22 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



A fruit bud is a knobby short growth, like the end 

 of a vesuvian match, whilst a growth bud lies close at 

 the base of the leaf and is pointed in shape. 



A spur is a collection of fruit buds forming irregularly 

 on the main branches. 



The pruning of side branches is described in the follow- 

 ing notes on horizontal and fan-trained trees. 



HORIZONTALLY TRAINED AND FAN-TRAINED 

 TREES ON WALLS 



The pruning of these is similar to that advised for 

 espaliers in the open in regard to extension. A mistake is 

 often made in laying in the side branches too closely together ; 

 12-15 inches apart is not too wide, as, when spurs form 

 too thickly, it is not unusual to find trees that have been 

 covered with blossom fail to set an even crop, the tree 

 having become exhausted in the flowering. When spurs 

 are ten years old they should be thinned out to prevent 

 this loss. As to the side branches, the points from time 

 to time must be cut back to secure balanced growth 

 on each side, and if any strong shoots form on these 

 branches they should be reduced to four leaves in August. 

 From time to time the old nails and shreds should be 

 examined to see that they do not cut into the growths, 

 renewing the shreds when this is necessary, and allow- 

 ing plenty of space for the swelling of the wood. Some 

 Pears and Apples form fruit buds more readily than others, 

 but if any buds remain dormant they may sometimes be 

 started by making a cut through the bark behind or 



