9.5 



CHAPTER V. 



PRUNING, TRAINING, PROTECTING FROM 

 FROST, AND DESTROYING INSECTS. 



Pruning appears at first sight a most laborious 

 and unfeminine occupation ; and yet perhaps 

 there is no operation of gardening which a lady 

 may more easily accomplish. W ith the aid of 

 a small and almost elegant pair of 

 pruning-shears {Jig. 17.), which are 

 sold in all the shops, I have myself 

 (though few women have less strength 

 of wrist) divided branches that a 

 strong man could scarcely cut through 

 with a knife. The only thing to be 

 attended to is to choose a pair of 

 pruning-shears with a sliding joint, so 

 as to make what is called a draw-cut; 

 in order that the branch may be di- 

 vided bv a clean cut, and not bruised 

 on the side next the plant ; and also to leave a 

 somewhat sloping section. "\\ hen a branch is 

 pruned, it should also be cut as near to a bud 

 as can be done without injuring the bud itself; 

 or, to speak more definitely, not more in length 

 than the branch is thick should be left beyond 

 the bud. The cut should slope downwards 

 from the bud, to prevent the water lodging in 

 the angle ; and also that the sun and air may 



PFCNI^G- 



SHKARS. 



