130 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



of them entirely. During the second season, and afterward, 

 if the scion has made good growth, the suckers may he rubbed 

 out as they appear, or where this is not the case, the suckers 

 may be allowed to grow to some extent, the ends to be pinched 

 out if they detract from the vigor of the scion. Every thing 

 is to be cleanly cut out at the winter pruning. 



There is another view in which to look at the matter. If the 

 suckers are cut out at the winter pruning, it acts as a stimu- 

 lant to the tree ; whereas, if they are removed as they appear, 

 or at any time during the growing season, the operation acts 

 as a check to its vigor, and in rejuvenating old trees, we need 

 the former rather than the latter influence, in most cases. 



The next matter to be considered is the influence of scraping 

 and washing the trunk and larger limbs of old trees at the time 

 of grafting, or subsequently. We have never felt over-confi- 

 dent in regard to the value of scraping, of itself, except as a pre- 

 paration for the application of some wash. If the operation is 

 so performed as to remove simply the mossy and dead portions 

 of the bark, it can of course do no harm, but if it is more care- 

 lessly done, so as to mutilate the living bark, it is an absolute 

 injury. The washing of trees may be made useful or otherwise, 

 according to the material employed. If dissolved, caustic 

 potash is used, of a strength greater than a pound to a pailful 

 of water, there is much danger of producing an unhealthy con- 

 dition of the bark, particularly in young trees, and also in too 

 closely scraped old ones. The bark, under such circumstances, 

 is apt to take on a reddish hue, and is often scalded, as it is 

 called, upon the sunny side. A much better preparation, and 

 one with which we feel well satisfied, is made by mixing 

 together equal parts of soft soap and fresh cow-dung, to which 

 is added sufficient water to render it easily applicable with a 

 brush. The bark, under the application of this mixture, 

 assumes a dark green color on young trees, and has a healthy 

 appearance ; and a wash of this nature has been found to favor 

 an increase in the size of the trunk or limb to which it is applied. 

 The effect of scraping and washing, so far as they extend, is of 

 the same character as grafting, winter pruning, &c, as it acts 

 as a stimulant to the energies of the tree. 



The application of manures or special fertilizers, with or 

 without ploughing or cultivation, to old trees at the time of 



