34 FRUIT TREES. 



Iii the month of February, make an annular incision 

 with the hand-saw, near the base of the stem, rather less 

 than J of an inch in width, and sufficiently deep to pene- 

 trate the exterior layer of the wood. The sap ascends 

 from the roots to the leaves, passing through the sap 

 vessels embedded in the exterior layer of wood. The 

 incision has the effect of retarding the ascension of the 

 sap ; the branches acquire less vigour ; and the tree 

 forms fruit. 



At the spring of the year, uncover the foot of the tree in 

 such a manner as to expose the principal roots throughout 

 nearly their entire extent, and allow them to remain in 

 this state during the summer. The exposure of the roots 

 to the action of the air and light retards their fruition, 

 and thus diminishes the vigour of the tree, and deter- 

 mines its fruit-bearing. 



Uncover the foot of the tree at spring, and cut away 

 part of the roots, and then replace the earth. This opera- 

 tion, more energetic than the preceding, produces the 

 same results, but must be resorted to with caution, to 

 avoid injury to the tree. 



Transplant the trees at the end of autumn, but .with 

 great care so as to preserve all the roots. This affords the 

 same results as the preceding. The displacement of the 

 tree has the effect of weakening it ; in the following 

 year it will put forth a great number of fruit-buds. 



Every method which conduces to diminish the vigour of 

 the wood, and to make the sap flow to the fruit, tends to 

 augment the size of the fruit. 



