334 PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK 



process is in active operation ; the newly-forming wood and 

 bark are then consequently in a tender and imperfect state, 

 and very susceptible to injury. Standing in the forks of 

 the branches as it is sometimes necessary to do in pruning, 

 will frequently separate the bark and wood, especially in 

 young trees at this season. In grafting late in the season, 

 this is frequently the case ; sometimes where the ladder is 

 placed against a branch it will remove the bark ; and in 

 sawing, unless the saw runs very clear, and the teeth are 

 fine, the same results will follow ; if pruning is done 

 in June, it should be performed with the greatest cau- 

 tion." 



The New York Farmer and Mechanic^ commenting on 

 the above, says: 



"The best time for pruning apple-trees is, as yet, we 

 believe, undetermined by the most experienced orchardists, 

 but we are of opinion that the early part of June is, for 

 reasons above given by Mr. Hill, to be preferred. The 

 objection arising from the fear of injuring the bark of the 

 tree can easily be obviated by having the operator use 

 moccasins instead of shoes, and surrounding the upper 

 round of the latter with straw or flannel." 



Downing says : 



" We should especially avoid pruning at that period in 

 spring when the buds are swelling, and the sap is in full 

 flow, as the loss of sap by bleeding is very injurious to most 

 trees, and, in some, brings on a serious and incurable can- 

 ker in the limbs. 



" There are advantages and disadvantages attending all 

 seasons of pruning, but our own experience has led us to 

 believe that, practically, a fortnight before midsummer is 

 by far the best season^ on the whole^ for pruning in the 

 northern and middle States. Wounds made at this season 

 heal over freely and rapidly ; it is the most favorable time 

 to judge of the shape and balance of the head, and to see at 

 a glance which branches require removal j and all the stock 



