Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1880-08-14
SUMMER CARE OF FRUIT Trees.

One of the most important duties to be
performed in the orchard at any season of
the year, is that of pruning, and probably
there is no operation in the horticultural
department so little understood by the
great mass of our fruit growers. Especially
is this the case during the summer months,
when the enthusiastic cultivator imagines
he should be continually pinching back
every luxuriant shoot Age and expert
ence should bring wisdom, but unfortu-
nately this is not always the case in prun-
ing, yet we find many of our older orchard
lists adopting the theory promulgated some
years since by William Saunders of Wash
ington, d. c., to the effect that very little
pruning is necessary, and that the entire
system has been fearfully abused. Per-
haps it might be laid down as an axiom,
that he who prunes the least, consistent
with regular outline, is the better off in
the end. Never leave twig on the tree
that is in a wrong position. By cutting it
off when young, or rubbing it off as it
first puts IN an appearance, very little dam
age is caused; but if it should remain
until it becomes large limb, then it's re-
moval viii invariably prove hurtful TO the
tree itself. The use of shellac, dissolved
In alcohol, for covering wounds is an old
and valuable remedy, and should always
be used when a limb of large size is re-
moved. During the growing season,
Should any twig outgrow its companions,
the end may be punched of, and thus the
equilibrium OF the head be preserved with.
out damage to Its health.
The accomplished fruit grower is always
on the alert. to induce his trees to make a
moderate healthy growth, and at the same
time to preserve perfect outline, and an
open regular disposition of the branches
The use of mulchlng material is ungues-
tionably beneficial operation, especially
whilst the trees are young. Rough, coarse
strong manure will keep the surface of the
soil moist and cool, and at the same time
supply nourishment to the numerous
tibrous roots. Frequently, insects will
collect under this mulch IN large numbers,
but if it be constantly stirred this may be
obviated.
In regard to insects, we say-wage an
unrelenting war upon them. Never put off
their destruction for single day after
once finding them out If it is the tent
caterpillar, pull down every vestige of
their nest, and tread the worm under foot.
Air-slaked lime, or even dust from the
road will kill the pear or cherry slug.
Wherever it has heretofore been neglected,
lose no time in searching for the apple
borer, white grub that penetrates the
trunk just about the surface of the soil ;
sharp pointed knife, aided by stiff wire,
will prove efficacious. No sure remedy
can be suggested to prevent the "blight
in the pear, nor the "yellows in the
peach, but the following are not injurious,
and are certainly beneficial. Wash the
bodies of the trees, as well as the larger
branches, with ordinary thin white-wash
or strong soap-suds. Topdress the soil
beneath with weak lime, good rich com.
post, unleached wood-ashes, etc., any
refuse decaying vegetable matter in fact,
that will furnish food for your trees. A
slight dressing of salt, used sparingly, also
answers an excellent purpose, and some
cultivators recommend ground bones, and
others iron filings. A heavy mulching
with muck is beneficial to all young trees.
TThe American Garden.