272 PRUNING. 



way. The future management will be similar to that 

 described for the formation of young trees. We have 

 succeeded well with a large number of trees thus treated. 

 Where the soil is defective, it must be improved and 

 renewed with fresh soil and composts, so that abundant 

 nutriment shall be given to the new growth. 



The second method of renewal referred to is, that of 

 cutting back as already described, and grafting each 

 branch. 



The process of regrafting old orchards of standard 

 apple trees, it is well known, renews their vigor, and 

 replaces old worn out and deformed branches with young 

 and vigorous ones, giving to the entire head a healthy and 

 youthful appearance. In many cases this grafting will 

 be much more successful than simply cutting back, for 

 the scions being furnished with young and active buds, 

 that develope leaves at once, attract the sap from the 

 roots, place it in contact with the atmosphere, and carry 

 on the formative process in all parts of the tree with less 

 interruption and greater activity than where reliance is 

 placed upon the production of new shoots on the old wood ; 

 for this must be effected by awakening dormant buds, 

 which in many cases takes place slowly, and with more 

 or less difficulty. 



SUNDRY OPERATIONS CONNECTED WITH THE CULTURE OF FRUIT 



1st. The annual (Cultivation of the soil. The soil around 

 fruit trees should, especially in the garden, be kept in a 

 clean friable condition by the frequent use of the hoe and 

 the spade ; but in all these operations the roots must not 

 be injured. The forked spade (see implements) is the best 

 for operating about the roots. 



2d. Manuring. The very c x mmon practice in regard 



