niNTS ON nxcHiNO. 



are pusliing vifrorously, and when they have attained say two inches in li-n^th, a 

 sok'ctii'ii may he made of such as ought to be preserved, and all others that have a 

 vifjoroiis appearance may be checked at once. All superfluous shoots, however, do 

 not need pinching; there are a large number that never attain any cojisiderable 

 dimensions, and may be left entire. These are easily distinguished by the slendcrness 

 and smallness of their base. It would be improper to pinch these, as they do not 

 atleet the growth of leading slioots, and aid in maintaining the growth and strength 

 of the parts where they are situated ; besides, they generally assume the character of 

 fruit branches in a year or two, and may be turned to good account. 



It should be remembered that pinching lias always a gi'eater influence when applied 

 early. If we wait until we see plump, well formed buds on the shoots, the pinching 

 will have comparatively little efl'ect, as the bud nearest the pinched end will immedi- 

 ately push, and the prolongation of the shoot will be but little retarded. But if 

 pinched before the buds are formed perfectly, it takes them some time to effect their 

 growth, and by this time the flow of sap has been, in a great measure, diverted into 

 other channels ; and even if the buds do break, the shoot does not acquire much 

 extension, as it most generally becomes a fruit branch. It is on this principle that 

 pinching is peiformed to promote fertility ; sometimes very bad results follow late 

 pinching. Towards autumn a shoot furni.shed with well formed buds is checked, and 

 immediately several of these buds push, and make weak, watery shoots that are 

 killed by the winter. These results are often produced by cutting scions for buds in 

 the months of August and September. In some cases when the tree is naturally 

 disposed to early fruitfulness, the buds become fruit buds ; but in very many cases they 

 start into growth. Grape vines are very often urged into this anticipated growth by 

 stopping the canes at an improper period. This is a point that demands particular 

 care in the management of both trees and vines. 



"VVe have touched somewdiat minutely upon this subject in order to answer the 

 queries of several correspondents. We should gladly give more ample explanations 

 if space permitted, but we think that the hints we have thrown out will enable 

 intelligent amateurs to prosecute the summer management of their trees with some 

 measure of success. One thing we must impress upon all who attempt to control the 

 growth or forms of trees, which is, that they must study well the laws of growth in 

 general, and the particular mode and habits of growth and bearing of both species 

 and varieties. This will appear quite evident to all who will take the trouble'to 

 observe how much difference there is between the opening of both leaf buds and 

 blossoms on different varieties of the same species. One variety of apple will have 

 made shoots two inches long before another has opened a bud. The Xortlicrn Spy 

 is {IS much as ten days leafless after many other sorts are green. Tha Bell c d" Orleans 

 cherry is in leaf and blossom ten days before many others. We quote these instances 

 merely to draw attention to this interesting and important point. 



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