Apple Culture 321 



In order to clear up this matter a little, I will give my 

 own method, founded on several years' experience and 

 observation. There are several objects to be attained in 

 pruning. The tirst which we shall consider is to give the 

 tree its proper form, which is that of an umbrella inverted, 

 with the branches sufficiently spread to give free access to 

 the air and light, which are essential to the full perfection 

 of the fruit. This also being the form which gives the best 

 facilities for gathering the fruit. The young tree may be 

 pruned into this shape when first set, which can then be 

 easily done. 



Starting right, then but little pruning will be required at 

 any one time, but this little must be attended to closely, and 

 may be done at any time when the jack-knife is sharp, and 

 consists simply in removing by cutting or rubbing off such 

 shoots as may start up in places where they will not be 

 wanted. If this is done in season, no large limbs need ever 

 be cut, except it may be occasionally to remove a dead one. 

 This kind' of pruning may be done at any season of the 

 year, and , theoretically, no implement but the pruning-knife 

 and shears will be required ; but practically, on account of 

 neglect in attending to it in season, the saw may sometimes 

 be necessary, but never upon any occasion, except to cut it 

 down, use a hatchet or an axe about a fruit tree. 



Different varieties of apples have cHfferent habits of 

 growth, and in order to prune intelligently and preserve 

 each tree in its proper shape, some knowledge of these dif- 

 ferent habits is necessary. 



Let us now give om* attention to an orchard that has 

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