state; pomologicai. society. 133 



allow these to bear one year and others the next year. It is not 

 to be understood that these results will always follow, but the 

 tendency is in the direction indicated. 



The season in which pruning is done has some influence on 

 fruit bearing since winter pruning tends to produce wood, while 

 summer pruning does not. The healing of the wound is, how- 

 ever, but slightly affected by the season in which the cut is made. 

 Theoretically, the best time to make the cut, so far as healing 

 is concerned, is in the early part of the season, since the healing 

 process then begins without delay. Other factors, such as the 

 general vigor of the plant, the position of the branch, the length 

 of the stump and the character of the surface, are chiefly con- 

 cerned in this matter. It may not be out of place, in this con- 

 nection to refer for a moment to the treatment of large wounds, 

 when it is necessary to make such. 



As to the manner of making the cut, the rule laid down by 

 Prof. Sargent is perhaps as clearly stated as possible: "It is 

 necessary to prune in such a manner that no portion of an ampu- 

 tated or dead branch shall be left upon the trunk. The cut 

 should always be made close to and even with the outline of the 

 trunk, without regard to the size of the wound thus made. This 

 is the essential rule in all pruning, and on its observance the 

 success of the operation depends." 



Wounds of any considerable size should be given a coating of 

 paint or some other durable substance. A suitable dressing 

 must possess two distinct properties. It must check the weath- 

 ering of the wound and prevent the growth of bacteria and 

 fungi, and it must be of such a nature as not to injure the sur- 

 rounding bark. The dressing is of no value in the healing of 

 the wound, except as it prevents decay. For general purposes, 

 a white lead paint is most satisfactory. It is an antiseptic, and 

 it adheres closely to the wood. Wax, shellac, tallow, etc., are 

 lacking in both respects. Bordeaux mixture would be an admir- 

 able material for this purpose if it were more durable. 



It is often said that all pruning should be done with a pocket 

 knife. In other words that the pruning should be so carefully 

 looked after that the removal of large branches would not be 

 necessary. Theoretically this may be true, but practically such 

 close attention cannot be given, and it is often impossible to tell 

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