49 
279 Winter Pruning Orchard Trees, &c. The pruning of 
large, or orchard, trees, consists in merely thinning out over- 
crowded or decaying shoots, and in removing unnecessary 
sprays from the old stems; encouraging, at all times, fresh 
and growing extremities. When such trees become much 
exhausted, through sheer old age, and yet produce sufficient 
to induce the owner to kee|) them a little longer, the best plan 
is to cut away large whole branches, submitting, of course, 
the worst to the knife or saw. By such means the amount of 
sap hitherto appropriated to them will flow into the remaining 
branches. Pruning of Gooseberry bushes consists in merely 
thinning away superfluous shoots, especially those from the 
interior, which should be almost entirely removed. When the 
bush is properly pruned, no two shoots should touch. If, in 
the pendulous kinds, the branches begin to reach the ground, 
as much should be cut away as will prevent contact with the 
soil. The Black Currant requires much the same treatment in 
this respect as the Gooseberry. The Red and White Currants 
are quite different; these bear on spurs, and should have the 
young leading shoots shortened a little every year, in order to 
cause them to develope such spurs. The remainder of their 
dressing consists in shortening back the young side shoots, 
leaving about a quarter of an inch of the base of each. Vines 
must be pruned rather severely, thinning freely and shortening 
back to plump and well-ripened buds, disposing the bearing 
shoots equally. 'I’he pruning of Figs should not take place till 
April or May ; when the true bearing wood can be distinguished. 
280 Root Pruning. This operation is of great importance to 
over-luxuriant trees; it is, however, difficult to lay down rules 
for the inexperienced, as to the extent of such operations. Some 
very good and plain advice will be found in the Calendar, on 
the wrapper for March; the guiding principle there being the 
diameter of the stem. I may here add another, which may 
perhaps be still surer. It is generally admitted that the roots of 
trees extend quite as far as the branches; they will be found, 
however, to extend somewhat farther, especially under a severe 
pruning system. Assuming this as a guide, it may be recom- 
mended that one-fourth of the circle, defined by the branches, 
be cut away. The trench soil, thrown out, should never be 
returned, but in lieu thereof, some fresh unmanured earth. 
265. AUCTAR1U.M. 
