ABOUT FRUITS, FLOWERS AND FARMING. 409 



only to tne wood of the last year, but to the old branches. 

 We reply, that if a single branch only snould be affected by 

 fall-frost, and be so severely affected as to become a reposi- 

 tory of much malignant fluid, it might gradually enter the 

 system of the whole tree, through the circulation. This 

 fact shows, why cutting is a partial remedy ; every diseased 

 branch removed, removes so much poison ; it shows also 

 why cutting from below the seat of the disease (as if to fall 

 below the haunt of a supposed insect), is beneficial. The 

 further the cut is made from that point where the sap has 

 clogged the passages, the less of it will remain to enter the 

 circulation. 



13. Trees of great vigor of constitution, in whose system 

 but little poison exists, may succeed after a while in reject- 

 ing the evil, and recover. Where much enters the system, 

 the tree must die ; and with a suddenness proportioned to 

 the amount of poison circulated. 



14. A rich and dry soil would be likely to promote early 

 growth, and the tree would finish its work in time ; but a 

 rich and moist soil, by forcing the growth, would prepare 

 the tree for blight ; so that rich soils may prevent or pre- 

 pare for the blight, and the difference will be the difference 

 of the respective soils in producing an early instead of a late 

 growth. 



IV. REMEDY. So long as the blight was believed to be 

 of insect origin, it appeared totally irremediable. If the fore- 

 going reasoning be found correct, it will be plain that the 

 scourge can only be occasional ; that it may be in a degree 

 prevented ; and to some extent remedied where it exists. 



1. We should begin by selecting for pear orchards a 

 warm, light, rich, dry and early soil. This will secure an 

 early growth and ripe wood before winter sets in. 



2. So soon as observation has determined what kinds are 

 naturally early growers and early ripeners of wood, such 

 should be selected; as they will be least likely to come 

 under those conditions in which blight occur* 



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