296 Peach-Growing 



differences In varieties In habit of growth, particularly with 

 regard to the formation along the branches and in the in- 

 terior of the tree of short annual twigs which amount almost 

 to fruit-spurs. These different characteristics have a similar 

 significance from a variety standpoint with regard to thinning. 

 This is of course to be expected, since one of the stated objects 

 of pruning is to thin the fruit. Obviously varieties which 

 form their fruit-buds singly (Plate XV) do not as a rule 

 require so much thinning as do those which form them in 

 doubles — one on each side of a leaf -bud (Plate XV) . The 

 relation of the short spur-like growth to thinning Is in propor- 

 tion to the amount of such growth that is developed. In 

 some cases it materially increases the amount of bearing 

 surface, therefore the amount of thinning that may need to 

 be done. 



Thinning overloaded trees operates in various ways, the 

 more Important of which are as follows : On the present crop 

 (1) it increases the size of the fruit; (2) improves the color; 

 (3) improves the flavor; (4) Increases the uniformity of 

 ripening; (5) decreases the labor in picking and packing. 

 On the tree (6) it prevents undue depletion of vitality ; (7) 

 because of ''6" it may have an Important relation to the 

 next season's crop, also to winter injury ; (8) prevents break- 

 age of limbs. 



To the experienced peach-grower these results are self- 

 evident, but a brief amplification of the several features 

 mentioned will serve to Ox their importance. 



1 . Walker ^ illustrates Elberta peaches from a moderately 

 thinned tree of which 140 to 180 made a bushel, and in con- 

 trast, peaches from an unthinned tree of which it required 

 260 to 272 for a bushel. St archer ^ speaks of a crate which 



1 Ark. Expt. Sta. Bull. 79. ^ Va. Poly. Inst. Ext. Bull. 1. 



