58 FRUIT GARDEN". 



tication, or the removing of the old cracked bark from 

 the stems of apple and pear-trees, a practice warmly 

 recommended by the late Mr. Lyon of Edinburgh, and 

 some other cultivators, but -which has never been exten- 

 sively adopted. Sometimes barrenness proceeds from 

 defect of climate and poverty of soil ; in which case a 

 more sheltered situation and more generous treatment 

 are the most effectual remedies. Fruit-trees should 

 never, if possible, be allowed to become stunted ; for in 

 this state they produce only worthless fruit, and acquire 

 a habit which scarcely admits of melioration. 



Protection of Blossom. — In our variable climate, and 

 particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the 

 country, it is very desirable that the horticulturist should 

 be provided with the means of defending the blossom of 

 his fruit-trees from the Jate frosts in spring. For this 

 purpose some cultivators partially cover their walls 

 with branches of spruce-ffr or beech, or the fronds of the 

 common hraken fern [Pteris aquilina)^ fastened firmly 

 by several points of attachment, to prevent rubbing. 

 Others recommend frames covered with bunting, osna- 

 burgh or similar light fabrics, set in a sloping position 

 in front of the trees. Screens formed of reeds have 

 been used, and nettings of worsted-yarn or of straw- 

 ropes have been employed with good effect. Whatever 

 contrivance serves to interrupt radiation, though it may 

 not keep the temperature much above freezing, will be 

 found sufficient. Standard fruit-trees must be left to 

 their fate, and, indeed, from the lateness of their flower- 

 ing, they are generally more injured by blight, and by 

 drenching rains, which wash away the pollen of the 

 flowers, than by the direct effects of cold. In not a 

 few cases it is found very useful to promote the setting 



