ABOUT FRUITS, FLOWERS AND FARMING. 405 



have blighted that spring, alth >ugh the cause of death was 

 seated eighteen months before. When, in the other class 

 of cases, the diseased sap is less virulent in the fall, but 

 probably growing worse through the spring, a worse blight 

 ensues, and a more sudden mortality. 



We will mention some proofs of the truth of this explana- 

 tion. 



1. The two great blight years throughout the region of 

 Indianapolis, 1832 and 1844, were preceded by a summer and 

 fall such as we have described. In the autumns of both 

 1831 and 1843, the orchards were overtaken by a sudden 

 freeze while in a fresh-growing state ; and in both cases the 

 consequence was excessive destruction the ensuing spring 

 and summer. 



2. In consequence of this diagnosis, it has been found 

 practicable to predict the blight six months before its devel- 

 opment. The statement of tkis fact, on paper, may seem 

 a small measure of proof; but it would weigh much with 

 any candid man to be told, by an experienced nurseryman, 

 this is such a fall as will make blight ; to be taken, during 

 the winter into the orchard, and told, this tree has been 

 struck at the junction of these branches ; that tree is not at 

 all affected ; this tree will die entirely the next season ; this 

 tree will go first on this side, etc., and to find, afterward, 

 the prediction verified. 



3. This leads us to state separately, the fact, that, after 

 such a fall, blighted-trees may be ascertained during the 

 process of late winter or early spring pruning. 



In pruning before the sap begins to rise freely, no sap 

 should follow the knife in a healthy tree. But in trees 

 which have been affected with blight, a sticky, viscid sap 

 exudes from the wound. 



4. Trees which ripen their wood and leaves early, are 

 seldom affected. This ought to elicit careful observation ; 

 for, if found true, it will be an important element in deter 

 mining the value of rarieties of the pear in the middle and 



