GENERAL PRACTICE. SHAPING AND TRAINING. 



183 



the branch, as shown by the faint lines. Natural forking is generally sufficient after 

 the second or third pruning (2 and 3, M) to produce a satisfactory tree. 



In a tree started with five or more branches emerging from the stem and trained 

 in an outward direction inclining upwards, they do not fork so soon as those which are 

 stroii SCT and more erect. The central and upper part of the tree becomes much more 

 forked than the lower. This is considered a not undesirable form, and is represented 

 in 0. The lower branches are those of the cup-shaped tree, whilst the upper part 

 possesses the advantages of the forked form. 



Training. The main object of training fruit trees is to secure such disposal of their 



*%?3^ - 



Fig. 47. LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF THE FUTUEE TEEE. (For references, see text.) 



growths within certain limits as insures the best results in their crops. The natural 

 inclination of a young tree is to mount upwards and spread as much as possible, and 

 it is for the cultivator to train and mould the growths into usefulness. To effect this 

 it is necessary to 1, lay a broad, strong foundation in the lower parts of the tree; 2, 

 to furnish the whole of the tree from base to summit with fruitful wood. Pruning 

 alone secures in some trees the desired form, but in others training plays the most 

 important part, pruning only being had recourse to for originating growths and to 

 regulate those not amenable to training. 



In P (Fig. 47), a tree one year from the bud or graft is shown in the dormant 



