61 
regular seiies of annual shoots for the next year’s produce of 
blossoms and fruit. 
Another stopping, of a somewhat different character, will be 
required towards the middle of August, about which I will 
give a few words of advice shortly. In the mean time I would 
strongly urge the great importance of paying the utmost atten- 
tion to these matters, in due time ; for no system of winter 
pruning, however complete, will be long successful without good 
summer management. Indeed, if trees were properly treated 
during the growing season, it would matter little what the winter 
operations were, except as far as neatness is concerned. To- 
gether with judicious stopping and thinning, may be urged the 
very great importance of keeping down insects on trained trees. 
No pains must be considered too great in this respect, if per- 
manently useful, handsome, and dwarf trees are desired. 
291 Preparation for the ripening period of Fruit Trees. 
M ULCHiNG. Those who adopt the platform mode of planting, 
will sometimes find it necessary to spread a thin coat of manure 
on the surface of the soil over the roots, usually called Mulching. 
Indeed, whether on the platform mode or not, this is a most 
useful proceeding ; for it must be remembered, that the atmos- 
phere of a garden is much hotter, at times, than that of the 
ordinary orchard, especially in the vicinity of its walls. To 
newly-planted trees, mulching may be considered indispensable. 
It is not well, however, to apply too heavy a coat ; about three 
inches will sufHce. If dry weather prevail, the mulching should 
receive a thorough watering, whether the case be that of a newly- 
planted tree, or of one laden with fruit ; and the operation 
should not be delayed after the fruit begins to swell ; for the 
root being then in full action, much extra nourishment is thrown 
into the system of the tree, and the fruit by swelling more freely 
is sooner past the depredations of insects. 
Some of our liest Pears, as well as others of our fruits, are 
liable to crack, and become coarse and gritty ; the Old Cras- 
anne, and the Gansel’s Bergamot, may be mentioned as in- 
stances. The 3Ielon is well known to be liable to crack, when 
the treatment is not of uniform character. The first swelling- 
may be performed under a deficiency of root action, or of 
moisture. Subsequently the roots insinuate themselves into the 
linings or body of the bed, whereby a new stimulus is given 
271. AUCTARIUM. 
