436 Hints on Pruning. 



We have not forgotten our promise to show that there is 

 such a thing as insect blight of the pear, and that it is quite 

 distinct from the blight of the West. We trust that, by the 

 assistance of our friend, Dr. Harris, we shall convince our 

 correspondent, Mr. James, of this, and will refer him to a 

 future number, to see this satisfactorily explained. 



We are glad to see Mr. James proposes that the true name 

 should be applied to the disease — if so it can be called — that 

 is, the Jire blight ; frost has no more to do with it, than in 

 causing the potato rot, and no individual who has carefully 

 observed it, will venture to assert this. It is, undoubtedly, 

 the result of a peculiar state of the atmosphere, in connection 

 with moisture and heat, and only prevalent when such a 

 state exists. What are the best means of guarding against it, 

 remains to be ascertained. Mr. James's article should be 

 carefully read, and we hope it may lead to further investiga- 

 tion, and, in the end, to the means of preventing it, or, at 

 least, of checking its attacks. — Ed. 



Art. II. Hints on Priming. By R. B. Leuchars, New 

 Haven, Conn. 



As the proper period for this operation is now drawing 

 near, I hope a few hints will not be unacceptable to your 

 readers. I am aware that there is no lack of eminent writers 

 upon this subject, but there is abundant scope for all. A 

 wide field is presented for the occupation of our thoughts 

 and the exercise of our energies, and a correct knowl- 

 edge of these matters can only be obtained by a unity of 

 purpose — a unity of action — and a unity of observation. If 

 proofs were wanting to show the indifference of what may 

 be termed ripened wood, to heat, cold, drought, and moist- 

 ure, when compared with unripened wood, which, though 

 apparently thrifty enough, is, nevertheless, more vascular, 

 and has made less wood in proportion to its bulk, we have 

 plenty of illustrations of the above fact, this season, in this 

 locality. We have abundant evidence that a tree, like any 



