PRUNING AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PEACH TREE. 193 



place where pruned. This result is obtained by training aud 

 nailing. 



190. 2nd, — To obtain lower secondary branches of a proper 

 relative strength ; and, like the main branches, perfectly straight, 

 and tapering, without swelling or knots. 



191. 3rd, — Not to form the upper secondary branches until 

 the lower ones are so well established, that there may be no 

 danger of their being impoverished by the upper secondaries 

 depriving them of the necessary sap. Rather than run the 

 risk of this, it is better to delay their formation for a year, or 

 more. 



192. 4th, — To take advantage of all the eyes, or young shoots, 

 which grow on the upper or under sides of each branch, in order 

 to furnish it properly with fruit-branches and successional shoots ; 

 and to destroy all the eyes which push in front of the branches as 

 soon as they make their appearance, in order not to leave unsightly 

 scars. Those produced at the back of the branch are likewise 

 taken off, unless there is a vacancy to fill up, in which case they 

 are preferable to those in front. The shoots resulting from these 

 eyes must be nailed so as to bring them gradually to the side. 



193. 5th, — Lastly, in order to insure these results, to make a 

 proper use of the means which are presented by disbudding ; by 

 pinching, which should not be too liberally applied ; and by 

 summer-pruning, so useful for concentrating the sap in the base 

 of the successional shoot. Neither must we forget the importance 

 of training the principal branches in a perfectly straight direction, 

 this being favourable to the circulation of the sap ; nor that of 

 nailing, the effects of which have been treated on, according as it 

 is loose, or otherwise, and whether it keep the branch in an easy 

 or confined, a vertical or inclined position ; the importance of 

 shading the strong part to retard its growth ; and that of budding 

 and inarching when there is no more natural means of producing 

 a shoot where it is wanted. In thus operating with care and 

 intelligence, we will generally obtain trees of regular form, having 

 the bark of the principal branches fresh and nearly smooth, 

 indicating perfect health. They will be well-furnished with fruit- 

 branches at regular distances, and their crops will also be regular 

 and abundant. 



