WINTER WOKK. 807 



Fruit-trees should be relieved of all dead or dying 

 branches, all suckers, and cut back where towering 

 too high, or spreading too wide. It may be better 

 for the trees to do all pruning in May or June ; but 

 the farmer who defers it to that season is very likely 

 to be hurried into postponing it to another year and 

 another. 



There is scarcely a forest of second or later growth 

 which would not pay for thinning and trimming, if 

 well done. That which is cut out may be turned to 

 good account as bean-poles, pea-brush, Summer fuel, 

 etc., while that which is left will grow faster, taller, 

 and more shapely, to reward you doubly for your 

 pains. 



These are but suggestions. Any farmer can add 

 to or improve upon them if he will give an hour's 

 thought to the subject. The best laborers can be 

 hired for a full year at a price not very much exceed- 

 ing that which will secure their services for eight or 

 nine months. In the interest alike of good crops and 

 good morals, I urge every one who can to resolve 

 that he will henceforth hire by the year, or in some 

 way manage to employ his laborers in Winter as well 

 as in Summer. 



