OP FRUIT TREES. 181 



ed on a quince; in which case, it is preferable to 

 graft under ground in the root, as the tree will be 

 more strong and vigorous; whereas, if grafted 

 above the surface, the produce will be a dwarf 

 tree. In transplanting pear trees, we are advised, 

 when the soil is dry and sandy, to perform the 

 business in autumn, and they will gain root fibres 

 enough to support them, before winter, and will 

 shoot in the spring better than those which are 

 planted in April. But in moist places, it is best to 

 dig the holes in autumn, and plant in April, as the 

 cold of winter might greatly injure them. The 

 soil for pear trees ought to be two or three feet 

 deep, and they should be planted shallow, that the 

 roots may spread near the surface, and enjoy the 

 benefit of the sun and air ; and by some it is ac- 

 counted useful to expose the same side to the sun 

 as when in the nursery. Pear trees require but 

 little pruning, comparatively with the apple, and 

 if carried to excess, it proves very injurious. All 

 dead branches, however, and even thrifty ones, 

 which interfere and chafe each other, and every 

 sucker proceeding from the trunk or roots, should 

 be carefully removed. Every large wound should be 

 covered with the composition or cement, as a securi- 

 ty against the effects of the sun and weather. If 

 affected with diseases, or infested with insects, the 

 appropriate remedies, recommended for apple trees, 

 must be applied. In the Agricultural Repository, 

 vol. iv. is a communication from Mr. Hammon, of 

 Talbot county, Maryland, to the following purport. 

 "Pear trees, and other fruit trees, are frequently af- 

 fected, and sometimes suddenly decay, without disco- 

 vering the causes of their decline. A gentleman of 

 this neighbourhood, some years ago, Observing the 

 situation of his trees, and having unsuccessfully used 

 many applications, at length directed their trunks 

 or bodies to be washed with soft soap ; and it is 

 not easy to imagine the early change which appear- 



