2 



age of merclian table fruit ? The chief effort of every plant under nat- 

 ural conditions is expended in ensuring its own reproduction. This 

 is chiefly effected hy means of seeds. A small apple may contain as 

 many seeds as a large one or even more. The orchardist wants big 

 fruits, and if they are nearly seedless so much the better. Large fruit 

 may be secured by reducing the unproductive parts of the top to a 

 minimum and by providing the roots with plenty of available food. 



2. Natiire prunes hut m a sloio and 

 imperfect way. — Only a small number 

 of the total shoots produced on a young 

 apple tree reach twig size, and a much 

 smaller number attain the dignity of 

 medium sized branches. There is a 

 sharp struggle for existence ; many 

 buds are crowded out by others more 

 favorably situated with regard to food 

 supply. There is a waste of energy 

 while this struggle for supremacy is 

 going on ; the fruit-grower prunes to 

 husband the energies of the tree so 

 that larger and better fruit may be 

 produced. The amount of pruning necessary in orcharding varies 

 witli' location and exposure. In hot 

 exposed situations fruit trees do not 

 need as much pruning as in sheltered 

 cool sites. Sunshine and light are 

 essential to the development of well 

 colored, high flavored fruit. In the 

 East there is more cloud v weather and 

 less intense heat than in the AYest. 

 More pruning is needed. The quality 

 of the fruit produced may be accepted 

 as an indication of the tree's require- 

 ments in the way of pruning. 



3. By j^'f'uning certain definite pur- 

 poses may he accomplished. — Bad habits may be corrected ; defl- 



404 



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Top too dense. 



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 Same top pruned. 



