16 BOOK OF FRUITS. 



they are the least maimed by the knife, for 

 when these trees have large amputations, they 

 are very subject to gum, and decay ; so that 

 it is certainly the most prudent method care- 

 fully to rub off all useless buds, when they 

 are first produced, and pinch others where 

 new shoots are wanted to supply vacancies. 

 Fruit Trees in this latitude should not be 

 pruned in the Fall or Winter, or before the 

 sap is in motion, as they are at those times 

 exceedingly apt to crack or canker. The 

 proper season for pruning we consider, is im- 

 mediately upon the swelling of the buds, or 

 expanding of the leaves, as at this time the 

 sap being in vigorous motion, the wounds soon 

 heal over. Every limb should be cut close to 

 the main stem, and if sawed off, should be 

 then finished smoothly with a sharp knife. If 

 the limb is large, a composition of red ochre 

 and tar should be spread upon the end to keep 

 out moisture, &c., or the composition here- 

 after named. From the strong and vigorous 

 growth of Fruit Trees in our country, close 

 pruning is less necessary here than in England, 

 from whence we have derived most of our in- 

 structions ; excessive pruning with us is apt 



