54 



TREATISE ON THE CULTURE AND 



When Cherry-trees begin to produce fpurs, cut out every 

 other fhoot to make the tree throw out frefh wood : when 

 that comes into a bearing {late, which will be in the following 

 year, cut out the old branches that remain ; by that method 

 you will be able to keep the trees in a conftant ftate of 

 bearing, taking the fame method as before directed with the 

 foreright (hoots* 



Great care ihould be taken to rub off many of them in the 

 month of May, leaving only fuch a number as you think will 

 fill the tree. By fo doing your trees will continue in a fine 

 healthy ftate, and not be in the leaft weakened by bearing a 

 plentiful crop of fruit. The reafon is obvious : the great ex- 

 halation which would be occafioned by the fun and air in the 

 common mode of pruning is prevented, by the Compofition 

 keeping- in the fap which nouriihes the branches and fruit. 



I cut fome trees, as directed above, more than twelve years 

 ago, that are now in as good a ftate of bearing as they were in 

 the third year after the operation, and likely to continue fo 

 for many years. 



In 1707, I pruned fome very old trees in the month of May? 

 which were left, to (hew the old method of pruning ; I, at 

 the fame time, cut fome branches of the fame trees according 

 to the new method, to fhew the difference of the fruit, which 

 was taken by all who law it for a different fort of cherry. 

 The Cherries from the old fpurs were not half the fize of the 

 others, and were at leaft three weeks later. 



I am forry to fay, that many who have feen the improved 

 ftate of the fruit-trees in Kenfmgton Gardens full have their 

 own managed according to the old method of pruning. 

 Several, however, have adopted the new method with great 

 fuccels. One gentleman in this neighbourhood, by renovating 



thirty- 



