APPENDIX. 



227 



as well among low-headed trees as with higher. There is less danger 

 from high winds with the low-heads, and pruning can be performed with 



greater facility and ease, and the 

 saving in expense of gathering 

 the fruit is quite an item ; but the 

 most important advantage gained 

 by the low head is the protection 

 of the body of the tree from the 

 rays of the sun. causing what is 

 known as sun-scald, which is very 

 prevalent in some sections of the 

 apple-growing region. 



Another point gained by the 

 low head is in conservation of 

 moisture and lower temperature 

 around the base of the tree. 



No arbitrary rule, however, 

 should be laid down as to the 

 height of a fruit tree. This may 

 depend upon the locality, expos- 

 ure, variety, and the desire of the 

 planter. 



Some varieties have an upright 

 Fig. 9— Intermediate form of tree; proper shapp habit of growth, while others 

 have a drooping or horizontal habit, each requiring a training according to 

 its requirements ; but whatever difference of opinion there may be on this 

 subject, it is now generally conceded that the low top, all things considered, 

 is preferable. 



Form of top — There are three forms that are generally adopted in this 

 country. One known as the vase or goblet form. This form prevails to a 

 large extent in the Pacific Coast region, where by long experience it has 

 Vieen found to be best suited to the conditions of that section. This form is 

 obtained by cutting out the central stock or leader and training by a system 

 of pruning into the shape shown in Fig. 7. 



The pyramidal form is the opposite of the vase foriii in that the main 

 stock or leading shoot of the tree is allowed to maintain its upright growth 

 and the side branches are shortened back so as to produce the form of a 

 pyramid, as shown in Fig. 8. Thei'e is, however, a modified form between 

 the vase and the pyramid which gives a round, symmetrical shape to the 

 tree ( Fig. 9 ) sufficiently open to allow of free circulation of air and sun- 

 light. This form is more generally adopted and gives better satisfaction 

 throughout the central and eastern apple-growing regions. 



