FRUIT-GARDENING. 49 



very old subjects, the branches only are cut within a foot or two 

 of the trunk, and then grafted in the crown or cleft manner. In 

 all the varieties of the common Apple, the mode of bearing is 

 upon small terminal and lateral spurs, or short robust shoots, 

 from half an inch to two inches long, which spring from the 

 younger branches of two or more years growth, appearing at 

 first at the extremity, and extending gradually to the side. 

 The same bearing-branches and fruit-spurs continue many yean 

 fruitful. 



PRUNING. 



As, from the mode of bearing, Apple-trees do not admit of 

 shortening the general bearers, it should only be practised in 

 extraordinary cases. If trees have not the most desirable form, 

 when three or four years old, they should be judiciously pruned 

 to promote regular spreading branches. In annual pruning, 

 the main branches should not be cut, unless in cases of decay ; 

 but all superfluous cross branches and dead wood should be 

 taken out, and the suckers removed. Espaliers require a 

 summer and winter pruning. 



SELECT DESCRIPTIVE LIST OF APPLES. 



SUMMER FRUIT. 



AMERICAN SUMMER PEARMAIN, Early Summer Pearmain. 

 This apple is of medium size and oblong form ; its color 

 bright red on the sunny side, and on the opposite side yellow, 

 streaked or blotched with red ; the flesh is very juicy, tender, 

 fine flavored, and excellent. It ripens early in August, and is 

 good either for the dessert or for cooking. Tree a good 

 bearer. 



BENONI. Fruit of medium size, form round and regular ; 



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