42 



repaid in the size of the fruit, together with the re- 

 newed constitution of the tree. To carry out, how- 

 ever, renovation principles to their utmost, some 

 severe pruning would be necessary, as an adjunct to 

 the top-dressing. This must consist in removing all 

 inferior shoots which shew symptoms of premature 

 decay — especially those with decayed points — and in 

 encouraging the tree to bear more towards the ex- 

 treme points, w r hich in general retain their vigour 

 longest in old trees. 



The cutting away of main limbs should be avoided 

 as much as possible ; this is in general productive of 

 serious consequences to most fruit-trees ; and the late 

 T. A. Knight, Esq., of Downton, was much opposed 

 to the practice. The authority of such a person may 

 well cause us to hesitate before carrying such pruning 

 to any extent. 



Concluding Reynarks. — We have said nothing about 

 nursery management, as the general princples will be 

 found embodied in the former parts of this work. 

 Before closing, however, we will endeavour to offer a 

 few useful remarks on this head. 



There are but few sorts of either apples or pears 

 that extend widely over the cider districts : the sorts 

 are for the most part local. Many farmers, after the 

 cider or perry has been pressed from the pulp — then 

 termed " Must" — lay it in drills in some spare corner 



