118 OF APPLES. 



The small shoots that cross each other should 

 be cut off, leaving the strongest to fill up the tree, 

 and make a fine handsome head. The suckers 

 that spring from the root should be carefully 

 grubbed up, and the side-shoots from the stem 

 cut off; for, if left to grow, they will greatly 

 weaken the tree. The knobs, where old branches 

 have been cut ofi', should also be pared away, 

 leaving the surface of the tree as smooth as pos- 

 sible ; then apply the composition ; the young 

 bark will soon begin to grow, and by degrees 

 over the old wounds with a fresh smooth surface, 

 and thus prevent the canker from gaining ground 

 on the tree. I have seen some old wounds of con- 

 siderable size healed over in one year. 



The trees which I pruned and dressed, as above 

 directed, in the course of the summer 1795, are 

 all perfectly cured, the wounds being filled up 

 with sound wood, and covered over with new 

 bark : they all continue in a healthy state, and bear 

 fine handsome fruit. 



I have advised several nurserymen about Lon- 

 don, particularly Messrs. Gray and Wear, at 

 Brompton Park Nursery, Kensington Gore, and 

 the late Mr. Malcolm of Stockwell, to head down 



ing ; and, wherever you observe the least appearance of infec- 

 tion, which may be known by the wood appearing of a brownish 

 colour, the shoot must be cut down till you come to the sound 

 white wood. 



