Ingredients
- one not inserted
- two grafts can be put into a large stock
- two differ ent times
- one half at the time of setting
- one very large apple to ev ery square foot is a rule that may be a sort of guide
- two hundred large apples would be allowed to a tree whose extent is fifteen feet
- two similar trees
Directions
the grafts are put in. A graft inserted in the limb is shown at &, and at c is one not inserted, but designed to be put in at d, as two grafts can be put into a large stock. In inserting the graft, be careful to make the edge of the inner bark of the graft meet exactly the edge of the inner bark of the stock ; for on this success de pends. After the grafts are put in, the wedge must be withdrawn, and the whole of the stock be covered with the thick salve or composition before mentioned, reaching from where the grafts are in serted to the bottom of the slit. Be careful not to knock or move the grafts after they are put in.
Pruning is an operation of constant ex ercise, for keeping plants and trees in good condition. The following rules are from a distinguished horticulturist: Prune off all dead wood, and all the little twigs on the main limbs. Retrench branches, so as to give light and ventilation to the interior of the tree. Cut out the straight and perpendicular shoots which give little or no fruit ; while those which are most nearly horizontal, and somewhat curving, give fruit abun dantly and of good quality, and should be sustained. Su perfluous and ill-placed buds may be rubbed off at any time ; and no buds pushing out after midsummer should be spared. In choosing between shoots to be retained, preserve the low est placed, and on lateral shoots those which are nearest the origin. When branches cross each other so as to rub, re move one or the other. Remove all suckers from the roots of trees or shrubs. Prune after the sap is in full circulation, (except in the case of grapes.) as the wounds then heal best. Some think it best to prune before the sap begins to run. Priming-shears, and a pruning-pole, with a chisel at the end, can be procured of those who deal in agricultural utensils.
Thinning is also an important but very delicate operation. As it is the office of the leaves to absorb nourishment from the atmosphere, they should never be removed, except to mature the wood or fruit. In doing this, remove such leaves
THE CARE OF YARDS AND GARDENS. 357
as shade the fruit, as soon as it is ready to ripen. To do it earlier impairs the growth. Do it gradually at two differ ent times. Thinning the fruit is important, as tending to in crease its size and flavor, and also to promote the longevity of the tree. If the fruit be thickly set, take off one half at the time of setting. Revise in June, and then in July, tak ing off all that may be spared. One very large apple to ev ery square foot is a rule that may be a sort of guide in oth er cases. According to this, two hundred large apples would be allowed to a tree whose extent is fifteen feet by twelve. If any person think this thinning excessive, let him try two similar trees, and thin one as directed and leave the other unthinned. It will be found that the thinned tree will produce an equal weight, and fruit of much finer flavor.