222 THE FRUIT GARDEN. [APRIL. 



(which is of very great importance to the welfare of 

 the tree, and for insurance of a crop of fruit,) it 

 should be oiled. 



The screens may either be fixed in frames, or may 

 be in single sheets, and made to answer for one or for 

 several trees, as they shall happen to be placed on 

 the wall. In either case, they should be placed 

 clear of the tree ; that is, about the distance of a 

 foot at top, and of eighteen inches at bottom. If 

 placed so as that the wind can at any time dash them 

 against it, the consequence is obvious. If in frames, 

 they may be fitted to move in the manner of a com- 

 mon sash, between rafters, and may be double, as in 

 a window, to go either up or down, in order to ad- 

 mit air. The rafters being made moveable, by be- 

 ing fixed with hooks to stretchers at top and bottom, 

 the whole could easily be removed, or be replaced 

 at pleasure. 



Thus, a frame might be made of ten, fifteen, 

 twenty, or more feet in length, to answer for one or 

 more trees, as may be required ; and if the wiiole 

 be packed and laid up in a dry loft, garret, or shed, 

 each season after using, it may last for many years. 



If the screens be made in sheets, to hoist up and 

 lower with pullies and cords, (which pullies may be 

 fixed to the coping, as above mentioned, or to a 

 beam or stretcher fixed at the top of the wall,) they 

 should be suspended over small rafters or spars, of 

 an inch and a half to two inches square, according 

 to their lengths, placed so closely as to prevent the 

 canvas from dashing against the trees, as above 

 hinted. Sheets of this kind may be of any conve- 



