Pruning of Deciduous Fruit Trees. 



269 



has a natural tendency to form forks — this should be checked as much 

 as possible, because these forks are always weak points. Each branch 

 should have a separate and distinct hold on the main or secondary 

 arms to secure stability Most varieties come into bearing during 

 the third or fourth year, the fruit being produced on one-year-old 

 wood, oi' on spurs two or more years old; this class of wood siiould 

 be found spread over the framework of the tree from the crutch to 

 the tips of the leaders. 



The accompanying photograph will convey a clear idea of the 

 distribution of fruiting wood on the apricot. Once the trees have 

 borne a fair crop the tendency to rush into strong rambling growth 

 is arrested, and the amount of cutting is reduced. The fruit-bearing 



Fig. 8. — Illustrating Apricot leadeis and manner of treating. 



1. Point of origin on previous season's leader. 



2. Where to prune the leader in winter. 



d. Showing development of lateral fiuiting wood between 1 and 2, as seen in the 

 following season. 



laterals that are too long (say over 1 foot) should be shortened liaclc 

 to 9 inches. Take care to cut just above a growth bud, otherwise 

 the lateral may die after fruiting. Any wood under incjies in 

 length should bo left uncut. If laterals are too nununous suppress 

 a few altogether, so that the J-einainder liave room for development. 



Tltc apricot leaders i)reseiit a difficulty to the uninitiated. It 

 will be noticd by glancing at the photograph (fig. 8) that a series of 

 laterals arise about half-way up; pay no attention to their fitiiting 



