STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



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upon the tree ; the growing tree is cut by the wire, the downward flow 

 of sap is impeded and in consequence fruit-buds are formed. We some- 

 times find young trees in nursery rows bearing, but are not long at a loss 

 as to the occasion of it, as almost invariably we find the bark cut through, 

 and often we find the wire entirely out of sight, the bark having entirely 

 closed over it. 



Mr. Burnham. — I have a neighbor who saws half way round the tree 

 on one side, and then saws half way round on the other side a little higher 

 up; the wounds heal up, and trees thus treated have borne well ever since. 



Mr. Spalding. — In relation to the matter of trees being dead or 

 hollow inside, I think such trees will bear fruit and live a great many 

 years. I don't think it does much, if any harm, and would not condemn 

 a tree for this reason. 



A Voice. — How wide a ring of bark would you take out ? 



Answer. — Half an inch to an inch in width, and it will heal up 

 without injury if done any time from April to August. 



A. H. Gaston. — I have stripped the bark entirely off a tree in June, 

 and the tree healed up without injury. 



Mr. Spalding. — I would not recommend anything of the kind; it 

 may not always kill, but it is not necessary to be so severe. 



J. S. Johnson. — I have had trees girdled in April by sheep, find 

 the trees all died. I don't want any girdling done on mine. 



A. H. Gaston. — In girdling we must be careful and not touch the 

 inner layer of bark. 



J. S. Johnson. — I understand Mr. Spalding to say that he pays no 

 attention to the depth of the cut. 



Mr. Spalding. — I pay no attention to depth of cut, but take off the 

 ring of bark say a half inch wide. If any one doubts my statements in 

 relation to what I have done in my own orchards, I will say that if he 

 will visit my place at any time I will girdle any number of trees, to show 

 him that I am sincere in this matter, and will also show him a great many 

 trees that have been girdled at all seasons in many years without injury. 



Mr. De Garmo. — I can confirm the statement of Mr. Spalding, as I 

 once knew an orchard in which the bark was entirely stripped from the 

 bodies of the trees in the month of June. It was maliciously done with 

 the intention of destroying the orchard, but the trees all recovered and 

 bore well afterward. Will girdling make the Bellflower bear? 



Mr. Spalding. — Yes, but does not seem to influence it as much as it 

 does some other kinds. A neighbor girdles old trees of Bellflower and 

 has apples; the orchard was planted thirty years ago. 



