Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-08-04
miscellaneous.
SUMNER CARE OF FRUIT TREES.

One of the most important duties TO be
performed in the orchard at any season
of the wear, is that of pruning, and prob
ably there is no operation in the horticul-
tural department so little understood by
the great mass of our fruit growers. Es-
pecially is this the case during the sum-
mer months. when the enthusiastic culti-
vator imagincs he should be continually
pinching back every luxuriant shoot. Age
and experience should bring wisdom. but
unfortunately this is not always the case in
pruning. vet we find many of our older
orhardists have adopted the theory promul-
gated some years since by William Saun-
ders of Washington. ID. c.. TO the effect
that very little pruning is necessary, and
that the entire system has been ieariully
abused. Perhaps it might be laid down
rs an axiom. that he who pruncs the least
consistent with regular outline. is better
of in the end. Never leave twig ON u
tree that is in a wrong position. BY cut
ting it off rs it first puts in an appearance,
very little damage is caused; but if it
should remain until il becomes n large
limb. then its removal will invariably
prove hurtful TO the tree itself. The use
Of shellac, dissolved in alcohol. for cover
ing wounds is an old and valuable rene
dy, and should always he used when
limb of large size is removed During
the growing season. should anv twig out
grow its companions, the end may he
pinchcd off and thus the equilibrium of
the head be preserved without damage
To its health.
The accomplished fruit grower is al
WAYS on the alert. to induce his trees 10
make moderate healthy growth, and at
the same time TO preserve Il perfect out
line, and an open regular disposition of
the branches. The use of mulchng ma
terial is unquestionably beneficial opera
ton. especially while the trees are young.
Rough. coarse. strong manure will keep
the surface of the soil moist and cool and
at the same time supply nourshment TO
the numerous iibrous roots Frequently,
insects will collect under this much in
large numbers, but il it be constantly stir
red this may be obviated
In regard TO insects, we say-wage an
unrclenting war upon them. Never put
of their destruction for single day after
once finding them out. II it is the tent
caterpillar, pull down every vestige of
their nest. and tread the worm under foot.
Air-slaked lime. or even the dust from the
road will Kill the Pear or Cherry slug.
Wherever it has heretofore been neglect
ed, lose no time in searching for the ap-
ple-borer, II white grub that pcnetrates
the trunk just about the surface of the
soil a sharp-pointed knife. aided by
stiff wire. will prove eflicacious. No sure
remedy can he suggested 10 prevent the
blight in the Pear, nor the ''yellowso
in the Peach, but the following are net
injurious, and are certainly beneficial.
Wash the bodies of the trees. rs well as
the larger branches, with ordinary thin
white-wash or strong soap suds. Top
dress the soil beneath with weak lime,
good rich compost, unleached wood ashes,
&c. any refuse decaying vegetable mat
ter in fact. that will furnish food for your
trees. A slight dressing of salt. used
sparngly. also answers an excellent pur-
pose. and some cultivators recommend
ground bones, and others iron filings. A
heavy mulchng with muck is beneficial
to all young trees.