204 SOME SPECIFIC ADVICE 



The number of main or scaffold limbs should 

 be decided upon, in a general way, before prun- 

 ing of the young tree is seriously begun. Too 

 many limbs are more frequent than too few. 

 Four or five scaffold limbs are usually sufficient 

 for an orchard tree. The operator should also 

 consider whether he wants the trunk to continue 

 beyond the branches. Figs. 126 and 127 suggest 

 the problem. In Fig. 126 is shown a "single 

 story" apple tree, and in Fig. 127 a "double 

 story" tree. It is impossible to secure the latter 

 form in all varieties of apples, and rarely possible 

 with peaches, but it is nearly always easily secured 

 with pears. Wherever such form can be obtained, 

 the writer believes that it (Fig. 127) is to be 

 preferred. It is then possible to secure a greater 

 surface for fruit -bear ing, the load is more evenly 

 distributed, and there is less danger of splitting 

 of crotches. This high -centered framework is 

 secured by allowing the leader to continue. The 

 leader may be cut back when the tree is planted, 

 but a new one will start, and this may be allowed 

 to grow. It will soon reach the limit of its 

 height and make a normal system of branches, 

 as shown in Fig. 127. 



Two most important points in the general prun- 

 ing of fruit trees are, (1) to determine upon the 

 proper framework for the top, and (2) to there- 

 after keep the tree open and shapely, allowing 

 it to continue its natural habit of growth. 



