562 TH E ORCHARD. [Nov. 
Fig- Trees. 
The more tender kinds of fig-trees which are planted against 
walls, or board fences, should now be gone over, and all fruit found 
thereon, whether ripe or unripe, picked off; for these would rot in 
winter, and injure the young branches intended for next year's bear- 
ing. 
At the same time, nail up close to the wall or fence all the prin- 
cipal shoots, the better to secure them from the frost and power of 
the wind; and if bass-mats are likewise nailed up, so as to cover the 
trees, an important protection will be afforded thereby to the young 
shoots. As to pruning, that should not be done, either in the middle 
or eastern states till March. See page 216. 
Fig-trees growing in the espalier way, may also be protected from 
frost, by laying bass-mats over them, and making them fast, or 
by laying boughs of pine or cedar up to them. It would also be pro- 
per in a severe season to lay some long litter round the roots of the 
trees. 
Pruning of Fruit-Trees. 
Having in the Fruit-garden, for October, expressed my opinion 
respecting the pruning of fruit-trees at this season, it is unnecessa- 
ry to repeat it in this place. See page 524. 
THE ORCHARD. 
Planting, Sfc. 
This being an eligible period for planting of orchards on dry 
ground, and indeed they never should be planted on a cold, wet, or 
swampy soil, I refer you to the article Orchard in March, where you 
will find ample instructions respecting the extent, aspect, situation, 
and soil; the preparation of the ground, the choice of trees and 
method of planting, &c. all of which are equally applicable in this 
month as in that, and a reference thereto will at present supercede 
the necessity of a repetition. 
Apples, pears, quinces, plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, 
apricots, and almonds may now be planted; also, walnuts, chesnuts, 
filberts, persimmons, berberries, medlars, and every other kind of 
hardy fruit-trees, agreeably to the directions given in March. 
Pruning. 
As you may now commence the pruning of apple and pear trees, 
&c. I would strongly recommend to your perusal at this time, the en- 
tire of the article Orchard in January, beginning at page 45, and also 
the same article in February ■, page 141, &c. 
