60 



FRUIT TREES IN POTS 



[CH. 



bottom ; but this, in my opinion, is a grave error, 

 and should never be practised. 



There is another small matter which calls for 

 a little advice, and this apphes chiefly to the peach 

 and the nectarine. These trees are generally 

 worked on the plum stock, and in some cases the 

 scion will grow more freely than 

 the stock upon which it is budded. 

 The result is the formation of a 

 large collar at the junction — the 

 stock becoming what is termed 

 "hide-bound." The best remedy 

 for this e^'il is to make three in- 

 cisions with a sharp knife, taking 

 care to cut right through the 

 collar. The incisions should be 

 of equal length both above and 

 below the junction. They should 

 be made one on each side, and 

 the other in the centre, of the 

 back of the junction, but not in the front (see 

 illustration). 



Nos. 1, 2, 3 represent the places where the in- 

 cisions are to be made. The extent of the incisions 

 should be about 2 ins. above and below junction, 

 and I in. in depth. 



This will cause the bark to expand, and greatly 

 assist in making fresh growth. 



