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ciety's premium awarded him for the best fifteen varieties of 

 • apples, may be added, leaves a large margin in favor of pear 

 culture, for the area occupied, although it detracts nothing 

 from the value of the dressing used for both kinds of trees. 

 Opinion differs in regard to pruning ; some advocate much, 

 others little or none ; some at certain times of year, and others 

 at any time ; we think, however, that the majority decide 

 upon the Spring as the best time for it, though we believe 

 that at any time between Fall and Spring will answer as well. 

 Whenever done, it should not be done harshly ; it is better, 

 when the growth requires it, to prune moderately every year 

 sufficient to keep the tree stocky and able to bear up under 

 the weight of its fruit, and open enough to obtain the benefit 

 of sun and air to mature it. It is also of great benefit to 

 trees and fruit, to thin out the fruit, especially on Bartlett, 

 Louise Bonne, Vicar and Seckel pear trees, as those varieties 

 are apt to overbear. 



The blight, now so well known in pear culture, is cured 

 best by the free use of saAv and knife, cutting away the part 

 affected until sound wood is reached, covering large wounds 

 on the tree with a dressing of clay and cow manure, or a 

 coating of linseed oil, both of which have been tried with good 

 success by your Committee and others. Our Chairman had 

 a Bartlett pear tree about four years old, blighted on the 

 westerly side of its trunk, commencing about nine inches 

 from the ground, extending upwards over eighteen inches, 

 and extending around about one-third of the circumference. 

 All of the affected part was cut out, and a coat of linseed 

 oil applied, resulting in having the tree to-day, as good as 

 any in growth and fruit, and, although the growth of the 

 bark has nearly covered the wound, the symmetry of the 

 tree is marred. In most cases, however, the disease and its 

 remedy are a serious drawback to the welfare of the tree. 

 The slug and most insects, if they are taken in season, on 

 almost all kinds of trees, can be got rid of by a dusting with 

 wood ashes, or air slacked lime, when the tree is wet. 



