Il6 OF APPLES. 



as possible : for by so doing the wood will be the 

 stronger. 



When the trees are become hollow, the same 

 method should be followed as directed for Plums ; 

 but by no means cut them down unless the tops 

 are quite decayed ; observing to cut the loose 

 rotten wood clean out of the hollow and other 

 decayed parts, applying the composition. At the 

 same time remember to open the ground, and cut 

 out all the rotten parts that may be found in the 

 lower part of the stem, together with all the de- 

 cayed roots, which, if this be not done, will in- 

 fallibly injure the fresh wood and bark, and 

 prevent a cure from being effected. 



I would recommend heading down all Apple- 

 trees that are much cankered and have ill-shaped 

 heads ; for by so doing much labour will be saved, 

 and the trees will amply pay the proprietor. 



Never shorten the young branches, except they 

 are very thin, when it will be necessary to do so 

 to fill the trees with young w^ood : nor prune any 

 of the young shoots the second year, (I mean the 

 year after they are cut,) as many of the eyes, 

 almost to the end of the shoot, will, if it be strong, 

 become fruit-buds next year ; and so on every 

 year. 



In the month of May in the first year after the 

 trees have been so cut, it will be necessary to go 

 over them, and rub off with your finger and 

 thumb, all the superfluous young shoots ; leaving 

 from three to six eyes on each shoot, according 



