10 AIav. 1917. J Apple Culture in Victoria. 277 



APPLE CULTURE L\ VICTOIUA. 



liy J. I'll mil. Orchard Supervisor. 

 (Continued from page l.")7.) 



SUMMER PRUNING. 



There are three prime factors which govern the practice of Summer 

 pruning. The first is the "early," complete or partial suppression of 

 surplus yearling leader growths, with a view to strengthening the leader 

 system of the tree or any weak longitudinal section of it, and to main- 

 tain its symmetry. This should be particularly attended to when an 

 orchard is growing on land under the average fertility. Secondly there 

 is the "mid-season" thinning out or shortening back of strong upright 

 sur.plus laterals, to encourage the development of weaker and more fruit- 

 ful ones, where necessary, and also to admit light and air to all parts 

 of the tree and to ripen the wood of the light laterals already produced. 

 The third is the "late" pinching back of the yearling laterals to facili- 

 tate the more complete development of the fruit buds on the two-year- 

 old wood below the lease of the yearling growths, when the tree arrives 

 at the bearing age. 



The terms "early," "mid-season," and "late" mentioned above in 

 connexion with the three factors, mean the times during the currency 

 of the vegetative period to be judged by the pruner as best suited 

 according to circumstances, for the performance of the operations just 

 detailed. 



In consequence of the varying soil, climatic conditions, and the indi- 

 vidual needs of the respective varieties requiring treatment in order to 

 obtain the best results according to the object which it is desired to 

 achieve, no definite time limit can be fixed for the operation of Summer 

 pruning. 



Speaking generally, however, the early treatment of the leader 

 growths may be carried out as soon as the objectionable character of 

 those requiring attention is observed during November. The mid- 

 season thinning out. or shortening back of the laterals may receive atten- 

 tion during December, and the late pinching back of the laterals requir- 

 ing same may be performed during Februarv. 



Success or failure in this regard largely depends on the scientific 

 pruning knowledge possessed by the operator and its expedient applica- 

 tion. 



Almost all the varieties of apple trees in general cultivation, except 

 when making exceptionally rank growth through growing on rich land, 

 respond freelv to ordinary winter pruning, and they may be made to 

 bear reasonably heavy crops without difficulty, except in a few instances, 

 where cross-pollination of varieties requiring same has not been pro- 

 vided for. 



Owing to pruning science having advanced to the state of perfec- 

 tion at which we find it at present, the Summer treatment of trees has 

 not been practised during recent years to nearly the extent that for- 

 merly obtained. Particularly on account of the stunting effect which 

 it usually produces on the tree, as explained in the case of Plate 20, 

 Figs. 2 imd 3; Plate 22. Figs. 1, 2, and 3; and Plate 23, Figs. 1 and 2, 

 Summer pruning is nnt advocated except when it assists in regulating 

 the branch system while the tree is young, and thus helps to make the 



