iSo THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



summer's growth forming a splendid head, but the roots, though abundant, are broken 

 instead of cut clean. Seven shoots form a maximum number to leave for forming a sym- 

 metrical head. Those are reserved at as near as possible equal distances, as indicated 

 by the figures, around the top of the stem, and the others are to be cut clean away. 

 Incorrect treatment is shown in W the tree roughly stuck in a hole not half large 

 enough, and the roots at least 6 inches too deep, as the tree marker shows. The tree 

 attempts to grow, as is seen by the few dotted root lines forcing their way into the undis- 

 turbed soil. The branches are not cut back and make little or no growth, but fruit 

 buds form along them, as shown by the dotted lines. If blossoms are allowed to set 

 and to swell it may be somewhat in the condition represented in X, the second year. 

 An inexperienced amateur might perhaps be proud of the appearance of such a tree, but 

 the experienced gardener would know it to be delusive. It is forced into precocity by 

 mismanagement, is exhausted in its infancy, a mere stunted prodigy, a good tree spoiled 

 if left to itself, and the only way in which it can be made useful is to cut the branches 

 boldly back, as is shown by the bars ( TF), in the hope that healthy growth will follow. 



Better practice is represented in the other examples. When the branches are 

 thinned, the roots cut clean and spread out at the right depth, the tree will be properly 

 planted as represented in Y\ then if the shoots are cut back, as shown by the bars, in 

 mild weather in early spring, a good growth will follow the same season, two or more 

 shoots proceeding from each branch, as indicated by the double dotted lines. The tree 

 will also secure a firm hold of the soil in the manner shown by the free root extensions 

 into the surrounding ground, which has been well worked and made fit for their 

 reception. 



A similar tree is shown in Z, planted in a mound of earth. This is an excellent plan 

 where the situation is low, and where the soil is shallow. Half a cartload of good loam 

 placed where each tree is to be planted assists its growth wonderfully. The head is cut 

 back after planting, and all the growths subsequently made are retained until early in 

 July, when a reservation is made of the best from each branch, the others being cut away 

 to three good leaves. The shoots left then become stout and firm. Their points maybe 

 pinched ofi at the close of September, and the stems cut back in autumn or early spring to 

 originate other growths for forming the head of the tree. The growths removed in July 

 are indicated by the single dotted lines, those reserved by the double dotted lines, the same 

 as in Y. The thinning is advised for forming an open fruitful tree, and all the growths 

 are allowed to remain till past midsummer for encouraging root activity and enlarging 



