Practical Orcharding On Rough Lands. 243 



do this it should be thick enough to form a 

 coating as near water proof as possible. Large 

 wounds should not be expected to be com- 

 pletely protected by one coat of paint, but a 

 second and sometimes a third is advisable. 



Where the saw is used we frequently see 

 orchardists attempting to smooth the wounds, 

 generally using a draw knife. We are con- 

 vinced this should never be done. The oper- 

 ator is apt to pare the outside edge more than 

 the center of the wound, thus leaving the cen- 

 ter the highest it will be much longer healing 

 over than if left level. Again the rough sur- 

 face left by the teeth of the saw will hold 

 more paint, wax or whatever material may be 

 used, than will a smooth surface, hence afford- 

 ing a more complete protection. 



Remove the Brush. — After the limb has 



been cut it should be removed from the or- 

 chard. This is of much more importance than 

 is generally recognized, judging from the 

 methods practiced. Frequently we find these 

 prunings used to fill up washes in the orchard. 

 This is dangerous, as it often afifords breeding 

 places for injurious insects, as well as a cover 

 for rabbits and mice, which may work havoc 

 with the growing trees. 



