36 



The Bulletin 



PRUNING AT THE END OF THE SECOND YEAR 



It is the primary object of the priming operation duriii<i- the first 

 two years to devoid]) the frameAvork of the tree. Ai the end of the 

 second season the })runing is much the same as that of the first year. 

 Two strong, outwardly inclined branches near the end of the primary 

 scaffold or main limbs are selected. These branches are pruned back 

 to lengths of from 14 to 20 inches, and all other branches are removed. 

 All the small twigs need not be removed, but the strongest may be cut 

 back and allowed to bear fruit. The trees will produce fruit the third 



Fig. -3. Correct method of "dcliorning" practiced during seasons when the buds are killed. 

 The "dehorned" tree produces a new top the current season, which bears a crop the next 

 year. This fieiire also shows bur clover as a cover crop in the Coastal Plain Section. 

 Photograjih taken in Aiiril. 



season, but it is best to permit the young trees to bear very little until 

 tlic fourth .'Je.'ison. as the rnergy of the tree .should k' directed towards 

 the developing of a hirgc framework I he lirst two .seasons and towards 

 producing fruiting wood the third season. 



im;i\i.\(; at iiik end ok the tiiihd year 



The tree now ha.s tin; first-year frnnicwdik limbs, the second-year 

 branches and a great iniinlter of lu'w liraiiclics ami smaller twigs. 



