160 On Ringing the Stems or Branches of Fruit Trees 



cently absorbed fluid. When the course of the descending 

 current is intercepted, that necessarily stagnates, and accu- 

 mulates above the decorticated space; whence it is repulsed, 

 and carried upwards, to be expended in an increased pro- 

 duction of blossoms, and of fruit: and, consistently with 

 these conclusions, I have found that part of the alburnum, 

 which is situated above the decorticated space, to exceed in 

 specific gravity, very considerably, that which lies below it. 

 The repulsion of the descending fluid therefore accounts, I 

 conceive satisfactorily, for the increased produce of blossoms, 

 and more rapid growth of the fruit upon the decorticated 

 branch : but there are other causes which operate in pro- 

 moting its more early maturity. The part of the branch 

 which is below the decorticated space is ill supplied with 

 nutriment, and ceases almost to grow ; it in consequence 

 operates less actively in impelling the ascending current of 

 sap, which must also be impeded in its progress through 

 the decorticated space. The parts which are above it must 

 therefore be less abundantly supplied with moisture ; and 

 drought, in such cases, always operates very powerfully in 

 accelerating maturity. When the branch is small, or the 

 space from which the bark has been taken off is considerable, 

 it almost always operates in excess ; a morbid state of early 

 maturity is induced, and the fruit is worthless. 



If this view of the effects of partial decortication, or ringing, 

 be a just one, it follows that much of the success of the 

 operation must be dependent upon the selection of proper 

 seasons, and upon the mode of performing it being well 

 adapted to the object of the operator. If that be the 

 production of blossoms, or the means of making the blossoms 



