1809.] ESSAYS. lOf) 



producing fungii and hacteria develops and decay spreads into 

 the sound wood, and will produce a cavity into which water 

 and decay will soon destroy the tree. Let all such branches he 

 cut oft" close down to the shoulder or enlargement at theii' l)ase, 

 so that the living cannbiuni and bark will heal at once and soon 

 cover over the wounds. If the branch to be removed is large 

 have the wound painted over as soon as drif with warm coal 

 tar, and the internal rotting will be prevented. If in removing 

 a large dead or decayed limb that leaves a large cavity in the 

 trunk of the tree, cut close and smooth, then cover the cavity 

 with a sheet of zinc neatly fitting the wound, secured with 

 strong tacks, and paint over with coal tar. This practical 

 method will preserve for man^'^ years a valuable tree. This 

 system of pruning equally applies to j)ark, street and orna- 

 mental as well as to orchard trees. 



A fruit tree should be in the hands of an expert grower — 

 a machine for manufacturing fruit. Pruning is one of the most 

 important means by which this is accomplished. 



PRUNING TO shape THE TREE 



and keep in !-hape is important so far as it relates to the ease in 

 cultivation, gathering the fruit, and spraying; also in relation 

 to winds, the weight of fruit, the protection of the trunk and 

 l)ranches from sunscald, &c. ; also the pruning to distribute 

 growth, removing cross-branches and checking terminal branches 

 to induce the development of laterals. This will keep the tree 

 vigorous and well supplied with thrifty fruit-producing 

 branches. The balance between vegetative and reproductive 

 growth, or between wood and fruit, must be maintained. 



Always rememl)er lo cover all wounds at once after pruning 

 with shellac varnish, li(|uid grafting wax or warm coal tar. 

 If these wounds are small and on sound young trees, the 

 shellac and wax is best, but if large and decayed use the tar 

 covering. As pruning is a surgical operation it should be done 

 with care and judgment and at proper seasons, as the true 

 theory is based on the conditions of the sap. As this is the 

 life-blood of the tnui, never prune when the sap will run or 



