384 Observations on ringing Fruit Trees, 



may say, that M. Thouin requires, for his different pur- 

 poses, rings of a width from the twelfth part of an inch to 

 an inch and a half. It is implied in what he says, that rings 

 should vary in their dimensions, according to circumstances, 

 which had also been remarked in our paper.* It is satisfac- 

 tory to see an opinion, that had, in a great measure, been 

 founded upon general reasoning, confirmed by such an 

 authority as that of M. Thouin, who speaks from expe- 

 rience and observation. The effect of ringing, in producing 

 fruitfulness, is likewise accounted for, by him, in a manner 

 similar to that, which was suggested in our Transactions. It 

 was there stated, that the abundance of the sap, or the quick- 

 ness of its motion, might be considered as the cause that 

 prevented fruitfulness. The latter, indeed, may be supposed 

 to arise out of the former. For the sap, as any fluid, will 

 move with greater force, when it abounds than when it is 

 scanty. But it seems, that in a state of accelerated motion 

 it is less fit for the process of secreting and depositing the 

 ingredients of the fruit, than when it circulates slowly ; and 

 experience has pointed out certain means, by which the 

 quickness of the circulation appears to be diminished. Thus 

 gardeners have found, that by twisting, or bending, the 

 branches, or by training them in a particular manner, fruit- 

 fulness is frequently brought about ; and the method of 

 cutting rings on them, which is the immediate topic for 

 our consideration, aims at the same end. To this may be 

 added the use of ligatures, tightly bound round the shoots. 

 All these operations evidently tend to interrupt, or retard, the 

 flow of the sap ; and in this way they seem to conduce to 



* Page 269. 



