Some gardeners head down the trees at the time of planting; which often proves fatal to them. Where large branches have been cut off, from full-grown trees, in a careless manner, and the wounds left to nature, the whole tree is infected with the gum and canker. In which case, to save or restore the tree's fruitfulness and health, pare off the cankered part of the bark with a draw-knife. Often the white, inner bark, is found infected, which also is to be cut away; not leaving a single brown or black spot; which are like dots made with a pen. All the branches so cut and pared, are instantly to be covered with the composition in a liquid state : the preparation and application wherecf, see post. Wherever the knife has been used, the composition must be immediately applied. I have, says Mr. Forsyth, a great dislike to autumnal pruning of fruit-trees; especially of stone fruit. By pruning these, the canker is apt to follow it. In the spring, when the sap begins to flow, and will follow the knife, the lips will quickly grow. (6) Covering apricots (and other fruit-trees) will prevent the blossom from destruction by frost, cutting winds, &c. In severe weather cover them before the flowers begin to expand; for they often drop off before they are opened. The best covering is old fish-nets, put on threefold; with a few branches of dry fern, stuck in among the branches before the nets are put onThey assist greatly in breaking high winds. The practice of covering with mats in the night, and taking them off in the day, is injurious in exposing the trees frequently to the cutting winds. Covering with branches of spruce fir, is also injurious, from being too close, and promoting the curl of the leaves of the trees, and the shoots to break very weak; whereas the nets admit of a free circulation of air, yet break the force of the winds. It rains or snows, sometimes, in the forepart of the night, and freezes towards morning; the drops are then found hanging in icicles on the meshes, while the tree is almost dry. In England, a west aspect is reckoned preferable for the general crop. A few trees they plant on a south aspect, for an early supply; and for a late supply, a few on an east aspect. PLUMS, Selected by Mr. Forsyth for a small garden, in England; with certain notices on their culture, &c. there. THE selection recommended by Mr. Forsyth for his small garden, consists of-The Jaunhative; Early Damask; Orleans; La Royal; Green Gage (sorts); Draps d'Or; Saint Catherine, and Imperatrice. The Magnum Bonum, for baking; and the Winesour, for preserving. Of the Jaunbative, Mr. Forsyth observes, it is a small plum (by some called White Prismordian), of a yellow colour, and mealy. Ripe, the end of July, or first of August. One tree, he says, is sufficient for a garden. The Early Damask, commonly called the Morocco Plum, is middle sized, the flesh good. Ripens in early August. The Red Orleans, is large; rich juice. Ripe end of August. La Royal; a fine Plum, equal to the Green Gage; but a shy bearer; of a red colour. Ripens late in September. Its Green Gage; several varieties, and all good. Is of an exquisite taste;-eats like a sweetmeat. colour and size distinguish it from any other. Ripens in August and September. Drap d'Or is a good Plum-a plentiful bearer. Ripe late in September. Saint Catherine Plum is one of the best-much used in confectionary; also very good for the table, having a rich sweet juice; and is a good bearer, banging the longest of any upon the tree: sometimes six weeks in gathering. Ripens late in Sep tember. The Imperatrice, or Empress Plum, has an agreeable flavor Ripens the middle of October. This is one of the latest Plums-should not be gathered till it begins to shrivel; it will then eat like a sweetmeat, and make a great addition to the table in the latter end of October and beginning of November. On the choice, planting, pruning, &c. of PlumTrees, see those treated of under Apricots, ante. If there are any tap-roots, cut them off; and also the fine hairy roots, they being liable to become mouldy and rot. If the roots, says Mr. Forsyth, are not spread near the surface of the ground, it will prevent the sun and air from penetrating to them; and the fruit, of course, will not have so fine a fla vour. Never cut the stems of young Plum-trees when first planted, but leave them till the buds begin to break; then they may be headed down to five or more eyes, always observing to leave an odd one 'for the leading shoot: observing to cut sloping towards the wall, and as near to an eye as possible, Speaking of the distance between the trees, Mr, Forsyth says, Plum-trees should be planted accord. ing to the height of the wall, (when not a standard.) If the wall be ten feet high (the common height), they may be planted eight yards distance from tree If the wall be twelve feet high, or more, to tree, seven yards will suffice, By training an upright shoot on the Plums, as for Pears, there will be gained fine kind shoots from the sides, Shorten the leading shoot, leaving it one to two feet long, according to its strength, |