SECT. XII. OF PRUNING. 151 



if trees are then cut, as it lessens the work of. spring 

 much, this alone is a good argument for it. This 

 practice gives also a better opportunity to crop the 

 borders (moderately) with cauliflowers, lettuces, ra- 

 dishes, &c. to stand the winter. Pruners in general, 

 however, like a spring cutting, because they then 

 see the blossoms plainly, and thus more readily make 

 their election of shoots. Yet if the first fine weather 

 and leisure were embraced in autumn, it were cer- 

 tainly better ; and surely it must give satisfaction to 

 see the trees in order all the winter. 



But though an autumn pruning is to be earnestly 

 recommended, it were best to leave young trees, for 

 a year or two, after heading down till spring ; and 

 luxuriant trees ought certainly to be so left, not only 

 to check the strength of the coming shoots, but to 

 see better where their blossoms are, that no fruit be 

 lost, as when in this state they bear but idly. 



In an autumn pruning, apricots should be cut last; 

 but if spring be the time, the rule is to begin with 

 apricots, then peaches, and then nectarines. Apricots 

 should not be so much shortened as peaches, nor do 

 they so well endure the knife. Shoots of the apricot, 

 if under a foot, may be left uncut, if there is room. 

 The spurs of apricots should be spared, if not too 

 long, or numerous, for they bear well, and continue 

 for years. Some sorts of peaches are also apt to 

 put out fruit spurs, and must be managed accorcU 

 ingly. 



If much alteration is to be made in a wall tree, it 

 will be necessary tq un-nail a great part, if not the 

 whole tree, taking a side at a time. When a tree 

 has filled its space, something of this sort must be 

 done, and the worst, oldest, largest, and most un- 

 profitable wood taken out. If good fruitful wood 

 be cut away to reduce the tree, then that is to be re- 



