THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



no pruning is required ; but if the branches are not forked at 6 inches from the stem, 

 they should be cut back to 7 inches ; then two shoots will issue from each branch the 

 following year, and if these are stopped at 9 inches, the tree will be in the state 

 represented in Z, Fig. 32. 



The following year take two shoots from the extremity of each branch, and stop 

 them at 9 inches of their growth, pinching all others, wherever produced, at the first leaf. 



Fig. 32. STANDARD APEICOTS. (For references, see text.) 



Short, stubby growths of an inch, or not more than 2 inches, need not be pinched. In 

 that way the tree is kept well furnished with spurs, and will produce fruit in the second 

 or third year as shown (M). 



In subsequent years a distance of 9 to 15 inches must be left between the branches 

 for the proper development of spurs. When the trees are as large as desired, they may 

 be kept closely stopped ; but it is well to allow some extension each year, even if it be 

 had by shortening some of the branches. Shoots 6 inches in length, originated annually, 



