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THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



as is shown beneath the branch, for the roots multiply in numbers in proportion to the 

 concentration of the juices in the production of fruit. 



On the right side of the illustration part of a branch is showr, the side-growths 

 from which were allowed to grow at random through the summer, and by cutting 

 them back to an inch of their base, as shown by the bars and the shortened parts (3), 

 in winter, nothing is left that can by any possibility afford fruit the following season, 



Fig. 39. EFFECTS OF PRUNING AND NON-PRUNING IN SUMMER. (For references, see text.) 



for all the buds left are wood buds. This practice causes more of the same blossomless 

 growths to follow, as indicated by the lines (4). This state of affairs may go on in- 

 definitely unless means be taken to prevent it. One way is to let some of the growths 

 extend, removing the others in order that the leaves on those retained may receive the 

 air and light essential to the formation of blossom buds. Trees overcrowded with 

 growths only bear fruit on the outside branches. Another plan of inducing fruitfulness 

 is to root-prune, which is a necessity with trees restricted to small areas. The roots, 



