TlIK HlJ.I.ETIX o5 



5. 1'lic' hianclics and twigs of Ircos an- in constant competition with 

 each uthci-; wlicn tlif munljor of branches is reduced those that remain 

 liecomo more vigorous. 



T\u' ohjects of in'unincr above enumerated can be best accomplished 

 liy ni'-ans of the open head or ''vase-form" s^'stem of jtiMininir. and no 

 other system should be used with the peach. 



The form and sliapi' of the tree is depeii(l<'nf upon tlir pruning of 

 the first two or tliirc years. ]t is during this ])eriod iliai the founda- 

 tion or the franu'work of the tree is cstablislu'd. 



Fi'i. 22. Same tree as iu Fig. 21 after being pruned. 



PRUXIXG AT THE KND OF THE FIRST YEAR 



Heading the young tree has already been discussed. The i»runing 

 operation at the end of the first year consists in the development of 

 the primary scaflold limbs. AVhen the tree was headed back at plant- 

 ing time, three to five stubs were left on the main stem. From eai-li of 

 these stubs two or more main liranches. depending uixm the nund)er 

 of buds h'ft on the stubs, have grown, .\fter .stdecting two of these 

 main branches that are symmetrically and properly placed, head them 

 back to K'ngths of from 12 to IG inches, and remove everything else. 



