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THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



When a tree is somewhat weak at the base, but eventually pushes luxuriant 

 branches, shortening those branches is worse than useless for balancing growth. They 

 are the effects of a cause gross descending roots, and shortening these in greater pro- 

 portion than the branches is the only remedy, coupled with topping strong growths that 

 may issue early in the summer, and relying on those that push weaker in consequence. 

 A plum tree with the characteristics named is shown in the second illustration 



Fig. 35. PRUNING. ROOT AND BRANCH TREATMENT. 



(Fig. 35). The upright shoots are gross, pushing laterals, and have corresponding 

 straight-down roots, which transmit sap so freely that enlarged channels are formed in 

 the stem directly communicating with the strong growths and roots as indicated by 

 the white lines. To remedy this grossness, the perpendicular roots are shortened to the 

 bars, and the strong growths cut back to firm ripe wood, thinning the weaker and 

 shortening them a little to concentrate the sap on the buds left for insuring a more 

 even growth throughout, as suggested by the dotted lines. 



