170 TREATISE ON THE CULTURE AND 



occasion the blossoms or fruit to drop off, and sometimes greatly 

 injure the tender shoots and leaves. 



The only method yet found out to prevent this mischief is, 

 the carefully covering the walls with netting, &c. as before di- 

 rected*. The covering is to remain on during the night, and 

 to be taken off in the day-time. This method has been reckon- 

 ed of little service by some, vdiich, indeed, may be the case 

 when the coverings are not properly used ; for, if the trees are 

 kept too long co\'ered, the young branches and leaves v/iil be 

 so weak as not to be able to bear the open air when they are ex- 

 posed to it. 



The same consequences will follow when the trees are in- 

 cautiously exposed to the air after having been long covered. 



But if the covering be properly performed, it will frequent- 

 ly preserve the fruits under it, when there happens almost a 

 general failure in the neighbourhood where this precaution has 

 been neglected. The great trouble which seems to attend it may 

 deter many from putting it in practice ; yet if the nettings, or 

 other coverings, be so contrived as to draw up and let down 

 by means of puUies, the business may be done with ease and 

 expedition ; and the success attending it, will make ample 

 amends. 



But what is called a blight, is frequently no more than a 

 weakness or distemper in trees. This is the case when trees 

 against the same vv^all and enjoying the same advantages in every 

 respect, differ greatly in their health and vigour, the weak ones 

 appearing to be continually blighted, while the others remain 

 in a flourishing condition. This very great difterence, in such 

 circumstances, can be attributed only to the different constitu- 

 tions of the trees, proceeding from a want of proper nourish- 

 ment, or from some bad qualities in the soil, some distemper 

 in the stock, buds, or cions, or from mismanagement in the 

 pruning, &:.c. all of which are productive of distempers in trees, 

 of which they are with difficulty cured. 



If die fault be in the soil, it must be dug out, and fresh 

 mould put in its place ; or the trees must be taken up, and others 

 better adapted to the soil planted in their room. It Avill be 

 found absolutely necessary always to endeavour to suit the par- 

 ticular sorts of fruits to the nature of the soil; for it is in vain 

 to expect all sorts of fruit to be good in the same soil. 



If the weakness of the tree proceed from an inbred dis- 

 temper it will be advisable to remove it at once, and, after re- 

 newing the earth, to plant another in its place. 



* Page 9, 10, 37. 



