fig. 295 



to protect them from the severity of winter. 

 This protection is more necessary in the cold 

 parts of this country, than in the warmer 

 parts, where it is scarcely required at alh 

 In covering them it is proper to use no more 

 than is absolutely necessary, for when they 

 have had a very thick covering during win- 

 ter, the branches are so tender that when 

 it is taken off in the spring, the check they 

 then receive is very injurious and diminishes 

 the fertility of the tree. The covering used 

 must be proportioned according to the cold 

 or warmth of the situation. Broom is a very 

 excellent article for this purpose; let it be 

 soaked in soap suds and urine for twenty- 

 four hours and then be dried again before 

 using. Always let the broom be well se- 

 cured to the wall so that it may not blow 

 about, and be so fixed around the branches 

 of the tree as to afford the most complete 

 protection. Always let a good portion of 

 mulch be laid over the roots to protect them 

 during winter, which may be removed about 

 May following. 



The winter pruning of the trees must be 

 performed in spring, just before the sap 

 begins to move. In doing this, leave as 

 many fruitful shoots as will properly supply 

 the tree in the manner before directed. 

 Always retain the lowest lateral shoot upon 

 any branch, in order to keep the tree sup- 

 plied with young wood to its centre. All 



