716 



Journal of Agriculiiire, Victoria. [11 Dec, 1916. 



to develop on long laterals near their points. Plate 40 is also a specimen 

 of this type of tree. To prevent this excessive lengthening of the leaders, 

 however, they should he cut back occasionally to light and the more 

 suitable laterals on the two, or three-year-old wood, and those laterals 

 utilized to extend the stiffened leaders Avhich will be made shorter as a 

 result of this treatment. This method also maintains the tree's 

 symmetrical appearance. 



When the trees are pruned in the ordinary way and when the leaders 

 have extended beyond a reasonable length, some pruners shorten them 



Plate 42. — Rome Beauty, thirteen years old, with leaders shortened back. 



back by cutting in the internodes of the three or four-year-old wood like 

 the fourteen-year-old Lemon Pippin tree shown in Plate 41. This 

 method is to be deprecated as the gradual upward flow of the sap is 

 prevented, and it gives the tree a stunted appearance. 



The best method to adopt in a case of this kind is to cut back to 

 light laterals like these on the Rome Beauty, Plate 42, when they are 

 conveniently placed on the three or four-year-old wood. By this means 

 the gradual upward flow of the sap is permitted, and the leaders are 

 encouraged to again extend from this point Avith the least possible 

 interruption. 



