6 RATIONAL FRUIT CULTURE. 



ting of the roots is spread over two years, a semi-circular trench 

 being made in the first year on one side of the tree, four or five 

 feet from it, and all thick roots passing through it being severed, 

 the operation being repeated on the other side in the following 

 year. If all the roots of a large tree were cut at the same time 

 some of the branches might not get enough food, and in conse- 

 quence might die back. Eoot-pruning is usually performed in 

 September or October, because the ground is then warm 

 enough to induce the formation of some fresh roots before 

 winter. If a tree persistently fails to flower because of its 

 excessively vigorous growth, lifting or root-pruning is a certain 

 remedy, though, of course, its full effect will not be seen 

 immediately. 



