390 



THE MONTHLY BULLETIN. 



Small twigs should be maiutained on these main branches. Even the 

 trunk itself may be allowed to grow such twigs for a number of years 

 and the foliage so carried will afford a useful protection against sun 

 burn. Of course, these twigs must be held within bounds by pruning, 

 and removed entirely before the cut is too heavy for the hand shears, t 

 Their places are then taken by suckers allowed to grow from the main 

 limb. 



An apple orchard so handled might easil}^ remain in full vigor for one 

 hundred years, as there would be no chance for wood rot to gain 

 entrance and bring about the death of the trees. The system here reeom- 



FiG. 96. — Branch well studded with apples, close to the main limb and not in 

 danger of wind damage. (Photo by Geo. P. Weldon.) 



mended is one of general application except in districts where the pear 

 blight is a serious menace. Under such circumstances the growth of 

 small twigs from the main branches is not considered the best practice. 



AUTHOR'S NOTE. 



Recently, and since the delivery of the above paper, Mr. "Weldon has 

 taken some photographs in this orchard which illustrate the points in 

 question. 



WINTER PRUNING OF THE APPLE. 



By Geo. P. W^eldon, Sacramento, California. 



In the study of pruning methods we find in our orchards the two 

 extremes of exceedingly severe pruning and none at all. While neither 

 extreme is best, there are few who prune too heavily and the danger lies 

 in not pruning enough. Such work should begin when the trees are set 

 and should continue throughout the time of their usefulness as pro- 

 ducers of fruit. 



tSuch cuts may be best made with the saw in order to remove the twigs very 

 close to the main branch and so allow of more rapid healing. 



