172 Journal of Agriculture, 'Victoria. [10 March, 191 2. 



tree he must now take the oppoTtunity. This is the last stage in pro- 

 pagating a sound and useful type of tree. 



Stone fruits will first require attention ; remove all branches, leaving 

 only those to form the head (see Fig. 66b). 



With many varieties of .seed fruits that have been topped, only three 

 to four of the terminal buds make branched growth. Where this occur.s. 

 /lo trimming is necessary. Again, many varieties branch well before 

 the stem growth is of any length. Such types should be topped at a 

 bud when the necessary height is attained, and all branched growths re- 

 moved. The removal of these growths will give the terminal portion 

 a greater supply of nourishment. Fig. 67A shows such a type, the arrow 

 marking where to top at bud. Fig. 67B shows the result of this treat- 

 ment a few weeks later. Fig. 68a is a type more often found amongst 

 almonds, apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums. This type should not 



68. TRIMMING. 

 a. Young tree being ill-lormed. b. Correct treatment. 



be neglected. If so, the strong growing lower branch will utilize the 

 greater quantity of ascending sap and nourishment, and starve that por- 

 tion of the stem above, also the branch growths necessary to form a well- 

 balanced head. Such a growth should be removed close to the stem as 

 shown in Fig. 68b. If neglected an ill-shaped tree will be the result, 

 besides being a most unsuitable type to prune the following winter. 



Treatment or Stocks. 



Stocks grown for budding purpo.ses should be attended to early in the 

 vegetative period and before the superfluous shoots are of anv length. 

 The stocks should not be allowed to carry heavy head growths. The 

 heavier the head growth, the greater the draw upon the soil. 



Some stocks require different treatment from others at the beginning. 

 Apricot and peach stocks, if grown direct from the stone for working upon. 



