ARCTURUS, in Astronomy, a fixed star, of the first magnitude, in the constellation Arctophylax, or Bootes. The word is formed of *aegre*, bear, and *aeg*, tail, q. d. bear's tail, as being very near it. This star was known to the ancients, as in the following verse of Virgil:

*Arcturum, pluriasque Hyades, geminasque Triones.*

See also Job ix. 9, xxxviii. 32.

ARGUATION, in Gardening, the method of raising trees by layers, which is done in the following manner. Strong mother plants or stools must be planted in a clear border, and in a straight line, about six feet asunder. When these have shot five or six main branches from the roots, and as many collateral branches, the former must be bent to the ground, and there fastened. The small branches must be covered three inches deep upon the joints, and have a large basin of earth made round them to hold the water. About the middle of September they may be opened, and if they have taken root, may be immediately removed into the nursery; but if they have not sufficiently extended their roots, they must be suffered to remain till the spring, and then transplanted.