CULTUKAL .METHODS, PRUNING FOR PLUMS AND PRUNES 1181 



FIG. 388. BAY AY PRUNED, SHOWING THE CENTRAL LEADER WITH THE 

 BRANCHES Cur BACK 



The system of pruning is really a matter of local and personal 

 practice, and no definite rule can determine it. Many growers 

 contend that the more severely plum trees are pruned and 

 headed-in, the more easily are they cared for. Spraying is easier 

 and the fruit is picked with less effort. A greater number of trees 

 c;m he handled on an acre. Under such treatment, however, the 

 thrift of the trees often seems to be impaired, and in some cases 

 after a few years smaller crops are realized. 



The formation of a suitable head on young trees is a matter of 

 much importance. The surest way of success is to select only 



