77 



When standard trees are becoming somewhat ex- 

 hausted, a very liberal use of the knife, and some- 

 times of the saw, is necessary ; for when they can no 

 longer support the whole volume of the top, some 

 portion must be removed, in order to strengthen the 

 rest. "When such is the case, a strict adherence to 

 any particular form must cease, and those limbs alone 

 should be reserved which still shew signs of vigour. 



FEBRUARY. 



Planting, which had been suspended on account of 

 severe weather, must be resumed towards the middle 

 of this month ; we would by no means throw this ope- 

 ration into March, if it can be avoided. With plant- 

 ing, mulching will become necessary ; and those trees 

 which were planted in the autumn, if not mulched, 

 should instantly receive a coating. This is a very 

 important operation, whether with regard to young 

 trees or very old ones. It encourages a rapid action 

 of root in newly planted trees, and shields them from 

 the vicissitudes of a drying wind, or a scorching sun. 

 In old or over-borne trees it is equally of benefit, and 

 should be applied early in the autumn, if possible ; at 

 which "period, the very slutch of the manure yard 

 may, in common with the dung, be spread over the 

 roots of such trees six inches in thickness, with much 

 benefit. 



Pruning and training operations must now be com- 



