Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1842-04-30
Vol. B.
PnrN1No AND CuLrunr or ArpLn Tnrrs

We have been permitted by an esteemed
friend to publish the following letter from
e. Phinney Esq, of Lexington; Mass. on
the subject of pruning and culture of APP
pie trees, and it gives us pleasure to say,
that the soundness of the views of Mr.
Phinney must strike the reader with pecu-
liar force. Few, if any, enjoy higher
reputation as an enlightened agriculturalist
than does this gentleman, and from his long
experience, in all that appertans to the bu-
sness of farming, his observations upon
those branches discussed in his present let
ter are entitled to the profoundest. consd-
Grafton.
"On the subject of pruning Apple trees,
which is your first enquiry. a volume
might be written. In a few words, it is
difficult to give good top to tree unless
pruning is begun in the nursery-like too
many of our children, if suffered to grow
at random in youth, it is difficult to get
them in proper trim afterward. If, how
ever this has been neglected, and the top is
too thick and limbs interfere and chate
each other, these should all be taken out so
that no limbs shall cross each other-and
in doing this, regard should be had to an
equal balance of the top. A tree with an
undue proportion of its burden on one side
is more liable to be injured both in root and
branch. have never known an instance
of too severe pruning-we are ali inclined
to let too much wood grow, by which the
quality of the fruit is injured. No better
general rule can be adopted than to cut
out all such limbs as interfere and cross
each other; not only those that infere now,
but such as from their direction will be like
" to interfere hereafter
"The best time of pruning is while the
tree is growing most vigorously. With us
this time is about the first of June-the
process Of healing then commences quick
ly, and the wound is not so likely to canker.
4 Where, however, limb of considerable
size is taken off, in order to avoid canker,
t it is best to cover the wound with a little
common mortar, made of sand and lime
! and instead of hair to mix with it, ! use
l briStles, which are much more durable than
: hair, and will effectually secure the par
S from canker, and will remain on till the
Y wound is nearly healed over. In Maryland
] should think the best lime for pruning
: would be from first Of May to first of June
5 Thousands of valuable trees in this par
f of the country have been brought to pre-
: mature decay and death by pruning in the
= months of FEBRUARY and March.
n "The best manur for apple trees is the
a top mould and leaves gathered from the
t woods mixed with little lime or ashes.---
e Strong manure should not be applied di
e rectly to the roots of the trees. The best
t way to promote the health and growth OF
f trees is to keep the ground in high state OF
!, cultivation; let the crop of whatever is
= planted be we'll MANFRED, and well cultiva.
} ted, and they will require no other nour-
y shment. Trees will not do well in grass
t ground if ever so much MANFRED. You
= may as we'll plant corn in grass ground as
e trees. would as soon lay my trees upon
t the back log and expect them to grow, as
set them in grass land. If the land is toll
erably good, fifteen cart loads Of stable ma
e nure to the acre, spread on and ploughed
e in, in the spring of each year, will be suffi
e cient for the growing crop, and at the same
] time afford sufficient nourishment to the
e trees. Plough close to the trees; if ROOF
e is now and then broken by the plough the
: tree suffers but little or no injury. Toe
r much manure applied directly to the root.
t operates like stimulus upon the human con
d stitution, and often induces premature de.
Y cay. The same manuring and cultivation
: that will produce good crop, will give 6
: healthy, vigorous growth to the trees.
d E. PHINNEY.'