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The pruning is effected by cutting out the superfluous branches 
where they cross each other, and keeping the tree in proper shape, 
&e. 
A new student has to be very careful when pruning not to cut 
off the fruit spurs. 
Whenever a limb is pruned the surface of the wound should be: 
neatly smoothed over, and should be covered with paint made of 
red lead and oil. 
Cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, quinces, pears, and apples 
are pruned this month, which gives the students plenty of work 
both for hands and mind. 
It requires considerable practice to properly prune gooseberries. 
It isa good plan to cut all stray and crossing branches out, and 
leave the centre open. By this method the grower can gather 
his crop in much less time. 
Currants are also pruned this month. 
The first appearance of the woolly aphis (Schizoneura lani- 
gera) gives extra work. The mode we adopt to get rid of the 
pest is to apply the following mixture :—Soft soap and tobacco 
water mixed, rubbed on to the branches of the tree with a hard 
brush. This gives good results. 
Digging in the rose borders and hoeing up the weeds in the 
flower garden provide occupation for some. 
Picking some of the late apples and stowing them in the fruit- 
room has to be attended to. 
During this month cuttings of geranium, fuchsia, &c., are put in. 
The cuttings are best planted in the autumn, because the sap is 
descending and the earth is still warm; therefore rooting com- 
mences quickly. 
In choosing a cutting a young firm wood grown in the summer 
is the best. 
The end of the cutting should be made quite smooth close under 
a joint with a sharp knife, as a clean cut heals quickly and a 
jagged wound slowly. 
Collecting capsicums is a tedious occupation, their fumes being 
very trying to the eyes. 
Grubbing trees in the old orchard gives the students plenty of 
work, also enables them to look for the borer. 
Levelling the ground with one of the scoops is exciting work, 
this being done by horse power. 
Trenching in the nursery and sowing seeds keep some busy. 
The draw hoe this month is brought into play for scraping the 
weeds off the paths. . 
Weeding and raking up leaves are necessaries of the garden, 
and have to be attended to. : ; 
Collecting tomato seed is an interesting occupation. The fruit 
of the tomato must be of the best and largest, and perfectly ripe. 
