117 



they are serviceable to the pruner. Portable 

 Steps, or Self-supporting Ladders, are of 

 great use, in gathering fruit, killing insects, &c. 



Russia matting- is used for packing trees, 

 and shreds of this material are extensively 

 employed in budding, tying, &c. American 

 matting, made of bass-wood, has recently 

 come into use as a substitute for the Russian. 



Common meadow moss, is one of the best 

 things in which to pack the roots of trees, or 

 buds or scions which are to be sent some dis- 

 tance. Buds and scions may be wrapped 

 singly, in oiled silk, when one wishes to send 

 them to a distance. 



Stakes for heading nursery rows, to be dura- 

 ble, ought to be made of chestnut. They 

 should be two or three feet long, having their 

 upper ends planed smoothly for a space of 

 eight or ten inches. This smooth part should 

 be brushed over with white paint, and imme- 

 diately written upon with red chalk. 



