296 THE FRUIT GARDENER. [fi. 2, 



each other, , and, by the time their ex- 

 tremities meet, let them be entirely ftubbed 

 up, 



In aged trees, which have been negled- 

 ed, and are too thick of wood, fpurs, &c. 

 the pruning faw and knife fhould be ufed 

 with freedom at firft, and that in every 

 part of the tree, without difcrimination of 

 fruitful or unfruitful branches. 



By the judicious performance of this 

 operation, it is incredible in what aftonifh- 

 ing degree a tree will renew its .age j and 

 will forthwith for many years flourim, and 

 produce excellent crops of fruit. 



The feafon for performing the above 

 operations, is any time from October to 

 March, but after that time it is not advi- 

 fable j:o handle fruit-trees, as the buds then 

 begin to vegetate, and are eafily difplaced. 



It is no uncommon thing to fee apple, 

 pear, and plum trees, &c. in a great mea- 

 fure deliroyed by mofs. This is moft ge- 

 nerally occafioned, by the roots having 

 touched a cankering bottom > but it is alfo 

 frequently occafioned by the tree being- 

 kept too thick of wood, and confequently 

 pf foliage, which confines ftagnant air 



about 



