PwOOT-PFwUNIXG, AXD ITS HETECTS. 169 



frniting, by separating some of the roots, thus cutting 

 otf the abundant supply of nutriment that increased 

 the wood-growth at the expense of fruit formation. 

 The first object of this process is, to produce fibrous 

 roots, instead of the long, naked ones which support 

 the tree ; for fibrous roots alone provide the proper 

 sap for forming or sustaining fruit-buds. 



When a root is smoothly separated in. the last of 

 August or first of September, with a sloping cut from 

 the under to the upper surface of the root, the return- 

 ing sap forms upon the edges of the cut innumerable 

 fibres and rootlets. The tendency to form roots at 

 this season from every abrasion beneath the surface 

 is so great, that even the young shoots of the Pear 

 will form roots, if half cut through and layered. 



The efi*ect of root-pruning is to render the pear tree 

 more manageable ; its growth being more equally 

 distributed around the tree, instead of assuming the 

 rampant form of the gourmand. Most varieties, tardy 

 in bearing upon the pear stock, may be hastened six 

 or eight years in fruit-bearing, by root-pruning. The 

 Dix, Seckel, Beurre, Bosc, and others, that are averse 

 to the Quince, by root-pruning may be fruited in four 

 or five years. Pear trees, several times root-pruned, 

 may be removed with almost absolute certainty of 

 success, at almost any age or size ; so that the favorite 

 trees of a tenant may be removed from the premises 

 he cpiits, with his furniture, and the regret at leaving 

 objects of care and skill may be entirely avoided. 



Upon this subject, nothing can be said of so much 

 interest, and worthy of so much attention as the fol- 

 lowing from Mr. Pi vers, of Sawbridgeport, England. 



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