66 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



explains why these old trees suffer from spraying solutions, while 

 normal trees are benefited. Experience has forced the conclusions 

 here presented. The first step is to begin to free the tree from its 

 burden of dead wood and scraggy growth of water shoots, suckers, 

 etc. Two to three years are necessary to properly prune one of 

 these trees. It has not the vitality to withstand too many ampu- 

 tations. Clear out the dead wood, cut the shoots and prune 

 slightly to open the top, at the first treatment, before the sap starts. 

 In the fall give another pruning and be satisfied to get the desired 

 top in three years. As soon as spring opens and before the leaves 

 start, give each tree a moderately stimulating dose of good food. 

 The leaves being lungs and stomach their increase and vigor must 

 first be secured. These being dependent on nitrogen we feed what 

 otherwise would be an excess. Never lose sight of the physical 

 condition of the tree. 



Experience justifies the statement that the cheapest, safest, 

 and most efficient medicine to be fed at this time is what we know 

 as Fisher formula fertilizer, made up from 700 lbs. nitrate of soda, 

 300 sulphate of ammonia, 460 sulphate potash, 440 acid phosphate, 

 and 100 of kainit, or 8 per cent of nitrogen, in form to be at once 

 available, 3 of phosphoric acid, and 11 of potash. 



This is an unbalanced fertilizer and if continued after leaf and 

 new wood growth is abundant will work injury. Its province is 

 to put the old tree in normal condition so far as abundance of 

 large, rich leaves and new wood growth can do this. Ten pounds 

 to a full grown tree is the dose, applied early in May, to be scattered 

 out where the branches drip and the feeding roots congregate. 

 Better results will obtain if this food be spread upon the surface, 

 and the grass cut later and spread as a mulch. 



Another important step is to thoroughly scrape trunks and large 

 limbs, being careful not to injure the new wood. This removes 

 quantities of eggs, scale, and other pests which have found lodgment 

 under the rough bark. Then carefully slake one-third cask of 

 fresh lump lime, add one bushel of hard-wood ashes, one can of 

 caustic potash, and a little Portland cement to deaden the color 

 of the wash. Fill the barrel with water and you have an ideal wash 

 with which trunks and branches should be scrubbed. It will do 

 them good, they will thank you for it. This work should be done 



