45 



of the head, at pruning time. This is done to give 

 strength and thickness to the main stem, and will 

 accomplish the matter much better than by total 

 stripping. As soon, however, as the head is fairly 

 formed, these must be pruned close away to the bole, 

 in a neat and workmanlike manner. 



In speaking of distance in. planting, we forgot to 

 name one fact, which must at all times influence the 

 distance ; that is, the quality and depth of the soil. 

 It will be seen at a glance that these have a powerful 

 influence on the ultimate size of the tree, as well as 

 rapidity of growth. 



As the trees are liable (where cattle are introduced 

 to the orchard) to damage of different kinds, much 

 precaution is necessary in guarding against it. It is 

 a very good plan, adopted in some districts, of wrap- 

 ping a straw or hay rope around the stem of the young 

 tree ; if these become injured, a smearing of tar would 

 soon deter them from meddling farther. Some persons 

 make up a nauseous mixture, composed of night-soil, 

 lime, cowdung and water ; to which we would by all 

 means add a little soft-soap — say three ounces to a 

 gallon: this, beat up into a fine paint, may be plastered 

 on with a brush. It should ever be borne in mind, 

 however, that such mixtures have a tendency to stop 

 the pores of the tree ; and if carried beyond a certain 

 pitch, in point of adhesiveness, or of producing an 



