164 



common variety of a coarse type may also give place to a better 

 sort. Whenever the roots are sound and growing in fertile soil, it 

 may be expedient to cut off the top in the winter, after the heavy frosts. 

 A number of tender shoots then sprout out in the spring ; these are 

 thinned out to three or four, symmetrically placed around the stem, 



Orange tree after pruning. 



and when strong enough, in the summer or the early autumn, they 

 are budded if it is desired to change the variety. See illustration in 

 article "How to Bud" (p. 109.) As this lopping operation thus 

 exposes the trunk to the full force of the summer sun, it is advisable 

 to clothe it in coarse bagging, or to paint it with a protecting lime- 

 wash. 



PRUNING THE PERSIMMON. 



Persimmons bear on new wood, hence the advisableness of 

 pruning hard back to induce fresh growth. When cut the plant 

 exudes through the wound a corrosive sap, which cakes on the blade 

 of the knife or the secateur, and causes the cut branch to die back, 

 unless the instrument is, at frequent intervals,- cleaned on a piece of 

 leather. 



PRUNING THE PASSION VINE. 



The passion vine is kept under control by pinching back and 

 removing straggling shoots. Older vines can be rejuvenated by 



