to what Mohammad said: like this the basil
delights me as if I looked the one raised in paradise; and that being object of its care, it
was also an object of its admiral. The same expressions, others say, are told to be said
by him (according a tradition of its companions) with motive of the delicate smell and
taste of this species of plant.
This makes the aclavelada, called karihmchec, similar in everything to the
ajedreada, and has the leaf with a subtle hair. This species of basil, Abu el Jair says, is
the best and the softest one, and from it some medicines are elaborated; if well it doesnt
has that beautiful and amusing sight that the other basils have because of their hairy
leaves, and having some thin spikes almost as long as a finger. They favor the thin
earth, soft and sweet earth, sandstone, the earth from isles and the soft earth. Its seed is
planted in planks after having thrown in each of them two baskets of filtered, shredded,
re-rot manure, shuffling it until its mixed with the earth; and the same is done with the
seed through a soft broom. Its said that above it a little of sand should be thrown
instead of earth, and that after the waters been softly introduced, so that it doesnt
moves it from one place to another, it will be watered two or three times until its
somewhat grown: that from there on the watering will be cut until it shows signs of
being thirsty, only then it will be watered, executing this same thing constantly two
times in the week until its transplanted when its as big as a finger: that the time to
plant it is in the month of May, throwing its seed in each plank like third part of an
ounce, and transplanting it in the ends of June; and that the sweet water is the one
convenient for it.
To what refers to the ajedreada, it has its flower with a green color with touches
of yellow, and its regime is equal to the regime of the aclaverada. The cosroaica is
similar to the previous one but in the flower and the leaf, because the calyx of the
coroaicas flower has a dusty color, its flowers red, and its leafs white. Its regime is
also similar to that of the aclaverada. The eastern has a wimpy leaf; and the flower of a
dark purple color, and black in its upper part. The citrea or atoronjilada has its smell
similar to the lemon balm, and the leaf wide as the thumb with veins in its insides, and
covered with dusty-like fuzz. The cats enjoy this plant and they usually eat it.
According to Abu Abdalah, the atoronjilada basil has its leaf big similar to the
leaf of the lemon balm. The romana also has it big, and its flower has a very vivid color
and is amusing to the sight, in little separated spikes as the ones of the flowers of the
common basil. It grows well in cold regions, and doesnt want heavy quantities of
manure or water. The one with the inward leaf has it wide and short with veins inside.
When it is born, the sticks of its leaves tend to lean, and the ones that looked to the sky
will be inclined towards the earth; this is a peregrine species.
The method to plant the many other seeds that arent mentioned, its transplanting
and its cultivation is according to what it is usually done; this is, that planks formed for
them in places that look east, covered from the cold and of good plowed earth with care,
in each one of the two baskets of filtered and shredded manure will be thrown mixing it
with the earth; this, equaled, is planted in each plank of the extension expressed in this
book, from a third part of an ounce to half ounce of seed: from the which, being thick as
the pineapple basil and the aclaverada three ounces are planted.
Its a maxim from Abu el Jair that a broom must be dragged around the plank so
that the seed remains hidden in the earth; that two soft watering will be given in the
week until its as high as a finger or a little more, and that then transplanting the plants
to plowed planks fertilized with manure and ash, in them they will be planted in order
with a distance of one elbow between each other; and that are meant to be watered right
after its planting, and give to the two or three watering with care until they grow
vegetation and affirm themselves to the ground, later watering them twice in the week
when theyre thirsty, and hoaxing them until they reach its end. The plants of the basils
are also planted in the earth lumps and between the eggplants plants.
Also plant the basil, says Abu el Jair, from the branches reaped from it; this is
very good because you can multiply it no matter how few basils you have. The
operation is done like this. Go to the plant when its as tall as a palm or more, and
reaping on its upper part every that exceeds the height of a finger, this same reaped parts
are placed in planks of sandstone earth benefitted with manure in the same disposition
and order that has been said for the postures, observing the regime expressed above
until it finishes growing. Reap the basil after its seeds full, which lean is kept in new
jars until its time of need. Also plant the seed of the basils in drilled mud vases and in
earth mixed with manure and sand, in which theyre conserved from the sun and the
cold until theyre born and grow strong, because the cold loses them, and the sun dries
them.
ARTICLE XV
The method to plant the lavenders
According to Abu Abdalah, its the blueish Madonna lily; and according others,
it is the wild and small Madonna lily that bears a light blue color. This root is planted in
December and a little after that, and grows strong one year after its planting if the
earths cultivated. When planting it a watering must be applied, if it were in lean earth,
and flourishes in the month of April.
This is the method to cultivate this plant. Carries the flower with the leaves
separated, and of the same color and even better than the violets; grows as tall as a
man, if well the usual thing is that it remains a little lower; and it extends in many
branches. Its cultivation is the same as the one said for the matricarias and the white
buttons, and its taken care of following such guide lines. The Persians praise it a lot,
and have the joy of possessing it in abundance; and they say that looking at its flower
lifts your mood, and it also eliminates the sadness with no motives behind it.
ARTICLE XVI
The method to plant the acacias
Its a plant, Abu Abdalah says, whose fruit contained in vanillas is similar to the
white lupins, and its white flower has a soft smell. Its beans pierced with a thread and
tied to the neck expel, after theyre heated with the human bodys temperature, a soft
smell like the clove. It favors the greased earth, adipose earth and wet earth, and its
planted in January and February in the same way as the white lupins in wet earth.
ARTICLE XVII
The method to plant the clary sages
According to Abu Abdalaha and others, this plant is the same as the habak-elchoyh, and its seed is planted in October, November, December and January in planks
according to what was exposed above. It doesnt like the water or the manure. Its plants
are transplanted around February and March, putting them distanced by one elbow. Its
a plant that, after broken due to dryness, reborn from the root thats left in the earth. Its
seed is picked up in August, and is stored in new mud vases.
ARTICLE XVIII
The method to plant the marshmallow, decorative rosebush, and the mallow
(from Sicily, Cordoba and orchards)
The marshmallow
The jthimi, Abu Abdalah and others say, is the janr, wooly herb from which,
grounded while green, you can elaborate foam with which you can wash your head.
Many are the species of the marshmallow, and its plants have laxative virtues. Its said
that it grows very well if the earth where it grows is cleaned, in which no herb should
barge in. The operation of the planting of the marshmallow, decorative rosebush, the
mallow from Sicily and Cordoba are the same.
The marshmallow, that (according to Abu el Jair) is the chahmo-el-marji, favors
the greased earth, and the wet earth (according to Abu Abdalah and others). Its seeds
planted in planks, and also in vases in small holes as deep as a finger, putting in each
one of the two to five beans of it; these are covered with manure, and should be towards
the water current.
The Nabataean agriculture says that as much this bush becomes bulky, the apple
tree is inserted; that the marshmallow is planted properly in the month of September;
and that he who wishes to move them to the low places of the orchards and towards the
water currents, he can execute it. According to the quoted book, the marshmallow bush
has two species; one that blooms a big and red flower, and the other ones white and
smaller. The marshmallow favors the sturdy earth thats very tired, with stones and lean,
and in the one where barely any plant can grow, because its in such earth that it grows.
It needs to have a lot of water in its feet, and they like the currents of water and the
rains; well if in some time their water is missing, it doesnt harms it; and even when the
sickness called rojeta strikes it, you can heal it by spraying it fresh water during noon
and later spilling it in its sides, with which being executed two or three times every
seven days removes the calamity.
A common opinion is that, according the Nabataean agriculture, looking the
flowers of the marshmallow bush while its still a bush, comforts the spirit removing the
fears and anxieties; and that observing the feet for long times, this is, the man doing
several loops around the marshmallow, and looking its leaves and flowers everywhere
by one hour, the joy possesses him, they happiness and good mood too, and its beliefs
are strengthened, He who wishes to castrate the hives with the bees offending or
molesting him will take grounded marshmallow and, moisturized with common oil,
splash your hands with it and the part of your body you wish to, and not reaching the
bees it doesnt causes them harm either.
The decorative rosebush
According Abu el Jair and others, the common name of this plant is ward-elzuni, this comes to translate as the medics marshmallow, which has three species; red
flower, black flower and white flower. According to the author of the Nabataean
agriculture and others, it favors the rough earth, greased earth and the earth from isles,
and the sweet and salty water alike. Its said that its called decorative rosebush because
of its beauty, and rose of prostitutes because they use them in their hair. Its seed is
planted towards the water currents in dust with the ear of the hoax, putting in each hole
three of its beans and covering them with sand. When its plants are mildly grown, the
unstable ones are extracted leaving there only the robust ones, which can also be
transplanted.
The mallow from Sicily and Cordoba
What you do with the marshmallow you do with these two, and both are
transplanted while small. The stem of the last one is as thick as an arm and its leaf long
as two palms, and rises to the height a man riding a horse.
The mallow from orchards
Its said that the mallow from orchards is called maluja by the Syrians, that its
also called bkalat-el-mrjat, and that it comes well in any earth that isnt too hot. It
needs fertilizing, and is planted in the final days of September and in October, and feeds
more and produces more blood (because it transforms into blood) than all the other
vegetables.
CHAPTER XXVIII
The planting of the plants that are usually placed in the gardens and that
offer various aspects to the sight, like the yellow horned poppy, parsley, oregano,
asparagus from orchards, caper, and other that (through Allah) will be talked
about
ARTICLE I
The method to plant the yellow horned poppy
It has two species (according to Abu Abdalah); wild and from orchards, and is a
specie of poppy; its flower changes colors, similar similar to that of saffron dissolved on
water. According to Agriculture Nabathea,this plant is similar to the envide and dusty
and get born certain shoot with heads in his superior part and get opened into one
yellow flower alike the narcissus of that color,and of the figure of the poppy seed;
which one its happens vanilla like the beans,which extremes are like thorn of the
blackberry. His seed is black and small,but more thick than the purslane.
According to Abus the Jair and others,its good for the [celandine] the cold land,
the rough, the oiled, the sandstone, and the sandstone. His seed to plant in september on
boards made of land cultivated and manure, of the same way of the ocimus, and spray
soft and frequently until is born; which is continue until establish good, in which time is
hoeing, and later when is thirsty it continue watering two times in the week in all the
space of the heat until the autumn and the winter come, then rains feed it. Clean of the
weed,if it born between it, his bushes transplant already done,observing almost the same
regime said up. The water who agree is the sweet drinkable of the wells and the
fountains. Last in his position almost four years, and of is flowers it become eyewash
cooling for the eyes. The juice of his blades is beneficial against the erysipelas and
burns,to spread with it. His seed its call nis.
*Dioscrides say,this plant is full of juice of saffron color (Book. 3 cap. 94).
Nobody say nothing about his flower.
ARTICLE II
Is of two species (according to Abu the Jair), hortensial and wild, the one is the
thariat, o according to others the kajar. To be about Ibn Hajj,say,that according to
Junio it get in november; what you plant of her is the roots, which one have to manure
and feel like be watering in the summer,and his fruit to be ripen in the spring. Abu
Abdalah and others agree, that is suitable to the thistle the lad adipose, the black
grease,and the sweet water of the wells and fountains; and his seed plant in the station
of autumn and january. The agriculture Nabathea add, that on february in good plow
buttress roots and benefits with subtle manure and crumbled,which is incorporate with
the land and with her the seed indulgently: to sow its like for plant his stance choice no
tread places of the orchards: to put this last on a distance of four inches one of other,
and irrigate until his grow continuing after the irrigate two times in the week the
expanded space of the summer and autumn and to cut down in the station of winter: and
after the cut down the thistle every year, it remove of the root which is stay below of the
land. According to Abu Abdalah,cultivating very much, and manured with old manure
and giving water continually in the summer, it throw thick fruit. The artichoke is one of
the species, and who want can transplant this of the jungle to the orchard in the month
of march. According to Agriculture Nabathea, pull of the thistle the root without
branch, and dividing and plant each one of this in the month mentioned,it come
prosperously; what is proven with experience.
ARTICLE III
Of the way of to sow the rough hortensial.
According to the Agriculture Nabathea, its call fijan and is of two spieces,
hortensial and wild. Junio aforementioned in the book of Ibn Hajj say, the rue is
embrace on very hot ground for the sun, and its sowing in all the station of spring. For
the others (according to Abu Abdalah and others), the land that is useful is greasing, the
adipose and the wet. Others says, the strong land is the best for sow. Which is made in
january, february, and march in board of worked land, manure each one of the two
bucket of manure rotten and skinny. Consecutively his sowing is irrigate, and there from
now on its do two times for week carefully until it takes root and vegetate. Later is
scratch, and later thirsty its irrigate once a week for all the station of summer,autumn
and spring; except winter, in which station cut the water given that the rains feed it.
Planting his root
torn in a hole with cebana beans, have to precede what is suitable,prevail; and
the same happens and it healthy breeding the rue (according to others says), if it sow in
drilling glass
cause of what is need, and his breeding in a place similar.
Its not good (according to Abu the Jair) manure the rue with any manure nor
excrement. His manure in the winter is the ash for the reason that being the lover of the
heat its preverse of the cold when its mature with it. Others authors claim the same,
being the opinion that the ash warm by essence and the rue love the heat. They say, it
die and it dry to the point , if it touch menstruate women.
According to [others authors] , agree to this plant the reece land, between the
reece and soft, the reddish dust, and the suspender to that color. Sow in each one of the
station of the year, but commonly the best times it run its mediate of autumn at the end
of november . Its accurate to use with her the alternative of irrigate and leave it thirsty
with matter to the variety of the places and the wind, proper be more abundants the
irrigation in the hot place ; which alternative have to be per week. When is strong
enough have to cut the water entirely, unless its thirsty need irrigate in those days,
which signal is withered leaves under the root. Need to be mature like the vegetable;
and as well put the mature with the foot digging it deeply, and mixing the mature with
the land, which have not to by powered any way. The mature have to be rot human
excrement; and while cowpat take advantage own and wonderfully, but have to be
mixed with that excrement. After the mature have to irrigate in a way that stay well
landfall of water.
Its property of the rue,according to the Agriculture Nabathea, can be beneficial
against the epilepsy [ or coral drop ]. If the epileptic chew some seed of the rue wild,
and holds its breath immediately having smelled and sip, the disease dont come back
for a few days; and also chewing it take off the mouth the smell of anything the man eat
or drink. To the menstruating
woman who take it in her hand, and her menstruation dont come back . They
say, that if the same menstruating women move closer to her, its faded and rot. Rasis
aforementioned in others books of opinion, dont eat the rue with onion and the ocumo
fluvial; even though someone like it so much.
ARTICLE IV
Of the way of irrigate the celery hortensial [ or parsley].
Its of two species (according to the Author of the Agriculture Nabathea and
others); one hortensial, that is breeding in the orchard and it haves a wide leaf alike a
coriander and theres another that have it small; and both born in the margin of the
river, and water currents. According to Abu Abdalah, the time of sow is in september,
february and march; and scattered in the places already said, in the irrigation ditch, and
in the damp places, on they is raise for be the lover of much water. The manure dont
suffer. If is sow on boards what is said before if say about the sow of the seed that are
alike. After of the good shrouds the bushes get clean (when they are thirsty) of the leaf
rotten it had, and then it irrigate, continuing the same until is done; and who want to
pierce, can do it.
Say Abu Abdalah, if you want to the parsley to be big and thick, take the sowing
the seed can take it with its three fingers thumb,ring finger, middle finger, and tied in a
linen cloth place it in the hole, cause in this way can do an effect in the parsley; in the
same say of the leek. If after the parsley is born until is good reveal its dog with the
foot, and throw straw around and over the straw land, and its irrigate, it swell gradually
for this way. According to the Agriculture Nabathea, its happens the same if, ground
with something his seed without undo it wholly and scrub it a little, it sow.
The benefit of the [ parsley ] they leave in the mouth a pleasant smell and soft
after been eated, and arouse the man and woman to the intercourse; for that reason is
forbid to the nurse plant eat it so that wont be corrupted, or (according to Abu the Jair)
the milk wont reduce, arouse it too that desire. They are maximum of others, of eating
it is ensue of the same calamity on the nurse plant of the epilepsy; which is comforting
of the stomach and digestive of the food; and who eat it would be free of the fair of be
itch by an scorpion. They say too, who board the sea take two drachma of his seed in
drinks, would be free of nausea.
According to the Agriculture Nabathea, the parsley its sow in all the station of
the year, which seed its spread on the dammed water on the board and similar places;
after in which one is transplant his plants in other side when it come the point of run. In
the manure the parsley it made the same thing like the rue. If its powder on the
seedbed, and its manure on his root with flour of bitter vetch and after this its irrigate,
come tasty simultaneously with a soft smell,being this better than the natural, and come
more healthy and risen for property it contract with this.
ARTICLE V.
Of the way of sow the indigowoad [ or glastum ] , called ocumo admirable.
According to Abu Abdalah and others,is of two species; which one dye the
skinny cloth after to give to theirs grass the aptitude which a the rhu [ or sumac ] puting
this to cook in boilers, which one throw pasta which is made to dye the cloth. The
lablb, Abu the Jair say is the grain of the woad or ocumo admirable, which one is of
four remark; one of the blue flower [ or celestial obscure ], and other of white which is
breeding in the orchards, and softs the belly when you eats it. The third species its
breeding in the shores [ of the rivers ] and have white flower. The fourth borns between
brambles which one is hang in, and have the flower white and fragrant, and the leaf
dusty and with milk. The more excellent of them is the blue flower.
Suit (according to Abu Abdalah) the land greased, the soft wet, the thick, the
adipose, and the sweet water. The time of sow is in april, or in march (according to Abu
the Jair opinion), put it on deep as a finger lines close to the wall,for be this places the
most agreed upon. Sow there is seed throw above some manure, and is irrigate for the
land to moisten , leave it until it haves the height of a finger; since that time is irrigated
three times in the week, and should not be exceed of this cause it could be rot. After it
start the plantation fixing the cane to the foot of his plants, which one rises twist around
of them; and too tend ropes that are pending, they do everything around them.
ARTICLE VI.
Of the way of sow the oregano
There's is wild and hortulan (According to Abu the Jair), and his species are so
much. The Thunbergia alata , which is the saathar-the-chaw [ or roasted oregano or
for roasted things ], is of fourth species; one who have green brace to yellow
flower,which is common,bloom for the summer in june and july; other who have the
pink brace to obscure flower, alike to the ocum know as acalaverado; and other which
flower is its yellow brace to white, alike the ocum know as winter savory, and it bloom
in june and july. One of his species is the winter savory that will be treated later,
through Allah. They say, the saathar-the-chaw is the montigenous, and the crop is
equal to all of them.
According to Abu Abdalah and others, the land that it should be is the rough, the
stony, and the lark white. Well criase in the sun, and dont prevail to the shadow, and
dont want so much water. The time of sow his seed is in august until beginning (or how
others want ) until the end of autumn. Sow like the ocimu on boards after to be
benefited with a basket of crumble manure and rot, and its mildly irrigate. After dig it
regularly, suspend the irrigate, with sickle segar or another alike instrument; after it
continuing the irrigate when is necessary until the winter come,in which station dont
need it; and dont have to be abundant the irrigate, since it would lose it. Sowing in ten
boards one ounce of his seed. Transplant for september, january, and february of the
same way as the lemon balm, placing one plant to another to a span distance, and
irrigate until it turn on, which one shoot every year of the same root, and with them it
transplant of the jungle to the garden on the same way as the others plants wild thats
move to the orchard.
Five are the species of oregano, according to Agriculture Nabethea; two
hortunal, which one have long leaf, and the other something and more round than long.
Two wild have the same difference. The fifth have a small leaf than all the others
species. Take advantage of the oregano like the manure in his root, like the powder
human manure mixed with the small earth; which if is not done, dont cause damage to
the omission like the others. According to the cited Work [ the oregano ] prevent the
damage which is caused for the cold and flatulent vegetable, and sharpen the weak view
for dominant smoke, and getting together with any vegetable that have the debilitate
virtue, remove that damage; for that effect have more virtue than the wild oregano that
the orchard.
ARTICLE VII
Of the way of sow the winter savory
Its specie of oregano ( Abu the Jair and others say) which one its season the
cooked pumpkin and eggplant, and fish too. Its of two species, hortunal and bred; and
both have a blue flower, which is reveal in summer season and in autumn, according to
the late or early its breeding. Too its throw tasteless stews, like of pumpkin and
vegetable, instead of pepper.
Someone confuse it with the persian oregano, which is known as sicilian pepper,
and others as the hortual oregano.According to Abu Abdalah and others, is on purpose
for the [ winter savory ] adipose earth, the greased, and the soft, and the drinkable fresh
water. The time of sow his seed is in february, march, and april, according to others in
august.
With a ounce of it is sow in three boards, which its take it in august and
september. Cut its branch with its leaf on the two months aforementioned when is
green and made handful, the are put to dry, after preserve it has it had said before.
ARTICLE VIII
Of the way of sow of the eruca sativa
There's is two species, according to Agriculture Nabathea, hortulan and wild.
The spice hortulan its sow in all the month of october, which have a wide leaf, and his
greenery its alike the pistachio; and also haves less acrimony, its tender and succulent.
The second spice its leaf is subtle, narrowed and toothed with big entries in their sides,
which is sow in all march. Its scathing in the way that his flowers can be used in some
species on cooked.
Need to be manure with human rot manure mixing with earth, and its to manure
with cowpat. The eruca sativa subtle dont suffer the copies of so much manure; which
powder spill slightly above it throw scattered with the foot a two spans a distance,
which is irrigate immediately. The sow in the beginning of winter is manure before
irrigate, because the next cold would warm the so much heat of the manure.
ARTICLE IX
Of the way of sow the artemisia, and the tanacetum parthenium bushes
There is several species of artemisias, Abu the Jair say, alba, tridentata, nova
and pontica; which one is aromatic and (according to others) species of marine
artemisia. According to Abu Abdalah and others; its on purpose the greased land, the
wet, the adipose, the sandstone and the rough, together with the manure and the sweet
water. Last years; and the time of sow his seed in the month of february on boards of
worked land, Later of fertilized which one with subtle and crumble manure, its the only
way of sow the ocimu, mixing together the seed and the earth with the hand or with a
broom. Irrigate it and its continuing execute frequently the same until its moderately
grow, and there from now on its scratch and irrigate. They plants transplant when they
are on it, plant this, or his rip too , in january and february in the way cited up. Its
property are the reserve his vegetables of the weevil, of the decay of the bug of the
alteration, and prevent the paper to eat holes in. Which its do with the tanacetum
parthenium bush, doing with it the same said of the artemisia absinthium.
ARTICLE X
Of the way of sow the elecampane.
Abu Abdalah and others say, that the [ the zanjabil ] is the elecampane, which is
the hortulan cost, which is the janh. Others say,that its the roman cost. According to
Ibn the Harr, its grass its sow, and which leaf get up on the earth like a span, and they
are very green and rough. Its root are black and thick, and of them it can be some use.
The-Zaharwi say, it is which its call in barbara language ala , that is janh.
According to Abu Abdalah and others, its good for the greased earth, the rough,
the bred, and the sweet water. Its sudden start root, after dry and fallen, its transplant
in june on the jungle to the orchard in holes like two finger depth, or the capacity
proportionate of the same root, to a distance of a elbow one of another. Put two in each
hole it cover with earth with two fingers thickness, and its irrigate one time to week in
all the station of the heat,cutting the water in autumn.
Abu the Jair and others say, that the root its the more useful that it have; if it
well cause migraine, but it rejoice and fortify the hearth; and to be used to eat the
elecampane, it will be free of painful urination . According the Agriculture Nebethea,
the elecampane are kind of root that under the earth that spread out as even the an
elbow, which one is remove in the climate of Babylon, planting something of they and
of the skinny of the same in september, and giving a lot of irrigate; and its agree with
the soft earth, the spongy, which it have mixed with sand, and the color of his dust its
white and snaky.
According to the cited Work,this plant is heavily warm, and the rigor its the
only thing to eat and of the ends of the cold with very sour vinegar, which one is
prepared of three ways: one boil it with it and water-salt until his fortress is extrac,
pouring it, it throw again other thing of the same when it's still hot, boil it for a long
time like the first time, and repeat the operation three times; leave it to get cold and full
chopped, you will throw hot oil and later it murray, and adding another's chopped
vegetables of delicate taste, and later you eat it. Or put [ the elecampane ] on vinegar
one day and one night, retired of there, infuse on it the same three or four times, and
wash with it with water one day; which one spill, repeat the same operation until it loose
his bitter flavour, and like that its extract the vinegar that is getting out of it all his
stypticity and bitterness, and it will have a delicate taste. Minced it later,throw oil,
murray, and vinegar new acid, mild it with a little of wine, and eat it like that with the
minced vegetable. Or put it too in water-salt one day and one night and cooked in the
same, pour it later of this and put it in another with salt to cook, repeat sometimes the
infusion and coction of the same way; and proven to the taste [ it would find ] that the
bitter taste had gone, and f it havent, you have to repeat the same operation until its
gone, washing it with sweet water until extract all the containing saltpeter, how many
times is insert and extract the water-salt, it would extract the bitter and bad quality that
it had until his flavour become softer. Eating it well with vinegar, murray and oil, or
throw it in some sour stew, spice it with vinegar or sumac juice, sour grape, sour
food,pomegranate of the same flavour or alike, its a tasty flavour.
ARTICLE XI
Of the way of sow the rue wild
His seed its sow in march like the others, and dont suffer the much water or the
manure; which is toke it in may and june.
ARTICLE XII
Of the way of sow of the iris [ or iris germanica ].
Abu Abdalah and others say, that this is the small blue lily, called in barbara
language alheli; and his root are plant in march, that is when the leaf falls, and in
january is when is calamus * its plant, watching the same regimen on that.
*This is the aromatic calamus or another fine specie of green cane (Diosc. book.
1 cap. 94). theres say Laguna that Plinio (book. 16 cap. 36, and book. 24 cap. 11) brings
even twenty nine species of they. volume II
ARTICLE XIII.
Of the way of sow the dracunculus vulgaris
Its the sarjat , Abu the Jair say, and of they its big species that have the round
root, and its raise on painted stem like the snake skin. Its famous as the mugwort, and
too has the drokitun [ or dracunculus vulgaris ] , which is interpreted as the dragon
arum, according to Ali Abi Abid the Becri. Its root, according to Abu Abdalah and
others, its plant in august to the shores of the gardens or in places very trodden down,
making with her the same with the calamus.
Abu the Jair and others agree,theres is a specie of they called in greek arom [ or
ring ] and in Barbary ayerba, which stem have like a span of long in figure of pestle,
something purple, and on it [ born ] a fruit color of saffron and of medium root.
According to Agriculture Nebethea, the dracunculus vulgaris [ even though ]
wild plant grow in the orchard the Babylonian. Have a big root and white, and its a
little styptic when is grow on the orchard, on the contrary the wild which is allot. Have a
big leaf like stained with white points, and usually do is throw it without them. The
length of his stem is something more than a span, of color like the odoriferous plant of
the violet, full, round and very thick, and it throw a small fruit. Some ancient say, its
specie is of agaloco.Have the same book, of his root boiled and season with some
seasoning , aromatic seed and vegetable, are delicate food; which leaf are boiled too and
favourable with vinegar, and one of the other are throw in certain boiled species; of the
root of this plant the bread is made after have dry well, break and ground alone, or
together with the leaf, flowers and stems; the bread of his root and seed its more
delicate and more nourishment; and its alike to this luffa the called dracunculus
vulgaris; and love to breed in the shadow and in spring cold places, prevail being hidden
of the sun in places where is the shadows of tree &c.: the leaf of is alike of this, out of
having a little of white and being more big than this in a good part: and it raise on the
stem there is not knots or joints, which is painted and notable stain of so much colors,
yellow,red, green,white,violet and serpentine , the figure of a cane thick, and of two
elbow of large or a little more: His fruit clustered like the grapes in the beginning, and
then seasoned of a time it become a very deep yellow, out of other that stay of the that
color more down; is root its round big and dressed with a thick bark, which one it eat of
the corresponding way; which is breeding a lot spontaneously in fence in the sun; and
the so much water dont damage to the foot for be a plant distante of his nature of
corruption, and dont susceptible to it.
Also is doctrine of the aforementioned book, and taking his root and taking the
fruit, of all this dry and ground it do a bread which eat it with fat,butter and candies, its
of food and delicate taste without need of more preparation to put it to cook one time in
a long time; this root have to take in the end of may and beginning of june, and of the
fruit, before this time; and dont agree to eat it but ground, in which aptitude its lost is
bad quality for be achieving this effect with only break them and grind them after.
ARTICLE XIV
Of the way it have to be with the chamomile, and the melilot [or the crown of the
king].
The chamomile ( according to opinions of Abu Abdalah and others authors ] it
agree the wet and thick land, and the succulent is the best for it and more the purpose.
Its seed is sow in the month of january, february and march in common border of the
expressed extension in the preface of this book, after its been worked and
dampened with the water, mixing with the land until is stay cover which operation its
good to execute at the time of the rain; which if its not happens, have to irrigate one
time, or two until is born and its regularly grow, and cut it after the irrigate clean the
weed it had. If the spring is wet, dont have to irrigate then; but if its not have to
irrigate one or two times until it throw the flower. The way of sow the melilotus it get
closer of the chamomile, according to author said.
According to the Agriculture Nabathea, to the chamomile ( that is the akuan )
agree the strong land, and the bermeja spring of sweet quality; even though is breeding
in the soft, in the sandstone, in all the ground, and where nothing prevail; but in that we
have identified is breeding more strong, better, more fragrant, and more flowery. It
suffer dryness of much days without damage it, nor need so much work on his crop. The
best of us is the one is crop like the alheli, which one if is irrigate so much and satiate
the water it come less fragrant, and of a smell acute if it irrigate a little.
For the regarding to the other,they say that the oil of the [ chamomile ] gove
vigor to the male member, and have for the copulation. Its agree too, that if the juice is
squeezed of her spread the nearby part and the same together, fortify for the same use if
it use this medicine were of cold compleccion, of the opposite have to leave out.
ARTICLE XV
Of the way of sow the sumac
Are on purpose for the sumac the mounts, the pedregal, and the strong land. Get
up like the height of three elbow, and it sow in the month of january. Others say, that if
it wash with water is seed before of sow.
According to Agriculture Nabathea, of the sumac it do edible beard in shortage
times,in this way. Take the fruit with his shell and his vermilion leaf, and all that
together have to leave to soak in water for two day, and later it will be cooked on sweet
water and salt in a long time, adding the same water according it reduce; which one it
time is lean, it will throw so much as the first time,and other after until is reduce
something of her in the cook, without leaving it on the fire until it stay without water;
but leaving it be on the glass, on it the remaining sumac, too much or too little , ejecute
it all in the parboil same operation regarding to remove it of the fire before this is dry; in
which aptitude dont have to be full of smoke have to take out of the fire with manifest
that the wet havent dry, which one have to be understand to do this operation. Later it
put it to dry and when is lean it grind in the molar of tahona. Which flavour mixed with
the wheat or of barley and amass with hot water it made the bread, which cooked in the
frying pan or in the oven is eat later with oil candies, butter, fat meat, and things alike.
ARTICLE XVI.
Of the way of sow the plantago major which is the broadleaf plantain, and the
Hyoscyamus niger.
The seed of the plantago major it throw scattered in march and april, and in
august too, toward the irrigation ditch and mouth of ponds, doing with it the same with
the celery. The sow of the hyoscyamus niger its made of the same way.
ARTICLE XVII
Of the way of sow the nabkat [ calystegia sepium ], the ivy , the dill, and the
fumitory [ fumaria officionalis ].
The calystegia sepium its a wild plant , called speak-the-masaquin [ rope of
poor ], which flower is of funny view. It have a small ivy . The ivy called kissis its a
wild plant, rises and hangs in trees. Both, if they want to, it move to the orchard have
sudden start his root in february, which one planted in the running water it irrigate
sometimes until it turn on. To the ivy it made a sticks from which it takes and based on
that both species of them.
And made the dill, it sow on the orchard since the beginning of january and
mediate of february and its mature. With is seed season the meat, especially for be fat
it moves nauseas for the one is delicate of stomach. But the fumaria officinalis it say the
Agriculture Nabathea, it breeding in land of soft dust.
ARTICLE XVIII
Of the way of sow the asparagus
According to Abu the Jair and others, are this the kahisinos, which one
(according to Abu Abdalah and others) is fit the rough land, the bred, the soft, and the
thick too, and want the some much water. The trasplante of the jungle to the orchard
make it more robust and profitable, which effect pull off with them root and his earth,
and its plant in holes with a corresponding deep of the pull off, of the way they stay full
on it hidden. Giving irrigate at time is planted, and care of irrigate one time for week
until it turn on, it cut on the year,and its when it eat. The time of made is plant is in
february.
They say, there is two types of asparagus, wild and hortulan, and these one are
more soft and tender than the others. According to Agriculture Nabathea, the asparagus
are stem that boron so much and spontaneously in tasty places where it meeting with
rainwater, and its too breeding of the people in the produce farm, either planted or sow
the seed. Sow in january until beginning or end of april, and until later. Agree the
spongy earth and together tasty, and want the juice red that is spongy together with that
color. If taking with them one stem of asparagus and spread with honey mixing it on
coal ash, and we'll cover of the same bury it in earth, get out of they long stem
extremely white, and sometimes it looks like a red with yellow shape, and of the far of
his tip purple part and parts of the color of the wine, and too with a mix of green and
pink. Of that way of breeding the asparagus, take (say Adan the felix memory) two pole
of ram, and drill two far thick , hide in the two drill two piece of the stem of the
asparagus, and put the two pole in oil and mixing later with the ash, bury in the dig
earth deeply, which one it would preserve irrigate, each one of them born asparagus at
the eight days. Say the Agriculture Nabathea, that begin the asparagus a syriaca plant, in
none of the region mentioned it breeding as well as in the Siria earth.According to
Agriculture Nabathea, the Babylonian eat is stem tender with bread, having parboil
before and throwing vinegar, murray and oil. Its throw too in certain species of cook,
particularly in the sour, and when they soak on grease are very delicate. If one of them
tender stem, and raw how its take is plants, they set it with vinegar and salt in
small glasses leave it there like a month, dry it later of that time are delicate food and
tasty, if it eat with so much oil, and like that are very good with bread. Too of his green
stem after well dry in the shadow or in the sun, ground in mortar and mixing with some
wheat flour, it made bread of delicate taste and so much nourishment for the body;
which one is eat with vinegar, and with the oil too, and some cut vegetable.The property
of the asparagus are incite to the intercourse, strengthen the back, loins and the virile
member; be some flatulence, increase and inflame the blood if is continuing eat and in
too much, His root and his dry bouquets have the virtue of take off the bad smell on the
meat, if with the ground is powder after having washed and throwing one ounce of oil,
which one it make the mentioned effect without it perceive. It do the same with the
commonly meat it start to alter, and like that is executed who wants to take advantage
making it lose is alteration. Also, it spread on the body, the foot, or the open part of the
same with his dry root ground and wet with the happy oil, handled the hives, bee wont
hurt you, and wont feel no kind of pain even if the wasp have bite.
Of the way of sow the capparis.
Maximum is of Abu Abdalah and others, to pierce in the jungle to the orchard in
the same way as the asparagus, it come [ his fruit ] in a soft taste, with a little seed and
tender, which operation is in march. Breeding in the common (according to the author
of the Agriculture Nabathea ) between ruins of building and uncultivated land, of when
his root are better vegetation it move to the orchard with his stump and rootlets, and the
earth appeal to them. Breeding like the eggplant with so much manure, the water
continue, the frequent assistance, the weeding, and the good regime; for it purchase the
magnitude and extension of a little life, and then is when it take to the fruit to be fatter,
and better than then it was breeding before, which one it comes as the little jujube, free
of bitterness.
According to Agriculture Nabathea, prepare [ the caper ] for eat having it in
strong vinegar and salt three days, which one spillage its washed with hot water until it
remove the saltpeter and styptic, and then its leave it in the air until is wipe off without
it dry too much, because they had to preserve certain whiteness.
Eat it on various modes; wet with honey, and too it eat with arrope and later put
it with vinegar; and sometimes it eat after have it of salt, and of the same way cook
together with the meat, either after the vinegar or later have it prepared with sweet
things, or before this preparation; and are delicate things. Too stuck in milk and throw
some ground rice above, will be raw or a little cooked, it eat later of the seven days of
this mix, and from there onwards. Are favorite for the best condition of the little
capparis spinosa; and with that effect are more tasty the wild than the orchard, for grow
thinner,which is agree; and well there is more make bitter than the one is breeding to the
margins of the rivers. The capparis spinosa in class of food (according to Abu the Jair )
are of little nourishment, and it agree to eat it with vinegar and honey, or with vinegar
and oil.
ARTICLE XX.
Of the way of sow the sebesten.
This plant ( say Abu Beker Ibn) This fruit called of the modern Greek myxa
myxaria, made no mention Dioscorides, according to the Doctor Laguna in the
annotation to the cap. 137 Of the iib. by this author; doing the description of the tree
said, "it looks a lot like the plum, but that is not "so large that it has whitish bark of the
trunk of the Ramos that vsus green leaves are stiff round that its fruit resembles a tiny
plums has within it a puffball triangular &c.right here in the annotation to the
cap.Wachiat in the Agriculture Nabathea) it together with the tree and it have a little
grain called in arabic habbo-the-aked [ or compact grain ], in the warming sebesten and
in persian fihikisto. Is this plant famous for the figure of his branch, it have five skinny
sprout from one, with leaf in the superior part, and it have a small fruit edible when is
dry, which one ground it made the bread. Of him Kutsami it made mention together
with the grain alimentary that some people used to eat. Add, the toasted a little at the
fire and ground after it made the bread; and alike it eat the grain with pure milk after
cooked in water until is softer, bite in a plate and leave in it until is drip. Its bread
crumble with the wheat or barley and it eat with milk and so much oil.
This plant fair in more earth, excepting the bad. Its grain is sown in december,
and is plant is transplanted to other side in march, days after or before, and limbing
at the same time as the tree. The grain of this bush is equally medicinal than
food.
CHAPTER XXIX
The time of mowed the grain, and choice of places eras
and the albories for keep the grain. Of the prior knowledge
of his seed who you can wait to breeding
advantageously each year. Refer to something, give mention
the Basitbas in them books, like take advantageous
for the tree and plants, remove all calamity (through Allah),
called some talisman, and others properties another's;
which one are of opinion the same is talisman what property.
Mentioned some things which means keep away of everything
is work has food to the life of the man, and the way of living in the tree,
the wild beasts, the harmful animals, the insects, the fly,
the francolin, the worm and the birds. How is have to mix
and do ferment the bread of wheat, and get better some fruit
and his pip of the wild tree, and his seed and root of some vegetable
wild too for do everything edible,and do of this usual
bread in the calamity times were the resources are missing.
ARTICLE I.
Of the time of mow and take the grain, according to the book of Ibn Hajaj.
Its in june, the first thing it have to mow is the barley for reason the delay of
this and take it cause less rope; and immediately after have to be mow the wheat, this is,
when is still preserve some juiciness for come better like this and healthy; it mow late is
of more duration: agree the speed in the harvest of the legume before they are too
together, and like that its execute, it will cook more in brief and will be more tasty.
Like this, its important the need to pass the harvest of this things for make it dont
suffer lessening for the delay. The wheat have to pick up and move to places where the
sun have to keep, of the way the alhori being still fresh; use it like that,is so much what
this contribute to his conservation.
Maximum is of Kastos,that the sign that of the ripe corn is in flavor and of mow,
is when they are bleach, especially the barley; except the rest of the grain.
Have to be understood, if you dont mow it of your field first have to get white,
differ to mow what is in flavor for the observation vain of flavor the other, its spread
[or shell ] for this; more if is mow in the field what is flavor, will not shell for the
strong of the heat that is ensue and the more right this is, that the grain will translate to
alhori before of have to dissipated the dew in the night that they perceive. According to
Agriculture Nabathea,its a common habit its the climate of the Chaldea mow the
barley before the wheat; which is right the anticipation, because the delay is hurtful, and
cause that the grain come yellow and wan; on the contrary the wheat, dont get hurt
even thought is mowing, not to be that pass too much time later of be mow it have a
long space in the small field; which it agree keep mow soon and with the grain together,
and cleaning they without it differ to much at the time of wipe off for this is contribute
to be more pleasant his extraction and food. But being the grain of small conservation
for the rest of wet that is in it, if it wipe off too much and it pick up after cleaning, his
rot wont pass.
As soon as the time of mow, its important to do well in the morning, and in the
end of the night and last hours of the day, to cause of the dew and freshness of the night
that stock the grain of calamity and his conservation become longer; and have to pick up
after cleaning and throwing it without leaving scattered grain and exposed to the wind;
which one out of grow thinner, make contract certain of overheating as it was
damaging. Alike its agree to the place where they have to keep before of the sun come
up, when is possible,because this keep it more time fresh, which (thought Allah)
preserve it of the rot. The time of mow the wheat is in that climate is in the beginning of
may until the end of june and still later,which made the wheat especially small.
In some region usually do is to throw the wheat in the night, and picking it up
before the sun come; which operation its agree of execute, being possible, one day
blow wind of the north for being better. Sagrit say, that the ancient advise to the
harvest, throwing, and dustpan of wheat and of the barley, that sing of his work rise the
voices with funny modulation, for be this one precious virtue that something contribute
to the use of divine permission. Maximum is too, agree in mow early the lentil and the
rest of the vegetable respect it come with a delicate taste, and soon is soften at the cook.
Some are of ruling, that the barley its mow when still tender, the wheat when is dry,
and the vegetable with it pick up is wet in the dew; and when you do the mow put the
side of the spike in the east and the cut part of the sickle setting, then execute it like that
dont rot.
ARTICLE II
Of the election of placer for the era ( called baidar ), according to Agriculture
Nabathea.
On this say Sagrit, for the era its agree high plain places and steady which have
hole with they foot until the equal its plain, and this is dew and mixing well with the
amurca built in with manure, and it feel with an smooth heavy wooden instrument, or
with foot of root of palm. The place of the era have to be exposed in the wind of north
and noon, and away of the orchard for the reason that the subtle straw is very harmful to
the vines and the fruit trees, which fruit and leaf dry falls over, and the same with the
vegetable; which is kind of deadly poison, and dont prosperous if is not sow again.
Kastos agree, that the place of the era have to be up , which is the best for be exposed on
the wind; and dont have to be close to the house, orchard of vegetable, vine, tree, nor to
cemetery, because that dust is prejudicial to his fruit; and finally, that having equaled
that plain roll for her some heavy and round stone.
Another author is of dictamen, on it to put the honey toward western or noon, for
agree with this the most ease of the threshed of the wheat and the barley; that dont
enclose of the grain until they are together; and rise before the sun come up, and before
it disperse the dew in the night; which one its for they really advantageous, contributes
to its greater conservation.
ARTICLE III
Of the way of the alhori, according to the book of Ibn Hajaj.
June aforementioned in this Work say,that is agree to keep the wheat in places
exposed with the wind that it blow in the part of the east, and too in the north,and that
place have much vent for when vaporize and the fresh air come: dont agree with wet
places, bad smell, nor unpleasant vapors, and have to be away of barn with horses,oxen,
and similar beasts, and away of the heat: his walls agree to be takes from mud,amassed
with barley instead of straw, and later white mud for inside and out, and lately mud
composed of ashes and sand, knead with water, which is post in infusion in the space of
two days root and the bitter cucumber leaf, after clarifier; but the best thing is wet the
ash and the sand, to cover the walls, with olive oil process wastewater; which have the
virtue of kill all the insects: that by the wheat condition its become black when is too
old,one of the thing that keep it is prepare certain dust white together, and leaf cream
dry, ground and sieve and when you wanna keep it powder of this on every
measurement of wheat eighth part . And until here the maximum of the aforementioned
Author. Democrito is of dictamen, if the alhori is mixed with the barley screening
plaster in quantity his whiteness appear between it, or bury pitcher full of vinegar in the
middle of this, it reserve with this is of calamity.
In opinion of Sidagos, the alhori have vent for where the vapor come out, and
this toward the part of where the wind blow wet it come with the rain, which in some
regions come with eastern wild, and others with setting and noon wild; and its agree to
the vent to open of the part where a dust cloud blow the fresh air and dont the marine;
too the stock the wheat, the barley, and the others grain in holes dig in white land, hard,
lean and cold, which it made to keep it from some centuries . According to Agriculture
Nabathea, the mud which one the barn get cover have to be mixed with barley, paper
cuts, and the small wheat instead of manure, join it with water, which had to be in
infusion for two or three days bitter cucumber, bitter apple, dry plants of lupin and of
myrtle, which one alone or all together; and too is good to mix the ash with the mud.
The ash firewood of life and is preserve of holm oak, which one alone or the
mix is spray on the grain or it hang under them: or with the same mix with dung and
together with clay ground it cover the place which is surround the grain, they are also
kept (thought Allah).
Kastos say, have to have the house-alhori loophole to the part of West and East
so the wind can be in of the parage, so the supplies contain in they to avoid the
calamity; that dont have holes , some of the part of noon because of the strong the wind
blow; and them walls and ground get mix with mud that have mix with barley instead of
straw, olives water, and ash; which one (according to someone) have to be of leaf of
olive tree or oak, and sieve. Add, later of this it cover with sieve ash and mix with juice
of leaf of oil, it reserve the supplies of Most high of mice silvester and others animals;
and is spread inside of the house with ash mix with water that had been in infusion bitter
cucumber, mouse dont get there nor the weevil. Look at the chapter XVI its say the
bad of enclose the grains.
ARTICLE IV
Of prior knowledge of the seed that can be expected to come prosperity each
year
Kutsami say in the Agriculture Nabathea, which plants get lost and others take
growth when the high summer born (is when the sun get in the lion sign, this is, the ten
and eight, ten nine or twenty of july ), sow ten days before this time in good land and
worked and regularly juice the grain that are used to sow, well be a pips or seed, all of
them or what you want; which grain, after giving them frequently and short irrigate
until they born, those who were going out more shortly and have a better aspect thrive
more advantageously and abundant in that year (though Allah), and the contrary of them
who born arrears and inedible.
The same say Kastos. Abu the Jair say, taking some grain of wheat, barley,
millet, millet, lentils, broad beans, chick-peas, beans, linen, peas, and of seeds of the
same vegetables, and the same of the myrtle [ or smelly plant ], and too of the bowl [ or
pip ] of the fruit, sow all this varied places relative separation having careful of irrigate
some times and giving the corresponding cultivation, his seed born more in breve,
anothers more delay, one lush, and others more small and weak and thin; that having
watching they have thrived or not, sow later all of them in the corresponding station of
that year the one have born advantageously in that time; and the contrary the one who
born impair and tiny. For the one you will understand the maximum of Katsumi.
ARTICLE V
Of the talisman and property indicated in the title of this chapter according to
Agriculture Nabathea.
For the fruit tree and the others of breed provided and healthy there's secrets
prodigious of wonderful virtue, that is taking the rush fragrant babylonian and of the
arabic-stony fourteen pounds, and doing a hole in the succulent land born every sign in
that where the moon is and any hour of the day or night put say the rush in it spread out
under and above some dung and cover it with earth, and pass twenty and one day
withdrawal is leaving it exposed to the sun, and then when is dry grind it softly with the
manure and the earth together appeal to it, is what it give more efficiency. Do it, and
having hollow a little in the foot of the tree newly planted, but that have already
sprouted or is close of it, dry it well the earth it put the fragrant rush glued to the same
trunk, spraying it later with water and making it like that, with which that tree grows up
beautifully, growing more of the regularly seen, so much that It is to admire its good
vegetation. This operation have to be when it born cancer or taurus, and when they are
in the moon, equally in the fruit tree than in the others, and in the big or in small. The
smelly plant, the rush dont only put in the root of the same, but that also is powder with
that his leaf after spray with water so that it can stick to them.
Another secret than there prosper the vines and the trees that they were
debilitating.
Hang at the sun the fragrant reed to the beginning of december without leaving
of give turns until is risen good, and later in juicy posts sites be sprayed with water
leave it cover like that for seven or nine days until is rot and darken, put it to dry in the
sun to the air until his wet disappear that dont bring rot, and later crumble and mixed
with the six part of the ash of holm oak or other like that stir with a little of olives
water like the stir the herbal tea, which one manure all the vine and tree feeble, and
irrigate later fourteen days of novelty of robustness and restoration happen to that vines
and tree, and notice too the time of bear fruit in the quality of his fruit, you will see
wonderful things
Another talisman [ or property ] to keep away of the birds of the fruit tree and
alimentary grain, the wasp that bite the fruit, the insect, and also the beasts.
Pull off, Susado say, with his foot and root the plant called sambra [ reed or
egyptian thorn ], and add equal roots quantity of caper crush together with them, and
collect same amount of land of cemetery, mix well and mix all with camel piss, which it
form figure of birds with the wings tended, leave it at the sun until is dry good, and put
each one in the shape of cane cross, fix this in much places of the sown field any seed
that is, because this talisman take off all the birds and wasp that search eat the fruit,
hang alike some tree and vines,in the middle of that field have to fix.
Sagrit say, that the rush pull off with the foot and root, and hang in the tree and
vines,remove of this plant all calamity that supervene of the birds, wasp, insects, and
beast; according is tested by experience; according to others Authors, keep away the
birds of the fruit tree, hang plants of garlic in several sites of them, cause like them
abstain and dont get close ; and the same happens, if it spread the tree for the four side
with stained garlic.
ARTICLE VI
Properties funny so the trees bear fruit out of time, burning some branch of the
same at the foot of others, according to the Agriculture Nabathea.
Of this class of delicacy is the rose tree when you want to they to grow out of
that time. Yambuchado aforementioned in the Agriculture Nabathea say, burn the rue to
the foot of the rosales, and dont near to them, when the heat get up of the fire throw
within a few days fresh roses in any station of the year and dont bear fruit and is made
this operation; together with the ejecute by himself, and dont for other, the ash that is
burn cover with it mix the earth the foot dig the rose tree, and irrigate this later
according to the custom, nothing more nor less; which this means happens, through
Allah, what we have voiced.
For what the walnut is made, if you want take nut out of his time (say the Author
of the Agriculture Nabathea), burn the branch of jujube-tree to the foot of it without the
fire get near of his root, and of this way load them in abundance in another different
time. Alike, when you want the pear and apricot bear fruit out of respective time, burn
toward the foot, and dont near of his root of one or another,banana firewood and
together with almond tree in equal part, which operation have to be after the bud the
leaf. But (according to the Agriculture Nabathea) some farmers anticipate the fruiting of
trees become weak, and do fruiting of trees less; the continue care of manure and do the
vine outstanding and the tree,and the other make relating to it breeding robustness,
prefer that practice and the others alike said before.
As soon as cure the tree inside, which is one the fruit one year leave to give
another, [ is say ] around of them to the below of distance or a little more it made a not
deep dig round, in which one the fire of the leaf of palm and of branch dry strip the
leaves off or not of the same tree, after having irrigate and this operation it repeat four
times, mediate between two five or seven days, and like that (though Allah) get back to
bear fruit.
About of the specifics to banish the damage animals to the provisions of the life
of man, the aromatic smoke is one of those who supply this one effect with regard to the
wasps, the bees, the beetles of wing, the francolins the blatas of the mills [ or sylphas]
flutters, the blowflies, the volatile aphid fellow men, whose insects it banishes of the
vines other plants. Also it is said, that taking of the squill one that weighs fifty drachmas
crushing it a little in stone mortar and madere until it reduce in a marrow way, throw
later the same weight of manure of donkeys dry and crumbled, powder little by little
above; mixing together with the small dust, throw above all that of crumbled dung half
of weight of the onion; which one wet with vinegar of egg yolk scrub and mix all until
is look like a gooey mess without separation of parts (which one spread out in a cotton
raw linen , it leave until is dry and pick up); and when you want to keep away some of
the [ animals or insect ] mentioned, lift the smoke it in the middle of the payment, of the
estate , of the sown field or of the house, and where you like, of the way the aromatic
smoke last six hours continued; for that operation admirable thing to see as they run
away all of them, then the place is full of that smoke.
Another aromatic smoke for keep away of the vines insects of figure average
between the lobster and the crickets that are in the houses; but for them nature are
more harmful,they destroy and gnaw the grains of sweet grapes
Take two part of the cowpat and of the capers, which one mixed between it
aromatic smoke the place, run away of that smell. Or hunt copie of this insects, and with
them add with something that isn't manure
Do the aromatic smoke; because like that the rest will run away, or the same will
kill them, if they are small; which is better than the first. This animal's escape too of the
smell of the lobster, if perfume with it.
Another aromatic smoke for keep away the wild mice
Full of straw some glass of mud, jug or something else, and throw together with
her some fish melted, and put the mouth of the above mentioned glass at the edge of the
hidden place, close before all the others that it had,bore the glass of the seat and put fire
on it, blow later with the mouth, and of the smoke that do of the straw and the fish
escape of the mice that were in the hiding place,later than come to they.
Another aromatic smoke for keep away the lizard, the worm, and brake linings
of the mills.
According to Agriculture Nabathea, aromatic smoke the places where the
mentioned animals with the seed of the agno [or chase tree ] run away of them; and too
mole, they are blind mice, kill alike the aromatic smoke add sulphur. Dicose, that the
aromatic smoke of the cabbage with straw all the animals run away generally.
Another aromatic smoke to keep away the snakes and the vipers of the vineyard,
of the estates, and of the houses.
This animals, and specially the vipers, keep away of the smell of smoke of deer
horn if it is continuous; and too the aromatic smoke of the nail of the goat, or of the root
of the lily, it get near to the virtue for this effect have the deer horn.
ARTICLE VII
What you have to do to kill the wild Beasts, the feral pigs, the lions, the dogs.
If cooking the barley with oleander it mix with her after together with the onion
juice albarran, and preparing like that it throws for where the feral pigs use to walk, this
die when its eaten. It too kill the bitter almonds, and the dogs, the lions and the wild
beasts; and like that grind good with goat butter, doing of them portions and throwing
them for when the wild beasts are, die later of having eaten. The same effect cause the
root crushed of the juniperus communis [ or black hellebore ] when they eat. According
to the Agriculture Nabathea, one of the property
useful of the drimia maritima is in the place where is onion is none insect come
close to it, Aphid, serpent, snake, or other animal. And for what it do for the mice, there
is no remedy more effective than this onion for keep them away, and the same to all
wild animals species, wild boars and, other wild beasts of the vineyard and, generally of
any sowed field. According to Agriculture Nabathea, if with black excrement of dog
and wolf, mixed between and put it later in rotten human urine seven days, spray
constantly the place that you want too, and around of the vineyards and estates, in the
middle of them and towards its shores for three days space, assure that if you gonna
execute it, that fields estates, and vineyards of this [damage]; and for what it make the
snakes and vipers, run away specially of the smell. For keep away and kill the mice of
the sown and of the houses is good, according to Agriculture Nabathea, do of field lead
mixed sixth part of flavour and mixed of some oil a few little balls as chickpeas, and
bathed of cheese of piquant flavor and strong smell, put it where the mice are; which
one dies, later they get to eatin.
Another remedy for the same
Crush, say the other Author, and mix well the onion drimia maritima with flour,
fat, cheese and oil, were making littles balls, later when the mice eat it die, stay like a
parchment for the strong drying of its bodies.
Another for the same
Crush black hellebore, hemlock, flour or tisane, and formed of all that ground
and mixed with grain oil like the chickpea, they die after it eaten.
Another
Throw olives water in a glass of copper mix with the crush hellebore, and then
the mice drink it, they will fall down intoxicated around.
Another
According to Agriculture Nabathea, if the hidden place of the [ mice ] it throw
ash of holm oak, after they feel the smell of it they will run away of it, and they will eat
each other.
Another
Throwing to the mice mass with miscellany of filings of iron, they will die when
they eat it.
Another
If taking a mouse is skin the skin of the face, and then it go for the house
fugitive, the other mice will run away for this reason; and like that the mice who eat the
seed of the produce farm will run away and kill the fenugreek, and also others grain,
and the birds that execute the same: which effect form ( say the Agriculture Nabathea)
figure of any form, good is of mud, parchment or wood, and paint of black they are
stuck on sticks in much places of the sown; which it run away the mice, the birds and
alike. And if that birds they were arming bonds, and hunting which it can, hang in ropes
cross form in the middle of the sow of the way the winds move it, will run away of there
the birds of that specie. To banish the scorpions and others reptiles, say the Agriculture
Nabathea, of the same some will get burn, will die the others that the smoke will come,
or getting sick, losing its force, walking to the overdraft, perish. Also run away the
scorpio's of any soft smell like the Indian rosewood, of the amber, the camphor, the
moss, the saffron, of the cassia [or cinnamon], which things are extremely contrary to
the scorpio until that point, that if someone who get bite this animal you put in the sting
some crush cinnamon spread with oil, Allah will heal it.
For run away the birds of the sow hunt as much as you can, and fix in the
extreme of some canes or hang by ropes in the middle of the sown field, and like that
there will not be birds around.
One of the way of hunt the birds is, put some grain that are sow with hellebore in
water, spread later around that sow, because the birds that eat it, wont move away of
that place until they die; and do with them what was said before.
Another remedy for the same
Take henbane with his root, and put in water twenty four hours, in which
throwing wheat cook very good, and dry later throw for the places where they used to
come to eat partridges, the francolin male, and the birds; when they eat it they stun in
way it can be take.
Another
Or take sandarach, and cook with wheat, throw later this for the birds, and if
they eat it, couldn't fly.
Another
Cook the lentil in water-lime, and throwing later together to the birds,this will
get drunk after they eat it.
Another
Throw wheat in water were it was in infusion laserwort [ or fetid odor ], and
throw dry to the birds, those who come to eat it, perish without remedy.
Another
If barley put in wine with black hellebore, it throw later together to the birds,
they will faint when is eaten.
Another
If having scrubbed and undone asafoetida in honey water, put in wheat it
infusion one day with the night and it would throw well crushed to the bird, it would
stun later is eaten, so much they couldnt fly, only if they drink milk with some honey.
Another
If in the water where the hellebore have been cooked and henbane throw barley,
and together after the shadow if it was exhibiting to the crane and others birds, if they
get to eat it if would be drunk in such way, that could be take with the hand. Also, the
habas cook in oleander juice and strong vinegar it would be throw to the crane in his
corresponding site, they wouldnt be able to raise the wings to fly, if is eaten, and can be
hunt with hand. And if it make to drink dates wine, exhale. For the same bird, for the
raven, and the wood pigeons, consist of Abu Abdalah Ebn the Fasel, that bean complete
or cut the mix with some chailen ( that is the darnel), and put both in wine or in vinegar
one day and one night, take out later and throw where the crane eat, the raven, and the
wood pigeons, faint in a way that can take with the hand.
Say Kastos, that for what the aquatiles birds do, if the grass that used to eat it
throw wine that had infusion henbane, and it put in the corresponding sites, later they
eat it they faint. And for the patridges, throwing in his corresponding sites spelt flour
sift and amass with wine, they faint when they eat it, on the way that can take with the
hand. Also, the others birds cant run away, if in the grass it throw and what they eat
amass with wine, or drink the same contents in some glass.
ARTICLE VIII
Of the way of dry the bushes and harmful for the earth, the vegetable , and at the
sown.
Between the things that make mentioned the ancient one is, when in the earth
where plants harm to the sow and also the bushes, start of rennet in the hot days with all
his root; because like that it would perish the plants and bushes which one is execute,
and wouldnt born later, if the earth is thick; because skinny it cant do this for the heat
time, respect the sun it would burn and would corrupt. Some say, if it is knife or sickle
of copper heat up in fire and turn down sometimes in billy goat blood, as it done with
the iron in the water, they will cut the reeds, the grasses, the thorns, the thistles, the
canes, other thick herbs, and alike plants harmful for the sown, would born again never.
Opinion of Kastos, that full the mouth of lentil and chew on an empty stomach
very good, and later it preserve on it nibble some or all the branch of the bushes, it dry
what is nibble of that man. Or if taking iron nails and farming very well on fire until it
turn red, later bury in different places of the foot of the tree that you want to dry, it
reach of this means the voiced effect: it too have for best thing that the nail to be taken
on rust. Or drill with his corresponding instrument the foot of the tree, and put in that
drill one stake of proportionate tamarix to his size, and dry. Or doing one dig around the
foot of the tree, put between his root wild roses dry and crushed, and the same effect
will be reach.
According to Agriculture Nabathea, spread linseed in the earth where it was
thistle, the linen that in her born together with them will lose little by little for the
aversion that mutually this plant have, which one is never go to breeding together in the
same place, [ so as ] if the one is sow later of being born the first is sow,that is dissapear
this one. They say, that one of the things exterminate the harmful grass at the sow is fix
five stakes of the shrub oleander ( called in persian harar ) , one in the middle of the
field, and the other four on the skirt of the same, one in each part. According to other [
book ], pass away all harmful plant with who together born, and do this, the sow of the
lentil, and the others vegetable that come later, which one are breeding thick and grow,
through Allah.
They say,if it sow the grains of lentils together with the seed, the plants that
corrupt them dont born, before good sprout the first, it breeding lush.
Opinion is of Abus, one of the easy practice respect to the sow it mix some grain
of lentil with any seed, and with this stay sow free of any calamity, seize this briefly of
that lentil. It is also said,that in three places of the sow or plot it sow mustard, is this
good against the insects that dominate it: and also say, that the vegetable sow close of
where carrot, dont stop to be defended of calamity, thought Allah.
According to Agriculture Nabathea, who want to pull off some big tree which
operation is hard [ of execute on it ], throw his foot dig before fish well melted with
vinegar, in the way is enter around of the root, and cover later with earth; which
weakening and lean the foot [ it do ] the tree to dry, or come to earth if it is dry, without
work the operator nor violent impulse of many; which one even if is green, it dry soon
without need of touching it. The harmful plants to the earth have to be pull off
diminishing moon, this is, in the half of the last month of the moon, and like that
wouldnt born again.
ARTICLE IX
Of the way of bring and transplant the tree and wild plants in the produce farm
Say the Agriculture Nabathea, who want to do this take the pip of the tree that
try to move the produce farm and which fruit have it, when this have ripen, and then its
plant; if is the one that have seed, leave it until it have seasoned and dry it close to
release, and taking it then the seed in that station and in alike earth in where it was: that
if you want to make it better the seed like a month before spring, and looking if the
earth, where you take the seed in that plant or millstone of that tree, is hard, sandstone
or greased, or another quality, it sow in a similar ground; or taking of them equal earth
to that of where is transplant it sow the same; because execute in this way, it prevails
with the Allah's favor. Or transfer the new plants and strong in the season of spring and
autumn, it pass together with the same earth in which it was breeding; and pay attention
too to the places where it transplant, it put in where alike they: do the transplant in salty
land, of hill, or of wet hill of so much water, and dont agree to do in alike places,
multiply the irrigate of way that the place contract the same aptitude than the other is
transplant: if is in rocky field or together without moisture, or in another alike, irrigate it
frequently since the time of his plantation until is establish, giving since then less
irrigate: if is in wild land of medium quality between together and damp, which one in
the transplant it irrigate in same proportion, on the way than like that the irrigate as the
land and the crop it get near of what is observe.
About the pip and seed, which way of breeding is unknown, it sow in pot with
difference specie of land which one, put in each one on specie of seed in the month of
his respective sowing, have to know, one in january, another's in march, and in april
(that is the last time), irrigate it frequently it the spring is of few rain, because being of
so much rain dont need it, but where [ in forward ] it necessary: the irrigate dont hurt it
before it born, and later of this pay attention to his aptitude show samples of suffering
the water, it irrigate in the week one of two times, cut the irrigate if the copy of so much
water is harmful; and like that is how it meet (thought Allah) the land and irrigate it
agree. Have to move the tree and wild plants (according to Agriculture Nabathea) to
place alike the earth that is equal in quality and condition.
ARTICLE X
of the way of defend the vineyards, the gardens without walls
Who want it like that, make a rope thick strands that compose the trunk of the
palm or other matter, and take and put in water seed already mature of buckthorn, of
asparagus, of the loquat alike the blackberry, [or gooseberry], and of bushes alike until
to dampen them well, after with them mix with cowpat smear the above mentioned cord
and bury around the vineyard and of the garden in furrow of such deep that put the cord
in which still stay some gap fingers, and answer of the earth in enough quantity irrigate
[ that site ] frequently until that plant rise up and strengthen. And throw together the
with seed of blackberry is good, but it usually harmful to the earth for so much it turn
on. Kastos say, they born in the space of twenty and eight days; and of the same bushes
plant some root around the vineyard, or branches torn of buckthorn, its really good for
fence; this plantation have to be in the month of january.
ARTICLE XI
Of the best way of knead, to ferment, and cook the bread of wheat flour; and
preparing the fruit, stone, seed and root of some tree and wild vegetable for do the
bread edible that can work of food when there were hungry, and were lasting the
absence of supplies, until then (want Allah) come the comfort.
Say the author of the Agriculture Nabathea,is better to wet in water in stone than
in flour mill, and help to the bread to cook better and be more nourishment, knead the
flour rub very good and continuously do in it so much with little water,and spray little
by little until the knead is end it throw the yeast in small portions; and it start later to
knead rub and mix well, like it havent knead, without leaving doing it constantly stir
some times until unite well very good and leaving it later good wrap for the space of
four hour. Some fix in the middle of her one hemp cane stick, and wrap with some
weight. Ferment not overly, so the bread regularly it cook to gentle fire for them to stay
cooked for equeall external as internally and in the center. Knead the flour [ Sat the
quotes Nabathea ] with water of itself and the yeast; because like that the bread is more
nourishment than the others species of them,is the best and the one that is promptly it
digest, and the most advantageous. The water of wheat with the spray the mass help his
fermentation and it purchase for this way some sweet and delicate flavour. Prepare like
that the water. Rest the fire it spread flour of way that in ten pounds of water stir
continuously without intermission, on the way that add well without be in her any ball,
which water it knead later the wheat. The way of do the water of yeast for the same
effect of this. Put some clean water and sweet in a glass of copper, and warm up to the
fire until his rise the boiling, throw later the crumbled yeast, and mix constantly until is
add in the water is still stay the same thing; which water prepared like that is knead the
mass, correspond the ten pounds of that third part of a yeast. Some used to cook bran in
the water, and with them clarifier and washing for skinny linen mass later the flour. In
winter time have use hot water, and cold in time of summer; which it made the mass
and the bread compound of it wonderful food, and be good for the lung, breast and
throat; and have to be seasoned with the enough quantity of salt.
The mode of cook the bread is put the mass quite soft in new boiler, and put this
in the oven of good and not hard warmed, where let it until it cook that,leave the bread
more season batch of the commun oven, more light than the subcinericio one, more
tender than the cooked in small furnace and frying pan, and more digest and of more
nourishment. Like the bread it eated. Ariha, king of the east,which one is knead with
yeast water, and the mass is mix with almond oil and mix the raisin wine, and in the
mass is mix with almond oil and olive, and like that get out a bread that none of the
other can reach in softness and delicate flavour.
Add [ the Author of the cited Work ], if you want to had bread superior and
privileged on any other in softness, take yeast which had past one year, infuse the
quantity that would say of the nut oil, mix and knead that with water have the knead the
mass, and execute in the way that each pound of flour throw five yeast drachmas and
one small contribution [ or sixth part of drachmas ] of nut oil. And if you want to
remove or add the yeast, you can do ( however dont have for the second some reason
and be better do the first), in the way that each flour pound it can throw the weight of
only one drachmas of yeast, and keracio [ or four grain of weight] of nut oil. And if
instead of that oil you put equal quantity of the very good of olive,the bread will come
advantageous, soft, soon decline and excretion of the belly, that the stomach digest, and
is of pleasant and delicate palate.
Add, who want to eat bread extremely good, infuse in each pound of flour the
weight of half drachma of nut oil, joining well, so will not discover (which is a
necessary point), and later it keand with yeast or water that have place in the
same,because like that purchase the bread with the nut oil what it had been mentioned.
Or instead of that oil put the the common good, add with the flour in the way it had
been described, and knead this later; and like that is how it get out the soft bread, and of
good taste.
According to the book of Kechahemo, the way of do the bread is take one macuc
of flowery flour, of two to three yeast ounces, and of twenty to thirty salt drachmas, and
knead all good in the way voiced for do the bread. Say the quote of another Author, that
the macuc it there is certain measurement of four pounds of twelve ounces each one.
About the things that were about the yeast the mass is fermented, it say in this you can
put, when that miss,somethings that is equivalent, which some are advantageous
according to the opinion of Sagrit; which one agree,if is knead the mass mix in it nitre
instead of yeast, is more advantageous than this. It say too,instead of nitre is the other
species white that is rise over the salt by way of foam, this produces in the mass the
same effect (although the nitro is more effective); that of the first curling has more
quantity than the second. Add, if the yeast miss, Put raisins in sweetwater have it in
infusion one day and one night, to the next morning squeeze the same until extract his
virtue in the water very good, knead the flour in that water. That if it knead pure and
clean water, and of that things throw in portion the learned quantity so that its flavor
penetrates all over it, it is more effective; nor agree to do it in another way, out of the
water with what the knead all the mass can be in that have raisins in infusion. Add,
when want to knead the flour,have to put it in water one day and one night some dry
unripe grapes and way crushed, and squeeze in the next day mix a little of that infusion
in the water where the mass have to be knead,because this way it would work instead of
yeast, and still be more effective. But the infusion of raisin is better, being more soft the
bread that is knead with it for communicate beautiful color and nice taste. When you
find in parage (continues) where is not bitterness, nitre, salt foam nor raisins, is without
a doubt necessary to resort to the salt; which one taking the quantity you want for that
mass, throw vinegar leave the sun in a round glass until it dissolve the vinegar stay mix
both things that together mix in the water with what the mass had been knead, and for
this way prepare the soon fermentation.
The Syros knead his bread in glasses of copper,which one tuck in and conceive
the heat soon ferment, if good taking the mass of copper certain bad quality and
harmful, use to be discovered in that flavor in the same flavor. Know, (continue the
same Author) when is miss the yeast, mix the water which have to knead the mass some
altered bread that throw to acid and bitter in such quantity that discover from it the same
flavor, ferment very good the mass in which water is knead. Say also,according to the
Agriculture Nabathea if offer to knead, going in the way, dont find yeast find it in
different parage solitary,put the mass later of good knead rinse the water and throw salt
of more, and do a hole in the ground of deep bigger that the mass, cover that tuck in on
the way that dont enter air, because in this way ferment; and if you dont have in hand
clothe to cover it, cover it the hole with an big stone that take all the mouth fill also all
crack of earth or sand, in the way that dont enter to the mass some air absolutely,
because like that the hole get hot, ferment really good in the earth.
Kastos quoted in another Work say, one of the thing that make the bread delicate
and soft when is not ferment nor cant cause the fermentation, is the nitre that is throw
in the mass. Add, that who want to do enough yeast for the year, take of the foam of the
wort to the boil in vessel and later of one day or two of squeezed, and doughy with it in
millet flour, later cut that mass in length pieces of one finger, and put it to dry in a place
where it is moisture, which pieces begin in the mass at the start to knead instead of
yeast; because with that, out of the fermentation, it reach some use. According to
Agriculture Nabathea,one of the things that pass the fermentation of the mass is, if it
knead already with the yeast it perfume the place where it was with sulphur and wild
rue, abbreviate is fermentation take off is stypticity, and the bread is very digestible.
The same effect fish melted and the naphtha. If women of color reddish it get near to the
trough of the mass or put on it, this made it ferment soon,and the same [ virtue have ]
the laserwort. If it had for one hour infusion pellitory on water, and later it knead the
mass with it, ferment the same in short time. If the pellitory were of good quality, it put
in infusion with the salt; and if it bad, it had the same noon or more time. Knead the
flour with water in were the chickpea were cook,broad beans, barley, roots of spinach
beets and pepper, or spotted broad beans and niter,this made the mass to ferment soon
and good. The things that prevent his fermentation is if exhale the same smell of the
melon, and if near to it it were muz, black or yellow plums, and cucumbers. Neither
ferment in some way, if it get near to it menstruated woman, of luck even though the
smell is alike of the fermentation, it really not therefore neither of the mass is perfectly
fermented. [ However ], even though menstruated woman love the bread of wheat, have
is virtue for it to ferment and dont rot. But if the kneading is made for man or for
menstruate woman, and later woman is who put the mass in the hand, it rot and lose.
Keep (say Sagrit quoted in the Nabathea) of knead the mass with water that has
state one night in tin vessel, because the bread can be harmful eated continuous. Equally
keep eat the knead bread with water that had been heat up in the sun,because is harmful
to anyone that is. For what the exposed water in the moon of night and ceiling, this is
advantageous and of good quality; and like that of continuous eat the bread which mass
had knead with which water, it increase and preserve the delicacy of the ingenuity, the
retentive of the memory, and the good sense: especially the water that had be at night
exposed to the moon is the one that have that virtue.
Say the Agriculture of Nabathea, that be it changes the nature of the times in that
is knead the mass for so much is of cold or heat, the quantity of yeast that is mix with
the mass, have to be in bigger time of cold.
According to doctrine of another Author's, if one iron nail cover of rust or a
piece of its head, or similar thing, put in the middle of the bread of wheat flour cover
with some mass, ferment without yeast; but have to dry with all the mass that have
around before to cook.
ARTICLE XII
Of the way of prepare the seed and root of some wild bushes, of the way that can
be eat and do with them eatable bread in times of calamity when the food is miss,
according to what it refer on the Agriculture Nabathea.
Already above to expressed in several places some maximum about this subject
in relation to the fruits of the vegetable trees, vegetable and grain. To the present is
about the same issue with respect to the fruit of the tree, wild vegetable and alike.
According to Adan and Enoc of happy memory and others, born in the jungle certain
fruit tree and grass, one of the leaf and others with certain tender stem, and alike plants,
and of all them generally the men do use of drug, and some for feed. Like such they are
between the trees the holm oak, the brown, the pine, the walnut, the hazel, the pistachio,
the rowan, the big carob, the medlar aronio, and others alike; and between the grass the
isopyro, the plantain, the borage, the moth, the artichoke, the wild caterpillar, the
buckthorn, the wild radish of alike leaf to the bitter apple, the nettle, the agnus castus
tree called in persian albanjankacht and sebesten-tree, the fenugreek and alike, the
plants tender root like the arum, the wild turnips, the wing that is the wild ginger, the
wild leek, the asarum europaeum,the fragrant sedge, and alike. All this plant season and
benefit until remove the bad quality that they had, and do for feed with them on the way
that (thought Allah) it will say later. Also it give the soft to the stones of the fruits like
the lote-tree [or celtis australis ] and alike, the rowans, the medlars, and the one that
dont have inside crumb, until is of good quality and in aptitude of be able to feed with
them in hungry years; which is will be treated then. But know, one of the thing
expressed and which are alike need little, and others very much improvement in reason
of the ungrateful flavors, that they had; one is season with later in infusion of sweet
water; and others in water with salt, and in others different things that will say, thought
Allah.
Sabed (say of the Author of the Agriculture Nabathea), that for when is
ungrateful flavors that have some wild plants and hortulan, good is in everywhere, in his
fruit or in his root, bothering to eat them, like the bitter, the scathing, the very rough, the
salty and alike; this and others flavor it remove having them in sweet water one day and
one night, move sometimes or at least two times, and cooking them again in other water
followed two times in the way it had been voiced, for which means it remove
that ungrateful flavors. Some plants because them flavor is only scathing without mix
the bitter or stypticity, like the onions, the garlics, the leeks, the mos green cup and
alike, it remove that mix with strong vinegar with the water in where it had been cook.
The one that have nitrous with miscellany of rough, or rough with miscellany of salted,
enough for extract have in infusion in pure sweet water and cook in it; but if the salt that
had were natural [ this is pure and dont mix others flavor], need the water to mix with
the vinegar, which one put it good. In regard to the sour,if you want to remove it to the
plant and fruit of that quality, like the thick sour grape ( that is the stronger sour fruitjuice), the citrons and the grenades very sour, the quinces and the plum without season,
the very sour eggplant and alike,agree to put this in things in sweet water in which have
throw enough salt quantity, and later cook in water with the same move sometimes and
other, for which means it remove to all of them the sour. The one fo so much roughness
and stypticity to scald in some pure sweet water, and which flavor have a mix the bitter
and of other scald in water-salt, and is cook in water where had be boiled with oil of
joy or of linseed, or one and other together. The insipid vegetables in his root or branch,
that are the one that dont have a fixed flavor, like the pumpkin and alike,if they are
aqueous are provocative to the vomiting, like are the purslane; which preparation
consist to flavor them with sauces and aromatic things; which one, if it add vinegar and
oil, remove that quality. About improving the things of scathing taste,Sagrit advise that
had to remove with oil and fat; and the olives oil, the joy, and the fatness weaken the
sharpness and strong acuteness, cook it in the fire of hot coal without flame in some of
this oil with little quantity of sweet water, which one together with the oil enter in them
for the middle of the heat of fire, correct them and remove all the sharpness. Cook this
two things in space of four hours continue, later that had remove that flavors leave it in
the water until it cool, if it were habit to eat it with part of the water it was cook; and it
have to be eaten immediately after, take it out when they still hot the water without
leaving it on it until it cool; which is better and more convenient.
For what it do the scald of the vegetable,root, and fruit for remove the bad
quality that it had, Say Sagrit, that the one that had kind of hardness,later than the water
is pour in which one have mountaineer first throw later another hot,doing it with speed
without giving place to get harden with the cold of the air it would expose, because later
the cold water fall on it being hot, it would be back to harden and wouldn't cook
perfectly: which one were little hard like the leeks, the onions, the garlic, if it pour the
water where it was scald and throw another cold when still hot for the heat of the first, it
get hard and they suffer repeated scalding; which one if it do not, they would move so
much, that wouldnt take any.
Add, that when you want to scald some vegetable, root, seed, grain or fruit, and
wish to take off all the flavor, have it cook until they softened well; but if you want that
they have something of the virtue, dont let them cook to the extreme; and for what it do
the chicory, the artichoke, the moth and alike, scald well in sweet water, and dispose
like that it throw some spicery and sauce with vinegar, murray and oil, cut over some
parsley.
About of the urtica and others plants alike that they are between nutritive and
medicinal, cook in sweet water they leaf, branch and root until disappear the bitter taste,
and garnish with sauces and spices, with which one is stay soft and edible.
Say Sagrit, that the use of wild vegetable or vegetable scathing, have to eat it
later of having cold favourable with vinegar seasoning, murray and oil; and that the
grain or spicery that have to throw better the green coriander and dry, or that are near to
it or it eat before or after the same leaf and seed of calystegia sepium, stem and leaf of
lettuce for the opposition and extremely displeasure of this and any vegetable have
between it. In the coriander have certain virtue for what is the opposite to all sharpness
of any generally plant, in which none there's one thing that have more effectiveness in
it, weill is green or dry. For what it make the vegetable wild of sharp bitterness, who
have the need of eat it, make it softer with vinegar mixed with water and a little of
murray and oil, and eat it cold without throwing any warm seed, which one is acuteness
would grow. Say Enoc of memory glory when is miss the grain and the fruit of the fruit
trees, take his leaf and flowers, and the other that find green and fresh of the branch
with the heart of the same, and add to them the vegetable and edible grass if you can,
scald everything really good in water-salt, and drip some of that water you eat it,well is
only with salt, or with only sweet thing, or spice with some oil, without making use of
the vinegar, which one is only used in the root of that plants of thick substance and very
earthy for make it skinny. For what it respect the leaf, however it want are of substance
less earthy, can eat it with oil and salt, what is enough for that effect,and dont add
vinegar some absolutely. Sabed (add), that the leaf of tree, of vegetable, and of all the
other viscous plant and of humor glutinous and thick is more nourishment and more
agree to the human body than the one of quality contrary; and alike, that arent spoil and
scathing are more nourishment, more advantageous, and better than those that are; that
have to understand generally, so much as the leaf as of the branch, seed, root and etc. It
also said, that it can do edible bread of the dry and ground vine shoots; so much of this
thing, specially the leaf, it take sometimes in dust after ground, and other that mixing
with oil and thick you eat it like crumble, and drink together with water; what is made
in very sterile and strongs time of hungry. About get better the fruit of the tree set Kelbi
this precious general maximum; if the fruit of the ree were edible, make bread of it
getting of this for this is why we say when we treat of the way of made this operation;
of the tree with no edible fruit, take this see what is the dominant flavor, and take away
of they way it was said about this subject; and when this is done it crumble after
together and make of it edible bread. According to maximum of Abu the Jair, the
compound bread of edible fruit is of more nourishment and convenience for the human
body, and of the fruit of the wild tree the worst.
ARTICLE XIII
Of the way of dry and prepare the small bone and core of the fruit to make the
bread
Susado ( say Kutsami ) have teach use the way of grind and have all the small
bone and core, like the fruit of the palm and all the fruit tree, of soften, break, grind, and
do the bread of them. And like that say,that of the small bone and core that are inside of
the fruit of the tree, and have place of seed between the big plants or small that it had, it
make edible bread after of having soften them: in order of the fruit that dont have core
inside, the way is that it take the stone of them or alike, and put it in infusion in sweet
water in glass together with salt for one and other enter, leave in this aptitude some days
until moisten; that scrub later very good in the water-salt with the palm of both hands
sometimes, and put later the glass to a wood fire (which one have to be continuous like
the hot of the sun and of the aire equally), it give cook continuous, and sour with some
vinegar the water together with the salt put it in infusion for separate they part with the
same for the middle of two spirits attracted to it,without leaving of cook soft and
continuous until that taste it do good the second operation, that stay almost have a mass,
because like that it how they become: that is good moisten the time of scrub, cook and
heat up, add hot water of well, according it go spend in the cook, of the way have the
same that have the beginning, or introduce little by little the air dont chill being hot,
respect to when is cold in this aptitude, it harden in each pass: when they look already
tender, add salt little to little until that water stay good salt; and taking later another
glass with water,salt,vinegar, put to cook all this until the water raise boiling, and move
the stone on the first glass to the second with speed; in which is pretend that dont chill
in no way after hot, because they would miss; repeat all the space of the day of it cook
this operation of renew the water, the salt, and the vinegar, and of move to one glass to
another (which one only need two), in which regimen stay so soften like the mass: that
when they had know the acquired whiteness that they are susceptible ( that is when
undone in the water form one portion), dry then the glass after taste his aptitude for the
possible experience of chew and swallow, and the scald in sweet water for remove the
vinegar flavor and of the salt, pound later in the way that form one alone portion add
each other; and then scrub until his part stay crumble, grind later of having dry until it
get reduce to flour, to make the bread in the way that had been explain.
Another operation for the same, alike the antecedent
This is, crush the stone in the way that what is take out of the fruit until it is
break and form one portion, spread with oil squeeze of olive green for ripen, and put to
cook in water,salt and vinegar (that is the way to make it softer), and continue the same
operation they dry good in the way they can, crumble his part; or if you grind in order
are and then you cook it, is this the way to do of them the flour, of what it made use of
the drug [ first ] emollient and then drying.
Another operation for the same more simple, more brief, and less work.
This is, that having break and wash very good the stone in hot water and throw
in one common glass of stone or of pester, put foam to the salt, and some root of
mandrake later crush good, which one is correspond the weight of two drachmas to one
manuc [ or something more than eleven pounds ] of the stone. Which one all cover in
water it mix with vinegar and salt it cook very good to slow fire very mild, in which
cook it get soft in the space of one day or a little more.
Another operation
Or put the stone in a glass,throw the root of the white radish later we'll crush,
like to five of ten drachmas for each macuc; which one cook like that until get soften
all, later cover in water mix with vinegar it still cook, which one is soften in the day; or
it cook in the next day having soften them in only clear water until is clean of the voiced
simple that is mix; and later of dry it crush, and when the bread is done [ it cook ] in the
frying pan. If it throw root of radish together with the mandrake in the stone cover in the
water-salt, and alike some nitre in quantity of three for each expressed measurement,
and is cook very good, this dry it in the way that the flour can do.
Another operation, is the old remedy, of virtue for soft the stone and whatever
hard thing.
Squeeze the sour citron the necessary quantity of juice, and add another the same
of vinegar of rice, and put use and other in one glass, stir until is mix between it, and
throw the foam marine and ammonia salt ground three drachmas for each pound and stir
continuously,leave later at the sun for three days, and submerge in that what you want to
soft put it at the sun until it get softer; which aptitude until come to do the mass. Also is
soft the stone, the bark and the grain; but all this operation are own of the small bone of
the date and others alike, like the bone of the celtis australis, of the wild pear, of the
malpighia emarginata, of the sebesten tree, and others of the same nature, which fruit of
small bone dont have inside any pip edible.
ARTICLE XIV
Of the way of soft (according to Agriculture Nabathea) the stone that have inside
edible pip, like of the apricot [ peaches and melons ] albaricoques little almond
hazelnut, and other similar surrounded by pome and tight body dry and hard.
Dry and separate the pip that all that bone have inside, in that is do what was
voiced of the bone of the date palm for make them softer; which one after dry it grind,
and it do the bread. The same pip serve for soft all them, and if is a big portion of stone
it throw a little quantity of the same,it soft perfectly in the way they are for the
operation; and like that put this to cook in the way we have voiced, it make completely
what is pretend with them. Finish the operation it prepare the stone that you want for
make them edible for the middle of soft, clean it (say the Agriculture of Nabathea) of
the simple with what you soft them, good is cooked (which is the best), or cleaning
sometimes in sweet water; which one is going to be repeat until the salty disappear, the
sour, or other [flavor], and what you have introduced without is stay anything; and
when they were come to this point of clean, use it how you want. Consists of the same
book, that it too do the bread of the grain of raisin and of the grape; which two things
lend the body together with the grain that have inside food that it supports the life, of
the same way of only the grain inside of them, if it grind and . . . Together, it made
bread that it nourishment.
Alike, if you dry the raisin very good in the way voiced it crush the grain, the
bread made of them is more nourishment, of better taste, and less harmful that the grain
alone. If vine shoot mix with them stem it put to dry together with the dry raisin, and of
all that ground it made rub the bread well in that flour with some oil, butter or fat, come
to be this a good food with this it can be pass the life in calamity and shortage times. In
which one is do equally bread of cypero [ or fragrant sedge ], which one it breeding in
deserts and islands and never fair with crop that give hungry; have it leaf more subtle
than the one of babylonian leek, it raise of the earth like one elbow and sometimes little
more, and is stem is crooked. Too theres is of crooked root, is lover of the earth, and
how it have olive; and theres too large (well than in this consist is if more round), the
one if it softer smell and very obstructive, and it league with all they mix. Of them strip
the bark of them root crush and grind it made use for aroma and in the expulsive of the
bad smell; and like that for whatever smell you want to make disappear, you will reach
this effect with the root of cypero. The way of prepare is cook it in water-salt, which
one crippled, it repeat sometimes the same operation, and like that it take out big part of
the bitter it have. Later which one, taking some peeled nuts and good peel, it crush in
his core with salt, and it put to cook in water and vinegar until is stay almost together,
and later it mix in the root of the cypero, cook already in water-salt (like it had been
voiced), but together, stir and mix all very good with the two hands; which one throw in
one glass it put one fire until it have very few moisture: retired after it, and when it get
chill it fingering with some oil in enough quality, and it leave cover with some clothes
one day and one night; and retire of them with all the ungrateful, it mix with some flour
of edible grain, and the bread get done. To this, even though healthy, it stay some bitter
and stypticity; and good it take out one and another eating with fat and oil, or in the
soup of cook broth with the same things. Or having crumble, it throw first oil, which
one stir it add very good; and in effect the common oil and the peeled nuts in the way it
had been said take to some root all the bitter and bad quality. Also have virtue for the
same the mix of common oil and of jay add with a little of honey. If joy, common oil,
and peeled nuts together with honey it get together with that root, it take out the bitter,
the bad quality, and the unpleasant taste; which one it does cook first in water-salt, and
later in alone sweet water until it extract the salty of the first and with it bitterness
particles: which operation if it repeat sometimes, it remove all or big part of the bitter;
and with this aptitude it mix the aforementioned oil add with sweet things or honey. Pull
off because all that [ root ], and do in it the voiced, it soft, and are pleasant and tasty
food.
Also it made the bread in calamity times of asarum europaeum, which one the
specie, when old, have big root of the thickness of the cucumber, and the other of the
thickness of the finger with certain excrescences and knots. Are fragrant even though of
bitter taste, rough and unpleasant; but this is correct with light and little work, and in
short time. The virtue is warm, solutive and ardent, and that taste it remove on the same
way. Of this root ascent in water it extract too one humor of smell extremely soft. After
the corrective the odor, it soften of the same way, and of them dry and ground it make
the bread later of mix with flour of barley and wheat. The root that were of really bad
taste it scald in water-salt; and other no much, in sweet water sometimes until that
contract that flavor of sweetness that made it usual. The grain that can be eaten later of
getter are of the tree mahlabo, which one being wild use some to transplant in the
orchard and prevail very good, because catch in the earth by little it is, it perfect and
take growth. Barely it spoil nor grow old; but it dry, if the juice arrive to miss all. The
grain of this bushes (called habbol-mahlabo) are of aromatic smell, and of them with
others things of the same quality it make delicate smell of agreeable use. Of the wild are
of smell more acute and soft than of them hortunal. Usually do this grain in the old and
of the build wet, which one is find the pleasant and soft palate, and receive benefit with
them hot, and this later correct the quality. Which one cooking it two times in sweet
water make reduce that smell, and later others two in vinegar which is make the same
effect; which operation it repeat one time in water and other in vinegar for remove all
the taste and bitterness. When have proven find there's will not be more bitterness nor
greasiness manifest, cook in sweet water, and then date palm and little salt until
disappear and consume the water; and like this the grain take sweetness of the date
palm, and until reach this have to repeat the same operation. Later what taste at the like
you find it sweet, leaven it to cook dry to the air, and eat with bread in this aptitude,
because it have the virtue of get hot the body.
Adan of happy memory and others say, that correct [ the bad quality of ] the
plants and fruit for do of them edible bread which one to nourishment is one of the big
and useful resource that hold the man against the annoying consideration of his
misfortune in times of sterility and of poverty and when can havent the good edible
ordinary, because in them there is a remedy against the poverty for prevent [ the effect
of ] the sterility and the misfortune, thought Allah. In various places of this book have
find the same subject, in which maximum registered with attention and go with this will
find the enough about the way of do bread of the grain and fruit, and will work of rule
for the good move in alike operation.
ARTICLE XV
In what is describe the quality and characters of the tree and plants that were
mentioned in the chapter of insects and in others.
The terebinth [ or turpentine tree], say Abu the Jair and others Authors, is a tree
of green grain, and is of two species (according to doctors), wild and hortunal. The last
is the true terebinth, which fruit is green grain. The wild is the mastich tree; which one
(say Abu Hanifa) is of the bred tree, and like that (add) have make sure of Arabic of
illustrious ancestry. Between us (continue) is the bred tree like the tree of the holm oak;
good is more handsome and beautiful,because them leaf are subtle in addition to being
straps to red on the extreme. The fruit that produce is clustered like the terebinth; but
them grain are bigger, which one seasoned look alike the russet, and the same with the
leaf.
According to Agriculture Nabathea, the terebinth is called habbato-the-jadra,
and is a tree with green wood strap to black that have green grain with the same name.
Breeding for the most part of the wild and on a stone and boulder, and drill with them
root the same stone for hard them are,which what is agree. Prevail in wild with fertile
ground, strong, and tenacious that have certain middle between the earth and stone; and
dont prosperous in soft land, juicy, nor of altered flavor that pull to another different.
Dont agree the light sweet water, and if it earthy and thick in it substance and very
viscose. Dont have necessary so much crop, nor in the orchard agree the copie of water,
nor the earth entirely good, and do very stout in the mounts and places of thick ground
together. If happen reduce the greenery or weaken, it pour the foot of water boiled heat
up in fire, having throw in it before of heat up some of the same grain and some green
leaf or myrtle grain,because having between this two tree mutual friendship, and loving
each one them partner, when come to touch or being next to it, it give vigor and with
this happines. The earth where it breeding it make a bitter taste and it rot; and dont only
put it in this aptitude, but that too it sterilize if it mansion on it is dilate. Of the same
way, if the myrtle stay in the earth so much year, it become bitter taste of his dust until
is accurate to disappear for benefit have to be sow on it. Say, the bushes keep away the
insect of the plants that had near to it and use to breeding, which one dont stay, nor get
near to them the aphididae. Be about the mastich-tree say Abu the Jair, there is five
species, one leaf wide of the size of myrtle, hairy and wide; another skinny leaf like the
fine myrtle, and of dense wood; another of wide leaf and black of the color of the leaf of
the ceratonia siliqua or olive tree, and of red wood (that is mastic tree properly), and too
of obscure-green; in which specie is the turpentine, that is the tree of the green grain,
which one is stout, of bigger leaf, of aromatic smell, and more healthy than the
turpentine, of which one theres great abundance in the contour of Seville. Also theres
species of mastich-tree green-dark,that have the leaf wide and round, and (according
say) have almaciga [ resin or mastich-tree ] of the same color.
The dittany [ or fraxinella ] is of three species (according to Abu the Jair), of the
one have the leaf wide like the myrtle that is breeding in the jungle, which one grow in
the height and is attach, and his leaf form teeth like of the saw. Another specie of the
leaf less wide than the first, which tree is too stout, and the grain that had is of the size
of the first and the myrtle, which one is squeeze certain oil that use in the lighting.
Another there's the large leaf and skinny like the serrated. Say, that when is bite the
rabid dog it give to drink eight drachmas of the juice of them leaf, is proven that will
heal in the same day (though Allah) even though have come to scare in the water. The
dittany is alike to the privet, and whit them dry leaf, good ground and mix with them
plant, it dye the hair. The white bryony, that is the fechira and in barbarian language
bryonta, have the red grain and clustered. The black bryony, that is the buthaniat in
barbarian language, have the grain together in a cluster, which one are green and later of
mature it become black. The stem is big and do of the use of the women for the shave of
the face.
Of the citrullus colocynthis, say principally Abu-Ali-Ibn-Sina [ Avicena ], theres
is male and female; the male is hairy, and the female tender, white and smooth. The best
is the most white tender, and dont have to take until it have been yellow. The take
green and the unique in the tree are of mortal wickedness. The black and the hard are
bad too. Them root is advantageous against the sting of the viper, and one of the more
useful remedy against the scorpion drinking until a drachma of it; and like that take
advantage applied in ointment. But use to be fatal is if it rind and grain [ it take dose of ]
one mite or three keracios, and some more of the pulp. The heather, called Syros akul,
say Abu Hanifa, it breeding our land abundantly, and bush it size is of the one seated
man. Born in sand trap, and have the leaf large alike at the thistle and very green, in
which color appear all the tree in the summer. Them leaf are reddish, and them are raise
unite in his superior part. All that become hawthorn in the station of winter the water
have satiated; and say, that lacks of flower. According to Ibn-the-Harar, it breeding in
Syria and in Khorasan, and is in the tree where it more fall the humor and sweet dew or
spring species. The squill that is of mice, called like that for the plants, have the leaf like
the lily, and the color the flower it pulls to obscure. Too have the name of pig onion [ or
wild boar cane ], and some is fatally malignant,that is the one that breeding alone and
like that. According to Agriculture Nabathea, the adilan is the mice onion called in
syriac the askil, and have too the name off ardent onion, wild onion , and dubious.
Barely it breeding in flat ground, near to moisture, spring, nor succulent places;
but yes at the wild and in earth that have mix of plaster, and in that same together the
boulder and the stone. It breeding too a lot in some ruins of houses abandoned and
deserted away of moisture, and in earth extremely thick. Have the property of scare and
chase away the wild animals of the deserts, and be for them one object of aversion, so
much that if a man go in a road take one, two, or how much has he want, and get out a
lion, wild bull, wolf or ounce male, throw it in between the same and whatever of that
wild animals, it remove of it, especially the wolf, that run in a stretched career. And tie
with strong this animal, put under his belly one albarran onion, it take off of the floor try
with all the strong break the tie to flee; but reach the two things, die in the end of one
hour or at the moment.
The xara, say Abu the Jair and others, is the rose tree kahsabi, and too it say be
wild. Is of two species, which one (called in barbarian language rahbel) have the leaf of
the size of the olive tree or more large and wide, dusty and rough, and rough branch,
hard and off-white, which one at the time throw of spring the flower like a rose, of an
red barely perceive, and yellow in the middle, which one is the called rose kahsabi. Say,
that the rose tree on it prevail. The second specie of it have a leaf more small than the
first, very green, rough, and between large and round. Its branch (that they pull to
reddish) throw the roses of white color, very alive in the middle. The two [species] link
to the tree. Of the tithymalo [ or spurge ] say Avicena and other, that are species the
keracia, the pityusa, the alaatat, the mardefun, the mahudafa, and the rthanina. All them
have acute milk and fatal; and having male and female,of the first is more strong. Say
that the alaatat is in barbarian language called lahibrla or lahbir; that the chibram [or
pitiusa ] is famous in Africa for the name of nabiaun, and that the barbarian called
tataaib. Also say, that is a spiece of mardefin or of luracia, and that mua that it will his
shadow. The tree tsambra is a specie of pitiusa. This (according to the book of Avicena)
it breeding in the orchard, and them strand are medium skinny and hairy with the leaf of
the size of the dracunculus hortunal [or snake-root], and dairy. The persian is of bad
quality, and is enough of two drachmas to die. Both (according to Kastos) are alike the
roman, and is called in persian atbha-the-kelb [that is the sebesten or tree of the
league].
CHAPTER XXX
In what places have to be build the building.
Of the cut of the wood for them, for the oil mill of oil and alike,
of the way that dont eat holes in. In what year produce the plants
more fruit, thought Allah. Of the way distill the pink water,
and do the vinegar and the grape syrup, the mustard and alike.
Set the mouth of the year and the operation of agriculture
that is good to do in each one of them. Voiced the set indicate the rain,
serenity, cold and wind, and them influence. Of the structure
of the almojarred [trail or instrument] for equal the plowed
field and removed the grass and others plants that with
the plow stay sudden start; for which subject and others
alike in this general chapter.
ARTICLE I
Of the places have to choose to build.
According Kastos, the best places for build that have to be very useful and
comfortable where it have to inhabit are in the high area; and the more to purpose that
where room have doors and windows to east for in this contribute to the health for what
are going to take up. This have to be able and roof high, and according to others say
dont have to be narrow, nor corridor nor obscure, and with the door high for the air to
ventilate.
ARTICLE II
Of the choice of the wood and time of they cut.
Kastos say and others Authors, the best wood for build are the old and of the
middle age, that arent carious or declined. Of the tree that it had and of the new that
dont pass ten or fifteen years are weak and soft, and the two referred class more strong
and lasting. The time of cut the holm oak for this is the ripening and gathering the fruit.
The others tree it cut at the end of autumn before winter. The tree more best strong and
more healthy is the exposed to the wind of the north with preference of the opposite part
of the noon, and the more feeble and less length the one that had been irrigated land;
and the same breeding in the shadow and what the sun havent bath but a little. The tree
smooth is more strong than the knotty. The time more real to cut the tree is since when
the moon is under the earth. The wise Sodion say, is more strong and healthy the wood
if it cut the twenty-seven to thirty of the lunar month, and too is time to do this cut in the
decreasing of the month mihrmh [ or december ]. Say, the cut wood dont gets old the
six of january. Others say, to cut before of circulate for it the humor, this is, that is in
november, until the ten of cann last, is in january. Others, it cut tamiz or july. Others, it
dont get old, if it cut when the constellation bathno-the-hut, which one happen middle
of october. Others are of opinion, that the wood for the build it cut when it start to
appear the moon and while stay little, and if it cut when is whole and in his plenitude is
this what cause it to rot. Other agree, that for cut the wood if that you want of large
length, choose the day of saturday, and not tuesday nor thursday.
ARTICLE III
Of the mark the much fruit of have to load the apple tree, the vine and the olive
tree.
Say the Agriculture of Nabathea, if it throw the apple tree the flower before that
the leaf load that year of the fruit, and the same the vine if it born so much stem, this is,
two and sometimes three of the place of each one; which one when you look it you will
understand, that the fruit of that vine will be that year multiplicand to the double of what
it was before. That in order of the olive tree, what indicates that will load the fruit in
abundant is it registered (in the space of time that average since it pass the sun of the
tenth grade of pisces to the tenth of aries ) the new leaf that have born in that year, look
that end the branch with two of skinny them that are minor, and like they were a balloon
consisted of two halves, or like the find them each other for them angles and inclined to
the contrary of them custom, and the same the low part of that little leaf, this is mark of
so much fruit in that year; and perhaps it manifest [the same ] for the number of them
leaf, but low the accurate quality of all them have to be near of the extreme branch; and
if you see the two straight leaf against them nature position, that year will be of scarce
and ungrateful fruit. Also say,that the same mark of erection of the two leaf and equal
the weakness of the same is an indicating mark of the branch will throw that year little
olive. Anyway it say,that in the leaf that are in the extreme of each one of the branch
generally come in the way of earnings and it withers, have understand in that year leave
that tree to bear fruit.
ARTICLE IV
In the way of distill the pink water, take off the smoke, prepare it good, and do
pleasant and soft, correct the vice that it had (according to the book of Zaharawi and
others), and too the way of do the camphor-tree water.
Say the Zaharaw in his book, that are various ways of do the distill; agree to
know, in water and wood fire or of coal, and without water and with fire wood (that is
the commun and how the principal people do it), which one is of a smell less acute than
the fire of coal. That for the way of do the distill in water and wood fire, the Iraqi [ this
is Babylonian or Chaldean ] have this in an art that is large and expensive, and like that
is in summary. Take one copper boiler like of the dry cleaners, and fix in a oven
together with the wall in the same aptitude with the boiler of bath, and do one air vent
for the smoke for the part of out because it wont hurt the water-pink, full of water the
boiler and cover good with wood table the mouth, which one have to be done one drill
for the bombs [ or distill glass ]; which one and them head (have to be of glass) it adjust
to the same quite firm with linen rags and equal the part of the head in them have to get
in, in the way that have stay pending in the water dont touch in any part the boiler. Full
this of clean water and the distil glass of leaf of fresh roses, it put under the wood fire
dry of vine or other alike until have starter the water to boil and medium do the distill, it
cover the mouth of the oven leavening like that until it end the distill the water-pink. If
theres not discretion for the distill glass and them head be of glass, be of mud well
glazed. The container (that are the glass that is falling the distill pink) have to fix too in
the way they are steady. End the distill it take off that roses,and put other fresh in them
places until end to do all the operation. Near of you will have a glass with hot water for
add in the boiler how much is reduce, and you keep of throw cold water, because
breaking the glass cancel the distill. You will have understand, that the pink-water distill
of wild roses breeding without irrigate is of acute smell than the hortunal roses.
Way of do the distill without water and with coal fire or of dry firewood.
Do a oven in the figure that is possible, square, large or round, corresponding to
the number of distill glass that in it have to put; which height have to be like of the two
of the same position the one above of the other in the middle of it about the half that
stand out since where it end the part more wide, and in the superior part or vault plant
the distill glass in drill to the distance of four fingers one of other. Dont leave in the
part superior of the oven drill nor crack for where the air come out; but in the lower it
make the door for where the wood is introduced, and air vent to the opposite side for the
exit of the smoke. The distill glass are of mud, of stone, or of earth that harmful the fire.
Together the oven and stay all without crack, put in that glass the leaf of fresh
roses,which one adjust good firm in the head, put on the fire in the oven, and later have
heat up and start the water-pink to distill in the container (that are the glass that are put
under of the canyons that are in the head for in the distill roses) close the door of the
oven leave open the air vent of the smoke until the distill have end. Later which one
take out the distill glass what have stay of that roses, give inside with clean cloth wet in
water until it stay mark of roughness,which one smoke out of the water-pink that have
to distill in them later, return (if you want to) to throw another roses until the end of the
need.
The same ejecute if instead of wood use coal, because like that the water pink
come out of the smell more acute and penetrating. The head have to fix firm, for equal
and perfectly,of the way that between it and the part of the retort that enter in the same
dont stay empty absolutely, which one reach surround for equal the mouth of the glass
with the clean linen cloth in the way that the head between tiresome and dont get out
between them and the body of the glass any vapor. If it tilt a little the head of the retort
in the way that the still or canyon that is in them is inclined to the container, this
contribute to accelerate the distill. Say, that is very good that the head is capable and
short, this is, wide; and advantageous, that the fire is mild,which degree it know for the
tact. Which one the superior part of the head come to be extremely hot, when this come
is in the end of the perfectly; being the intense heat leave the water-pink with all the
phlegm, and being is reluctant, about to lengthen the time of the distilled, take out too
all the phlegm, [for which reason ] is advantageous it consists of the good way.
Some practice say, that dont do the oven for the distill of water-pink and other
in the courtyard of the house, but in a big piece for the air dont disperse. Say too, that
distill the leaf of the roses are like it have to be, leave of them almost the half of the
weight of water-pink; and too say for people sometimes, that four part of the roses give
almost tree of the weight of the water-pink to proportion the substance and good quality,
and contribute to what is verify the same of the industry and the care of who do the
operation, and the goodness of the glass.
Another operation abbreviate for who want to do the pink-water in little quantity
Take the copper pot, and full of water put it with the two hands on the portable
stove of the fire cover the mouth with a board in which have done the drill for one, two
or three distill glass, that can take that pot. Say glass ( have to be of glass) will be
pending in the water without touch any part of the pot and without it move, and put for
the drill until the belly; which one is dont come tight, if it tie up rags around the belly
near of the head in the way that stay in them and with them firm and tight, and in equal
form stay firm the head in the mouth of the distill glass. Put in them the leaf of the
roses, turn on wood fire or coal under the pot until the water boil; and like that the distill
dry that need of one or two times, or what is of your pleasure.
Another way safe of distill the pink water in mud arquebuses, that are the distill
glass called cucurbitas, and cucurbita each one of them.
The oven of construction more firm and best (according to some excellent
practical in this subject) is that where it put twenty five or sixteen arquebuses, and have
to be square and not long. If it the arquebuses be sixteen, it have to be in four order, four
in each one; and if twenty five, five in each one. The oven have to form in the way of
the arquebuses get out of four angles of two by two, adapted between it perfectly in
each one, and together in the middle of the oven. Or do in the middle of this one arch
since the last half, and put over one small grate of wand square, firm and thin; because
ejecute it, stay all beautifully close and tidy. Later of entertain and fixed between it the
wand of the small grate of way that form quite equal roof, it would give one cape of
plaster spent by sifter and amass with water of the thickness of a finger, on already
together it throw other cape of salt something more thick than that. Of the ground to the
union of wands on the arch have to be two palms, nothing more nor less; and the doors
of the oven end on a palm of width of an arch sharp on the third part of palm, which
form have to be blind, smooth, and them elevation equal to the small grate, or two by
two more low. In the superior part where have to put arquebuses where it cross three
iron columns with separation, and on of them it put one board with drill of the size of
the thick of the arquebuses. Which one have be pending according to the rule, in the
way of the foundation of the two that are immediate to the door of the oven to the small
grate have three fingers of elevation, two of those of the third order, and one of those of
the fourth. The arquebuses of the angle that are get off of the small grate have to be
together for the part of up for be this the best aptitude that can give. For this operation
look for medium-sized containers, according to the quantity of water-pink that have to
distill on them. For what i do for the big oven, have to do for each one air vent for the
fire turn on with shortness. The roses have to be regular season. In the way of put the
arquebuses in the drill of the voiced board, have to sit with plaster; and with the same to
daub in the oven, stay all united between them and the drill done it in the board, that is
in canes hurdle. Lately it cover the superior part of the oven and the intermediate of the
arquebuses with a cape of past plaster for sifter and amass with water, cover it all in the
way that in a place for where the vapor cant run or the smoke. The arquebuses dont
have to put immediately each other, but in the distance of half palm little more or less;
which one have two large palm, and of them neck stay out on the roof of plaster and
vault nothing less than third part of span, and would be better if you add something.
The arquebus have to be smooth, equal and glazed inside, and of wide head. Always
have to lie down firewood in the deep like the cabbage.
The canalita [ that have inside the arquebus and where it picks up steam] have to
be of the thick of a finger, not less, nor more narrow. The mouth have to be good round
and perfectly equal; because of the contrary wont sit very firm the head, and get out the
vapor would be less water-pink. The head have to be pick of the embroider and the
figure of the half of a cimbalillo. Everything that fall in the head of the canalita, where it
board with the water-pink, come down for the alembic (that is the canyon that is in it); [
for which reason ] have to be very smooth, equal and good glazed, and in addition to
this have certain empty for where the finger can be in and pass for all around. Also the
drill for where it get low the water-pink have to be well smooth, and the mouth of the
head well round for it to adjust well without it stay in it any crack nor place for where
the vapor disperse.
The border that is under the alembic of the head and that rests over the belt of
the pipe will have one finger wide, since if it had more wont be safe because it could
break at the moment of place it and fix it over the belt. The recipients where the
rosewater fall must be wide by the bottom and narrow in the mouth, so the extreme of
the alembic well fixed on it, which helps to the conservation of the water and the
fragrance of its smell. This recipients must be placed over a stone that covers them from
the heat of the oven, because if they heat will deplete the rosewater. The belts will be of
thin linen rags, in which must be well adjusted without remaining any void; you will tie
very firmly the belts with strings tightening its ligament; and if couldnt be in that way,
you must repeat the a third spin in the belt, or remove some until reach the attempt.
About the introduction of the roses in the pots, if they were new form the first
sprout, you will place them in vessels in a way that they fill the half of each without
filling it completely; after that (with the ovens dry by the use) you shall gather the roses
in the pots from the bottom to the middle and from there to the front side, been careful
to place less roses in the vessels of the angles because those will receive a stronger fire.
As regard to know the point that the heat of the fire must reach, will be when,
after distilled two third parts of rosewater you pass your hand over the head or alembic
and cant hold it there because of the strength of the heat, you will know that it have
reached the convenient point of strong heat; and so, tempering that fire and spreading it
evenly by the middle and the angles, smeared the mouth will be left like that until the
afternoon. When is too hot the oven, over the regular temperature, the rosewater comes
altered in its color and bitter in its taste, and also use to get darker and change its taste,
which is necessary to avoid. Must be frequently aware of the amount of rose water in
the recipients to avoid it to exceed and spill. Also, will place the hand in the pot, and if
you found that the fire has seized the roses dispelling their moisture is fine; but if the
moisture was still excessive increase the amount of fire in proportion to that moisture. If
there was smoke in the oven, must open a hole on the high of the roof to make it leave,
and checking this will be closed again. The next day you will remove what is burned
from the pots, and cleaning them well with a clean rag soaked in water. In a day you can
distill to batches; [and has been already said] that must keep the water from smoke, and
that is necessary to wash very well the pots, the heads, the distillers rinsing them with a
clean white canvas soaking them on water; which if was omitted will corrupt the second
cooking with that smell. Is told that there is still something good on the burned when is
taken off from the pots, if the bottom part was to black, and if the up and middle part
was kind of red.
How is done the rosewater extracted from the burn part that was taken from the
distillers pots, finished the distilled.
Take and throw that [residue] in a boiler, and with it enough water to
soak it, and let it like that one day with its night, the next day scrub it well with the feet
and hands; others say, that the water should be as much as after been scrub it keeps
looking potable. After filled of that the distillers vessels, do the distill with care and
intelligence, and will come from that a rosewater smooth and suitable for remedies of
medicine; which is done when there is need. Practical concerns that throwing already in
a pound of dry roses a tenth part of sweet water, he distilled them and the rosewater that
they bring was perfectly good. Is said, that if are taken dry roses encloses in chalices,
shredded and covered loosely with some rag, then soaked some times in that water are
left there hanging for a night with a span of distance from the water, extracted by the
next day will be found as if were fresh and new to distill rosewater. Also states, that if
you want to get this quickly, crush it and squeeze the leafs of the roses, and placing that
juice in a glass vessel distill it in the water [or in the bain-marie] in the expressed way.
Says Ibn-Zahara in his book, that in the same way and with the same
craft used for the rosewater is taken also from the apple skins, which is a distill pure,
aromatic and very useful; and that is how are distill from odorous flowers aromatic
water, that is used against impure and contaminated airs. Other author says, that
distilling the flowers from Orange and citron, the lilies and similar in glass vessels and
bain-marie in the same way as fresh roses, gives some white slime aromatic, but that is
corrupted quickly. Was already treated the way of the operation before this in the
plantation of lilies, where you can see it with attention.
How is removed the smoke from the rosewater, and fixed the one that has get
some corruption.
Is convenient then, mix the rosewater of the top with the one of the
bottom, this is, that the one that was distill first with the distilled after because the first
was cooked lest than the second; because when both are mixed all the water becomes
even, with the tastes mixed. In which if were smoke and you desire to remove it, you
will place in it a portion of legitimate amber according to the amount of it, leaving it
like that some days until when you smell and taste it dont notice at all the smoke, and
removing then the amber you can make from it after dried the use you want.
Another Operation.
You will tie in a white rag, clean, and of light fabric two or more pills of
marjoram bleached with salt and water, in proportion to the amount of rosewater; in
which you will let them some days until remove the smell and taste of smoke, and
removed after and dry you will do with them whatever you want.
You should know that the rosewater is corrupted by too little or too much
cooking. The sing of been little cook are some stains and white threads, which vice is
fixed by soaking in it a white bushy rag, like four times; after that throwing in one
pound of rosewater eight drachma of alum is beat up with it and little after get clear and
becomes perfectly good. The sing of been too cooked is if it gets blackens with an
alteration of its color and taste, which vice is fixed throwing by each four pounds of
rosewater one ounce of Todelo mud that haves been on a mine long ago, and after been
this covered of water and become spongy. Hurled after in the bowl of rosewater, is
shake until they unite well; after which will be left until the mud sits in the bottom then
you will remove the rosewater if you see it in a disposition you like removing those
parts that were turbid. But if you see that is not the color as you like it, will throw the
mud again cleaning it once again and putting a little more alum as the beginning, and
clarified you will place it by night discovered to the air, which will make it good of
disposition. The alum gives good color and smell to the rose water that was mixed with
it, which preserving its condition for years without alter its taste.
How is make soft and odorous rosewater with camphor, lingo aloe, cloves,
saffron and musk, as well using each of these things separately or all together (for who
wanted). According to Zaharwi and other authors.
You will place any part of these things in a tenth part of good rose-water
and distill it on the bottom of the boiler still by smokeless coal fire, as was said for the
distill of rosewater. If after this you want to use the aromatic itself, you will place them
entire with the roses, and finished the distill you will remove them to use it later after
dry. But the water get in this way is les virtuous that the one of those aromatic things
milled. Also is good the clean water distill over the same things, which kind of
operation will be treated separately, Allah willing.
About distill the rosewater from musk, will hurl from this the weight of
four drachmas for each two pounds of good roses, which bee left in a glass vessel a day
and a night and distill after in a glass vessel on bain-marie in the way expressed until all
they are distill. This water, that should be keep on vessels of well fixed head, is one of
the scents that use the kings; and mixing with the dye that without fire is use from the
dress, they become similar on color to the musk.
About the distill of camphor, called camphorated rosewater, in each pound of
aromatic rosewater will be infused one drachma of camphor in a distillatory vessel of
fixed head, been this infusion by a lapse of three days, and will be done the distill on the
same way that of the musk. And this is the odorous water which is used to cure and bath
the kings on summer, and that also is applied to heal burning ills.
The sandalwood rosewater is done hurling larded sandalwood an placed in
infusion by twenty four hours two ounces in a pound of rosewater, distilling after the
same on the referred way.
The saffron-like rosewater is distill in the same way infusing before half ounce
of good saffron on two pounds of rosewater, which is keep, and is used from medicine
and medicaments.
The garyofilata rosewater is distilled in the same way, after been infuse in the
same lapse of time one ounce of cloves in one and a half pound of good rosewater,
which kept haves its uses Allah willing. The right way to distill this and similar waters
is by low fire and for strong so the water dont comes out without flavor, of the
distilling vessels should be completely filled with them because when they boil will lose
some.
How to make the camphorated water from pinewood.
Take the fat heart of this wood, which [quality] is known by the resin [or gum],
and cut in small thin pieces, fill with them the glass vessel (of which material must be),
and do the distill in bain-marie in the expressed way; which is an oil of delicate subtle
smell that receives the name of camphor water, and that is spoiled quickly after a few
days. If one big iron needle soaked on it by the eye side you apply fire, will shine as
wax candle as long the oil that hangs from it last, which is proved by experience. From
this distilled resin in a mud flask in sand bath (that is the dry distill with no water) gives
tar.
Maximums of Rasis about the distill.
Says, that the secret on this consist that the bottom of the boiler to be big, wide,
without prominences in the bottom side, or any blister anywhere; that the alembic
comes fixed and proportional to it; and the vessel that will use should be like a big
cauldron, and that the bottom of this should be soaked on water until the part that the
roses fit on it; that around the same tie a rag well fixed so it wont move, and that if it
was from glass dont let it touch the boiler because it will break, and also will break if
the cold water touch it; dont take it off of the hot water until it gets cold because it will
break if the air touch it; that must be close of the fire boiling water to add from it to the
boiled when it uses the one it haves, and that in anyway should you add cold water
because it will suspend the distill and break the vessels; and that this is all about the
humidity distill [or bain-marie], that is the convenient for the waters.
About the others is said, that placed screened sand and ash on a big boiler, as
well both things together or separately, in those bury the retort of glass avoiding to it
touch the boiler; and that placed on it the water wanted for the distill, place over the fire
that will be ignite down; which must be less ignited and be more tempered that the one
used for distill on bain-marie, because that if this was too hot it could break the retort,
which is not good for the water on this last bath. Is said that the retort must be catch and
not covered on that ash or sand.
Maximums are from Rasis and others, that any distill of anything is done also in
boilers of glassed mud and placed in the oven over grillage of mud, the fire under it
must be temperate, that besides the grillage can also do a brick roof that was in between
the fire and the distilling vessels in a way of bath, which consist the absolute propose of
this; that the distilling vessels must be made of soil strong enough to resist the fire after
been bath with a strong mud, or from that which is used to made the bullets of the day
or are covered the crucibles; that in them formed like that is distill the juice of the very
aromatic things, and the same of the oil of brick and similar things; that this specie of
distill is called of dryness [or sand bath]. In this way expressed I have distill oil from
brick, and wine perfectly.
Rasis also says, that if the oven were to ignited and the distill were very copious
and snatch away, calm the fire so it becomes more tempered; that if were remiss make it
grow (or give it strength) covering the side of the cannon of the alembic and the head of
the recipient so the smoke wont get in, because this will spoil the water to distill; that
the boiler is the distilling vessel, called also pot, in which is distilled the rosewater and
the others, and is from glassed mud and also of glass; that the spot where the alembic
sits is called head, and in this alembic, were the distill pass is called debbat; that the
recipient is the vessel in where is distilled the rosewater by the extreme of the alembic;
that must be careful that the duct where the water joins and were the alembic pass
surround the inner side of this, and that such duct should be deep, firm, even, of high
edge, and of fixed drill so no water will be lost after it receives them.
ARTICLE V
About the way to make the raisins, syrup, vinegar, capered, rocketed, mustarded
and others.
In the chapter where was treated the way of keep the fruits was done a mention
of how to make raisins. Now we will express the way to make syrup and vinegar.
How is made the syrup that is cook from the must.
Well squeezed the sweet grapes take from its juice the necessary amount and
place it in new vessels of mud where should be placed for a lapse of twenty four hours.
The next day by the morning removed with care the clear part tying to not clouding it,
throw in three measures of must in one of sweet water, all which placed in a new pot of
glassed mud (if is possible), or in a big pot of copper with a wide mouth, cook it at low
fire until raise its foam; which will be removed successively with the skimmer, and if
was needed quickly rush the fire slowly, and shake continuously and intensely to avoid
it from burning. Ibn Zahari opines, that shouldnt be removed the syrup in any way
while is been cook, but that should move alternately the pot from fire, until it becomes
julep.
Like that is found, says Haj Granadino, that been the must too sweet remain
from it the third part, consumed the water. If the must is from new grapevines or vines,
shouldnt remain after consumed the water a quarter part. Clarified when is still hot is
kept in tarp pitchers, in which is throw when is cold. Maximum from other author is that
must me keep on new pitchers, and not glassed vessels. According to Haj, the must with
beauty and bright color, very tasty, worthy, and smelly is done when it begins to boil it
looks with the same smell and taste that the quince without having throw any on it.
According to other author, must leave in the must after squeezeed one day and a night,
and cook it then. Haj opines, that must be pick the grapes with a perfect flavor and
completely sweet, and cleaned from all marks from bunches and leaves, and immature
seeds, squeeze them with care, cleaning the must and do with it the expressed upside. Is
said, that taken the solfat of the grape (that is the must that flows from the pile of them
before squeeze them), and cooking it in the referred way, comes from it a delicate syrup.
Some cook the pure must without mix of water. Is convenient to cook the syrup in a
wide place so the smoke dont returns and spoil it; that the continuous movement gives
it a beautiful color. Is said, that the grapes must be squeezed are harvest by the end of
the month been the moon in Cancer, Leo, Libra, Scorpio or Aquarius, gives more must,
Allah willing.
How is make the syrup of sun without cooking it with fire, called julep syrup,
which is the best kind of syrup.
Pick the bunches of sweet grape (which is absolutely necessary, which are in the
high part of the vine) after mature and red by the sun, breaking their sticks with care
twist this a little leaving them without cut like this, and when the grains get thin and
wrinkled cut then the bunches, and flailing them remove the stinks and clean from the
immature grains or rot, the same with the leafs that they had. Which milled with care
without breaking the seeds and squeezing them in the same way, place it must on a
clean vessel (by exactly six hours), after cleared place it in vessels of glass, and place
these in the roof of the dining room, or in similar places so there they get bath with the
sun of all day; and placing around of those vessels half milled salt, cover them by night
and uncovered by day to the sun, replenish them in between the part that was
diminished let it like that to the sun until it becomes as the drink of the julep; which for
me is as true as I have seen, and even remains sugar at the sides [of the vessels].
ARTICLE VI
How is done the sweet wine, according the Nabathea Agriculture of Kutsmi.
Sagrit haves already expressed the way to do the sweet wine of any kind of vine;
which says, that trimming all the branches in where the bunches are removing all the
leafs that are close of this, twist them after those branches with those bunches,
executing this operation thirty days or little more before the time of the harvest to
reduce the slime on those bunches and cooking the sun the grapes dissipates the excess
of phlegm that were on them, which by this way is discovered a great sweetness on the
wine.
Kastos quoted on other books said, that done the trim of the grapes one month
before the harvest so the sun hits them, are toasted after the sticks of the bunches until
the grapes transform and become dry, and that harvested after and squeezed comes the
must sweet for this reason; for which are left also the grapes in the vine until dried the
sticks that holds them, and harvested after are placed at the sun, which must squeezed
after stays sweet. According other author, laying by the sun the tasty grapes until
removes the aqueous from them and loosens their dimple, crushed after this and placed
its must at the sun, its wine contracts the same sweetness that the cooked; and other
author affirms, that if the must is cooked, comes from it a good and beautiful syrup, and
if is made a wine from this, last a long time without alter.
Casio says from the must, that is sweetened a whole year if after is squeeze is
placed in vessels of tarp mud until the half by inside and outside, if covering them well
the mouths with leather are placed some days in a well with water, and that like that is
how is conserved in its own disposition about sweetness. Others use to place this vessels
in water with bugs, leaving only discover the extreme of them, [so in this way] is
conserved also the must with its sweetness.
ARTICLE VII
About the way to do the mustarded, the rocketed, and the capered, according the
book of Hj el Granadino.
The must (says) is keep with its sweetness hurling in it the seed of the mustard
(that is the sinb), or the seed from the rocket, or the cortex from root of caper milled in
the way that I will expose. Those in where is throw the mustard is called misnb, and
the one where are throw the carper alcaparrado, which is a cook as the syrup. Adds the
same, that if was done like that dont intoxicates when is drunk from it a kintr; that
dilates the breathing, awakes the urine, open the pores, purifies the vessel, gives heat to
the stomach and others members, fixes the belly, restrain the strength of the bile, helps
the coitus, and undoes the farts of the ribs cartilage, having besides this proprieties nice
taste and smell. Take [adds] then quartile of wine misthr sweet and smooth, squeezed
for an hour after the harvest of the grape, then cast and removed the dregs place it in a
copper vessel, throwing five quartile of sweet water, two handful of Melissa, one of
garyophilato, four pounds of sweet apples in pieces, and eight sweet quinces, cook it
like this at tempered fire until consumed the water and along two quartile of the same,
in a way that remains on eight. Meanwhile it foams, and after tempered is placed that
cook in tarp glazed. Before this must have cleaned root cortex of carper in sweet water
to remove its sharpness and smell, and dried after, milled and passed by the sieve, are
taken three pounds of each in three of the little bags that must be done with linen bushy,
clean and white, tying them from a reed clean and with the length of that glazed, one of
them under, another in the middle and the third close to the top of them in that
disposition that that cooking covers them in the glazed, placing straight that reed with
some weight so it dont raises; and sprinkling the cook by the mouth of that with half
pound of milled mastic and sifted, in this disposition is left a month; after which time
removing from the glazed the amount necessary of it by the duct that haves in the
bottom, will found to be (Allah willing) to the quality and virtue we have told and
expressed.
About the mustarded, take fresh mustard (dismissing the old), and raising its
grains in sweet water dry them, and milled after pass it trough the sieve, and spread
them in three portions place each one in is bag, which tied of a reed (as was told) place
this in the glazed filled already with the misthr [or must] of extreme sweetness, and
spray that mustard over its surface in the superior side of the vessel until it is covered
and curled, executed the same operation when something were discover, [to which
effect] must be checked by a lapse of a month. After this time can be removed if was
necessary for its correspondent use, because with that disposition prevails very sweet,
and dont intoxicates in any way, (be a lot or to little the amount of it), and without a
track of mustard smell on it. If this genre of must is cook along with water in the
expressed amount throwing in it melissa and garyophilato, and removing the foam (that
is the bad on its cooking) until consume the water and the fifth part of itself, this
removes the smell of the mustard in case it have acquired, leaving a good and sweet
smell.
Another Operation.
Mill very well the mustard, says another author, and with it kneaded with water
smear the glazed inside, in which without fill it throw that must that flows from the
grapes before squeeze them, leaving it three days uncovered; and after that time cover it
with a board with many and subtle holes, and hanging on it a little bag of milled
mustard without reaching the must, keep covered that glazed with an ash paste during a
week to then days, like this the sweetness of that must will be permanent no matter the
age.
Another way to do the mustarded, the rocketed, and the capered.
Place the sweet must (says Abu-el-Jair and others) in a tarp vessel, and taking
seed of mustard and rocket, or cortex from roots of caper (which you prefer), mill it
very well and pass it by the sieve, and when it begins to boil the must spray it with some
of this materials while is boiling, continuing to do the same always that boils to stop the
boiling, because in this way the sweetness will remain and wont intoxicate. Some place
those things milled hanging in rags of linen, and with the counterweight of a stone tie on
them with a thread are hanged of the vessel where the must is without reach it.
Another way to make sweet the mustarded from must, making it look the mix of
sugared water, according the book of the Poetry and Eloquence of Ibn el Bisl.
Take (says) one pound of good mustard to twenty quartile of sweet must,
and milled and pass trough sieve and knead with good honey in amount enough to mix
with it, take a new mud vessel that was soaked on sweet water by a lapse of two days,
and removed from it leave it a day exposed to the air, and smearing after by inside
enough with that mustard kneaded with honey and let it like that another day, and after
that throw on it with care the very sweet must and cleared until reach the extreme of that
smear; with this disposition will remain sweet without overcoming it any ungrateful
taste and unhealthy, or found on it signals of the taste of mustard, and subtlety will be
conserved by the same reason long time with great sweetness. That is the complete
description of what about this topic is practiced and observed on Sicilia; and I havent
see (says Ibram-Ben-Mohammad-Ibn-el-Bisl) thing similar on this genre.
A way to make honey from the must, according the book of Ibn-Chab
Madianita.
Cook the sweet must form the grapes until remains only the half, after that cool
it in a new basin, and throwing on it a handful of hard wheat flour, paddle it fast,
strongly and continuously until hide in that flour; pass it after to another basin where
throwing the same flour paddle it again very well until get the same result; cook it again
in slow fire without stop paddling it even when it foams to avoid the flour sits in the
bottom, and keep cooking and paddling until consume the half, and after this keep it on
green glazed; and that is the way to make a thing alike to the best sugared water you
can have.
How is made the vinegar of the grapes.
Is done in two ways (says Abu-el-Jair and other authors); one from the must and
other from the bunches by squeeze, this is picking the grapes when have reached their
perfect maturity, which will be more worthy to do after received rain, picking the fattest
and sweeter; because from them is done a good vinegar, strong, and of nice smell and
taste, of long duration, and able to hold a lot of water if was necessary to mix it. From
the median is done median vinegar and loose from the slight. If you want to do it form
the sweet must, squeezed the grapes you will place that in clean glazes that had hold
good oil, which mouths you will cover with holed rags, or let them discovered if you are
sure that any animal will fall on them, or trash or anything, staying like that until it
becomes vinegar. If you want that is done in less time, you will place it under the sun;
also is said, that shaking it continuously, quickly becomes vinegar. Another author,
affirms, that placing the must in jars and throwing on them the amount of salt that fits in
the hole between your hands when you place them together and leaving it at the sun,
becomes vinegar quickly.
About make vinegar the must says Haj, that taking a quarter by measure of good
vinegar and throwing two pounds of salt, must be cooked until consumes the half, and
mix the rest with fifteen quartile of must, by this way is made quickly the vinegar. To
do this from the wine says, that throwing on it cold water without it fills the vessel were
is hold and remaining the mouth of this uncovered to the sun, like that becomes acid,
and the common peoples is wrong by throwing on it hot water.
Casio and others affirm that if hurled in the wine sticks of chard (called in
Persian kndaras and armilthas) washed and on pieces, you will find it as vinegar after
three days. According Haj, the amount of this that must be used is a handful for three
quartiles; and is told, that the same effect is caused the cabbage and its chopped leafs.
Kastos refers, that some throw pineapples after is vinegar with the stick cuts from the
chards.
Maximums are from some, that throwing on the quarter part of water, and
according to others two more of the same, is make vinegar two months after; that when
you want to make it vinegar quickly throw good and strong vinegar of good quality; and
that if haves the must to cook until is consumed the third part or the half, and after is
placed in a jar, remains long time without spoil if becomes vinegar.
Ibn Ridun says, that if in then parts of must are mixed two of honey and a little
of sweet water in a vessel without fill it completely, and to this is smeared the mouth, is
done a very good vinegar.
Acording Haj and other authors, one of the things that help to make vinegar
quickly from the must is to leave the jars with its mouths uncovered and without smear
them, and dont fill them at all , but that they remain empty like a quarter part of them,
and stir it when the winter was advanced and when the spring comes; which is done
filling the vessel of it and emptying in other one or two times, and like that is how is
achieved that effect. Also is told, that incorporated with the must a twentieth part of
honey dissolved on strong vinegar of good taste until have the same fluidity of water,
with this mixture and with sieve it in the way expressed two times becomes vinegar in
short time.
Another way to do vinegar of the same grapes without squeezes them.
Is done in two ways, says Haj and other Authors; one picking the grapes already
matures on October, which after cut and throwing the seed are filled the jars that must
be disposed and cleaned, and squeezing them there with the hand and checking them by
a lapse of fifteen days to finish filling them if they werent already; in which disposition
are left until is made vinegar and this becomes perfectly good; which is known without
need of taste it or the grapes, with uncover the mouth of the jar, getting close to it and
shaking it you couldnt smell it by the strength of the acridity, like if it was stronger
than the milled pepper, if were found in this disposition, is already perfectly good.
Squeezing then those grapes and placing the vinegar that comes from them the first time
in another clean jar that was used to hold good oil, will be left charged those grapes in
the jar by a lapse of fifteen days; after which time throwing as many sweet water from
river as vinegar came firstly, you will let them like that by a lapse of a month, and after
well stepped you will squeeze them, placing the vinegar that from them comes in
another jar without mix it with the first, which will be left until gets clear and subtle.
The first as more time pass through it will be better, and even when is keep then years
will be prejudiced, before it will become even better that it was in the time it was
squeezed.
Other Operation.
Take and place the bunches in a jar in the way we expressed first without step on
them or squeeze them, they even have to be loosen; which transformation in vinegar can
be rushed, you will place them on vessels or small jars placing them in places where the
sun baths them in the day, and like that is how they become vinegar in a lapse of five
months. The grapes that were placed in big vessels, specially been at the shadow, if you
make them vinegar will be slow the process almost a year long. After they have become
perfectly vinegar, you will squeeze them part by part, and place the vinegar that comes
from them in a clean jar; and taking after the marc of those grapes, and place them in
pots of big jar, or part of it if was too much, and throw river water in same amount as
the vinegar that comes firstly. Hurl then a little of those water you will rub well with
them the marc with the feet in that pot, and throwing the rest is squeezed after and
joined the vinegar that comes from it with the first vinegar, and coming after that marc
to the pot will be done the same operation on it, adding the vinegar taken from it to the
others two. The exactly amount of water is that all the first vinegar, second and third
comes to occupy in the jar where were the grapes the same space that those occupy in it
before squeezed. If this was excessive, is the much water that you squeezed from the
marc; and if was less, add water if you want. If the first vinegar is like the half of the
second and third squeezed with the water, also is a good quantity. After all that along is
mixed strongly in the jar with a similar instrument like that used to foam the milk
sometimes every day, so the part of the bottom rise to the superior part, which must be
at the sun. Passed the lapse of eight days boils and raises its heat, sited in which after
gets cleared and depurates; but must be quick to sell it because after fifteen days begins
to lose its acridness, which is keep longer time if was little the amount of water. Those
grapes suffer by much or little proportion of its amount and by the strength of its
acridness, which reason those that were wide and acrid take the most of it.
Other operation
Says Kastos, that if are throw in a jar as many bunches of grapes that occupy the
third part of it, and filling it after with sweet water is smeared the mouth, and is done
from it a vinegar more acrid that any other. Adds, that one of the things that increase the
vinegar two time as it was without lose its taste or sharpness, is that having infused
barley in water, three days with is nights, cleared after, throw a measure over other
similar of vinegar with one handful of toasted salt throwing all in a vessel; which
increases the amount of vinegar without lose its sharpness or acridness. Other author
says that if you want to sweeter the vinegar to acrid, throw sweet must enough for the
amount and quality, and also is good to use raisins.
About the way of make the vinegar good, says Kastos, that if was to acrid, take
like the third quarter parts, and cooking it by tempered fire until the consumption of the
third throw it back in with the rest, and place it by the sun by eight days, because like
this achieves perfect sharpness and very acrid. Maximum are of some, that if done very
acid the vinegar that wasnt by throwing on it juice of immature grapes; that with
throwing toast barley becomes more acid; that is conserved with this quality and
without alterations throwing on it flour of lima beans kneaded with juice from heart of
misy (?) acrid; that contracts a very good smell with the fact of throwing on it grains of
myrtle tasty, cleaned, and dry at the shadow until it is like the raisins; that is throw in
the vinegar stone of windmill heated by fire it becomes more acrid with that heat and is
worthy for the body; that if the vinegar grows worms ill die if you put salt on it; that if
you were afraid in it the same vice and that corrupts, throw juice of leafs and bunches of
mustard and its milled seed, which keeps it and gets a good acrid.
How is made the vinegar of his own dregs and the wine dregs.
Throw bot things along in a tarp jar, and hurling on it enough sweet water stir it
with a stick every day; and like that is how is done a very good vinegar.
How is done the same from the waste of the grapes, this is, skins and stalks that
from them left after squeezed for the syrup.
Place this in a jar without fill it, and passed fifteen days throw on it enough
sweet water, and leave it like that by a lapse of a month or a little more, dissolved [that
acid that was like] tenaciously inherently, will have from it an usual vinegar. Others say,
that placed the expressed in a clean place leaving in it one day and a night or little more
until from it you could perceive vinegar smell but not more than [the referred time] to
avoid it from lost its moisture that had or spoil, and that placed in a tarp jar without
stepping on it, throw on it water from well enough for cover it; because in this way gets
acid two months after or a little more or less, and [the vinegar from that] is eatable. But
is not convenient to the vinegar water from wells but from rivers because this manifest
goodness on it.
How is made the vinegar of sweet flavor.
Mix in a jar of very strong vinegar with other jar of sweet must in a vessel that
had carried oil, and it can be used at the third day. Some use to take two jars of must, by
one of vinegar and three of sweet cooked water, and mix those is cooked until a third
part is consumed. Other say, that in proportion to the sweetness you want in the vinegar,
should be the amount of sweet must you use, and in this way comes sweet from taste;
and the same if in the strong vinegar are throw raisins, because they break the acridity
that haves and remains of smooth flavor, which is prove by experience.
According the Nabathea Agriculture, is made a acrid vinegar from the dispo
(syrup from dates), mixing it with a lot of water, throwing on it the ferment of vinegar,
and beating it very well. Is said, that if in the vinegar is placed wild mint, melissa,
garyophilato, borage, and dry seed of celery, having it all in infusion by a week and
removing it after, is worthy (Allah willing) against the weakness of heart, and the same
against the morbid weakness of the body; that if you want to make it white the vinegar
macerate on it the flower of the flour and will acquire that color; that throwing in the
vinegar seed of leeks, it becomes wine; that the same happens throwing on it myrrh; that
if a menstruating women gets close to the vinegar, olives, carpers, and others
condiments or vegetables placed in vinegar as eggplants, carrots, turnips and similar, all
that is lost; because of that must be keep from this. Also is good make vinegar from the
syrup of the grapes in this same way. There was expressed the way to make it from the
juice of pomegranate, and the figs, and pears on the articles about their plantation.
ARTICLE VII
About the stations of the solar year, of each one of its months with expression of
the name in Latin, Syrian, Persian, and Hebrew, and of the rustic operations that in
them are made; about the inequality of the days and nights that get longer or shorter by
Divine disposition, of the snowfalls, the ices and others things (that Allah willing will be
treated later) according what we know of this.
One of the prodigious things about the particularities of the times is to point
respectively the operation that is correspondent to do in each one of the months, because
if not they wont be completely useful, as is verified if they were done in their own
month.
September.
Among the agriculturist (says Abu-el-Jair) and others the first station of the year
is the autumn, which is of three months, that are September, October, and November.
September is the name of the first month of it in Latin language, which is called in
Syrian ailul, in Persian tirm, and Hebrew iilul (with kesra el lef). It haves thirty days,
and it evens the days with the nights that is the equinox autumnal, and begins the day to
wane and the night to grow. In it is covered the citron, myrtle, jasmine, bananas, the
skirret, the lemon, the orange-tree, the zamboa and similar to avoid the offense from the
snow, ice or other calamity; to which effect is formed a barrack that covers and
surrounds them as long the cold is arround untilmid March or until April, [in which
time] is removed. In the same maturate the peaches, the pomegranates and quinces and
some olives darken, is flavored the medlar, the acorns, and the apricots, are open the
nuts, and is the best time to pick it. In it are pick the pineapples and the jujubes, and are
discover the asparagus. It it are pick the caraway, the cumin, the beans, the coriander
and the rice, and also is ripped the henna.
According Kastos, in it must be pointed the vines that aren't fruitful to graft
them, and also the fruitful branches to make from them the graft. According the
Nabathea Agriculture, some use to graft also in this times the vines that fructifies little.
In it (according Abu-el-Jair) get flavored the myrtle and the broad beans. According my
observation, in Sevilla they sow in September some vegetables in the gardens, and the
two species of turnips the round and longs that are eaten by November. In the last half
of this is sow the seed of early onions. In it are sow the spinach, the garlic of the
country, which are ripped to eat in May. Further are planted in it the cabbage and late
chards. According the book of astronomy of Azib Ben Saaid, cordobes writer, in it are
sow the lettuce and the seed of the onion by the early of it to January.
October.
October in Latin language is called in Syrian tichrn-el-wal, and is the first for
the Syrians year, and in Persian mordadm. Is composed by thirty one days. In its early
days (says Azib) begin to plow the colonists of Narjilia, of Majdso-el-balusth, and from
some mounts of Cordoba; and in the last ten days begin to sow the habitants of
Beniyaniat [place or party from the dependency] of Cordoba. In this month already
takes strength the cold, and the sheep's than there were copious on milk and raise their
lambs. In it is pick the seed of fennel, the anise, from onions until late January; and
further the saffron, the purple violet and the pistachio, and also the green olives for
dressing, and this before the oil flows through them, and become yellow from the green
they were. In it are covered the foots of the citron with pumpkins leaves and ash of it in
the cold countries. Is said, that the wood cut after the third day of October doesn't gets
moths. In the cold countries are pick in it the jujube, and in the Caldea ere pick the first
olives, and successively the others, and is squeezed their oil. Sagrit reproves to pick
them on August and eat the oil squeezed from them on October. According others, in
this month are cleaned the palms, and cut the Persians reeds, and are removed the shoots
from the ground. In Sevilla is sow now in the gardens some vegetables, and the seed of
onions that transplanted for two months are after ripped to eat them fresh on March.
Also are sow the big garlics of the country that are ripped to eat them in that month, in
April, and May. Further is sow the round turnips and the long late turnips that are eat on
January, and the oraches; and also is planted the early lettuce of round leaf, commons in
Constantinople, which are eaten on March and April. In the early month until May are
sow the spinach and the vegetables, which seed is throw half plate in one hundred
seedlings.
November.
November in the Latin language, is called in Syrian tichrn-el-tsni, and in
Persian chahrirm. Is the last month of the autumn, and featured by thirty days. In it is
sow the wheat, they barley, the broad beans and the linen; and all seed sow then raises
and is fruitful giving a lot and copious grain. Begin to sow in by the medium days of
this month, if Allah wanted to make rain in it; and at the thirteen days from it when the
whitecaps decline to the sunset, what was planted makes roots. Is told, that never use to
happened in November the rain of the whitecaps, neither on February the head of lion,
nor in April the one of Arcturus [ or tail shot of the Ursa Major] less in the year that
Allah wants to point liberally the abundance of provisions and copious of harvests. In
this [month] sprouts its buds the palm, are pick the acorns, the chestnuts, the grains of
the cool mat, and the sugar cane. Azib says, that as in this moth is usual that the frosts
fall, must guard the trees and the vegetables with manure so the ices don't scorch them;
and also the banana, the citron and the jasmine must be keep from those and the snows;
and that in it is picked the saffron.
In it (says Kastos) are fomented the fruity trees with manures mixed with ash,
and are plow and manured the vines with goat excrement that is the best. The vines that
are saw by this time get thick and give a lot of haulm's, and after they fructifies a lot.
Throwing then manure of goats at the feet of trees with a lack of fruit, makes them
charge with a lot of good fruit. In it are made (according the Nabathea Agriculture) the
early plantation of the vines in warm places, and fourteen days after the big party is
done a good manure to all the fruit trees that suffer the manure with sheep's and oxen,
and with slight dust and rotten manure. Ten days before this party (says Sagrit) until the
late December sleep the trees a heave sleep, during it they are not wiped or its fruits
picked, if Is from those that still have some; but executing it with extreme care; only the
olive gets stronger and robust without harm it, if on that time were collected its fruit. In
this month the cold narrows in some regions with the snowfalls, which flee the birds as
the starlings, the swallows, the pelicans and others. Is month for do the planting, and
specially by seed. In it (says Abu-el-Jair) sitting the juice in the roots of the tree fall all
the leaves. According to my observation, is sown in Sevilla by this month in the gardens
the seed of the round and late turnips that are eat on January, the spinach that are eat on
December, and planted the lettuces of the country, that are of pointy leaf and are eat on
January.
December.
After the autumn comes the winter than is featured by three months, from which
the first is called in Latin language December, in Syrian kann-el-wal, and in Persian
mihrm, and is featured by thirty one days. In it finish the shorten of the day and begins
to grow and to wane the night. In it [happens] samyemo-el-bardi, called night of
darkness, which are forty, twenty since the eleven until the last of the same and twenty
since first of January. In it is flavored the grape, appears the narcissus and the wild
chamomile, and sprouts the early almond. According the Nabathea Agriculture in it are
manured the vines and the trees with manure of sheep's and cows, crumbled and mixed
with dust and with the own soil excavated by the feet of the trees that [for this effect] is
discovered. Come very good the broad beans sow in this month because this is
wonderfully good to their nature, and sowing them by the first days they arrive at those
sowed before. In this month (according Kastos and others) are manured the fruity trees
with manures mixed with ashes. In Sevilla I have seen, is sow in this month on gardens
in ridges of fresh manure the seed of the early pumpkins, the eggplant, the late garlics of
the country, and the spinach. According the book of astronomy of Azib, should sow in
this month also the seed of the leek, which cultivated a year are ripped after to be eat.
The garlics are transplanted in August. Finally, also in this month are planted the white
poppy.
January.
Is the month januarius in Latin, called knun-el-tsni in Syrian, and in Persian
abadm. It haves thirty one days, and in it begins the age of Safr [or Hispanic]. After
finished the day twenty are over the nights of darkness, expressed the month before. In it
are calmed the winds and don't blow. In it flows the slime on the trees, and procreate
the bees. In it is sow the wheat and the broad beans; but the seeds sowed then don't
raise, neither those sow in February. In it sprouts the chestnut, and appears the
narcissus. In it is made the sugar. In it are picked the grapefruit, oranges, and lemons. In
it froze the water and gets close the cold, are plow the vines, and the orchards are wiped
from brush and dry weeds. In it are raised the bunches of trees, and begins to greening
the soil with weed. In it the birds celebrate their marriage and sing the frogs. They say,
that the wood cut the day twenty seven doesn't get moths. In it begin those who work
the trees to work the ground. In it is worked the soil for the seed of cotton. Also are dig
the feet of the trees, and is spread over them immediately manure where the soil is. In it
begin to wipe the vines of black grape after pass the three first hours of the morning
until the afternoon. In it is graft the hazel, the peach, the almond, the carob tree and
similar in hot regions. According the Nabathea Agriculture, in it are graft the very bitter
apple. In it are check the sow territories, and cut in them the undergrowth and weed, and
the same in February, which operation is done in the diminishing waning moon, this is,
since the then and six of the lunar month until the new moon shows. According my
observation, is sow in this month on Sevilla the vegetables in the gardens in the ridges
of fresh manure the seed of pumpkins and the eggplants, which are transplanted when
are ready; is the time where the farmer must visit frequently the orchards to check the
vegetables. In this same month is sow the seed of the lettuce that are eat on April and
March; and the seed of the sea cabbage, that cultivated a year, is eaten after, the seed of
spinach that are eat on April, the early orchard vegetables, the castillan garlics that are
eaten by the nsarat, the seed of the onions that are transplanted by February and
ripped on may, the one from white poppies, and the leeks that are ripped after a year of
cultivation. This is the best time to sow the linen of irrigation field, which seed is throw
in the space of two plates in the extention of one hundred tablars.
February.
Februarius in Latin language is called in Syrian chabt, and in Persian adurm.
It haves twenty eight days and a quarter of a day. On it is begin the plow the ground for
the seed of linen in dry land. In it the cold breaks and the heat comes from the ground,
which now begins to be fill with water, and this grows in the wells, the sources and the
rivers, and flows the slime by the trunk of the trees. The trees that in this month are
planted, or the seeds that are sow, or the vines that are placed come with a lot, and
heave fruit. According Abu-el-Jair, in it the weed grows, and the trees and vines give
the leafs. In it is planted the rosebush, the lily and some aromatic plants. I says, that in
Sevilla are planted in this month the lettuces and others vegetables mentioned before in
the month of January. In the last fourteen days is sow the seed of the round turnips of
the spring that are eaten by April and May.
March.
The next season is the spring that haves three months, which first is the month of
martius in Latin, that is the beginning of the year of the same nation. In Syrian is called
adr, and deim in Persian. It haves thirty one days; and it evens the day and the night,
that is the vernal equinox, and begins the day to grow and the night to decrease. In it
begins also the wok of the ground for the linen that must be sow in dry land. In it is
worked the land that is under the trees to clean their feet, and also are cultivated and
wiped the vines. In it also flourish the trees. It is fecund the palm with the male. In it are
curdled the broad beans in the orchards, and stands out the early seeds. In it, according
to Azib, are sow the vegetables, and sometimes the wheat and the barley by the previous
delay of the rains. In it appear the the first roses and lilies. In it begin to give birth the
first mares in the meadow. In it appear the buds of the olive, the holm oak, the willow,
the mastic and the walnut. In it is pick up the wild carrot. According the Nabathea
Agriculture, in this month are grafted the vines before sprout the buds in their branches;
in the land of Caldea some villagers plow around the feet of the vines and the trees, for
that work (they say) are take big robustness and reaffirm; and to the vines and olives sits
well such work done in this month cleaning well the roots. According my observation,
in this month is sow in Sevilla in the gardens the early fennel that are eaten on May, and
is sow the seed of the cabbage, which is transplanted in the same way that the early
chard sow in April. Also in it is sow the orach that are eaten month and a half after, and
further the late spinach. In it are transplanted the buds of pumpkins that are ripped in the
beginning of October, and also is sow the seed of the early cucumbers that are ripped by
the same time. And in it are sow finally the chick pea in the gardens. According the
book of Astronomy of Azib, in it are sow the vegetables, and the wheat and barley if the
rains are late. Sow the mkti, and the cotton, the safflower. The myrtle, and the sweet
marjoram.
April.
The month of aprilis in the Latin language is called in the Syrian nisn, and in
Persian bahmenm. It have thirty days; and is the time of the roses, to [distill] their
water, and make the syrups, confections and oil. In it (says Azib) are released the horses
and the mare in the meadows after they have give birth at the eleven months of
pregnancy, they must be with the mares sixty days since the medium of the month until
the day of Ansarat [twenty four of June]. The day six begins to hide the samk [or lion
feet], that is the third of the constellations, which influence in the fertility of the harvest
is well known. In the last five days it begins to rain, and the latest is passed the five or
May. They say, that in Spain is finished the sow by seed this month, and in the same
begins to turn over the ground in the dry lands for the linen. In the last ten days of it and
the then first of may the olive gets buds, and usually in this twenty days. In the same get
buds the fig-tree, and are eaten the broad beans and the artichoke. In it appear the new
bee hives, and increases the water in the sources. In it (according other author) mature
the almonds, curdle the fruit, and is harvested the early barley, is eaten the thresh wheat
of its ear, and dries the weeds. I add that in Sevilla is sow now in the Gardens of the
vegetables the seed of the early fennel that are eaten month and a half after, and further
the orach. Also are planted the eggplant that will be ripped in October. According the
book of Astronomy of Azib, in it are sow the bunches of the jasmine and the stakes of
the grapefruit, is sow the privet, the rice, the hortensial beans, the mandrake [ or small
melons], and the cucumbers. Finally in it fecund the palm with the male, and its
branches are cut.
May.
Is the month majus in Latin, is called ayr in Syrian, and in Persian
asfendarmedm. It have thirty one days, and is the last of the season of spring.
According Azib in [its book titled] Simulacro, the coastal begin in this month to mow
like in Mlaga and Media-Sidonia, and at late of the same begin to mow the barley in
the countryside of Cordoba generally. In it are ripped the broad beans and the linen, and
appears the flower of the lily and the early fruits. In it the olive and vines give buds, and
are show the early apples, and the plum, and the early figs. In it decrease the waters, and
are irrigated all the trees, but the fig-tree. In the same (says the author of Nabathea
Agriculture) is give the third plow to the cultivable vineyards after the two done in the
two months before March and April. In it is Very good to cultivate the olives, walnuts,
the pistachio and the sweet almonds, and manure them according their needs, in this
way. Dig around the feet and throw there a layer of different soil, after another layer of
manure, then another of the same soil and other layer of manure and finally other of the
same soil until fill the feet of the tree. In the first day of this month are released the bulls
to their females in the weather of Babilonia, and are left with them forty days, which
come to give birth at the eleven month after. In this month according my observation,
are sow in Sevilla in the gardens of the vegetables the late fennels that are eaten a month
after. According Azib, also are sow in it the onions of the saffron.
June.
The next is the summer station that haves three months been the first in Latin
language junius, called in Syrian hazirn, and in Persian fervadinm, and is composed
of thirty days. In it finish to extend the day and shorten the night, and begins that to
decrease and this to grow. N it happens the mihrajn called the Ansarat. In it are
flavored the early grapes, the figs and some species of apple and plum. In it curdle the
nuts, pineapples and pistachios, and appear the melons. At the middle of it is mow the
wheat, is sheared the wool of the sheep's, and join them with the rams, and the males,
also are joined the goats. Is opinion of the practitioners, that what is sow and mow the
day of Ansarat [or twenty four] is not destroyed by grabs. Some author says, that now
is done a new light dig by the feet of the vines and are cleaned from weed; which grapes
with this (adds) get thick quickly and maturate, and their branches the robust. This light
dig is the called mochtk. In it according my observation, is are sow the vegetables in
Sevilla in the gardens of the early cabbage seed, that will be transplanted by august, and
eaten when is ready for it. And finally in it is done all what we expressed on May.
July.
Is the month julius in Latin language, is called tamz in Syrian, and
ardabehchtm in Persian, and haves thirty one days. In it are flavored the pears and
grapes, and matured the melons. By the beginning of it disappear the fleas ; and the day
eleven begin the summer semtsemo , that haves forty days. In this month is pick the
seed of the marshmallow, the safflower, the melissa, the lettuces, the cress, the purslane,
the melons, the cucumbers and similars. It it the pomegranate maturate, get red the grow
dates yet to mature, and are cut the coptic cane. In it is done a light dig by the feet of the
olives, that is worthy for their fruit the dust that is raised with this work; which is
executed before the sun rises, by the same time or one hour after by the freshness of the
dust then. In it crumble the clods that are in the vines with wood mallet to raise that dust
for the grapes, and receive special and wonderfully advantage, and maturate quickly.
According the Nabathea Agriculture, in it are covered the cracks of the ground to avoid
the heat get on them and reach the roots of trees. Is said, that shouldnt be planted a tree
in this month or sow any seed by the excessive heat that happens on it; but I say that in
Sevilla are sow now in the gardens are transplanted the cabbage and the winter chards.
August.
Is the month augustus in Latin is called in Syrian ab, and in Persian jordadm,
and haves thirty one days. In it happens the rest of the summer semtsemo, that are
twenty days since the first day. In it begin the dews, the heat breaks, and refresh the
dawn. In it begin the coastal to prepare the wine press, and are also pick the almonds. Is
said, that the wood cut after the day three doesn't get moths. In it are eat the smooth
apricots, and begin to get flavor the hairy [or peachs], and the dates and myrtles begin to
maturate. In it are flavored the watermelons. And is mow the rice and curdle the acorn.
In it is pick the carob, the seed of safflower, the cress, the seed of the indigo, the
coriander, the sesame, and the seeds of melons and cucumbers. In it are check the
seedlings of the vines, and those noble and thick of branches receive more cultivation,
and those who weren't are manured and irrigated until they reach the size of the first. If
the maturation of the grapes were delayed on it, is convenient give them dust crumbling
the clods with mallets to make them maturate raising that dust, which effect is
maturative for all the three that it falls on. Now also is done a light dig by the feet of the
olives, because the dust on them anticipates the maturation of the fruit, which is very
good for its oil. Further is made good the fruit exposed to the dust of the roads.
According my observation, is sow in Sevilla in the gardens after the middle of the
month the seed of carrots, and since the beginning the turnips round and long, and also
are sow the late cucumbers.
ARTICLE IX.
About the Utility and growing that results for the plants of the rains that the
Omnipotent and Glorious made fall over them in the two seasons of winter and spring.
Of the risens, snows, serenity, sun, winds etc.
About the rains is said in the Nabathea Agriculture, that the slight (the soft, but
stronger than the dew) is worthy for all small seed; which will give life, make vegetate,
and makes grow the soft waters that fall from the clouds without (Allah Willing) harms
the, which plants when are robust, is convenient the median rains.
About the risens, says Demetrio quoted in the Nabathea Agriculture; know, my
friends and brothers, that the ground and soft mud brought by the currents from a place
to other, and that comes to stop in the feet of the vines, leaves in them a big strength
which thicks them even their branches; which become fresh, very leafy and more
fruitful, and it is heave and very juicy. By this rule the ancients I with their genius
invented the use of manures which cover the feet of the vines, and the movement of soil
from a place to other; and in this way get robust in general all the plants, be big or
small, and not only the vines; and this because all plant, when haves at the feet little
ground, gets sick and weak, and is lazy for give their fruit, which sprouts decreased.
Like that, they order that must be mixed the manures with estrange soil, this is, that was
brought from other terrain from where those plants; and if in the same is pick at hand
fulls and mixed with the manures were placed in the feet of the vines and all the other
plants, that utility is general and not primitive. About the risens, I it had stop in the feet
of the trees and in the fields, flow and remove those before they heat, doesn't harms
them; but if they heat the feet, they will be harmful.
About the snows, are very worthy for the wheat when is growing. About the
worth of the sun and the serenity, is said in the Nabathea Agriculture, that if its templed
sun beams with sterile clouds bath some terrain that you had, will get robust and vivify
the sowns and plants; but if those sun beams where more than template they will burn a
lot the ground, and this will be altered its taste spawning in it bad odors, been this with
excess cant be raised in it plants or live animals.
About the winds is told in the Nabathea Agriculture, that the east wind is the
sab that blows from the cardinal point of the birth of sun; the one that blows to your
right looking to the east is it the janb [or south wind]; that the one that blows from the
cardinal point of the sunset is the dabr [or west wind]; and the one opposite to the
penultimate is the chaml [or north wind]. According the quoted book, are the winds
worthy usually to all the plants. The hot and wet wind that is the south wind, is worthy
specially to the palms; after it follows in usefulness the east wind, after the west wind
and finally the north wind. The plants that doesn't grow over the trunk as the carper,
pumpkins, melons, cucumbers and similar take growing and vegetate with the south
wind (but the east wind is more worthy), and with the north wind and west wind they
wither. All vegetable and specie of eatable grain similar to themselves in substance (but
not on size, constitution or body) take robustness and firmness with the north and south
west winds, and get weak with the east wind and with the south wind specially. The
plants that born and raise under the ground as the turnips, the leek, the carrots, the
horse-heal, the white truffles , the colocasia [or elephant ear], and similar are grow
healthy, robust, and grow with the winds east and south, and weak with the north and
west wind. About the grapefruit, if when start to give buds (or little after) blow the
south wind, its fruit will be thick, of advantage quality, and very smooth smell; and also
in bigger abundance are raise the pears and the apricots with the continuous and soft
winds, whatever they were. The plums, the myrtle, the blackberry, and the pomegranate
will be strongly rooted and grow with a bigger size when the west wind runs, and this
last become very juicy and thin of skin. The wind that blows the the whole east part
gives life and makes grow the quince with increased size of its fruit, which gets fat and
beautiful. This same wind is worthy for all tree that is aromatic, and even I those that
don't have that quality; don't makes fecund the musa, the palm, the mulberry-tree, the
fig tree or the vines if is not with this wind. The next is the north wind which make
robust the trees, and its fruits healthy and free for illness (Allah willing). If in March
and April were blow cold winds, and don't blow in march specially the south wind since
the fist day until passed the day ten of April, known that the fruit trees get rid that year
of many illness, and that in its fruit grow little worms, if the winter is too cold, that
froze the water and had too much snow this also make healthy the fruits Allah willing.
Adan already, says [the author of the Nabathea], taught us the things used to
remove the damage from the trees and other plants by placing them at their feet, from
the damage that gives to them the west and other cold and harmful winds, or the hard
violence of the strong cold; is good to know, that giving them strong manures, such as
the human; which is used to manure the vineyards after mixed with other parts of
pigeon manure, sheep and goats manure, bat manure and amurca, rotten it all by many
days until becomes black and dry.
Adds Adan, that is not necessary to cove the vines if you found them with this
perfectly; which consists in spray the feed of them and its more thick branches with
sweet water mixed with oil dregs; [which effect] placed the water in glass vessels, and
throwing it in proportional amount the oil and mixing it with it until join it, take after
some men [this mix] in their mouths and spray them over the vines that could; which
operation, executed by people young and new, young and male of thirty to fifty one
years, and not by those older than sixty, keeps the vines from harm of the west bad wind
and the excess of cold that is prejudicial to them.
ARTICLE X.
About the signals where are show the rains that Allah will send in the season of
winter, and the serenity and the winds; which [even if] happens by virtue or Divine
disposition, which indicates the common observation in things obvious to the eyes (and
in which tradition and exam agree all the mens) by the [different] states of the moon
and sun, by the clouds, the lightning, the thunder, the winds, the moisture, the mists, the
rainbow and similar things, according what was experimented in the lapse of many
years and long time.
This utilities are big (says the author of the Nabathea) for the seedlings and
works. One of them is, when the year had to many rains, will be also increased the
amount of seed throw in each grove of the ground, and little if were rare; so the one that
understand this be careful for the operation that they want to do over which indicates the
previous knowledge that haves about the rains, the serenity, the heat, the time of the
calm air, etc. over the signals of serenity and calm of the air that are shown by the
condition of the moon, is told in the Nabathea Agriculture, that if passed the two first
nights of the new moon you see that third night calm and shinning, this will show that
will be calmness in the atmosphere, and that the air will be soft and tempered; that if
watching the same in the four night, this indicates that will be serenity since them to the
middle of the month; and if in the night of full moon you see it clear and shiny without
discover any darkness or other color, shows serenity until the end of the month; and that
if around it appear a brown halo of the color of dust between white and black joined
circularly [both colors], this also is a sing of serenity.
Kastos quoted in other books say, that if passed the third or four night you see
the moon calm and clear, the air will be it too in that month; that if was seen the clear at
the time of its conjunction with the sun, will be also the air (Allah willing); and that if
you see it with shades of red, this is sing that will be strong winds, been Allah Wills.
About the signals of calmness by the positions of the sun, is told in the Nabathea
Agriculture, that if when this planet rises from it east is discovered shiny, this is, clean
without vapors in between it and our sight and any blackness, this will indicate serenity;
and the same I at the moment of sunset it hides clear without clouds or fades, and also if
when it raises and hides were less their beams, and its disc were surrounded by thick
clouds, as if gradually were getting stronger.
Kastos affirms, that if the sunshine looks perfectly clear, is a sing of serene air
and late rains; that if before of the sunshine are seen cut clouds, this is also a sing of the
late rains; and that if you didn't see clouds in the sky before the sunset, and after that
and before it hides you see the clouds get red, this is a sing that the rains will be late that
night and the next day, Allah willing. Is said , that if when it raises and hides the sun
had its beans covered of red with some profundity around it, this indicates the lack of
rains and sterility. But Allah knows what it does.
In order to the signals for the position of the moon of the rains that will send
good in the time of the winter, is told in the Nabathea Agriculture, that if watching the
new moon by the third or four night you see two horns like darkened and inversed
without they really can bee see, this indicates that will rain at the first, or second or third
day, Allah willing. Further if the halo of the new moon show a red fire color, this is
signal of rain with wind of west very cold. If been the moon in opposition appears
around it some blackness, this indicates copious rain; and as more intense it was more
copious will be the rain, and more strong the cold. If the moon was born the night of the
full moon with some steams over its head in between the light and the sight, this is a
sing of rain three days after or before. If around it is discovered one , two, or three
halos, this shows rains with cold very strong then or after the same. If passed the days of
the new moon appear around the moon many red or black spots, is sing of rain, but
light. If the night of the full moon appear at the three hour a little more or less in the sky
black clouds that extending themselves to the moon reach to cover it, this is a sing of
strong wind and lightning.
According Kastos, the sing that the Almighty will send the rain in time of winder
is if passed the third or four night of the new moon is discovered this corpulent and
clear in the day of smoke. If this was close to a red pure and lively similar to the fire,
this is signal of rigorous cold; if was some blackness, that is signal of rain; and if it
haves two or three yellow, red, or brown halo this shows vehemence of cold; which
been all dark, show the strength of the winter, which cold cant be more rigorous.
Says Casio, that if the third or fourth night of the new moon was seen some mist
at length and curvature of the moon, this is obvious signal of suspension of the present
rains. See the moon (says another author) in the sterile years, and when it makes
mansion in the front of leon, will rain or blow the wind very strong by Divine
disposition; and the same when it joins to the jaratnas [or his eleventh mansion], and
the sarfa [or its twelfth mansion]. When it reach the sadolajbia [or twenty fifth
mansion], will rain and get were the air, Allah willing we hope. See also the moon when
it reach to cut the signs of fire that are Aries, Leo, Sagittarius; and the windy that are
Libra, Aquarius and Gemini, will be copious the rain, Allah willing. If cuts the sings of
water, that are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces; and the terrestrial that are Taurus, Virgo,
and Capricorn, the rain will be little and will be sterility. But Allah knows what he does.
The sing of rains in what is watch by the positions of the sun are (according the
Nabathea Agriculture) that if born this planet very red is risen after dark beside that
color, this shows strong rains with tempered, and sometimes rain that last many days. If
been the sun close to the sunset appear to the left side of the place of sunset very brown
clouds, this is sing of the close rain, Allah willing. If along with the sun are born and
discovered some blackness and brown clouds, dark and thick, also this is a signal of rain
that will fall from Allah wills.
In other books is said by Kastos, that if you see the sun with appearance of red,
this show that Allah will make rain; and the same by beneficence and Divine highness,
if when it born you see along with it opaque clouds. Maximum is from Casio, that if to
the left of the noon you see loosen and hanged the clouds but dark, this indicates that
later will rain by Divine disposition. According the book of the four Laythalimus about
the signals of rain, serenity, and variety of airs by the disposition of the sun, moon and
other planets, if it when it born or when it sets was clear and not covered by clouds, this
will show serenity. If the solar body don't appears with a single color, and you see that it
or the beams that it gives were a little red, or that at one of it sides were like black
clouds or you see it with a halo or afterglow by its side, or that its beams are like
yellow or black, this is sing or winter and rainy time.
About the moon, if checking it and watching its place three days before of the
new moon and when it [shows] the half of its disc and also in the full moon you see it
mild and clear without any other thing surrounding it, this shows serenity. If it is
smoothly red that light that reflects in its body is cushioned and like in perturbed
movement, this indicates winds from that side where it moves. If is like dark, dusty,
yellow or thick, this is signal of winter and rain. About the halos that were around of the
moon, if was only one and clear, and that with the light of the moon it disappear, shows
serenity. If were two or three, point winter; and if were thick as the clouds, they show
clouds and rain. If they are like a dusty color or raised obscure, and were two or more
they indicate rigorous winter and dilated.
About the arc of the sky know by arco-iris, if it appears after the serenity,
indicates winter time; is if before this, shows serenity. About the shine of the beams that
the stars spread, are signals of wind and rain; which if come from only one angle, [show
that] from there will blow the wind; and if is from several and different places, that will
be several and diverse winds; and if from the four angles, this indicates rains to different
parts.
Also are manifested signals of rain and serenity in the clouds, in the lightning,
and the afterglows. Ibn Ketiba says quoting the opinion of the Arabs, that if were the
clouds black, is that a sing of rain, which if they appear stained as the skin of the
cheetah, offer the same. This stains are not other thing that a prospect of small clouds
close to each others, and like that is usual to say: we have seen cheetah mounted of rain.
The clouds majlas [or rain offerer] are those tho make the spectator imagine that there
is rain on them. The red clouds almost white show to not be fill [or they lack of water],
and like that comes to be a sing of dryness and heat.
If when at the sunsets (says Kastos) you see cut clouds as red, this is sing of rain;
if were rains with thunders and lightning, also is sing of rain but more copious; and the
same by Divine will, if to the left of the sun when it sets you see dark clouds. F before
the sunshine or at the moment of the sunset you see cut clouds, this will mean that the
rains will delay. And if before the sunset you don't see any cloud on the sky, and after
the sunset and before to hide you see them like red, this shows that the rain will be late
that night. But Allah knows what he does. About the thunder say Ibn Ketba, that the
Arabs when see the lightning shine to the noon part and close to it, they get happy by
the security that they get from that that will rain; which when shine to the part of the
north wind, this clearly points jlabo; and the same say of the winds. The jlabo is the
[lightning of cloud] that doesn't mean rain. When they see the lightning walf, they are
sure that it will rain. The walf is the one that shines twice; which shines been continues,
offer the hope of ran. And if the lightning shines from one and other part by the
extremes of the cloud, this points copious rain. All them appreciate the lightning that
shine to the right [or noon], and not the one that sine to the left [or north wind], which
by the common are lightning of infertile cloud.
According the author of the Nabathea, if are discovered lightning from the noon
and north at the same time been the sky calm, this shows rain that will be along with
clouds that will raise to the noon part, an cold winds that will blow from the north.
Casio says, that if you notice the lightning come some times from the cardinal
point of west, others to the east, and others to the whole part of the sunsent, will be
without the most little dude rains to the part west; and that were are shown been along
cloudy, there will be a hurricane and impetuous wind. But Allah knows what he does.
About the afterglows, says Ibn Ketba, that when you see them in the horizon when the
sun rises or sets along with thick clouds, be sure of the fertility of the year, and at
contrary of this. Effectively are sings of sterility the afterglows by the winter that appear
in the horizon at the morning and afternoon without clouds.
ARTICLE XI.
About the shape of the almojrred [rake or harrow].
This (says Casio) is an instrument used to even the ground plowed to the late
vegetables and similar, and is used to extract the grass and other weeds that rip the plow
and hoe. This too that is pulled from the yoke as the plow, is made in this way. Take
four sticks of dry wood of holm oak, two of them with eight spans long and the other
two with five spans long; which will form a kind of oblong, take other two sticks of five
spans long each, equal to the two shorter sticks, and nail them in the two longest with a
separation in between the shortest, trying to each two have a distance of two and a half
spans in between looking like a stair of four steps. In this four short sticks place some
teeth of dry wood of holm oak with the length of almost two thirds of span each, with a
distance in between of tree fingers; and them as the sicks nail them very firmly fixing
them well and deep in as a kind of spear (which is tied with some thing by different
parts, like is done with the helm of the plow); and taking two sticks of five spans each,
nail in it the extremes in the same way so with the it remains perfectly firm the tool by
the place of the union. In the two superior angles of the square must be fixed two rings,
and n the extreme is applied a helm, that after is tied in the same way that the one for
plow, and is pull to the right, to the left, and to the four parts until be the ground evened,
crumbled the clods, and clean from weed that was ripped in the plowed. This is the
figure of the amojrred [or harrow].
If was clodded the place (which clods were need to crumble) and even it, will
give it a roller of holm oak.
Finished this add of agriculture, say its author (who Allah have forgive).
The the praise be give to the supreme Lord of the creatures... remains enough played
the object that we proposed about the cultivate of the grounds which with this book is
done easily to the smart that meditates and with attention can use it, joining the
maximums expressed [in all of it]. We add to the expressed before over this topic the
way of treat the animals with respect to the agriculture, and this is the time to begin it
(Allah willing and helps the operation with Divine direction).
CHAPTER XXXI.
About the animals about the agriculture, is good to know,
of the bovine cattle, the rams and sheep's, the males and females of goats;
about the choice of the best of this [cattle]; with the time of the joining
of male and female, and the time that those are pregnant;
of the grass and water that is convenient; about the medicaments
for some of their accidents and illness; of its regimen, and also convenient
to their heal and replenishment.
ARTICLE I.
About the bovine cattle.
Says Casio in his book, that the bulls and steers that are chosen for the work and
caste must be of high stature, corpulent, and well planted, of creepy faces and deformed,
of red eyes, and such constitution that the white surround perfectly the pupil, with round
mouth, gallant, broken and black; of boules and thick thighs; beautiful breasts; cleaved
ribs; not with wide teeth; of red color and black legs; because those are the best those
who have the most of this qualities, even if not all are perfect on them.
Kastos opines, that you should discard the bull (the one what was) if it is
brave, potbellied, with black haunches and red testicles; and also is said, that for the
caste that is pick of the cow that was of long spine pronounced to the size of its body,
with a wide fore head, big black round eyes to the superior side of the nose, with thick
neck, high in the posterior part until the belly, wide breast, arms and leg of equal size,
good haunches, with a tail with long bristles by its extreme, and that don't brush their
feet when walk.
Says Aristteles, that about the ox they come together along, to reunite
and rest together [in a barn], that if one get lost the others follow hit; and that like that
the cattle dog, if looking for one lost couldnt find it latter, they also scape with the
others; that this cattle must have its director that goes forward, like the wool cattle, and
that a cowboy is enough to calm many oxes. The same author says, that the most that
gives birth a cow is one, some times two by excess; that any of them can be covered and
give birth her whole life; that the longest they live are fifteen years, and the same with
the bulls if are castrated; and that some last twenty, and even more, if are fat of obese
body; that the ox reach their youth or biggest strength at the five years, and that this
cattle shows the teeth at the two years, and even if not all at the same time like the
females; that this shouldnt be covered until the first year, and that are regularly are
covered and conceive n spring time, and some in the autumn; that since the moment
they give birth they give good milk, and that this is not found in their udders before this
time; that when the first milk curdles, is gets very hard like a stone, which happens if
was mixed with water; that according some, if the bull gets to close to the cow at the
moment of cover it and she conceives, this is a sing of a lot of winter; finally, that
sometimes the cow gives birth after one year, but this is an excess. Affirms, that some
vows are mounted of the bull at the eight months old; but to be sure that the pregnancy
and what she gives finish well, you must be careful that she is not covered until reach
the two years. Casiano affirms, that only the cow that haves pass this time be mounted
to come to give birth at the third year; but happens, that the four years haves better
fecundity. According Kastos, is not convenient that the bull cover the cow without he
have reach three years old, and that if she conceives and give birth to the four years old.
If is not covered until that time, was this more conform to their nature, that makes the
calf be more corpulent, and that she haves more amount of milk. The most that a cows
gives birth are fifteen times, and in between get pregnant and give birth pass eleven
months; but Aristteles says, that the cow is pregnant nine months and gives birth at the
ten. Some opines , that is pregnant ten months complete, and that if gives birth before
that time, is an abortion that doesn't lives.
According Kastos, the time of release the bulls to the cows and get this
pregnant is convenient since the beginning of asfendarmdma [or May] until reached
forty days, this is, until passed the firs ten days of fervardinm [or June]. Is said, that the
cows that were going to be covered is convenient to not be satiated of grass and water
by a month or two before the bulls cover them so their fatness be less, about that the
skinny conceive quicker that the fat ones. But that the bull should be prepared to cover
the cows is convenient to feet it a lot before with barley, straw and hay; that Casiano
opines, that if the grass was little calm the bull with barley soaked in water along with
straw. A bull is enough for twenty cows; and been away from them, and coming this
two months will be released to be with them as long their horniness finish, which is the
time called before.
Aristteles says, that from one jump, and this be very impetuous, is like
the bull makes conceive the cow, and that twelve days remains with the burn of their
horniness; that the old bulls don't cover them in one day many times; but letting them
release that day they repeat the same after; that the steers cover some times to the
females and even many of them with determined air and agile; and that the male haves
this attitude after it gets one year old. Adds, that the bovine cattle grows and raise
quickly, if in many years is not allowed this use, which some use to keep it nine years.
Is said, that when the bulls reach to the point that their testicles hang
loosen and if they were castrated, they don't conceive the females in anyway; that the
steers are castrated when they reach the year, and if this operation is done before they
get a bad shape with small stage; that must be separated in the herd of cows one sex
from the other that was skinny, so it will avoid reciprocally not been close of each
others; that the oxes know the voices of their pastors and those who call them by their
names, which they obey; and that become docile and avoid them to moo; that the sing
that indicates if the bovine haves give birth a male or a female, is the way of
dismounting the cow finished the operation, because if it retires from her by the right
side it indicates the first, and if it does by the left is the second.
Galeno says, that the bulls with their lack of docility are disobedient to
what is ask from them and in the works of plow, sow and other works. Is maximum
from Aristteles, that if some place the steer a crushed garlic over the horns. Will follow
with little work. Others say, that if the disobedient bull were smeared his penis with oil,
this will make him work; that further will become docile and will grab, if of the two
arms along were tied strongly a twisted rope of wool; that if the bull doesn't obey, tie
the testicles with a rope, and like that will obey; and if you ligate his knees with a wool
rope he will follow you to were you want and that equally will become docile, if was
smeared the nose with rose oil. Further is said , that is smeared the bull with rose water,
its head inflates; and that if the cow is also smeared with it, dies; and if is done in the
necks of the ox they run and scape.
Kastos says, that your secret to domesticate the ox will be, that
introducing by his nose milled dry roses making him inspire them with a small tube of
reed, and after that smear the same and the snout with roses oil, with that it becomes
more treatable. Maximums from several authors, that if the bull is smeared in the nose
with almond oil, he obeys and follow the one who smeared it; that if is tied to a fig-tree,
it becomes treatable; that if boiled sheep fat with salt, and keep, with them after melted
in a pan is smeared in he team of bulls of hard condition, they guard in between good
harmony, Allah willing; and that the hot wax smooths the horns of the bull so much that
can be extended with the palm of the hand in the way you want. Is said, that in the
Armenia There are oxes with long hair.
About their illness says Aristteles, that the bovine cattle released and
alone in the meadows use to get two illness; one is the nikrs [or gout], and the other is
similar to the sadm [or kind of fever]; that when that happens the first the feet inflates,
but it doesn't die from this illness unless it reach its hoofs, because then it cant be cure
but smearing their hoofs with wax or oil; that is the remedy against the gout. If it haves
the other illness similar to the sadm (which is alike to the fever that suffers the mens),
then the breath of the ox comes to be heat and continuous, their ears get loosen, doesn't
want to eat and dies quickly; and if is open the belly you will find the lungs rotten.
Casiano affirms, that when the ox is bite by the flies it gets an illness as a
way of tetanus, and what haves virtue of chase them from him and its grass, s take leafs
of oleander, cook them in water, and spray them. Further, taking (according the
Nabathea Agriculture) some fruit of laurel, cooking it on and spraying it where it grazes
the ox, the flies run from there, which find harmful this tree; or spraying with the same
water the back of the ox, wont get close to him this bugs. This same effect will be
achieve if cooking that in oil of balsam or common, were sprayed with it the part of the
ox filled with flies. Smearing also the bull or the cow with the slime that flows from
their mouth and nose, the flies wont get close to them. If this (adds) were already bite
and wounded the oxes, smear the white lead (that the women put in their faces)
dissolved on water the signal of the bite of the flies, because this is its remedy, Allah
willing.
Maximum also from Casiano, that the ox that was wounded must heal the
wound putting in it, in a way of poultice wild mallows, fresh and stained; but Kastos
opines, that instead of these should be used the sylvan marshmallow. Adds. That the
bovine cattle gets harmed with the cold and also with the snows; and that when pass or
is translated from a place to other use to get a lot of pain in their foots, which pains are
healed by smear them with garlics or raisins. Others say that with crushed garlics and
oil.
Says Asthahursis, that if is taken a piece of ivory [or tooth] of old camel,
not other thing, and tied with a thread in a black rag is hanged to the ox by the neck, is
worthy against the pestilence. Is said, that if from the manger of the ox is hanged a wolf
tail he wont eat as long it is hanged there.
To the worker oxes that are used to plow and similar jobs must be bled
from the two veins of the cervix in the month of June; for which is take a wide lancet
and sharp, twice wider than the one for other beasts, and is mounted in a rod as is
convention, so the extreme of it goes from the rod with the length of the thumb. This
operation(they say) is done yoking in the yoke in diverse places of the plow, opposite as
is yoke to plow, in a way that the head of each bull comes sees the tail of the other, and
been careful that the one that yokes them was next to each of the two by the side of the
tail and not the head, trying that have the men next to the bulls right side, is tied
strongly the neck of each one with a cord until the vein shows, and tying to both sides of
it by under the tale of the same, in this disposition it will be bled, removing almost twice
as blood as is removed to a beast; which beside is healthy for it is also for its leather,
which color gets clean and clear, and also comes to be useful and convenient quality.
About the grass that are convenient to the oxes and that gets them fat, the
Nabathea Agriculture says, that the plants as the grains of lentils (if the ox eats them)
makes them robust and fat and get medianly fat; there are not more advantageous grass
for it, because beside give robustness to it, makes it have more marrow. Further, if the
lentils are give as grass to the cows and goats, and other quadrupeds gives them a lot of
milk; but is not good to the pregnant sheep's. The peas have, according the same [book],
virtue of fatten the oxes and remove from them any pain, if are give to graze soaked in
vinegar, and produce in them the same effect as the lentils to keep healthy their bodies
and get them fat; so each thing by itself, even if are mixed, cause in the oxes what we
expressed. Also the dorat [kind of millet] haves some virtue worthy to the bovine grain
and rafter, and like that when the graze their leafs and reeds they fatten perfectly, which
already after was told in the book of Dioscrides. Also gets them fat the lentils cooked.
According Aristteles, the ox gets calm and fat with the grains of flatulent virtue as the
lentils and broad beans milled, and with plants fresh of this same plants. The ox by
nature fat, gets fatter with cooked barley, peeled barley, sweet fruits as figs and raisins,
and leafs of arbide (?), and the same with the apricots and sycamores in hot water; and
particularly gets them fat, and take this inflates him. According Aristteles, the ox don't
drink turbid water, and when don't find pure and clean, because he only likes crystal
clear.
ARTICLE II.
About the Wool Cattle.
From their manures need the agriculturist, and any men will be happy
persuaded that is missing part of the necessary, if is missing their milks and meats.
Casiano and Kastos said, that the best sheep's for caste are the young and
shaggy, with medianly smooth wool, long and eve, and filled their bellies of it. The
seconds adds, that should be choice those that were of small heads, and long necks,
sweet eyes, united and prominent noses, and graceful bodies, of thick bellies, and high
legs and haunches; that have reputation of been the bests those without curly wool,
because there are some of very coarse wool. That about the rams, the best are the
biggest and widest, healthy of gentle aspect, and red eyes, with soft wool, and thin
horns, of long wool that covers their tails, and this well filled of the same, and big
testicles without stains on them; the ram younger that three years shouldn't cover the
sheep's; and that execute this in time of tempered air, which is at the middle of deim
[or March].
Al-Asmaay says, that the best time to cover the sheep is at the seven
months of birth; that are pregnant five months, and give birth once at year; that cover
them in each one two times, will mean have them [continuously] busy.
Is maximum of Aristteles, that the sheep that drink salt water will be
pregnant before the others, and that last five months since this time until it gives birth.
Casiano says, that is enough a single ram of for twenty sheep, or (according Kastos) for
fifty, and a pastor to calm two hundred with a boy to help him, and two dogs, and this
with them running free from where they want; that the sheep are milked eight months.
Is opinion of Aristteles, that the most of them last as ten years, and some fifteen; that
in the land of Ethiopia last and live twelve and thirteen years, which give birth until
reach the eight; and if are well treated, until the eleven; and that are covered and give
birth the most part of their lives; that like that the sheep's as the goats use to give birth
two from a belly according the quality and abundance of grass, specially if there is a
ram or billy-goat from where come such generations; that some only give females and
others males; and finally, that in the cattle of the Armenia and Syria there is one that
haves a big tail with a cubit of wide.
Is opinion of Kastos, that the time to shear the sheep's is at middle march.
The same author and Casiano say, that the signals that indicates the color of the lambs
before they born are, that opening the mouth of the sheep and checking his teeth, if
those were black, will be the lamb of the same color; if white white as well the lamb;
and if they have some stains, according this proportion. Aristteles says, that if the veins
that are under the tongue of the ram were white, the sheep that him covers will give
birth white lambs; if were black, those will be black; and even if they were light red;
which happens by the will of Allah. Adds, that have the sheep their sheepfold where
was good grass; that the goats must be translated from a place to other [because] they
don't eat but the buds of trees, and is convenient to them to graze in the afternoon that in
other times, further says, that the cattle gets weak and thin with the work of the road;
that the pastors know of the herd the one that is robust or weak in the winter since the
first mists and ices, watching some time one and other, [ they found] that it shakes and
throws the ice and the snow at their backs according the grade of their weakness; that
the sheep of wide and big tail are of stronger resistance that those with long tail; that
those very wooled suffer the rigorous of the cruel winter more than those with little
wool and those of crispy wool resist little the winter. Also affirms, that the specie of
sheep called kalil-alkali [ or fatuas(?)] are those who walk vagabond in the fields, and
that if are catch by the rain they don't move of their place unless the pastor comes for
them; they die before move until the male guide makes the others follow him; that the
pastors known that those young follows them like begging something when they feel
sick or when there are too much thunders; and that the one that gets lost and without
move when there are strong thunders, aborts right there if wast pregnant.
Casiano Y kastos say, that is convenient to separate the ill sheep of the
healthy so this don't get sick for their illness because those are contagious. Is said, that if
you want that the ram follows you rip some wool to him, and cover well his ears with it
so he will follow you.
About the medicines for remove the illness for this cattle and its milk,
says Kastos that when the kirdn attacks them, is infused over him his own urine and
after be smeared with sulfur. Casiano says, that must be wash the scabies with urine of
ox and after that be smeared with oil and sulfur, and that spreading some plats of wheat
by the sheepfold, is worthy to remove from it that illness, Allah willing. They say, that
if you make it drink some dissolved tar in water, infusing it in their mouths after the
shearing, been still tied, and immediately after is released from that tie, this is worthy
for it, Allah willing; that if some sweet confections of sylvan roses are tied over the
bellies of the sheep's, it will make its milk more copious; and further, that also will flow
more abundantly, if you feed the sheep with salt.
Over the things that get fat the wool cattle, says Aristteles, that is
specially effective for this drink a lot of water; that further give them to eat salt each
five days in the summer; and that the ingenious and diligent pastors give to eat to one
hundred sheep's two almud of salt, which makes the flock of sheep's remain healthy and
fat. Some throw salt in many of their graze as the straw and others, which calming them
and becoming thirsty drink a lot of water, and in the autumn they give them spiced
pumpkins with salt. Also get fat with the lentil; but not so much as with the salt, because
with it and the water they drink they raise fat and healthy (Allah willing), helping that to
make them drink more water for the thirst it causes. Also must give salt to the sheep at
the moment of milk them; and if when are raising, specially in time of spring and when
have give birth a female five them salt, they become very busty. The biggest drink that
you can give it is the salt spread over what they give birth. When a cattle that has been
hungry tree days with its nights is filled after with grass, gets fat quickly. When the
same is playful at the noon, is a lot the water it drinks; and specially to the afternoon
and in the autumn drinks the water exposed to the north wind more that the one exposed
to the south-east wind. Some males are castrated to get fat and that don't kill themselves
been along with other rams. They say, that the females also are castrated [just like] the
camels, and pigs to remove the horniness. The domestic sheep gets fat and calm from
seeds, fruits and grain; and the cattle that goes to graze eats green weed, acorns and
olives. Aristteles says, that the best milk to make cheese is the one from sheep,
following the cows and goats; and that the one of cows is made the double of cheese
that from the goats.
Casiano says, that the best goats that are pick for caste are those perfectly
healthy, graceful, with good colors, and with very long hair; and that the males must be
pick for stallion those corpulent, of wide sides big chests, long hair, white, thick and
short necks, and very horny to cover the females.
Kastos says, that in between the goats should be pick for caste those from
them that were similar in quality as the sheep's; that this specie is wild, and the places
of the mountains are their better spots to graze; that is a specie impatient of cold, that
there is not part of them (male of female) that doesn't gets hurt by it.
The billy-goat, and the ram, are not presented to the female when is in
the strongest part of their heat; which impetus to the females is little in the fat billy-goat,
because of that the smart people makes them get skinny making them cover them
before.
According Aristteles, the goat gives birth once at year; but if graze in
template places and with thick grass, it gives birth twice. The wild goat lives and last
almost eight years; and the common goats eleven, ten the females. This cattle is in many
things similar to the wool cattle. According the same author, there are goats with ears of
palm and a half long, and others have it so long that can touch the ground with them. In
a few lands are sheared the goats as the sheep. Is said, that if the billy-goat runs from
the cattle, cut his beard close of the spring, it remains constantly around it; and also is
said, that cutting them before the station, don't leaves the place. According the Nabathea
Agriculture, if you calm with lentils this cattle and other quadrupeds, will be a lot their
milk; but is not convenient [this grass] to the pregnant sheep. Maximum from Casiano
and Kastos, that one of the ways to make the recently gives birth goat give more link is
to tie their bellies and legs.
CHAPTER XXXII.
About the breeding of the horses, mules, donkeys, and camels
for caste, for ride, and for the use for them in the works and other things.
About the choice of the best. About the time of their join to
the females, and about what they use to live. Which grass and waters
are good for keep them healty. The way of make them fat and gives
them fodder, and tame them and correct the bad habits,
such as been tough and others similar. About the way of shoe them
with the corresponding horseshoe, and other things relative to this business.
We will treat first the mules, donkeys and camels for been animals that
are more used in the field work than the horses; which are more worthy for military
expeditions, and her females for the raise.
About the mule and donkey.
[The first] is specie of [animal] of hoof and the production of a horse and
a donkey. This when has been mounted by a donkey gives a perfect shaped mule, and
the Donkey when is mounted by turquish horse [or mule from horse and female donkey]
gives birth to a mule of small body, and decrease shape, small head, blunt, and with a
defective mouth in the superior part. The age of the mule is longer than each of their
parents. Is said, that when you want that the donkey covers the mare, is she rejects him,
cut her mane and like that she will hold and give up; that the stronger mule and worthy
for the packsaddle is the one strong or with firm foots, of cervix, neck and head big,
clear eyes and red eyebrows, wide belly, very lively, and free from any accident or vice;
that when you want to have some mule, don't prefer any but the one robust, thick, with
wide haunches, long net and potbellied, because any beast that was like that, even a with
little excellent eyes, is not despicable; and it is only, if this qualities were missing. The
firmness of the mule and the donkey, and all the species [of beast] is proportional to
their spirit. I have found by experience, (says Aber Ab Hazm), that the beast which
haves such qualities is the beast more patient to the hunger, and of the lack of water and
food; but a long trip where it goes loaded, weakens them indeed.
Is said, that the donkey and the mule with long bristles of the crest, the
mane and tail, and the excess in the ears indicates them to be weak and lazy; and of this
last is also signal in the animals the depression of the eyes, that been little hairy
indicates the opposite. Further is said, that is prejudicial to the gifted horse tie the mules
along with him. The best donkey of fast walk is the Egyptian, and after it the one of
happy Arabia. Who needs an ass of many strength, [look for it] that be of long neck,
good and wide sides, slanted eyes and dusty color, healthy, and completely clean of
vices. Casiano says, that in between the asses must be picked those that are wide for its
specie. According Kastos, the donkey run along with the horse in their proprieties to be
considered good; but must find of that specie, where is known to be cunning and
happiness.
According Casiano, is pregnant the donkey of twelve months since they
day she conceive to its delivery, and the time of conceive as much to the domestic or
wild is convenient to be a few days before summer. The wild donkey is said, that even if
is flight and nervous, once it is mounted is hold and domesticated. According
Aristteles,m the donkey that covers the female let her belly busy if is thirty months old,
because she cant have a child before the third year, or two years with six months.
Says Ibn Hazm, that if the donkey brays a lot when is mounted smear
very well the navel with common oil of or balsam, and mount it after; because it will
barely bray as long there is even a little oil on it. Is said, that hanging a stone by the
hairs of the tail neither brays as long it remains like that, and the same if some
excrement of him where throw in the mouth; that also stop braying hanging from the
snout a bag with ash. Is said, that if you don't want to incite the donkey to bray, infuse
in his nose pennyroyal water; and if you want it to bray infuse on the nose dust of
opium with wine vinegar. According Aristteles, the donkey feels the cold too much
more than other animals; and is said that should be enclosed in the barn of the oxes, and
further in the sheepfold. Is said, that the donkey don't bays in cold places, but in them
gets old and weak quickly. Is opinion of Ibn Ab Hazm, that the mule and the donkey
stallion if they smell a lot the pee of the females, they become big quickly, and get old
with an alteration of their qualities, and stops a lot and walk to little.
About their illness and medicines, says Aristteles, that the donkey gets a
particular illness that is pernicious for him, is a pain that first overcoming his head
flows after for the noses many phlegm of red color, which kills it if reach the lungs; but
if only stays on the he head, don't kills it. According Ibn Ab Hazm, a single burning
illness suffer the donkey, that is the dibat.
Kastos says, that if the donkey raise some spavin, wash with hot water
the hand of foot where it appears, and rip it after was infused there human urine and
blood; in which spot rubbed first with water or hot salt, infuse after cows fat or other
melted in a new vessel, repeating this operation until it heals. Maximum is from
Casiano, that for heal the very red donkey, one of the remedies is wash the foot with hot
water and open a cut with a lancet, and after infuse there old urine, [according] refer
some agriculturist mentioned before Kastos.
Figures in the book of Ibn Ab Hazm, that the donkey that gives the
urine red with blood is healed taking anise and seed of garden celery [ or parsley],
saro(?), bitter almonds without shell and absinthes, one drachma of each thing, and
milled each one before join them, and kneaded with honey, made some balls; which
making the donkey swallow them in drachmas with sugared water is worthy for them,
Allah willing. Also for this illness is take half scale of doronicum, which crushed and
soaked with water is give in the same way to the donkey and is worthy, Allah Almighty
and glorious willing.
About the Camel.
The camel (Says Casiano) don't suffers bungling or lightness, because the
fathers [or stallions] don't get close to their mothers or sisters. Some concurs with the
horses because they are horny for them, and are along with the same, and fecundates
them. One of the things that makes the female camel are abundant on milk is to hang on
their bellies wild roses. The camel (according Aristteles) lives around thirty years and
a little mere, and even there were camels that last one hundred years. The same author
says, that the turbid and thick water is better for the camel than other, because of that it
don't drinks the water of rivers, or mix it to make it turbid with the feet or the hands, in
accordance with what is told; and that acquires robustness if having remain without four
days, after this time drink a lot of water.
According the Nabathea Agriculture, if the grass that you give to the
camel where plats and grains of fenugreek, grows fat and healthy; which is convenient
in extreme to the point that if in the neck is hanged a little bag with sixty four grains of
fenugreek and the same in the posterior side, is conserved keeping its body healty, and
removing from him many illness that hurts him. According Kastos the remedy for the
frush and tick [that use to annoy him] is the melted tar and smear him with it.
ARTICLE I.
About the Horse.
We have then new relations and traditions of the excellence of it. The
prince of the language of glorious memory says, that is a good horse the white, and
singular the which (according to experience) is of a very light black, because the brown
is a color similar to the black, is said, that the horse more hardwearing is the chestnut
with tail and mane black, and the black; that the more light and big is the chestnut
without that distinctive; that the kings of them are the ash-gray [or rolled gray].
According to Ibn Ketiba, the difference that exist in between them consist in the mane
and tail; because if this two parts where red is the brow, if red is the chestnut.
According the book of the Veterinarian Art, the Persians have ash-gray
beast with six proprieties even the one of cut the water when swimming, which makes
them free of them. S said, that is weakness in the horse to be black with white stains
until the haunches; and Mohammad Ibn Selm affirms, that is not attractive for the mare
the horse of this color, and never presents to him. The [smarts] think that, all that is
ambiguous is weak and decreased, and such is the one of any color mixed with other
different.
Says Musa Ibn Nser, that all white leprosy that appears in the skin of the
beast is very corruptive if is not treated. Some of out ascendant honored in the military
expeditions prefer the horse to the mare, because that this gets dirty with the urine when
it runs, and the horse retains it in his belly until reach the victory; and also because the
female is less light.
According Slem Ibn Jndabi, Ismael son of the fried [of Allah] Abrahan
(both of glorious memory) was the first to ride the horse, which before was an untamed
wild beast until the highness of Allah tame it; also is said, that the first that mounted it
was Matusalah or Matusalem son of Edris [or Enoch] of glorious memory. This is what
we have referred to the excellence of the horse that is such a little thing in compassion
to the abundance on this topic.
The horse is used for military expeditions, and the mare for the
propagation [retiring them] to the austerity in a stable from the meadows where they
was free. About the raised with this freedom some are domesticated and get ready to
ride, others are left free in the nature; and also are used horses in the works.
About the qualities to chose the hojras (that are the mares destined to
propagation), will be mentioned the principal and basic about this topic. Kastos and
Casiano think, that the best mares that are used for the farming and raise are the most
corpulent, of known robustness, healthy and gentleness, of bigger and wide bellies,
painted in the forehead with a white star, of good stamp, and from three to ten years,
without her age be over the one we pointed.
About the good proprieties of the horses for the mount, say the
practitioner of this, that the best for this work are those that are robust, of arrogant neck
and heat, regular size and length, a firm step [and clear], healthy and vigorous, and that
have from six to fifteen years. Is said, that the best horse for stallion is the one which
qualities are perfect, which breed is known, which robustness have practical knowledge,
and which vices aren't of those that consist in their natural condition and breed, as the
violence, the disobedience, the rabid ferocity, and the revenge. In all specie of beast
shouldn't be choice for stallion those that aren't the more agile and vigorous. Those
chosen for this shouldn't be impotent for much age or weak for the lack of this; this is,
that must pass four to then years, and be free of vices that are propagated from one in
other; because been a defect in the nature be tough, wild and disobedient their
descendant will have the same proprieties. One of the ways where is show their age is,
that picking and pulling to you with your thumb and index the skin of his forehead, and
after all releasing it and it recovers its position quickly, [this indicates] been a good
horse as stallion as Arabic; and weak and not free from imperfection, if released the
skin it doesn't recover its position quickly or return to the original shape.
Aristteles and other authors say, that the horse begin to mount and
breed after two years, that is when his neigh is big and loud (and the same with the
female with the difference of been clear and clean the one of her); but that the son that
is born in that age haves the forehead very small, and is weak; that is usual to mount for
the first time at the three years (that is the best mount); and everything that born after
this time is better and more robust, unless that haves twenty years old; the same with the
mares; the horse haves virtue to mount until the thirty tree years old; and the mare can
be mounted at the forty, and for more than one in her whole life, because the horse lives
thirty five years and she more than forty; but there is the opinion that in older times the
horse lived forty five years; that the stallion don't stop mounting the mare neither her
stop breeding as long they are alive, but when they are little and two years in their
adultness; that the horse doesn't covers her mother, her sister or daughter; [to which
propose] is told that some king have a beautiful mare of vigorous skin, and the same all
her colts, wanting that one of them mounted her he get close to her, and how he refused
to take her was covered with a cloth which executed without him noticing it and
finished the act he saw her face then scape to jump in to river where he die.
Is said, that sometimes two stallion fight for the mare, and that the one
that wins gets familiar with she and she with him. Other author affirms, that the mare
doesn't receive a hose stallion or conceive until she is ready, which when she wants the
horse gets close to him wanting to join with him; that when is going to be mounted, the
most that she should be mounted are seven days until finished that week, then after she
conceive must be separated for twenty days; the same also as the first time any time she
is horny; that not having security in the pregnancy of some, and not watching the
horniness until the forty days and max two months; be after mounted; because if is
touched by the horse, makes sure her pregnancy and fetus until the time of the birth; that
when the horse gets close or when she gets close to her, the udder gets black, and she
loves to be alone and away from people.
Is said also, that is convenient to introduce the stallion to the mare to be
mounted since the first day she was; and that if she doesn't want him, there is succession
and you can separate her from the horse; that if she is calm let them and he will cover
him a second time; and presented her once again the next day, if she doesn't receive him
there is already a breed and you must separate them; and will be good that you execute
that immediately, tying her in a place that cover her from the cold; that you should keep
her from the works, and from load her and saddle her up, and that you shouldn't take her
to graze or similar thing until the day is temperated and the sun hot, removing her
quickly to rest before the night gets fresh, because the cold is bad for the pregnant.
According Aristteles, the horse occupies the belly of the mare in days
that aren't the last of the month; is said, that when you want him to cover you mare, get
her fat with more grass, because like that he fecundates her quickly, Allah willing; that
is known when a mare haves conceived already by seen it her look which is clear, long
and sharp, and that narrows and folds with perturbed movement when the horse that
mounted her is in front of her; that also is one of the signals of the same, that if the mare
after been mounted urinates over green grass, and you check this the next day, was dry
already, which she already conceive and is sure to abort. Further is said, that when you
want to know if the mare haves conceived or not, make her stand in a place with
urinated soil after dismounted the horse of her, she begins to walk, placing in that place
fresh and green plants to peen on them; which if reaching them later wet yet , and
checking them to the next day you see them dry, you will know that the mare is
pregnant, and that she isn't if you find them green; that when the mares are horny and
you want to stop them, cut part of they mane and bring them with violence; that will
have the required effect, and make them docile. Is said also, that the mare aborts if smell
the smoke of the chandelier turned off, and the same happens also to some pregnant
woman; that the signal to know if the fetus is male, is that if the horse dismounts her by
the right side and if for the left side is female. But Allah knows what he does. Is
affirmed, that if the nipple of the right udder is the first to give abundant milk, this is a
sing that she haves conceived a male; and that is female the fetus, if that happens to the
left udder; that if you want the mare (Allah willing) for a male, make the horse cover
her in a day where the north wind blows; and if you want a female, do this a day when
the meridional south-east blows putting against the wind the face of the mare; and do
this to all beasts; that if the mare have give birth, should be left seven days to throw all
the contented on her belly of the filth- from her delivery; and after this be mounted
because then is horny and is more ready to conceive quickly passed seven days after her
delivery (and really the best time to mount any beast of hoof is after seven days of the
delivery); and the most time that is pregnant the mare are eleventh months and a half
since the day that finish her rut. According Aristteles, she is eleventh months and
deliveries in the twelve, Kastos and Casiano say, that the lapse of time of pregnancy of
the mare since the day she was occupied until the day of the deliver are eleventh month
with ten days. Garib Ibn Saad, cordobs writer, affirms that the time of the pregnancy of
the mare is in between those extreme called is extended until ten months. Is said, that
the fetus isn't alive before the nine months for the mare deliver; that from this some
don't receive the stallion if is not forcing them for the aversion that they have to him,
and others don't receive him or get pregnant until with all the care and work are cured
for that illness [that they use to get] in the belly, (which remedy will be treated Allah
willing); and that others cant get pregnant on any way. According Mohamad Ibn Yacub
Ibn Hadm, there are mares that give birth two colts; but I haven't see (he says) that any
of them alive. Some hate their child, and without feeding him run from him by the
strong hate that have overcomes her; by which is necessary treat her with softness and
place her before the child to feed him, because he wont suck any other that is not her
mother, and if dies if he does it. But Aristteles say, that if the female that haves a colt
dies or is lost, feed and raise him others.
The horse likes the meadows and places with lots of water; drinks the
turbid and if the current is clear and clean he make its turbid with his hoofs and drinks it
after, when he drinks gets showered in that water, because this animals like the water a
lot.
Other author says, that the time to cover the mare that were happy and
horny is in the spring, that then left free the stallions to when they come to give birth in
the spring and the summer, get robust the colts before the winter comes; and don't let
them be like that in between them, but the stallion that was thick, fat and horny.
According Aristteles, the time of release the stallions to the mares in the
meadows is since the twenty two or March; and also is said, that since that day until the
twenty two of asfendarmedm [or May] to come well the time of graze and weed;
because in this way they will deliver when passed the cold born the grass and take the
green the beats, which is worthy for them; for a male of his specie should be thirty or
more females, also is said, that for then mares released in the meadows one stallion; that
them will jump them since the equinox and in deim, this is. In adr [or March] when
they air is tempered and the grass abundant; and that is skinny, weak, and small the colt
spawned in summer passed the spring.
Graib Ibn Saaid, cordobs writer, thinks that the day five of April must
be released the horses to the mares in the meadows for the fecundation after they have
finished giving birth: and the day fifteen of June (that is the moth of the Ansarat)
separate them remaining alone and apart from the mares until they deliver; which
happens ad middle April, or begin since the fifteen of March until the middle of April.
If you were afraid (says Ibn Ab Hazm in his book) that the pregnant
mare was harm in the delivery, take straw and cook it in four pounds of fresh milk,
which cooked after with barley washed will calm her by a lapse of a week; and if at the
beginning she feel pains, give to her the same grass forteen days; if not, twenty one
(which is worthy Allah willing); and according the book of the Propiedades, will be
equally to hang a piece of yellow amber.
ARTICLE II.
About the shapes and elegant qualities of some members of the horse by where is
indicate its generosity, noblesse and suffering, or the contrary of this qualities, and
what in it is known as vice.
Understand , says Ibn Ab Hazm, that if all member of the horse that
looking good and been preferable to be long, if was short; if was short, long; if thick,
thin; if thin, thick; if wide , narrow, if narrow wide, or other similar thing to this,
contrary to what is known as preferable and elegant, is this a defect in the horse; and
what is generally known by nice and preferable, is in the one of more celebrated breed,
and also in the Turkish [or flying].
Ibn Ketba in the Art of Write and other author say, that the ears of the
horse is preferable to be thin, raised, long, sharp, thin by the part of the base , delicates,
and gracefully flexibly, rigid, and similar to the leaf of myrtle, and to the extremes of
the feathers of write as the poet sings of them:
Extremes of feathers be his ears;
those that are fallen, repudiate them.
Which (according Ibn Ketba) is been them loose and pending over the
eyes; been this patent and visible, is not necessary a signal to know.
Is nice when the mane is bushy, so the rare in it is disposable; which not
been other thing that the lack of hair of himself, is this a vile thing in the horse (adds the
author), and appreciable in the mule and donkey. And says like this the poet:
Dont be the mane of the horse
Over the fore head pendulum, or weird.
Which is a detestable deformity in the mane; and like that the horse that
haves it is called tangled of face. Ibn Ketba says, that the profusion of the mane is an
excess of hair that covers the eyes, and the good way on this is appreciable. Also the
skinned is one of the vices of the mane and is called baldness, which (according Musa
Ibn Nser) is some weirdness of the har that can be healed if overcomes him again. The
brema [or crest] of the beast are those hair that are over the superior side of his
forehead, and have its beginning in the ears . In their jaws looks very long, smooth, and
dry which is one signal of noblesse and generosity. Also in his forehead is nice the
spacious, and (according Amru el Kais) must be similar to the convex part of the
buckler and shields.
About the signals on his eyes, and what in them is nice or despicable, is
nice and preferable that they are with a arrogant and wrathful air, alive, and big along,
clean, black, of firm sight, well teared, of long eyelashes, that raises the sight to what
scares of the dog, and with a look sharp and oblique, that comes and goes [to many
parts].
The vices of the eyes are if it is cross eyed, weak sight, and haves them
blue and tearful. Is despicable the horse with both eyes blue, and doesn't last long at the
sun if this color is in the white since it begins. The blue of an eye is called the jaifo [this
is, horse of a blue eye and other black], and cross eyed if appearing the white to the
exterior lachrymal of the same cleaved the pupil to the inside part. Weak is the one that
having in them many white, is not cross eyed of blue eyed; and tearful, the one that
having white the extremes of his eyes and eyebrows, is blue of the same; which don't
see when reach to hurt him the cold and snow. The one of cleaved eyes is despicable,
which indicates laziness. The black horse with red eyes is despicable; and according
Musa Ibn Nser, the one that was of similar color and such eyes is called hrefo.
ARTICLE III.
About the signals of their nose and mouth.
Is good that have the nose holes well opened, because if not will be
violent his respiration, and having repressed the breath inside with get the illness of
glanders, and then you could tell he fall prostrate already; [by which reason] is usual to
cleave the nose of such horses. Amru el Kais say, that the hole of them must be like the
lion so he can breath if was tired and fatigued; for which there is another verse:
Be the nose of the horse the windows,
As the aperture of the neck of the robes, ripped.
Is despicable the hooked nose, and by that is called that horses; what
(according Ibn Ketba) is one of the defects that are in the nose, which have the horse of
bad caste and the hacks of charge. Also the flat is one of the vices (says Ibn Ab Hazm
el Katuah), and such is called the horse that haves the cartilage of the nose cleaved and
low; which always that exist in it is despicable by the deformity as by the narrowness of
the conduct of respiration; the same if haves wide the extreme of the nose, and with
some depression since the mouth break until it. The space that is in between the two
superior parts of his beard is preferable to be wide, which is required by the comfortably
that must be his respiration. Is a requisite that the horse have a big mouth of have a
moth teared by one and other side and long, because for this reason the copious slime of
his indigestion can flow placed the mouth break in there, and equally long must be his
halter [to use it as belting] because of the longitude of his extreme, since nothing of it
must be in his mouth. The poem says:
Mouth of little oppening excuses the break;
of extended and long excuses halter.
ARTICLE IV.
About the signals of his neck, shoulders and chest.
The is required to be soft and long; and like this the poem:
Play of the eyes, graceful in the sight,
Advantage is manifested, even if is partial.
Prove the long or short of the neck of the horse, when this is doubtful to
the viewer, by placing water in a bowl or similar thing, and getting it close to it, if
when it drinks the water don't bend the anterior part of the hoof or is extreme, is of long
and unburdened the neck; and if it bends it, of short and deform; which, like his
hardness or been of narrow and hard chest, is a vice and deformity at the same time.
According Ibn Ab Hazm, is a bad vice in the horse been of hollow neck, which name
is called commonly by the people to the one that was like that. Have it with some
elevation in the middle in a kind of bridge , that can barely be noticed is the defect more
slight and less harmful.
Is required that his shoulders are high, and the same the cross where their
backs begin. Ibn Ketba says, that is fault in the shoulder if the horse have separated the
superior bones of the back [that fall under the anterior part of the saddle]; and that is
required to be wide of chest, which amplitude consists (according Abu el Njem) in the
wideness of the clcalo, that is the chest. Ibn Ketba says, that other of the vices of the
chest is the depression, that consist in have it low and close to the ground, which is a
very bad defect; and according other author, is called adnno the hose that had that vice,
which consist in some depression in the beginning of the neck. Further is vice of the
chest (according Ibn Ab Hazm) the declination [or unevenness divergence] of the two
superior
fleshy part of the chest by falling one over the other, which makes it
completely narrow [or closed] of chest.
ARTICLE V.
About the signals of his sides, belly, haunches and tail.
Is pleasing that it was of big sides and belly, and well extended of flanks;
and like this the verse:
The high, of short body, and big belly
is of lively air, and constantly upright.
Cant be take then of dry flanks or depressed; which is a vice, that
(according Ibn Ketba and others) consist in the depression of the superior ribs, by
which fault is called the cleaved horse of ijares. Ibn Ab Hazm says, that this consists
in have encountered and cleaved the superior ribs along with the thin.
The lazy belly is a defect also in the horse that (according Ibn Ketba) is
the part of him that follows the one that is behind the girth, and is called the mojtafo
horse [or of dry intestines and fallen belly]. The same says Ibn Ab Hazm. Other author
affirm, that such is which girths go perpetually to his testicles because he isn't wide of
the sides [or ijares].
Looks good in it the risen of his haunches, that is where is sit and
accommodate the second rider, which depression is a unpleasant thing; which if along
comes with the cross, is vice and defect, according the expression of Ibn Ab Hazm.
Which adds that is a abominable thing if the horse have the back long, soft and weak,
and his back skinny; and that in it is pleasing when the haunches are soft and equally.
From them says the poet:
Haunches similar to a pillow
Are as lap of equal descent.
The lack of haunches (according Ibn Ab Hazm) is if are sharp and long,
which [vice is called] thircn.
Is excellence in the horse have a long tail and shot of asb [with which
name], according Ibn Ketba, is called the bone of her with her skin, and with the aycro
the born of herself. Amru el Kais say, that the tail of the horse must be similar to the one
of the lioness, and that is an ugly thing if it haves inclined to one of the sides (as
explains Ibn Ketba); which [vice use to be] of habit, and not from nature. And finally,
is from excellence to square off [or bend] the horse his tail in the expedition of a battle;
which beside look very good, is (as is said) one of the things more required.
ARTICLE VI.
About the signals of their pages, hoofs and bases.
Is advantageous in his pages to be thick and dry, and further short if
along with this are not lifted straight over the hoof.
The verse says:
Similarities in between the pages and neck
thick must be,
And like that will remain firm along to
the source when he drinks.
One of the defects of them is the kfado, that(according Ibn Ketba)
consist in that they raise straight over the hoof. Abu Obaid says, that this fault is in the
foots, and consist in that the article of the fetlock is inflexed to the inside. Ibn Ketba
affirms, that is such inflection in the pages to a side; and other author assures, that is the
inflection of the anterior side of the page to a side since the origin of the shinbone and is
settle in the hand with proportion to the part that of the other correspond since the origin
of the shinbone, in a way that both hoof agree in between [or haves reciprocal
inflection].
About the faults in the shapes of hands and knees, this are (says Ibn Ab
Hazm) if it exterior shape is too much altered, if when is enclosed have its limps the
big defect of kick with both hands or with one, and if the pages are long, and lazy the
nerves. The hoof must be hard, and black or green like, and with the shape of a cup and
wide also. Are then hard the hoof because of his blackness, and shouldn't be white any
part of them, because the one with this color are delicate and soft. The verse says:
Cup shape, thick, and deep be of the horse the hoof,
With a shape of cup of wood of the boy.
One of the defects of the hoofs is the hnafo, that is the inflection
reciprocal of the two, or the declination of each one to his partner lifting straight both
pages; and also is the nfado, that (according Ibn Ketba) consist in that appears the
hoof without scabs.
Further, of the things ungrateful [talk bad] of the dignity and aptitude of
the horse an its members, and by which is despicable and is show his deformity, are the
signals of his teeth and tongue, such as been the first twisted and uneven, by which
reason is called the horse achg; which consist in the variety discordant of them, and
that there is not the interval [corresponding of one to other, and in that one be short and
the other long, for which defect there is remedy, that will be expressed (Allah willing).
The rawaylo is other of the [vices], says Al-Asmaay, and consists in the redundancy of
teeth that born at the feet of the others as from up to bottom, glued to the front and not
to those that are in between them and the fangs ; for which [defect, even if] from birth,
there is remedy according Musa Ibn Nser. Be of short tongue is also a vice in the horse
(says Ibn Hazm) for come this along with dryness in the mouth and lack of foam,
which is a defect; but been long the tongue of the horse is at the same moment very
fresh, which contributes to him make his march more easily.
ARTICLE VII.
About the signals of his hocks, legs, feet, ankles and giblets.
The arfo in the hocks is (according Ibn Ketba) some elevation of one
over the other. By the name of cabo is called the horse that cant hold the harness of the
front so it throws it over its hands and his neck; which the Arabs call cabo; and
happens a lot to the mules. The zambo consist (according the quoted author) in been the
legs together [from the top] and separated over the hoofs with twisting since the pages,
which is a defect; and also is the ksatho, that is the stiff erection of his feet without
bending, by which fault is called the horse ksatho. The bow-legged is also defect, and
consist ( according the quoted author) en in the mutual friction of the ankles. The jajo
is the separation in between them, which is defect. The rahcho is when with the side of
a hoof rubs the tendon of the other hand, which hurts sometimes and makes him of sick
hands. The two tendons nerves that are in the interior part of the hand finish by the
inferior in some things in a kind of nail, called saadanto. Other author affirms, that this
friction of the interior part of the pages comes from the hardness of the fleshy part
rubbing along one and other when is holed, which is a defect. Been locked of hands
consists in be soft of pages, which is defect. The kmaa (according Ibn Ketba) consist
in be thick the head of the bone cinopode (?) [or fetlock] and not sharp, which is a
defect also; and according others, consists in that the fetlock is thick since the middle
until the extreme of his head, so it makes the shape of a little apple behind, which defect
is of little prejudice . The mlaho is a tumor in the inferior side of the bone fetlock by
the back side with the shape of half cucumber or littler; which accident, that use to
happen usually to the colts, is (according Ab Hazm) the one that harm less the beasts.
The defects of the tail (according the same author) are shake it and raise
it the horse when it moves with the wipe, which is a vice and bad habit; and also is the
cchafo, that is the infection of the mallet of the tail because it is inclined to one of his
buttocks.
ARTICLE VII.
About some despicable dispositions of the horse, for which known is needed a
signal.
One of them is the muteness been of nature, which (according Musa Ibn
Nser) is know experimentally presenting the horse to the mare; which if neighs , you
will know if is not mute.
The blindness (says Al-Asmaay) consist in not seen [the horse] by night
or with snow; according Musa Ibn Nser, is experimented with make him walk over a
black cloth; which if he executes, have the eyes dark, and is called the agch; and
healthy, if this stops them. The chacr, if happens again tot he beast, is a vice that can
be healed. Ibn Ab Hazm says, that with this name is called the of obscure sight that
cant see after the sunset; and that the signal is, if steps firmly and without fear with the
hands when goes by night, as the blind of this specie. For this vice, if is from birth, there
is no remedy; but there is one if is from something new, as will be told later, Allah
willing, the blind, by which name is called the horse of tender eyes is told that consist in
be the same of weak sight so it cant see by the day, or to the sun as affirm others; which
vice gives the name to the horse of jharo, which is shown with make him walk. The
ami [or completely blind] consist in the alteration of the eye against their constitution,
which is show if when he walks you see him get tangled with his own hands, and rise
his knees until almost touch his lips; which vice, if is from birth, don't haves a cure, if
haves it when its something new. According Ibn Ab Hazm, el kmaro [or hebetation
of the sight] comes in the beast from the sun, and consists in that the white takes a blue
color, and that annoying it a lot the heat of the sun in the way, and puts red all around
his eyes, and also his lips. The blue of the eyes comes from the sun, and further from the
snow. Other author says, that if the blue overcomes the beast simultaneously, is made
and called kmaro, and is the one that don't see the sun, specially if the color expressed
appears in the white part from the pupil; which, as thing that happens again, can be
remedied, and from it will be treated after, Allah willing.
The sman (says Ibn Hazm) is the deafness, for which is called the
horse athrch. One of the signals of such obstruction in the beast, are if you see his ears
stiff to the back, without this been possible to attribute it to other thing that aware him,
and if doesn't listen when is screamed which (adds) you will notice more commonly in
the one of tiger skin. This erection of his ears until have them almost unmovable is
show and know experimentally (says Musa Ibn Nser) making him stand in a field
opened and been you far away shotting arrow and kicking the ground behind him , if he
looks at you, you will understand that he doesn't have that defect. Which, been this a
new illness can be healed as will be told after; but it is not if was from birth.
The men that uses when works the left hand is left-handed, says Al-Asmaay; and
the same with the horse ( says other author) that when he goes moves first the left hand.
Which is proved, according Musa Ibn Nser, by making him jump some pit seven times,
if in each one rises the right hand before the left, you will know that is not left-handed.
The hose that was it (say other author) can barely swim.
Other of the defects of the horse (says Ibn Hazm) is the jrado, that
consist in lift violently the hands, and placing them bad looking like something else, this
is, that is harm in the chest, been left. The verse says:
Examine carefully in the horses
The cause of lifting violently the hands.
The ayfo is the one that don't drinks from all trough, which is proved
(says Musa Ibn Nser) by getting close to him the water, if he drinks in any part, this
means it is fine; if stops is ayfo; from which defect is told can be healed.
The bald, is the one that lacks of cunning and vigor; which you will
experiment (says Musa Ibn Nser) standing at a distance of then cubits and moving
violently his rein, because if it it remains standing you will suspect from laziness; and
the same if he walks slowly. But if mounted on him, part of you clothes [by bow-legged
he does] was shake, and after mounting him throw to the ground a white cloth, and
making walk over it or refuse it or was afraid of it, you will understand that is cunning
and vigorous; and the lazy one, if happens the opposite. This defect is said that can be
cured, but you must understand that is not of the ones we expressed to be birth with,
because this cant be cured for been natural: and the damage of this is less than the vices
that overcomes them.
The causes of illness that recently overcome in the body and members of
the horse, and about the new that happens to their natural condition, after indoctrinated,
independent from the elemental principle of the nature and breed, will be treated after
Allah willing.
ARTICLE IX.
Short maximums of some practitioner in the art of the Cavalry [or knowledge of
the horses].
Some practitioners in this art joined in shortened maximums what is
expressed about the elegant qualities of the members of horse. About those that weren't
referred they say, that the horse must be of perfect stamp and proportional members; of
small head; long neck;of... thick, soft and smooth; if skinny ears, long, sharp and risen,
that shown vigor and bravery, hard and strong, subtle and gracefully flexible, and
similar to the myrtles leafs or to the extremes like the writing feathers; of long, smooth,
and skinny cheeks; the back of the head narrow, that is where the belts of the mouth
break are linked; wide forehead; black eyes; shallow pupil with a sharp sight; wide nose
and black holes; of large mouth; round and thin lip, and the superior thin in its length;
even teeth well placed; long tongue; red uvula; wide chest; big throat; lifted cervix in its
beginning, that is the inferior part of the neck; graceful to the view; long and high cross;
short and even back; big sides and belly; flexible flanks; fleshy ribs; equal flanks;
comfortably wide belly; arch belly; prominent haunches, that is where the horseman
sits; of round cheeks, short and equal; of short and perfect tail; of black testicles [or of
this same color the mouth of the penis]; capable anus; wide and round thighs; thick and
big shins; of knees well proportioned; thin legs, this is, since over the pages to the
knees; of short, thick and firm pages; of lean tendons; round heels; black hoofs, or of a
light red; round hands and gather to inside; that sit well in the ground by the anterior
side of the hoofs, over which are lifted those; and finally of smooth hair which is signal
of strength in all animals or terrestrial beasts, and generous beasts of rapine. Also must
be of soft bachkro, that is the hair that surrounds the mane; which must be thin that
looks hair, so when the hand pass it found it smooth as if was a bud of silk unravel;
because if was found rough, that horse wont be free of deformities. Beside all this must
have a upright head, alive heart [ that shown] vigor and happiness when is mounted and
annoy it when he marches, showing a aspect serious and majestic, and looking like
slovenliness and obliquely to the ground having at the same time the head upright. If
happens to be of black color [or dark green] with a white star in the forehead of bigger
or lesser figure, with whiteness in the superior lip and tresalbo [this means having the
tree feet white] but the right, when this qualities concur in a horse, wont be find him
good to ride when try him.
ARTICLE X.
About the stains of the horse.
The grrato is a white star in the forehead with the size of a coin. The
krhato is the same in equal shape but smaller. The rtsamo is the horse that haves
white the superior lip. The white Is thjlo is when this color is in the pages.
ARTICLE XI
About the signals that indicate the horse to be spirited, tough and strong.
Says Ibn Ab Hazm, that are excellent proprieties required in the horse
that was strong of nature, tough, and that march lightly and excellently; which qualities
(will be treated now) when concur in him make him excellently perfect. Also will be, if
was of generous breed (which is the foundations of all), if was to spirited and wide of
belly, and breath well; if his neck was strong long, and flat in his cross; if his thighs
were big; if was firm and hard the front side of his back; and if it wasn't a colt anymore,
hi articulation were become hard, and had strong and firm hoofs. This after contributes
to his appearance [or good shape] will help him also for the race, and been tough for
what is something ungrateful and of aversion.
Says Musa Ibn Nser, that one of the things where is shown the
robustness of the horse, is if when he walks you listen him made noise and fuss with the
hoofs, and doesn't wobble o worry when the knight mounts him was over him one or
two hours, because the one that was like that is truly very robust; and that Omr Ibn
Madi Crabo fearing of the weakness of his horse in the holly war, dismounted him,
and grabbing his tail and inclining him self to the floor, pull strongly of it without the
horse even move, been more than sure of his toughness.
ARTICLE XII.
About the signals of the lightness of the horse in the race, and his excellence in
this part over others.
Take care in the footprints that when racing were made on the ground
with the hoofs of his hands and feet, and if the footprints of the feet fall in front of the
one of the hand, will be truly advanced against those without this quality.
About the signals where is shown the agility of the colt of a year, is know
this (according Kastos and Casiano) in the smallness of his head, the blackness of his
eyes and the sharpness of his ears, and in the lack of hair inside them; and if had a thick
mane, white chest, upright neck, flat arms, wide haunches, long tail in his bristles, and
round hoofs. Also is one of the signals of his agility if wasn't fleeting and coward, and
doesn't stand next to any beast but his mother.
ARTICLE XIII.
About the way of tame the small colts be male or female.
Shouldn't be mount or tame the colt until it haves three years old, and
when this time comes will be tame on the spring of the third year before the month of
May, or in the autumn, to avoid the heat or cold grab him; and in that last time maybe
sweating the colt will give him weakness of feet and hands, or tuberculosis. Don't use a
mouth break in the colt until it haves seven months, to the eight months as others say;
and then putting on him a belting to habituate him, left that on it by one hour then
remove it and repeating it the next day alternating until he habituates to it; which for
those who want to tame him quickly. Before this must be used frequently shackles in
the hands besides of reins and mouth break, and beside cinch, girth and harness to
habituate him to that, like that will be tamed. Must mast for some days the hand over the
back and the belly or similar thing; and also raising the hand of him, hit the man on it
with his fingers beside a hammer so he will get familiarized with this, proceeding after
gradually until hit each hoof with a small stone, and hitting in it stronger that before,
accustom him to this along to raise his hoofs, so this will be a scale to when was
necessary to shoe him, that is when was taming the colt. Which if was tough and
nervous, will shown with charge weight over his back, a sack, or similar thing, fill with
sand, taking him out and making march with that until this indicates what it is, and stop
been fleeting and nervous acquiring vigor and breath, according what can be waited of
the doctrine given to him, and the routine that is used to exercise him.
When you can settle and mount the colt, you will put the chair on it and
making him stand with it without mount him, then teach him and begin to mount him.
And when you have ride him, you had get accommodated in his back, you will remain
standing by a lapse of an hour without making him march until he is calm under you
and is used to this position; which practice (that is very good) needs be done as for
commons to the kings. Avoid to habituate him to shake you when you mount him
because this is a bad habit; because if he begin to run before is ready, will disobey until
refuse to be ride. Been then stand the expressed time, you will pick your cloths so he
gets calm, and them you will release them without throw them from you to him with
you ankles; but shaking him you will remove the calmness from him, and wont let him
stop fot salute those who come to find him, making him walk nicely and vigorous
happiness so he don't get use to stop, for be this an abominable thing and that stains the
good nature of this beasts. At the moment of tame the colt must be the tamer mounted
on him five hours, and Is worthy and useful return and clean the dust with the pillow,
and the dirty that had for roll over the stable.
You must understand that the principle for taming [the beast] is the
flattery; and the beast treated in a rough and hard way don't have vividness of spirit.
Softness and flattery: hold your science on this. Avoid the trainer to ham the mouth of
the animal; because all those which mouth had too much blood, will support over the
part of the face that is used for the break, showing repugnance. The worse defect of the
trainer is if, makes the animal bleed, if hurt the animal, and if take him out lazy,
disobedient, and ferocious throws the rider from the settle. Must be right handed
obligatorily so his spirit and the energy of his nature acquires vigor and robustness. If
showing to him benign and flatter, treats him with noblesse and convenient care and that
is necessary use with him, will become healthy and without vice, and with an excellent
marching. You must then use caring and love in all his things. Other of the parts of the
teaching of colts is, that if you were afraid that their tails twist to some side, tie them to
one of their sides of the harness of the opposite side where his tail is inclining
continuing this until he stops twisting it. Be soft with the colt at the moment of this him
to avoid the tumor of the legs overcomes them. Also is usual to avoid vices of the same
doctrine, and that mounts him a different knight that doesn't know his nature; which will
be treated after Allah willing; and been precise to avoid, will be treated further in the
moment of make the teaching of those horses that were mounted vile and reprehensibly.
ARTICLE XIV.
About what gives to known the age of the beast; which is indicated by the
samples of his denture and what was new on it.
You have to understand that all beast have four front teeth, four seconds,
four thirds, four fangs, and molar teeth. The first in born on the colt are the four front
teeth, which begin to show at the five years of hist birth until the nine days. His four
seconds show after the two months of birth, and his four third after eight months of his
birth until the nine months. The newborn colt [is called] falon, and also is give to him
the first name. Close to the year is called hauliyon [or annculo , this is], until the first
year. After that is called jdaon (the plural is jidon, the feminine jadaton and
jadaton in plural) when reach the second year. When the front teeth become blackish
and yellow to fall, is said that he is moving the teeth; and when he changes them, until
the third year is called tsanyo [or that have already throw them] (the plural is
tsaniynon, the feminine is tsanyaton), unless that the four seconds get forward that
born in the year, and in the same use to born also the third; which happens if his parents
were bot old, or only one of them. When have moved the four second is called rabayon
until reached the fourth year; and since here is, that the male is called ribon and the
female ribayaton. When haves changed his four third teeth is kikon, which is at the
five years old; which name is said [in singular], and krrahon in plural; the one of the
female is krihon and the [plural] kawrihon, out of the expressed barely changes his
teeth, and should be called frason [or complete horse], not by the years, but for the
teeth he haves changed. Further is called krihon, if throwing inside of one year all the
four front, seconds or the four third, don't fall [those] but along with the lasts.
One of the ways where is shown that the horse has changed his teeth to
distinguish the one that have throw the front ones from the one that have throw the
seconds and thirds is, that if checking the teeth of the horse were changed some of
them, the color wont be equal but will be like yellow, and will be in it little thing that
looks like the tinsel [ or Berber brass ] as long he lives. Always that the horse moves
some teeth, are bigger than those he left; and when have reach the eight years after
[moved] the four third teeth, are en longed his teeth showing the fangs. The same
happens in the exterior shape of the beast, which fangs sometimes get long by
weakness. The distinction in this in between the old and the new [consists in] the
manifestation of his teeth.
Maximum of Kastos is, that the new beast , specially the mules, is
distinguish that the one that inst a mule by checking his teeth; because the colt loses the
front teeth when reach the thirty months, and when have reached four years lost the
seconds growing immediately the fangs. When is close to the fifth year, born the four
seconds teeth; when is close to the sixth, all of them are evened; and when reach the
seventh, finish growing, and remain healthy those who have avoid any illness.
Aristteles says, that when the four thirds are throw have the horse eight
years, suffers detriment his strength and his [natural] work. Other affirms, that what
shows the age in the beast is the hardness of his teeth along with the length of them and
of the molars; that when is big on age, his face gets old, and his eyes suffer alterations;
that sometimes frown, and his molars fall; and the excessive chafing of his mouth is a
sure sing of his big age. That also indicates the oldness of the hose, if picking with your
fingers the skin of his forehead, and releasing it returns to his position quickly, if not
and even cant return to his original shape is a clear signal that is old; which was already
mentioned in the topic about the qualities of the stallions. They say that, don't walk over
a colt or ride the one that have throw only the front teeth.
ARTICLE XV.
About the food of the beast as the barley, the straw, the green barley and the
green alfalfa; in which quantity and time should give water to them.
According Ibn Ab Hazm, about the food of the horses is convenient be limited
only the alfalfa [ or hay of Bogoa], to the barley and green barley. Some use the horse
to eat bread; and some habitants of the desert [and villages of Libya] give to them to
drink milk of camel, which (according my regimen) is worthy for been light and free of
fat. Also is common for some of them put barley in some fenugreek, [with which]
makes his color lighter because of his acidness , and sometimes cause an illness in the
heels; so there is not goodness on it according my opinion. Some beast riders use the
barley cooked and boiled and with them feed them, which comes to be as a some kind
of fruit juice. They say that the beast gets fat quickly with this; but in fact they do it
when there is not chance of green grass. Some men fatten the skinny beast with broken
barley along with dry alfalfa, and they really get fatter; topic which will be treated,
Allah willing.
Must give to the beast the grass of barley in the amount that can carry.
And not been the horses equal on this (because some eat a lot of grass and others don't),
the charge beast will receive a macc filled of barley, this is, about thirteen of fifteen
pounds, which will harm the beast if there was soil on it, will be convenient from this to
be sieved and very clean, and that don't have any little stones for the pain that this will
cause to his teeth. When you see (says Ibn Ab Hazm), that is many the inflation that
get from this, you will avoid this taking care that the barley is perfectly new, without
calamities, without weevils or spoiled, or that in it were the left over of other horse,
because the one of generous nature hates and refuses to eat what was left over by other.
The amount of food of pure dry alfalfa must be from twenty to twenty
five pounds; and if eat more than that, will be too much food. The alfalfa don't harms
him; but the one that he will eat you should give to him after cut in the slightly way
possible, and without leafs.
The best of all foods for all beast (says Ibn Hazm) is the dry pure
alfalfa, which cant be compared with it, either barley or other thing. About the feed
mixed, will give to the beast a macc [or almost eleven pounds] of barley, and ten of
dry alfalfa or twenty pounds of straw; and should be equal for the charge mule and
saddle. Which barley if was add something, is not harmful the grass of dry alfalfa. The
littlest feed of barley that should take is of ten pounds, and eight of this last one; of
which amount was a little exceeded will be harmful in the way; but wont be when he is
resting, the mix less good is the one of half dry alfalfa and half straw. The donkey must
be feed with half macc [almost six pounds] of barley; but if was big, can hold the feed
of three pounds of barley and five of dry alfalfa, or twenty five pounds of straw. F was
of the corpulent beast that suffers the barley must be feed with macc and a half [ or
almost sixteen ponds and a half] of this grain along with the left over of the previous
feed; but in any way with excess, excusing along with this the excess of barley, which
causing a quick alteration in the body, will cause the dissolution and calamity in the
belly, hardness and obstacles in the breath and the hocks, and also will damage the
hoofs. Walking in the way is important to avoid feeding the beast with big amounts of
barley and drink water, specially if the horse were left free and wasn't walk long
distances before; which will make that the obstacle of breathlessness overcomes him
similar to the hmaro [or illness in the donkey that gives him bad breath]. The best way
to take him and walking right, is do it like this by a lapse of one hour, walk on him very
softly, let him be alone the same time and repeat after the same operation a second time
which is very worthy and useful.
Is Said that is very good feed the beast in the season of winter with new
barley and with barley aged in the time of hot. Ibn Ab Hazm says, that give the feed
slowly and don't give to him all in a high amount, because he plays with it and doesn't
eats it; ant the feed that was give to him was weighted and measured so you can know
the amount he eats, and if something was missing, complete it; and also add something
in the barley even if there is nothing missing, in attention that is not bad that this is
complete and abundant; that anyway the beast eats the feed of the barley with the
anterior teeth, or if the feed was hard so his molar teeth cant with it, break it with a stick
and when you feed the beast, be the water close, or over the mallet of his tail (because it
is in the back of the beast) infuse cold water to refresh and wet him.
About the green feeds for the beast , as the green alfalfa the green barley ,
and the gamro (that are the green plants that when are sieved are tangled with the dry
ones) says Ibn Ab Hazm, that when you give to the beast the green and green barley
let it roll around every instant, and that before give this grass bled them in the neck;that
if you didn't do it, let her tree or four days, and then bled it; that you should give to the
beast the green that you can, because this makes them fat; and that must be spacious the
place where it takes this grass, the best place for this are the flat fields and extended;
that is necessary be quick on this before is difficult, because the tender and juice is the
best; because wanting the green barley to clean the belly of the beasts, in any way this
will cause the effect if was dry; avoid the one riped because it causes coughing and
don't helps in anything; that must be cut long the green barley with all that have tender
and green because there is not thing that gets advantage of this; and that this operation
must be done before the sunrise, when there is still dew and humid because then is even
more tender, and must be placed distant of the sun and wind; feed him with green barley
always that you can; because even if this doesn't makes them fat, clearly gives
robustness and purge the filths of the body; and that this must be done in a place
spacious, with long shades, and calm wind; that the beast must eat the green barley of
with two or three weeks or forty days, throwing it in small portions after milled its roots
until they are soft and in them shows the juice; that is corruption of grass throw the
beast the green barley thick because this one is harmful, unless it is dry and hardened;
and that the tender green is not harmful in any way.
About giving to drink water to the beast, the maximums are from Ibn Ab
Hazm, that in any way should let them drink in any moment, because when the thirst
of the green barley hits; you couldnt know when they are thirsty; that are many the
utilities than comes from drinking water, and that one of them is that refresh their
bellies temperating the heat, and giving them more nutrition for wide their skin and
tighten their flesh; and if you want, give them the water that was possible without waste
it in any way ; that if aren't nurtured when drinking in their usual times; give them a lot
of water; that avoid to give them water or barley to the beast when was too tired after
running because this is bad for the belly; and up was already treated such topic.
Aristteles says, that even if the hose, the mule, and donkey get fat with
the grains and the green they eat; but they get specially fat by drinking water, because
the amount they drink of it will be equivalent to the nutrition they get from the grass;
and that like that when the first was hard, the second also will be. The horse loves the
turbid water, in which (says another author) is happy showing a lot of happiness; by
which reason if the running water was clean and pure, he makes it turbid with his hoofs,
and then drinks. Other author affirms, that the reason of the horse for disturbing the
water with his hoofs is because is scared of his reflection or other big body. Is said that
as many sweet water drink the beast, more they will eat and get fat; and that the beast
must drink water three times for day. Ibn Abi Hazm says, that the lack of water that
overcomes the horse causes a harm in the lungs, and is necessary to avoid this; and that
if is possible, give him in the winter water mixed with wheat flour, and in the summer
with barley flour; which is worthy, and with it (Allah willing) the scars of the lungs
close.
ARTICLE XVI.
About the way of the manger to feed the beasts, and the place where it must be.
Is important ( Says Ibn Ab Hazm) that the manger, that was constructed
for the beast in the stable, is round, exquisite and comfortable, and lift until were finish
the chest of her, that will be good if was made with planks. In the deep if is placed
[subtlety] a drill, don't remains in it any dust, which jumps any time that the horse
moves his feed. The anterior part of the manger must stand out so the knee of the beast
don't touch any part of it when slaps; which happens many times, if the flies bite her a
lot in the back, [sides, cheeks or ass], because then is when with his knees hits the
manger. When you want feed him you will place the feed in a bowl; or lying some in
the manger, throw over it the barley, our you can execute it in a bag hanging on his
neck; but this is the less comfortable way to feed it,been the possibility that doesn't
breath in the bag freely. The place where the beasts are tied must be always paved or
bricked to keep them from the steams and cold of the ground. And for this loses quickly
his hoofs, you need to throw over the paving where the horse is dry manure, and renew
it every morning and night. When you see the beast peen or manuring, throw his manure
and the manure that his urines have reach, because these rot the hoofs of the beast;
which also don't want to eat as long they have that under them. If you can make that
there was sand without dust with that [manure] this will be very good, because the
manure also rots the hoofs. Don't let the manure or mud fry over the skin of the beasts,
because the feed wont nourish them. If the beast have Frush or other infection of
dryness, smear with urine and excrement; which will be removed after without let it
stick on the skin. The healthy part doesn't need anything.
ARTICLE XVII.
About the things that fatten the skinny beasts and the hose before give them the
best and copious feed [that is the green].
Says Ibn Ab Hazm, that to the skinny beast shouldn't eat to much feed
until is full; which, even the extremely skinny, use to eat some times [the amount of]
forty pounds; that one of the things that gets them far and quickly makes then thick and
with extended flesh, that cutting the dry alfalfa in the more slight way possible and
breaking the barley, put it after in a empty bowl in the manger with sweet water, and
taking after part of that honey wash and dry the water to avoid it to turn acid. Leaving it
the lapse since the middle dawn until the sunshine, that are two hours or less; that going
after and taking from that soaked alfalfa one or two handfuls throw it in the bowl, taking
after and spreading the breaking barley over that alfalfa, and mixing both things along
in the bowl that is in front of the beast; that if the beast eat it you must repeat it by day
and night; but the interval of rest must be of one hour by hour; that the broken barley
excess by little the complete; and that also is good good practice, that the weak beast
take the first in the same amount that will take the second, because is not harmful to it;
but this shouldn't but with dry alfalfa soaked, and that this will feed the colt day and
night; that this is the best feed in the winter when cant have green or green barley; but
that is not convenient to add anything to this two things, specially green [or fresh
alfalfa],m the one that wants to fatter [the crude], or green barley that tries to purge him
or renew him. That from this use to feed the skinny Turkish skinny horses [or sons of
Horse an Donkey] when the green barley has been cut before of tighten the heat, in
which time there is not goodness on it; that is not convenient in time of heat excess that
amount of barley further of twenty pounds; and that this doesn't hurts them, if was equal
the amount of dry alfalfa.
The experimented way to fatten the skinny beasts (according other
author) is that the crude of many thinness [or extenuation] don't mount, keep by the
lapse of forty days on knead daily a pound of wheat flour, which cooking it after
fermented, and crumbled with almost two ounces of lard and honey, will make him eat
it with his usual amount of barley in the stable; that keeping the left over on a shaded
place, keep the same operation until reach the forty days, because if you do it you will
see wonders about his fatness.
Other.
You will take two pounds of fresh mil, same amount of fennel juice, and
other amount of good rancid wine, and all that mixed will be infused every seven days
to the beast making it swallow it, which is the last [remedy] that is used. In a roman
codex is add about the expressed equal amount of sweet raisins crushed, which giving it
to the beast each day, gets it fat.
Other.
If you want to fetter the beast, the mule or donkey, you will take half jar
of sweet milk of sheep, five deep bowls of oil, a vessel of fennel juice, and other of
good wine, and mixing it all medicate with it the beast by a lapse of seven days, which
(Allah willing) fattens it up wonderfully.
Other.
According the Nabathea Agriculture, if you want to give strength to you
skinny beast, give with the feed toast wheat, or chopped barley in the double amount of
wheat, making him drink water three times at day; and if you notice that the thinness
remains, mix bran with the wheat putting it in soak with sweet water, and letting it like
that, after you will mix it with the feed of the beast. Some people throw barley and the
toasted [wheat] soaked in water. The hempseed in its time , the small melons [or the sea
cucumbers] in it, and the black raisins along with the barley is the last that is used for
this. If wasn't enough to feed the beast with fodder and water, take some mauve and
squeezing two pounds of its juice, add this to sweet water in amount that with it makes
soft is viscosity, and with that will be healed the beast (Allah Willing).
Other.
According experience of the ancients in fatten the beast taking skin of
snakes and milling it very well will be mixed with the barley of them; which is proved
[that is worthy] for this effect.
Other.
One of the things that fatten the beasts is, that taking thickness of
Egyptian or Libyan lizard (which is similar to the common) be cooked with wheat, after
medicating with it the beast is filled with fat. The same happens (and is enema) taking
one of the two bunches of [plants] green of cucumbers, and putting them to cook in
water that covers them until the half, taking after three pounds of that water and adding
half pound of oil of balsam, will throw with that another enema to the beast.
Other.
According the Nabathea Agriculture, putting to macerate lupins in water
until they are sweet or almost sweet, mixing them after dry with straw and letting this
grass to the beast and the oxes, quickly fattens them. About giving the beast salt to eat,
says Ibn Ab Hazm, that the beast eats greens is important to give some milled salt,
omitting it two days, and that is not convenient give tot hem more than three; that if you
haven't give to it, is convenient to give them at a week one or two days, without letting
any without feeding him with salt, specially when she rests; that if the beasts don't want
to eat the salt, open their mouth and place it in there raising their heads to avoid it to
spill; that if they refuse to that, open their mouth with a stick and place in there the salt
been convenient to use them to this with kindness to avoid use the strength.
ARTICLE XVIII.
About the mudhole of the beast, and how must cover the face.
Is convenient (according the authority of Ibn Ab Hazm), that the place
of the mudhole must be wide so the beast don't touch with the foots the walls; must be
soil where they roll over, and that the mudhole don't have any moisture that penetrates
the leather of the beast. After that has rolled is tired and don't [returns then] to roll in
that place, where been warm a lot will harm his leather. The excrement of the beast that
was eat only straw is mad and dry for the mudhole. Shouldn't roll the one wet by the
rain, or the one that for the winter was bleached by the frost, because this let the beast
unable to move. Must be used the beast to use the mudhole, which is one of the things
that gives dilatation to the skin; or allow that gambol too much on it because if remains
too much time face up his intestines will twist, and will harm permanently the udders
and the belly bottom, and also will get the vice of bitting. And be careful that the spot of
the mudhole doesn't have rocks or bricks, because this may cut the beast. Providence
will be safe, if the mudhole was spiced with a sieve so in it wont be anything that
offends the beast, and the same in the places where it sits and lies to avoid anything that
may hurt them.
The must have the headstall must be the space for the eyes very wide so
their edges don't get in the eyes of the beast. The blankets must be long and cover the
chest of the beast for the damage and dust, and must be removed at the night. About the
spaces for the eyes in the headstall must have a fringe that covers from the flies [to the
beast].
ARTICLE XIX.
About the custom of make skinny the horse to win in the race.
Is maximum of Ibn Ab Hazm, that been the rest and fatness what
makes the horse be less resistant at the moment of run since a distant extreme, the way
to remove and correct this is extenuate him (if was fat) removing his fatness and making
him acquire agility is by making him sweat in the race without getting to tired, and fill it
with feed making him sweet so the flesh get tighten removing the inflation or fatness;
because is not about removing the food or water, or the fatigue, but what we have
expressed. The skinny shouldn't be come more thin until haves become thick and filled
with fat. The one that doesn't was ready must be prepared before by giving to him at the
beginning of the day the feed with a handful of dry alfalfa, hanging after in the neck a
bag with barley. Which after rolled perfectly well in the mudhole, you must clean him
from the little stones and others things you find, and executing well this operation; and
extracted the dust with the currycomb perfectly, you must place the blankets again.
Done this, you will refill his feed with dry alfalfa, and what eat from that will nourish
well, hanging on it a bag when the night comes with the left over of his barley; because
will be nourish with the dry alfalfa that in this lapse eats, and more by taking him for
right hand. If in prime night if the one taking care of him wants him sleep, will make
him drink water releasing him and letting free; after that will take him right for two or
three miles, placing the headstall or similar ting. After that releasing him and extending
his bed, will suspend the feed so he sleeps; and when was early in the morning, will
shake the dust and clean him with the apron; and removing it after and tying the
blankets will take him right for some days, one hour in each one; or will mount him
softly returning him after back to his manger. Like that is how he begins to become
skinny, and you will keep this until make him thick and perfectly fat, finishing after by
removing his fatness extracting it by sweating in races; which shouldn't be too tiresome,
as how mas expressed up.
According th same Ibn Ab Hazm, the less needed to each galauto is
need to get tired the horse is a day. Galauto is a shot of Arabic arrow, this is, one
hundred cubits. If have reached the point of make him skinny, affirms other author, that
you will win with him the race by making him begin from a distant extreme. Having
received this question one of the Arabic horse riding masters he answered: when the
horse will be in the point of be skinny? He answered: he will be already in that extreme
if, skinny in a singular way, the vein that is extended in the sides of the belly shows,
been narrowed the hypochondriums.
Ibn Ab Hazm says, that must the men visit his beast by day and night to
see the know that had happened to him, and check his hoofs and shoes and ant
disposition that was there without trust anyone about this, because like this wont be
harm by something else been tied and indoctrinated.
ARTICLE XX.
About the way to domesticate the riding horse, and other beast, when in there
were founded vices contracted by bad nature and acquired by bad habits, as the
haroniedad(?), the deflection, the obstinacy, the shyness, the unreliability [ or easy to
get angry], the stubbornness, the disobedience [or unmanageability], the roughness, the
restless wobble, the ferocity, the tendency to bite, to kick and slap, and other vices that
are not natural in the beast.
According the description that I am going to make, and about the balky,
such is called the hose and such is, if when is ordered to walk and retreats refusing to
receive orders even if is needled with both boots. [this vice], when isn't in his nature is
easily healed by the exerciser of the gallop but if it is is the las of the haroneidad(?), by
which fixing there is not ever a trace. Is said, that been this vice contagious, must for
this the horse be separated of the others. The haroneidad(?) not natural comes from
(according Ibn Ab Hazam) from other raider mounted him, and the excessive custom of
getting off from in between the donkeys and beasts, where these are together to be tied,
and other similar spots. According other author, also comes from been mounted by boys
and receive lashes at every moment. And further happens of stop at the moment of be
mounted and be punished strongly; which makes him lazy, that angry gets unsettled and
without calm wobbles, that the chest raises until become nervous, and gets the custom
of stop if this happens again; and the same if removing him quickly the trainer from the
beasts, stop and mounted him immediately; which operation repeated some times uses
to become a custom for him, which from that or other similar practice is necessary to
avoid. One of the things that is known as haroneidad(?), not been it, is if the horse
dishevel at the moment of the mounting and of tight strongly the girt, which use then to
throw himself to the floor.
I have seen balky horses (says Ibn Abi Hazm with this vice and the one
of deflection), which even if was burned with fire, don't leave the place where he was in
any way; and this, when is by nature, no one is able to fix it. Some times is fixed the
horse, and healed with flatter and care; but if had bitten, there is not trace in his healing,
and will be used the biggest diligence without reach the attempt. Like that, the
haroneidad(?) alone is the one healed by softness and flatter.
Is said, that one of the things that are experimented for the horse too
balky stop being it, is that hanging from and his testicles a string of palm not tight but
that wont fall and loose with a single turn, and placing the other extreme in the part of
the cinch and the belly of the horse, that pass it until the chest and to the girth and there
hangs without been too tight, that when the hose balks pull up his testicles with the
string, causing him pain, will fix him.
Other remedy that is for the balky and the nervous, and is from Musa Ibn
Nser; which says, that when you have throw over the trappings, grab the reins, and
take him out and put him in movement until the back gets hot, and mounting him after
the trainer moves him in a lovely and familiar way, and after a lot of time over him until
he balks and scares, and when restless and annoyed of the stop under the same he wants
to walk, stopping him the raider every time he tries it. Which also can be omitted; but
taking the nerve used to shake the cotton and tying it to the bone of the tail under the
bristle, will take the other extreme by under his hands having like that grabbed the
raider; which if planted over the horse was this rebel refusing tho walk, will pull the
nerve and in this way will star walking.
Another remedy is, according Musa Ibn Nser, that if you were tired for
been this hard for you, take a bunch of dry reed and shelling out their heads. when the
knight was over the horse, turn them on fire, and get them close to the penis of the
horse. Other remedy is, if wasn't allow this (according the same author), that making
some holes in the skin of his to legs and put on them two rings tying each one to a
string, grabbing the other two extremes the trainer, and if the horse balks pull those
strings making like this the horse walk Allah willing.
Other remedy of the book of Ibn el Bagddi.
Introduce in the anus of the balky horse a live beetle hiding it in it tied
with some bristles of his tail, because helping when balks and asking with caress to
move, this will stimulate him to walk and march, because the beetle moving in his anus
wont will be quiet unless he begins to move.
Other.
Take for the balky horse [a grain] of tar similar to a grape or smaller, and
placing it hanging by the extreme of a string in one of the ears, tie the other extreme of
that string in the mouth break so it can be seen that is not hidden on his ear; because
always that the tar moves in him, will be distracted by this way of the balkiness. Which
if have come to be located, is opinion of Ibn Ab Hazm, that doesn't have the men any
freewill in his remedy; which signal is, if when getting excited by hit of whip kicks,
retreats and kicks the wall without been able to get close to him; well in that situation he
cant never be good. Adds, that the balkiness that comes from the obstinacy and restless
wobble is healed by been over him alternating two boys, mounting one when the other
is down, having the horse standing in the same place without letting scape that place,
and not moving him with whip or mouth break; so if the one that is mounting wants to
eat, bring the food to him to eat it over the hose, remaining there constantly with long
patient; because doing this with him several times at day and night, he wish and looks
form his freedom, calmed the vehemence of his impetuous encourage, goes and walk
with a flat and even step. By this way (continues) we have healed many beast and they
remained fixed. Done this (says Ibn Ab Hazm), will make him be mounted more by
night without letting him free, and obligating him to walk slowly until make him forget
that stubborn insistence and thoughtlessness.
About the shyness (which is similar to the haroneidad(?), and consist in
the beast standing and doesn't move of his place, and that he spins around when is
stimulated to move, says Ibn Ab Hazm, that there is a beast of strong heart that when
is tighten with the race, the spur and the break, insist with stubbornness in remaining
stopped and spins around; is sad, that others that been too animated wobble with nerves
and shyness; and that without remaining stand they spin and don't walk straight, moving
in circles with a nervous wobble always they are made walk, which is shyness; also is
when getting close the men to the doors of the princes, of tribunals, and places where
the beast join, and there is narrowing and confusion of people, mount him the boy in
that confusing crow to taking him to his owner, and wanting to do this quickly he doest
do it, and reaching to the beast gets off of him to introduce it to the owner quickly;
which if is executed with him sometimes, is done custom.
About the deflection, by this is the horse called deflecting, and is the one
that cant march straight in the race deviating one time to the right and other to the left.
Which happens in it if is mounted by a different rider, bringing the hose with violence
and making him way to himself, by letting him free in the race where he wants, and
annoy him at the same time with whips by a side without straight up his head with the
rains of the break. The same says Ibn Ab Hazm, I have seen horse (continues), that
when this vice gets narrow importunately, never corresponded even if was burned with
fire; because that must be excused before becomes a custom, because sometimes
happens that inclines the head a little
or gets afflict with anger and tediousness,
becoming after a custom. Also the horse that diverts is usual to cover his eyes, and tie
the penis by behind and narrow him in the race, and make in the break extraordinary
things as, saws of bronze [or with teeth] and bites, punishing him in the sides with
whips with balls of tar; but nothing of this works in such vice, nether the horse allows it
if is narrowed with importunity. So you will avoid any violent procedure, because the
horse that gets angry for this don't gets fixed never, and specially those of noble breed
barely leave in little time the bad nature contracted.
Maximum is from Musa Ibn Nser, that putting the break in the support
be mounted, and making him wish water, be guided a little to the right and other to the
left, and after that walks with a calm step; that affecting the rider been sleep over him,
let his rein free so lowering his head feels the step; that after that raise him slowly for
affirm him in his march, and directing him to the water putting in movement; and that
retaining the whip on the side where he divert, twist him to the other side in this case
with the rein making a signal with a spur and punishing him with the whip by the same
side, without stop doing this with him because is the way (Allah willing) to cure him.
About the obstinacy (which gives the horse the name of obstinate, and is
the one stubborn), the rider must defeat this until tame it and can direct to where he
wants him. Some use to make the beast bleed in the mouth; but you must avoid this.
Musa Ibn Nser says, that if the horse was of good neck, and along with that obstinate
and very spirited, make him face the porch, and inclining his neck make him retreat
remaining the rider in have his head grabbed softly by the rein; that if was of loose and
light neck and of bad hands, and gets obstinate every time more in his contrary
determination of all the times that his rider instates him, the remedy is burn the hands
with fire placing in his lip a ring; that when this was healed, mounting the rider put him
in movement directing him to the water, and that instating him there the thirst [font stop
him] sometimes to don't drink for be this the way to make him obey.
About what makes the container, and is the one champing the break
moves frequently and unsteady his head showing pavidez (?) (all which is effect
particularly on the horse that was strong of heart, that put him the rains with the break at
the moment of the race), the remedy for this according Ibn Ab Hazm is, that when you
experimented this, and have the need of tame him you must doing using the flattlery,
and that introducing in between the people on the square you stand in front of all the
one you find [so he gets use to] remain firmly planted; which is the contrary to what is
practiced in the tame of the colt. Like this, the custom that is necessary use to heal him
from this is the one of the walk in the big squares and stop to say hello to the people,
even when that can stop the vice [of other specie]; because the container, in where this
is practiced, stop been spirited without be able to reestablish that in a long time, so you
even will think he have forget running; the signal of which is that if is not angry when
you mount him; which when you see it, don't get away from him side in some days, and
will try to give frequent and long gallops until it fixes carrying always free the bridle.
When you mount in the container and you want to make him run, you will use with him
as strategy the lack of use of the break [or bridle] at walking, using it with negligence in
a way that he thinks that you are sleep over his back; and like that the movement you
make will make him happy, been you rains grabbed well loosely over his neck, and
letting him run without that over him is done any movement; which you will know truly
at the end of a long race, trowing your reins over him. When you want to hold him, you
will move the break in his mouth not pulling or loosen the rein, which shouldn't be in
this last disposition, because having it like that your hand, will increase that vice; but
must be as who pulls and looses quickly, and in this way he will stop; if he doesn't, you
throw over him the rein, because in this way will finish his vigor in the race making the
same to contain him without tie then the reins behind his ears. This of make him stop
isn't [point] of the taming or the cavalry, but for the one of having the bad luck of get a
container [knows how] must contain him; and if in him get on other that isn't you, never
must try to contain him or stop him; which cunning you will keep to use, because for
that you will expose to be in front of the view of those that come behind. This way of
tame and correct the container is called for some ancient subtlety very unworthy of
pray; and the true is far from been tame and calmed until becomes natural. For which
reason, when you have fixed must be indoctrinated having over the rider without use of
the rod. After that in battle or in the arena listen the voices and clatter, and was stringed
with the foots, will get angry showing himself hard as how was he first; and if at the
moment of the race was mounted by another rider, comes to him the fight to his
memory over the spot [or in the same moment]. And becomes pavido(?).
About the hardness, says Ibn Ab Hazm, that there is not trace for his
remedy, if it was strong in the head. Is said, that the best to beat the container is if is cut
his white mane, that is found in the insertion of his jaws, three fingers over the spot
where the are the teeth of the break. If you want to cut it, pull the tongue of the horse as
if you want to take it out, placing it in to his mouth; in which two operations will be
discovered his signal, which is some vein that is under the part that you pull to you, and
cleaving there the skin you will extract to you with a nail of iron and take out the vein,
which is with and without blood; and after you will heal him spraying vinegar and ash,
and making him remain in calm until he heals.
About the extreme intractability, with this name is called the horse that
haves it, and is the one that rises his head without looking where he put his hands when
walks or run, which also gives the name of slope climber. Says Musa Ibn Nser, that
also use the indocile give heatbutt to his rider; adds, that if having heal this the rider,
pulls from his neck or jaws with the reins to stop him, becomes more indocile; and that
if this was were of shot neck and breathing, will be soft the superior side of his neck, for
which doesn't have the rider or the laborer any trace; because never [will reach that
haves] more breath, or the lack of his neck was fixed. But Musa Ibn Nser says, that his
remedy is tie him tight the break in between his hands in the girth, because in this way
will lend; and if not, face him with heavy acial(?), remain loosen the reins of the break
that hit the face so the bite falls over his teeth; because always that rises his head, will
hurt them such part of the break, and obeying will lend.
To the crestfallen that is the one that carries his head down when runs
and march, says Musa Ibn Nser that will be faced with heavy aciales(?); that twisting
his neck make him sit over his feet once and rise the head when walks, loosening the
reins sometimes, until he raises it; and that make him gallop and jog, moving softly the
reins of a single part when walks and jog until the horse march ease and happiness, and
that carry his head up straight.
About the one that wobbles nervously, and is the one that is not calm
after mounted or since is made to stand up, the remedy for this and for when your beast
wobbles like this with you, is that frequently make him march next to the wall or by the
edge of the mountain, surrounding with him the woad of the stable; because in this way
will calm leaving this vice Allah willing. For which is a experimented remedy that
putting on him a travel saddle, and that the wobble hose walks like that eight days; after
showing with this that there is a journey to make will stop the wobble.
Maximum of other author, that stopping with the horse, alternating two in
mounting when is stand without scape, walking one and mounting the other without
moving or interruption in sitting over his back in the same place; because doing this
with him a day and a night, will calm his fierce, and wanting vehemently his feeding
and well been, will walk with a flat and even step.
About the fleeting shyness the one brute haves this vice that runs scared
of what he sees; which does by fear and terror, and also use to do it for been of weak
heart, or strong unsociability that haves, [originated] of the toughness untreatable that
remains on him for been little times in the squares and big poblations. The worst vice of
this class is the one that also suffer the camels; which remedy, if was fleeting by fear
and terror, is (according Ibn Ab Hazm) treat him with softness until is tame. One of
the things that distract him of the fleeting is shake the whip over his head with care
without touching him, because if not the fear wont go away. If continues the fleeting,
you will make him stop with care to that thing that scares him placing him in front of it,
and remaining there so he sees it and consider it with attention; because in this way his
breath will be strong, that almost will rip his heart remaining there until that pass; but
after he have considered attentively and get tranquilized; which you must understand,
and for this make comparison. Like that, when he prepares to considerate it and haves
perceived it, you will present it in front of it with softness; and if refuses to get close,
you will ask to a men that march in front of him to that thing that flees him. If still
divert after making look at it, you will give and torment then him with the whip, getting
him close to the thing, without the brute see the whip o know which part is getting
offended with it, to avoid him to twist to that side. Maximum are from Musa Ibn Nser,
that the horse fleeting and nervous be mounted by night in the desert fields, and by day
in the squares; if runs from something, stop over him by a long hour so he gets calm by
consideration and attention; and that the stable haves a lot of light.
About the one that was fleeting and nervous, says Ibn Ab Hazm, that
one of the traces for his domestication is that should be place other along with him in a
single manger, that eats with him until gets familiar with him, because like this will left
this vice, Allah willing. Maximum is from other author, that hanging on the head of the
camel a bag filled with his own manure will stop been shy and fleeting; and so will
affirm, that the same happens if you hang it from the hairs of their noses.
Use the brute (says Ibn Ab Hazm) that when in the roads and narrow
places had to pass in between ridges,stones and tools of some art, pass all it as if
jumping and lifting the feet if it, whih is necessary for him not run scared of the same;
even of the things that was necessary be care of.
About the rabudso that is the one that lies in the ground and in clear
water having on the rider, his remedy is (says Musa Ibn Naser), that mounting him the
knight instates him and put him in movement with the jog and gallop; that when hey
lyes don't dismount the knight, but remaining mounted shakes hi with the whip when he
lies, continuing in do the same some times; because like this will left this vice; and
equally when he lies n the water, and letting him also a small moment, remaining over
his back, punish him intermediately after with the whip until he stands up; because like
this he will stop Allah willing.
Other [way] to the donkey and mule that lie.
Do the same that was mentioned before about the trace to remove the
balky horse such vice, this is hanging from his testicles a string of palm leafs and tying
the other point in a aperture that haves in the middle the saddle, when she lies, pull back
his testicles causing him pain; like this will stand up and walk leaving this vice. And if
the beast was female, tying his ears with some belt or string, never in any way will lie;
which is experimented in both ways equally in the balky that had the vice of lying.
About the brute that [had the vice of] fall. Remain constant and tying
well tight the girth, or mounting by hair until you think that it is balkiness; which
remedy is, if mounted in saddle you were then stand over him by an hour; because in
this way hi will want to walk without violence and by good will. If he obstinate
importunately, you will that be in front of his head a crow of people and that after walks
in front of him some pack of sheep; because like this will walk at the speed of them, and
wont stop even if they happen to remain behind; and this is the best trace with him and
with the beast that haves this vice, in this way will run, and if remained standing
mounting him by hair, throw over a blanket and mount him, because like this (Allah
willing) will lost this vice.
About the stupidity (that is the contrary to the liveliness of spirit and
happiness of heart), was told up how is known by experience; which remedy when the
horse haves this fault, is (according Musa Ibn Nser), that the knight don't act with rage
or tight him against his will, but exited him slowly in the gallop and the job without
show in this over him any arrogance; and that when wants to dismount, get close in the
act of do it a mare; because going to her with agitated movement will go in each buck
increasing his vigor and happiness. If the stupidity comes from sickness and not from
his mind, must be healed with the remedies that (Allah willing) will be told after. About
the stumble (with which name is called the horse that stumbles a lot in the race , and
that really is), some brute stumble by accidents that are in the, others for some reason or
damage hidden in their eyes, others for robustness, and others for stupidity. The remedy
for this, according Musa Ibn Nser, is that if the cause of his stumble was the damage
hidden on his eyes, be healed with eye drops made for this; that the one that stumble for
his stupidity and weakness raise his head as if he look at the sky, and after take him
quickly for a wasteland tread on, and when you dismount him take quickly the vein that
haves in his belly to extract the slime; because like this digesting well his grass and
getting stronger of his weakness, wont stumble (Allah willing).
About the ferocity, Ibn Abi Hazm says, that is fierce the horse if refuses
his back to be mounted, or refuses the reins or settle, or girth or break and such things;
that many times the ferocity, that again shows in the brute, comes from the tumors that
are shown when is rubbed with the currycomb or reach where falls the pillion, or where
the break falls, or the belly bottom of the back, harnessing him before he heals
completely; because been mounted in that way, refuses and gets angry for the pain this
cause shim, and becomes custom. The remedy for this about he refusing the back at the
mounting and everything else, is according Musa Ibn Nser; [worths to know], that
when you put on him the harness, pass the hand by the face and all his body, and that
placing some times your feet in the stirrup without mounting and passing at the same
time you hand, give him after with the same strong and continues hits in the harness
without stopping at the same time of touch him; that after with all patient you had
practiced what was told to you, mount him tying lightly; and that after you are sit
straight and firmly over him, make him understand with some soft signal and flattering
that you have mounted him; because doing this by the lapse of many days will allow
you to command him Allah willing.
If refuses the harness, says Ibn Ab Hazm, that happening very
commonly this vice in the smalls tumors that again appear in the brute with is rub with
the currycomb, or in the place of the girth or the pillion, use to refuse and get mad for
the pain that comes from that disposition before healed perfectly, and from mounting
him, so this uses to become a custom even if is cured after; which must be fixed in the
way that will told before, serving Allah.
If refuses the break (says Ibn Ab Hazm) by relic of contumacy that was
on it, by fierce of by wound in the back of his neck, or pain that the acial(?) have caused
on him, his remedy is, according Musa Ibn Nser, that taking a little cloth wet with
honey tie it tight over the bite and with him brake him, because in this way wont refuse
it; and if he does after that, put some honey in the beginning of his ears so the flies go
there; which that disposition remaining free and separated in the summer some days
until is tamed, after that will get to his tamer, and chasing the flies will stop him, and
washing after that honey, will calm him and will let him with the brake the rest of the
day; in which even if other fly gets in the stable having him the brake on, wont refuse it
the next days. Also is said that when you put the brake to the brute, and throw in the
mouth some half milled salt, or covering it with a little cloth, tie it to the bite of the
brake so chewing it and tasting it, be this pleasing in his mouth; the same will do when
you begin to stop the colt.
If do not bite the bit it will slow (says Musa Ibn Nasr) with a.... narrow
and will have two hours raised his head, and so they will bite it; and if not, by putting a
sugar trough on the bit and tying it around him, will stop with it; for thus coming to
taste the sweetness of sugar, it will never stop chewing the bit.
The remedy for that refuses the lock, the halter, the bridle, backpack, currycomb
and harness is (according Musa Ibn Nasr) that left him three days in the loose stable
unhindered and without eating or drinking, and going to him then when it finds weak
and emaciated, will rub with the currycomb, you put the lock, the halter, the packsaddle,
and above it the harness, and you hang barley backpack with good, clean, screened and
scrubbed the ringleaders; and so after that nothing that we have expressed will refuse.
The remedy for the ferocious, the second rider do not suffers is (according Musa Ibn
Nasr) so would have mounted the gentleman put on his haunches a woolen cloth,
because that way it will allow; and if not, you will harness with two chairs, a gentleman
below, and the other on the site of which puts behind him; through which, wishing to
Allah, you will be provided to receive the second rider.
About correct the ferocious that is biter, Ibn Abi Hazm says that usually
happens the vice of hurting a lot the rider; it also shrinks the beast while wallowing;
which sometimes comes from harassing; other vehement ardor of the exalted blood and
bile; and there are also inherited of the father pointedly, which remains and spreads
making feature. The remedy for this, and profitable medicines that comes from
unbridled, are (according Ibn Abi Hazm quoting Musa Ibn Nasser) that screws her four
teeth above and below with a file to be thin, then they drill , whereby leaves its torn
exaltation; or that castrating the male and tying the female, if it comes from the bile and
vehement ardor of the blood, are cured with medicines to be designated for this, Allah
willing: and that's what makes to the great skill and cunning that will use the rider with
the horse, it hereby away such vice and will domesticate.
About the kicker and the stirrer (with whose first name is noticed the horse that
beats with their feet) says Abu Ali, the horse, the mule, the donkey called kickers by
frequent and violent propulsive movements they do with them; and Ibn Abi Hazm
says, that these same movements of the donkey, or the boot, is the effect of bad
character, and fierce unsociability; which also comes to the pester and the same waving;
which usually also come from pain that caused the whip; and also they are closing their
lips, often refuse them and remove the bit.
Musa Ibn Nasr said, that the remedy for the kicker is that without untie the
obstacles you spend a lot the hand over his back after letting him know that you are
present and near him, whereby leave this vice; if not strongly shake him his rider until
kick, running the same whenever kick, then this mode will stop doing it; but if not, take
a stone and tying a handkerchief and this of the strap with a long cord, is attached to that
handkerchief with another long cord, and pulling the tip of it for between the thighs of
the horse and ties the end of the bone of its tail; thus the rider punishing him every time
it kick, will break the stone into his cock, what will happen to stop this vice.
The horse that does not shrink, is corrected (according Musa Ibn Nasser)
introducing him in blind alley mounted on him the knight, and any person engaged to
him with the whip before him being in front of it, because in this way it will go back;
and if otherwise, tying one of his testicles a string, and contain the gentleman with the
bit, the other will pull him from behind with that string and executing it with him
sometimes, as in this way will backward. Another says, that the setback will make me
do not equal your hindquarters to the right or left with respect to twisting, after he has
fallen back once, will go back without bending; but if you move sideways, as you
reduce to walk between two walls or backward until the back room does not twist and
go straight to relent.
The ferocious that at the march do not look to the right or left to without having
the slightest accident in his eyes, he is corrected (according Musa Ibn Nasser) to have
him in a dark the stable, not make holes the headstall on the site where his eyes fall, and
leaving in this provision to get after to the light; for thereby taking breath will look to
the right and left, and indicated with his ears, which surely will; but if not, you put
honey on the birth of them so the flies take over him in the stables; in which is
convenient that restlessly move their ears, and skin and feet will harden.
The horse that brings hanging tongue is corrected (according Musa Ibn Nasser)
have to press the brake and stop him with it after iron smeared with aloe that it enters
his mouth, or binding upon all the teeth of the bit a handkerchief wet in water that has
been dissolved aloes, because in this way it will not pull out its tongue.
The horse that unleash the halter is corrected (according to the author cited)
setting a stake in front of the barn but it is found on land that offends his skin, and tying
in the same tight with a belt; thus it is not possible to move when unleashed his halter,
he will cease to untie.
Whoever eats the reins is corrected (as Musa Ibn Nasser) smeared with aloes
thinned in water, then will stop to do so; and the same applies, according to another
author, if you are entered into the fold of his reins others made of bark of spurge
offspring flax.
The badly vicious (the do not drink any pylon and any vessel) is corrected as
Musa Ibn Nasser, leaving him thirsty some time and putting in the water a lot of sugar,
so will drink as well in any of them; and you will put in his pasture something to slim
the complexion of his body so that feel like drinking water, such as spurdog or alfalfa,
or any such thing.
The horse that does not enter the water is corrected (as Musa Ibn Nasr) tying the
tail when they get into it, because there are horses that do not enter the water until it is
done with them. If is not executed, it will be left unwashed with currycomb few days in
the summer, and also will be the same on dried dung screening; and bringing to the river
after a few days in such an arrangement, a young man will take the currycomb, and a
small pitcher of water from the river that has to be in front, and you smear a long time
with the currycomb and water, filling the river pitcher sometimes followed in his
presence; after which you will scream then, and so enter the water without disgust him.
The horse that uncover their teeth for having shorter lips was this lack
amendment according Musa Ibn Nasr, denying the feed of barley and grazing of green
harvest thirty days without giving him drink water; as well as stretching the lip will
cover the teeth.
The way to correct the vice of which it takes to go limp and his cock pending,
according to that author, so that the gentleman has ridden him go behind him a man
carrying in his hand a thin net whip-shaped, which has been put into vinegar one day
and one night, and along a glass with vinegar; and that whenever the horse take out his
cock, wetting the man in the vinegar that network, we shake with it in the same
executing it a few days without getting tired or annoyed about it, because in
consequence cease to execute.
The horse that when throw excrement go out the anus was left out, says Musa
Ibn Nasr, what will be corrected when the gentleman will mount and while person was
mounted on him, wont let him excrete all times wishes to, poking with spurs and
shaking his whip so that causes pain by repeating this with him sometimes; because that
is how leave such vice.
The fierce that gobble the barley without chewing, and which annoy her with no
ill nerve of his tongue nor teeth on edge, says Musa Ibn Nasser, is healed feeding him
with broken beans and more often mixed with straw; because with this learns to chew
and dont swallows of his pasture. Also adds, trying horse and mare not pulverized
barley, which are made of ginger, Chinese cinnamon, celery seed Lawn [or parsley],
anise, Ammi, syriacos cumin, castoreum and sugar-stone, equally, everything is mixed
and ground with fresh water and Propine the fierce, which hereby grind barley.
The correction of who refuses horseshoe (whose vice happens, according Ibn
Abi Hazm, for strength and ferocity that has been on the horse, and usually happens for
nuisance pain they have caused the nails, for which reason it refuses after excavation
cleaning it), the best remedy for this is, that binding tight upper lip with the whip is then
attach with the same the arm and leg knee on each fierce as it is done with the camel,
and if he wobbles uneasily will then take a long stick and you shake softly with him at
the center of the tied hand, also hitting him with that stick in his side while repeating the
same in the hoof of the fierces tied hand until fatigue and annoy of the restless wobble,
and domesticate through those bumps; and then snuggling to him, so that hand be
damned of the bind with you tied, you set the horseshoe with nails riveting on the hoof
their points after the smallest part has penetrated, remaining meanwhile in that provision
. Then he will try to do in the other hoof the same as it was intended to do in the first,
doing the same on their feet.
When the fierce is fatigue in long way, its owner must hit in the hoof with a stick
or stone, or with your fingers, so getting used to that provision will be shoeing then
easily. It also has to get used to loop the line; and because the fierce refuse horseshoe
restless difficult wobble removed, must guard against this with all caution.
We have already expressed the remnants that are often discovered in the nature
of ferocious, and which is sufficient for correction through discipline and praise; which
can be reduced to those who have similarity with them, as the resulting perversion that
some fierce boys ride the much encouragement horse and whipping, horse for whatever
punished painfully and sensitive is overcome with boredom and sorrow, and comes to
rest in lazy and fierce; and so it comes to rest in stubborn contender, if the mouth is
much blood doeth for support and ensure the boys with the brake.
The correction therefore how it is discovered again, is equal to that of the similar
already expressed. The corrector rider must be very learned and wise in the art of
horsemanship. Which if at grope the ferocious find him with violence remains elusive, it
must not be exposed to it facing him. The signal must be done, is if you believe that this
medium has to humble him showing weakness, being hardest thing for him
uncomfortable and natural property of their status; nor is there anything more useful to
get than the use made of the wisdom and skill, patience and praise; through which it is
leading to fierce to the good habit, and retracting natural vices. In another chapter,
which is the next XXXIII, express thou desirest to know the science of riding the horse,
and what is practiced in the art of horsemanship. But Allah hangs the happy
performance.
ARTICLE XXI
The mode of shoeing beasts, affirm and tighten the hoof.
Trying to this provision, says Ibn Abi Hazm, the first tip in this regard is given
to every beast, is that the basis of hoofs do not get cut, concave or separating palms so
much, but in them the next part is left to the redundant and the end of the cavity, that
being the hoof by it equal to the horseshoe, this will reserve the damage. It is for the
best, you have more in the hoof so they do not stumble; because perhaps falling the
shoe, the site would harden their nails, and it would not be possible to reset this when
they should be execute.
It is important to have good horseshoes; because if any cavity in the hand (or
whatever cupped), the nails from behind should be small and large the front; and if it is
soft, small the front and big from behind; and at plant each horseshoe you must set
before two nails at the end of it. If the hoof was crooked in it or on the pastern any
deflection outward or inward deviating from what is right, or obliquity by weaknesses
of the pastern, or the base of the hoof was crooked, If the hoof was crooked in it or on
the pastern any deflection outward or inward deviating from what is right, or obliquity
by weaknesses of the pastern, or base of the hoof person was crooked, will repair at the
site where the beast sit the foot and the turning of the printed mark right there and will
rectify through nail to becoming tolerable or decreasing at the site formerly stood, the
hand of the inside or the outside becomes. Likewise, if the fierce hoof is thing and need
to ride him, agree that the horseshoe applied to it will cover entire hoof without it is
more than that little cleavage site of the tip of the frog. It is very helpful, there are four
horseshoe nails; but still three give more kindness and more equality in the hands of
fierce. It happens many times as you need to cover the hoof, or because suffer hardness
accident, redundancy, injury, or other calamity; in whose care taking a piece of
parchment as sole of the hoof size, you will plant it, and then you put up the horseshoe
so that is between this and the hoof; which is best practiced in this genre. Some people
use woolen cloth for shoes; but I would not advise this for reason that such cloth
remains on. Beware of shoe without diligent skill, compared to the nail hurts sometimes
to the frog; nor is it to shoe but leather lined with horseshoe; thus adjusting more to the
hoof, she gives to the hands of fierce more lightness and agility.
The nails are not to be thick, but thinner needles way to be lighter and healthy;
and this, because iron is always much, narrowly as could be; and because the softer it
may, the better, and more time will remain in the hoof. Is appropriate that the nail is
toward the outer side, so that when nail it pass through [or twisting], which would not
happen if it were straight, no missing the fear that penetrate into the frog. If happens to
have rooms [or cracks] the fierce, you're going to shoe planting between the hoof and
the goatskin shoe, leaving out four fingers behind it, which hand tight sitting on the site
of the cracks, will bind to the pastern with strong thread so that the stones do not offend
him, nor the pain will increase; of which is that protective. And if it also befalls to have
the fierce a fracture that will take the circumference of the hoof, or be the same around
the hair that is over him, shall make a loot of cowhide, which will fit and be tied tightly
to his sheet in such an arrangement would not enter the soil or anything else.
ARTICLE XXII
The way to correct the thinness of the hoof.
If it be slender the hoof of the beast (says Ibn Abi Hazm), and if you want that
he was raised another very good, make him the horseshoe as the appearance of the new
moon, and by thinning well and being his thickness of middle finger, and somewhat less
the nails, so that will fix and seal the edge of the hoof fits tightly to her without any of
the middle part suffers injury or left uncovered. After making a small hole under the
hand by the stable and throwing gravel spread in him, you do have that there remains,
and will heal with remedies that we have expressed. We commissioned the horseshoe so
much, because in no way is it would raise the hoof, if the fierce were mounted or
removed from the stable, and if shoe with another horseshoe would not set foot on the
stones; which have to be understood for at profitable it is, Allah willing.
One of the things experienced to birth, strengthen and thicken the hoof, is that
roots of colocynth of uncultivated land not cultivated, washed, clean land and made
pieces then are cooked very well in water to relent perfectly, and then clarifying this,
you infuse as much common oil, and then put to cook until the water consumed in the
oil; with which the hoof smearing sometimes see a prodigy in growth that gives; and it
will be even better, if you'll add to this in summer time some butter. One of the things
that, according to Nabathea Agriculture, harden and grow the hoof is that taking pork
lard and goat, and green and legitimate Sulphur, with this mixture spread the hoof and
the site called heel of the beasts hoof.
It is said that when some want to ride the fierce, well heated a handkerchief,
sprinkled with vinegar and plant it on their hoofs, and when they return from their trip
wash them with cold water and distill them pork lard or goat with melted greenish
Sulphur; as being the substance and butters one of the things that soften the hoofs of
fierce, this should be done with them whenever you will mount. Which, being one of
the things that are done to harden their hoofs if they have footsore, and what removes
the footsore, which thereby cured the hoofs of the fierce once each month, it would need
to shoe it, still better hardening hereby the horseshoe. According to the book of
Hippocrates Veterinary, take tar, butter, finely ground white glass, and sulfur equal
parts, one drachma of dried storax four matsakles or just over five and a half drachmas
defecated arabic gum, finely ground so this can be, and putting everything on new pot
melt down over charcoal fire until it is incorporated, and removing and emptying after
of that in another iron vessel that has cold water, after all lift up, that garment which is
very good remedy if necessary to harden the hoofs of the fierce.
The other with the Greco-Roman strengthen the hoofs of foals and colts when
have footsore, is the following as recorded in the book of Bagdadense on Veterinary.
Take youngs urine and goat butter, and grind this with the urine until be mixed both,
which then spreads hoofs of the foal and colt, and prominent fleshy contained within
them at the top; which is certainly helpful and useful. Likewise it is for the footsore and
weak hoofs the following.
You take dry colocynth, crush and grinding it well you will pass through sieve,
and taking butter (that precisely is of Goat) then crush them in the mortar, of whose two
mixed things you will do balls by way of eggs, and when desireth stiffen the hoof of the
fierce in the footsore, you lift up his hand and put in it a ball of this medication, which
planting a shovel of hot iron, scrub with it until melted is drink at the hoof; then
applying this three days, he will remove the footsore giving hardness, as has been
proved experimentally well.
Another medicine to strengthen.
Take oil and tar, and mix well with garlic crushing all this, the paste is helpful
and useful. Other hardened with substance and turpentine, and after that with extremely
hot almond oil; which is of beneficial use.
Another operation almost the same.
Take a linen cloth soaked in oil or turpentine (which any is at hand) Put at the
end of a stick, which set fire to drop by the side of the hoof sitting on the ground while
burning with fire, and immediately after shoe with plates made of iron; which it is
useful for footsore, and also convenient to the favor of Allah.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
How some beasts are cured of the diseases that affect them from
head to their hoofs with easy early drug composition,
and through nothing difficult manual operation using
iron as bleeding or rupture of the veins in the neck, arm,
breast, rump, and its top inside part and some cauteries of fire.
Mentioned the signs indicating those accidents, and
medicines sent to them: whose art is known by the name
of Albeitera (veterinary medicine)..
Opinion is from Aristotle in his book Nature of Animals, letting the horse graze
freely is not undertaken any disease; but dropping some of their hoofs, he comes to sick
from this. The horse that will come off it soon born others, which appear at the same
time leaving out the first. The signal that has thrown the hoof is the palpitation or
dilation of the right testicle, and if at shallow depth is very dirty the bottom of his nose.
The horse is fed into the houses, is seized with many diseases, and practical in his
regime believe that suffers from all the same and that man is rushed. According to these
maxims and the like [says another author] everything, by Allah, will be discussed, it
shall be according to the doctrine contained in old books on healing their injuries and
illnesses.
ARTICLE I
Remedies for illnesses and accidents that occur in the outer parts of the head of
the fierce.
This class is the star [or stain] and the whiteness which again appears in both
eyes of fierce or one of them; indicante whose whiteness the signal is clear and
manifest. White spot sometimes covers the entire eye, and sometimes part of it, that is
the star; which it is a sign on the eye after their ulcers healed, and being white and
beginning way to puff or white cloth, then thickens coming to the white the dark side.
The old remedy for this (as Musa Ibn Nasser) is, taking Blessed thistle and Sulphur,
grinding and sift good both; which applied in the eye sometimes as eye drops it is
helpful, by Allah.
Other medicine for the same
Take bakers salt, pepper, sugar, and dry moth [or Fumitory], and grind
everything well and sift, smearing with which salve the eye of the beast will heal.
Other for the same
Take more than five and a half drachmas of Sarcocolla, the ophthalmic glaucio
[or marine poppy] one drachma and three sevenths, candy about three drachmas, saffron
two sixth drachma and opium sixth of it, and fine grinding and sifting that on silk cloth,
rub the eye with this eye drops, and repair and convalesce, Allah willing.
Another of Hippocrates the veterinarian for a bright spot, and the puffs and
cloth in the eye.
Take Orach and five peppercorns, whose two things well crush and will sift in a
clear silk texture sieve,
and putting that powder in a drilled shaft you blow on the eye of
the beast; then repeating this a few times, it will be (by Allah) helpful and useful.
Other for the white spot is in the eyes of the beasts.
Take nitro foam (called tongue sea and sea foam), and grinding it well and
clearly sifting in handkerchief texture, blow in the eyes of the beast sometimes, and will
take advantage.
Other
Take flour and a little salt, and mixing and rubbing both well in the pan, grind
until turn into an alcoholic, and putting that in a joint cane blow on the eye where is a
bright spot; which it is profitable, Allah willing.
Other
Take Orach seed and grind well, and also five grains of pepper mixing and
grinding both until turn into an alcoholic, and sifting it in a clearly texture handkerchief,
blow cane internode in the eye of the beast, sometimes repeating this operation; which
is (Allah willing) useful and helpful.
Eyedrops of Ibn Abi Hazm for white spot filed in the eye of the beast.
Take leaven of barley flour, and dry crumble then, well ground with knead
fennel juice, and adding nitro finely ground and honey give with this eye drops in the
eye of the beast; it is clear from experience that is helpful.
If it appears lack of light in the eye of the fierce (whose signal is, according to
the book of Ibn Abi Hazm, if he looked straight ahead, not left nor right), is cured with
this sprinkling drug. Take the weight of two drachmas of nitro, one drachma of very
white salt, and the same Seaspray; and grinding the mixture well Sift on silk cloth and
use bridging to fierce as eye drops: which is (by Allah) useful for this, and also for the
little cloud in the eye as well as the remedy for the same as it is for lack of light.
Blindness, if it appears again in the eye of the fierce, is (says Ibn Abi Hazm)
something that is superimposed over the pupil and covers, as a pearl, and is not as
crystal liquid. The remedy for it is to take a pigeon kill it, and infuse their blood
together with egg whites in the eye of the fierce; which it is helpful for that (Allah
willing), and especially what is the blood that is in the small wing feathers.
Other
It is helpful thing take wolfs bile, leeks juice and foamed honey, and infused
into the eye.
Another of Musa Ibn Nasser.
Take fresh vulture bile, or dry if that is not by hand, and grinding the dry well
and pouring a dollop of serum, put that in a glass flask, and hang it to the sun a day or
two; of which you will make use eye drops, so profitable it is.
Other
Take juice of sweet and sour pomegranates, and mixing the two, this useful eye
drops applied to the eye of the fierce.
The blindness that happens in the eye of the fierce (whose signal in man is the
color on, swelling of the eyelid, and the fluxion of tears, and the same is it in fierce),
cured after opening the outer vein of the arm. Profitable for blindness and the gummy
remedy, as Ibn Abi Hazm, is to take dleb leaves which is the banana, and apply them
crushed with old wine to the beast in the form of eye drops, washing both eyes with
cool sweet water, which it's great to come first. For the other egg white mixed with rose
oil, and thus the eyes of the beast is smeared. They cure for blindness milks, cost,
saffron and wheat oil, mixing well with it by friction, smoothing it with sheep brains,
and mixing it with pink oil and egg whites; which is helpful for blindness, applied to the
eye as eye drops, and also to the hit there occurred in it, being clear to the eye. For
which the Musa Nasser Ibn remedy is to take seven grains of barley, some of cotton
seed and fine white salt, chewing well and this put it in a handkerchief and distill it in
the eye of the fierce repeated times; which (with Allah) it is helpful and useful.
For trfato (which is a very ruddy stain is in the eye coup occurred in it, or a
slight deflection of the artery where the eye comes to mourn) the remedy, as happens in
man, is distilled in the eye hot pigeon blood together with egg whites, repeating this
operation several times; which it is helpful, Allah willing. Ibn Abi Hazm says, that this
signal is in fierce if you see that has wrinkled eyes flowing them plenty of fluids
without being able to open; and the useful remedy for this is chewing very white salt
and infused into the eyes: it is also, if they be closed, taking blood from little pigeon that
has under its wings and mixed with leeks juice distilled in the eyes: and that ruddy stain
on the eye due to fatigue of the journey and the way heat is useful to rub it with pastel
dye made dissolve scrubbed in clear and clean water.
Other medicine
Take fresh rose leaves and throwing them in pure, clean water and smearing,
spray its juice in his eyes a few times in a row;which it is useful, Allah willing.
The botsr, which appears again and is a sign of ulcers, is called evil nail for this
reason, and is known in the eyelid lift. And if there be found in the white part of the eye
that has already been set in her very red and it is one that too, in black or any site that
has already whitened certainly happened in the eye that expressed disease.Ulcers in the
eye of the gross, he says Ibn Abi Hazm, are things that can not be hidden; so that you
open the eye, you will make them appear clearly in the pupil and eyelid; whose angles if
fierce and starchy gummy flow, it is already the eye in the last grade of fluxion and
glare.
The sign of this, Musa Ibn Nasser said, is if you see the eye of the fierce power
and has become very bitter; for which this is the remedy that breaking the vein and then
taking sandalwood and cost, and grinding good, sifting all and mixed with fresh butter
sheep infuse it into the ear of gross adjacent to diseased eye, then smearing that ear that
the medication is introduced; and that after taking myrrh, saffron juice ash and cost,
grind all, and sifting is blown into the nose of the beast for three days, for that will rest;
which if happens, will make three cauteries one at the end of the sore eye, one on the
eyebrow, and one below the eye.
The Nyctalopia vitiating the eye of gross called lusciosity [or nearsightedness]
and xbcur in Persian says Ibn Abi Hazm, shown in gross not see at night and when
the sun was hidden, and who walks gesticulating as does the blind. To correct this
defect Take two kidneys of gelded and put to roasting collect that juice and mixing with
it pigeon blood, rub the eye with it.
Another Musa Ibn Nasser.
Take leaves of dried roses and cress, equally, and ground well and sifted, mix
beef fat, And give to eat that to the beast; as being useful (by Allah), will heal and you
will see at night. And if not, take ageratum [or dropwort], and scrubbed and well ground
above squeezing fresh cress, adding that honey and gall of gelded, and yet well
incorporated spreads the eye of the beast.
Another of Ibn Abi Hazm.
One of the helpful things for the short-sightedness of this kind is the use of eye
drops with galls of animals, especially birds like the hawk, crane and partridge.
Other
Take gelded liver, open and spread on top black pepper, long pepper, and finely
ground ginger and sifted; thereby putting the liver on hot coals, rub the eye of the beast
with the foam that rises up on.
Medicine of Veterinary Hippocrates to glare and dark eyes.
You take and put them roasting on coals of black gelded liver, and drying then
distill from that juice three times in each of the eyes of the gross.
Another from other author
Take gelded liver, and placed in a pot pour in ginger and pepper, crushed both
things, and put to cook in fresh water until only tender; and covering the gross head
with a cloth, pull up to the eyes mouth of that pot being hot to the steam up to them; and
afterward chop that liver into small pieces like grains of barley, and mixed with this
give the gross to eat. Others say that crude chopped eat it with barley.
Blinking, from the sun and snow in the eyes of gross, happens (as Ibn Abi
Hazm) when having them this whitish or hazel on the white part, not stopping of
bothering the heat of the sun in the day, the circumference eyes and eyelids gets very
red and sore; and often their eyes suffer ophthalmic for the heat of the sun, and also
usually comes from the snow. The remedy is, taking branches juice, of bitter
pomegranates, or of bunches of mint, it is distilled into the eye.
The crass, embodied and scabby of the eyelids, which usually suffer the eye is
corrected (as Ibn Abi Hazm) taking the weight of a drachma of sarcocolla, of partridge
gall the weight of two drachmas, and white pepper, ash water, long pepper and
camphor, sixth drachma each of these things, grinding drugs alone and sifting them in
silk cloth, and thereby smearing the gross eye.
White welts that appear again in the eye circumferences of the gross are
medicate (as Musa Ibn Nasr) taking more wild twist, ageratum or dropwort and arsenic,
about three drachmas of everything, and ground all by itself and sift, then puts together
in an iron spoon, and infusing oil is boiled and then smeared with it the rash for about
an hour; for thereby they are faded by Allah. The whitish liquid descending in the eye of
the beast is indicative, says Ibn Abi Hazm, if some similar whiteness is discovered in
one eye or both to sunlight scattered with some brilliance contrary to white; for which
there is no remedy, unless ulcerative. The Musa Ibn Nassers is, taking a portion of
exquisite honey, likewise gall of fox or two, middle ground and sifted pepper, and
mixing these two things with the honey in a glass vase dye with it the eye many times
each day.
Another remedy is, that blow in the eye saffron finely ground. Another is that
taken sugar stone and almonds, and grinding everything right looms over a white silk
cloth, and thus mixed with fresh water spray eye inside and outside, which will heal by
Allah.
Dark liquid descending in the eye is a sign, that the black shines pulling to
purple. The remedy for this Musa Ibn Nasser is taking finely ground cost(?), sugar-rock
and oil of joy, and putting it together in a new vessel is low fire to boil; of which after
taking what gets a nutshell one day is infused into the ear of the gross, and another in
his two nostrils, and so Allah will heal by. Yellowing of the eye is indicative of the
gross (as Ibn Abi Hazm) if his pupil much yellow and darken her eyes; which if not
corrected with drugs, be afraid of blindness. However, it is helpful which is distilled
into the eye fennel juice; and it is, to be applied refrigerant drops. The nail that appears
in the eye of the beast, and is an added thing to his robe way to film, and born in the
inner corners of the eye near the nose, it remains to be increasing so that enlarging
covers pupil of the eye, or part of it. His remedy, says Ibn Abi Hazm, is catching the
eye for a while the two sides are close to the corners, and making one if dominate hang
on this with sharp cutting tool similar to a flat scalpel, this figure:
And so you have cut that film, wash the eye gently with water and vinegar, and
linked for three days. If the beast had the nail incorporated with the fatty outer circle
which separates the black from the white will open with the tool and will be removed
from this circle (in which caution be taken that no touch iron), and thereafter will be cut.
Then wash the part with vinegar or warm water, and have linked the eye with a soft
cloth three days, and then cured with this medicine, take an ounce of climia [or slag]
gold, two ounces of silver and lily root, and the same good honey, and mix well with
her simple milled and sieved, rub with this part sometimes, it is useful and helpful.
The bruise that appears in the gross eye, is similar (says Ibn Abi Hazm) to
taulno: born and swells between the eyelid and the pupil of the eye flowing much
purulent matter, and swelling greatly increases to cover the eye, which to sometimes
blows. His remedy is that after cutting in subtle parties, cauterize very cautiously, then
medicine with the plaster with which wounds heal. If located outside the pupil, you will
take ashes of Glasswort and similar herbs burned, and lime, and grinding both well, will
knead that with soapy water, and stinging after bruise would bind them over with a
cloth, leaving it the space of half day or midnight.
Itching that appears in the eyelid of the gross, and is similar (according to
Asmay) to iron rust, ride through him; and sometimes it covers everything, and others
is only a part. It is a rough rash says another author that appears in the middle of the
eyelid, which gets cloudy and starchy as it passes him. So if returning the eyelid you see
red, and rough, is itching; which, and so the flow of tears and white spots are discovered
in it, they are cured with this drug.
Take indica tutty and yellow Myrobalan, about three drachmas each of these two
things, acacia and white pepper and a little over half drachma and well ground itself
medications and sifted in silk cloth, mix everything well and mixing it with fresh water
make an ophthalmic drug and dry in the shade; with which it crushed later when
needed, rub the eye of the gross, as indeed it is profitable and useful thing.
Other
Take mass barley and dry, oil of joy feces and nitro, and cooked all in fresh
water Smear thus the gross eye, as it has been experienced that works.
Other
Scrape the rash with the figure tool of a well sharp little tongue, made of Indian
iron, and returning the eye lid so that it always get used, he will scrape with it.
For barley grain that appears on the lid of the gross, the remedy is, according Ibn
Abi Hazm, that smoothing it with melted white wax, and then taking some Spanish
flies and cutting the head to these, that part is rub with the body of the same; which is
helpful.
The useful remedy for trigger(?) eye is, as the mentioned author that grinding
gold calcite(?) [copperas or vitriol of this color] with oil, spread with it the part.
Other useful
Put to boil on low heat with freshwater crushed gills, and then mixing this water
with honey, medicate with it the part. Sboli rihol* in the gross eye is a sign (as Ibn Abi
Hazm), if close one eye and open the other, sometimes swelling the eyelid. Take
climia(?) gold and silver, sarcocolla, white pepper, black pepper, silver foam and
saffron, equal parts; and ground the medications drop after copper rust [or verdigris]
average sixth of everything, and grinding everything until alcoholize, hover and smear
the beast with it; and it is also very good, if it is coated kneaded with honey.
*Dictionaries do not say what means this speech composed.
ARTICLE II
Diseases of the nose, lips, mouth and teeth of the gross
One of them is hemorrhage; and no need to sign where it is displayed, when the
fluxion of gross nose is manifest and clear. As for the remedy that Musa Ibn Nasser says
to it, says that if the nose of gross blood flows of haemorrhage, taking oil of joy and ten
years boy urine the amount of one pound is infused in the face of the beast, which I
think will heal not taking or drinking water in one night. It is also useful to be distilled
into the nose juice of male polygon [bindweed or bloody].
The maximum of Ibn Abi Hazm is that if two or one beast nose blood flows
freely, it is useful spill water on the head cold that has thrown some salt. Another of the
Romans to cure the beasts of the hemorrhage and blood urine is to give sheep milk and
oil to the gross; and other useful is that it do swallow for three days black chickpea
flour, and deer butter, all mixed with white wine. To cure the blood flow of the two
cartilages of the nose (which is evident and manifest to the eye), burn frogs, and his
ashes mixed with softened tar smear the part, which is helpful.
The pus that flows from the nose of the gross (which is obvious and clear thing)
is cured, according to the Greeks, taking ammonia salt and saffron equal parts and
introducing finely ground in his face by weight of a drachma; which it is profitable
following executing for four days.
The liquid flowing from his nose (which is well shown) is cured by taking
ammonia salt and saffron, one drachma of each item, in which finely ground and mixed
is introduced to the beast in his face every day a fourth part, after it has been soaked in a
pound of fresh water, and continuing it for four days. If this flow of his nose regardless
in the winter, will extract his blood of his temple before promoting this with hot oil, and
is introduced into the nose cost(?) feces mixed with red wine; which is helpful. As the
beast sheds blood in the nostrils, likewise also he throws his two private parts. For
which, when happens, the remedy of Ibn Abi Hazm is to be given to swallow to the
gross ground roots of marshmallow, after adding to this pound and a half of sweet white
wine, and then spread nitro in the water that drinks and barley that eateth. If cold water
that has put some salt pour upon the head of the gross, the shedding of blood is
increased by the nose.
With regard to the itching that happens under the noses of the gross, the signal
where it is known is whether the gross fray it, and the remedy for it of Ibn Abi Hazm
is, taking white sulphur, mustard and salt a portion of every thing, and that this ground
looms, and thus moistened with strong vinegar and high quality oil becomes the
ointment, as it is profitable.
Another remedy of Musa Ibn Nasser for itching of the nose, the neck, and tail of
the gross.
Spread these parts with oil for three days, and after taking white Sulphur,
mustard, and yellow Myrobalan equal parts, put finely ground and sifted all freshwater
and wash with it the itching of the nose, give the neck and tail.
The disease, which like the spider happens in the nose of the gross known
whether it comes out of them by way of a blackberry, and obstructing one or both noses
flows from them a liquid heavy odor, getting thinner the gross and making breath
corrupted at all times without as possible neighing. The remedy for this is that
uncovering all or part, which shall appear cut with sharp tool, and brush with ground
yellow vitriol with vinegar; which if it is executed often, is helpful, by Allah.
Take ground Birthwort and with it cooked with olive water make the ointment.
That rubbing with lead the portion, then apply those expressed warm drugs, or other
similar. If the spider is inside the nose, there is no remedy for it.
Tubers signal [or warts] in the nose is the same as the expressed spider, and the
same remedy.
Excoriation that happens in the mouth of gross comes (says Ibn Abi Hazm) of
his great age; which it is of two kinds: one signal is a heat that does not pass the mouth
of unpleasant odor and foam in the mouth of the gross; and the other is a black ulcer in
his mouth without having odorless foam. There are also excoriation at its mouth by
green grass. The profitable medicine for the one with heat and ungrateful smell is as
follows. Grind well dried peels of pomegranate, and sticking his tongue rub with them
in a coarse woolen cloth, also with the same drug rubbing the palate and mouth; and
leaving for about an hour with the head lifted and then washing it, please continue
medicating with the same during six days. The remedy for other species (the black
ulcer) is made with green olive leaves, the same way that I expressed pomegranate
shells.
The tumor coming out of gross gums (and is obvious and manifest thing) is
cured by smearing the part with quince juice mixed with other much honey.
Other
Take pomegranates that have not reached maturity, and crushed its shell, and
crushed them so much an ounce, mix with two sour grape juice and smear the gingiva
with this many times.
Other way
Take a few knots of pine, henbane seed, seed of maidenhair with its subtle
seedstalks and banana leaves; and with the cooking of all in vinegar give protection to
the gum. Pain [or morbid '] that is in the mouth of the beast is known, if over his tongue
and in the mouth by way of dust over it. The useful remedy for it Ibn Musa Nasser is,
rubbing his tongue and mouth to take away something of that like dust, then wash with
vinegar, and scrub with finely ground salt and millet.
Other
Take seeds of purslane, yellow sandalwood, great sugar cane Indian and roses,
each item one part and average leaves of wild pomegranate, and ground and sifted the
medications, soak in water and wash it with it mouth to dawn and early evening. It is
useful.
The buttery foam * that is in the mouth of the gross is known (as Hippocrates
veterinary) in one of his lips lean toward the other side. The remedy for this is, he says,
to be cauterize with fire the lip on the side toward which tends to restore the cautery
available to the state and it was before; and discovering that white artery after it has on
the upper lip (which must be raised with the whip or with anything other than the hold),
will be cut off; which certainly contributes to reduce the mouth to its natural state, then
curing the part cauterized with the cautery is then cured.
When the beast is wagging the teeth, useful for this remedy is that taking ground
benzoin with oil, and mixed with strong vinegar distils then the roots of them. What is
also taken caper leaves and ground would apply vinegar.
Another for the same
Boil in vinegar, black cumin seed, and ground until be made powder apply up to
the teeth. It is helpful.
Another for the same
Take cypress nuts and boiled in vinegar and crushed later medicate the teeth
with them. It is useful.
There is usually inequality in the teeth of the gross, that is, that there are several
shape that some are longer than others. The remedy for this Ibn Musa Nasser is, tending
the beast over dry dung or any such thing, gently file the long teeth with acute lime until
they are equal.
The wattles (says Asmay El-Wahed El-Rual) are certain redundancies are born
along the roots of the teeth above and below. To remedy this, as Ibn Musa Nasser, is to
tends the beast over dry and soft manure without disturbing, and having her held is cut
the fleshy; after which it has to be his food bran and flour ground and roasted chickpeas
until it heals.
ARTICLE III
Diseases of the head and neck of the horse.
One is the cephalalgia [or migraine], and the pain that happens in skull half of
the gross head. Ibn Abi Hazm said that the sign of the headache it is, if the beast with
the head looks fall without being able to lift, if it appears as lack of light in their eyes,
and they it cry without being able to close them, if its not feeds, if it tends with bother,
and if blood is found from the corners of the eyes in the uncovered part of them.
According to another author, it is migraine pain, whether it has spread
throughout the head; and hemi pain skull, if it is set in the middle of it. Ibn Abi Hazm
useful remedy for migraine is it doing walking the raw then take a pound of *. . ., Eight
ounces of seed of marine caterpillar, and a bunch of persians leeks, and cook this well in
water then squeeze, and add to that juice two pounds of clear, clean water, and pound
and a half of wine and oil, and then gradually to give drink to the gross. It is helpful.
Other
Take white lead twelve asatirs**, and put in new vessel water in one day and
one night, and after that wash, grind the white lead in a mortar until very soft; and then
mixing melted wax crush them both an entire day, and so they are perfectly ground,
you'll be mixing with them a lot of incorporating honey together with each other; and
taking after oil in your hand, moisten with it the migraine pain affects part of the gross,
and then you apply this remedy after cooking in two pounds of water, wine, and oil
media.
Other for migraine.
Take a pound of flax, eight ounces of celery five cooked leeks juice, rue and one
pound eight ounces and a half oil, and make the gross swallow, and reset a bit, letting
him rest short time, will then go to swim in cold water, then cooling it is mitigate the ill.
It also tends to occur that white spot in the eye; in which case, distilling them honey and
fennel juice, heal this illness in very short time.
*Missing from the book
*** Each Asatir worth four and a half mitskales, and each of these one drachma
and three sevenths.
Remedy for migraine pain of Musa Ibn Nasser.
Take sesame, sweet almond flowers and nails, and all ground well introduced
into the nose for three days, and in the ears pour cows butter.
Another for the same
Take ginger and toast, and ground then sift in silk cloth and then mix with
honey, and thereby spread in the gross eyes.
Mumps appearing on the gross cheek and between their jaws are known in
which these is swell so that it cannot feed. This disease (says Ibn Abi Hazm) the
contract most commonly young foals, but also older animals usually contract; and are
pieces of tough meat that are among the jaws, which are disgusting and malignant
disease.
Sometimes it flows of gross noses certain liquid; other passes to the jaws, and it
is fatal if not go quickly with the remedy; and usually not contagious communicating to
others. The helpful remedy for it Ibn Musa Nasser say is sometimes smear the jaws with
cows gall melted in oil. It is helpful.
Poultice for the same.
Take dried dung in spring days and burn, I and instilling good oil on his ash
merge until become like plaster and smear their jaws linking it with band; and will be
much better, the older it were.
Another of Hippocrates Veterinary
Take purslane with its roots to crush, also doing the same with equal quantity of
leeks, and mixing both the link with bandage over-the wounds of mumps; which (by
Allah) the short root. Also would express a remedy for mumps through cut beside them,
extracting them after this operation.
The pain that happens in the gross throat is known (in his book Ibn Abi Hazm)
if he swells out muscle temples, and if the cane of jaws and esophagus is stiff and
upright without it possible eat, or drink water. The remedy for this important thereof is
put to him friction with hot water, and brought them into the noses wine and rancid oil.
Other
Cook apples in fresh water, and clarified this mixing nitro with the purest part,
and make the beast swallow it. Mitigated whatever the indisposition and when the gross
want the grass, it will give some green grass, and even better go to graze freely.
But if it
is not this time, you wet the dry grass with fresh water, which will give up spreading
nitro, and the same will be done with barley.
Other
It will also be helpful that will draw blood from the inside of the mouth only, but
the next day you have to loosen the belly with cucumber and nitro boiled in water,
causing the gross swallow them while still hot. The quinsy that happens in the throat of
the gross is a sign, says Ibn Abi Hazm, that the tumor any between the jaws of the
same, or a gland in the immediate site to the top of the larynx, which sometimes
emanates from the nose, and others on the outside. Usually happens when the foal is
healthy; but the gross fatten after it heals. His remedy is to link him sheep tailed fat and
smear with warm butter. If not flow, it will apply the poultice we describe for the
suppuration of sores. If any suppurated, we'll apply the healing medicine of the same;
and if after smoothing and not'll bust softened, it will open with iron called scalpel or
knife.
The signal of leeches that are caught in the throat of the gross when it has drunk
the water there are, is whether the jaws of some blood flowing while they remain a
leech. Which if penetrated to her belly and is not dead, is the gross lean, and perhaps
perish. The remedy for them of Ibn Abi Hazm is that opening the gross mouth take the
tongue out, and if they appear be extracted using fig leaves, or a rough cloth or iron
scribble(?) used to such things. What seems to me is, that if one or more of them
penetrated any of the gross belly, you will make swallowing pure oil; which is so close
to them, surely kill and die to the point. Another author says, that he does swallow juice
as the grass of leeches called scarlet pimpernel their cooking water if it fails to find a
mate. One of the traces (says Ibn Abi Hazm) for gross do not drink leeches in the water
which they exist is that hanging a wool backpack empty, give him to drink having him
over the mouth, which is like a sieve through which do not penetrate the leeches.
For almonds [or glands] is in their mouth, and also at the root of his tongue, the
helpful remedy of Musa Ibn Nasser is this: take yellow arsenic, alcrebite, pepper and
burnt paper equally well crushed the drugs infuse them some wine vinegar, and spread
the almonds with it.
Other
Take alum yomnon*, yellow arsenic and sea foam equally, and pour all ground
scattered over almonds, and so will heal. The blood flowing from to the palate and nose
of gross, leaving a large amount of expressed parties when he bridle, the remedy is (as
Ibn Abi Hazm) that by taking a line of hemp(?) binds his tail strongly, because this will
heal that, by Allah. By the same author is also at that site where blood flows it sticks
flour with marshmallow seed finely ground, and will not put the brakes until healed,
unless soft and thin, or to be mount with ring brake. According to the book of the
author expressed. Abundance blood flowing of ulcers in the throat there is such that
perishes, his remedy is to take arsenic, lime, yellow vitriol and masonry equally,
everything wheel itself, and mixed then spread over them; which it is profitable, Allah
willing.
When the lobado(?) on the neck, ears, in the external jugular vein, or in the gross
chest, the sign of this is (says Ibn Abi Hazm) If you see that has already inflamed his
throat and chest, and who refuses to feed; and if you also swollen cock and membrane
that is hidden (whose swelling sometimes suffer testicles). If you see him walking
slowly and dragging, the clogged skin and carrion, their temples are wrinkled, pulling
out his tongue, which was swollen ears and eyes, and is clogged and stiff neck spine and
if he refuses all the feed point, certainly perish. To cure lobado neck and chest before
inflammation and before the feed refusal, a lancet will be taken and with it the tumor, so
that penetrate the place through the skin, lancing well; or cauterizing the tumor site
throughout its circumference, which will be bind and be filled with salt, it is useful and
helpful.
*This is the happy Arabia.
Other remedies for this disease, the same.
Take the mouse be found in the belly of the snake, if it has been swallowed
whole, which finding it well and tying it to the gross, will heal by Allah. Take a piece of
the same mouse of the weight of a kerthio * [or four grains], and scrub his tongue with
it, which is helpful and experienced. The gross must be in dark stable.
Other
Smear the head and the two temples of the gross with bull gall after having
infused a part of . . . and apply at their noses rancid oil and wine. Another of those who
will take advantage of this kind (by Allah), is that cooking into wine figs and nitro, it
will apply this equally.
Other
It also takes advantage of the ointment with a mixture of sheep's milk or goat
pregnant and wine; and if the gross want food, you will give him green grass (although
it is best to leave freely to graze). If green grass is not found, soak their food in
freshwater.
Other
When the veterinarian shall do the incision, that part will come out of a clear and
clean fluid that will wet his stable and his backpack; but taking donkey dung still warm,
and putting it on the scarified part, will stem that liquid.
*The kerathio (as Giggei) is sort of weight that varies by region.
Does not suit to not be bleeding but of the mouth; because if it is bled from
elsewhere, certainly it hurts him. After it has begun to convalesce should rub the belly
with nitro and cucumber juice; which is useful thing. If the lobado broke externally by
the birth of the ear or on the other hand, will lance and heal with water and honey. There
are also lobado, which is a tumor that is collected to the external jugular vein; which if
it is close to go out and hardened, ought to be encouraged with hot vinegar in the same
band. If flows out, it is good and healthy gross; but if bust up the inside, it's so annoying
and difficult; thus leaving nothing at the top of his nose, then he lifted his head, comes
severe diarrhea, refuses to feed, open and roughened skin, and this provision (being old
disease) there is no remedy for it. But being new, it is cured with the following
medicines.
Take the weight of a drachma of incense crumbs, and ground mix two pounds of
fortified wine (scented or fragrant), and apply this for the noses; Or take nabatheos
radishes, and made small pieces mixed with their food to eat them with it, which is
useful. If itching in both jugular veins of gross happens liquid emerges, the remedy for
this Musa Ibn Nasser is applying chickpea flour and lime: if the part becomes inflamed,
it will surround fat-tailed sheep tight with a bandage to which will mitigate the swelling.
If you offends the sweat liquid, swell that with well ground sarcocolla(?);and if it be
annoying you, cauterize with goats butter distilling over it ointment nut(?) and if it
bothers you, you do the cautery with iron. For obstruction of ears that happens to gross
called thorax [or slight deafness], and whose signs and expressed above, the remedy of
Musa Ibn Nasser is this. Take cows rancid butter, and melted to the fire instill warm in
his ear for seven days. It is also beneficial almond oil.
Other
Instill in his ear linseed oil, which is helpful.
Other of Ibn Ab Hazm
Take black Hellebore, Turpentine-tree oil and castoreum, and crushed this with
strong vinegar, instill in the ear of gross, because it is profitable.
Another for the same
Take strong white vinegar, pink oil, ground cumin, some cucumber juice and
some coriander, and instill this mix into the ear of the gross; as it is useful, by Allah.
Signal [or itching] that happens in the ear of the gross is, if it shakes against each
other when it finds it to do so. Useful for it (of the same) remedy is to take a handful of
sesame mixed with clay two drachmas, and pounding take out after both their oil just
like the sesame, which will instill a few drops in his ear every day . It is helpful.
Other
Mix Armenian silver litharge(?) well ground with vinegar, and instill in the ear.
Other
When your position is healing, you will take one drachma of francolin*, and
mixing it with common oil with it spreads around the ear of the gross, and so rest.
Another of Ibn Abi Hazm
Spread the sesame oil and wash after, and then taking white alcrebite, mustard,
salt and a part of everything, grind and sift, and adding strong vinegar and oil, rub with
it the painful part. It is helpful.
Other
Give him one smear with shoemaker's wax crushed and mixed with oil.
*This voice needs some further explanation, and has been the means in Arabic;
but based on what we read later in Article V may mean cantharides (and seems more
regular)
The pain that happens in the ear of the gross, says Ibn Musa Nasser, heals just as
lightly deafness that is undertaken his ear. The haljato that happens in the ear of gross,
says Ibn Abi Hazm, is a disease that occurs him in that part, similar in shape to
Myrobalan which swells, stretches and ruptures, and is called disease of Myrobalan. His
remedy. Take barley flour, cooked with strong vinegar until it becomes like porridge,
and apply in plaster twice daily, which will soften; and when this should happen and
was loose, cut it down the root with a sharp tool, and will heal that part so that the sores
heal.
The profitable medicine of Musa Ibn Nasser for ulcers and fistula in the ear of
the gross is that instill in which sore juice of edible onion.
Another of Ibn Abi Hazm
Take dry snakeroot, lentils, and quicklime equal parts and ground all sift and
knead with rancid butter cows, and putting it in a crooked introduce it in the fistula.
Sometimes it's helpful, and usually is more product cautery with fire.
Baldness that happens in the forelock when fall from there the bristles, is
remedied with the same thing that makes them born in this place, sometimes infusing
fresh water and smearing with fox butter; with which the two drugs are many the
bristles born employing them in this part, at the site of the mane and tail of the gross.
Another way to extend the bristles in the expressed parts, according to the Book
of Ibn Abi Hazm
Rinse with human urine, and taking after orzaga leaves juice, cabbage or
marshmallow, mixed with oil and wine, rub with it his tail.
Other
Taking fox butter, and smearing her mane and tail after washing with urine, born
the bristles.
Another experienced of the same.
Take the pulp cypress nut crushed and squeeze the juice, and rinse with it said
two parts. It is also of the same, that taking flax and Fenugreek seed equally, grind and
boil in vinegar, and wash with them the tail; which gives rise to the bristles.
Another way to extend the same on expressed parts.
Cook beets in fresh water and wash with this the said parts, and after that spread
with joy oil, then repeating washing with chard water sometimes; which (with Allah) it
is helpful and useful. In another section of this chapter express the favor of the
Almighty that gives rise to the bristles in the cauterized parts.
ARTICLE IV
Of diseases and ailments that occur in the body of the gross, respectively own
some of its members.
One is the sore; which it is that at the meeting of the backs of the gross, in his
cross, to the extent of those, and on his back blood mane by injury of the chair by
excoriation of the saddle, and other causes; What it being clear and obvious, it is not
necessary to know which signal is displayed. Poultices cured with prescription drugs
and for this, the mention of which (Allah willing) come in another section of this
chapter.
The most damaging of this kind is what happens at the meeting of the backs of
the gross; whose bones, or some of them, sometimes suffering fractures must take them
off; and staying with this lack and imperfection, and flawed that part, rarely then the
crude is healthy; thus putting the flimsy back with rotten meat (which has been cured by
cutting with tool), the meeting of the backs is vitiated; which if comes to heal, left
crooked bones , and not entirely healthy and firmly.
According maximum of Ibn Abi Hazm, there is no more product remedy for
this that the softness of the packsaddle or any such thing; as having no site or place,
while the skin is torn and defective bones, there is no other trace to this. In this class are
also fetor, breaking the tail bone, and the opening of the mouth of the gross; for which
there is no remedy.
The lobado also happens in the gross chest, and even before mention of its
indicative signal and healing was done, than when they were tried again on the neck and
between the jaws of the animal.
The liver pain signal is that undertaken the gross, according to Ibn Abi Hazm; if
you see that smell and twists towards the side of pain, that is, toward the right side, if
the heat becomes inflamed, if your mouth is torn, and his swollen and rough tongue and
if when is thrown into the soil it wallows on the side that bothers him. Hypochondrium
often also inflamed on the right side, and be their impure and evil breath. For which the
remedy of Ibn Abi Hazm is that bringing forward slowly without ride him and using in
this long, you will rub and rub the body with wine and oil, and its drink is sweet warm
water that has been mixed some nitro, which is given to take by mouth and right nose
for seven days wine that has been cooked poly.
Another drug of the same species.
Take liquorice root, and put crushed boiled in water and mixed this with as much
wine is to be administered by the nose for seven days, a pound eight ounces each, and
their feed barley soaked until it heals.
Another for the same
Take a pound of honey, half of nitro, and eleven and a half ounces of white
wine, and introduce this mixture to the right nose for five days straight; and if not
healed, him you bring forth blood of the saphenous vein. Otherwise will heal with this
medicine, cauterize with fire the third of his right ribs, and heal; and he shall feed green
hay, and drink fresh water that has been cooked marine wormwood.
Often also suffer the heartache, whose signal (as Ibn Abi Hazm) is if it is
rubbed with feet, if he falls on his face and on his knees; if the snuggles up against the
wall to lean against it; if he sticks with straight direction the vein of left armpit; if
sometimes lowers his head and other raises; if feel his foot by walking on earth as
beasts unshod or the ass; if you have emaciated cock, and if ever stretch the foot; and
also usually befall suppression urine, or distillation of it dropwise.
According to Aristotle, it is fatal heart pain. But the medicine than for it says Ibn
Abi Hazm is that taking certain amount of marine wormwood ground and sieved, some
beans, honey one-quarter ounce, and part of the third of nitro, it is infused over three
pounds and a half water, and one pound eight ounces and a half of hot vinegar; thus
making you swallow, you're going to cover him with a blanket and get to exercise,
running it once every third day, and giving Btsala by fresh food, it is better green. If
do not heal with this medication, draw blood from the saphenous vein of both hands and
both feet, so will heal, by Allah.
Take some seeds of laurel and some incense, and introduced into the nostrils
both ground with things good smell wine and oil; whose medication must also be taken
by mouth in this way: Take six ounces of incense, five of thick honey, and third part of
an ounce of myrrh, which ground and incense mixed with honey and boiled all do
swallow while still hot; and making him to be in a tempered site will be covered with a
blanket and then lie beneath him some things pleasing and fragrant. But not bleeding;
which if it did the animal's body would cool, and perish. If you are afraid of this an
accident, it is fed with dry grass, not green in some way; and if it is near kindled in
winter wood fire without smoke, it will be helpful. The indicante of spleen pain is
(according to Musa Ibn Nasser) if you see the bloated with increased swelling in the left
side of the abdomen, and if at the walk is shortness of breath. The same says Ibn Abi
Hazm. It is also stated that his breathing and movement is weak, walk or not walk. Abu
Obaida ensures that the horse does not have a spleen.
Remedy for it of Musa Ibn Nasser.
Take one ounce of juice liverwort, and adding cooked vinegar give him to drink.
It is helpful.
Other
Take tamarisk branches and crushed put to cook in water until half undermine
which clarified be mixing with oil, vinegar and wine, and give them to drink to the
gross. It is helpful, by Allah.
Another way of Ibn Abi Hazm.
Take ten ounces nut juice and mixing it with a pound and a half and eight ounces
of vinegar and water, given to swallowing at the gross. If do not have at hand ointment
nut you take taray sticks and do boil in water until eaten half of it, which then placing
and mixing it with vinegar, will be administered in the same way, and is profitable.So it
is to rub the part with wine and oil.
Other of spleen pain when it comes to difficulty breathing.
Take root of caper, which crush until consumed the two thirds parts remain only
a third of them and make the brute swallow.
When the gross is seized with kidneys pain, the sign of this is (as Ibn Abi
Hazm) dragging their feet when walking beating the earth and if then tilted to one side
and another for the walls, and if yields with difficulty cloudy urine color as blood. Ibn
Musa Nasser said that the sign of this is if the horse throws as if gargarizase if wobbles
when walking, and check the color of urine like blood. The drug he points to that is,
taking marine caterpillar and pepper equal parts crushed be infused dregs wine, and
cooked it give it to drink to the gross, for that will rest; and if not, it will do twelve
cauteries from the buttocks to the head, and then heal the print of them so for this same
was then expressed with the help of Allah.
The pain signal and vice of the stomach when at the gross happens, is (according
Ibn Abi Hazm) if comes with the fall head aching his cock and balls, and who refuses
to feed.
Medicine for the stomach corruption and vice.
Take two parts of mastic, one of mint juice, and the required amount of plantain
juice, and give it to drink to the gross mixed with water. It is useful; but if not profit
you, you take a part of the terebinth fruit and other white pepper, and everything well
ground make the gross swallow it with fresh water. You will also examine the color of
his urine; because if cast a saffron color is already seized with heartburn; and if not look
legitimate, surely perish. This cure is for three or four days.
Another way for the same accident.
Take two parts of crushed roses and three pine nuts, finely ground to whose two
good things add honey and all dissolved in fresh water, give it to swallow; it is
profitable, Allah willing.
Also in the lung ailments they befall, of which one is the laceration and
corruption. Understand (says Ibn Abi Hazm), that lung diseases come from some
cause, and that is the fear of the run or jump of pit or wall; while most originate from
the long race and the violence with which it is forced to. Sometimes they come from
strong thirst and dust that has suffered the gross; and these are the cases in which the
laceration is in the lung, and give this name when the pain begins to repeat the disease.
So hurry matter in attending to their healing; which if omitted and not promptly
applied the remedy, would the whole of matter and will fistulous The medicament of the
laceration is different from the fistula: which is more closely accident during the days of
spring. The sign of the fistula usually is, if the gross weakens and coughs so that it is
judged that has swallowed a bone, if the mucus that sheds is cold, if it smells, if he
drinks a lot of water, if not nurtured, if not breathing weakly, if nibbling on the part of
the hand, if craving to find water fears coughing because of it, if vomiting occurs often
long period of time, and if sometimes throws in vomit any such thing as the scabs go on
ulcers (which comes from the one in the lung), if when breathing through the mouth
will expand the ribs, if his look is sad, and if the food is usually left chewing of foul
odor. It is also a sign of lung laceration, if you see it is slow breath, that breathes rough,
and he leaves a heavy smell.
Medicine for lung laceration.
The maximum of Ibn Abi Hazm is that when these signs will have been
carefully examined, take out of the gross blood of both saphenous veins near the knee,
which is helpful Allah willing.
Medication of the same for lung laceration.
Mix goat milk with cooked barley water, and give him to drink; and it is not bad,
if expressed milk mixed with boiled lupins water. With whose remedies will medicate
during seven days, make him drink sweet water whipped with wheat flour in the winter,
and the same whipped with barley flour in the summer; the reason of which is, because
this medicine is laceration heals.
Another drug for lung laceration.
Take some bitter vetch, and put to soak in water one day and one night and it
washed, dried, and made flour, make the gross swallow it with good red wine and hot
water, equally graduates these two liquors using this slow repetition the space of a long
hour; and making it be then in ventilated place, it will put the blanket. It will be
convenient giving him drink water in which they have boiled some bitter vetch, then
that has been warmed; and also is beneficial water if it has been beaten barley flour and
has spread it some nitro, with which also take green feed barley. Also cured with this
medicine the gross whom any laceration occurred in the tube of the lung; against whose
two accidents it is helpful if sprayed in the mouth wine and oil, and thereafter bears him
a rub against the grain. You may also want to the gross that has lacerated lung will then
taken by mouth strong lukewarm vinegar and urine boy with lard; which it is useful, by
Allah.
Sign is the pain of lung if you see the gross chew food and throws his foulsmelling his mouth, and if it looks glumly. The remedy for this is that taking some dry
grains of laurel, terebinth resin in amount of two beans, and honey quarter pound [or
three ounces], marinated and pickled dissolved all will infuse this in both nostrils; in
doing this to him, he produce blood urine, of various colors, and similar to the pus.
Which If you see, you take a weight of alum stone, the same of nitro, and the required
amount of honey water, and make him take it through the mouth during three days, and
after that only honey water, their food must be of dry grass.
With regard to the gross lung in which there be pus, and hid from his mouth like
thing crusts (which comes from ulcer that is in his lungs) is cured with this medicine
that should be taken by mouth; to wit, that for six or seven days will then take purslane
juice mixed with pink oil, and after this ground tragacanth that has already been
marinated in sweet wine and milk. If thou hast this by hand, you put in place barley
water or lupine. If from the nose of the gross whose lung was lacerated, will do take it
through the mouth for seven days the same medicine made thus: Take two ounces of
cost and four cassia shells, and finely ground mix after sifted in a dense sieve, and make
him take it with common wine, or with which it is removed from the soaked raisins; and
leaving him comfortably, will not be put in motion, and just shake will gently and
slowly with the rod; because this is the way to take advantage of it. The same gender is
also the pain that happens in the blister of the gross; whose sign (according to Aristotle)
is if no force to urinate has, and if the walk dragging their hoof and legs. What is called
difficulty of urine, according to another author, is the arrest of her, that is pain. This
difficulty and stopping the urine that happens to the gross, and that is known pain is
ischuria pain of several species (says Ibn Abi Hazm); because the gross urinate
difficulty, or drop distilled urine or no urine at all, which is called ischuria urine. Its
remedy is to take oil ointments give to him from above the kidneys and intermediate
part until the birth of his tail, and smeared over that part is infused little by little hot
water, being the gross in warm stables where there between the wind and the light, that
watching until it releases his penis to urinate, then you enter through the nose one
pound, eight ounces and a half of sweet wine, whereby will urinate at the point by
Allah. But if not urine, you take seed or roots of asparagus or the asparagus own, and
pounding something and giving a boil, is all enter in the mouth with sweet wine and a
little olive oil and a small quantity of the same in the noses.
Another for the same.
Take the amount of a walnut, or slightly less, of opopnaco or panace chrnio,
and dissolved in sweet wine and a little oil Give him through the mouth.
Another for the same
Take the fourth of a bottle of cabbage juice, and adding four parts of oil and
wine, mix everything well and enter to the gross on the left nose. It is helpful.
Other.
So is it gives to eat tender green cucumbers besides barley.
Medicine for distilling urine, according Musa Ibn Nasser.
Take a pound of crushed galangal, and put into clean glass infuse enough acid
grapes wine, and cook until consumed two thirds parts of it remaining only one, and
taking a mine ** of Khadra which is the Kadamo koraix or Alvares pinions crush them
well and mixed with this medication give them to drink to the gross during three days.
One for retention and stagnation of urine, from another author.
Take a candle or a joint, and putting into it ground salt dissolved in fresh oil,
insert through the anus repeating this two or three times, and so will release the two
tracks. It is of experienced utility.
One for the detention of gross urine.
Take two bunches of leeks plucked with the root, mash well and squeeze the
juice, and adding to this a bottle of wine, introduce it to his right nostril the amount of
an ounce, and assembling it then make him walk and run a lot. It is helpful.
Another for the same.
Take a pound of good wine, and the same hot water, and introduce this mixture
to the left nose. It is useful.
One for the detention of gross urine.
Take grocery radishes seeds, and grinding it well infused wine, and introduce to
the gross through the nostrils. It is helpful.
Other.
Take pigeon droppings and cook in water, which is to be administered clarified
by the anus of the gross. It is experienced utility (and it is also for man against the same,
being as an ounce the amount of pigeon droppings), and usually the gross urinate much
contrary to usual, this is, once or twice in each parasanga(?) or every three miles, or
twelve thousand cubits, according to Musa Ibn Nasser said. Whose remedy for this is
that taking alum stone and grinding it well, dissolve in a mixture of vinegar and wine,
and made to take to the gross through the mouth; thus if not healed, you will be mixing
with food parsley seed, and will heal by Allah.
As to the obstruction of the stomach (the detention of the man excrement and
manure in the gross), Aristotle says that the sign of this disease is blockage their backs
to such an extent that the judge who sees that the two sides of the back are attached to
each other. The sign of cramping that happens to the gross is the difficulty to defecate,
if every moment moves feet slapping and kicking, and if wallows and sweats. The drug
should be taken through the mouth for colic pain and belly that happens to the gross for
eating the grass land is this, according to the book of Ibn Abi Hazam. Take the weight
of ten dracaena of segapno or hispahaniense serapno*, and dissolved in three pounds
of hot water, make the gross take it through the mouth. It is helpful by Allah.
** Liqueur or rubber of some kind of splints breeding in the Media and other
places of Italy, as in Apulia & c. Dioscorides and to see Laguna lib. 3c. 89.
*** Each Asatir worth four and a half, mitskles and each of these three sevenths and
one drachm, as already said. Thus, the nine asatres come to compose drachmas.
Help from the same author for this. Take nine asatres ** [or just over seven
ounces] of yellow Myrobalan, taken the stone, and raisins and Royal lily roots, three
asatres [or about two and a half ounces] of everything, and cook ground and mixed it
then fifteen pounds of water until six, with which already clarified drop to the gross a
help well at dawn when the rooster crows, without giving any food until last five hours
of the day, and bringing out softly in front. This remedy is helpful for the cattle, and the
sheep.
According to the Greeks, the sign of abdominal pain that happens to the gross is,
if drops the head with a certain toughness in it and the chest; if the belly swells and
sheds fetid dung; if you see his murky, thick urine, and some whitish way; and if locked
his feet so that cannot walk. Veterinary Hippocrates says that this pain usually comes
from the tonsils. In another, the sign showing it, if gross abstains from food, if it has
contracted certain coldness, and if it is cold what comes out of their noses. Its remedy is,
if recording what his tongue inside very dark vein blood was discovered there, It will
drill with a hard needle, making a subtle cut and get into it finger or anything like that
black blood to get there any; which is experienced medicament for this use.
According to the book of Abi Obaida, belly pain and bowel, which happens to
the horse, sometimes will sets this in the navel, and others (when comes first and they
stick the flanks, which are the hypochondria) conceives strong thirst to the point of
bothering; but then drinking cold fresh water until fill it, then they acquire their feet
much agility until take firm and hastily; and so they turn their flanks the state and
provision had before.
Another belly pain.
Take seven peppercorns and ground Dissolve in water, and with it throw to the
gross a help.
Other.
Taking Hellebore the weight of three drachmas if in winter and in summer the
weight of two, and often cutting pour it together with barley to the gross, and if thou
wilt they hold from the same point, let him drink water.
Other
It takes four pounds of dates, a handful of fenugreek, and a pound of butter from
cows, and cooking in fresh water, fenugreek and dates after both ground, and that
adding butter cow to the water, make the gross take it by mouth.
Another for the belly pain of Veterinary Hippocrates.
You take a small chicken, hot water and cumin, and chicken slaughtering and
destroying it at the same time, you shall bring the bowels promptly while still hot, and
will add to them the cumin and hot water mentioned and some oil; and opening his
mouth take everything in his throat to swallow it, then giving some sweet oil, and so
heal.
Another for the same pain.
Take the spices that are used in the dishes, and grinding it in hot water after
washing, give that water to the gross. It is helpful, and so is given to the man, when
undertaken the same pain.
Another of the book of Kastos for the belly pain.
Take ten drachmas of myrrh and seven of nitro, and put both ground and sifted
in a quarter of a pitcher of wine, and thus pour in a help to the gross and wet earth with
human urine smear his belly with that mud. It is helpful.
The pain signal from the intestines, which happens in the gross is (according Ibn
Abi Hazam) slack and failing of his neck, if it contract the joints, and if it goes much
foam from his mouth. The medicine from the same Author for pain of the intestines, for
obstruction of the belly, and when the gross swallowed and yields the whole barley with
the dung without cause in his teeth, is to be introduced into the anus of the gross way of
a hazelnut, the figure of an egg composed of Scammony and ntifo * for that you will
soften his belly; and in the left nose will introduce cabbage juice with wine and oil, the
amount of one pound of wine, fourth of the oil, and five ounces of the juice of cabbage.
** According Golio, it is sort of hard white dessert made of boiled roots and
grass through a strong cooking.
If it happens that the gross wobble with concern because of the pain in it, and if
is wallowing a lot, take an ounce of psyllium seed, a half of opopnaco, and some
staghorn, and mixing it with honey and water were mint and some buds bay have been
cooked, and make the gross take it by mouth. This accident produce the difficulty of
the urine. Will also make and take sweet oil that is in the region of Kartaso *, after
which It will make him run. It is helpful.
* According Giggei, it is land of Egypt, from which in time of our Author oil
was brought to Spain.
Inflation in the womb, the tumor, windiness, erysipelas, aversion to food, bowel
pain, and flatulence are also accidents that befall the gross; whose sign (as Ibn Abi
Hazm) it is if it looks rapidly falling to the ground and bend his head and neck into his
ribs. The sign of pain from the intestines and the fart is, if the gross looks with swollen
belly and sweating body so that run the sweat, that lies and stands up many times, and
retains the dung and urine. About belly inflation, this comes from their feed and that its
not wet with water; which is a sign of the same inflation and if it sheds dry manure with
low humidity, and is exalted anger.
The remedy for this is that taking ten ounces of cucumber juice, two pounds and
a half of wine and oil with this mixture helps the gross; and it will be convenient draw
blood under the tail about four fingers of his anus. The remedy for gross as may be
seized with inflation and tumor is giving eight cauteries at eight sites of the tail from
birth until their end, and one on his forehead, and then two to two around the tail, then
putting him in a dark stable where do not enter any light, and giving green meal until it
heals.
According Ibn Abi Hazm, the help and medicine of the mouth for inflation, the
tumor, windiness, erysipelas, and the arrest of dung and urine is done in this way. You
will take ten pounds of fresh water, and mixing with it two pounds of stale wine, and
then taking a pound of lard and one drachma of ground benzoin, melt the butter, and the
mixture of all will help to the gross. After which you take the amount of pound and a
half of green coriander juice and clarified will give to the gross by mouth; and you will
not give food until their dung look free of vice.
Vaccine disease (whose name is known the diarrhea that happens to the gross) is
indicative, according Ibn Abi Hazm (unless caused by accident of lobado(?) when its
eruption is in the neck), if it looks that the gross yields to manner of turbid water, with
little that has consistency. The medicine for this of the same Author is the next. Take
barley, marinated in vinegar mix with it a lot sumac, and taking wheat flour and ground
bush leaves knead all with barley tisane, and make with it the medication that the gross
take orally together with a mixture of vinegar and water. It is also helpful to take new
buckthorn leaves and spread them ground on the water that has been to drink; but for
me (adds the same author) there is a difficulty that barely escapes the gross. Another
says that when the gross where assaulted of severe diarrhea, you give food for cooked
barley plants until it heals.
In the penis and testicles of some gross befall certain diseases, of which we will
mention and their indicates and remedies. One is the swelling and soreness that happens
to the horse in his penis when he has covered mare whose natural has been morbid. His
remedy is to be applied a poultice made of pink oil, and hoop, vinegar and butter, all of
which must be arraigned applying until healed. The sign of the corruption that happens
in the cock of the horse is (according Ibn Abi Hazm) if it is skinned, which usually
comes from morbid where contracts a russet, which also when they had on the nature of
the mare, and being the illness is in its slit-like scabies, that same when the horse comes
to cover comes to contract in his cock. Which If the horse make it when afflicted with
this disease, while the mare is free he will pass the disease to her convalescing from his
horse.
Medication for this very purpose.
Wash his cock horse with cold water, oil and sesame, repeating this many times,
and if not healed, make him cover a clean mare whose nature is no disease, and passing
to her what he had, that will free him (by Allah).
Also often it swells his cock and balls, and the remedy for this is according Ibn
Abi Hazm, that by taking cumin, bean flour, raisins clean of their kernels, an ounce of
each thing, and turpentine gum and incense five mitskles [or about one ounce], I
ground it is mixed and dissolved in one part honey and the same common oil or pink,
and that this will smear sometimes; which is helpful. If it is strong swelling, before this,
smear with hot oil. They also tend to enlarge the testicles and penis, swell those,
which is obvious to the eye. The remedy for this according Ibn Abi Hazm is, putting it
in cold water under high current site, will be standing where that water will reach the
aching member, repeating this a few times.
Form of poultice for this.
Take bull fat, wax and ground nitro and mixed, put fire to this until dissolved
and incorporated; then pour into ice water, which if it were the sea is advantageous
thing, and make with this the healing.
Other.
Take a thin needle and pricking the tip of his cock with it then sprinkle with
vinegar that twinge part, and if cure with nettles you're going to whip them many times.
It is useful.
Will also loosen the testicles, and his remedy is to take three pounds of pink and
common oil, mixed together will give to the gross by mouth.
Another drug for this weakness, Ibn There Hazm.
Take barley and very white salt a part of everything, grinding and mixing some
honey, fragrant wine and burnt paper, give to the gross and smearing his testicles with
something of the same. It is helpful, by Allah.
Other.
Give him equally by mouth every day three pounds of fat [or buttermilk],
vinegar and juice of dates. It is helpful. It also gets out the cock of its place without he
can collect it back; the remedy (according the book of Ibn Abi Hazm) is that it will
make be fixed foot in river with strong currents and current site of the water reaches it.
It is helpful. Some people break down the gross making him to be back on a soft place,
and lifting his feet up his cock smeared with guirthi *, lard and ground nitro, then pour
cold water on it in a large amount, and if of the sea is better and more effectively; and if
not, throw salt in fresh water. But we puncture his penis with thin needle, and sprinkle it
strong vinegar, which is certainly helpful.
* It hides me the significance of this speech. Anything is altered, and must mean
"with sarcocolla."
Also ensue hemorrhoids in his cock; whose sign (as Ibn Abi Hazm) is the same
magnitude appearing these in it. Although all the healing salve of exhaustion, the
remedy of them (as the Greeks and others) is that taking a tail bristles of a gross, bind
with them the hemorrhoids at their root strongly and so left them five days later it
somke with sarcocolla, which emerge, Allah willing. Another remedy there is for them,
according to the book of Ibn Abi Hazm (whether in part that shall be of the gross body)
and is, taking five drachmas shells pine nuts crushed and cooked through after water
and wine, and this will make the healing. It is useful.
There is also usually kind of bunion on his cock, whose sign is (says Ibn Musa
Nasr) if it tumor outgrowth of meat is discovered. The remedy for this is of the same
that will rub with oil and salt have been sprayed on some of medicines expressed in
healing tumors, which have relief; and if not, we will apply any medications for cracks
in the sheets.
Usually happens to some mares one disease in her womb by way of itching and
scabies (whose sign is shown) and also malignant and poisonous evaporation. If a
healthy horse covers such a beast, passing and infect his cock the accident, inflamed and
excoriated; nor such mare conceives until health of it. His remedy is that taking pink oil,
ground white lead, and some strong wine vinegar or juice of green leaves of willow, or
water which has mixed the same, and a few fenugreek whit it throw in the belly of the
beast with some nitro; which is helpful.
It also happens that the death of the fetus in the belly of the horse. In which case
the remedy is (says Ibn Musa Nasr), which soak some cotton in water in has dissolved
well ground red arsenic, are introduced later in the belly of the beast, and thus loose its
dead fetus, by Allah.
Also often have worms in the belly of the gross, whose sign is (as Ibn Abi
Hazm) if rubs his tail against the wall, and usually appear on some of them. The useful
remedy is to make throw the rough with laxatives, make him swallow opopnaco milk
with wine; and taking oregano and mixing with ground psyllium seed and salt, throw
scattered on the grass looks.
The sign of itching that happens to him in his anus and in its tail is, if this rubs
against the wall or anything else that is about. His remedy according Ibn Musa Nasr, is
that taking black cumin to be ground and knead with vinegar, and after washing his tail
and anus with water well will apply this medication seven days is left unwashed; whose
repeated operation three times in twenty-one days, it is profitable, by Allah. And so it is,
according to the Veterinary Hippocrates (trying itching that happens in the tail of the
gross), which will make cautery on the deck of her and two fingers of his birth; and
adds that the incense is also helpful.
The Greeks used medicine in the healing of itchy tail of the gross and in his
anus, is that smear these parts with fresh sesame oil for three days.
Other.
Take white alcrebite, salt and mustard equal parts, and grinding it and sifting
dissolve in vinegar and oil, and make with it the smear.
Other.
Take Birthwort and grind themselves until alcoholize, and sifted dissolve in oil,
and make the smear with it.
Other.
Take ground glass, and dissolved in oil put to cook until blacken and become
like naphtha way [or tar], and with it Smear the tail and anus; which it is profitable,
Allah willing.
Usually happens that to scrub with its tail against the wall until she scratched
result having bristles bristling like the swine. The remedy for this Ibn Abi Hazm is,
wiping all those of the tail bristles, causing injury after deck and skin just four inches
from the bottom, then washing it with water from cooked figs, fill after with ground salt
that lacerated part and leaving that day, and washing with figs water the next day, then
spread with gall bull, repeating the same thing many times; which is helpful.
Another of the same.
After the bristles removed, wash with nitro dissolved in warm water, and then
with benzoin smear strong vinegar diluted. It is helpful.
ARTICLE V
Of diseases and ailments that occur in the feet, giblets and hoofs the gross,
typical of these parts and not others.
One of them is almond on the end of the hoof. Musa Ibn Nasser said that these
are similarity of the two almonds on the two ends of the sides of the hoof; the remedy
(adds the same author) is similar to that with which its fleshiness is cured, the
investment that contracts the foot in force of dry giblets, and itching in the hoof of the
beast. This itching (continued) begins at the top of the hoof which, if you scrape, falls
the way to spread the bran. The remedy for it (says) is to detach the nail or the scraper
heated to the fire, and then taking and grinding black orpiment and rust put them to boil
in turpentine, and infusing then that over the part that jumped out of the hoof where it is
the ailment, compress with cotton that have to be soaked in this medicine; which has to
be repeated three days and linking fat tail sheep over the fetlocks, for thus heal. Then
the cure of itching that occurs in the body will come.
The tingle(?) that happens in his hoof is (as Ibn Ketba) some laceration on it by
the outside; and Ibn Musa Nasser said, which laceration is down from the fetlocks along
the hoof to the front of it. Ibn Abi Hazm says, that is a disintegration and cavity there is
on the top of the hoof which happens more often in the donkey, and it is a disease that
occurs in the bad and dry hoof when it comes to the fetlocks rots and matter coming out
from there the birth of the hoof rots, which usually fall without being born just another
for the corruption of the part that is beside that corruption of which barely perfectly
heals; but whenever the hoof is release from its place, the tingle goes with it. For
healing (says Ibn Musa Nasser) it takes eyebolt *, oil and tar, and melting everything in
the lacerated hand, after it will cautery from where begins his laceration to the fetlocks
to where ends, linking over them fat ram tail so that it is attached, because in this way it
will heal.
* The eyebolt or lacca is a tear of certain Arabian tree, similar to myrrh. See
Dioscorides and his Scorer Laguna lib. r c. 23.
Another of Veterinary Hippocrates.
Take fox grapes, parsley, vinegar and oil, and fine crushing those grapes and
parsley, rub the mixture all often the part of the tingle. It is helpful.
Other.
Take kira or tar, crushed pine resin and butter, and put all mixed at fire in clean
glass until incorporated well and smear with it then the part of hormiguillo repeating
this many times; which is helpful. So is the cold [or potential] cautery. Usually also
happend that the hoof of raw cleave into two halves which is (says Ibn Abi Hazm in his
book) in the hoof of the hand will open lengthwise to the inside and sometimes also by
that of out coming out blood if walketh the gross. But this happens in the two hoof sides
outwardly; which I have not seen it happen a lot on foot and whether more times in the
hand. This comes from hoof damage, vapors of manure and little smear.
Other times, along with this corruption shaking hands of the horse over stone or
over unequal ground, twists his hoof and he splits; and usually come from the much
barley along with the willingness expressed before. His remedy is to apply fire and give
with turpentine, tar and cantharides.
Other smoothing
Take a portion of silver litharge.(?), another of dyers herbal tawny, and some
white wax and grind well until the end of the silver litharge. and so the expressed grass,
put to melt wax in pure pink oil the amount of half hazel in iron bowl and throwing the
weight of two drachmas of silver litharge., it will light up under low fire until cooked,
and then pouring half drachma of crushed grass that you do boil and stir with a stick;
and if you want to add of that grass, you can do it and stir continuously until become as
resin.
With which you'll compact that slit in the hoof and when you wipe away will
wet it over, because in this way will be permanently pinned in it. There is also another,
and that applies fire every third night until the hoof gets off. Some cover and tighten the
hoof by the back with heel and tail; and other lining it inside with a cloth, they make be
over the manure; but I have not seen any of these two modes.
The footsorethat happens on the hoofs of gross is that it finds any lacerated, and
have spent the earth; which still evident to the eye, it is not necessary to know signal.
According Ibn Abi Hazm, comes from the dropped horseshoe and walk by rough
terrain, so that the hoof is destroyed until the frogs.
Remedy for the footsore of the hoof.
Put water to be heated, and cooking in her wild roots of marshmallow and
orzaga, smear the feet with this until become stronger; and when their hoofs shall have
been softened and fortified by the bottom of which was the pretext, taking to him rancid
butter and crushed garlic, butter will melt, and mixing with it the rings will be tied firm
in the bottom of the hoof putting up leather so it does not break. If it is winter, igniting
fire all around him, or gathering under his feet dry soft manure, it will not move from its
site nine days giving right there eating and drinking (whose regime is profitable by
Allah), and you will smear with oil butter, tar and crushed garlic, or with fat-tailed
sheep and turpentine. The way to do that is grinding and mixing everything and passing
it to a soft leather, you will tie on the bottom of the hoof, and after that you will spread
with hot oil of bitter almonds; of which has already been discussed above.
Corruption of the hoof comes (says Ibn Abi Hazm) have been the gross over
manure and urine of cattle, and thus that comes to corruption, weaken and rot. Put
turpentine to boil at fire and taking that grease with tongs and setting it on fire dive in
that turpentine, after which smear with oil of bitter almonds being hot and boiling, and
repeat the same thing many times, as it is experienced utility.
Another for the same.
Take butter, oil, tar, and crushed garlic, and mixed all through achiness extend
into a piece of soft leather, and link on the bottom of the hoof. It is useful.
Another for the same.
Take crushed wild cucumber and put to boil in water and infuse this on the hoof.
It is helpful. Pain in the crown of the hoof is known, if feeling the fetlocks and finds it
hot, or if compressing that hands, gross resists and raises his. The remedy for this of Ibn
Abi Hazm is that you will tie fat tail sheep, and to be infused butter that has been
warmed by fire. It is useful.
Other.
Apply heat and scrubbing with cantharides and hot turpentine during three days,
and other three with cold, and then make the ointment, being so necessary that walks
without being mounted. It is helpful.
There is itching in the hoof, and also in birth. The remedy for it of Ibn Abi Hazm
is, washing the feet of the gross with olive juice after you wash first with water that has
been boiled the grass alkali, then take a few figs that before ripen perfectly, then take a
few figs that ripen perfectly before shall have been fallen from the tree, and put them to
soak in wine vinegar a few days until they are saturated with it, softened and swollen,
and crushing them well until they are as soft poultice, then wash the feet of the the gross
with the rest of vinegar where you macerate the figs, and then apply the same crushed as
a poultice. It is useful. If itching shall be upon the birth of the hoof, you wash the part
with boy urine, and then taking two parts of ash and salt, mixing finely ground these
two things will stick to the diseased part. It is helpful.
Another for the same.
Take oleander leaves, dried garlic and mustard, and all ground cook well and
cure with it the part of itching (which is enough); and if it not be possible, you will
smear the part with rancid oil. It is useful. Cure itching (Kastos says in his book) with
inside the hoof mixing wheat bran with salt, and girding with this kneaded with vinegar
the hoof of the beast, which has to be repeated many times.
The bump on the hoof is a sore that is found in the middle of from the inside of
which flows pus, in which it raise meat such that well manifested; which swelling
becomes a hard tumor, a malignant disease of the beast that barely heals. His remedy,
according to opinion of some, is (says Ibn Abi Hazm) that cut and cauterized with fire,
hardens after for a few days with turpentine, then spreading over desiccant drugs we
describe for this accident, and for other ulcers and morbid that were. Others say that it is
not convenient cautery, but cutting and scraping you will spread yellow vitriol, and the
cure is always, as well healed by Allah. This remedy is the one that pleases me more.
The injury that happens to the beasts in his hands hoofs is known when riding
the gross throws its hoof and wounded the ground grab just below, having together in
the strong warming. Also this injury comes of little stones or anything like that ever
walked over the gross with frogs of their hoofs, that turns out limp and forms on the
hoof which drive him away. Ibn Abi Hazm said that the sign of this injury is if you see
not sit well around the hoof and its cavity in the ground. The remedy for this, according
to this author, is that scraping the hoof the bottom until leave the blood and matter,
when gone out everything left that had on it it is washed with water, salt and vinegar,
and you apply onions and garlic mashed with butter, must be greater the amount of the
latter. Which is helpful. If the fluxion regardless of the fetlocks or elsewhere on the
hoof, will be cured with this drug; to wit, that taking some fresh dung and oregano ash
sifted, and mixing them with strong vinegar and salt is applied in the part this poultice
with oil mixture in the amount needed. Which if those liquids dissolved, melt the
francolines(?) butter next day, and infuse it in the hoof and over that hole. If he be
healthy and without injury, he will make use of emollients medications and heal them.
If the injury happens in the feet of gross, you will not be given feed and drinking, then
making him swallow vinegar is not strong; but that is just the acrimony that can drink,
mixing with the blood of fox, and you will smear the head with castoreum; with which
it will be free of the accident.
Another for the same.
If carefully recording its hoof finds no injury, will take wheat bran and garlic
peels which throwing into boiling in a pot with water after will get in a piece of cloth
tied over the hoof of gross, being hot, like cloth in which any member is encouraged; In
doing this to lower the liquid to hoof it is discovered, is manifested, and leaves out
everything in there. After the first day they have to link a tow soaked in salt and oil, and
the second soaking in vinegar and other spreading ground shoemakers tar on the hoof,
over this tow will be tied. It is helpful, by Allah.
Ibn Musa Nasr said, if you can scrape the hoof and extract the material from the
bottom, will be good; and if you will not be able on this, bind fat-tailed sheep in the
same part until it matures, that you put on the hoof seed of coriander or bran and
vinegar, boiled around the fire, spreading in a cloth being still hot and let him be with
him; or chewed and dried figs cooked in vinegar, applying hot in the manner stated; or
bran and ground barley; or ground bran and barley; or smoke [or soot] straw and leaves
of garlic cooked in vinegar, applied in the same way on its heel and the rest of the hoof,
thus leaving few days: that if the damage broke by the end of the hoof taking sarcocolla,
cimo(?) seed of lettuce and vitriol, and cooking all with vinegar put it on the break,
then so will relief; or that taking bile tar and brown salt, this mixture is put over the
hole, making a light cautery where rupture starts, for that will heal by the favor of Allah.
Another experienced.
Three roots take squill and roasting them good in hot ashes or in the oven, or
before that digging a hole in the ground to take three onions size, or in such capacity for
the size of the hoof will be put into those hot onions still heat of fire, and above them
the injured hand of the gross, also taking everything you can held until onions are cool;
because in this way will leave the harm and heal, as is proved by experience.
Other.
Take a bushel of barley and cook well in water, and after taking wild parsnip
seed, sprinkle on the water where you cook the barley until softened and become as a
poultice; which applied as a poultice on the hoofs of gross and leave overnight, and if
recording the same in the morning find in them some softened part, will open to flow
what there could be, and then compact the part with tow, honey and turpentine,
repeating until it heals.
The cleavage that takes place in the hoof comes sometimes (says Ibn Musa
Nasser) of injury from stone, and other insertion nail, bone, or any such thing in the
hoof that results that do not rest. Maximum of Kastos is, having put turnip in the interior
of the hoof of the beast that is vitiated by this accident, it is medicine for her. The
remedy for gross that in the hoof caught nail, bones, or any such thing is smear with fattailed sheep and turpentine after having taken those things. It is helpful.
Puncture in the interior of the hoof (says Veterinary Hippocrates) comes from
tainted blood for percussion in the hoof, or for blow; Sometimes it is pus, and then stone
damage is that it has been set. He adds that the suitable remedy when the puncture dont
flows, is to be near the fire, and when that were burst and gone out, will take advantage
of ointments with oils, that is, the common olive, or the almonds or walnuts, or that of
myrtle and melted butter, repeating it many times.
The cracks (says Ibn Abi Hazm) befall the beast in the heel, in the frog of the
hoof and the fetlocks; and they appear in both hands and both feet, or in any of them.
The most difficult and dangerous of this is if the rift is between the fetlocks and the hoof
so as to surround much of those. Sometimes you'll see that when the gross bothers that
much pain, raises his hand or foot, and having slope the hoof that crack opens deformed
flowing her blood and liquid; and often with such excess of the hoof that becomes
detached; of which is sometimes causes the damage incurred by stone that it has been
set. The remedy cracks in the frogs is removing until flow the blood of there, the one
that is coagulated, and then smear with fat-tailed sheep and turpentine. The way is that
taking this fat with pliers wrap it in a cloth, and hitting fire and putting it in turpentine
of good quality so that it melts, when lit with fire and you see that the fat has melted,
distilled in those cracks melted part of it together with turpentine. It is helpful; and
mention was made above and another way, very similar to this.
Other.
Take silver litharge(?), and ground well sift on silk cloth, and taking some garlic
and putting them in glass infuse some ointment of pure pink lighting a fire to melt
below: then taking the weight of two drachmas, of that silver litharge, scatter it over that
melted ointment, and when built will sprinkle half drachma of that fawn grass that dyers
use finely ground,
and staying on the fire you will stir with spatula stick, and when
become poultice and had boiled one hour you retire, and smear with it the cracks every
day. Is from experienced utility; and as above it described a remedy for other similar
healing to the hoof crack into two halves.
Other.
Take silver litharge and finely ground and sifted in no thick silk cloth put in the
mortar, infuse strong wine vinegar and beat well together, running the same after having
infused a little oil; and then put it on a plate smear a layer in the cracks every day. Is
from experienced utility.
Other
If the crack was beside the fetlocks in the hand or foot, you will infuse it with
vinegar and compact with shoemakers ground tar, doing this every day for morning
and evening; and if the crack were in the frogs, it will smear with turpentine and fattailed sheep caught fire in it, cleaning before and extracting the liquid that could had.
The Wah is a pain that comes on the hoof of known cause, if you dont register
it on rough little stones site, such will drill and the animal falls from mouth; and that the
remedy for this is similar to that of footsore.
The djaso, says Ibn Abi Hazm, is a disease that happens in the hand of gross
and who also often suffer his foot; which is a tumor appearing between the fetlocks and
the hoof on the inside and outside, similar or greater than the small bone of date.
Sometimes it comes from the lancet and indented way round piece of meat, which what
is hidden is highly malignant. I dont know worse than this vice, and have seen very few
animals remain free from limping for this reason. It is a tumor (says Ibn Ketba) that is
on the circumference of the hoof; that is, those surrounding will fetlocks that surround it
As for his choice, be understood, says Ibn Abi Hazm that at djaso (which is a round
piece of meat in the birth of the hoof and on the same fetlocks, which commonly comes
from injury and shrinkage of the nerves of that part), Its not convenient approach a
tool, because of it touches it would enlarge and swell, and this would be extremely
malignant vice, and large however small it was. The important thing is that with
turpentine and cantharides, as we express about healing the slit.
Some tend to puncture with fire hot iron; but running so, remains resentful part,
which is a vice that makes limp the gross, and this can barely shoe when it has settled
and hardened. His remedy is to take lily onion above her well crushed, infuse strong
vinegar and honey, and with it well mixed until thick, slather the part. It is helpful. The
remedy for Ibn Musa Nasser for the same accident is, it heals with fat-tailed sheep
mixed with dates, butter and salt, because it relieved with the ointments; and if not, is
cut and cauterize with fire, or can scrub and brush often with cantharides. The
maximum of Veterinary Hippocrates is, though it be recent heal him once with cold
cautery [or potential], and another with the fire cautery; and though it be old, dont cut it
so much, because are profitable the ointments.
The sign of arthritis in the hoof of the beast is, if you see this close and
prolonged without the expansion or amplitude as having healthy hoof: the remedy will
come later, Allah willing. The cracks says Ibn Ketba, befall in the pastern of the gross,
and also tend to rise until the giblets.
The cracks says Ibn Ketba, befall in the pastern of the gross, and also tend to
rise until the giblets. These are the ones on the pastern, which is what suffers from the
cracks. Which he says Ibn Abi Hazm, come from overheating and dry, and that entering
the gross in the water and then walk through the land in the summer will enter the dust
on the fetlocks, and not washed or cleaned after back his stable, ulcers are made (and
sometimes small worms are raised there) and ulcers are made on the man's head when it
stuck to any uncleanness. So when having entered the gross in the water has turned to
his site it will be important or wash the pastern of the land that it has been stuck at the
feet, or that after dry will pass by her hand to it to fall out.
Remedy of the same for this.
He says that his main remedy is that dont go in the water; and otherwise taking
beef, is put finely chopped in strong vinegar a day and a night, and cauterizing around
the hoof of gross the site of the cracks will tie then the flesh, leaving the space of two
hours; thus leaving small worms there, remains healthy with the help of Allah.
Another of the same.
Wash and clean the affected part with warm water, then taking a handful of
fenugreek put crushed in an iron bowl [or spoon], and infusing fresh milk cook to gentle
heat until be as a poultice, which will have well tied a few days every moving it every
third day. It is helpful.
Another of the same.
He says if taking cantharides and boiling in oil, then with this cure the cracks,
will vanish.
Another of the same.
Spread depilatory medicine compound with lime and arsenic, and instills then
vinegar and ground nitro, rub it with this very well. It is helpful.
Another of the same for the cracks coming from the wind in the gross.
Take a handful of raisins, and removed the bones be crushed with three heads of
garlic, then washing the feet of the beast with cooking of alkali herb, scrubbing then the
cracks with hair handkerchief, and so his wiped feet will have irrigate them with this
drug on handkerchief and gird them later, leaving it tied very firm one day and one
night.
Another medication for the cracks and friction feet
Take (say Ibn Musa Nasser) camel dung, burn and grind; and taking oleander,
privet, silver litharge, and the dye tawny grass, grind everything and knead oil thus
leaving two or three days and then washing the part where are the cracks with warm
water, apply this medication immediately, as will relief; and if not, taking henna, rough
wild and acacia, with all grinding, sifting and mixing with vinegar and oil smear often
the cracks: or taking henna and colocynth, with this crushed, cooked with spinach and
fat butter pitch above, do friction in the cracks; or do the same with fox ointment; or
wash that part with vinegar until draw blood, it will apply well with salt and crushed
garlic lentils later, tying it firmly with a cloth and leaving three days without washing;
because in this way come to tear his skin, and then by giving butter ointments some
days, you have relief by Allah.
Another remedy of a different author.
Wash the part with herb alkali cooking woody filaments of palm until draw
blood, or making the gross be in the sun until dry that water, smear then the cracks with
figs and boiling vinegar, repeating this many times; and if not heal, smear fat of the
knuckle and marrow of cow bones, and so the effect will be achieved.
Other
Rinse the cracks with boiling vinegar, nitro and alkali herb, and with this rub
with hair handkerchief until draw blood, and making the gross being in the sun until that
dry then scrub with figs cooked in vinegar repeating this many times, and lately with
lard, and so will recover.
Medicine of Veterinary Hippocrates for cracks and bleeding
Take ten parts of breadcrumbs, five honey figs, weighing four mitskales [or
about six drachmas] of medinense(?) ocher, two drachmas of palm flowers in button
and half ounce of butter, and all ground in the mortar and then dissolved in vinegar
make poultice; which will have during five continuous days over the cracks and
bleeding, making the gross potential cautery before applying this medicine to the
painful part. This remedy is very helpful when the cracks are beginning to discover, and
bleeding.
Another of the same author to the old cracks, in which they have not taken
drugs.
You take and rip the head of a gelded, and taking the brains of put on a
varnished green font, in which you will beat well with your hands until they are loose,
and then scattering henna powder so it covers them, the will beat then likewise until be
a whole body, which applied once over the cracks it will be enough; and if not,
repeating the second time, it has experience that is helpful.
Another of the Greco-Roman.
Washes the feet of the gross with olive juice, and around the cracks with wet
cloth in water and oil; or taking a macc * of washes figs, and having them infused in
strong vinegar in one night, then crushing until be plaster, and washing the cracks with
the vinegar where those figs were infused, after that bind these same figs as a poultice.
Or taking the same amount of immature figs that have fallen from the tree before
seasoned and already dried and rotten, cook in three quarts of water until thickened and
remain as a poultice, which will have bound those cracks during three days moistening
with olive juice or crushed and cooked in strong vinegar and salt chard. Or rubbing
them until they draw blood and surround then with sifted ash and kneaded on the
painful part. Or kneading ash with honey will bind with this plaster, to take off the next
day, and melting at fire a portion of fat-tailed sheep take a pound of that grease and
scrubbing with it one drachma of white Sulphur, will bind with plaster this by making
being the beast in clean and dry place. It is also helpful remedy for cracks rub them with
oil when fried earthworms until they have been scorched.
* The macc is bushel (as stated above) comprising three calijar; and being
worth each of these three pounds and three quarters, it is that the macc includes twelve
pounds twelve ounces.
Other.
Take clean its shell nuts, scarves together with viscous figs and having infused
half ounce of medinense ocher in half a pound of strong vinegar one day and one night,
mix and styling then all greatly in the mortar, and spread on a cloth plant over the
cracks after rubbed. It is helpful.
Other to hardened and difficult crack.
Take an ounce of opopnaco and two black cumin, and infusing crushed over all
a pound of wine and half of butter, cook then at low fire until the wine is consumed, and
removed make use of it.
Other.
Take aloe, wax, Birthwort, Sulphur and myrtle, a part of everything, white and
black raisins, tar and dog butter, everything four parts, and grinding the dry and melting
the tar and butter, get use mix of everything.
Other.
Rinse with hot water the cracks and smear often with turpentine being in the hot
sun.
Another experienced to the same.
Take half an ounce of ammonia salt, and ground put in copper skillet infusing
six ounces of oil until the third of this is consumed, in which put four ounces of honey
and tar melting everything so that it is incorporated, then make the smear with it. Is
from experienced utility.
The swelling that happens in hock leg of the beast is (says Ibn Abi Hazm) a soft
tumor, which sometimes is in one, and sometimes in both; between which and the skin
there is a morbific liquid similar to egg white, thick and tight to yellow, of any nature
whatsoever. It is the tumor with its softness over the same joint; and although often
moving from the inside or the outside, but is never the hock; which sometimes is not
limp. Some believe it is slight thing, and they do not have by vice; But in my view is
from the worst, because after the gross start to walk, very hard it causes discomfort, so
that seems to put his foot in his belly; which sometimes comes from giving much barley
and many bathrooms. The tumor, says another, which happens to the gross in their
hocks, and is long, languid, loose outside, not very heavy, and with a certain softness to
touch with your fingers, the best that cures are the emollient poultices and hot . Another
remedy for the same and which is certainly vanishes, which is good smear repeatedly
with turpentine. Hot poultices are those that contain fenugreek, shredded phlegm,
turpentine, and things like these.
Ibn Abi Hazm remedy for tumor is that spread with vinegar, ground wild
marshmallow and clay; their stay recess in the place where hands fall so they are more
raised his feet; that is of little barley, which make him to enter every day in the water
stream so that this against her. In cities repaired [only] some other beasts in the default;
but on the roads he is one of the worst, of which I have already experienced; and in
particular if the liquid extends from inside to outside, it is heavier and annoying. Thus,
it is desirable to be in his stable in site lowered ahead and raised more behind.
Another of Hippocrates in curing tumor.
Says, that will apply poultices to be expressed, which are resolute, as the black
poplar shells boiled in water with bran, barley, broad beans shelled or cooked in water,
oil, honey and salt; which sometimes excuse the need for iron.
The nipple [or blister] that appears on the pastern of the gross is (as Ibn Abi
Hazm) a tumor that is found in the horse in the middle of the heel, at the site of ligation,
and on both sides of the pastern, similar to a prominent bone. Ibn Musa Nasser said that
the blister [or nipple] appears over the fetlocks under the sheet, and it is an excrescence
on both sides of it. His remedy is, he says, to cure with the medicines we have described
and rest; and if not, you cauterize with fire. The medication Ibn Abi Hazm for tumors
and pain of the crown and the pastern is that taking good turpentine, and a bunch of
very fresh fennel, and put both into a new casserole, you do boil well with fire slow; so
that biting cantharides, and giving them hot for three days, then other three of them also
with this turpentine. Cantharides are profitable, but they are cold. If wanting to use the
depilatory medicine of arsenic and alive lime shall give them later with turpentine and
expressed cantharides, it is of great benefit.
Excoriation that happens in the hairy part of the gross (says Ibn Abi Hazm) is a
disease similar to the cracks that offend that part, so that for not climb on the pastern is
rarely seen. The remedy for it says is that you wash with olive juice, and then taking a
non-thick handkerchief and soaking in water and oil, it stick with the feet, that then
infusing dried figs in strong wine vinegar overnight and crushing them good the next
day until be plaster, wash the hoof after birth with the vinegar that infused figs, then
apply it as a poultice of crushed expressed figs; which they must be dry and immature
of those who fell the tree before arriving at seasoning.
The cancer that happens on the pastern is a morbid, says Ibn Ketba that
undertaking such part loosens his nerves, so is returns to the gross the hoof. It is a
disease (says Ibn Abi Hazm) that happens on the pastern of his hand and his foot, which
starting from the front and from the middle of it on the heel, swells until harden,
enlarge, and dried the part. Any swelling that is in front of the pastern is cancer, which
is softer in the foot. I've seen it suffered cancer beast, and working dont conserved.
Convenient remedy (as this author), is to cure it would retain him, attending any
drug; and I've seen it be helpful to cauterize the composition of lime alive and arsenic,
which is depilatory; shaved hair and puncture with the lancet and give it for three days
with turpentine and hot cantharides, and three with the same cold things, using
ointments and after making no other than water. Some cauterized with fire; but my
opinion is, that when this has touched him the injury caused by desiccant which is the
nerve of the pastern. What is profitable is making him in five parts slits like tooth, apply
then to them cautery. Musa Ibn Nasser says, it heals with such drug to the tumor
between the fetlocks and hoof as the fat tail sheep mixed with crushed dates, butter
cows [or sheep] and salt, about which he will rest with ointments; and if not, it is cut
and then cauterize with fire.
The jrado is [or all tumor] that appears on the heel of the gross (as Ibn Ketba),
or is nerve swollen, and is in space outside or inside heel. Ibn Abi Hazm says, that is
one of the vices of the foot, and a tumor that is at the bottom of articulation of it and
more times the inside; which it is by way of a walnut and more, and sometimes such
that it is much older and very hard; that sometimes this on both feet together, and others
in only one.
Ibn Abi Hazm says, that hard growths that appear in the same union of the
fetlock with the pastern on the hand, and also in the foot, are all that there is a tumor in
that part; and excrescence which itself is a natural extension of another; it's hard to way
bone and usually as a walnut and more; whatever the largest on the inside is very
harmful to the horse, for being big outgrowth in that part, touching and moving both
hands hesitantly, and dripping blood, limping [the gross] for this reason; when it is to
the outside there is almost no danger that causes the damage it would cause if it was to
the inside; and if he is in the front of the joint, it is the same as if you were to the
outside, whose latest site is given the name outgrowth donkey. The horse suffers in that
part of the growths, although they are large, and can work a lot with them; which
however great in his hand or foot are not consequence defects, unless that have befallen
them cracks (which hardly happen), nor walk slowly. This has to be understood: the
same is that the growths are on hand that foot, which if rub the horse distilled blood for
this reason, and cannot be cauterized or provide (?) medicines.
The medicine for this is as follows. He says, that when it happens, heal with
Myrobalan, and otherwise we refer to the cracks (if they are new and recent outgrowths)
and that you will be with nitro and fresh things. But if it be more profitable medicine the
hot than cold (as we describe in the cracks), will be to boil and with it give hot. At the
one that likes punctures and gashes, know that the punctures are the best for this, as the
gashes it increase the hardness; and it is important those be made very subtly with the
instrument, as if they were applied very strong cautery cause hardness, and therefore
would be friction. Is it better (in my opinion) the puncture than the cut; and it will be
very convenient outgrowths be promoted in a handkerchief there is some broken salt
and infused in boiling oil but not even for them must be more subtle and helpful thing
than the punctures.
The dmiat, which appears in the pastern of the gross, is (as Ibn Abi Hazm) a
break in the skin between the pastern of the foot and hand, from which blood flows
when the horse runs. He says, that the remedy for it's medicate with dried and ground
shells of pomegranate, gill and calcanto(?), finely crushed both and apply stiff leather
with a woolen cloth well tied up, if any running.
As for the bulk and tuber that appear in the hock, says Ibn Abi Ketba that be
tuber if the end of that part is big and not sharp, which is a vice. According to Abi
Hazm, this tuber is thick in the middle of the end of the hock on the most prominent
point, which from behind is similar in shape to an apple, but smaller; and although little
damage defect, do not let the beast apparently with the vicious and despicable. Another
author says, that the tuber is not harmful unless lowering the price of crude; it is an
excrescence on the hock on the outside from the end of the bone to near the inner thigh,
and does not need any medication for not be harmful.
The lump is a tumor that is beneath the two bones of the hock, prolonged, and by
way of a medium cucumber. Very few turning, and a few also those whose cause the
gross limp. His remedy is broken salt, with which the tumor shall plaster, having put in
a cloth bag and put this in boiling oil; and if plaster with cold thing and nitro, is very
good. But as to fade this is not achieved; and as for the tuber, remains the full disease.
The kfado [or straight pastern erection of on the hoof] on the standing of the
gross, and aridity and twisting that occurs in his hand, says Ibn Abi Hazm, which is
some investment of the hoof foot animal on its part outside by the ensues expansion of
the nerves in your foot pastern *, that is such investment; for which there is, in my
opinion, a drug that restored it; While it may do small jobs for comfortable way, and it
is said that you can suffer it is the bakery. When happens in hand, it is arid and twisting;
which is some expansion in the nerves of the pastern of it attached to the hoof, that
comes on investment, aridity, and the firm establishment of the pastern; which it is the
samo.
The remedy for both things the expressed author says, is to put a round fold
leather shoes and tied over. Some believe that there is no remedy for this, if it were
more thing. Some cure erection and expansion at the nerve of the pastern that bloodied
to the gross of this part then take a handkerchief linen and soaked in vinegar and sebum
or oil and ties very firm pastern being clearly linked the crown: that this handkerchief
under the hoof being extended, and moistening every moment without intermission with
the vinegar and oil, at three hours recover the foot, as take care of the part affects this
period of time; and then untying is plaster with flanking * crushed onion with salt,
infusing hot water above; which was executed three days and applying the poultice we
have described, is (by Allah) profitable.
The Machacho [or wattle] happens on the pastern of the gross, at the birth of her
hoof, tendon, in the giblets and the joint and knee circumference. Sometimes it is hard,
and other softer than then hardens. Wattle, says Ibn Ketba is some darkness in gross
giblets, so taking shape, has the hardness of healthy bone. Ibn Musa Nasser said, it is
three species; one that appears in the same giblets, one that manifests itself in the knee,
and another that is found in the tendon. Veterinary Hippocrates says that if you see
while walking the gross the knee comes first by the disease that is in it, it's wattles; and
adds that it is also what flows into the knee occurrence of contusion or such a thing; of
which it is a sign, if the gross presents knee first. According to the Greco-Roman
Veterinary wattle is a tumor in the birth of the hoof.
Wattle sometimes is in hand, says Ibn Abi Hazm, and sometimes on foot; and
usually it comes from twinge of stone, wood, or any such thing that has hurt the hand,
or hit or such a thing, remains enervated and tumor way of nutty, lower or higher than
it is; and it's not as hard as the healthy bone, but very similar to the pithy ends of the
bones of sheep. Sometimes usually it born in the same way that the tumor in the donkey
hock; and which is adjacent to the offal is less harmful than the one on the tendon.
Usually one knee and pastern, and is the most harmful and worse, and that sometimes
loses the beast. Also usually in the same knee joint of both sides passing transversely
from the inside to the outside; which is from the most serious and difficult, and there is
no remedy for, out of this kind, I have seen much of in the impure parts for which the
beast was not conserved, and also I have seen little over the giblets, which left the Beast
retained. There is also soft over offal the way to glandulous meat dissolves, which
comes under the hand; whose gender is not the one having been soft, then it hardens.
Sometimes usually hard, and someone else is on the bone of the leg, which is the front
of the knee, which is called cohibente. All tumor that is mentioned in these parts is
wattle, according to the descriptions I have given you.
Remedy for it.
I take very white and finely ground salt, and kneaded later with butter cows then
binding on the wattle ceaselessly to cure with it, causing friction with your hand
whenever the loose saying when the doest: In the name of Allah is soothing . By the
greatness of Allah pays off. By the majesty of Allah communicates relief. By the power
of Allah is soothing; for there is no power but in Allah or virtue magnificent soaring.
Other.
Take mustard, color somewhat red, and with it ground and mixed with chards
juice smear the wattles without pass the part beyond, and gird a rag so leave overnight,
unleash when be of day; whose operation is repeated many times certainly good.
Other.
Take the red nitro Carmani the weight of two drachmas, and as much salt from
India, and kneading everything with butter cows and putting over a cloth then you will
apply to the wattle, it is (by Allah) profitable.
The remedy for the wattle which appears over the giblets, is that every hour
scrub with hand night and day, for Allah through this friction tends to fade. If it does not
fade in this way, it will make you like a piece of lead larger than the wattles, and he will
tie then well connected, after making friction every hour, that is, so stop doing this
operation; and when you want to execute unleash that, and then making friction will
return soon to put it, and thus vanish.
As to the wattles on the tendon, sometimes it comes from twinge of something
(as mentioned earlier), and sometimes swelling the beast and then putting on blush,
swollen that flows in one place, and a knot is made similar to the wattles. The remedy
for this Ibn Abi Hazm is it taking white figs of remarkable quality, will be infused in
wine vinegar three days the amount that can cover until figs swell embedding vinegar
(in which the more they were will be better) adding the same proportion as they will
consume, and from there later taking the required amount, get well pounded on paper
and paste them on the part of the wattle on the tendon, leaving the space of two days
and unleash the third; with repeated operation which often fades by Allah.
When the tendon was already clean of this and want to make sure of the wattles
you will cauterize puncturing that part with fire, and wont ride on the beast until there
is no sign of cautery, with respect to the fire leaves deformed the part that giveth, unless
it is to be well connected. How to operate in this type of cautery is this: Take subtle
pointers chained heads and lift the foot of the beast without lay it on the floor (as per
execute it like that I have seen sometimes falter and perish; so you shall keep possible to
prostrate him the time of the medication). It has to stand without putting his side on the
ground, which does not have to propose any but when need the precision a large
cautery.
Then you will puncture the wattle, according to their size, square and not
circular, taking the pointer on each side of the tumor so that nothing of the fire can
revert there. The pricks have to be very close to each other; and before the puncture, you
shall set slightly, because when they had double puncture, first smear him with
turpentine, and again puncture the second time, you'll be sure. If instead of turpentine
wilt put honey, will have a good effect, Allah willing. The sign that the prick have
penetrated enough is, if in carious of them sees slightly cracked skin; which if it be so,
cautery is perfect and will not be repeated later. If prick without turpentine or honey, it's
not bad. After the end of pinched, dissolve salt in water and sprinkle it.
The medication of Ibn Musa Nasser regarding the wattle in the knee, he says,
that is applied fat-tailed sheep and cow bone marrow or butter, and will cease; and if
not, cauterize with fire. That what it does to the wattles on the giblets and tendon, take
and knead some dates with cow bone marrow and apply it, either butter or fat-tailed
sheep, then will have relief; and if not, taking rootlets sauce, crushed and mixed with
bull's urine are planted around it, leaving a day and a night and then pulling them: or
that taking daffodil onions and yellow Sulphur and crushing and kneading both things
with goat fat, fill this a nutshell and plant it on the site of the wattle.
Another for the same.
Put live scorpions in oil and let in it until they die, and clarified that oil mix with
cantharides, and smear with the wattles that happens to the beasts, and fade.
According to Greco-Roman, wattles is a tumor in the birth of the town, and this
its remedy. Take ash and equal parts salt and crushed, sieved and mixed both, wash
thoroughly the site of wattle with urine boy and then sprinkle on him this medication,
which is helpful. Take oleander leaves or dried leaves of garlic and mustard, and put it
to cook all ground in water and thereby put plaster on the tumor, it will have relief. If
not, rub with liquid pitch; and if this remedy is not chafe, mix glass with the previous
medication; or taking a piece of oil used skin and heating to fire bind over the birth of
the hoof.
Another of Hippocrates the veterinarian in operation without fire of the wattles.
Take a few buds of olive branches with leaves, and burned sift its ashes, after
shave and smearing the site of the wattles with some oil, then put over, by size, a mold
of dry hay or wood shaped ring in which he has put this ash, and bound well so that
does not depart from that place and leave it overnight; pulling this as root, the gross be
healthy the rest of his life by Allah.
Other.
If you want (says another author) cure without fire, making cantharides,
mustard, and seed of the same nettles parts, and then grinding each simple itself and
incorporated all, drop melted white wax, and stir until it is incorporated; and shave the
hairs that are on the wattle, paste the medication, and let covered with half nutshell one
day and one night; then untied after the next day, that youll see is already loosened.
Other.
Take two hundred grains of pepper, of incense what it weight, narcissus onion
the weight of these two things, and cow kidney fat as third part of all; and grinding the
medicines incorporated with the fat and make use of three to five times. It is helpful.
According to the book of Hippocrates Veterinary, if the gross is showing up the knee
first when walking, is wattle the illness in it; the remedy, if it were mild disease, is that
you extract cutting that liquid there was fluid,
then applying on the part warm pitch
melted of medium heat, and washing the beast with hot water for ten days. If the illness
it may be denser [or stubborn] than this, extracted gathered there, it will be left over the
dissolved pitch over the fire, cauterizing perfectly with it; and washing the beast in the
same way for twenty days, you sprinkle the part with oil during seven. If were even
more dense and stubborn the illness, as we have said; and cauterized perfectly, it will
have two nights bandaged the part of the wattles fire, and other two broom crushed and
finely ground shells of pomegranate and well healed, by Allah.
Another way.
Add, if you want to make an effective operation without cut or remove the liquid
hereby, cold fat and oil and apply it on the site of the wattle, which is the most effective
and profitable operations.
Another of other.
Cook viscous dried figs soaked in strong vinegar, and applied as a poultice
stretched on a cloth sometimes surrounded on the wattles, leaving two days, and then
instead of this glue some soft thing. Also wading water is its remedy. For swelling put
barley together with crushed roots of colocynth in water one day and one night, and
then dried barley that give to feed the beast, and so will soften. It is helpful. And these
forms are the remedies that cleanse the belly of raw worms, biting intestines worms and
other different; should know that leaving covered a few days in a glass of water well
crushed colocynth roots, then have in that clarified water soaked overnight the amount
of barley feed during two nights and pulled out of there after and dries put a handful in
the feed of the gross. It is helpful, by Allah.
ARTICLE VI
Laxatives medications.
Already up in different parts of this book has made mention of laxatives of
beasts, helpful for diseases that purging is necessary, and from there you can take them.
Now we express those used for this purpose. Such is the way of those who are
administered by mouth, according to the book of Ibn Abi Hazm. Take a puppy when it
begins to eat, and beheaded and skinned in boiling water, remove the intestines and put
to cook very well in amount of pound and a half of wine and as much honey; then
clarifying the broth into not thick handkerchief until the bones remain in the pot, and
give him unto the beast a pound and a half by mouth every day after taking a handful of
nitro; which is made during three days. If have no puppy at hand, will be taken in its
place, extremes [or feet] of fat pork with knuckle, and will do the same with them.
ARTICLE VII
Of the way of purgative helps of the beasts belly, and expulsive of bad farts.
And about this was also mentioned above of the profitable laxative to the beasts.
Now we express the way of purging their bellies, and expulsive the farts of poor quality;
of which some take advantage against the calamity of scabies or itch, purge and fatten
his body and clean the angina and glanders. The best season to make use of them for
this is spring, pouring laxative on three consecutive days with olives water or broom
white the same space of time. Purge then the belly with olives water together with the
juice of a few leaves of peach, honey eighth part, equal amount of muria *, and the
same also of good oil; all of which are leaves incorporated one day and one night, and
mixing it then five egg whites, with all well beaten pour laxative to the beast.
* Extremely astringent drug compound of garlic, vinegar and salt they use in
hospitals to prevent putrefaction of the sores.
As stated above in healing the rash, the gross that has it, throw him laxative with
olives water, and in curing arthritis you will throw helps of warm water with nitro and
honey, and to the tired and fatigued beast, will throw the same with the oil of gladness,
or cows or sheep butter, in the amount of a half-pound each of these things; and healing
the one that suffers of gripes, which will take a laxative with seven grains of finely
ground pepper and dissolved in water; consisting of the correctness of the operation of
the laxative in comparison and water proportion with that that one is purged, and so
entirely in respect to the simple administered by mouth.
ARTICLE VIII
Exhibition and statements of some members of the beast.
Although it has already made mention of some members of the beasts in parts of
this book, and veins that is usually bleed them for curing their illnesses, I will now
explain clearly to intelligence of who dont know, and I declare with Allah's favor the
way of operation indents those veins.
Know that the hoof animals have it in each of their hands, to which follows the
pastern, fetlock then, then the cane, then his arm, and ultimately back. In each of his feet
it is also hoof, then the pastern, then the fetlock, then the leg, then the thigh and
buttocks lately. We also know that the cross of the beast is all that part of the ashlar is
the seat of the rider; that the hill between back and back (called chilo) is the site where
are the vertebrae in the back at the top thereof; the scruff is neck and cervix the birth of
the same; that the armo is where the lower back to the upper arm; the legs of the horse
are the board of the two buttocks or the place where the second rider sits, and both
buttocks the over-hips; the knee is the place where is the bottom of the arms with the
upper offal; the end of the cannon bone of the leg is the front of the knee; the round
bone [or]crooked on top of the ham is bone that turns upon the knee; the belfo [or lower
lip] is the one that the gross use to gets the food; the rump is the root of the tail; which
the knuckle is attached to the arm bone; the metatarsus is the nexus of the fetlock with
the pastern; the heel is the site where is the bottom of the fetlock with the top of the
pastern; that the cover is the front hoof part, and frog the back thereof; the edge of hoof
is what surround the bristles; these hairs that surround the hoof; fetlocks and bristles
which are in the rear of the pastern; the two muscles are the two foreknuckle that are in
the inside of both hands; and the fetlocks are way to nail the bottom of the two tendons,
which internally and by the back foot from the knee down.
ARTICLE IX
Of the veins is common practice to open and draw blood from them, to cure d
beasts of their diseases.
Cervical [or jugular] are the two veins that are at both sides of the neck of the
beast, for which break is given the name of the el-taudj [or jugular bleeding]. is given.
The two that are in the throat are (as El-Asmay says) the two veins that are in the chest,
which, according to Ibn Abi Hazm, you break to the gross when crosslinking is
undertaken; whose operation (according to another) is called el-tasdr [or
expectoration].
The visuals are the two veins that are in both lacrimal of the two eyes of the
beasts beside the two largest angles, whose bleeding is given the name of colirial.
Saphenous are two veins on both hands of the gross, which (as Ibn Abi Hazm) are near
the knees. Sciatica are two veins on the inner thighs of the gross, and transverse are two
others that are in front of them. Of the veins that break the beasts are the two that are on
the horse where the heel of the rider falls or nearby; to whose bleeding lateral name is
given, and to the femoral veins of both are in the front of the thighs.
As to the way of operation of the lancet in bloodletting of the veins in the neck,
chest, sides, thighs, eyes, and other veins; and curing the crosslinking and in others, in
the pricking and similar operations respective to this purpose; Ibn Abi Hazm says, that it
should take to bleeding from the jugular vein, and the other, lancets of thin steel head,
and the same wide for the puncturing operation.
When you want to open a vein or the jugular, you will take the lancet between
your fingers thumb and forefinger as if you take a pen to write with her, being the fist in
the palm of your hand, and pulling his head [or sheet] out of the ends of your two
fingers expressed as the length of the nail of your thumb, and far less until middle
fingernail of the same finger, then you will open up the vein fissure by gently enough
and promptly; and by making it to the bleeding from the jugular vein with the known
wand riding in it the lancet and letting its end was the same as the length of the nail of
your thumb and not will proceed hastily chopping with the lancet until discover and
distinctly know the vein, especially the two jugular, nor you will break until you have
secured the gross well with the lock and aciar*
(so doesnt flutter or smother with
shortness of breath) for the venous blood comes out abundantly. Being dangerous then
this, if your hand is exceeded, perhaps touching with the lancet the water vein or rough
artery, that is the esophagus of the gross and will kill him.
*So it says in Andalusia where the Arabic diction has not been corrupted and
elsewhere, where it is said whip.
According to another author says, was not the approval of some old, the bleeding
from the cervical vein by expressed accident of lacerate and break the esophagus, and
the fear of hurting a lot with the lancet, if you dont find the vein; then would come to
weaken the gross for this cause, and therefore its success would be uncertain and risky.
So they were of opinion that the bleeding of the chest excuse the jugular vein, and that
the side was the healthiest; which consists of open the gross with the lancet the two
veins at the site of the heel of the rider, or near there (of which one is right and one left),
binding and then pressing them over the girth of the chair or saddle; and so it is said,
that these two in preference to the two jugular bleeding should be done. With regard to
the chest, this is if the gross will open the two veins that are in the chest, which (it says)
are two branches of the two jugular; whose operation is similar in form to the one
described in the drain of the other veins.
The colirial is whether the gross will open the two veins that are in both lacrimal
corners of his eyes, which are called visual, and are running down along with the nose.
This bleeding, they say, is helpful against crosslinking and other diseases, and runs the
same way as the above. When you want to open the saphenous vein, you do tight
ligation with rope over the gross hand knee down so that is discovered; which will open,
and unleashing the cord will heal the blood.
ARTICULO X
Extraction of blood from the gross.
Run modes are already expressed before, and must be done only after the
appearance of the need to heal in this way an accident, or alteration of the blood in the
Gross; whose overt signs shall conform to the descriptions I will say, Allah willing.
You must have understood that the use made of the bloodletting in the jugular
veins should be according to the degree of robustness of the horse, his meaty, of his
health, their rest, and his fever. Being in this way must be bled of expressed veins every
thirty or almost every thirty days, except the spring; whose operation is not executed
until after the output or input before this last time. With regard to the weak and worked
horse, his bleeding has to be according to the arrangement in which it is present. One of
the signs of altered blood in the rough is the fullness of the veins of his eyes and the
pulsation of his face and head, and if you shalt see with heavy breath, puffy eyes, loose
and falling head and ears, warm the body and tongue dry. So, when you see these signs
or most of them, will keep [or be entertained] with fresh grapes, or chopped raisins and
soaked in water, without giving feed barley like for seven days, and then you bleed from
the veins. If there are fewer signals will bleed without entertain him with what we have
said.
If after bleeding draw the blood from the veins, grinding incense with a wool
cat's belly, thereby caulking with it that part spraying over until blood stanches the flow;
and if a handkerchief is bindeth over to hold the drug on the fissure, what will glue with
bakeries dust or with plaster of ashes.
If the veins swell after open, it's best to heal wash with warm water and plaster
with warm grilled onions; and if they soften or open, you will apply poultice made in
this way: wax, lard, bone marrow quill cow, salt, oil and pitch, middle part, put all this
together over low heat; which has been incorporated so well it applies in expressed part,
spreading this with turpentine to chase flies fissure. It is helpful, Allah willing.
In curing crosslinking and other diseases it is usually done in the immediate
bleeding veins to the pastern, and shalt break them soften [or scrubbing] with your hand
from birth of the arm of gross until the pastern, as if you wanted to lowering blood to
that part with delicacy and softness. Taking then a rope, the go bundling from birth right
arm to steady pastern so that your returns go hand tightened on his arm and, by lowering
blood with your hand until you get to the pastern; and discover and clear the veins, then
you will break the previously stated mode. Then there is fluid sufficient amount of
blood, the untied rope shall put salt on the part of the fissure; and not allowing him to
enter the water or rubbing barley, so be entertained with the green, if possible; and if
not, with dry grass cut and moistened with water, and caring for him with good speed
and stillness for ten days, after you prepare by curing their hoofs with things that harden
and claim.
Is also extracted the blood of his palate, and is named tahnc, derived from the
voice the name of this operation is given. Execute mode is, that having subjected to the
gross with the chin strap, you will do the fissure of the third or fourth grade, and not
near the gullet; then being sometimes difficult to contain blood there, perish the gross.
ARTICLE XI
Of how to mount the horse with weapons and without them.
This we have to learn from the two books of Al-Mohalebo Ibn Abi Sofrati and
Ibn Abi Hazam. Anyone who has being a good rider should be instructed on what to
exactly know about the airy and graceful way of sitting in the chair and take the reins,
and is imposed on the principles and practice of riding; the help must be desirable to
purchase so can mount and maintain its secure on the horse. For this purpose it is to
serve big chair that is handled like desires to, and avoid small chair.
The chair (says Ibn Abi Hazam) should be solid wood, wide pad,. . . , Low pad
front and rear, and must take firm strap of well-tanned leather that surrounds the chair,
whose strap must also be strong, and it is better make it two rather than one, which to
me is preferable. The two brackets have to be equal in weight; the ring must not be wide
or narrow; is better than both are rather heavy to light, must ensure either of the two
actions of the stirrups, and if not, bristle with twisted ropes; It has to register the long
and short of them so that they are equal; and its length that will be needed, that is, which
suffer damages both feet; and it is certainly better to be long than short, because if it
were short the stirrup the rider lost the back of the chair to jump his horse, or to restrain
him in the last of the race; nor be sure to fall when his horse churn, or if of joy rise at
once both hands. It must be availed of Libyan brake or other like him, which is the
brake gentlemen; whose lightness and heaviness must be relevant to what sustained by
the gross. For which reason it must test brake to the horse until it knows that suit you;
whichever is more pleasant to be softer and lighter and softer its bite, with that you have
to stop it. Snooze of the brake on the side of the jaws must be short, about that long
makes that the horse run less. If being weak his beard, the brakes bridle was long, this
would weigh on her and hit on his teeth, and so would make him to run less; and must
ensure good snack, as this is the brake management firm and rider.
The reins of the brake, says Al-Mohalebo Ibn Abi Sofrati, must be short as they
arrive near the saddle pad for being long, trouble the rider, Ibn Abi Hazm says, that
when you refuse to ride on saddle, saddle your horse tending to tighten his girth by your
hand; and if another one had you tight, carefully register at the mount to make it firm;
because if anything it come loose and had confident to ride, bringing your weapons, it
would twist the chair; and also, because being the cinch tight and not move the chair
back and forth on the back of gross, this causes that do not turn. When you want to ride
in it, with your whip in your left hand and gathering your suit, you put them in the left
of the front horse and slightly behind your left abutment, not front to the hand of your
horse; which it is an offense that must detest and have at warp.
Your left side must be in front of his back to his shoulder, and you have to take
the reins with your left hand together with the mane; which it considers the horse, you'll
catch the arch of the pillow inside. You must have some short the reins in your hand on
the left side to make it so that the horse's head is a little lopsided and not withdraw from
you at the ride on it; but it must not be much, as it would turn to you; and if this
happens, will nearer too much. If your reins were not short in the way I have spoken,
perhaps he stirred the horse would withdraw from you, and you could not assemble it
especially with spear and sword.
After placing the tip of your left foot in the stirrup, which stretch to the back of
the horse without put it under his belly; and then picking your right hand the pad or the
back of the chair (which this want, because all this is settled, although for me it is
preferable that when mount will hold the pad with the right hand), you will raise
spirited, serene and promptly so quickly mounts; And if anyone considers the right
abutment to mount it will be very good. Being already in the chair, put the tip of your
right foot in the stirrup on the right, and supporting you a little about the two, then liken
your clothing; which if you want to do it with your right hand before sitting in the chair
and after elevate, you can execute; since knights already practice it, and I also advise.
While doing all this, you will have grasped the reins with your left hand, and taking
them later together with the two and straightening the head of your horse with them,
then you'll do walk making a sign with your two heels, and not the movement your body
or your feet shaking them so that you Hurt his belly, being this deformed thing that
gentlemen do not implement.
Know, that consisting of the skills of riding and horsemanship in stand well in
the chair and take the reins, you have to sit straight in the same having back straight,
balanced your shoulders, and equal your back as well as your backside together; not
leaning forward or backward by lying, not pulling your chest a lot or lifting the shoulder
more. Noting which, firmly and constantly sitting in the chair, you have to bring also
together your thighs to her skirts, all along them, making your legs are equal and your
feet on the two brackets, without removing them from the front of them, or opening
them or throwing them back (since there is no knight in the ugliest thing than this last),
or leading them excessively forward; and the extent of it is, if only the rider sees the
ends of your toes. And you should have known, that the main thing is the riding
firmness, extended and stretched out both thighs, and firm consistency on these two
things, and also the stay fixed on the chair.
The common of the dedicated preference to this art is of the opinion that
consisting riding in the disposition of the thighs, the rider to take as it should have to be
supported in his stirrups as if to get up, to do this you go affirmed on his chair; and that
one of the things that contribute to the strength of the knight is, it rests with his toes on
both brackets: that what gives great firmness is, if you care to lie on his right foot when
work with Spear ; and that with regard to the Sagittarius, on his left, which is safer
riding the strength of the rider's feet on both stirrups, his thigh hold the chair, and his
skill in taking the reins subject and his habit of handling them. You have to wear it
equals your hands with the reins on the hill the between-back of the horse, whose head
will do that leads straight through those without tilting a portion less than another,
taking the reins as this should be required and handling them with care and diligence,
being this the soul, the essence, the foundation and apex of riding in all its branches; in
which you have to put mindfulness as this is the end and purpose of the thing, and the
balance that must needs be, and that has to be gross.
The management of rein is some calculation that not all attend; and will be your
ruler and science in this make it go straight head of the gross equality. Which it is
convenient always present in its mouth the sensation and flavor of the brake, since this
is your operation with him, because if you could not contain the gross or dominate his
head, could not be mounted straight in any way; and also because the gross wanting that
the knight does not neglect of him is necessary to feel in his mouth the feeling of the
brake. It should be understood that the one who mount him has to go awake; and also,
that gross not root among, it must contain the brake. Be careful to link the reins behind
the ears, then get tangled and burn. Contain and direct temperately, but so that you
master it; or you have to drop the reins on the run or on the trot, but even if not by fear
of tripping.
If you want to learn the equestrian art (says Ibn Abi Hazam), you must have
understood that it is the foundation of the firm, and this science of riding in hair; and
who has not shown skilled at it, do not ride well nor will claimed in the chair, and will
be continually wavering on his horse. If you do corvettes and capers; nor be sure to fall,
if your horse stir, or fear overwhelms him.
When you propose ride on this way, clothing lightly you will slow your horse,
and arranging on top packsaddle of wool or sow, you will adjust the strap and the
breastplate, as the knight go about it firmer than on the hair, and putting then to the left
your horse to his shoulder and taking control of your brakes in your left hand (and will
not be bad that holds them together the manes), will ride him of a leap with alacrity.
Sitting upright and firm on his back, you shalt gather your hands with the reins by the
horse's between-back and straighten your back and joining your thighs to the site of the
foothills of the chair in the back of the horse, you take on the same one slightly forward
(it is best when mounted in hair), and extend your knees, your legs and your feet to the
two shoulder blade of the horse so you can look at you the big toes of them.
Thou shalt not go supported but firm your thighs union by consist only of this
convenient firmness; because anyone who would join else in his riding, neither this nor
strongly would be for him. Matching your reins, and leading you on this point as
mentioned above, then you do walk your horse beckoning with your heels as set out
above, and will walk a frank and friendly way through space a few days; and you keep
yourself cautiously and with respect to expressed fear, before taking the reins and when
you sit in the chair, until you know that you have already secure, and this has made you
nature and habit to go in this way.
After which you will put your horse to trot beckoning with your heels on the
way I have explained, running it without neglecting to you at moderate trot, and having
to hop on the way I have described. And because being hard trot is shortly to the knight
lose the bottom of the chair, you take care at the beginning of him and stop him, then
returning to the same trot until approaching at a gallop.
Which then you shall bring out your horse equal and quietly and in the field
especially taking care of yourself at start the horse and restrain the end of the gallop;
whose two states require that you care for yourself by looking at the apexes of riding,
which deviating from fall your horse in that race; nor you have to be on it long, as long
races vitiates to the horse that will needed to handle the spear above it. Which if it were
soft, you should know his rider has to hold him at once; and if it not be possible, it is not
to stop it in this way, but collecting it in three times, the fourth stop in light, and
progressive softness and then gradually without shook his head. You must not leave the
reins at intermediate stops until you return to the race; and taking your hand in the right
direction where those were made through fair equality in the reins, not lengthen these of
one side and shortening of the other.
At the time of the stop straighten well his head, noting that the hindquarters of
the horse is equal, when stop, without decline to one side. Most of the gross, when for
which has no intelligence, make him then lose the back of the chair. Care to make bleed
your horse; and know that no one makes at him without cause, but who lacks the
intelligence in the management of the flange. When mounts in hair firmly in the way I
have expressed, helping to this effect with the gift of powerful and glorious Allah, you
already have the fundamental principle riding, and the main art of riding. After that you
spent to ride a chair and show proficiency in it, according to the expressed above of the
actions in hair. So, whenever you're well versed in all that I have expressed with respect
to the chair, and have perfect knowledge of all, you will make the riding habit and
nature; so that there will be no movement on your ride than with wisdom, so much so,
that if being your expert and exercised distracts you, or your mood will occupy in other
different actions of the riding, happen not to let your ride It is gallantly succeed. Then as
you dedicate to the years of riding with spear weapons and other species, and joust. If
you have not reached this point nor achieved this level of dignity, you not present to it
nor expose yourself to danger; and even when you can say: I mount well, you have to
use caution in handling the lance and other actions of the knights.
Being that occasion for deception, and we must be content in this respect will be
your duty to point out to your long time desire and hope. One of the things, of whose
knowledge should not lack the knight, is the mode of operation in the handling of the
ball [or piggy]; when it has to refrain; what time is to be input, and when it needs to be
output; how to match land for skilled fighters, the ruse, the onslaught, the devices of
this, therefore the same purpose, and the necessary site.
If the knight would think of traveling, it will be important to make use of round
or square pads, which are used for long journey; because failure to do so would the
horse and the top of his back hesitantly moving, that is, if at mounting the pad clamp
belt breaks, put the pommel or the rear chair on horseback and bruise, unless the subject
was lit two horcates blanket under pillows; whose straps if any breaks, remain
[however] the blanket under the chair defending the horse's back; which also wipes the
sweat pads.
With regard to ride a chair without strap, if necessity would force to that you
took with your left the right foot stirrup on top of strap tugging it toward you, and put
your left foot in the left stirrup and holding your right the pad with the flange, you will
ride in the way I have taught.
The way to mount and dismount the spear.
If you want to ride your horse carrying spear with you, kept the flange with your
left along with the pad of the chair, taking a spear in your right and working at retain the
flange and stand beside to the horse to accordance with what I have referred you
; and
placing the lower end of it on the floor next to your right foot so that it is withdrawing
from you a little, then put your left foot in the left stirrup according to what I've taught
you, and supporting you with your right hand on the spear and lifting your spirits with
encouragement to equal you in the chair, in the act of getting up and return the spear
when mounted atop the rump of your horse to the right side with alacrity and courage;
which then putting on your left with the flange liken your clothing, and leaning on your
right, then bow down to her spear. If you find yourself in the field, or not have anyone
close to you, be careful to not hurt him in the foot; and for the trees, you will fear that
your spear will entangled in them. To ride on it you took the average of the spear with
your left hand together with the mane, and grabbing with your right the pad or the back
will ride.
If you want to get down, putting the spear on your left, and land your foot with
your left hand on your horse, and seizing the erase with your right hand you get down
and when you're leaning towards in land gather promptly the spear in your right lest the
horse breaks it turning around, or that its tip touches the ground or hurts the rough. In
this way the knights are conducted, and this has to observe you. Maximum is from Ibn
Abi Hazm that being mounted not expose yourself to take your spear from the ground,
as would break it your gross treading; but getting down of it, then the take it and you
ride.
Riding with shield
When you want to mount with the shield, do according to what I have expressed
to you, putting it under your left armpit.
Riding with rider on haunches.
If you want, you put your left foot in the left stirrup, and taking the pad arch in
your right hand and together with the flange, or taking this (if you want) in your left
hand, do what I have taught, and short with your right foot through the chair while
mounting.
How should punish the horse with the whip, according to the Book of Ibn Hazm
and others.
Beat him with the whip to the horse when it detains or stop about that if fear
would make him look the whip, it would vitiate; wherein is excess. It will be convenient
to punish him where not noticing.
The need that also have a graceful knight to handle weapons such as the shield,
sword and spear.
How is this, according to the Book of Ibn Abi Hazm. In the action with shield
must fall the midst of it the foot of the sword; and so makes the spear, when you feel
drop your tip on the shield, twisting his head and pulling this out of your hand, youll
make that dont give in your chest, as will prostrate you; and keep yourself that the tip
shield does not come back, as it would get tangled in your clothes.
Of the action with the sword.
There is no among the weapons any need to be saved from the drive but a sword;
and I've seen too many men hurt with her or driving to the principle fore wounded and
cut his thigh, arm and ear of the animal, and even the same foot. So when you propose
to use the sword in any species [fencing] with fighters, will enter the fight getting your
foot in the stirrup so that no part is discovered in one of your fingers out of your iron.
When you give the block with the sword, then shalt keep your foot, and the arm and the
head of your gross, and finding with it the knight, always and at all times refuse to your
right to all who fight you, and to your left when fight with the spear.
Of the action with the spear.
Make your spear be light as you can, and so your other weapons. Which it is to
be ten cubits in length or less, and eleven the longest. It should be between thin and
thick because fingers do not cover the latter. It is therefore important that neither is such
that it cannot encompass the human hand or fingers so thin that come to give her palm;
and as to how to grab at time of the meeting and lash out with her you must ensure that
will retains full after the action.
ARTICLE XII.
The knight warnings, according to the Book of Ibn Hajdj and others.
Must not ignore the knight register his horse, the stable that is, his crib, all the
provisions in his regime, their feed, water there to drink, and the rest corresponding to
their preservation. His greatest occupation must be register their feet in the morning and
evening; and if he sees any break in their tendons, or blood, or just hidden accident is
discovered, handle this with tact and delicacy, and not exercising that day, will heal
holding properly engaged, and that stands in tap water; which it is excellently effective
thing and sometimes corresponding to the disease.
Know, that the principles of disease manifest small and hidden at first. Be
absolutely careful giving water to the gross or feed with barley when he is very tired
and after the race; as this occurs glanders immediately, and with it inflation and roar of
guts in the abdomen, friction and swelling in the heel, and also corrupts the hoofs.
Having thus discussed above in different places some of this together with what to do
with the horse after the race and fatigue, and before giving drink and food, there you
will recognize it carefully.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Farming of birds that are taken into the houses,
the gardens, and the lands for utility and beauty;
as pigeons, ducks [and geese], peacocks, chickens, and bees.
Knowledge and choice of these animals, their regime,
disposal, and respective pastures; the healing
of their diseases and the like,
ARTICLE I.
Of pigeons.
They are of two kinds: a household are taken into the houses where they
make their offspring and where are collected, and other wild [Stock-dove or wood
pigeons] coming out freely to seek the grass, and make very few breeding in the rooms,
and only in lofts held for them. The most beautiful are domestic, that are taken into the
houses, of which the most outstanding are the feet shod feather (called tripolinas(?)],
and corpulent adorned with beautiful colors and cooing.
Home pigeons, says Aristotle, lay eggs ten times in the year and sometimes
once, and that are in Egypt make twelve breeding. The doves walk in heat at one year,
and often walk on it after they have reached six months. The most that puts a dove are
two eggs, and rarely goes bankrupt that one is male and the other female. Such as may
be prolonged and sharp are female and male ends rounded and flattened the extremes.
The dove lays the egg first male young dove, and then the next day the female,
mediating between the two one day and one night; and sometimes he lays three. Break
the shell of first egg by young pigeon twenty days after stinging first the dove and
breaking and opening it later.
The male and female are sheltering a few days under their wings the young
pigeons until they are strengthened, and this carefully effect and sheltering
commiseration towards them. The male is sitting on eggs and of the day, and the female
is what the rest of it and all night. The best young pigeons are born into spring and fall,
and the more lower that born on the rigors of summer and winter.
According to another author, it often happens that the pigeon, who have two
females the eggs and brood together with one and another. According to the book of
Jahetso* in the treaty of the Animals, a result of thunder it corrupts everything that
contains the pigeon egg while the incubation, sometimes throws the pigeons the eggs
when heard thunder; and others hearing loud thunder, leave a few days after this time.
* Interpreted: The big eyes or blowouts.
It is said that if you want the baby pigeons home to be many, detach the male
from the female for a few days after the appropriate time and then put them back
together; because in this way will be lot of eggs, and leave fewer empty. Home pigeon
has a habit of drinking glass and take food in homes; and familiar with the people, it is
only to the ones that knows. Carries heavily being alone, and long retirement saddens
him. Need fresh, clean place; and is something like the man in the practical jokes that
have this with his wife in the kisses that gives, in love with that requested in the manner
in which the inquiry, and what each one does with his partner in the act together.
According to Aristotle, the pigeons that come to seek pasture freely, incubate
twice in the year. According Filemon and others be taken to a house the pigeons way of
the cloister of monks to end a pyramid, adorned at the bottom of niches, which must be
able and apart; and if thou wilt they are over each other in rows encircling the wall all
around until about two thirds parts of it or three of four, you will do; which is the best,
easier, and comfortable in their careful government. You have to sweep twice each
month. At the very top of the dovecote put skylights that are not broad or narrow where
the pigeons take the field without any haste. One dovecote must be planted near; and
you have to understand that cleaning and sweeping the fat, preserves, and maintain (by
divine permission) for every disease that might befall.
Casiano and Kastos say, that should be well protected and well firm the
dovecotes so that in them do not get inside any insect, regarding this contributes to
preserve free such plague. Kastos added, to be arranged in the middle of its walls some
not big sites, where to make their hatchlings; the dovecote has three windows, one
capable on its roof so that by it to exit and enter the pigeons, one to the east side,
another to the West, and two small holes left by noon and southwest wind. The door to
the dovecote, as Cassian, must be part of the west wind; and in front of each wall must
have a table so that therein the pigeons can rest on his return from drinking water and
going to drink. Others say that the doors and windows of the dovecotes look to east to
enter them the sun, which will certainly take advantage of them; and that pigeons rest
on roof or above the dovecote. to give them the north wind. You will do well spacious
dovecotes, which shall not build to the river banks, and between the trees, for the harm
would do there to the pigeons, eggs, and to the young pigeons the birds of prey, snakes
and mice.
They should not get much of men into the dovecote of pigeons for the damage it
would cause them, nor you have to get so infrequently to flee frightened When you
come to them. If the dovecotes are perfume with fragrant resin trees, young pigeons will
grow and multiply, and so if they are perfume with incense.
Is maximum of Casiano, that one of the things that set to the pigeons on their
sites is that in their dovecotes is throwing bats heads, or serval branches and wild grape
roots at the time to manifest the fruit; which it is also Kastos sentence. It is said that
some ancient were of opinion, that if drinking milk of women, which blows her eldest
child, she is down on a glass cup and to be buried in the tower next to the site where
they enter and leave the pigeons, that tower It will be populated multiplying their young
pigeons *.
* Outside the original maxim of different letter is read, which also reads the
copy you made the Maronite Don Pablo Hodar. Says, "that the tower burying a human
skull in a long time, multiply their pigeons, and that the opposite of this happens, if the
skull whatever new."
Filemon said that the pigeons need to eat cold grain quality, such as lentils, peas,
and barley; and as for the safflower, this grain is about them to the extent that the meat
regard to man by virtue of which itself contains get fat. Others say that feed wheat, peas,
fenugreek, flax and cumin being of all grains which more please to them.
According to the Nabathea Agriculture, if are placed beans in the shell to cook
until be half tender, and with them cut small parts to feed the pigeons, this greatly fatten
their young pigeons; and so perfectly tares flour mixed with water buzzed them to eat.
Also shalt feed the pigeons with bread soaked, putting cumin in their troughs, or have
drinking water with honey mixture into it. If they are fed with eggplant seed and lentil,
and will not be absent and will be many pigeons to breed. If the pigeons drink any water
and honey have been infused cumin and lentils, get used to the tower, and others will
follow.
One of the things that, according to Casiano and others familiarize pigeons in its
place is, if you feed lentils and cumin that have been infused honey; and if a few days
before heading out to find the grass pigeons were supplied with fresh cumin infused in a
soft smell good wine and not stay with them pigeons that are already intimately familiar
and passed them. If it roasted barley flour and the same amount of ground dried figs,
kneaded both with honey, round pellets are made, and from them feed the pigeons few
days to get used to their towers and not transmigrate of them, Allah willing.
Casiano says that some people mix barley flour with milk that has already been
cooked, and infusing on that some honey, thereby feeding the pigeons; and that one of
the things that multiply the pigeons, the pigeons joining is that they get used to the
tower room, also throwing there the same. The author adds that men care diligently to
provide food for wild birds in the winter months, and that the remainder of the year will
feed them in the fields and in other places, that what frightens them the reptiles that
offend them, such as wild young mice, snakes, weasels, cats, and other pests is that if
wild young mice offend the young pigeons of the towers and their eggs, set on the banks
of these, in the recesses and holes in the towers oak ash; which (by Allah) makes retire:
or if their towers are smoked with nail and goat horns, deer antlers and rue, all together,
do not approach them martens and animals that hurt them: if on either side of its towers
is hang an armful of rough not approach them martens or cats, or hanging or putting
tough in traffic where cats often go to them; whose mate is contrary to all the beasts that
hurt them in the lofts.
According Jahetso in his treatise of Animals, the snakes dont own themselves
after they perceive the smell of the rough, with which remain stunned and can be picked
up, and remain intoxicated as the smell of repugnant rough to the snake. If front of the
lofts is planted, do not approach them any marten, cat, or vixen by Allah; and if you
write to the four corners of the house where are the pigeons: Adam and Eve; not
approaching to them the snake.
Pigeons properties.
According to the book of Ibn Zahara, Allah Almighty has given his power to the
outgoing pigeons, which are collected at the towers, the property that its natural
libidinous appetite is strong because of its excess natural heat; 'and also it has made
their breaths are for him that is in the house where they inhabit a medium to ensure
smallpox, apoplexy, and palsy [or rather of hemiplegia].
If any pockmarked dwell near the pigeons, or while they were on the roof dwell
beneath him, or being in the same house dwell on the roof above them, healed of
smallpox by divine permission; and such is the marvelous virtue that has been recently
discovered in them the Almighty.
Diseases of pigeons and their remedies.
Know (says Filemon) that pigeons are those birds, which briefly and pass the
calamity of disease. And because nature is the heat and dryness, the main ones are
angina, liver disease,the tabidez(?), lice, and the cessation of incubation.
Cure angina, if softened his language a day or two with violet oil, and then
scrubbed with ash and salt until swell the upper skin that covers it, then smear with
honey and rose oil until it heals.
As the liver disease, take saffron, sugar candy and endive juice and all together
on a plate will swallow it; or will be thrown to the mouth in the throat while fasting,
which is helpful.
In order to tabidez, will give them to eat shelled almonds and hulled peas, and by
mouth will be thrown fresh milk into the throat, and they stung the two veins that are
found at the bottom of his fetlock for by the juncture of the inner part; whose blood the
amount that can be taken out by Allah.
One thing that heals the louse is, if the feathers are smeared with quicksilver
dissolved in violet oil; then executing it in them often drops his louse Allah willing.
Cessation of lay eggs cured by taking three yellow myrobalan, sixty
peppercorns, twenty of dates, and a bowl of honey, grinding everything in itself, and so
the mix of everything with dates; whose dough with honey and making balls like
chickpeas, they will swallow including ten each day, putting the male in the site where
see the female, and feeding with chickpeas and garlic.
Know, that pigeons are large utility; making company; that her merchandise is
necessary; and that its use is essential in agriculture by the utility is in their manure for
all the fruits and land. It is the pigeon droppings indispensable, and there is nothing that
can supply it, and a small quantity of it makes it not necessary much of other manures.
They are as many amenities, and there are many benefits which in pigeons.
Composed by tradition that Mahomed's room had a couple of them blondes; that
those of whom descend the Harem * among others they were of Abraham and Ishmael
of glorious memory; pigeons were gender of birds that Prophets (they rest in peace) had
at home; and every house of any pigeons removed Allah for them the scourge of the
goblins, as insane goblins tangling with those who are in the house when it no pigeons,
tangled with them, and leave the people **.
* This is the temple of Mecca with its close.
** The expression contained in the last paragraph is in the original manuscript at
the foot of p. 825 as an addition, that being different letter of the text, it is clear that the
hoax it contains, should not be attributed to the author.
ARTICLE II.
Of the peacocks.
Are these domestic birds that have for the beauty. According to Aristotle and
others, the peacock lives twenty-five years and lays eggs after three, at which time the
colors of its feathers, which are bright perfected. The peacocks are mating in the spring
season, which after this incubate very soon, and do it once a year. Do not put eggs in a
row; but having put one spend two or three days and put on another; which they are
twelve or so. It is said that the peacocks of the islands are better than those on the
mainland. The first position of the female is eight eggs, and sometimes usually put vain.
It is sitting on eggs thirty days, or a little more.
Whoever wants to fix it, put under five eggs of their own and four chicken; this
has to be the ninth day of the appearance of the moon. After about them has been
granted ten days, get underneath chicken eggs also putting others of the same in that
place, then you have completed thirty days, take out their eggs and hen, by Allah . Also
the female eggs are placed under the hen to sit on them; and this because the male
peacock when sees the female sits on the eggs of the duck, jump over it, and entangling
and playing breaks them; therefore they must sit on the goose, laying two eggs under
peacock bass on it feels and harbors, because does not suffer more than this number and
get their chicks. While hens are seated on peacock eggs has frequently give the grass so
it does not rise of eggs and get cold; for which reason it must be their pasture near under
the hen, making noise and shouting little less.
They say that the food must be roasted beans to the peacock, and in the winter
before eating anything you do take one drachma of cubebs beans *, and do not give to
drink but good water: not giving their chicks any food until two days take; the third day
barley flour, and kneaded with wine and mixed with wheat bran and tender leeks leaves,
you give them this grass, that fulfilled six days feed them with barley; and you have to
separate big peacocks of the small. Aristotle says that the peacock drops his feather in
the fall when the first trees start to drop their leaves; and that when these same begin to
sprout, and to demonstrate its first buds, grow feathers of the peacock.
* It is kind of strong aroma, like pepper.
ARTICLE III.
Of home ducks
Ducks are in place where there is water and grass; and lay eggs and incubate
three times in the year, in each fifteen eggs. According to Aristotle, ducks sitting on the
eggs and incubate thirty days, and so the eagle and birds like these two, as may be of
great corpulence. Which are of less corpulent than them, like the kite and species of
falcon and the hawk, sit on their eggs and shelter twenty days.
Female ducklings incubate without males. Maxims are of another author, that all
the fruit from feeding, fatten them, except bitter vetches only: that the most outstanding
of which are based on this fact, it is the mass of flour dissolved in ground lupins: you
give her brood the good pasture ground straw, regarding fattening eat and drink with
water: the chick throws this after having completed the month: that the place where the
food is given. have to separate small ducks of the biggest: that are not conducive to
grass but serene days: and you keep the bristles of pigs and sheep-wool cattle, since if
they were to eat these things, they would be harmful.
ARTICLE IV.
Domestic boracos of which are ducks.
Casiano says that for farming are chosen the portly white for their chicks come
to be similar: ducks incubate three times a year, each female puts no more than twelve
eggs: that each are taken with separation; and leaving them twenty days, then incubates
the duck that has put them, regard to these birds did not incubating the eggs of others;
and that the female sits on twelve eggs any more: some ducks bite [or take out] their
eggs in cold weather at the new moon; and that the more time that executed this is river
cold at seventeenth night: it is very good pasture for them, when they are brooding,
barley soaked in water; and the most excellent pumpkin leaves, endive and ocimo, and
lentils, rice, millet and the like; and to be fed three times a day with balearica barley [or
similar grain*] or wheat straw.
*In the Giggei dictionary is disjunctively say these two meanings. I do not know
which species of grain are. Means Golio said flour mixed with bran.
Kastos and others say, it is important for their chicks until the eggs are
separated, that taking mud and putting it into beaker with water, then put in that wheat
soaked before in another, and they eat of it: when the chicks are grown, cut dry straw
and soaked it in water are fed, that when they be large, thrown them into the water, and
then take out to pasture if any; and that females with their chicks are separated from the
males: that if these graze in temperate place, fatten briefly than the most excellent
pasture for them is, if taking dough in the third part of this is that of lupins, they be fed
with it three times a day: when they are giveth daily portion of grass, to receive a full
glass of water to drink, that some other days they go with dry straw, placed before the
water until It softens, then hurling to eat it; and that much fattening if they give suck in
warm places, that your secret to duck livers become big *, whether taking, cleaning,
roasting and then grinding sesame, and mixing with some green or soaked in water if it
be dry, then you knead together and feed the ducks with it; with the result that their
livers are grown.
* Horacio has the best white livers of fattened geese with good figs:
Pinguibttf et ficis pastum Jecur anseris Albi. Satir. lib. 2. sat. 8.
It seems that the liver of geese or ducks had for gifted among Roman food.
Juvenal (Sat.5) advised not to miss this dish in a decent dinner:
Poscimus ut coenes civiliter, face hoc, et this,
This [ut nunc multi) dives Tibi amicis pauper.
Anseris before ipsum magni Jecur,
ARTICLE V.
Of the hens
Casiano and Kastos say, that for the farming, the corpulent chickens, and greater
heads are preferred, and for longer thighs: that where you know the very laying of eggs
is on the blond color of their faces and the extent of their crests ; and that had many
feather and be fat, and the same the light flight, treading ground hard. The more laying
hen is what has already served one year and then he has already served two. Who has
more time, put a few eggs; and finally moving on condition ceases.
It's maxim of Aristotle, the portly hen lays more eggs than small body, you
should know to sixty before sitting on them and incubate. The kind of chicken that has
its origin in the reign of Hadrian (which is long body) sets every day; and without fierce
condition (which is many colors), kills many different times their chicks.
They say that the cock will choose the one with two years; and that signs where
his cheerful petulance known are the roundness of its crest, the smallness of its peak, the
blackness of his pupil, the thickness of its no long or short legs, which have already
brought new double skin, spotted various colors; it is large tail, bold and courageous
against rivalry, without returning for fear the back, or be defeated on that, and the color
of his face is like the rose, because the chicken is familiar with all the whatever such
and similar qualities. Dioscorides says in his book, that if adiantum plant is mixed into
the food of the roosters, makes for combat brave.
Maxims are from Kastos, Cassian, and others, that the hens are not put in damp
house, and are kept in warm places: that at the foot of the wall of the place where they
are some holes for their nests are made, in which straw for the eggs that they fall in
them will not break is put: that pass through there sticks to rise and be in them: they are
not kept in the house more hens that fifty and five cocks for them to be taken on account
one to ten hens.
Aristotle says that the hen lays all year, except the months of cessation in the
winter: that some hens lay sixty eggs and more; and that those who have perfected their
nature after walk the rooster for ten days puts more: some lay eggs with two yolks in
some of the times, and so many other birds: and the house is closed with doors, or that
these are false. According to the Jahetso book of Animals, the hen laid in the past
eighteen eggs with two substances in each, and the fetus of each egg she was hatched
two chicks, except those who were radically corrupted.
They say that some of the chickens that are raised in the rooms, put twice a day,
and some of which lay many eggs die for this cause: that chicken eggs and others as
may be prolonged and sharp ends, are females that produce females; and male, are
collected, round and flattened ends eggs produce males; Although both ends are better
than this figure for output [chicks]: the chickens and pigeons usually put some sick
eggs; which perhaps it happens to those who have not been fertilized from the male: and
that such ill eggs on the hen she sits absolutely no chickens are removed.
Aristoteles sentence is, that the eggs of some bird species are hard film, and no
calamity contract if they have been fertilized from the male; and sometimes the eggshell
is loose and soft before the fertilization, and is exposed to accidents. Casiano, Kastos
and others say that whoever wants to incubate the chicken throw straw under it, and put
it next to a piece of iron, which contributes to the health of the chicks: that beneath the
remarkable chicken many eggs are laid, and below that is less than it smaller number of
them: it is odd that the number of them is put; and that this runs on crescent moon, that
is, from its appearance until the fourteen days of it; and according Kastos, in the days
running from ten to half; and so they say, that get empty which incubate in the waning
of the month.
Casiano maximum is that the best eggs for this are those who come before the
days since last May 7 until after August 20, that is, from the winds blowing from west
to equalize the night and the day in the fall . On the choice of eggs Kastos says almost
the same. They say that the new hen eggs are placed under old hen; and dont incubate
those of the latter, since when the hen has aged not have its cicatrcula egg [or seminal
substance], nor chicken are raised.
About the incubation time Casiano says that the season of the year, which should
put the eggs under the hen, must be from the equinox, that is, the twenty-fourth of Adar,
deima [or March], or according to Kastos, among the six remaining days of the month
until the end of spring.
They say that no eggs should be laid under similar rooster hen (the
aforementioned long crested) because of the breaks. Kastos is of opinion, that is not
added to the fat broody hen on twenty-three eggs, the median of fifteen and eleven to
the bottom; and that the number of eggs not otherwise odd: that they become every
three days: that when carrying four incubation rise up against the sun, and if any part of
them sees a way of blond strands, are left be, for they are whole and healthy; and if they
be of a light color, they are thrown, they are vacuous. The same author and others say,
that each egg moves from one place to another; well yes that seeks the common people
should not move from its place or be touched, even after incubated by a hen. But this is
not so; because nothing hurts them to be moved and touched gently.
Also say that if not constantly hen it be on their eggs, being required to do so by
force; and bearing down on her and her eggs coverage by way of cone, there will throw
the grass, that when the hen scrutinize their eggs and they be leaving their chickens,
they are put under the wings of another hen that has few (if both incubate at the same
time), adding to the few chickens other chickens to have thirty of them, and no more.
Kastos says, that the ones their chickens are be taken should be diverted their eyes; and
adds that leaving it not separate between chickens and without being over eggs, you
take the grass in morning and evening. They say that the hen incubates eggs from April
until the end of May; and also that incubates in the space of twenty days, and then
scrutinizes in the last of them.
According to Aristotle, spends a hen brooding eggs in summer eighteen days,
and takes the chickens in the winter upon completion of twenty five. Sometimes it
happens to have clouds or thunder in the air when the bird is brooding and eggs get
empty; whose corruption is quite higher in the summer than in the winter, especially if it
blows well to noon. Adds that although the eggs incubating promoted and when the bird
has been sitting on them a certain number of days; but sometimes are promoted by
itself, if they are put in warm earth, as practiced by the natives of Egypt, where they lay
eggs in manure, and also warm and incubating by themselves, if they are put in hot
receptacle.
Kastos says, whoever wants to get chickens eggs without a hen's brood, take, in
the time we have appointed to incubate them on the eggs, his own manure; that having
grinding and sifting this and then throwing it in glass or boiler put it after hens egg
laying their ends to the sky; then covering those eggs with its feather put then on that
feather spoils of another ground to that cover, and thus being in warm place two or three
days, then come back each day and night twice whenever you stir on them that feather
and chicken offal; and being continued so for twenty days, they will be opened by the
chicks, for noticing the days when it started and having spent twenty, will know that this
is the time to output the same: that when chickens are mixed, either with chickens from
another hen that has taken at that time, and that those who will be put under compose
with his number thirty chickens any more, that taking after smelling barley bread and
bran and mixing in both horse or donkey manure, you put after that in a vessel; in which
I infusing the amount of water that wet, and covering it with clothing that promotes, it
will become after three days in worms, they have to feed those chickens to be
strengthened; ahead to do this operation before the chicks leave the eggs in the time
said.
The best of which feed and fatten (according Kastos, Casiano and others) are the
guts of melon, millet, or wheat bran. One of the things that fatten chickens is being in
obscure piece are fed of not sifted barley dough, One of the things that fatten chickens is
being in obscure piece of dough are fed not sifted barley, and they pull up the long wing
feathers. Sometimes fed wheat bread soaked in wine; and when fed millet, lay many
eggs. Also they fatten with spelled and wheat bran; and also they eat millet, wheat or
bran. One of the things that fatten is, tearing its feather and being enclosed feed with
barley flour and millet mixed with water; but what about these pastures fatten the
chickens it is millet, especially if they have teared the first wing feathers.
Which in a short time fatten them is taking onions and chopped leeks kneaded
with flour, and give them to gobble, According to the Agriculture Nabathea, grinding
tares, kneading with water the flour, and giving this food to the hens, ducks and
pigeons, fatten perfectly; or soaking wheat in honey that has dissolved benzoin, and
feeding the chickens with this, fatten and their eggs are many. Whoever wants to fatten,
also feed them with ground and mixed barley or rice or bran. Some feed them with
barley flour mixture, parsley seed and rude.
Maximum is from Casiano, not to feed the chicken with grapes or unripe with
respect to this, when it is fed, makes their eggs to be few.
It is said that making it cease
to lay eggs are the shells of the beans and peas, if it feeds on these things: that the laying
hen ceases to lay eggs and becomes sterile, if continuous feeding of beans, that if eaten
chickpeas will not produce eggs any way: if you want the marten to stay away from
them, bind them under the wings or wild cucumber wormwood, and this effect will be
achieved; and that the state of the bird is different from when are teared the feathers,
and loses her beauty for this reason.
Diseases of the chicken.
The louse, disease that touches them in the mouth similar to angina, and also the
cold damages them. If the hen suffers from lice, putting myrtle and cumin date wine or
raisins, wash them with this, and it will die. Whoever wants that nothing touch their
mouth or tongue, grind toast egg shells and raisins, slivered removed, and give this food
before taking another. Kastos says that one of the helpful things to the hens against
angina and cold is wash the peaks with human urine, or smear them with crushed garlic,
or give them to drink water that has been infused laurel.
Whoever wants to be great the eggs from the chickens, grinding new faience
rubble, sifting and mixing with bran knead with wine, and give them this grass. One of
the things that retract the chicken of eat their eggs is, taking one and drawing its clear by
a small drill youll do in it, mix plaster and water in the yolk by that hole, and throw it;
as well as for the eats, will suffocate and it will not do it again. Cassia says that when a
chicken is eaten her eggs, must be beheaded in the same place so they do not get used to
it other chickens than with her may be.
The way to keep the eggs.
Will set them in a boiler putting bran below. It is also said that one of the things
that kept the eggs uncorrupted is that are put into straw or husks of lupines or wash with
water spraying ground salt, or brought in pitch, or to be saved in bran in winter and
summer. Kastos says that being put on the wheat straw in summer and in the bran in
winter, get in the water and then put salt, or wet an hour or two in warm salt water.
Some put them in water and putting them in salt and warm water three or four hours
after the catch and handle the matching straw, and thus preserved in its entirety. The
tainted eggs are known looking at them from the sun; and also they are tested putting
them in the water, which float in it are corrupt, and are healthy sinking. Those who have
been incubated by the hen, should not been tested in the water be for its chicks are not
corrupted.
Wonderful provisions of the animals
One of them is, that if the hen has won the rooster, is similar to him in his
singing, in his way of compelling and pressing for the act of generation; and also raises
its tail like a rooster, and sometimes it comes spur.
The rooster was castrated when chicken, loses his voice, do not press the female
and fat, and their meat is succulent and delicate; for which are chosen from the more
burly male chickens. The male bird is castrate making him one, two, or three cautery in
his testicles.
The ones that lay vain egg are the hens, partridges, and some other species of
animals, like the dove, the peacock and the duck. The vain egg comes from air and land,
and it is not those from fertilization, and is smaller, dock, and less smooth than the last
taste. You never have chicken from the vain egg unless the rooster and the hen fruitful;
which usually contains small eggs that conceives air, and all of them make of animals
move in condition, whether or not fertilized more than once. Most of the vain eggs are
vernal and summer, and when the renewed fertilization, takes them to the state of
incubate.
The hens incubating eggs of peacocks, ducks and other birds; for which the fat
and stout are chosen. According to the book of the Animals by Jahetso, pigeons
incubate the eggs of hens and chickens out of them are more cunning [or more alive]
and longer life.
Maxims are several, the female bird who never sat on the eggs, is from ill and
average condition: that if in the year of the sterile hen is put Boneset flower [liverwort
or Ageratum*], puts every day: if taking any shoemakers ink infuses leaving it in
vinegar until melt, and writing with her in the egg is put in the sun until its registration
is wipe, and then is baked in water-salt will be in the fixed and permanent this
inscription: and it is said that when you want to boot the chicken feathers, you put
benzoin into her anus, as well as leaving it an hour, they had ripped the feathers.
* See Laguna in anot. the cap. 42 lib. 4 of Dioscorides.
ARTICLE VI.
Of Bees.
Bees (say) some are called females, which are less corpulent and those who have
honeycomb; and others are calling males, which are larger in body than females, and do
not have honeycomb. Those of the latter are called kings, males* are more corpulent,
which are less in number, and do not have sting. Maxims are from some that the kings
of bees are of two kinds; one red, which are the best; and other blacks that vary in color:
the king is big, and its magnitude is about twice the bee that makes honey and the best
kings are a clear and bright red, and then staining two white dots thrown in a little black.
*Such was the opinion of Aristotle, Virgil, Pliny, Columella and many other
ancient. But it no longer doubts his female sex after that Swammerdam and Reaumur
discovered through anatomical dissections and curious observations, that these bees for
their remarkable magnitude relative to each other are wonderfully fertile; and according
to the calculations of Abbe Rozier founded in Swammerdam's description double ovary
of this species of bees, we can say that each produce at least sixty thousand of them.
After these discoveries is certainly more own name teachers or queens, which give them
some modern, than kings & c.
The kings of the bees, says Aristotle, do not go out with other species, unless
with some swarm of youngs; and when they will go out with these in troops around
them as a squad, putting the king in the last of the space in which they collect.
When there are many kings in a hive, this irritates bees, and lost. It is therefore
desirable (says another author), you kill the kings of bees except one; for in his crowd in
a beehive there is great harm to it, in which it is one enough. When you want to kill the
kings of bees, sprinkle the top of the beehive in winter with warm water, which stick;
whose operation done, and having no sting them, you killed them, except one of the
best; whose wings cut it with scissors so they cannot escape; for not fleeing the king,
not the bees are absent from their hives. The same is said about kill the drones of the
bees.
It is said that these are engendered male and female; and also it stated that they
are without fertilizing males. It is constant for me (says the Prince Abu Ali Ibn Sina
[Avicenna] in his book Sakakh "), which by their nature are produced by the contest of
males and females between them, and that the principle is that male and female come
together. Aristotle says, that the bees come from themselves, if you have joined each
other, and also stated that if they come from this meeting descended from the kings, if
they have joined with one another. According to the book of Medicine of animals, hot
bodies generate many worms, and so when bees rest on mud water from the sky
immediately after rain, is believed to be fertilized with it.
It is also said that at that time wont found honey, but young; that being the
formation of the children of the bees as of the worms are then organized its members
until form bee; and so has the wind passed through them, blackish and refined.
They say that the male bee has no sting; that males do not do absolutely any
honey; and when they fly, they leave the hive with his entourage, and soar through the
air by ringing. That if there are few males in the hive is very good, says Haj Granadino,
and the honey-bee show more joy and agility, and often females expel to males or kill
them, because they are dedicated to the work of them.
The noble bee (says Aristotle) is small, round body, and various color. The small
size is more laborious than large, which is entirely dark and on. The noble makes
smooth and equal honeycomb, and also as the top of the cell. Bees grazing in the
mountains and jungles are from smaller body and more honey. There are also other bee
extended body, similar to the male bee; which not being diligent and early also makes
riser honeycomb little equal and puffy cap to the male way, and makes all other works
without firmness. There are also other big belly bees, and those that are of this kind are
as sloppy and lazy like the women that nothing work. Old bees are hairy; the new ones
are very hairless and beautiful body, more than the old; young and bees with the first
production [or gilts] are more diligent and industrious than others, better honey, sting
smaller and less harmful and less frightening tailspin.
Maxims are from Aristotle and others, it is appropriate that bees must be in cool
place in the summer and warm in the winter: suits them the peaceful site of warm air in
cold weather, and shade in the summer: the place of them rising sun bathing not have
much grass or fragrant plants, and that this stretch has close freshwater in the jungles
and other places, so all contribute to living: that in front of his hives have flat stones
with trunkings two fingers deep, in which sweet, clean, nice and clear water is poured;
as being this wonderfully pleasant and helpful, there are not absent: you look if your
grass is tufts of caper, black hellebore and wormwood and pull them up, about that the
honey they get from these herbs is bad: that making them fitted arched wooden side by
side on who are pinning their hives, It is smearing each with ash and phlegm: and when
they were in high wall to be made of stone, they leave loopholes in the same place
where leave; which defends of the birds that eat them, to which still separates them
located in this way: that their houses [or hives] look at noon and also to the East. It is
said, it is important to plant savory, beans, succulent cucumbers, poppies, sisimbrio [or
serpol] ocimo Lawn and black cumin [or neguilla], in the place where are the hives; and
that right there is mount wild pear, murtas [or myrtle], almond, and Cunila [or savory
wild]. Aristotle says that the bees have been feeding savory, and for them is better white
than red; and Democritus says, who is profitable pomegranate flower, the savory, and
rose, and get sick, if they have chopped oleander flower.
Make hives (says another author) of alvar pine wood and mud of good smell,
and smear out with ash and dung shredded and mixed with water.
Some make them of oak cork, to which the multitude give the name of wings [or
striking cap]. Other make them long baskets of tender wands, of the figure of the
previous ones, and smear inside and out with good-smelling viscous mud, or manure in
the mud, and dispose of the daphne branches. Others make them square figure, Calejo *.
*A species of tree that does not set Giggei, in which only dictionary is the Arab
name and one is said to be quxdam arbor or Ibn-el-Beithar made mention of it in his
book Plant.
Others also dig them round and square holes in wall to look up at noon or so that
the rising sun bathe; but the mouths of those holes must be tilted down a bit so that
when they leave the bees throw them out with their movement so smitten down at the
bottom of these crumbs of wax, or other things, that if there remain would harm the
bees, and worms and insects that offend them would also engender. If in those holes
they fall a few drops of honey to castrate time, they were sprayed water quickly, and not
smeared with her the wings of bees.
With regard to the length of the carapace, some do three feet; and in oak
thickness that impolite the cork, it is not to be too large. It has to be nailed with wooden
nails that, in the midst of its length have to cross two sticks as thick as a finger for them
the cap is claimed has to get round figure; which often cling bees in their fabrications
with wax.
It has to be on top of the shell a lid [or cap], and in its lower part is to be a small
entrance where bees come and go, smearing the joints of him and his loopholes, if any,
with mud of good glutinous smell, or fresh manure. Some will put right on a slab, and
put the lid on a stone; which execute so you do not tear down, and judge that this is
better than lay it on the floor. Others make the longest shell of what we have referred,
and applying cap each, laid in the floor by putting one end lifted some more than the
other, and the entry of bees in the lower end being.
Aristotle says that when the bees found a neat and clean hive, build wax houses
on it, that they bring that wax of the flowers, of the bushes blossoms, willows and other
trees there glutinous liquid; bathing and first with that sticky juice within the hive, then
build on it the cells where they come, near the Kings (which are big), and after this the
males of the bees (which are more capable than others), starting to build and weave
above, that is, from the roof of the hive; They bathe the interior with something like
wax; which is very black way to the filth of the same, and is from profitable sharp smell
against the shocks of a certain kind of goats, and the beasts raptors species: the bees fill
some cells of honey, some young, and other drones, and sit on the honey, gradually
sprinkling; which if they did, the honeycomb would be lost, and it would raise spiders;
but if they have force to persevere stays good, and if that lack is lost.
He also says, that bees do not bring honey the same way as when they have
achieved find the wax; which would melt if it were running, and his work and diligence
will be employed in not doing them smeared with honey and with this hindrance to fly;
but extracting it with his mouth lay on his belly, as the water in the skin when it comes
to sweeten; and it is above all [its operations] the first: that one of the things they carry
in their legs, is wax, is the weight of honey found in the sweetness of the figs, which is
also their food : they incubating after they have finished building, and doing it at the
same time collecting honey, that when inside the hive there are young whose output is
now close, noise and hum is heard right there two or three days before they leave; one
of which appears out of the hive by his own admission, then he made up for flies and
separates each of their kings in their particular swarm, so coming to multiply a few that
they were; and they kill the king left, if its determined to follow them.
Aristotle also says the same with others, the bees feed on the honey, and also
have other food, which is the honey drones contained in the sweetness of the figs: dont
stop but when is sweet and aromatic, or dont eat quite as sweet and succulent dish: that
do not stop on fetid thing that seems to have no such smell, and whatever receptacle
refuse all this quality, that do not get dirty or fall on meat, blood or fat in any way, nor
on animals, or damage to anything that is living and of man, that being the bee one of
the cleanest animals, but does not throw their excrement when wings, nor does the
beehive being fetid, and refuse them the stench, that when one dies in the hive, they
throw it out of there: if you want to get into the hive an animal who is harmful, they will
form troops and kill him, that if a bee biting an animal makes him the sting, dies, and is
sometimes killed by that same whom he left : they also kill persons; and so it is said,
that having been the Kurds to make war on the people of Caria where there were many
bees, and with those almost as for plunder, they opposed these forces seized his bee
hives; and having got worried and put behind them headed for those Kurds, and seized
his baggage.
About the things that make the bees get used to their hives, they say, that if these
are smear inside with juice Lawn myrtle leaves, this effect is achieved, bees coming to
them with a certain appeal. The wild myrtle is said to do the opposite, and that if it were
thrown together at the bees, hinders and makes them hidden.
Aristotle's maxim is that if the bees suffer damages hunger in the winter, they are
put dish of raisins and sweets; this is (says another author), that crushing good raisins
with savory, and doing it by way of pills, put it in their hives.
The bees are exposed to the wicked enmity of volatile and others; and they have
accidents and diseases cured by what express, Allah willing. Aristotle and others say,
that highly damaging volatile to bees and eat them, are the swallows, hawks, bats,
species of small birds, and flies: there are frogs in ponds meeting with the bees, when
they go to bring water to their hives, eat them: the bee-eaters who rise up against bees
are devastating, and swallows who stand near the beehives: some hunt horseflies putting
meat in a pot, then falling on it and have gathered there, capped with its overburden and
have put on the fire until it dies.
Bees suffering from diseases vitiating their complexion, whether they be
undertaken flowers lice; which happens when spring is whether hot and very dry. Says
an author, if you are afraid to lice bees, smoke with banana heart of India; and if there is
none, you take apple branches, and infusing new wine, or no new good smell, or in
syrup, you can submit it; as well coming to touch them, they removed the lice. Also sick
the bees if the year is little rain, and also sickened by the narrowness of the site; so it
will be important disposed wide and capable.
Aristotle says, that one of the diseases that are particularly of fat bees rush is
called Hsa, and are small worms that are in the beehive like the spider; which seizing it
corrupt the wax honeycombs, and bees come ill. There are other species like the
butterflies flying around the chandelier and are thrown into the fire; which when in the
hive, powder out of it as flour. Another disease is idleness of bees which beehive one
coming in extremely foul odor, the corrupted and lost.
One of the remedies of bees (by Allah) away from these diseases is that taking
pomegranate flower, grinding it and mixing it with honey, spread with this the interior
of hives to they eat it; which it is medicine and preserves them from disease.
They also are profitable, and expulsive of the same, finely ground guts mixed
with stale honey. If they narrow with each other in the interior of the hive, this indicates
that they want to leave; and the remedy to stop it is, spray it inside the hive with sweet
wine. Smoke hive with pigeon droppings or dry dung donkeys and bees come out of it
when ended the wintered.
About killing the bees, says Cassian, if the bottom of the hives of honey
(according to suspicion that one has of them) were sprinkling with water and have
opened at dawn, all the bees go down to the surface to be that there is sprayed with
water in the interior of the hives, and no moisture away from that, you can kill this
provision until there is one; or you kill of them which you want, doing the same in the
slaughter of the drones are the princes and kings in some of the bees, if they are many in
a beehive; or you kill of them which you want, running it carefully and thoughtfully.
As to the maximum of some modern Spanish on incubate time of the on bees
and sweetening, direct mode and arrange his incubation, to move the hives of place to
place when this is necessary, and things like; they say, that bees hatch in spring time of
early February to end of May; and come forward and are delayed before or after this
time, depending on the variety of the early or late fruit in some years; because after the
incubation has been completed and perfected, are already some swarms are at the doors
of their houses and go outside; but when they have gone out and there are few, they can
not escape, and return to their beehive waiting for the help of those who remain without
leave; which if they are few, they remain in the shell in case of be able to hold him with
their mothers. But if they all go forth and take flight, lower and bind their kings, and
making way to crown, and like a bunch of grapes or pineapple, they are hanging from a
tree, or something else that is close to them.
Sometimes they congregate in the same way on earth, and when it may be, the
evening of that day the beekeeper who wishes to transfer them to the hives will go there,
or into the space where sweeten before removal from the place, and catching them all or
most of them gingerly in a basket or any such thing, put them in an empty space or hive,
and clog. If may walk apart, will leave until they meet, and then catch it. If catching
some, will walk the remaining scattered, will leave on earth, or hung, the skip with
which caught any of them; for them which have not set their kings, they will return at
those who stand in them, and then picking them all, or most, will transferred to the
vessel in which they shall sweeten; and if at that basketful some residue remains, he will
leave next to the mouth of the other where the transferred. If you are afraid that the
young escape the hive and leave, we will plant the shell over and will smear without
leave room where leave; and so leaving it one day and one night and then opening it in
the morning for his back, and that will be familiar and will not escape from there, Allah
willing.
After which, after two or three days recorded the beekeeper shell or hollow
where transferred the young, and sweep the wax and other things that there shall have
been gathered, and then cover his mouth with cover that it fit But which will smear. It
provides for the site of entry and exit of the bees is narrow and some decline. The
diligent and industrious in the government of the bees observed when attempting to find
his comrade [what or where they are] the best pastures, and continues in its opinion
stating how good any seen and conceal the bad things that any observed, and
considering air of pleasure, not indignation, correcting any mistake about it; it should be
regarded with indulgent eye all defects that comes from lack of penetration shown.
And I pray to Allah to forgive the mistakes and errors; and I ask leniency,
mercy, and help to act and speak as appropriate. He is the one supreme Allah and Allah
only lovable. He is our sufficiency, happy and glorious hope.
Vous aimerez peut-être aussi
- Tips & Traps for Growing and Maintaining the Perfect LawnD'EverandTips & Traps for Growing and Maintaining the Perfect LawnPas encore d'évaluation
- The Complete Guide To Reiki Vol.1 - Jeffery MartinDocument112 pagesThe Complete Guide To Reiki Vol.1 - Jeffery MartinFabian DeePas encore d'évaluation
- Aquaponics Build and Operation Manual: Step-by-Step Instructions, 400+ Pages, 200+Helpful ImagesD'EverandAquaponics Build and Operation Manual: Step-by-Step Instructions, 400+ Pages, 200+Helpful ImagesPas encore d'évaluation
- Aquaponics How to do Everything from Backyard to Profitable Business: from BACKYARD to PROFITABLE BUSINESSD'EverandAquaponics How to do Everything from Backyard to Profitable Business: from BACKYARD to PROFITABLE BUSINESSPas encore d'évaluation
- The Fitnah of Dajjaal and The Signs of QiyaamahDocument166 pagesThe Fitnah of Dajjaal and The Signs of QiyaamahanonPas encore d'évaluation
- Aquaponics Design Plans, Construction, Operation, and Income: Organic FoodD'EverandAquaponics Design Plans, Construction, Operation, and Income: Organic FoodPas encore d'évaluation
- Barangay Development Plan (2018 - 2023)Document48 pagesBarangay Development Plan (2018 - 2023)Noe S. Elizaga Jr.91% (101)
- Anees Al Ashr Companion of The Major 10 QiratDocument460 pagesAnees Al Ashr Companion of The Major 10 QiratDavudPas encore d'évaluation
- Become a Better Writer: How to Write with Clarity and SimplicityD'EverandBecome a Better Writer: How to Write with Clarity and SimplicityPas encore d'évaluation
- Book of The Nine Judges (Extract)Document25 pagesBook of The Nine Judges (Extract)chalimac100% (3)
- Natural Farming PiggeryDocument129 pagesNatural Farming PiggeryDaniel Laoaten100% (1)
- Hayaatan Tayyibatan PDFDocument70 pagesHayaatan Tayyibatan PDFbornflaxPas encore d'évaluation
- Aquaponic Design Plans Everything You Needs to Know: Everything You Need to Know from Backyard to Profitable BusinessD'EverandAquaponic Design Plans Everything You Needs to Know: Everything You Need to Know from Backyard to Profitable BusinessPas encore d'évaluation
- Medical Synonym Lists From Medieval Provence Shem Tov Ben Isaac of Tortosa - Sefer Ha-Shimmush - Book 29Document553 pagesMedical Synonym Lists From Medieval Provence Shem Tov Ben Isaac of Tortosa - Sefer Ha-Shimmush - Book 29Modeste Darj100% (2)
- Aquaponics Construct and Operate: Instructions and Everything You Need to KnowD'EverandAquaponics Construct and Operate: Instructions and Everything You Need to KnowPas encore d'évaluation
- Bungamati - Poonam Gurung (2000)Document220 pagesBungamati - Poonam Gurung (2000)Abhas Dharananda RajopadhyayaPas encore d'évaluation
- Journal of EcologyDocument324 pagesJournal of EcologyyellowPas encore d'évaluation
- Maqtal Al-Hussain (A.s.)Document323 pagesMaqtal Al-Hussain (A.s.)QanberPas encore d'évaluation
- The Book of SoygaDocument572 pagesThe Book of SoygaFood video ShortsPas encore d'évaluation
- Banana Production ManualDocument17 pagesBanana Production ManualAlimohammad YavariPas encore d'évaluation
- Assignment in English Plus Class 9 Teachers Handbook PDFDocument80 pagesAssignment in English Plus Class 9 Teachers Handbook PDFSwati Kunde66% (61)
- 01ABasics of Veda RecitalDocument119 pages01ABasics of Veda RecitalNitu MarianPas encore d'évaluation
- Sustainable Agricultural Soil ManagementDocument74 pagesSustainable Agricultural Soil ManagementVan PradanaPas encore d'évaluation
- Wiac - Info PDF Ielts Speaking Review Vol 5 PRDocument197 pagesWiac - Info PDF Ielts Speaking Review Vol 5 PRPhạm Yến NhiPas encore d'évaluation
- Saints of KashmirDocument384 pagesSaints of Kashmirseabrafabiano100% (2)
- Complete Guide to Paper Clay: Mixing recipes; Building, finishing and firing; 10 practice projectsD'EverandComplete Guide to Paper Clay: Mixing recipes; Building, finishing and firing; 10 practice projectsPas encore d'évaluation
- Rattan Lal (Editor) - Soil and Fertilizers-Managing The Environmental Footprint-CRC Press (2020) PDFDocument372 pagesRattan Lal (Editor) - Soil and Fertilizers-Managing The Environmental Footprint-CRC Press (2020) PDFBenhur De la CruzPas encore d'évaluation
- Maqtal Al HussainDocument322 pagesMaqtal Al HussainSalman Book Centre100% (2)
- 100 Prophetic GemsDocument61 pages100 Prophetic GemsParweeza ShaikhPas encore d'évaluation
- Dream Textbook Nov2020Document555 pagesDream Textbook Nov2020NoviantoPas encore d'évaluation
- Fred Lesson Plan - AgricultureDocument7 pagesFred Lesson Plan - AgricultureFrederic ReyesBaliton OrdinarioMelchor100% (1)
- How To Grow Commercially On Under An Acre Guide # 12 - Specialty Hobby Farm: GarlicDocument33 pagesHow To Grow Commercially On Under An Acre Guide # 12 - Specialty Hobby Farm: GarlicChristine100% (1)
- Gentry 1993 - A Field Guide To The Families and Genera of Woody Plants PDFDocument460 pagesGentry 1993 - A Field Guide To The Families and Genera of Woody Plants PDFCarolineVasconcelos80% (10)
- Al Filahavolumeienglish 160107231946Document379 pagesAl Filahavolumeienglish 160107231946elisaPas encore d'évaluation
- Debate With The So Called SalafiyyahDocument188 pagesDebate With The So Called SalafiyyahLA SiddiquiPas encore d'évaluation
- 2fatawa ZakariyyaDocument871 pages2fatawa ZakariyyaDan SmithPas encore d'évaluation
- Detailed SunnatDocument253 pagesDetailed SunnatmahdeeeeeeeePas encore d'évaluation
- BasaairAlDarajaat Full PDFDocument899 pagesBasaairAlDarajaat Full PDFik001Pas encore d'évaluation
- Islamic Rulings For Slaughtering Animals: by Shaykh (Mufti) Taqi Usmani (HA)Document86 pagesIslamic Rulings For Slaughtering Animals: by Shaykh (Mufti) Taqi Usmani (HA)Muadh KhanPas encore d'évaluation
- Malik Quran TransaltionDocument285 pagesMalik Quran TransaltionAlireza AzerilaPas encore d'évaluation
- Invasive Plants: Guide to Identification and the Impacts and Control of Common North American SpeciesD'EverandInvasive Plants: Guide to Identification and the Impacts and Control of Common North American SpeciesPas encore d'évaluation
- The Constitution of MedinaDocument235 pagesThe Constitution of MedinaMuhammad Faizullah KhanPas encore d'évaluation
- Splunk 4.2.3 UserDocument213 pagesSplunk 4.2.3 UserMahendran VasakarPas encore d'évaluation
- Developing Khushoo in The Prayer by Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al MunajjidDocument56 pagesDeveloping Khushoo in The Prayer by Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al MunajjidAhmad KhanPas encore d'évaluation
- Raudhah (In English)Document109 pagesRaudhah (In English)Al HudaPas encore d'évaluation
- RaudhahDocument109 pagesRaudhahMohammed SachaPas encore d'évaluation
- The Jatropha Booklet: A Guide To The Jatropha System and Its Dissemination in AfricaDocument37 pagesThe Jatropha Booklet: A Guide To The Jatropha System and Its Dissemination in Africanishantjoshi2006Pas encore d'évaluation
- Understanding KarbalaDocument156 pagesUnderstanding KarbalaAelia ZahraPas encore d'évaluation
- KEY - Trial Test 2 - Adgram 2019Document3 pagesKEY - Trial Test 2 - Adgram 2019hueman126Pas encore d'évaluation
- BiharAlAnwaar V63Document730 pagesBiharAlAnwaar V63Sohail ShaikhPas encore d'évaluation
- The Research On Coconut Cultivation-1Document41 pagesThe Research On Coconut Cultivation-1Enoch Godif K APas encore d'évaluation
- Basic Irrigation BookDocument300 pagesBasic Irrigation Bookhaithamelramlawi7503100% (3)
- Word - Form and Rewrite SentenceDocument51 pagesWord - Form and Rewrite SentenceTrần TrungPas encore d'évaluation
- Woody Plants of Western African Forests: A Guide to the Forest Trees, Shrubs and Lianes from Senegal to GhanaD'EverandWoody Plants of Western African Forests: A Guide to the Forest Trees, Shrubs and Lianes from Senegal to GhanaPas encore d'évaluation
- NEAT Ginger Report FinalDocument62 pagesNEAT Ginger Report FinalPabitra Magar67% (3)
- CAPSTONEDocument5 pagesCAPSTONEJoyce FererPas encore d'évaluation
- Sustainable Livestock UnileverDocument36 pagesSustainable Livestock UnileverDziyaudin ZicPas encore d'évaluation
- Memoria AcapulcoDocument756 pagesMemoria AcapulcoLuis Felipe RamirezPas encore d'évaluation
- MangoDocument13 pagesMangokeshav shishyaPas encore d'évaluation
- Composting CalculationsDocument17 pagesComposting Calculationswilsonbravo30Pas encore d'évaluation
- Effects of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizer On Growth and Yield Performance of Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.) C.V. Japanese WhiteDocument5 pagesEffects of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizer On Growth and Yield Performance of Radish (Raphanus Sativus L.) C.V. Japanese Whitepranjals8996Pas encore d'évaluation
- Agricultural Science Garde 10 Weeks 1-5 - Term 3Document61 pagesAgricultural Science Garde 10 Weeks 1-5 - Term 3Daniel DowdingPas encore d'évaluation
- Vermicomposting of Agriculture Waste and Its Importance in Improvement of Soil Nourishments and Agricultural CropsDocument7 pagesVermicomposting of Agriculture Waste and Its Importance in Improvement of Soil Nourishments and Agricultural CropsInternational Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & ManagementPas encore d'évaluation
- Deep Litter Housing For Pigs - Primefact 68-FinalDocument9 pagesDeep Litter Housing For Pigs - Primefact 68-FinalandymuggiePas encore d'évaluation
- CompostDocument73 pagesCompostHjktdmhmPas encore d'évaluation
- Management of Floral Waste by Conversion To Value-Added Products and Their Other ApplicationsDocument12 pagesManagement of Floral Waste by Conversion To Value-Added Products and Their Other ApplicationsVamsiPas encore d'évaluation
- Young Et Al 2016Document9 pagesYoung Et Al 2016Mauro VitonPas encore d'évaluation
- Analysis of Poultry Litter As A Fuel Source in CogenerationDocument4 pagesAnalysis of Poultry Litter As A Fuel Source in CogenerationInternational Journal of Innovative Science and Research TechnologyPas encore d'évaluation
- Influence of Levels of Poultry Manures On Growth, Yield and NPK Content in Seed of MungbeanDocument5 pagesInfluence of Levels of Poultry Manures On Growth, Yield and NPK Content in Seed of MungbeanHasan MehrajPas encore d'évaluation
- Green ManuresDocument5 pagesGreen ManuresAnanda PreethiPas encore d'évaluation
- Agriculture Form 1 2020Document16 pagesAgriculture Form 1 2020joe gitariPas encore d'évaluation
- Agriculture Fruit Farm Business PlanDocument41 pagesAgriculture Fruit Farm Business Plancaleb mutaiPas encore d'évaluation
- Chapter 1 Improvements in Food ResourcesDocument13 pagesChapter 1 Improvements in Food ResourcesRAJEEVPas encore d'évaluation
- Gambia - GAEV PRA ReportDocument28 pagesGambia - GAEV PRA ReportEREV2010Pas encore d'évaluation
- VET & AH EXTENSION UNIT 1 NotesDocument22 pagesVET & AH EXTENSION UNIT 1 NotesAbhijith S. PPas encore d'évaluation
- Rau's JANUARY Magazine - 2022 FinalDocument133 pagesRau's JANUARY Magazine - 2022 FinalDivyanshu SoniPas encore d'évaluation
- Integrated Agri-Aquaculture SystemsDocument41 pagesIntegrated Agri-Aquaculture SystemsAriel ZajdbandPas encore d'évaluation
