CHAPTER 



CAUSES OF FRUITFUL^ SS. 



WHATEVER tends to a rapid circulation of the sap, and to 

 increase the growth of a tree, causes also the formation of 

 leaf buds instead of flower buds. On the contrary, what- 

 ever tends to an accumulation of sap in any part, or to re- 

 tard its circulation, induces the production of flower instead 

 of leaf buds. When trees are young, and the bark and 

 wood soft and flexible, the sap flows freely and without 

 check ; hence, leaf buds and the vigorous growth of branches 

 are the result ; but as trees become older, and the bark and 

 other parts more rigid, they offer more resistance to a free 

 circulation, and hence the production of flowers and the conse- 

 quent fruitfulness of the tree. 



This principle enables us to apply artificial means at 

 pleasure for the promotion of the same object. When trees 

 are young and small, a rapid growth and the attainment of 

 size is desirable, which is given by enriching the ground, 

 and by thorough and constant cultivation. A neglect of 

 these operations, would check free growth and circulation, 

 and cause the tree to bear. This would, however, be at 

 the expense of the future vigor and size of the tree, and of 

 the size and excellence of the fruit. Indeed, it often hap- 

 pens, that with the best treatment, trees will bear as young 

 as their ultimate success requires. 



There are, however, some varieties, which, in rich soil, 

 continue growing a long time in an unproductive state. 

 Fruitfulness is caused in various ways. 1, By neglecting 

 cultivation, or suffering grass to grow under them, which 

 diminishes their growth. 2. Pruning the roots beneath the 

 surface, by cutting off a part of the larger ones, causing the 

 same result. 3. Ringing the branches, or removing a small 

 ring of bark round them, which prevents the fluids from 



