286 AGRICULTURE. 



2. Shrubs which produce their blossoms frovi 

 buds produced the same summer, such as the 

 althea, hydrangea, and button bush, should be 

 pruned in early spring to increase the blossom- 

 bearing wood. 



To admit more freely the air and light, the old 

 branches — and, if too thick, some of the entire flowering 

 stems — should be cut out. This will tend to increase 

 the size of the blossoms, which may be further enlarged 

 by pinching out some of the flower buds. (See " Plant 

 Improvement.") 



Exercise 12. — An expedition should be made to an 

 orchard or grove, for the purpose of observing the actual 

 conditions of all phases of the work suggested in this 

 chapter. A written report should be required, touching 

 upon all the points of the outline, which are exemplified 

 by any plants seen during tne trip, {a) Note upon a 

 mature plant the effect, upon its use and upon its 

 strength, produced by correct, incorrect, or no pruning 

 in its eaily stages of development. 



{b') If in fruiting season, do you note any trees which 

 are overbearing? Any that are not bearing? Can you 

 see why ? How would you effect a change ? 



{c) Note wounds that are healing. Describe and ex- 

 plain. Do you note any that have not healed ? Why? 

 Could this condition have been prevented ? Explain. 

 How will it affect the tree? What treatment would you 

 advise ? 



Z>.— REFERENCES. 



" Pruning and Training of Grapes." Year-book, 1896. United 

 States Department of Agriculture. 



" Principles of Pruning and Care of Wounds in Woody Plants." 

 Year-book, 1895. 



" Pruning of Trees and Other Plants." Year-book, 1898. 



" The Pruning Book." Bailey. 1899. 10. 



" The American Fruit Culturist." Thomas. 1897. 



