294 THE FRUIT GARDENER. [B. 2* 



Previous to this, let a moderate quan- 

 tity of manure be digged in every fecond 

 year, obferving to dig deepeft, and apply 

 moft of the manure beyond the extremities 

 of the roots, thereby preparing food for 

 them as they advance. 



The criterion for relinquifhing the 

 practice of under cropping, is, when the 

 roots of the trees refpeclively come intq 

 contact. 



SECTION VL 



On PRUNING, ifc. 



JUDICIOUS pruning is of the utmoft 

 confequence, both to the welfare of 

 the tree, and to the production of beau-r 

 tiful and well - fized fruit. That old 

 trees produce diminutive fruit, is not, 

 perhaps, altogether becaufe of their age % 

 but becaufe of the want of judicious and 

 timely 'pruning ; and as old, or at leaft 

 eftablifhed trees; are the fureft bearers in 

 general, it is fubjett of regret that fo many 

 inftances are found of total neglect in this 



particular. 



