OF PRUNING. 



253 



32 whilst whatever portion of such 



sap is not thus expended sinks 

 into the alburnum, and joins the 

 ascending current, to which it 

 communicates powers not pos 

 sessed by the recently absorbed 

 fluid. When the course of the 

 descending current is intercept- 

 f-JM e ^» th at naturally stagnates and 

 accumulates above the decorti- 

 cated space; whence it is re- 

 pulsed and carried upwards, to 

 be expended in an increased 

 production of blossoms, and of 

 fruit : and, consistently with 

 these conclusions, I have found 

 that part of the alburnum which 

 is situated above the decorticat- 

 ed space to exceed in specific 

 gravity, very considerably, that 

 which lies below it. The re- 

 pulsion of the descending fluid, 

 therefore, accounts, I conceive, 

 satisfactorily, for the increased 

 production of blossoms, and 

 more rapid growth of the fruit 

 upon the decorticated branch : but there are causes 

 which operate in promoting its more early maturity. 

 The part of the branch which is below the decorti- 

 cated space is ill supplied with nutriment, and ceases 

 almost to grow; it in consequence operates less ac- 



