A A PR A CT1CE. -PR ( '.\fXG. 1 63 



root action is strong. ^References : 3, stem; 4, shoot not cut back, and the formation 

 of short stubby growths with fruit buds on the preceding year's wood, terminated by 

 a blossom bud. This, if extension is required, may be cut off at the bar ; if branch elonga- 

 tion is not wanted, the bud may remain and produce fruit, as sufficient side-growths will 

 push from the wood buds below it to continue the successful fruitfulness of the branch. 



Fruit trees have three descriptions of shoots leaders, or the continuation of stems 

 or branches ; side-shoots, which issue from the main branches ; and spurs, which, in 

 most trees, mainly produce the fruit. They have also laterals, which means literally 

 any side-shoots, but in gardening phraseology laterals are side-shoots from earlier and 

 larger growths of the current year. Fore-right shoots are those which proceed from the 

 front of a branch, and at right angles, or nearly so,, with the wall, or to whatever the 

 tree may be trained. 



Summer Pruning. Trees have two periodical growths, spring and midsummer ; but 

 upon trees of medium strength the first growth is over by the middle of July, varying 

 somewhat with different trees. Then follows a partial cessation. This gives character 

 to the buds and firmness to the wood. From the points of such shoots, or near them, 

 other growths arise in many cases, but not in all ; whilst shoots may be originated from 

 other parts which have been latent. These arc second or midsummer growths, and if 

 they proceed from wood of the current year are laterals. The second growth is usually 

 continued to a late period, and is not generally productive of blossom buds. First 

 growths are, therefore, the most important ; the second are mainly of value in promoting 

 root action, for drawing up fresh supplies of sap for the fruit, while they also appropriate 

 any excess of nutriment which would otherwise force the buds of the first growth into 

 premature expansion. 



Practising summer pruning at an early period of the first growth is an evil, as, when 

 done before the leaves are full-sized, it causes the buds below to push into growth, 

 and the tree may then be crowded with sappy shoots. When a tree grows luxuriantly 

 it will never b3 rendered fruitful by early and severe pinching or pruning, but requires 

 root pruning for lessening the supply of sap, and thus inducing sturdy, solidified, fruitful 

 wood. But, though summer pruning may be done too soon, it may also be deferred too 

 late. It is not advisable to allow long vigorous shoots to appropriate the sap, and shade 

 the spurs and fruit, as this is not only injurious to the present crop, but prejudicial to 

 the future. Moreover, removing a number of strong growths at once, suddenly exposing 

 the fruit and hitherto shaded foliage to strong light, and possibly the hot sun. causes 



Y 2 



