Observations on Root Pruning. 57 



able contributors, and many punctual subscribers, I remain 

 yours. 



Near Beaufort, S. C, Dec. 21, 1846. 



Will our correspondent be so kind as to forward us, at a 

 convenient opportunity, a tree of each of the figs he so highly 

 recommends 1 We are now importing some new sorts from 

 Europe with the hope of making a collection of the best ; and 

 would be glad to have the Celestial and Alicante to compare 

 with the European sorts, and note their relative merits. The 

 fine pear alluded to of the shape of the summer Thorn may 

 be the St. Ghislain, which resembles that variety in form. 

 Bark lice may be easily destroyed by washing with oil soap 

 about the consistence of common paint. — £ld. 



Art. III. Observations on Root Pruning. By A. H. Ernst. 



Cincirmati. 



Permit me to make a few remarks, through your Magazine, 

 on root pruning as adapted to the culture of trees. This, al- 

 though a popular measure with some writers and cultivators, 

 I cannot but view as a sort of horticultural heresy, calculated 

 to produce much mischief This practice will have its day, 

 and then be permitted to slumber among the errors of the 

 times. 



The principle of life, growth, and durability of trees, is not 

 unlike that of the animal. To secure these ends to the fullest 

 extent, both must be supplied with good and healthy nour- 

 ishment, suited to their condition, and just in proportion to the 

 number, capacity and healthy action of the receiving or ab- 

 sorbing vessels, will the plant or animal be benefited by it : if 

 these are obstructed or crippled, it is clear the plant or animal 

 must suffer just in proportion to such obstruction, however 

 ample or appropriate the food within their reach. The ex- 

 treme ends and the laterals of the roots are furnished with 

 what are termed spongioles ; these answer to the plant as the 

 lacteals of the stomach do to the animal, in absorbing from the 

 digested or prepared substance, in the one from the stomach, 



