APPLE GROWING 



differently and for other purposes. These we 

 can conveniently consider under six heads : 



1. Every tree should be pruned with a defi- 

 nite ideal as to size, shape, and degree of open- 

 ness in mind. To have such an ideal is very 

 important. It is only by industriously and 

 consistently carrying it out that the ideal tree 

 in these respects can be ever obtained. Hap- 

 hazard cutting and sawing without a definite 

 purpose in mind are really worse than no prun- 

 ing at all. 



2. It almost goes without saying that to re- 

 move all dead, diseased, or injured wood is 

 a prime purpose of pruning. Dead and injured 

 branches open the way for rot and decay of 

 contiguous branches, and disease spreads 

 through the tree. The removal of all such 

 branches is as essential to the health of the tree 

 as it is to its good appearance. In removing 

 them the cut should be made well behind the 

 diseased or injured part to insure the checking 

 of rot and disease. 



3. All mature apple trees should be so 

 pruned as to keep them in the most easily man- 

 ageable shape and to facilitate in every pos- 

 sible way the operations of tillage, spraying, 



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