So THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



if there be buds on the stem ; if not, cut them back to one joint, and let the trees be 

 assigned their summer position in a light airy house by early February. 



Several shoots will push by or before May ; reserve four of the best as side shoots, and 

 one as a leader, rubbing off the rest. Stop the side shoots at 6 inches, and the leader at 

 9 inches of growth, which will cause them to thicken and push laterals. Select the 

 uppermost from each side branch as a continuation, and pinch all others at the first 

 leaf, treating subsequent growths similarly ; stop the extensions at the third and the 

 second growths to one leaf. If the leader after stopping push three or four shoots, select 

 the best or uppermost for elongation and take out its point at 6 inches, and stop the side 

 shoots originated at the same time at 6 inches of growth, pinching shoots from these 

 at the first leaf. Should the leader push again, pinch it at the third leaf, and to 

 one afterwards. In autumn the tree will have four, perhaps seven, side branches studded 

 from base to apex with blossom-buds, the stem or leader promising fruit. No pruning 

 is required. A pyramid 2 to 2| feet in height, and half as much through at the base, 

 trained in the manner described, is represented in <7, Fig. 31 on the next page. 



The following year's treatment is a repetition of the last as regards the leader ; but 

 the side branches are doubled in number by taking two shoots from each, allowing them 

 to extend 6 inches, then treating as before advised. All other shoots are stopped to one 

 leaf, and so on ; shoots of an inch, or not more than 2 inches, are not pinched. No 

 knife is used until it is necessary to thin the branches and spurs, or cut back elongations. 

 Pyramids of any desired size can in that way be formed. Under good cultivation, 

 the trees will fruit in the second year after potting, and be supported by rooting from 

 the pot, as shown in the illustration. 



Bush apricot trees are formed in a similar way to pyramids ; the only difference 

 is that there is no central stem from which the branches emanate at regular distances, 

 the trees being lower and more spreading. 



Standard Trees. These may have stems of any height, but 3 feet is suitable for 

 growing under glass. A maiden tree, intended to be grown as a standard, should be 

 planted in a light, airy house in autumn, or it may be potted. Cut the tree down 12 

 inches from the soil. Take the most promising shoot that pushes in spring, and rub off 

 the others. Pinch the laterals to one leaf as produced, not cutting them off until autumn, 

 as they assist the stem to thicken ; but it must be secured to a stake to keep it 

 straight. Shorten the tree to 3 feet in the autumn, making sure of growing buds imme- 

 diately below the cut. If there be no buds on the stem, then the upper laterals must be left. 



