38 THE FRUIT GROWER'S GUIDE. 



distinguishable, and the buds and catkins in the condition shown in B. The number 

 of catkins to leave is fairly represented. The laterals, as a rule, should be shortened 

 to a female blossom bud as early in spring as these can be recognised, unless they consist 

 of small twigs with a blossom bud at the extremity ; then they must be left entire, and 

 the bearing shoots of the preceding year either cut back to within \ inch of their base, 

 to maintain a regular supply of young wood, or be left entire if there is a deficiency 

 of bearing wood. 



The safest time to prune is when the female blossoms are fully open, say in March 

 or April, as then they cannot be removed in mistake, and the operation aids the 

 distribution of the pollen. A sufficient number of catkins should be left at the upper 

 part of the trees for purposes of fertilisation. If there is a deficiency of catkins, 

 branches containing them may be cut from other trees or hazels, and suspended over 

 branches containing the female flowers. It is also an excellent plan to shake the bushes, 

 when the weather is calm, dry, and warm at the time of blossoming, to distribute the pollen. 



In consequence of the somewhat close winter pruning a number of strong shoots 

 are made in summer. These growths are superfluous, and most of them should be 

 rubbed off as soon as seen. Yet it is necessary to maintain a succession of young, healthy, 

 and fruitful twigs. Therefore the strong shoots for which there is space should be broken 

 off towards the end of July by a twist with the finger and thumb, about the distance 

 from the base they will be pruned to in winter, for producing catkins as well as nuts. 

 This is especially requisite for the shoots at the upper part of the branches, alike to 

 cause the buds below the fracture to swell and to equalise the vigour of the tree and let 

 sunlight reach every part. The jagged ends of the shoots should be cut smoothly 

 to a promising bud at the winter pruning, and a proper supply of young wood to 

 displace worn-out twigs or spurs must be maintained in all parts of the tree. 



At each winter-pruning the old useless wood should be removed, the spurs thinned, 

 those elongated shortened, and the stronger growths regulated so as to keep the trees 

 well balanced, with a sufficiency, but not an excess, of sturdy, fruitful wood, and all so 

 disposed as to receive light and air freely. When the trees become too large, the 

 branches may be shortened to a promising growth from as near their base as possible, 

 but in a well-managed tree there will be no difficulty in displacing an old or worn-out 

 branch by a young and fruitful one. It is only a question of a little forethought to 

 reserve a young growth at the desired place, and when this has grown into a bearing 

 state the old branch can be cut out in its favour. 



