The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1853-08-04
THE PION EER
AGRICULTURA
To Destroy Under-brush.


other small bushes, is a frequent subject
of discussion amongst farmers, and various
are the theories and the rules laid down.
In practice it is matter attended with
much difficulty, so much SO that many
have come to the conclusion, that plowing
alone can be relied on for the extermina-
ton of under-brush We trust some 9th
er means may be found, which will ena-
bic us to preserve our beautiful grove
pastures, the most pleasing features In
western landscape. The following from
the Genesee Farmer looks sensible, and
philosophical.
What is the best time to cut under
brush, &c.," In the June number of the
Farmer, the above question is proposed
by GA Subscriber" to which | propose
to give an answer, combining both lit
tie experience and little theory. Hav-
ing been broughtup on a farm, l used to
hear much said by farmers in regard to
the "best time" for cutting bushes, &c,
and remember well the many uncertain
ties that existed, and. the various opinions
given on the subject. Some recommend
to cut them at one season; some at anoth-
or; some regard the ''moon," ," others the
"signs," &c. | also remember that the
same kind of under brush, if cut at one
season, would start again and grow luxu-
riantly; but, if cut at another, would be
completely ''used up" Ihave also with
in 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 seasons of the year. Some
are killed by cutting as early as the first
of August, and so on till October or even
November. The rule is this: "'Cut any
plant or shrub, about the time that it has
done growing for the season, and its de-
struction is almost certain If cut be-
fore this it will generally start again next
year. The exceptions are few. So much
for the fact, now for the theory.
1st. 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 new set
of shoots. The exceptions are-1st. Ev-
ergreens generally, as pine, hemlock,
spruce, &c. Cd. Those that have copi-
Gus flow of sap in the spring, as the ma
pie, birch, &c. Yet even some of these
will start again if cnt soon after the buds
have opened; i. e., after the spring flow
of saphas ceased; except in the case Of
old trees, in which the root appears not
sufficiently vigorous, or the evaporation
from the new stump too rapid, to allow OF
the formation Of new shoots.
Cd. In autumn, when shrub or tree
has. done growing for the season, the ac-
tice energies of the root cease, being per-
haps, somewhat exhausted by its summer
action. If then the bush or tree be cut,
after it has done growing, but while the
stem and leaves are fresh and full of SAP
the vital force of the root will rarely be
sufficient to cause new growth; but il
left till the foliage is dead or dying, the
energies of the root are restored by the
return of sap, and are ready for action
again as soon as the season Of growth
shall return. Hence, too early or toolatt
cutting will be equally unsuccessful
Cut your under-brush, then, at the
time above specified and it will rarely
start again. If it does, the growth will
appear stinted or sickly, and soon die o.
its own accord, or second cutting at tho
proper time will insure success. The same
rule applies to all other plants, as Canada
thistles, milk-weeds, &C., &C., with great
er or less certainty, according to The
greater or less vital force, or tenacity O
life, peculiar to the root of each kind O
vegetable.
The s'proper time" can easily be deter
mined by observing whether new leaves
continue to appear at the end of the pro
minent branches. If deferred long be-
yond this time, or till the leaves begin t.
turn yellow, or fall, cutting will be of lit
tie use, as the root will be '.strong' for ;
new start on the opening of new spring
-Genesee Farmer