Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1851-08-26


"What is the best time to cot under
brush, &c!. Ia the June number Of Tho
Farmer the above question is proposed BY
"a Subscriber" to which propose to give
answer; combining Doth q little experience
and little theory. Having been brought
up on farm. ] used TO hear much said BY
farmers in regard to she "best time" for cut'
ting brushes, &C., and remember we'll the
many uncertainties that existed. and various
opinions given on the subject. Some rec.
ommended TO cut them at one season, some
at another. Some regarded the ''moon, "
others the signs &c. also remember
that the same kind Of under-brush, il cut al
one season. would start again and grow lux
urienly; but, if cut at another, would be
completely "nsed up | have also, within
the last few years, had opportunity to notice
The same facts; and the conclusion to which
/ have arrived is, that different shrubs, or
bushes, trees, &C., may be cut at different
the first of August; and so on ill October, or
even November; The rule is this: "Cut
any plant or shrub, about the time that il
has done growing for the season., and its
destruction is almost certain" If cut before
this time, it will generally start again the same
year, and if deferred much beyond this time.
U
The exceptions are few. So much for tie
facts, now for the theory
lst. In the spring of the year all roots are
vigorous. Hence, if tree or shrub be
cut at this time, or while in full growth, the
root will send forth a new set Of shoois.- -
The exceptions are-lst, Evergreen geDei-
ally, as pine, hemlock, spruce, &c. I'd,
Thos that have copious flow Of sap in the
spring, as the maple, birch, &c. Yet even
some of these will start again il cut soon af-
ter the buds have opened; e, after the
spring flow Of sap has ceased; excepr in the
case of old or large trees, in which the root
appears not sufficiently vigorous, or the
evaporation from the stump too rapid, 10 al
low Of The formation Of new shoots.
% In autumn, when n shrub or Tree has
done growing for the season, the active ener-
gies of the root cease, being. perhaps, some
what exhausted by its summer action. IT,,
then the bush or tree be cut alter il has
done growing, but while the stem and leaves
are fresh and full OF sap, the vital force OF the
root win rarely be sufficient to cause new
growth; but if left till the foliage is dead or
dying, the energies of the root are restored
by the return of the sap. aud are ready for
action again as soon as the season OF growth
shall return. Hence, too early or too late
cutting will be equally unsuccessful.
Cut your under brush, then. at the time
above specified, and il will rarely start ag ain.
II il does, the growth will appear stin,ed or
sickly, and soon die OF its own accord, OF a
aecond eating at the proper time will insure
a success. The same rule applies TO all
other plants. as Canada ihistles, milk-weeds,
&C.. &C., with greater or less certainty, ac-
cotdinp 10 the greater or less vital force, or
tenacity OF life, peculiar TO the root Of each
ksnd Of vegetable.
The .,proper time" can easily be de,ermin
ed observing whether new leaves continue
TO appear at the ends Of the prominent
branches. When the end leaves are of full
size, and bud is seen at The end Of the
branch, .hen Tor soon ai,er) is your time 10
cut. II deferred long beyond this time, or
till the leaves begin to turn yellow, or fall,
cutting will be of little use, as the root will
be "strong" for new start on the opening
Of new sp,ing H. Down East. June,
1851.