20 



THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



In the autumn of the first year's training, the shoots, if more than 3 feet long, 

 as they should be, are to be depressed to a horizontal position, taking care not to break 

 them, and shorten each to 2 feet 6 inches. When the buds break in spring, the most pro- 

 mising nearest to the points at which the uprights are required, as well as one from each 

 extremity, are to be retained. All others are to be pinched to three leaves, and to one 

 subsequently as fresh growth is made. Thus for furnishing six uprights three shoots on 

 each side of the stem should be allowed to grow, the first 6 inches from the stem, 

 the next a foot from it, and so on as shown in C. The growths reserved should be trained 

 upright at the proper distances, a foot apart. If one grow stronger than another, stop 

 it when it has extended 13 inches, and the sap will be diverted into the weaker 



Fig. 11. UPBIGHT SIX-BRANCHED TEEB. (Scale: f inch =1 foot.) 



References : A, maiden tree. B, tree in second year. (7, tree in third year. D, tree in fourth year ; 



lines indicate training diagonally. 



dotted 



shoots and they will gain vigour. Shoots will result from the stopping ; train the leaders 

 upright and pinch all others at the third leaf, cutting these further back in autumn after 

 the leaves fall to within an inch of their base, and shorten the uprights to 13 inches. 

 Growths will proceed from the upper parts of the shoots the spring following. Train the 

 leaders upright, and pinch all others at the third leaf, and to one afterwards of subsequent 

 growths as in the preceding year ; a tree of uniform vigour will then be secured, well fur- 

 nished with spurs as well as a little fruit, all being represented in D, the fourth year's 

 growth from the bud. 



If trees with less than six branches are desired, the two shoots may be cut back to 

 2 feet each for originating others to form a five branched tree, a most undesir- 



