PRUNING OP FRUIT TREES, 19 



tions of the tree; if the pnining be done after the sap has 

 ascended, it will be measurably lost to the tree. K the pruning 

 be done before the severe winter frosts are over, experience has 

 taught us that the frost so affects the tree through the wounds, 

 especially if they be large and numerous, as to impair its health 

 and vigor. But if the pruning has been neglected, and there are 

 large branches to be removed, it is best done just after the trees 

 have made their first growth and are taking what has been termed 

 their midsummer rest, which is in July or August in oiu* climate* 

 It has been found that if large branches are taken off at this 

 time the wood remains sound, whereas, if taken off in the spring, 

 particularly if the sap is circulating freely, the wood is apt to 

 decay, and though it may heal over, the part always remains 

 unsoimd. Yet some caution is needed here, lest too many large 

 branches be removed in one summer, and the vigor of the tree 

 receive too severe a check. Summer pruning tends to lessen the 

 vigor of a tree, and though we advise the removal of large 

 branches at this season because it is better somewhat to check 

 the growth of the tree than to risk the decay of the trunk, yet 

 judgment should be used, lest this be carried too far. "When 

 large Hmbs are removed it is always advisable to use a fine saw, 

 and after smoothing the cut with a sharp knife, to cover the 

 wound with some preparation that will protect it from the 

 weather. Common grafting wax, or a mixture of fresh cow dung 

 and clay, may be used ; but the most convenient preparation for 

 this purpose is made by dissolving gum shellac in alcohol until 

 the solution is of the consistence of ordinary paint. This may 

 be applied with a common paint brush and kept in a wide- 

 mouthed bottle, which should be kept well corked. Thus applied 

 to the wounds, it soon hardens and forms a coating that is not 

 affected by changes of weather, yet adheres closely and com- 

 pletely excludes air and moisture, and at the same time does not 

 interfere with the growth of the bark over the wound. 



There is also a right place at which to make the cut in 

 removing entire branches ; if cut farther from the tree than this 



