PRUNING 



EDWARD VAX ALSTYXE, KIXDERHOOK, N. Y. 



Director of Farmers' Institutes 



In order to cover the subject of pruning in the most concise way, 

 I preface what I have to say by a question " Why do we 

 prime ? " and answer by giving three chief reasons in the order of 

 their importance: 



1. To grow a shapely tree, one that will be symmetrical in form, 

 with the branches so placed that the danger from splitting under 

 a heavv load of fruit or when covered with snow and ice will be 



FIG. 223. BALDWIN TREES, 15 YEARS OLD, AND THE PRODUCT OF A 

 SINGLE TREE, IN ORCHARD OF EDWARD VAN ALSTYNE, KINDERHOOK, 



N. Y. 



reduced to a minimum, also in order that the branches may be so 

 formed as to carry the fruit with the least danger from breaking. 



2. To remove diseased or broken twigs or branches and superflu- 

 ous growth. 



3. To allow light and air to penetrate, thus reducing the dangers 

 from fungous troubles, increasing the color, and at the same time 

 making thorough spraying possible. 



F830] 



