20 



PRUNING OP TRUIT TREES, 



point, a portion of the branch remains, which not only gives tho 

 tree an unsightly appearance, but which is very sure to throw out 

 sprouts; and if cut closer to the tree, an unne- 

 cessarily larger wound is made, which requires 

 more time to heal over. It may be noticed that 

 where a branch unites with the main body there 

 is a shoulder or slight enlargement. This shoul- 

 der is shown in Figure 16, and the line indicates 

 the place at which the cut should be made. It 

 Fig. 16. is at the point where the branch unites with 



this shoulder, so that the shoulder, or slight protuberance at the 

 base of the branch, is left on the tree, and the wound made in 

 cutting is no larger than the diameter of the branch. 

 Also in cutting back small branches care should be 

 taken to cut them off just above the bud, not so close 

 as to injure the bud, nor so far from it as to leave a 

 long spur of wood. Figure 17 represents a branch 

 cut back too far from the bud. Figure 18, a branch 

 cut too close to the bud; and Figure 19, one that is 

 cut as it should be. The cut should be made so that 

 the point of the bud wiU coincide with the edge of 

 Such a cut wiU heal over sooner than any other, and 

 the bud at the point will grow vigorously. 



The form of standard trees will need only 

 such modification as may be requisite to admit 

 a free circulation of air through the branches, 

 and sufficient light and heat to ensure the full- 

 est development of the fruit. If the top of a 

 tree is permitted to become a thicket of 

 branches, it is quite obvious that some parts 

 will be too crowded, the air can circulate but 

 imperfectly, and the sunlight is whoUy ex- Fia 19. 

 In consequence of this, much of the fruit will be below 

 the normal size of the variety, but partially colored, and very 

 deficient in flavor. This can be remedied by judicious pruning, 



Fig. ir. 



the cut, 



Fig. 18, 



eluded. 



