HONEY-t)EW, AND BLIGHTS. 329 



The same consequences will follow when the 

 trees are incautiously exposed to the air after hav» 

 ing been long covered. 



But if the covering be properly performed, it 

 will frequently preserve the fruits under it, when 

 there happens almost a general failure in the 

 neighbourhood where this precaution has been ne- 

 glected. The great trouble which seems to at» 

 tend it may deter many from putting it in practice 5 

 yet if the nettings, or other coverings, be so con- 

 trived as to draw up and let down by means of 

 pullies, the business may be done with ease and ex- 

 pedition ; and the success attending it will make 

 ample amends. 



But what is called a blight is frequently no more 

 than a weakness or distemper in trees. This is 

 the case when trees against the same wall, and 

 enjoying the same advantages in every respect, 

 differ greatly in their health and vigour, the weak 

 ones appearing to be continually blighted, while 

 the others remain in a flourishing condition. This 

 very great difference, in such circumstances, can 

 be attributed onlv to the different constitutions of 

 the trees, proceeding from a want of proper nou- 

 rishment, or from some bad qualities ip the soil, 

 some distemper in the stock, buds, or cions, or from 

 mismanagement in the pruning, &c. all of which 

 are productive of distempers in trees, of which 

 they are with difficulty cured. 



If the fault be in the soil, it must be dug out, 

 ^nd fresh mould put in its place ; or the trees must 



