Feb.] THE ORCHARD. J4j 



wanted; and as much depends on these dressings, they should by 

 no means be neglected, more especially as this is a very eligible 

 time tor performing them, and one with which other business does 

 not frequently interfere. 



For the method of pruning these trees and other necessary ob- 

 servations, I refer you to the article Orchard last month, page 45, &c. 



Where trees are much overrun with moss, it may be removed 

 as directed in page 46, or a strong man with a good birch broom 

 in a wet day would do great execution. The best method of 

 destroying moss on young trees, is to rub all the branches affected, 

 in spring or autumn, or in both if necessary, with a hard scrubbing- 

 brush and soap-suds. This will not only remove the moss, but 

 tend considerably to prevent its sudden return. 



Canker in a great measure arises from animalcules, or small or 

 very minute insects or worms, &c. of various kinds; where this is 

 the case, cut out the whole of the cankered part, clean to the sound 

 wood, wash the part well with the following solution, and also all 

 other parts that seem to be in the least affected, then give it a light 

 coat of the medicated tar prescribed in page 47. 



Dissolve a drachm of corrosive sublimate in a gill of gin or other 

 spirit, and when thus dissolved incorporate it with four quarts of 

 soft water. This solution will be found to be the most effectual 

 remedy ever applied to trees, both for the destruction of worms of 

 every species, and of the eggs of insects deposited in the bark. 

 No danger to the trees is to be apprehended from its poisonous 

 quality, which in respect to them is perfectly innocent. 



Peach trees which are annoyed by worms, should, towards the 

 end of this month, particularly near and a little under the surface 

 of the ground, be carefully examined, and where any are found 

 they must be picked out with the point of a knife, and with as little 

 injury to the bark as possible, for by lacerating the rind or bark in 

 a careless manner, which is too frequently the case on these occa- 

 sions, this vehicle, which nature has provided for carrying up the 

 nourishment extracted by the roots, being destroyed, the trees must 

 of course perish, or be weakened in proportion as it is injured. 



This being done, wash all the trunks or stems of the trees, as 

 well as any other parts in which you suspect these vermin or their 

 embryo eggs to be lodged, with the above solution, and also the 

 wounded parts, after which apply with a brush a slight dressing of 

 the medicated tar to each and every of the wounds inflicted by 

 picking out the worms. This will preserve your trees in health 

 and fruitfulness much longer than if left to the mercy of these 

 destructive intruders. 



As to manure it is well known that where hogs and poultry are 

 constantly running over the ground, the trees seldom fail of a crop, 

 which is the best proof that manure is necessary. Any manure 

 will suit an orchard, but the sweepings of cow-houses, hog-pens, 

 slaughter-houses, poultry and pigeon-houses, emptying of drains, 

 &c. , are more disposed to facilitate the growth and promote the 

 health of fruit trees, than stable manure. However, any kind «l 

 manure is better than none at all. 



