ceived to be absolutely necessary; and, in particular cases, a fourth is advantageous.
Where the climate will admit of autumn pruning, it is recommended to give the first turning over immediately after it and thus carry to the roots, that refreshment which is necessary after the heats of the summer.
When the pruning is delayed till spring, the first labour should be delayed till it is finished, but should follow it immediately, that, before the opening of the buds, that freshness which exists in soil newly turned over, and which might induce frosts and endanger them, may be dissipated. The second labour should take place when the fruit is formed; and the third, which is generally a mere scraping of the surface, to destroy weeds, when it begins to ripen.
The depth to which the ground is turned over, is different, according to the differences of soil. At the base of hills, and on strong soils, it may be dug to the depth of six or seven inches, while, on very light soils, and on the summits of hills, the half of that depth will suffice. The practice of laying bare the roots of the plants, by forming a ridge between the rows, which prevails in some places before the winter, is severely reprobated, especially in colder climates, where, to expose the roots to the action of the frost, must be injurious.
