11 



confusion, and avert much of the disappointment, to 

 which those are exposed who neglect it. 



The unskilful use of the sav/ and the pruning knife, 

 is frequently detrimental to trees, not only in the ex- 

 tent of their application, but in the unseasonableness 

 of the operation. Winter pruning is sometimes prac- 

 tised for the very cogent reason that it is a time 

 of comparative leisure. Similar excuses have not 

 been unfrequently resorted to, on other occasions, 

 and the reminiscences of by-gone days may remind 

 some of us of certain mischievous acts performed, for 

 the equally commendable reason, that we could find 

 no more rational employment for our time. It is 

 thought by those who have given much attention to 

 the subject, that the most appropriate time for such 

 operations is when the sap flows freely, or from the 

 latter end of April to the middle of May. This is un- 

 doubtedly true in relation to the apple and pear tree, 

 but in the opinion of some experienced, and distin- 

 guished cultivators, the peach, nectarine,j apricot, 

 plum, and cherry trees should not be pruned except 

 in August or September. The latter should be sub- 

 jected to this operation as sparingly as possible. Lop- 

 ping off the leading shoots, or any other of the prin- 

 cipal branches, should be avoided as much as practi- 

 cable, and while they preserve their health and vigor, 

 those parts should be suffered to remain entire, and 

 only the smaller superfluous branches removed. 



The wounds caused by the removal of the greater 

 or lesser branches should be immediately covered 

 by a composition of adhesive and healing ingredients. 



