32 FRUIT-GARDENING. 



been injured by tlie winter, to the full extent, or even a few 

 inches beyond, where damage has been sustained. 



The Hmbs of young and thrifty trees should not be too closely 

 pruned, because this would occasion more lateral shoots to put 

 forth than is beneficial to the tree ; which, if not rubbed off in 

 the summer while quite young, and as it were herbaceous, will 

 form crowded branches, which may not yield good fruit. In 

 doing this disbudding, however, care must be taken to leave 

 shoots in a suitable direction, sufficient for the formation of an 

 open and handsome head to the tree, according to its kind. 



It may be observed, further, that in the event of young trees, 

 taken from the nursery, being deficient in fibrous roots, as is 

 sometimes the case, close pruning may be necessary to main- 

 tain a proper equilibrium between the roots and the head ; 

 but it should be borne in mind that foliage is as essential to 

 the maintenance of the roots as roots are necessary to the 

 promotion of the growth of the head ; because the secretion 

 of plants being formed in leaves, it follows that secretions can- 

 not take place if leaf-buds are destroyed. 



INSECTS AND DISEASES TO WHICH FRUIT-TREES 

 ARE LIABLE. 



Much may be written relative to the various diseases to 

 which fruit-trees are liable, and also to the prevention and 

 destruction of the various kinds of reptiles and insects which 

 frequently deprive us of the first fruits of our garden. The 

 preventive operations are those of the best culture. Autumn 

 ploughing, by exposing worms, grubs, the larvae of bugs, 

 beetles, etc., to the intense frost of our winters, and the 

 moderate use of salt, lime, ashes, etc., are beneficial. Insects 

 may be annoyed, and sometimes their complete destruction 

 effected, by the use of soapsuds, lye, tar, turpentine, sulphur, 



