The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-08-17
AGRICULTURAL.
To Destroy Underbrush.

NlVAO ~ IL Il ~ AVI1Ae
To Destroy Underbrush.
"What is the best time to cut under.
brush. &c 2' In the June number of the
Farmer, the above question is proposed by
"a subscriber" to which propose to give
an answer. combining both little expe.
rience and little theory. Having been
brought up on farm, used to hear much
said by farmers in regard to the "best
time" for cutting bushes, &c., and remsm.
ber well the many uncertainties that exist.
ed. and the various opinions given on the
subject. Some recommended to cut them
at one season, some at another. Some re.
gard the "moon," others the "signs," &c.
also remember that the same kind OF un.
derbrush, if cut at one season, would start
again and grow luxuriantly; but, if cut at
another. would be completely ''used 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 seasons of the year.
Some are killed by cutting as early as the
first of July; others by 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 is done growing for
the season, and its destruction is almost
certain" If cut before this time il will
GENERALLY start again the next year. The
exceptions are few. So much for the facts,
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 a new set of shoots
The exceptions are-1st. Evergreens, as
pine, hemlock, spruce. &c. cd. Those
that have copious flow of sap in the
spring, as the maple. birch, &c. Yet even
some Of these will start again if cut soon
after the buds have opened, i. e., after the
spring flow fsap has ceased, except in the
case Of old or large trees, in which the roo
appears not sufficiently vigorous, or the
evaporation from the new stump too rapid
TO allow Of the form alton of new shoots.
Cd. In autumn, when shrub or tree
has done growing for the season, the ac
tive energies of the root cease, being, per
haps, somewhat exhausted by its summer
action. If, then, the bush or tree be Gu
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 b.
sufficient to cause new growth; but if lef
till the foliage is dead or dying, the ener
gies of the root are restored by the return
ing of the sap, and are ready for actor
/ again as soon as the season of growtl
shall return. Hence, too early or too lat,
cutting will be equally unsuccessful.
Cut your underbrush. then, at the tim,
above specified, and twill rarely start a
gain. II it does, the growth will appea
stinted or sickly, and soon dies OF its owl
accord, or, second cutting. at the prop
er time. will insure success. The sam
rule applies TO all other plants, as Canad
thistles, milk weeds, &c.. 60, with great
er or less certainty, according TO the great
er or less vital force, or tenacity, or life
peculiar to the root Of each kind of vege
table.
The .'proper time" can easily be deter
mined by observing whether new leave
continue to appear at the end Of the prom
inent branches. When the end leaves ar
of full size, and bud is seen at the en-
of the branch, then, or soon after, j
your time to cut. II deferred long beyon,
t this time, or till the leaves begin to turl
yellow, or fall, cutting will be Of little use
as the root will be s.strong" for new staI
on the opening of new spring.-Genese
Farmer.