216 FRUIT GARDEN. [mAR. 



diseased or cankered. They should also he consi- 

 derably shortened ; and the tap-roots in particular 

 should be cut, or such as are pushing downwards 

 into bad soil. Observe to make clean wounds, and 

 to dress the ends of the larger roots with a little 

 tar or paint. 



If tiie soil be wet, and if the bottom be a till or 

 cankering gravel, proper measures must be taken to 

 drain it ; and a healthy floor or sole should be form- 

 ed for the roots, as directed in Section 11. If the 

 soil be naturally poor, and if the border be too slial- 

 lo^Yf let them be improved, as also there particular- 

 ly noticed ; being careful to dress the new pruned 

 roots with fine compost, whicli will make them push 

 many young fibres, and of course shoots, that will 

 suddenly All the wall again. 



Standard-trees of all kinds that are stinted may be 

 treated in like manner, after being lieaded down, 

 as above directed. If not altogetlier old or worn 

 out, it is astonisliing how soon tliey will recovei", 

 how well they will bear fruit, and how long conti- 

 nue to flourish. 



Of grojtiiig the hranclies of Fniil- Trees, 

 It often happens that fruit-trees turn out to be of 

 other sorts than those they were planted for ; wliich 

 in some kinds, ])articularly pears, cannot be disco- 

 vered for many years, until they begin to bear fruit. 

 This is a misfortune j and it is often with regret 

 that the tree is rooted out, and another planted in 

 its place. On the branches and stems of such, how- 

 I'^vcr, proper kinds may be engrafted with success. 



