53 



bearing, and other local conditions. As instances, the Apple and Pear 

 require very different treatment to the Peach and Apricot, while a 

 system different from either is required by the Citrus family. Some 

 varieties of Apples and Pears also differ in their requirements to others, 

 in accordance with the habit of growth. Then, again, take the Goose- 

 berry ; the upright-growing kinds must, in pruning, be handled somewhat 

 different to those that have a pendulous habit. In pruning, the operator 

 should thoroughly understand what the effect of each kind of treatment 

 will be, so that he will be able to use the right method to effect the 

 desired object, and avoid mistakes that may be serious. When the 

 principles upon which the theory of pruning is based are understood, it 

 is as easy to apply them as to cut the trees indiscriminately, without 

 clear ideas as to what the effect will be. Success will also be far more 

 certain than when the beneficial result is, in a great measure, obtained 

 by chance. 



Pruning Season. The pruning season, to speak correctly, may 

 be said to extend throughout the year, according to the habits of the 

 various fruit trees and shrubs, and their special requirements. In the 

 case of deciduous kinds, the general pruning must be given at some 

 period between the fall of the leaf and the rising of the sap in the spring. 

 As soon as the leaves have fallen and the plants are at rest, operations 

 may be commenced. Early pruning is conducive to robust growth, and 

 when this requirement is the chief one, as in the case of young trees, 

 no better time can be chosen. But it must be clearly understood that 

 early pruning is not conducive to fruitfulness. It accelerates the 

 blooming period, and increases the risk of the fruit not setting, as the 

 earlier the flowers make their appearance the greater the danger from 

 spring frosts. This is one of the greatest risks the fruit-grower has to 

 contend with in many localities, and, as a matter of course, in pruning 

 he should endeavour to retard the flowering period as far as he can. The 

 most favourable period for the general pruning of deciduous trees and 

 shrubs is in the latter part of the winter, immediately before the sap 

 commences to rise. Pruning at this time of the year, when the wood is 

 more fully ripened, and the fruit buds are more easily recognised, is 

 conducive to late flowering, and consequently the danger from frost is 

 not so great. Then, again, the wounds heal more rapidly after late than 

 early pruning. Care must, however, be taken not to delay the work too 

 long, as if done when the sap is in full motion, the trees are apt to bleed 

 too freely from the freshly-made wounds. The operation should be 

 performed before the buds begin to swell, which in some trees will be 

 earlier than in others, as certain kinds start sooner in the season. 

 Apricots, Peaches, Nectarines, Currants and Gooseberries should be 

 treated first in pruning, then Grapes, Cherries, Plums and Pears, 

 finishing with Apples, Quinces, Figs and Mulberries. Oranges, Lemons, 

 Lcquats and other evergreens may be pruned when necessary, at any 

 time of the year. The most favourable period, however, is when the 

 trees are making but little growth, and a particularly good time is just 

 after the crop has been taken off. 



Hinging to Promote Fruitfulness. This is a practice that may often 



