28 



FRUIT TREES. 



of twenty-four grains to a pint of water, applied after 

 sunset, is absorbed by the leaves, and powerfully 

 stimulates their action in drawing the sap from the 

 roots. 



Bring forivard the weak side from the wall, and keep 

 the strong side close to it. By bringing the weak part 

 forward, away from the wall, we allow the branches 

 to receive the light on both sides. As light is the 

 element which determines the functions of the leaves, 

 and their action upon the sap, this part will vegetate 

 with more vigour than the part which is only exposed 

 to the action of the light upon one of its sides. This 

 is applicable only to wall trees ; and is only to be 

 resorted to towards the month of May, by which time 

 there is nothing to fear from the storms of winter, 

 and the tree is able to support itself apart from the 

 wall. 



Place a covering upon the strong part, so as to deprive 

 it of the light. By this method we obtain the same 

 result, but in a more complete manner. This is not 

 to be resorted to unless the preceding method has 

 proved insufficient, for if it should happen that the 

 part be kept too long from the light, it will soon lose 

 all its leaves. To avoid this, we must not keep it 

 covered for more than eight or twelve days, and must 

 then take advantage of a cloudy day to remove the 

 covering. 



The different expedients we have described may be 

 employed in succession, and in the order set down, 

 until the desired result has been obtained. 



