APPLES TRAINING. t 7 



or two small leaves at the base of the growths. There may push what are known as sub- 

 laterals, and if so pinch them to one leaf, and subsequently as growth is made. This will 

 throw all the vigour which would otherwise be expended in useless wood into the leaders. 

 Those originated through cutting the leader to y the previous autumn or winter are to 

 be taken respectively to the right and left, and that of the upright in a vertical direc- 

 tion ; the side shoots at an angle of 45 as in the first season. Other growths may appear 

 on the central stem besides the three required ; they should be pinched in the season of 

 origination, and afterwards as directed for growth from the side branches. This pinch- 

 ing of the side growth will increase the vigour of all the extension shoots, particularly 

 the upright leader, which if allowed to grow unchecked may push laterals from its upper 

 part through excessive vigour consequent on the restriction of the side growths from last 

 year's wood. There are two ways of utilising the vigour, first to let the side and other 

 lateral growths extend with a view to the increase of roots and corresponding increase of 

 growth the following year ; or second, to pinch the leader at a point where it would be 

 necessary to cut it back to in autumn to originate the next pair of horizontals and a fresh 

 leader. The latter is advised, as by it a year is gained, and if effected in July 

 or earlier the leader and side growths will have time to make and mature a good growth 

 before the fall of the leaf. If more growths result from the topping of the leader than 

 those named, pinch them at the first leaf. 



In the autumn of the second year's training, the tree treated as stated, will, when the 

 growths are brought down to the positions they are to occupy, somewhat resemble X. To 

 effect the proper training of the growths, upright stakes must be put in with horizontal 

 pieces lashed at the crossing, so as to form an improvised trellis for tying the growths to 

 as required, as is shown in the figures. The leader should be cut back to a, and the 

 laterals (b) shortened to two buds, or to be not more than an inch in length. Short, 

 stubby shoots or spurs (c) are not to be shortened, as they are the parts from which the 

 fruit is chiefly produced, some already having formed fruit buds. 



The following year's treatment is simply a repetition of that of the preceding year, 

 only it is not desirable to train the side branches at an angle of 45 as they will have 

 acquired sufficient vigour ; therefore, they may be trained horizontally, and if the leader is 

 also strong, two sets of horizontal branches may be originated each year. The above is 

 undoubtedly the simplest mode of forming horizontal trees for walls or espaliers, as once 

 the branches are started there can be no doubt in training them. The growth is easily 

 under command, the sap equally distributed, the branches are exposed to the light, and 



TOL. II. D 



