58 The Canadian Horticulturist^ 



treated. An efficient composition is alcohol and gum shellac, mixed to form 

 the consistency of paint, applied with a brush. Common white lead paint is 

 equally as good. Coal tar may also be used. Winter pruning of enfeebled 

 trees will give them a stimulating vigor, if done judiciously, causing the cell 

 development to become larger by increasing the nourishment in a less number 

 of branches. If young trees are pruned in the early part of the winter, especially 

 in a north latitude, the ends of the shoots will die back, and if wounds are 

 exposed, will not heal over as readily as if treated later on in the season. The 

 best time is the latter part of February and the first half of March. 



The pear is treated the same as is the apple. Winter pruning is of great 

 value, as the wounds heal over perfectly. 



Where it is necessary to prune a plum, it should be done in the middle of 

 the winter season, as it is dangerous and very injurious to prune after the sap 

 has started in the spring. The culling or heading back of the shoots which 

 have made an over-luxuriant growth during the season, should take place usually 

 in February, about the time peaches are being cut back. These shoots should 

 be pruned back from one third to one-half of their growth, making the cut as 

 small as possible, just above a bun, not too close or too far above, bearing in 

 mind that leaving a bud on the inside tends to produce a straight one, while the 

 outside bud more of a horizontal growth. 



The cherry should be pruned but little, pinching and shortening-in being 

 practiced to produce a compact, spreading top. If pruned in winter, it is apt to 

 form gum in the wound and cause decay. 



In the vineyards in the north, grapevines should all be pruned and laid 

 down by this time. Those who have only a few vines in the garden, who have 

 not done this, should see to it at once, and prune severely, as the fruit has 

 borne the season's growth and should be pruned back to at least three lateral 

 buds, from which new bearing vines will form. If left on the trellis over winter, 

 the evaporation will weaken the vines, as winter circulation is very great. In 

 conclusion, if winter pruning is judiciously carried on, paying results may be 

 looked for.— Prof. E. E. Faville, in Farmers' Advocate. 



The Brilliant Grape. — The following from the report of the pomologist 

 of the Department of Agriculture tells the whole story : — " I'his is a seedling 

 originated by Prof. T. V. Munson, of Denison, Texas. It is the result of a 

 carefully made cross between Lindley and Delaware, effected in 1883. It has 

 been tested by a few of the best grape -growers in the country, and proves hardy 

 in vine. The growth is quite vigorous, and, so far as can be judged, it bears 

 abundantly. The cluster is about the size and shape of the Concord, being 

 compact and slightly shouldered. The berry is large and hangs well to the 

 stem. The color is red, nearly resembling the Catawba. In flavor it is about 

 equal to the Delaware, being delicate, yet rich and aromatic. The pulp is very 

 tender and the seeds seldom exceed two or three. The skin is thin, yet tough 

 gnough to ship well. 



