256 



THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



the spacing of the crown limbs. You will notice that there are four 

 branches or cro-wii limbs that have been allowed to grow out from the 

 stem referred to in Figure 81. These crown limbs have grown out at 

 different points on this stem, no one being opposite another. It is not 

 always possible to carry out this particular ])lan in the crowning of the 

 tree, but in most cases the limbs can be spaced so as not to allow one 

 to come exactly opposite another, this to avoid too much strain at that 

 point which may result in the limbs splittina- off. I would prefer to 



Fig. 86. — Tree same age as that shown 

 in Fig. 85, pruned but larger. (Original.) 



have only two limbs with the center stem, if it were not possible 

 to grow four without having one opposite another. Three crown 

 limbs are enough and four are plenty. The tree in Figure 82 is fairly 

 well spaced, but if the crown limbs were a little farther apart, it would 

 be better. 



Figure 88 shows the same tree one year in the nursery cut back ready 

 to plant in orchard form. You will notice that it has been cut back 

 i-hort. It is dangerous to make the cuts too long the first two or three 

 years, as long cuts mean small limbs and weak frames. If this tree is 

 planted early and makes a good growth, the first pruning may be neces- 

 sary in August or September. Tliis will be the thinning out of the top 



