ORCHARDS. 187 



ered about one of the best materials for tlie preservation of 

 scions ; they should be closely imbedded in it, and, when 

 taken out, they will be found plump and in fine order. Scions 

 that are intended for immediate use may be cut at the time of 

 setting, but care should be taken that they do not shrivel — 

 they should not be exposed to the sun or air, or the warmth 

 of the hands; put them in as soon as possible after cutting. 



If scions should become frozen, let them thaw closely cov- 

 ered, and in a dark cellar. 



RABBITS, MEADOW MICE, AND OTHER BARK 

 EATERS. 



The mischief done by these depredators is generally irre- 

 parable. A friend of ours, last Winter, lost the larger portion 

 of a fine orchaixl of the famous Pilot and Albemarle Pippin 

 apples, set the previous Spring. They were literally skinned 

 by the rabbits from the ground to the height of twelve or 

 fifteen inches. 



To prevent such girdling and barking of young trees there 

 are various simple remedies : 



1st. In Europe soot and milk applied as a paint to the stems 

 as far up as the animals can reach. It should be done at the 

 approach of Winter, on a dry day. 



2. Coal tar, made at gas works, is an infallible remedy. It 

 may be had at a few cents per gallon. As Winter sets in, 

 apply a coat of this with a brush (painter's brush is best), laid 

 on the lower part of the trunk from the ground to the height 

 of one and a half or two feet. This will do no injury to the 

 bark, while it completely, for that season, prevents the attacks 

 of rabbits, mice, and all bark devourers. In England the 

 gardeners use this composition as a protection of any small 

 shrubs and trees liable to be girdled. If the rains do not take 

 ofi" this and similar coats by the Spring, soap-suds, applied 

 with a coarse rag, will effect the purpose, and otherwise ben- 

 efit the trees. 



3. Trees may be saved by tying around them laths, shin- 

 gles, old barrel staves, narrow boards, strips of paste-board, 

 stifi" paper, old cloth, &c. 



