178 



Journal op the Department of Agriculture. 



is not allowed to have much share in the process. Yet we see 

 iliousands of trees planted througliont the Union that have received 

 little or no attention in the way of pruning-_ at an early and most 

 important stage. Nurserymen, unless otherwise instructed, send out 

 their young trees with the past season's growth uncut, thougli this 

 cannot always be said of the roots, which usually suffer a little when 

 the trees are dug out. If the trees are planted as received, and not 

 cut back, buds will be called into activity during a warm spell of 

 weather, sustained by the reserve material in the tissues, and, unless 

 new root action is taldng place, no sap can be pumped up to sui)p()rt 

 llie growth. Under these conditions many trees die every year, \\hilst 

 the vitality of others is impaired to such a degree that com])lel(> 

 recovery is impossible. Sometimes a tree has already formed a head 



Fig. L— Pruning Tools. 



in the nursery row, and one is dubious aboiii reiiidx ing it; in ])iaclic(> 

 tlie head is removed entirely when the stem is too long or lacking m 

 stability so that new growths may arise lower down and form a more 

 substantial foundation for the future tree. Year-old trees with 

 straight stems are also cut back to the height of one's knee (about 

 18 to 20 inches), the object being to develop a low head built on 

 short, sturdy main arms, capable of carrying regular heavy crops of 

 fruit without l)reaking down. The trees are thus prevented from 

 breaking into vigorous growth before the shortened roots ha^'e formed 

 a new set of feeders to obtain nourishment necessary for tiie new 

 growths, and a standard of uniformity is obtained throughout the 

 orchard. 



It is generally recognized that the best shape or form for 

 deciduous trees under South African conditions is that known as the 

 " goblet " or " vase " form. To obtain tliis form it is necessary to 



