88 PRUNING. 



if too many boughs are lopped at a time, a great number 

 of young shoots will be emitted, which beingof a tender growth 

 are often eminently liable, if the tree be the pear, to the 

 frost-blight. The renewing should commence at the top, 

 otherwise the tree will be thrown up to too great a height, 

 and should proceed downwards, till in successive years, the 

 whole work is completed. 



Pruning, for the purpose of letting in light on the leaves 

 and growing fruit, is more essential in a high northern lati- 

 tude than further south. It is found of more utility in New 

 England than in Ohio, and still more essential in England, 

 where many fruits, to be perfectly ripened, need the full ex- 

 posure of wall training, and the reflection of wall heat. 



The priming of the peach by shortening-in, described on 

 a future page, is totally different from that of the apple and 

 pear, and must be performed with an unsparing hand. 



The best mode to prune young trees in the nursery, is to 

 cut off all the annual shoots in winter, close to the main 

 stem. This gives the whole strength to the stem, and pre- 

 vents large stiff branches, so discordant with a handsome, 

 clean tree. The side shoots which are thrown out, suffi- 

 ciently stiffen the tree, and if the ends of these shoots are 

 shortened in summer, in a greater or less degree, varying 

 with the degree of stoutness or "stockiness" desired, it will 

 throw all the growth into the main stem. Keeping the tree 

 trimmed closely in summer, makes it too slender. 



Season for pruning. Thinning out the heads of old trees, 

 or heading back for grafting, may be performed in autumn 

 or winter; and on younger trees, just before midsummer, 

 when, the tree being in a growing state, the operator can 

 judge better of the shape the head is assuming, and act ac- 

 cordingly ; and the wounds are soon healed by the new 

 wood. Peach trees may be shortened back during winter, 

 or if the climate is cold, early in spring. 



A cheap application to the wounds in pruning ; to shut out 

 air and water, and prevent cracking and subsequent decay, 

 is a mixture of tar and brick-dust. But a much better one 

 is made by dissolving gum shellac in alcohol, so that it 

 shall be of the consistence of paint. It is applied with great 

 ease and rapidity, adheres firmly, keeps out the air, and 



