140 THE APPLE CULTURItiT. 



When it is desirable to renew apple-trees having globular 

 or conical heads, the cutting back and thinning out must be 

 performed by an experienced pruner, who undestands ex- 

 actly what he desires to accomplish. In cutting back for 

 the purpose of renewing the growth and improving the 

 productiveness of a tree, we should endeavor not only to 

 have the top well balanced, but open also, so that the air 

 and light can have free access to all parts of the tree. A 

 free circulation of these is necessary to vigor and vitality 

 in the interior of the top ; the want of it is what causes so 

 many dead twigs around the body and large limbs of the 

 tree. The fruit which grows in the centre of the top is 

 often shut out from the light and air, and is consequently 

 w r anting in flavor and maturity. Some, on this account, 

 have recommended an effort, by pruning, to throw the fruit 

 wholly on the outside of the tree. We have seen what were 

 undoubtedly many good attempts at this trees where the 

 interior was all cut out, and each limb had a likeness to 

 the caudal appendage of a mule, the brush all at the extreme 

 end. We think the better way is to thin out the twigs on 

 the outside, and admit the light and air to the more shel- 

 tered portions. One advantage derived from this would 

 be, that in seasons when late frosts or severe storms destroy 

 the fruit on the outside, a portion of that within would 

 probably escape injury. Whatever may be the style of 

 pruning, there should never be any necessity for removing 

 large limbs. Every branch not wanted should be taken off 

 while small. It is impossible to grow apples fair and well- 

 flavored on a tree crowded with superfluous branches. Its 

 sluggish circulation and dense foliage, which excludes ^the 

 sun, can furnish nothing but gnarly and insipid fruit. As 

 the apple-tree always branches low, this inclination should 

 be respected. Trees with low heads stand firmer, their 

 trunks are less exposed, and their fruit is much easier gath- 



