622 Report of the Department of Horticulture. 



be benefited thereby, but subsequent operations are injurious. Trees 

 lacking vigor are often seriously injured by the practice. The dele- 

 terious effects of the treatment have generally been so marked upon 

 various plant organs as to render the operation exceedingly hazardous. 

 There seems to be no regular or systematic increase in fruit produc- 

 tion. The gains do not offset the losses. 



