258 



THE MONTHLY BULIiETIN. 



This close cutting is done to develop strength in the crown of the tree 

 before a heavy top growth is developed. Although this tree is only 

 nine months old, some short, healthy wood has been allowed to remain 

 in the crown which was developed in the nursery and in the crown 

 now being developed. These are little fruit limbs which have formed 

 and will during the second year of growth blossom and set some fruit. 

 I have been asked many times if it is best to pick off these blossoms 

 or cut off this fruit. I say no. Let us consider from now on the 

 matter of leaving the fruit spurs and fruit limbs in the crown of 

 the tree which has been developed so that they may grow and produce 



Via. SS. — Same tree as shown in Fig. 87 

 pruned. (Original.) 



lemons in limited quantities while the tree is young. Do not be 

 alarmed if the young trees, one or two years old, begin to show an 

 inclination to bear and develop some fruit. Let them get the habit 

 while they are young. A lemon tree, properly trained and pruned, 

 should bear quite a few lemons when it is three years old. The little 

 limbs will first blossom on the end, bearing from one to three lemons, 

 and then on the limb, back toward the trunk of the tree, fruit spurs 

 Avill develop and set fruit. 



Figure 84 shows a two-year tree before pruning in the spring. The 

 tall limbs should be cut back to from six to twelve inches, depending 



