772 



THE PRACTICAL GARDEN'ER. 



[Oct. 



half aboTC the last eye, so as not to injure it, as it is likelj 

 to push the strongest of any of them ; and always make the 

 cuts in a sloping direction, so that no moisture may be induced 

 to lodge in the spongy pith of the wood : this precaution 

 should also be attended to in amputations of larger branches, 

 and the wounds smoothed over with a sharp knife. 



The pruning being finished, some recommend to take off 

 the loose outward bark with which the older branches are co- 

 vered, which may readily be done by rubbing it between the 

 hands, and all that becomes fi-eely disengaged without using 

 much force may be taken away, observing not to injure the 

 smooth bark ; and, for greater caution, always make use of the 

 hand, but never the knife only. This removal of the outer bark 

 will be of advantage to the vines, but we would prefer delaying 

 the operation of removing it till shortly before the plants are 

 to be put into a state of vegetation. Clear the trellis and 

 branches of all decayed leaves, pieces of old matting with 

 which the vines have been formerly tied up, and also all 

 tendrils. Then carefully wash the stronger branches of the 

 Tines, the trellis, and all the wood-work of the house, with 

 clean water. This being done, anoint the vines and treUis 

 with a wash prepared in the following manner : — Slice down 

 two pounds of soap, but if soft soap can be procured it will be 

 better, of which take two pounds : two pounds of tobacco, or 

 three of tobacco-paper, such as is used in the manufacturing of 

 tobacco, and which contains a large portion of the oil expressed 

 in the process. Put these into a tub, and pour over them as 

 much water as will, when the soap is beaten up into a lather, 

 have a pretty thick consistency, so as not to run off the trees 

 when applied. When these are well beaten up, and all the 

 soap dissolved, add two pounds of flour of sulphur previously 

 worked up separately to the consistence of thick paint ; when 

 this is added, the whole should be well stirred, and applied 

 to the shoots of the vines and trellis by means of a sponge, 

 allowing as much as possible to remain upon the branches. 

 This wiU destroy any insects that may be alive or may be har- 

 bouring imder the bark cf the vines, or at least it will be the 

 means of preventing the retiun of them when the trees are 

 put into active vegetation. This cleaning should be agmin 



