De Magnetica [...] Plantarum p. 618

Conclusion.

It is clear from the above in what way through grafting we may make a single indissoluble bond by the uniting of different scions, and we do this by an excellent method if, as regards orientation, time and place, we keep the rationale of the scions the same as that of the tree, especially if the scions are sought from a favourable place on the tree, namely from the shoulders of the tree facing the east or the south. All this will have a better chance of success if the swelling scions find the maturity and age of the trees to be grafted favourable, for old trees have a certain hardness which is inhospitable to young and alien scions: moreover, it helps greatly also if the natures of the scions to be introduced are similar to the stock, for these too have their magnetisms in the business of grafting, nor will a given stock prostitute itself promiscuously to all shoots; for the plane rejoices in the fig, the chestnut in the mulberry, the oak in the chestnut, rejecting or only grudgingly admitting the rest, the terebinth in the cherry, while the pomegranate, rejoicing in continual adulteries, lusts insatiably to be united with all. It is clear therefore [also?] from traditional teaching, by some wonderful combination of grafting you may produce some amazing results, and can

Bring woods rejoicing to the marriage bed,
Mixed growth adorn the bud.
Clothe all the wedded grove in family shade
Twin foliage grace the brood:
Sweet juices blend, by pleasant vows allied,
Twice-flavoured fruit your food.

Applied phytomagnetism,

Or the application of magnetism to the business of grafting.

Everyone knows that much in the nature of things is held to be 'miraculous' when it is either the outcome of a lucky accident or has been brought about by the ingenious industry of man; as the poet says:

New arts to ignorant men three things convey:
Experience wide, hard work and master's way.

As in other matters, so too in the grafting of trees these things have a place, and with their help and by clever application of skills we often see how a single tree, in a truly spectacular sight, produces apples, nuts, grapes, flowers and other things of such different kinds and varying taste, smell, colour and properties, emerging from one and the same