Pruning Peach Trees 197 



spread of the limbs of the two trees being fifty-five feet. 

 They possess remarkable bearing surface and present a strik- 

 ing example of what can be accomplished by systematic, 

 wisely directed pruning in developing a peach tree. 



Still another form of Elberta tree appears in Plate XIX. 

 It is not as old by three years as the trees in Plate XVIII (top), 

 but it has had good attention though controlled by somewhat 

 different ideals. The top is well opened, it has large bearing 

 surface, and is in condition to produce a large quantity of 

 highly colored fruit, but it will be borne mostly towards 

 the extremities of the limbs where much of the picking will 

 probably be done from step-ladders. 



The trees in Plate XIX (top) were not formed with great 

 care nor with regard to any very definite system during their 

 early years in the orchard. They have been pruned regularly, 

 headed back with discretion, and have developed a large 

 bearing surface since the wood of the previous season's growth 

 is well distributed and abundant. They have been pruned 

 regularly with a view to securing the most practical ends 

 but without special concern for the best possible appearance 

 of the trees. 



The type of orchard step-ladder or stool here shown (Plate 

 XIX) is an excellent one for use in an orchard located on a 

 steep slope. The legs on one side are commonly made some- 

 what shorter than on the other to conform to the slope of 

 the land, while the top has sufficient surface to give one a 

 sense of security when standing on it. 



In Plate XX (bottom) is shown still another ideal. It is a 

 Phillips tree grown on fertile soil under irrigation. These 

 factors of environment account for the large size and dense 

 foliage. The tops are probably too dense but this variety is 

 one of the leading sorts grown in California for canning. 



