[1]All trees require pruning; for they are improved by removal of the dead wood, which is, as it were, a foreign body, and prevents growth and nourishment. Wherefore when the (tree)[2] becomes old, they cut off all its boughs: for then the tree breaks afresh. Androtion[3] says that the myrtle and olive need more pruning than any other trees; for the smaller you leave them, the better they will grow, and they will bear better fruit. But the vine of course needs pruning even more; for it is in the case of this tree[4] more necessary for promoting both growth and fruitfulness. However, speaking generally, both this and other kinds of tendance must be suited to the particular natural character in each case.
Androtion further says that the olive the myrtle and the pomegranate require the most pungent manure and the heaviest watering, as well as the most thorough pruning, for that then they do not get 'softwood'[5] nor any disease underground; but when the tree is old, he adds, one should cut off the boughs, and then attend to the stem as though it were a tree just planted. Thus[6] treated they say that the myrtle and olive are longer lived and very robust. These statements might be a subject for further enquiry, or, if not all of them, at least what is stated of the 'softwood.'
Manure does not suit all alike, nor is the same manure equally good for all. Some need it pungent, some less so, some need it quite light. The most pungent is human dung: thus Chartodras[7] says the best, pig-manure being second to it, goat-manure third, fourth that of sheep, fifth that of
