24 S 



take place after two summer's growth ; at 

 which time, from two to four shoots only 

 should be left upon them ; and these the 

 strongest. Their situation should be such^ 

 as to divide the space round the stool^ 

 somewhat equally ; as, in this manner, 

 they Avould attract most of the sap ; con- 

 sequently, few others would appear after- 

 tvards. 



The shoots to be displaced must be 

 slipped, not cut off; for otherwise some 

 part of them would be left, and readily 

 produce others. The best tool for this 

 purpose is a sort of narrow spade ; straight ^ 

 stiff, and well steeled; as the edge is to 

 be constantly kept somewhat sharpj 

 though rather thick. With this the shoots 

 are readily slipped off, as far as the person 

 Can see w'here they spring : where he' 

 cannot, he has only to bend them down 

 with his foot, and then he will easily see 

 how to proceed. In this manner, a com* 

 mon labourer may perform the necessary 



