, 
44 FIELD NOTES ON APPLE CULTURE. 
‘ 
tree. In such cases one must keep the remaining portion 
of the tree cut back, and must train up the sprouts 
which spring from the wounded places to make good the 
missing portion. If such sprouts do not arise they can 
be made by the use of scions. Trim off smoothly the 
remaining broken ends of the branches, and insert the 
scions between the bark and the wood, at a distance of 
an inch or two apart all around the wound. Scions for 
this purpose should be cut thin, with both edges of the 
bevel equal in thickness. As soon as the scions are set, 
wax over all exposed surfaces thoroughly, the same as for 
ordinary grafting. 
If trees are girdled by mice or rabbits in the winter, 
some method should early be pursued to save them. The 
very first measure after the mischief is discovered is to 
protect the wounded surface by tying over it heavy rags, 
or banking earth against it. This keeps the surface of 
the wood soft, and prevents checking and drying by 
wind. It is useless to insert scions or to apply other 
remedies until the trees begin to start in the spring. 
Fresh cow dung plastered over the denuded surface, and 
tied on tightly with an abundance of cloths, will always 
save trees that are girdled before July, and it will usually 
save those girdled later. I have known no less than a 
hundred trees to be saved in this manner, and I do not 
recall a single failure. 
THE RAGGED BARK. 
The old and rough bark is probably some protection to 
trees in winter. It presents an untidy appearance, how- 
ever. Itisasafe practice to remove it in late spring. 
A much worn, thin hoe, with a handle two feet long, is 
