GENERAL PRACTICE. PRUNING. 



161 



If the root action of a tree is powerful the annual growths arc consequently exube- 

 rant, and if cut back to the bars on the right, as shown in the engraving of a young 

 pear tree (Fig. 3G), still more of the same fruitless kind follow, as indicated by the 

 dotted lines, and the crowding and cutting may go on for a generation without fruit ; 



Fig. 36. PRUNING. FOB Woon ANT> FOR FRUIT. 



but if there is room for branch extension, whether in the open or against a wall, the 

 growths, if not shortened and not crowded, but a foot apart, will form blossom buds, as 

 shown on the left, and bear fruit abundantly. If there is not room for extension, severe 

 root pruning is the only remedy for barrenness caused by exuberance. Preventing the 

 VOL. i. T 



